art, – Page 2 – Through My Eyes

Taking Art To The Next Level

If you are not making enough money selling your drawings and paintings you do have other options. Turn your art into sellable products.

For instance, I create art both digitally and through photography. I take an image and scan it into my computer. At this point, I can import the image into my cross-stitch software to generate a pattern or upload it to a print-on-demand company that will transfer the image onto their products like cups, T-shirts, etc.

This is the image I am going to start with. This is the initial raw sketch.

From this sketch I am going to create three-way products, painting on a canvas bag, cross stitch pattern and print-on-demand products.

This is a work in progress for the painting on a bag project.

Within just a few hours I was also able to initiate the creation of this pattern from this same design.

My last step in this diversification process will be when I upload the original image to a print-on-demand site to print on already established products like cups and tees. You now you should understand the process of diversification in art. Now I am not saying you have to do it the way I did but it is a way of keeping your art alive and monetized.

So artists get cranking out that beautiful work and let’s see the metamorphosis begin.

Have a blessed day.

Strokes… Painting Without A Canvas

Well, this week I have ventured outside of my comfort zone. Normally I stick to canvas and to landscapes. This is what I did differently, thanks to my art instructor. I painted an animal instead of a boring landscape. He’s a bit rough but developing his own character

Today I decided to ditch the canvas and paint on a raw live Catawba leaf. I wasn’t prepared for how much the leaf would absorb the acrylic paint. It’s going to take more paint since this one leaf spans about two hands wide. Going to need more paint still but here is my little cabin next to a mountain creek.

I like experimenting with different textures, sources, and new projects. Previously I have painted on wood, rocks, and metal watering cans.

Don’t be afraid to explore the unknown. Feel what you paint instead of just laying down strokes.

Until next time, keep stroking!

Dark To Light

My current painting may look very dark but it has yet to receive the final stroke.

We go through so many things in life that at the time we may not fully understand their meaning. It is especially hard when those times involve the lives of innocent children. Remember, like this painting, it will go from dark to light. The darkness of the person who took the lives of innocent children will pass away and be overshadowed by the beautiful and happy lives that these children led. Satan does not win! Their spirit lives on in the hearts of their families and in a community and country that grieves with them.

This painting will not stay that way long. The light will soon reveal itself. The beautiful thing about art is that it gives us a venue to share messages to all its viewers.

Never let darkness stay in your life. Light will reveal truth in all things. Be the light for others. We still have an opportunity to not just enjoy life but to share that joy.

May your day be full of light.

The Sketch

I typically am an early morning riser. My day starts anywhere from 4:30 to 7:30 depending on how much I have slept. While my husband and dog sleep I am either sketching, reading, or stitching. Today, I’m sketching.

I am trying to increase my skill in portraits. While I typically sketch in pencil my art teacher tells me that is a no-no. Be bold enough to do it in ink she says. So here I am in bed sketching in ink trying to make a character appear on this page.

While he might not be perfect and is lacking color he does at least in some form seem to have some resemblance to my source. As I make each line I try to give him character something that will make you question “who is this guy”?

I think now I may use him in my next short story. Sketches as imperfect as they are give you a quick insight as to what the finished piece will be. Sometimes I add color but most of the time I don’t. As I add each stroke I am building not just his structural features but also his character. I ask myself “Who is this guy” because forming an identity in my head makes him more real on paper.

My teacher says I am more critical of myself than anyone else. Drawing is not just fun but at my age helps me to keep that part of my brain active. It also helps me build characters to write about.

Well, time to get up and fix coffee. The dog is squirming and the husband will be waking soon.

Have a glorious day!

The Art Of Design

People often ask me how I create the things I make. It is a process but one I have come to love. To tell the truth I think it’s the design process I prefer over the actual creation on some things.

Things pop into my head often without invitation particularly on sleepless nights. Why these things could not present themselves during the day I will never understand. It’s the idea, the first thought, the inspiration you see that leads down that colorful road of design.

Last night when I could not sleep I was sitting up working on a cross stitch sampler when it popped into my head I should be creating my own sampler design. I put away my cross stitch project and grabbed some paper and a pen to start roughing out the design.

The layout may change once I enter it into the computer, but you get the concept. Getting the idea on paper as soon as possible is important. Otherwise, it becomes a missed opportunity.

While I would like to have the time to work all of the designs I create, my many other interests don’t make it possible.

I just resurrected my shop on Etsy. Hopefully, I will be posting some of my designs there. I will keep you posted on that and provide the link.

I guess my drive to design somewhat stems from my childhood as I watched my father painlessly draw house plans.

What motivates you? Do you have a hidden skill or talent you have yet to explore? Why not test the water. Maybe you’ll create that next great invention. It all starts with just one idea.

Anger Into Art

After being awakened numerous times during the night by my dog, instead of taking my anger out on him, I decided to express it in another way.

I remembered my husband telling me some thirty years ago that I did my best work when I was emotional. The work at that time was songwriting. Frustrated with him over some issues that I don’t even remember now, I reached into my pocketbook, pulled out a piece of paper, and finished my first song.

The result of my frustration today didn’t turn out too bad.

I pray my Native American friends won’t be offended. It is just what popped into my head at that moment.

I have learned over the years that it is okay to be angry but is healthier to direct that anger in a more productive way.

When you are angry, take the time to do this:

Controlled breathing – breath in slowly for 7 seconds and then slowly out for 7 seconds and release. Repeat as needed until calm.

Redirection – Write, draw, play an instrument or whatever creative outlet you have, and put all that emotion that you were feeling into it.

Anger we know can be very destructive and unhealthy. If you don’t have a creative outlet, think about taking a class or teach yourself something new.

Take the time to care about YOU!

Have an awesome day. Jesus loves you.

Another Day Trip – Greenville

Ventured out locally today to Greenville today. My destination today was the Greenville Museum of Art. It’s not a large facility. In fact, it is in an old home at 802 Evans St. The thing about Art Galleries is that most of the time, you will find something you like.

This piece I found intetesting. Sorry I didn’t get all of the one on the left. Don’t know what the background is made of, but the composition is cd’s, micro chips circuit boards, and miscellaneous hardware. I didn’t get the artist’s name, but here is the link to the museum for more information: https://www.gmoa.org/

We left there and stopped by Michael’s for a craft fix. I rarely make it out of town without feeding my habit, but then I had to feed my husband, which was a bigger hit to my wallet.

Just a short drive away, we pulled into Cracker Barrell. It is always busy and noisy, but I toughed it out for their hashbrown casserole.

Back home now, it’s time to craft. See you next time for another adventure.

Please like and share. Thank you for reading and sharing. Have a great day.

Painting Shenanigans

The art of painting is limited only by the extent of your mind and imagination. The canvas is one place where you can leave your stress and worries and step into another world. You can fulfill fantasies of adventure without injury and insult to your body. In a painting, you can recreate a memory that will fade with time in a photograph.

Here are two of my paintings. Comments welcome, but be kind.

If you have visited my Facebook page, you might have seen this:

Kayak Run is a 20×22 acrylic/oil mixed media. I have never been kayaking or “run the rapids,” but in creating this piece, I imagined myself in the last kayak with my dog.

In contrast, the next one was painted about a year ago, but I pulled it out this morning to touch it up. For you space junkies this one is for you. This acrylic piece is a small 8×10 canvas that conveys futuristic space travel.

Hope you enjoyed this peak into my gallery.

Have a great day, and remember God loves you.

And Then There Was This…

Most people know what an art enthusiast I am. That being said, while out traveling through the Ayden, NC area today, my husband s pointed out these…

Art comes in many forms. While these pieces may just be structures of rust to some, I prefer to see them as creative sculptures. Some person took their time to collect these materials and craft together these images of creatures we love. They tried in their own way to share their love of creation.

God had a reason for including the animals in the Ark. This artist had a reason for choosing animals like these to capture our attention.

Keep your eyes wide open. You never know what will be presented to you.

Cross Stitch In America

Yes, I have been slack again in my posts and will try to come up with more interesting topics. In the meantime, I share what I know best, arts and crafts. Today, we will look at counted cross stitch.

While historians seem to be uncertain as to when this type of embroidery began, most believe it goes all the way back to early Egypt. Here in America, it has a history only back to early pioneer days when women would use this simple form of embroidery to adorn pillow cases, children’s clothing, and advanced to decorative samplers. Here is a section of a sampler I am currently working on.

This fabric is called Aida 14. That means there are 14 of those little blocks to the inch. While you see, I do have some half stitches most stitches are done in little crosses. You literally pull your thread from one corner to the opposite corner and then pull your thread up from the opposite corner and down in the opposite direction to form the cross stitch. You can see the little holes at each corner of the block to put your needle in.

While this craft was the rage in this country from the sixties through the eighties, it has seen a decline since. It is, however, extremely popular still in Europe.

If you are interested in learning how to cross stitch, you can follow videos like this one on YouTube:

You don’t have to go into debt to start this hobby. I have bought boxes of patterns and supplies at auctions and estate sales. You can also still find supplies at your local craft shop.

This is a hobby that can both decorate your home but also makes great gifts for friends and loved ones.

Start stitching today!

Have a blessed day.