Day 23 Attitude

Attitude

Collage 6 X 6

While digging through my papers I came across one that I had made on a Geli Plate. I made a copy of it, not wanting to use up the original. It had this quote on it about attitude which is always a good reminder. Sometimes one must do an attitude check up and do some adjusting. I call myself Joyful Artist, not Grumpy Artist although some days the later would be more appropriate. Truthfully, I'm more joyful making art than when doing just about anything else. Like anything, it's a choice, any attitude is. 

Other papers used were painted tissue, altered magazine pages, packaging and printed papers; I also used acrylic and Inktense. 

Day 22 A Happy Place

Beach Palm

Collage 6 X 6

Whenever I need to get away either physically or mentally I go to "my happy place". It's usually a nice beach with a palm tree for a little shade, a gentle surf, and no crowds. Lucky for me I live a short ride from such a place except I'm likely to find it's not at all secluded, especially this time of year. It's OK, there's plenty of room for everyone. This collage is made from painted tissue and copy paper, the inside of a security envelope and acrylic paint and gloss medium. 

Day 21 Love Letters

Love Letters

Collage 6 X 6

It's getting to be that time of year again when I start thinking of Valentines to design. Of course they've been in the stores since the end of Christmas but that's not me. This one is different with the black lacy heart, but black lace is supposed to be sexy isn't it? I found an old letter from a friend that had in it, "I wept through the whole thing," It made me think of watching my grown children getting married. I can't say I wept but I may have brushed away a tear or two. The rest of the papers are from printed material. Everything is sealed with gloss medium and on a #140 substrate. 

Day 20 Breathe

Breathe

Collage 6 X 6

January is 2/3 finished and so am I! Only 10 more to go, I still have ideas and paper so I will forge ahead. In the meantime I have to remember to breathe! Stop and take a big breath, stretch and remember to have fun. Even when you love what you're doing you can tense up and forget to fly. Two butterflies are encased, one is flying free. Fly free and enjoy your day.

Day 19 Strata

Strata

Collage 6 X 6

This is another piece with a calm color scheme. It still has the hand painted copy paper and the altered magazine pages like yesterday's collage but this one also has a piece of painted and stamped tissue in the middle which gives it the translucent look. I added the blue-green stamping for more interest. As always with my collages everything is coated with gloss medium before it is heat fused to the 140# substrate. Acrylic is added to the torn edges and then the piece is sealed with more gloss medium. When it has had time to cure I will coat it with acrylic UV varnish. It can be mounted on a wood or canvas panel or matted and framed. 

Day 18 Organic

Organic

Collage 6 X 6

This collage is made with hand painted copier paper and altered magazine pages. I like the quiet neutral background of the hand painted paper and the organic shapes and patterns in the altered papers. I also like the contrast between the sharp cut edges and the fluid torn edges. I think this is going to be one of my favorites. 

Day 17 Under Construction

Under Construction

Collage, 6 X 6

While driving down the street close to my home I looked over at a building being constructed. The grey cinder block and scaffolding made a grid pattern with a cloudy grey background. The workers all over the building were wearing bright neon green or orange shirts. It was quite a contrast to the dull background. I thought I'd try to make a collage using that idea. I found I was rather limited in my selection of neon green but these book pages were close. It was one of those times when you say, "Why don't I have my camera with me?" But, maybe it's better to go with your imagination and memory.