30 Paintings in 30 Days Continue into the Sunrise

"Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter." 
-  LLan Shamir, Advice from a Tree 

 

 If you follow my Facebook or Instagram page, you know I am  well, obsessed, actually more mesmerized by the beauty of the colors with sunsets. I can see them from my front porch. They just call at me to go out and be dazzled by the colors. Now sunrises, I get to experience on my bus drive now that I am up while it is still dark ;0).... Like the other morning, I was so moved by the colors of the morning, the brush strokes. I just wanted to stop and take it all in. Gods color pallet is un-matchable to me. But I am trying to transfer the feeling from the colors across in the painting below. I can envision a tree ,the roots clinging and immersed in the land holding on, reach out. Branches stretched and challenged.

Look deep and see and feel the layers. Like us, grounded but by so many layers. then deeper the bumps, the dirt, the rocks of our path. But through all those rocks and debris some how the green grass, beautiful flowers and life emerges.

 

Hope you will stop back to see how this develops on. :0)
 

 

8"x8" Mixed Media in progress

"Soar Beyond" in this Painting Challange

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30

 

"Soar Beyond"

6" x 6" original mixed media

by Susan Walker Art

Purchase information HERE.

 

Fly can take on several forms. You can flutter as you fly. Glide, rush swoop even. But until you Soar, you are just in motion.

Soaring is to climb, ascending, to be elevated above all else. Can you picture what it would be like to fly? Now  SOAR? You are taken to heights above all else. Like the eagle I picture majestic, powerful, in control and the bird above all.

Take to soaring and feel confident and strong in what you are doing.

 

When you tackle that next challenge or crazy idea...

Don't just fly, SOAR!

And be amazed where you will land.

 

Where has soring taken you lately?

 

Fly inMixed media for Daily Encouragement

Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?

Frida Kahlo, painter

"fly"  $38.

6" x 6"  Original Mixed Media

click here for purchase information

 

 I got back into the studio to continue to paint. Working through the 30 in 30 challenge. I can't tell you how good it feels to be back to painting after being away for several months. It is like meeting up with an old friend who makes you feel so good to be around. A few jokes to share and several magic tricks to reveal. Like this word FLY, I feel as if I can.

Shades of soft light blues and accent of its compliment color  orange for some zip. Dictionary page and textures. I find it very uplifting and a great reminder as I start in to the new year. Stop back to see it in it's final flight... and other paintings from this challenge.

If you didn't see the blog post about the beginning stage click here to catch up.

 

 



Observe by Watching and Acrylic Mixed Media Iris

You can observe a lot by watching. 

                                              Yogi Berra

Watching Over  22" x 28" 

Mixed Media Acrylic $265.

Purchase Here

Observation:  the activity of paying close attention to someone or something in order to get information

As an artist I am constantly watching and observing. I have been told more times than I can count when I point out something how the person didn't even notice it. My kids are always wanting an electronic to entertain them on car rides, well in general really... I don't get it. I mean the clouds are changing,especially here north of Pittsburgh where we have LOTS of clouds at times. Now the season is changing again. Some tree leaves have started the show and are turning to shades of golden yellow with a few dropping already.Others are just thinking about the change. Then our mighty oak,standing strong and will hold on to its leaves till early spring. And how does it do that through the chilling cold and strong winds of winter?

Fields of greens, not just a single green, but have you really observed the shades of green alone? Look quickly as they are being washed away with rolling tans,creams of seeds ready to run about and plant their feet warmly in the soil for the winter and cornstalks fading into new shades. I can go on.

Observing and then recording the world around me is part of who I am. Putting down in paint,color choices and the images I choose all to express and emotion,feeling or memory to share. It is in pictures I take trying to capture the beauty in front of me, not always getting it in a way that evokes the original emotion in the first place but wanting to record it just the same.

All this observing does lend itself into my play and work. Then using things I learn from all this observing in my journals and in my paintings like this acrylic mixed media one WATCHING OVER. The leaves just seem to disappear somewhere down into the earth as they grow and just give beauty and support to the blossoms.I showed that with no definite ground and allowed the blues and purples of the petals to stand out and watch over. Look closely too and there are surprises of textures and patterns.

Step out and observe today. See what new things you observe. You won't be disappointed.

Art Festivals & Events Benefits Everyone

Festivals begin! Yep, just got my first one of this coming event season for me under my apron on Sunday. HOT AUGUST NIGHT in Portersville PA.Promoted by Nicolette's Tailor Shop, Specialty Gifts. With just over 20 vendors sharing their wares service and music, it is a chance to really connect with the local community and neighbors that travel north from Pittsburgh or South from  Mercer. Just love how they come out and support local business.

Here I am all in my booth with Stray Cat Studio fan...it was a HOT AUGUST NIGHT...they too represent my work in Beaver Falls. Got my 'workin' shoes' on...

Getting out to your local festivals are such a great way to connect to your community,and enjoy the day relaxing, looking at art and socializing with fun,happy people ,art lovers and showing your support to the small business.

 Food...now that is a GREAT reason to go! My family and I are all about food of all kinds.Getting the taste of what local food vendors have to offer and often coming across some really tasty refreshments and menu items. 

Stroll through and take the time to look at what the vendors have brought and all there is to see. They are usually very eager to talk and share what it is they do. That is why they are there. Art festivals are not just for art collectors.It's an ideal place to look for those home decor and  gifts that will help you stand out and find one of a kind items for friends,family and of course yourself. Whether you are looking for pottery,jewelery, sculptures or artwork, it's an easy,exciting way to see a variety original pieces of art and purchase. Who knows, you may be buying from a current unknown artist that may be worth more in the future! WIN WIN.

In general it is an economic way to get out, enjoy a variety of entertainment,music,eat and mingle with a fun creative crowd. Getting to know a community whether you are visiting a city or in your own town. At the same time,enjoying a LOT of eye candy of art in many forms. 

So get out  give it a try if you haven't lately and soak in the celebration!

Here is a sampling form Hot August Night, in my neighborhood..

Harmony Hot Haus playing and keeping us entertained.

Stray Cat Studio demonstrating the pottery throwing wheel.Keep refreshed with Wunderbar's smoothies,cool teas and iced coffees. 

More demonstrations and the chance to see artist working in their craft. Here is new friend Sam Tait of White Oak Studio Gallery working on a watercolor. Bo of Bo's Bodywork sharing the benefits of all natural skin products. she is a wealth of knowledge!

Another new friend, Tiffany London with her bold fish and floral of Farm Girl Graphics.

"Dance" in Mixed Midia Art

 

"Dance" mixed media by Susan Walker

10" x 10" $63.

To Purchase, CLICK HERE

 

 Another piece completed on day 10 of painting 30 paintings in 30 days. Bright color pallet of blues, yellow and lime. With this inspiring quote:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about Learning to DANCE in the rain."

 

 

Drawing and stamping for more character. Flowers were done on book pages, cut then painted after adhered to the canvas.

Texture medium and painting rolls over the sides. Ready to display.

 

 

 

 

"Live Simply" mixed media for Day 9 of 30 paintings in 30 days

 

"Live Simply" by Susan Walker

8"x 8" mixed media original $42.

View here to Purchase

 

"Live Simply" can be quite a challenge these days. It was a fitting saying for me as I am into day 9 of Lesie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days.  I actually started o week late but have been painting away with bold mixed media and my quote collection.

I tend to work on a few pieces at a time and I have my limits going on right now! Her's some snippets and peak at what's on my desk right now.

Follow an attempt at a video sharing the process of  "Live simply"

Thanks for stopping.

 

 

Stop back to see where the journey takes me. :D

 

 

Want to support the arts? It won't cost a thing. Just go hit that  google Pus button or Pintrest, Facebook etc and share for me.

Watercolr and Ink Postcard Painting During 30 Paintings in 30 days

Some of these crazy days didn't allow me time to work on a mixed media piece for the 30 in 30 paintings but I did get a few watercolor sketches in. I keep this small watercolor set and some water brushes in my bag. I really should have a few as I am always moving them from one place to another. I have used up most all the original colors and re-filled it with tube colors. I have the name written in permanent marker on the edge. Some colors sharing a place in opposite corners.

 I am really working on not so much detail. I just get caught up in it. I guess my thinking is just automatic to want to include so much more than I need to. I don't even know I am doing it. But I do know the finished piece is not the look I set out to do.

Marigold from my garden . I would like to add a bid more variation yet with watercolor.But fear of over doing it. Good thing it was still drying as I couldn't wait and went to bed.

 

These were sketched from shared photos from Artist Dreama Tolle Perry during her trip to Italy. These photos were for the sole purpose of inspiring others. This was my attempt.

 

Close up. If you hope over to her post here you can see the photos and Dreama interpretation. After completing my window view I went back to see hers. She has far less detail...notice my shutters. But I really like how she uses white space and the loose feel. This approach too would help explain how artist can get so much done out in plein air. Not that they are working less, just working smarter in my opinion. I am just a nut for that impressionistic look.

The First image here I began to get to involved in the details of the wall and all the angels of the gondola. I stopped and started again. I like the first with no ink work though I am itchin' to put some in....Second I just may have gotten to much ink in the bushes and it is taking away from the gondola itself. I currently keep plugging away at finding a happy balance.

 

 

 

This is where I am coming from. This print is full of details I put in and love to do for this type of work. I guess it is true about old dogs...but this one is a rebel!

Hot Summer Night Cookie from Joanne Fluke

Pineapple Whippersnapper Cookies from the Joanne Fluke book "Red Velvet Cupcake Murder" seem like a good choice for a summer cookie. Pineapple,coconut and whip cream. I am looking for something to make for the Hot Summer Night in Portersville event. I' ve  listen to all of her books at one time or another while painting. They're family friendly too. Only down side...they can make me hungry,and not for carrots!

They were pretty easy to make. As a cake mix was the main mix. They cooked in only 11 minutes instead of the 15 for me. I have dark cook sheets. So far family likes the. Though pineapple and actually coconut is over light in flavor. The entire cookie is light and airy. I'm going to save them to serve as dessert for pizza,pool & poker night.( I mean swimming and a math/ coin game).

Inspiration for My 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Along with the up coming event "Hot Summer Night " and teaching in2 weeks at the gallery, I'm also preparing to participate in Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days. This one starts September.

I am looking for inspirational and encouraging quotes or images to use to inspire one of my 30 paintings or in one. I love to include words. Its a way to have encouragement whispered to us every time one of my pieces is viewed. The world around us can be so negative and expect to much from us. I like to use bright happy colors too.
 

Share your verse, quote or words of encouragement in the comment section or a image link .
Please no images or quotes protected by copyrights.

Bike in a Line

There is this cute little market/ gift shop across from the VBS church my triplets are going to. This bike is parked here. Maybe a worker cuz' its been here a while.

Smash black marker in an abandoned book. Bit of blind contour drawing. Yeah, I peaked a few times. :/

Be You {tiful} Note cards turned out Beautiful!

 

BeYou {tiful} Notecards

Click to View or Purchase

 

 

Just arrived and I love them! Note cards and gift tags. The mixed media layers show so nice. The colors pop!

Canadian Geese Sketch Study

A few sketches I tried to get of the geese in our yard. Boy they sure do move a lot, more than they appear. Never noticed they all go one direction eating. Then SWITCH across the other direction. Of course a look out. Hey that sounds like my kids!
Binoculars helped to see. Worked in my Hand journal sketchbook with xf Pitt artist pen.

A Time to "Be You (tiful) in Aqua,Orange and White.

 

Be you {tiful}

10" x10" Original

 Mixed Media by Susan Walker

ADD TO CART

 

I love aqua/ turquoise color. Along with this yummy warm orange. So why not together? I'm loving it what can I say.  At the foundation of this mixed media piece you'll find torn paper defining "Be" and "Beautiful" as a reminder at the core. I then built the remaining layers of acrylic color and texture. Much like the way people have many layers and textures. Careful to keep the s colors and message to " Be You" and Beautiful" clear.
Hope you find this piece  helps you too to " Be You (tiful)".

Church in Ink and Watercolor down in the Srip

Paint Out in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. I wasn't sure where I would be so I packed light. A small stool/pack combo, small watercolor set, water pencils, some waterproof markers, pencil, phone for music and camera. Along with my small Olympus tough digital camera. OH, and my 5.5 x 8.5 Hand journal sketchbook. It was beautiful weather after a few days of some really cold days.
Intrigued by the architecture of the old church but I wasn't excited about taking on the entire building. Laying out the basic structure in pencil I began layering sepia micron marker and watercolor. Trying to keep ink work at a minimal until I lay in some watercolor.

The view from my stool on the sidewalk in Pittsburgh, PA

St. Slanislaus Kostka Church

 



Rebecca with Pastels

 

 Some Oil Painters



 

 

My start with a sepia Micron pen

 

My final ink and watercolor

High School Students Art Lessons on Display

My high students art display. Our school puts on a play and a musical. During these shows the art department displays the creativity going on in the class rooms. this was my first time to participate. I have been leading an Art club for some high school students from 7th -12th grade since February 2013. I also copied pages from their sketch books and made up a binder of those.

 (that's what's sitting on music stand)

 

 

 

This little video of the class was linked to a QR code so people could view on their smart phones at the show.

 

 Video of creative art students in Action at Portersville Christian School

 

Give Away for Birthday Week

This year I want to celebrate my birthday week starting August 5 with all of you.

My sister-n-law loved her birthday. She would even buy herself gifts from us to ensure she got something she would love.(did this for Christmas too.) So we came up with Birthday Week. It was best if we started and ended the week on the birthday but sometimes like happened and we would start it on the day of our birthday. During your birthday week you might get a card,a little present, a flower, lunch. simple things.But it was a way to make you feel special.

YOU are special to me, my followers, and so all week I will be giving away presents to you.

 So be sure to LIKE my fan page and join in the party!

First day of Birthday week giveaway winner is Celeste S. Thank you to all of you who LIKED my fan page so far! let the party continue.

A Give Away here

"Enjoy"4" x4" Original Mixed Media

by Susan Walker

Purple Giuiding Light

micron .02 and watercolor pencil

Susan Walker all rights reserved 2012

"Ah, Summer, what power you have to make us suffer adn like it."

Russel Baker

"Count Your Rainbows..." in paint and Buttons

"Count Your Rainbows"

5" x 5" mixed media on canvas

$35.00 BUY NOW

I love quotes and especially those that inspire me to live a better life. So any form of reminding me to count my blessings is always one I will love.