Signs of Life

How can a "little" thing like a cold
make you want to
crawl under a rock
and die?
I've been escaping into a fantasy world
within books...drinking tea, and coughing a lot.
After finishing reading my book, I made this
quick little collage from mostly scraps.
Hoping I'm on the mend
as there still seem to be
"signs of life..."

3" x 5" index card
mixed media collage

Collage Journey

5" x 7" collage
tissue paper, painted papers, vintage music,
collage scraps, hand-carved stamp image.

Some days are easier than others...
some art comes together smoothly,
but most takes quite a bit of trial & error,
at least for me.
Some people become most cherished friends...
making art with passion & enthusiasm,
giving themselves to the process
and to those who understand.
Thank you friends...

Receptive

Quote by Francis Bacon, the artist (not the statesman)
Watercolor and pen in Art Journal.

I liked this quote, even though
I find the artist's work disturbing...
but that was probably his point.
The geometric designs in the border
are instead inspired by Kandinsky's paintings.
Copyright dbcarey, 2010.

Black Madonna of Czestochowa

Watercolor, 5 x 7
Black Madonna of Czestochowa
2010 dbcarey

A straightforward watercolor, embellished with gel pen for a bit of sparkle. After admiring a friend's collection of religious icons, I decided to try my hand at the image of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa. The shade of watercolor lightens as it dries, and I feel I underestimated the darkness needed for her complexion, but am otherwise satisfied with the results. The proportions of the baby Jesus are in the style of a 'miniature adult' as many paintings were at the time, rather than the proportions of an actual infant or toddler. There are several theories as to the reason for the Madonna's portrayal with facial scars,
and you can read about it in Wikipedia. I found this image so charming, and enjoyed its making.

Play is Knowledge

Work-in-Progress completed, for better or worse...

Recently watched a late-night talk show,
and Yo-Yo Ma, the famous cellist,
was the guest.
This statement that he made struck me
as very important, not only for artists
but as any human being who
wants to experience joy and renewal.

When we have children and grandchildren,
we get to re-experience life as they
discover things, grow and learn.
As artists, we follow a path of creative discovery
...in color, emotion, expression...
have a creative day!