More Irises and Other Stuff

Just when I feared my beautiful irises were leaving me, I discovered these beauties.  I must admit that I wish that this wonderful spring weather would stay for a long time and that these spring beauties would linger.

With such pleasant weather, it was tough to clean my pantry but I managed to do so.  The door has double duty.  It closes my workroom (rarely) and behind it is the pantry!  It was wasted space before I put it to use!

Just a couple of peeks at my art projects:  In one, I used a photo of peeling paint as inspiration and the drawing are preliminary work for a series of faces I want to paint.
Yes, this one is RATHER colorful, however, it is unfinished and I hope it will look more interesting as I work on it.

I just had to try my new Windsor and Newton markers on the right picture.  However, I never finished coloring her. The girl on the left could use some additional work also, but these are just ideas for something larger.

Last and perhaps most important, here is what just came out of my oven.  I'm not much of a cook, but I can bake a really good macaroni pie.  Really. Good. That's all I'm saying!

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Too Pretty

Actually, it is way too pretty to do anything but enjoy the weather.  However, my sister is cleaning out her studio due to some construction and has given me several things.  Now I must find a place to put these things.  Of course, this came in the midst of my own spring purging.  Ok, I'll admit that I am not a good at purging and tend more toward hoarding.  So finding an appropriate place for things is always a challenge.

Before I could get my studio in shape, I set up shop in the dining room.  I have no idea why but for some reason, I enjoy working there from time to time.  This time, I am working on designing papers using a Gelli Plate and deli paper.  If you do not know, a Gelli plate is made of something similar to gelatin and is used to make monoprints.  I then generally use parts of the paper when making something larger.  To the right is my Gelli Plate.  The wrinkles are on the wax paper beneath it.

Here are some of my most recent deli papers

Generally, I liked to use this distressed look.

The method I use requires that each layer completely dries before the next layer is added.  Finally, after several layers have been added,  I put the deli paper on top and press it down.  The paper must dry with the paint on it, but because it is on the Gelli plate, it may take several hours.  This is not a fast project.

Here are some other looks.  I'm anxious to work these into a painting.

As always, I hope you are well and I'd love to hear from you --either with a comment here or you can email me at vickistyons@me.com

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Lots of errands kept me hopping today.  Among them was a trip to the doctor.  Well...actually the vet. Brooklyn has been so frequently lately that she knew where we were going several blocks ahead of arrival.  Also, she and the staff have finally built a friendship so I no longer fear that she will bite anyone. Whew! That is a huge relief. I wish that scarf around her neck meant she had been bathed but alas, it does not!  However did you notice that it just about matches my socks?

It is spring at the Bijou.  The front yard has an azalea that is a big show off, and it is accompanied by the state flower of Tennessee and some honeysuckle.

Tomorrow is the day for MMIA to jury paintings, and, of course, I haven't finished mine.  I SHOULD have worked on it today, I PLANNED to work on it today, I COULD have worked on it today, but I did not.  There SHOULD be some time to work on it tomorrow morning, but I just got a message about some business I need to do tomorrow PLUS, I need to pick up my taxes and get them in the mail.  And I don't even have a job.  How did I get things done when I had to work?  I feel for those of you who aren't retired.

I hope you are well and, as always, I would love to hear from you.

Happy Day

Yesterday was jury day for MMIA.  I'm on the jury, and while it is a lot of work, it is also very interesting. I had 3 things to go before the jury, and they all passed (whew!) That is what made it a Happy Day.  In case you are wondering, I had to leave the room when they judge my work.

She Was So Two Faced

Perhaps you never had a peek inside of what was behind her doors. I think her two faces actually reflect the moods. Other than being moody, she actually is a lot like my Brit friend, Lorraine: She drinks tea and has a big heart!!

Sweet Tweet

Speaking of Lorraine, she suggested the name for this small piece.  I think Sweet Tweet just about sums it up, don't you? It is made with deli paper I designed and acrylics on canvas. Hope you like it.

This is an older piece which is 20X16. Again I used various papers which I designed and acrylic on canvas. I don't know that you can see very well from the photo but her hat was made with lots of papers that I designed, then I tore them up and mixed several papers together to make a new design.  I have heard that called complicated paper.




It is supposed to get down to freezing this weekend.  That is just WRONG!  I am enjoying this weather very much and would love for it to remain for a while longer.