Studio Sunday: Self Portrait Circa 2017

Years ago when my husband and I lived in an apartment, I started portrait. At some point, maybe it was because we were moving, life, uninspired reasons, I stopped working on it. I debated making it a self-portrait. Years passed and this remained in my art space. 

A face that clearly haunted me for years. 

In an effort to finish old paintings before starting new ones, I picked up this piece. For motivation, I made this above image my profile picture on Facebook, and promised myself to update it as the portrait progressed. I pat myself on the back for this idea. 

I never said it was going to be a realistic self-portrait....

A few weeks ago, I finally finished it, but waited for good weather and time to post it. This time, I made it my cover photo. All feels right with my studio world, and I'd like to do another one in the future too. Maybe I'll do a self-portrait around the time I turn 30, I like even numbers. For now, I'm done, and onward to continue the others unfinished and those that need to be properly sketched and done. 

Self-Portrait Circa 2017

Currently Watching: Supernatural - Season 7 - Episode 4

Studio Sunday: The Hands That (can't) Feed You

Someday I hope to be able to paint hands well. I don't think I do now. However, like with portraits, more practice, more practice, more practice....and a bit more patience..... I think I'l be able to do hands I'm proud of. 

I've been working on a painting since December, and worked so much on it on some stayacation time off at that time that I haven't worked on it since then. April has been quite a busy month. March had it's moments as well. I decided to pick this painting back up again this weekend. It's not done. I'm not satisfied yet. I'm starting to feel I have overworked the hands... I have layered too much paint. However, it's an experience, it's practice, learning curves. Even if it's not how I envisioned, I could come back someday and start brand new, try again, but for now, for this:

Sometimes you have to show the things before they are finished to motivate you. More on that next time. 

Currently Listening: Draconian's album "Sovran"
Currently Reading: Stephen King's "It"
Currently also Getting My Shit Together

Thoughtful Monday: Goal Accomplished...for Now.

I have a 30 before 30 list (28) and one goal was to be in an art show, after not being in any since 2012. As mentioned in the previous post, I've tried a few times before getting into the El Corazón exhibit at the Bath House Cultural Center. But trial and error right? I wasn't able to attend the opening reception due to vacation (the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, which is fitting funny enough), but I was informed that a co-worker attended knowing I wouldn't be there. 

I finally got to see it over the weekend and I felt like I had to suppress my giddiness....and tried to look professional for a pic...which I think I succeeded somewhat. 

Husband took a pic as well with me giving the thumbs up, but this looks better because that's what best friends are for (thanks Toni!!)

So what's next? Yes, I have accomplished a goal to cross off my list, but the point of the goals is not to do it and be done with, the point of the goals is to prove I can do something...which means I can do it again. What's next? Trying to get into more shows and stop shutting up my art in my house. It's time to try to get more stuff out there. 

Do or do not...there is no try - Yoda. 

Currently Listening: Amorphis' "Under the Red Cloud" album
Currently Reading: Get Your Shit Together by Sarah Knight
Finished Reading: Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" 

Thoughtful Wednesday: Old Heart Acceptance

Saturday night I found out my Old Heart I piece was accepted to the annual El Corazón exhibition at the Bath House Cultural Center. I've tried a few times before, but this is the first time I've been accepted and the first art show I'll be a part of in years. This piece is my proudest work from last year and brought me to happy, joyful tears. I've made a goal within the next two years to be more active and submit my work to places. The acceptance has only fueled by passion. That said, I'll share how this piece came into being and the music that inspired it. 

"Heart pumps death into our heredity" - 

Last year, my now husband and I went on our first real vacation, the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise. One of the bands we were excited to see was Katatonia, who we had seen years before on the Epic, Kings, and Idols tour. The show was my husband's idea. I remember enjoying their show and knowing it was good, but I also remember my ears ringing a bit due to the prior band (looking at you Devin Townscend). Sadly, I didn't keep up with the band much. This was before I could afford to buy a shirt or a CD from stands, but at least pay for the ticket. Fast forward years to the cruise, I saw Katatonia perform twice, no ears ringing, and fell into their music. After the trip, I really dived into their discography to find they were also in process of a new album. When the lyric video for the song "Old Heart Falls" was realized, I had to grab my sketchbook. I wrote down lyrics. I sketched. I listened to the song at least once everyday for weeks. At the beginning of 2016, I was in an artistic drought, and this song watered the fields. 

Inspiration comes when you don't expect it, but when it does, you have to hang on. The album "The Fall of Hearts" became my favorite album of 2016, and I'm still pulling ideas for paintings. When I see the band live this March, it will have more meaning to me that just jamming out. It will be pure pumping of the heart, raining down an atmosphere of inspiration. 

Katatonia have revealed the first full track, entitled 'Old Heart Falls' from their highly anticipated new album - The Fall of Hearts. Buy the album: http://www.peaceville.com/store On the release of the first new song Jonas Renkse comments "A song with lush textures, distinct dynamics and a memorable chorus are the trademarks to some of the most beloved Katatonia songs.

Currently Listening - Katatonia's 'The Fall of Hearts'
Currently Reading - Just finished Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Currently Drinking - Coffee.