Just Claying Around

I know I started this blog as a colored pencil artist. Then I was a painter, then a collager, a printer, etc. Now I'm a clayer. I think it's addictive.

This is what I've been doing with all my leisure time. It's fun!

The only problem is that each bead has to be hand sanded and polished, unless you want a matte finish. Some beads look great like that, but I think most need a little shine.

I want to suggest some blogs for you to look at where the work far exceeds what I'm doing here. Go to Gris Bleu to see some fantastic jewelry. Most of it is in French, but the pictures tell the story. Then, go to Jibby and Juna to see some really organic work. A Flickr site that could take days to explore is http://www.flickr.com/photos/8989180@N02/. And don't forget the best site of all, Polymer Clay Daily.

But...back to painting. My friend and I took a trip to Williamsburg in the spring so we could get photos to work from. We have challenged each other to start on one painting and get together next week to encourage each other. So tomorrow I'm going to begin that painting, a carriage driver and his horses. Please come back tomorrow to check on my progress.( I still have more beads in the oven.....)

New Acrylics

During the past week I've wanted to blog every day, but I was too frustrated with my slow progress. So today, after almost a week of work ( I spent the weekend in the hospital, but that's another story...I'm ok), I'm unveiling the painting that has soaked up so much time, and it still isn't quite finished.

When I started this, after letting the blueish background dry, these figures appeared so clearly. I had intended to paint a bird. This whole idea was one I had never thought of. It was very weird. I felt I had no choice but to go with the figures that had appeared to me. I've worked and overworked this, but I'm still not satisfied.

18x18

Acrylic

There is a growing pile of polymer clay and clay accessories on one of my tables in my studio. I've ordered a few books and absorbed them and I'm eager to get my hands on the clay. To really get the results I want will require lots of time, and that time will take away from my paintings. So when I have seven paintings I feel good about, I can direct my energies to the clay. That show in January looms, and I told my son I'd paint him something for Christmas. If you are not familiar with polymer clay and all the fantastic things artists are doing with it, check out Polymer Clay Daily. You'll be surprised.

When I need a break from the angel painting, I've been working on a few other things and the painting below is one of them. This is just the start of it. I envision lots of decorative marks on the ovals, also more color.

If I don't post before Thursday, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Even though our lives aren't perfect, and some of us may not agree with current political decisions, this is still a great country. I feel privileged to live here.