"Give Joy" in 30 in 30 Paintings

 

Give Joy

6" x 6" original

Purchase Information

 

The word migration comes from the Latin migratus that means “to change” and refers to how birds change their geographic locations seasonally. As summer comes to a close I am seeing the birds change here at our lake too. No matter the type they continue to bring me Joy.

I hope this little tweet guy brings you a bit of joy too.

 

 

Led by the Blues in 30 in 30

Half way through the 30 paintings in 30 days process. I'm plugging a lot painting most days. Yesterday, well,just had a block. Best thing when that happens is to step away. Not force it and CLEAN!
So with a clean desk and area, I begin to organize my paint. That's all it takes to inspire me. Picking a few paint combinations I begin. The colors lead me. Guiding me into a little floral field.

6"x6" acrylic mixed media $48. 

Available

Gearing up

 in process for tomorrow...

10"x10",acrylic mixed media

30 Paintings in 30 Days...Day 1 of My Eighth Challenge

WOW...the first 30 paintings in 30 days Challenge by Leslie Saeta Started in January of 2013! She has had 2 each year and I have signed up for them all!!

So here is my first painting for the Eighth round. I actually was working on my Christmas sample for an upcoming painting class and got distracted by thoughts of Halloween,  my favorite holiday. This may just be the last year for my kids to trick-or-treat as they are nearing that age. I though believe if they put in a substantial effort in a costume them they can go. So with memories of times when they were small...I was inspired to paint this little "treater" and his cat companion on a beautiful full moon night. SPOOKTACULAR FRIENDS out for an evening of treats was created with torn papers, stamping for texture and hand drawing and painting.

 

Spooktacular Friends"  6"x6" Original $43

Purchase Information HERE

30Paintings in 30 Days...Day 1 of My Eighth Challenge

WOW...the first 30 paintings in 30 days Challenge by Leslie Saeta Started in January of 2013! She has had 2 each year and I have signed up for them all!!

So here is my first painting for the Eighth round. I actually was working on my Christmas sample for an upcoming painting class and got distracted by thoughts of Halloween,  my favorite holiday. This may just be the last year for my kids to trick-or-treat as they are nearing that age. I though believe if they put in a substantial effort in a costume them they can go. So with memories of times when they were small...I was inspired to paint this little "treater" and his cat companion on a beautiful full moon night. This photo is not the completed painting. Will have to update it...I was so delighted with the finished piece I forgot to take another photo!!
 

 

"Treaters"  6"x6" Original $43

Purchase Information HERE

Bonus as Artist...View from Office

What can I say...brought kids for school Kennywood Amusement Park day. They're at the age I knew they would ditch me...
Seriously though thought we'd get past gate!
But now I'm set up in my "office" ready to sketch. As was my plan all along.;0).
Brought my favorite sketchbook-by Handbook,mechanical pencil- no sharpening required, waterbrush,eraser, watercolor set,head phones,sun glasses,glasses....My little monster case has some dbl sided tape,scissors,sharpener for a few colored pencils,pigma markers...mints, couple dollars
and Coke Zero.
Ready to go!
So easy to through a fee things in a bag. I'll use my phone( which I'm writing this post with) to take photos incase I want for later or move with the kids. More than I bet I use but it's my standard and most important to pack!!
Stop back for sketches...now I'm off to do just that.
Give it a try in your neighborhood sometime.

Striving for Your Goals -Blue Delphiniums & Peony's

Getting more done on my current floral painting. I can't express how great it is to be able to work on bigger pieces comfortably in my new studio.

In this piece I am focusing on striving for goals and new beginnings. Using the blue delphinium flower and pale pink peony as elements to represent these. Seeing these flowers will be a daily reminder supporting your thoughts and goals.In researching the delphinium I came across an article with these meanings I just love:

Reaching for your goals and striving achieve it all

Expanding your options and attracting new opportunities

Openness to new emotions and feelings, in a romantic sense

Enjoying the lighter side of life, even when troubles get you down.

July  birthday flower

Celebrating practically anything positive.

Protection against dangers, specifically if your out and about with scorpions according to ancient lore's. :D

 

Finding these well as some of these.Encouraging goals, open heart and dolphin( due to shape of flower)

 

I added a layer of "leaves", laying out some peony's I cut already. Arranging book pages for the delphiniums. Watercolor pencils to Sketch them.

Up date: I have been working on little delphinium flowers and at times it is maddening! I am not use to what it takes to complete large pieces. So I have paused some days to start other backgrounds. But I can now say I am making real progress and happy with where it is going! Plan is to post the finished piece this week!!
Fingers crossed for me!

 

Once You Learn...You Will Never Forget

Once you learn,you'll never forget...riding a bike that is they say.

My early years of bike riding for me began on a tricycle. I can see it. Not the shinny new version but the one that has miles on it. My knees knocking out f bars because I've out grown it. But still cool to ride a friend on the back, race around the porch taking bends on two wheels. So many joyful memories are associated with bike riding. Summer afternoons, family outings, being old enough to ride to a friends house. How cool we were. And now as I get older, cruising on the bike relishing the sights the sounds the company.
 

Calming colors of blue and cream. Fun circles that roll through the journey and number 5 (it represents balance. The dot in the middle being the center for the other halves to balance on)

Encouraging words for anyone's adventures past or present.

 

 Never Forget

10" x 10"

Purchase Information Here

 

I Finally DID IT after all these years!

Doing it right on the main highway in Portersville, PA! Yep,first time!  I have a studio and gallery/retail space outside of my home!!
After doing some deep thinking,making the decision to move out, I began my search. I had my eye on this place for a while but was out of reach. Looking at a couple of options ,I got an invite to this house. I find it confirming that I came full circle back to this. It's a 1830's farm house. Six rooms and a great little kitchen to boot.

 

This is going to be the classroom area. Yep,fireplace works.

One of  these rooms upstairs I believe will be my studio work space.

 

That blue wallpaper has GOT to come off, walls patched and painted,lighting fixtures....but not much heavy duty work.

I'm so EXCITED! I'll keep you updated as progress is made. :D

Artful Lent 2016 Week 2 -TRUSTING

TRUSTING, something so hard to do. Especially when you are to turn everything over in to Gods hands. Doing it is one thing for me but being comfortable in it so another.

I've been struggling and working at hearing Gods plan for me. Questioning what it is I am to be doing. So theJesus Calling "Experiencing God's Presence"  in Sarah Young study guides seemed a good place to start.  Several excesizes in Luke 5:1-11 is given to study.  It's a familar story. But this time I saw it from the shoreline. Watching, listening.Amazed at the trust the men, especially Simon, puts in Jesus. With what seems to be with no question.  Here it is:

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

5 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,^[a] the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. ² He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. ³ He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

⁴ When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put outside into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
⁵ Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
⁶ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. ⁷ So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
⁸ When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” ⁹ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, ¹⁰ and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” ¹¹ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Read  it againand imagining what Simon.was feeling, thinking when Jesus called him out.Wwhat kind of tone does Jesus use?   Why did Simom say " Go away from me Lord, I am a sinful man." ? Would you respond the way Jesus did?

Picturung what people thought of this sight, what happened before them, if you were ther how would it effect your trust  in the Lord? Are you able to do what Jesus asks whebn he calls you out? What would help you to have more TRUST in the Lord for what he has in store for your life?

 Hoping this inspires you. SUSAN

Stop back, I'll share where this verse takes me in my drawing.

 

Artful Lent Drawing: Ash Wednesday

Last couple Lenten seasons I have done Twisted Line drawings from journaling props from another artist, Tamara Peterson of Artful Story. This year, I'm going to attempt to find inspiration on my own. I'm excited to see where I am led. These little Zentangled inspired drawings are relaxing and I can reflect and think about the verse as I draw.

 

Not even sure where to begin, I though how about where lent begins, with Ash Wednesday. Questioning where this originates, where in Bible it might be referenced...so my research began. Courious why ashes on for head? What I found was it is not all that old of an observation and seems bases on one verse. 

In an article from Time magazine I found it said Ash Wendsday has been observed since about the 11th centry. In the 1970's , YES, 1970's when trends were going toward contecting the physical body with the spiritual body, as well as to open up conversations about faith.

In the article from Time,  Lauren F. Winner, a priest and assistant professor at Duke Divinity School. “You see that in the book Daniel in the nine chapter there’s a line about associating fasting with ashes, so ashes are associated with penance, which is the dominant theme of Lent.”

I often need a little back story to help me take in a verse. So my prompt starts with verse 2 of Danial 9 and goes to Danial 9:4

 

"In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments."  Daniel 9:2-4.NIV
 

Now on to the Drawing! I use simple materials to be able to do the prompt with in my lifestyle as a mom of four,wife,artist/self employed, bus driver etc. I recomend picking materials that you too can manage ans set yourself up for success. 

 

 

Again this year  I'm working on a 3.5" x 3.5" card weight paper. ( a smooth bristal works nicely), dollar store type machanical pencil, no sharpening needed, Sakura Prisma markers. Sizes .03,.01,.005. All in black. I LOVE these pens and have ok..many many. If your just getting started, the .01 will get the job done nicely. ( or any fine tip marker you have) Maybe toss in a litlle white eraser. Again can be found at dollar store.  I keep all of this and pre-cut paper in a 4"x6" plastic container.

 

I like a little boarder. It helps frame in the design. So I reflected and thought about the verses and tried to portray how it would be applied and interpreted for myself. I begin with a pencil sketch of some of the basic shapes and fill in as I go directly with ink/marker.

 

Looking into what a sakcloth is I learned it was from goats. Their coat is bulky and known to be VERY uncomfortable. My figue is kneeling head bowed in repentance. I feel like when lm brought to my knees, it is serious business.

As I added ashes, the challenge for me was to keep them light looking in weight, but grey/dirty looking as well as interesting. I included images of my sins. That of my tongue, clock: worried about time, not spending proper time with God/Bible/listening/ reflection  and my thoughts.

Image of Bible as  I should go to the Bible to draw closer to God, pray, confess and repent. Cross there for a number of reasons but a reminder that Jesus died for my sins.

 

I would love to have you join me each week and see where we go together. Even if you do not draw, take in the verse and share what you experience in the comments below.

 

blessings, Susan

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.

 

 



Acrylic Painting Technique for Landscape-It's in the Gift!

BACK IN THE STUDIO! YEAH AND YEAAHH!!

  

It has just been beautiful hear north of Pittsburgh for a couple of weeks. We just has a day of rain but the sun is out and it IS INSPIRING as it bounces of the changing greens,tan and incoming reds. So I began this little number. Actually 12 x 28" I think. 

Below shows the first layer of papers.

As the greens of the land is taking shape, I will continue to build up layers, colors and textures.Here already you can see how I have a pop of turquoise in this layer,which I let dry first, among the greens and tan together while they are both wet. As that area dries, I rotated the panel and worked the sky.I used gift cards and pallet knife for a lot of the applying of paint.Actually for taking away a lot too. :0) 

Below shows the first layer of papers.

Being careful as I paint, I allow some of the paper patterns to peak through.

I intend to mix it up a bit more with pattern and papers as I go. It is one o the characteristics of mixed media art that I love, the endless possibilities and combinations.

I am pretty happy with where this is going.
I let it dry as the texture medium is naturally thick. It also allows me time to process my next move.
What do you think so far? Any titles come to mind?

Stop back to see the how she grows! 

Mixed Media Memories for the Sharing

"Tans will Fade, 

But Memories 

Will Last Forever"

Using parts of maps, acrylic mixed media textures, cutting images from text pages that reflect the memories of the location make each ornament unique. I love using bubble wrap and hand drawing to create a a one of a kind piece to take you back to the picnic, boating, swimming etc. and those you spent the day with.

These art ornaments for McConnells Mill State Park, Moraine State Park and surrounding PA will be debuting at this weekends Heritage Festival in McConnells Mills. Here in Portersville near my home town of harmony. 

I'm looking forward to hearing stories of those who visit our beautiful parks and creating new memories.

This one here in process will be getting some highlights and accents to finish it out. 

Stop back and I will be posting some of the finished ones here as soon as they dry! :0)

Can't make it to the festival? Shop my store or ORDER A CUSTOM one for yourself and friends.

www.susanwalkerart.com

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.