Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Snowploughed the Hijacker


Friends, I just have to give a shout-out to Wet Oil Paint for directing me to a Blogger Help Forum Discussion that mentioned the snowfall widget as a possible hijacking vehicle.
My computer technician asked earlier about the snowfall effect on my blog, but I didn't suspect the widget, since it had been in place for at least a month or so before the problems began.
Since I deleted the snowfall widget, no problems with redirecting to obnoxious ad pages. Whew~
The snow was beautiful, but communicating with you is more beautiful.
Love & Laughter,
DJ

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Technical Difficulties Still


Watercolor Journal Spread by DJ

"Death Leaves Way Too Much Negative Space" oil on 20x16 canvas by DJ

The watercolor spread is in a journal that I'm hoping to fill with ideas.
The oil painting is a reaction to suddenly learning of the November death of Jeanne Claude, Christo' wife. I admire Christo and Jeanne Claude's involved, time-consuming, monumental works, and can't imagine losing a creative partner and beloved spouse.

Yes, I'm still frustrated with probs on my blog.
Hope my sweet blogging friends can get through to read and comment.
I'm working on it, which should give anyone a laugh...LOL!
Sorry about any inconveniences to you, my friends.
DJ

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Printing and Painting Combination

Remember from a previous post, I mentioned that I couldn't get a good photo of the styrofoam printmaking demo painting? Well, this may be as good as it gets with my present camera in winter light.
After printing with the styrofoam blocks in white and purple on a yellow background, I noticed my cat was modeling, so I painted him in purple. My camera picked up the glare in the upper right and after "enhancing" in editing, the entire painting lost its subtle qualities.
A good excuse to purchase a new camera and proper studio lighting, though!
Whee.

"Sleeping Cat" oil on 16x20" canvas by DJ

Detail of "Sleeping Cat" oil on 16x20" canvas by DJ

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Mark Me Tardy, Not Absent

Sorry, friends!
My web browser was hijacked, and I couldn't get to my blog.
Or my blogroll!
Ever happened to you? Not fun!
Every time I punched into my addy, it redirected to an obnoxious advertisement playing multiple soundtracks simultaneously.
Thankfully, my darling husband has an ace computer technician/programmer who works for DH's agency and he cleared my browser via remote Wednesday night.
So, I have to catch up with your wonderfully creative posts over the next couple of days.
Love & Laughter
from a relieved DJ who is so glad to be here again!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Define it. Defeat it.

After struggling with "selfish artist guilt" for many years, I wanted to balance my "day job" responsibilities and give in to my desire to paint again. I had been trying to connect with artists by getting involved in an Artist's Way group about 45 minutes from my home.
One day, I had a day-job deadline, and an artists' group assignment deadline. After fulfilling other appointments, I had about three free hours in the afternoon. Usually, I would tell myself I didn't want to work at home, but if I didn't get my work done, I shouldn't be painting, either. Thus I would procrastinate miserably on both, and get nothing done.
But on that day in February 2009, I decided to do something effective. I divided the hours in half, working on the day-job stuff first, then painting for 1-1/2 hours. I knew if I worked on the painting first, I would never leave my studio. So, I set a timer and trudged through my paperwork.
And, yes, I was so happy when that timer went off. I wasn't through with my work, but I had begun, which was more accomplished than the alternative results.
Running with a guilt-free heart to my small studio space, I began a colorful painting that had been lurking in my head to fulfill the assignment. I completed it that afternoon and it's become one of my fave paintings. At the group that night, one member requested a print of the painting, since it seemed to illustrate her personal journey.
I refer to this as the Half & Half Technique. Yes, it's sad that some of us have to play tricks on ourselves to accomplish anything. But finding what works for you can be extremely rewarding when you have struggled for years with a mentality that holds you back.
If you're struggling with something, sit yourself down, and honestly figure out what it is that holds you back.
Then make a plan to defeat your foe.
Become a warrior for your inner artist, and fight for your studio time, unique voice, personal choice of media, risk-taking permission, or a license for imperfection. These are just some of the essentials we all need to protect while creating. What is holding you back?
Define it. Then, defeat it.
Love & Laughter,
DJ

Oh...the painting?
It's the one entitled "Isaiah 40:31"
This reassuring verse states:
"But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint."
Lemme tell ya, when life gets tough, it doesn't get any better than that.

"Isaiah 40:31" oil on canvas by DJ

Consider Humble Materials

I was checking out Jo Horswill's always inspiring blog "My Story" and was reminded of the fact that ordinary household materials can bring beauty into being. I then visited Odd Chick's amazingly creative blog "Passions of an Odd Chick" and read about her desire to create her computer-patterned background by hand. The two seemed related in my simple mind, since I use styrofoam blocks for printmaking in my classroom. So I played with some styrofoam blocks and oil paint on this icy Saturday afternoon.
I'm not pleased enough with my photos of the painting to share it here, but, as my life goes, the blocks look better than my painting!

I don't know what I think of the painting, yet. It has an amateurish quality that I'm trying to leave behind. Unsuccessfully!
But, at least I got my hands messy, so it was not a wasted Saturday afternoon.
Thanks to Jo and OddChick for the inspiration. Hugs & Hairsmooches.
OK, people...Use what you have to create. Make yourself happy. Make stuff. Now.
Love & Laughter,
DJ

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Traveling in a Strange Land


"Lady of the House" in oil on 20x16" canvas by DJ

Detail of "Lady of the House" in oil on 20x16" canvas by DJ

In my last post, I mentioned that it's been so long since my last real painting session that my studio felt "foreign." That led to my comment that it's a good thing I don't mind traveling in a strange land.
When I had a few hours this past weekend, I reacquainted myself with my easel, and this lady's face appeared. I began with a palette knife background, then surprised myself by painting her into the plane with a brush...of course, I was so pleased to see her, I got stuck and didn't go any further. I usually err on the side of simplicity, much to the experts' chagrin. But since "simplicity" is my word for 2010, I'm not bothered.
Don't you be bothered by silly critics, either, my friend. Get into that workspace and create!
Tell those voices in your head to SHUT UP! And then, go, do what your heart desires!
I'll be here to cheer you on...
Love & Laughter,
DJ