Lately, I am experiencing a bit of imposter syndrome. It is so easy to fall into a self critical slump, but as I was flipping through photos for this post I started to think I can slump, I need to keep going. I’m sure some of you can relate – my advice then is to take lots of pictures of your work as it unfolds so you can look back and see that you too just need to keep on creating! Or on the other hand as the art critic Jerry Saltz would say Finish the damn thing, you big baby. It will never be perfect.
Over the summer in an effort to better concentrate on my work, I immersed myself in workshops with a few artists I admire – Jane Monteith, Nicholas Wilton, and Louise Fletcher. * They’re great mentors and teachers!
Moving forward, I plan to keep practicing the new techniques I’ve learned about (love it). In addition to incorporating them into my work I will be creating new workshop content and expand it all into new market areas. Below are my works in progress – basically studies / tests. But hey one has to start somewhere. I hope they tickle your creativity and you’ll want to join me in a workshop.
Collage Papers and Resin
It was so much fun creating these collage papers with Jane Monteith in her Mixed Media Master Class and then arranging them into a classic rock pile (or feet lol) on a panel board. Every trick in the book was used to create these papers: alcohol ink, crackle, gel plate, masking fluid. . . I’m sure forgetting something. The blank paper used was canvas sheets, watercolor, and Yupo. Finished with Art Resin. What a fun process that makes it easy to get into the flow both figuratively and literally.
Cyanotype – Photographic Printing
I have a long way to go with this process. Love it though. Especially since I can get some exercise and vitamin D while I collect flora a fauna to print – can’t think of a better way to spend some time outside. I used to do cyanotypes with my sons when they were in elementary school and was happily reintroduced to the amazing process with Jane Monteith. I haven’t even begun to delve into the techniques, tips, and tricks she has taught me. Looking forward to exploring more tinting techniques. Collected some Fall leaves today and I hear that this weekend will be a bright and sunny fall day that’s perfect for making some UV prints.
Textures
Love, love, love texture!
I’m continuing to work on my Breadcrumbs and Spark book journal that I started in Nicholas Wilton’s Art2Life workshop. It is filled with texture, shapes, and color. Finally got to put to the test a Golden gel medium sample kit I’ve had hanging around. I didn’t create the painting below for my Spark book since it is on a panel board (and finished with cold wax). I’ve discovered that I don’t really like working on canvas, as much as I like the firmness of a wood. substrate. In any case, I plan on using these materials in my Spark book soon.
I could easily get addicted to the textures, especially the pumice gel. Experimenting with different brands of crackle that I learned about with Jane Monteith. The crackle products all have different properties, go figure, basically it depends on what size “cracks” you want. Try not to fall into the crevices – sounds like a joke, but the lines formed by the crackle are just so interesting!
*Jane Monteith, The Artist Entrepreneur; Nicholas Wilton Art2Life; Louise Fletcher Find Your Joy.