Lolly sticks

I am a bit of hoarder when it comes to anything that can be used in art. In one of my art drawers I came across a bundle of old lollipop sticks. Gloria Page uses what she calls 'craft sticks' (but I would call tongue depressers or leg wax spatulas) in her book, Art Stamping Workshop. She paints them then stamps them and uses them in projects. I figured that lollipop sticks would work the same. So I painted a few in bright colours, stamped with black Staz On and wrapped with wire and beads. Now I have to think of a project or two to use them with.

A new first

I finished my first non-realistic piece of art that I am to sell this week. The picture of it does not do it justice. The actual piece is more red and richer in colour. But overall I am very pleased with it. I enjoyed the process of making it. When I did my conventional painting my blood pressure was permanently raised. It was highly stressful for me as I was always trying to make it look how I wanted it to. I always fell short and as never pleased with the result. But I like this piece. I hope other people will.

I finally signed up to my next Open University course too - Ancient and Medieval Cities: a Technological History. I can't wait. It has been four years since I graduated from Royal Holloway: University of London where I read Classical Studies. It was a tough time for me but I NEED to study again. After this course I hope to sign up for the World Archaeology course in September. I have to admit that it feels good to get back into the academic world.

Reinvention

I came to a decision last week - I am giving up my commissioned painting. I am not sure if this is a permanent thing but I am very tired of painting and drawing. It used to be ingrained in my personality but the pleasure I got from it isn't there any more. I object to it and get very angry when forced to paint something I don't 'feel'. I am constantly asked to paint pets from pictures that are so bad I can't make out distinguishing features. So I figure it is time for a break. I have many other skills that I can call on and am taking a detour to fibre art and clay work. I got some woodworking tools for Christmas too so who knows where that will take me. It will be fun finding out though.

The trouble is - I built my web site with Frontpage Express but have since upgraded my PC to Windows XP. Now, those in the know realise that FP Express doesn't come with Outlook Express any more. So I'm kind of stuffed for putting up a notice on my site. I have tried a couple of other web publishing tools but to no avail. So more thought is needed, me thinks. But I need to change that web site. Grrrrr!

Stuck in a rut

Why is it that when I want to create a new piece of work I hit a brick wall? Not literally, you understand. It's that white piece of paper. It sits there staring at me threateningly until I put the first mark down. Unfortunately it has been so long since I have done any serious art that I can't even make that first mark with my pen. I am contemplating making my first big collage to try and inspire my artistry to come hither. But I am being threatened by another piece of white paper there too. Maybe I should switch to painting on another colour of paper.

Silky words

I have been dancing with silk paints recently. Well, not literally 'dancing' - the paints are a bit lacking in the leg department. My first attempt was a tie depicting a drunken snowman for a relative. Said relative wore the tie to work today only to be showered with compliments - including kind words from the Countess of Hume. It's not every day ones' work is admired by blue bloods. Do I change directions and take up silk painting full time??? Mmmm. I might wait a while before deciding on that.

Altered way of life

Another frosty morning but the strange thing is that the dandelions and dead nettles are still flowering. The seasons are very strange now. The leaves fell from the flowering currant in my garden and revealed a host of new buds. The Kilmarnock willow is covered in catkins. The sun is way to warm for December - and no sign of a white Christmas. H'rumph!

I have been having a mild flirtation with altered art recently. After more than 20 years of trying to draw and paint in a realistic style I got fed up with it all and wanted to play with colour and texture. Lovely thick acrylic with peaks sticking off the page. Vibrant reds, oranges and greens (and other colours as the mood dictates). Ripping, tearing and grubbying. Paper, card, clay, wire. I guess that is the only good thing about personal disappointments (the trigger for this rejection of all things neat and tidy). It scrubbles your brain and emotions until nothing makes any sense. One year and one and a half months after the end of a platonic friendship that meant the world to me (but who's counting) I still can't get my head back into the mould it should be in - for the sake of my finances if nothing else. I have painted just one proper painting in that time. I wonder if the old me will ever return? Maybe. For the first time in over a year I have felt the desire to go back to studying. I am a huge fan of the Open University (take a look at their site for more info - www.open.ac.uk) and have taken all kinds of courses with them over the last 10 years. Ancient history is my main fascination and they allowed me the freedom to study while making money too. In the meantime it is back to the rainbow of colours in my acrylic paint tubes. If I come up with something that I think is worth putting on the site I shall do. This afternoon I shall be creating an almost late Christmas card and decorating some 1x1 inch squares in altered style. Beats the last minute Christmas rush to the shops.