Sunday, January 23, 2011

Did you miss me? :)

Work in Progress
Wow!  It's been ages since I've updated this blog.  I don't know what got into me, well actually I do.  :)  Pregnancy threw me for a loop for the first 3 1/2-4  months.  I hit a huge creative slump, and I just wasn't feeling well. 

Needless to say no art was produced, and I accidentally slipped away from my wonderful online community of artist friends.  I also managed to  neglect my Etsy store, and I came back earlier this week only to find it was almost completely empty because most of the listings had expired!  Whoops!

I am now slowly trying to get back into the groove of things.  I still have some pregnancy issues, such as smell aversions that make me dry heave, but as long as I stay away from the refrigerator (why can't that happen when I want to loose weight?), I think I can manage to do a few paintings here and there.  :)

I've been totally and completely inspired this week by Flora Bowley.   I don't how I haven't discovered her sooner, I just love her work and the freedom with which she paints.   Her work has given me the courage to I return to my studio.  I have now spent the last 3 days in a whirlwind of painting.

I've managed not to finish anything, but I sure have started a lot.  :)  I've taken a bunch of old canvases that weren't working for me, and completely redid them.  They are in the beginning stages still, but I already like them much better.   I also was inspired to bust out my huge 36x48 canvas and give that a whirl as well.  I'm probably going to work on that one today, as I seem to be most interested in it at the moment. 

Here's a few pics of what I'm up to this week.  Enjoy!

Work in progress.  This has turned into my favorite so far, unfortunately that means I'm afraid to go any further with it.  :)  I know what i want to do, but am scared to ruin what I've got.  Hate that!    




Another Work in progress.  Just trying to nail down the details on roof before I continue.



Wip.  This is the big one.  36x48 and it barley fits on my table.  The lighting is terrible, sorry about that, took the pic at night.  The background it actually yellow, and I've already done much more to it.  I had a totally different color scheme and idea in mind for this, but somehow this is what it wants to be.  Not sure if I'll use my original idea or not.  I'm really curious about how this will come about.     
Last but not least, another wip.  I was listening to Peruvian flute music when I painted this and now it has a native American feel to it.  Again, totally NOT what I was trying to do, but it's what came out, so I'm going with it for now.  I do love the smeary paint, and am actually a bit afraid to mess with it.    I really need to work on being brave and just letting loose.

7 comments:

Heather said...

Love the paintings! I love Flora Bowley. I took a workshop with her when she was in Philly. It was awesome. My sister and daugther went also. So freeing!!

Shannon said...

Oh my gosh, I was reading your current post and it reminded me so much of my most recent post. I said pretty much exactly what you said above about not posting for three months and all of that. However I'm not pregnant, I just got bogged down with the holidays and then my arthritis. But I totally know what you're talking about. Looks like you've gotten back in the swing of things though, what you are working on looks awesome and as vibrant as ever like your work always does. Your work always reminds me of the sun, the outdoors and big smiles. It's just always so upbeat and happy, I love that.

NatashaMay said...

Congrats on the pregnancy! :) Nice to see you've started all these project. Can't wait to see them all finished.

Ophelia said...

Welcome back!!! I am so glad you are feeling like getting back to some creativity! Yes, pregnancy can through you for such a giant loop! Your work is awesome!

wyanne said...

I'm so glad you are feeling better! The new paintings that you started are fabulous. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I'm so glad that in some small way it helped your feel better. I don't think there is anything wrong with trying new things. That keeps things fresh and exciting in your artwork. Just find a way to blend them in with what you already do very well. Happy Creating. Love, Wyanne

Jenny Lee Wentworth said...

Hey Michele!
Glad you're feeling better flying sister! I watched a video of Flora painting, she is amazing! I would love to take a class with her one day. Thanks for visiting me, I'm glad you like my painting. :) Oregon is a big park, that's a perfect way to describe it. If you wind up here someday you can paint with me!
Wishing you lots of happy studio time!
Much Love,
Jenny

Theresa said...

Glad your feeling better Michele! Nice to see what your working on now that you have your energy back. Have a wonderful creative week! Can't wait to see if how your paintings come out. ~Theresa