Silent Moon

I began this painting a couple months ago with no preconceived plan other than I wanted to use  blue and  yellow paint, and let my emotions do the rest .  No matter how many times I paint like this , I am always surprised with the finished piece and have to stand back and try to understand what I have created and why.  I do notice ( as has other people ) that my artwork almost always includes circles.  Even as I look back  in my art journals, I notice that on every page there sits a circle.  Interesting.

I wanted to find out more so I found a few sites that explained the meaning of the circle in art and life .  Here is one that is easy to understand and gave me some insight on why the circle is prominent in my art.    

Circle & Self

Finding the Sacred Center

The Circle is the ultimate symbol of the sacred feminine. The symbol of the circle helps us to connect to the depths of our soul or "true self".

Ralph Waldo Emerson begins his essay entitled "Circles", with the statement, "The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary picture is repeated without end. It is the highest emblem in the cipher of the world. St. Augustine described the nature of God as a circle whose centre was everywhere and its circumference nowhere."

Carl Jung studied the archtypal meaning of circles:
"The circle (or sphere) is a symbol of the Self. It expresses the totality of the psyche in all its aspects, including the relationship between man and the whole of nature. Whether the symbol of the circle appears in primitive sun worship or modern religion, in myths or dreams or in the spherical concepts of early astronomers, it always points to the single most vital aspect of life - its ultimate wholeness."

-Emerson, Ralph Waldo, Essays and English Traits, ed. Charles W. Eliot (New York: PF Collier & Son, 1909), 155.

-Carl G. Jung et al., Man and His Symbols (New York: Doubleday & Company Inc, 1964), 240.                                        

  

My completed painting aptly named " Silent Moon " as my eye is drawn first to the moon like orb and it sits as if watching over the confusion below... waiting.  This painting has taken me months to complete because it seemed I needed to be in a certain frame of mind to work on it which really drove me crazy!  I would sit for hours ( I seriously would ) and wait for it to speak to me and when it finally did I believe the result was worth the wait.   I would love to know what you see or feel when you look at this painting, there is no wrong answer, so please feel free to comment xox

Poetry... next tattoo

I. The Soul’s Expression

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806–1861

WITH stammering lips and insufficient sound I strive and struggle to deliver right That music of my nature, day and night With dream and thought and feeling interwound, And inly answering all the senses round         5 With octaves of a mystic depth and height Which step out grandly to the infinite From the dark edges of the sensual ground. This song of soul I struggle to outbear Through portals of the sense, sublime and whole,         10 And utter all myself into the air: But if I did it,—as the thunder-roll Breaks its own cloud, my flesh would perish there, Before that dread apocalypse of soul. I think I may have found the words I want for my next tattoo....  the first 3 lines of one of my fave poems.    Now to decide on the type of script and where.   I think it will be on the back of my neck.    Yes!

Very Pinteresting.....

  Okay , so by now I am sure that everyone is quite aware of the new web sensation http://pinterest.com/ and if you are not... you are either going to thank me or hate me. 
  I have been introduced to this highly addictive site by co workers who can't stop raving about the delicious triple chocolate , smooth peanut butter, crunchy pretzel, dripping caramel, loaded with nutty goodness cupcakes! Or the fashion and decorating advice with tutorials that make you break out the Visa and hit your favourite furniture or clothing stores.  And let's not forget about the creative aspect!  Millions of photos of everything from Garden and Home design, Tattoos, Art, Music, Books, Movies, Posters, Prints, Travel, Humour, Do - It - Yourself .... everything!   I am a self diagnosed magazine and book addict and this site is heaven to me.  I can spend hours on here pouring over beautiful photographs and reading all the helpful advice.  HOURS!  There is literally anything and everything on here that you are looking for and even things you have never thought of but now it's all you are thinking about!

   That is the "interesting" part of this site..the "pin" part is where you can create your very own Board, label it according to your interest and pin images that you love to your board!!!  It's like clipping out photos from magazines and sharing them with others..... millions of others.  The images are shared from other blogs, magazines and sites and they seem to be a free for all, no permission needed.  I say this because as I was scrolling through various art boards I  stumbled upon a photo of myself holding my painting !  I know there are copyright issues going on with Pinterest but I don't know enough about it to comment on it.  I can definitely see how this could be upsetting to some artists or publishers who are not getting credit for their work.  The person who pinned up my photo is  not someone I know , I was not asked, however it was because she liked the photo and wanted to share it not because she was going to re create my art and take credit for it.... so it's all good!

  If you ask me... I say go check out the site, you won't regret it ,the photos are endless and so is the inspiration, which is why you can lose yourself and dare I say... lose hours of your life.   Oh well.... it could always be worse!

 http://pinterest.com/love2createart/  Here are some of my Boards that I have put together and share with other Pinterest Addicts xo

The Versatile Blogger Award? Pour Moi?? yay!

Wow how cool was it when I saw this awesome award posted on my facebook wall from one of my artist friends Fher Ymas Visual Artist ( who in my opinion is a very talented artist )  I have never received an award for blogging before so I am very honoured that my little piece of the blogosphere was found interesting enough to be given one.  So thank you very much Fher Ymas Visual Artist It is very much appreciated :)
  Sharing the Award...

   In the tradition of the award, I have to pass it to 15 different bloggers and reveal 7 random things about myself and  paste the picture on the post. Soooo here goes....

1.  I find myself quite funny.... my children do not

2.  I could spend the entire day in art supply stores... love the smell of paper! 

3.  I read every night before bed

4.  I am afraid of heights and hate spiders

5.  If I could be anyone I'd still want to be me.... but a little taller and maybe a rockstar.....

6.  I believe our spirit lives on after we die and believe in Karma

7.  I believe that things always happen for a reason

So now that you know a little more about me I will get on with the business of announcing the 15 bloggers that I find very inspiring and uplifting.  Please check them out and continue to be a part of mine xox

http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com  I've been a fan of Elsie Larsen's forever!  ( Before she was a Larsen! )  Love, love , love everything about her and her blog and business " Red Velvet Art" 

http://redvelvetgirls.typepad.com/myweblog/ The sister blog of Elsie's featuring whimsical photos and fun flirty fashion ideas!  LOVE!

http://bethquinndesigns.blogspot.com/  I absolutely love Beth's jewelry designs very beautiful and inspiring posts!

http://sallyjean.typepad.com/sallyjean/  Sally Jean was the first blog I have ever fallen in love with.  Love her gorgeous photos and delicious jewelry pieces!

http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/  If you don't know Kelly Rae Roberts you've been living under a rock!  Her blog is not only loaded with her own art and inspiring stories of her success, but also those of other artists.  Check her out you won't be disappointed.

http://gunsinger.com/archives/665/you-are-a-unicorn-now-get-back-up-and-start-again/  Cynthia Gunsinger Coaching is a very inspirational blog/ site which can help you realize your goals and dreams.  Love ya Cynthia :)

http://thriftycollageartist.blogspot.com/  LOVE Suzan Buckner's use of vivid colour and funky design in her pieces

http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/  Timothy Adams gives outstanding advice for selling your artwork on-line and is a metal artist himself, check him out!

http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/  Very informative blog with great advice and creative courses.  Great eye candy as well.

http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/  Sketch book beauties with vibrant colours,  family life and cool ideas . Awesome Alisa!

http://www.oneartsychick.blogspot.com/  Joella's blog has beautiful photos of her art and jewelry creations, and of her home and family.  Very beautiful and uplifting. xo  Plus she's my sister-in-law and I love her!

 http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/  I love Connie's fearless approach to her art and her blog screams positivity!

http://journal-addict.blogspot.com/  Big fan of anything "art journal" and this blog is great for inspiration

http://artistsjournalworkshop.blogspot.com/  Cathy Johnson is a talented artist and her blog shares ideas on art supplies and journalling.  

http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/  Anyone who is crafty knows and loves Tim Holtz and all his distressed ideas and art products

A Work In Progress!

  Been working on this non objective piece and feel good about it.  Better than the last one I was working on which now sits sullenly in the corner of the room.  ( Dreamscape)  I swear it gives me dirty looks!   Maybe it will grow on me one day , maybe I will figure out what was going on in my head while I was painting it.  Until then I will keep you all updated on other Pretty Little Messes I am creating like this one.  Stay tuned! xo

I Lost My Mojo.... Oh there it is!

This is the abstract painting I was working on .... and working  on....  I still don't know what it is or what it means but I enjoyed the process and it felt good . The painting began with an underpainting of greens yellows and soft blues and then I added layers of dripping paint letting it go where the water wanted to take it. After it sat for weeks... and after I stared at it for another few weeks... I decided to just go for it and paint with feeling rather than plan .  Everytime my brush touched the canvas ( which is also warped by the way...)  I had no preconceived idea what was going to transpire!   I don't even know if it is finished!  Oh well for now I am calling it finished and gave it the title "Dreamscape"   because I have these bizarre dreams with strange landscapes and buildings and while painting this it started to look like a strange world with distorted trees, water and sky.  What do you see it it?

This painting was another one I started about 6 months ago or so, in the same way.  I began with an underpainting of soft red washes and slowly built it up with blues, oranges and greens.  I let the paint travel across the canvas , stopping where it would and then came back to it days later with a fresh pair of eyes.  Some of the negative spaces looked like words and symbols and I pulled these out with the paint and just continued to play with it until I was satisfied with it.  It was meant to be a fun spirited piece with a positive message.  Therapy??  You bet!

Having creative blocks is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to an artist.  I have been struggling  trying to find inspiration and find my mojo....I struggle with trying to be original , making a statement and remaining true to myself.  I work through these little crisis by just simply walking away from my paints or beads and pick up a book or go for a walk.  I drink a million cups of coffee and eat way too much chocolate, listen to my favourite songs, pluck my eyebrows, play with the dogs.... and when that doesn't work... red wine.  It is really a horrible feeling when I have this primal urge to paint and I go in my studio surround myself with all my delicious art supplies and then I sit... and stare at the canvas ... waiting.   I know it will come I know I have to be patient but it is oh so frustrating!!   Maybe that's why I put on the Viking hat... maybe I thought it would help?

Incredible Pencil Sharpener!!

Wish I knew the name of this artist!  Whoever he is , he has steady hands and very good eyes!!  Amazing.

Head In the Clouds

  Big sigh!  It's been forever since I've felt any inspiration or energy to paint and it's been putting me in a somber mood to say the least.  I thought today I would be the day.... and it kinda was.  I mean I didn't paint a masterpiece or anything but I managed to do a bit of art journaling .  My mind has been foggy and clouded lately and sometimes journaling helps with the creative block and so I brought out the water colours , markers and music... ( very important ) and began to put paint to paper.  It felt good to do one last  little scribble in 2011 even if was just something as simple as this ,  and maybe... just MAYBE... it will kick start my inner artist and wake her up!  Let's all hope it works or it's gonna get ugly!!  

  
  Maybe it was the clouds that brought this song to mind "Both Sides" by Joni Mitchell  but whatever it was I am loving this song more today than I ever did.

   ROWS and ***Flows*** of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care, don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
It's love's illusions I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way

Oh but now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they tell me that I've changed
Well something's lost but something's gained
In living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From WIN and LOSE and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

I've looked at life from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all

Happy New Year everyone !!  xo

bethquinndesigns: she is doing a giveaway ..

One of my fave jewelry designers, Beth Quinn, is having a giveaway.! Check out her gorgeous designs. She really inspires me and will do the same for you xo
bethquinndesigns: she is doing a giveaway ..: SO as a HUGE thank you to all my fans I am doing a giveaway over on my fan page on Facebook !!! I am so very thankful this holiday season ...

Dragon's Den Update "Evergreen Memories"

http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/episodes.html?ID=2172607400
What an amazing time we had when CBC came to Dryden to film my friend Margot's update at the greenhouse this past July!  Way to go Margot and Evergreen Memories!  I am so proud to be a part of this journey xox

Sketch Book Oldies....

Miss Michaela Ann Schmidt   xox
Sketched this from a photo I had taken of her while drying her off from a bath.  

Miss Michaela Ann Schmidt
sketched from a photo I took of her picking daisies xo

My Beautiful Niece Mia Cara xo
sketched from a photo taken by her Dad

Kyla and Laura  xo
A consignment piece sketched from a photo provided by their mother.  

Cameron Mark Schmidt xo
sketched from a photo I took of Cam after he built his own swing 

Consignment piece sketched from a photo provided by the family

   You've got your acrylics....your watercolours....your pastels in chalk and oil.... and you have your coloured pencils and crayons.   I love all of those mediums and have used them all over and over again, but I still think that using pencil or charcoal is the bones of any piece of art.  You need to learn to draw before you can paint.  Right??
   When I revisited  my old sketch books and looked over these sketches I drew in the '90's, I discovered that it's been waaayyyy to long since my last piece of art was done in pencil, and that I really miss the process.  The rough sketching, the blending, creating balance, colour, tone and value.... by just using one tool with various degrees of light and dark.  It's absolutely amazing the result you can achieve by using this simple tool.  I have decided to go back to the basics , sharpen up my pencils, grab my favourite blending stumps and eraser ( for highlights  not mistakes.... ) and open up a fresh page in my sketch book.  Who's with me ?
xox

New Addition xo

              Francesca Piccolina Notte Schmidt                   

Frankie kisses  xox

A big surprise for me from my hubby Mark.... omg was I surprised!!  Thank you Mark xox

Awww  Storm looks gigantic next to my little girl xo