When that tragedy took place in Sandy Hook in December, I told myself that I needed to get involved with children again. Somehow. Someway. I wanted to. I have missed that youthful childlike spirit.

Then I remembered being asked by a neat gal from Girl Scouts to teach art to young girls. The Girl Scouts here do a very cool auction in the Spring called ArtVenture. They collaborate with established artists in their communities and create a piece of artwork for the auction.

This little kitty can’t wait to meet them. She will be the launching point for some great artwork.

I’ve been gathering art supplies for the girls and creating all sorts of things for them to do. Dick Blick has a great sale going so I was able to get lots of paint, brushes and canvases for our time together. I have a small group, which is perfect. I’ll let you know how it goes!

This series of abstracts is a big expression of my thoughts and moods on any given day. I sit down in front of a blank canvas and gather my thoughts slowly. The colors dance in my mind, the paint goes down, the form flows, and before I know it I am lost in the motion and detail. If you are a painter, you know how it feels…it’s wonderful.

Want to take a peek?

(One More Before I Go, 10x20x1 SOLD)

Here is a close up:

This next one I think I’ve shown before. I love how it came together.

(Better in the Morning, 12x16x1)

Close up of the focal area:

Here is the newest one:

(Day by Day, 12x16x1)

When I was taking photos of these canvases earlier today, I was so delighted to see how these two look side by side. They would be together, don’t you think? I didn’t plan it, but I love how they flow, and mix and mingle together.

You can see them all and more photos in my Etsy shop: here!

 

Creating is a part of me. Such a big part. I try and paint everyday and I have been dedicating time to paintings everyday for months now.  I really think it makes me a better person. Lately, I’ve been really moved to paint more freely…abstractly or whatever you want to call it. Maybe it’s a way to release emotions or to express secrets or feelings that overwhelm me. I wonder if that even makes sense? It does to me so I’m going with that.

Here are some of the pieces that have come together nicely. This piece was done on paper.

(You Are The Highlight of My Day, close up)

(You Are The Highlight of My Day)

There is a beautiful gold shimmer on the above piece and the below piece. Oh man…it’s so pretty in person. Hard to photograph and do that pretty gold justice, so you will just have to trust me on that. This piece has gold across the bottom.

(Structure Among Chaos)

 Here is another new piece. This one is a canvas.

 (Better in the Morning, 12×16)

It’s also got some gold here and there. Gold is such a lovely highlight. I tried to get a photo of the light catching that gold. It looks like little bright white splotches in the photo but they are really gold!

So is this the new direction for me? Who knows….I’ve always enjoyed the freedom of painting like this. I have done several pieces like this a while back…loved it then, too. But this time it’s more therapeutic for me. Yes, very different from what I’ve done the last few months. I love my long neck characters and I know I will do more. This expressive abstract style is working for me at the moment. I plan to get these pieces on Etsy soon.

My Step-Dad has had a very tough couple of months. Very tough. Long time readers and friends know he has struggled with Leukemia and Lymphoma for the past 11 years. We just keep praying and loving that sweet man and he continues to amaze us. It’s been such a battle lately though. For him and my Mom. We will keep praying! And painting!