Egg-stravagent Mid-Term Madness

Yes, Eggs and Mid-terms. BUT NOT what you think. My kids are preparing for mid-terms and I am preparing for the Easter season. I brought my 'studio desk' back up to the kitchen table. I do mixed media eggs for the Easter and they start with base coats of color...So I am painting and quizzing!

 Here are some of the first steps in creating my Art Eggs. Layers of color using acrylic paint, sealing and then more layers of color or words, verses and crosses so far. (sealing in between each to keep clear, bright colors).
  Ill use about anything to dry on. Top photos you a glass I was using I just turned upside down, egg cup in process, bottle caps work great (got to collect more of those!) At one point I had an egg drying on the water bottle itself! I just hate to get up and down. ;0/...OH of course and egg carton. Foam works best as less likely to have the wet egg stick to it. You just have to lay them with as little as possible touching on any of the surfaces.

 You may enjoy this previous post on my Art Eggs as well. Click HERE  to view

 

I use markers too for details.

Visit my website for more finished Art Eggs and listing of Classes if you would be interested in learning how to make your own.

www.susanwalkerart.com

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.

 

 



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.

UPLIFTING ART JEWELRY -day 21 of 30 paintings in 30 days

Mixed media art jewelry in progress.

I have hit the ground running here in January. I once again started the 30 paintings in 30 days through
Leslie Saeta, doing a watercolor wedding invitation,RSVP and playlist card for my niece. Then of coarse school started back and the bad weather had to wait till after break to hit so we have had almost half-a -dozen delays. Making my "work schedule" more a "wing-it schedule".

I have spent the last couple days working on miniature mixed media for art jewelry.many with words of inspiration and uplifting images.You were and the 'positivity' is released into the wearer.
Working in the same process as I do for full size mixed media art pieces,Applying it to tiny,tiny wooden panels. From 3/8" to 1.5" square & .o5" x 1.5"as the largest.
This batch is not quite complete...job for tomorrow...but  gives you the idea.
Stop back to see the complete pieces.

UPDATE; Here's a few of the finished pieces. And a Post to read more about these pieces.

"Dream Big"

DREAM BIG by Susan Walker

8" x8"mixed media $65. SOLD

Click HERE to see Other Work

Seeing RED. Beautiful, warm shades of RED. That was my inspiration for this piece on basswood panel. Laying down some bold yellow gives the layers the glow.

Crazy, I love this purple on the yellow. Proving that they are really compliments. Again to add 

another dimension to the reds. 

To continue to create depth in the red now, 

navy flower bursts.

I also LOVE using book pages. This one is bursting onto the scene. If the warm red and lively floral isn't energizing enough, look close and you will be encouraged to "LIVE SIMPLY*DREAM BIG*BE GRATEFUL* GIVE LOVE* LAUGH LOTS".

Positive Effects When Your BLessings Overflow.

I believe in the power of positive thinking. In my art I love to use positive,encourage words and verses. To me this makes sense. But I have been doing some research to back  up my belief/theory.
Here in an article by Debi Livingston Boushey, BCH, CI she states that there is a "powerful phenomenon" for example that happens when you count your blessings. You begin to focus your mind on positive aspects of your life. You begin to feel energized,and grateful  for all the good stuff and push the negative out of your mind. Try it. Notice how you feel.

I believe too that when we gift these words by notes, cards and even in art, we have the ability to effect others in positive ways. Even when we can't be there. Just think how you can make someone feel every time they see your note or walk by your card. Or the art you picked for them. 
Pretty cool huh.

View View Final Piece HERE or to Purchase

12" x 12", $65.  one of a Kind Mixed Media 

by Susan Walker 

FREE Mixed Media PAINTING GIVE AWAY from Susan Walker Art.

Easy to enter and have multiple chances.

• Sign up to get my monthly eNews HERE.

• Just follow Susan Walker ART on Facebook. Click HERE to get there. 

• Already getting the eNews & following on Susan Walker Art, then SHARE a FACEBOOK POST on your timeline.

• And/ Or COMMENT ON A RECENT BLOG POST  here of Susan Walker Art.

Each time you do it will give you MULTIPLE CHANCES TO WIN!

Mix Media Background-Pushing them Back

Color can be wonderful as well as bold at times. I like to 'push it back' as I call it. keep it from competing with the focal of my mixed media pieces. Each time i do this it is a bit scary as I cover the entire piece with paint.Then begins the process of 'pushing it back.'

Step 1- Cover with acrylic. I like a white or cream color.

Step 2- work it around, covering the sides as well.

Step 3-After letting it dry a bit, I wipe off lightly with a damp 

paper towel or baby wipe. In some areas a tad (a little ) more

to let the bold color pop. (I just can't help myself).

After as I added other elements.

Before I started.

Snowman Ornament in Mixed Media

Snowman ornaments and /or giftcard holder was a success. My students followed along as we went through the painting steps. With some confidence after the first they ventured to create some on their own with the the techniques they learned.

  

We came up with even more great ideas for filling them. Pretzel Rods,candy canes,mittens,money,hot choclate/marshmellow  and always chocolate! 

German Christmas Market Photos and my Art Ornaments

I have still been very busy since the 30 in 30 challenge. I have just pushed through but not been posting. I thought I would share a bit of whats been going on. Here is a photo album from this weekend in a festival doing kids activities. i want to do a tutorial yet of the snowy trees as they got a great response and so easy to do. I also did some paper ornaments but you can just Google them. Both projects we VERY low cost and I saw over 300 people in 2 days.
I took a bit of my work but most of it is the Gallery that was right across the street from the little historical cabin I was in. I did take some ornaments too for my space as well as having them in the gallery as well. Enjoy the photos!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151787008265369.1073741839.178208245368&type=3

Collage of 30 in 30

Here it is! A collage of most of my paintings from the 30 in 30 painting challenge.

Click here to see individuals.

if you would like to make one Leslie gives you directions or go to picmonkey.

"Delight" one of the last in 30 paintings in 30 days

"Delight"

$30. during 30 paintings in 30 days

Click here to purchase.

 

It has been a fun and great learning experience once again while trying to get 30 paintings done in 30 days. Also during the first month of school for my kids,soccer and for me to a chance to teach two afternoons a week. You know how life goes a balancing act. for me some days were better than others.
I am very prod of myself for all I did get done. Day 16 I had only painted 9 paintings. I have finished out with 27.  On top of that I am very pleased with sales that I have had.

This piece here I went for a softer watercolor type effect. It is on a basswood panel and ready for display.