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!

Work in Progress

Pages in progress in the 9 inch by 6 inch
watercolor paper journal. Borders
created using painted papers,
fabric, and drawing in fine-point marker.

Not sure where to proceed from here...
I'm liking the "cotton-candy colors" at this point,
but wondering if I should 'grunge it up' a bit...
and feeling intimidated by what to do
with the center areas....
to journal or to draw?

Merry Yule

Merry Yule!
Mixed media ornament 2007:
fabric, metallic thread, beads, ribbon
copper wire, printed tissue, yarn,
silver charm and
a tiny watercolor of holly...

To all who stop by to visit my blog,
thank you for a year of
inspiration and enthusiasm for art!
Your comments are so appreciated,
and you are all wished
a blessed holiday & New Year!
* Dianne *

Vision

Art journal entry in the 9" x 7" book I made
from watercolor paper. This spread includes
a flap on the left that folds in.
Border from scraps of hand-painted & stamped
papers, stickers, postage stamp, and pen drawing.
White gel pen used to color in the
tree trunks...inspired by some trees not far
from our house...

Fashion Pen Sketches

Sketches in my art journal
done in pencil, then finished in
Sharpie extra-fine point marker.
From Vogue magazine.
Shoe designers top to bottom:
Jimmy Choo (I actually rather like these black heels)
Proenza Schouler (woven slingbacks)
Donna Karan (wedges)

Also inspired by
Vogue fashion photos...
necklace design used as a repeated
theme in the background.
Only the fashion bold would wear
ankle socks with heals and a skirt...

Watercolor Art Journal

Created a little Art Journal from Fabriano watercolor paper
using the instructions by Teesha Moore.
Mine is 7" x 9" instead of the 8" x 10"
that Teesha made. This journal is simple to make and
so much easier to scan than my thicker
hardback journal. Teesha originally posted videos
on her blog explaining her process.
The videos are now on YouTube here.

Watercolor background with
scraps of hand-painted papers, fabric,
stamping, scrapbook papers, & found images.
Chalk pastel, Sharpie extra-fine point marker,
and white gel pen for added depth.