tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46348461642098339232024-02-14T15:55:29.394-05:0062 CanvasesMy Journey into the World of Paint Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-83178642957808854822022-03-12T16:40:00.001-05:002022-03-12T16:41:21.450-05:00Week 4: #100daysoftags<p> <span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">Week 4! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf8jf2nRLh2Nkz8bYVMyccrGONJlTb_5BUyHfFxaG1FRaDMi-gmPGXesaAQYdhuR-ONPkqqwzetUd_Pez_q9pII7nPZM5fYyc156sS9Mtbj283sXUgsaIJok2RcaL1Eojbc1dIkNDZNeDtaRcjqpX5Sds0jD80i1OTgXpcrDhGcPx45C2LOOc5xjU=s8067" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5823" data-original-width="8067" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgf8jf2nRLh2Nkz8bYVMyccrGONJlTb_5BUyHfFxaG1FRaDMi-gmPGXesaAQYdhuR-ONPkqqwzetUd_Pez_q9pII7nPZM5fYyc156sS9Mtbj283sXUgsaIJok2RcaL1Eojbc1dIkNDZNeDtaRcjqpX5Sds0jD80i1OTgXpcrDhGcPx45C2LOOc5xjU=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_PDXFT6_5BXXU1UcM6-w4yMn6d3CiybRXmtcTkIgCRQXRgiItCoe1MmD8nPqH04FQ58LK4TSiPiWo8M-9myWh0KS-TvAh4XQ1KLxqUawx6dpRwzvnHQV8L7L-CJ1HDx7Y2rjfh2QhWPvSpCtw4xDZ96CaZaMvGznkonYSeaJ0wTziPHSQzBh7X9M=s8379" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8379" data-original-width="5904" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_PDXFT6_5BXXU1UcM6-w4yMn6d3CiybRXmtcTkIgCRQXRgiItCoe1MmD8nPqH04FQ58LK4TSiPiWo8M-9myWh0KS-TvAh4XQ1KLxqUawx6dpRwzvnHQV8L7L-CJ1HDx7Y2rjfh2QhWPvSpCtw4xDZ96CaZaMvGznkonYSeaJ0wTziPHSQzBh7X9M=s320" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4yAu6JK83ZtF6aVrHtfEcoYxW4yz0JB3WQHOxo2rlaqiU3HRgsjv5Wfg3BEE7NZ8iVs6UQtw3XH5ezOwZdjDBx9jVfPHOaqAaLpNfC2_SwMhno24AmnUWEH-ZtuK-DVpLYm_LhB0MKHFQ6piR9MA_TcKXdJZBUMDXOF7sUcFUThbYYcsZxSXWFKM=s6232" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3308" data-original-width="6232" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4yAu6JK83ZtF6aVrHtfEcoYxW4yz0JB3WQHOxo2rlaqiU3HRgsjv5Wfg3BEE7NZ8iVs6UQtw3XH5ezOwZdjDBx9jVfPHOaqAaLpNfC2_SwMhno24AmnUWEH-ZtuK-DVpLYm_LhB0MKHFQ6piR9MA_TcKXdJZBUMDXOF7sUcFUThbYYcsZxSXWFKM=w400-h213" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhUCGsskPV5gHKbh8MUY6ZjPpEoilyhnYUp3H6lP6JC69jHIPetqXySz36QOcl2JOqAApNx7ixnYtSRnACHwX1Ovqvoj7pMFuUdOt8wIcy1wB-oMcGWf4QTI7SouDiLodgsvkiNMfhghMoZyYG_E0P1zZ3dAq7ddAOlT5DohjML1GJf5pVlDo0xwE=s7978" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7978" data-original-width="3849" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhUCGsskPV5gHKbh8MUY6ZjPpEoilyhnYUp3H6lP6JC69jHIPetqXySz36QOcl2JOqAApNx7ixnYtSRnACHwX1Ovqvoj7pMFuUdOt8wIcy1wB-oMcGWf4QTI7SouDiLodgsvkiNMfhghMoZyYG_E0P1zZ3dAq7ddAOlT5DohjML1GJf5pVlDo0xwE=w193-h400" width="193" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJuBUoOufr8dMlUoRZNvqjNhawnZfXjuJVp18mqqnHJ5KxlmUrVSIdglHeV1ilnw-htRe8S5U44vwrY_qbQPiIDFlRfyXtlhodYjs4ZU_IxWgdvfsqEs-oRw2H3LJVzffIYebCUdUwwp4lJZXYUyqroEap5flIk86ead9nGzKX8LWFcL6zdVwAcoY=s6505" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6505" data-original-width="4883" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJuBUoOufr8dMlUoRZNvqjNhawnZfXjuJVp18mqqnHJ5KxlmUrVSIdglHeV1ilnw-htRe8S5U44vwrY_qbQPiIDFlRfyXtlhodYjs4ZU_IxWgdvfsqEs-oRw2H3LJVzffIYebCUdUwwp4lJZXYUyqroEap5flIk86ead9nGzKX8LWFcL6zdVwAcoY=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiolQR7b3U5ha9gJZcppbP66116YmXu4lEhqDvmPMt0UR9UmKpBUcVBngahyHr5BB1xcZvARTbINsmnFyMtaQ-RttHQIQvdsQXYJkjvlLzyN-o6O2K2ndQh8A9Yapwzqec_R0VNALj_46IrjkHuJJ1j5C3kSaoA9D5zbXSkp9kgiRvX3CoeexghKwQ=s7451" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="7451" data-original-width="3262" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiolQR7b3U5ha9gJZcppbP66116YmXu4lEhqDvmPMt0UR9UmKpBUcVBngahyHr5BB1xcZvARTbINsmnFyMtaQ-RttHQIQvdsQXYJkjvlLzyN-o6O2K2ndQh8A9Yapwzqec_R0VNALj_46IrjkHuJJ1j5C3kSaoA9D5zbXSkp9kgiRvX3CoeexghKwQ=w175-h400" width="175" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Lots of yumminess this week, incorporating bits of papers that normally would be thrown away and dollar store finds into my collaged tags. I have also ventured further into the realm of clothing tags to create an interesting "Book of Love." A paper napkin, a total bear to adhere to the tag without tearing, made a beautiful flowering oriental tree tag, offset with a smudge of vine leaf charcoal and some tan acrylic paint applied with intentionally visible strokes. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Be still" has to be one of my favorite creations of the week. A gesso square on the tag became the background for quiet colors encouraging the motto's directive. I had fun incorporating some woolen threads with a beer bottle cap I found on the sidewalk onto the round tag. Many different collage elements found their way into "Little Things": tissue box cardboard, a colored pony from a children's book, gelli print scraps, text, and a ticket.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My final piece for the week used a folded clothing tag wrapped completely in text and layered with several elements on the front fold. Inside, a Stabilo drawn flower with contrasting stripes of paint to bring it to life. Here I also used some Washi tape for the bird and the base, visible when the cover is closed.<br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZko0CT2QSbE0EDNsrwqm_BRaLd8JYH-8_yjhrJLB6IK1NvEWBkMc2do-Qn_u5Cz3Tg-EVi2vdRcU3v5Tqw7PdqiQ-FXCSYQNhDGK0vYYi2xySphhidZNssTrLrPYnCUedpwdP2Zdoyg-99nEG8BTfxsWTeCisaZFUb7gwYnryw3WYejYBHUWu-0U=s6232" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjv7T2Upw0F7A65HA5ZGjR4ccezgqG4DI9CzUcpClnWr55mkiUg_2B7aWL8SEZhXiJc3hGRwDN6NBnhRoBlnzTx3FIJuIr7Knm74ktYwCiNB6Q3zJO0D6C_IF9i6GT9Fh1qH7cshbrkZ26RBxUhZLa-lgkzffkGRaiEURVFm-0yDqI8za4gZZBis1k=s6232" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-83939480701561958742022-03-06T18:11:00.002-05:002022-03-06T18:12:42.999-05:00Week 3: #100daysoftags<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fKFs3IJINR-0Q6WKadiM990l1HNmjYM91SRAiBT9UhI-X5hwVXdCC0dFytDIf0xEAhXf2EKmkM6C_wRpzKnSeolqNFFG_0w1UDl5tRKnCTzkUxEOoPHwaD30xIKX49y1X7nig8svWvfnQng6avMV9dO4fDHn03rkKuhro4VssRRz1-T1pV2JOxo" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6981" data-original-width="6428" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0fKFs3IJINR-0Q6WKadiM990l1HNmjYM91SRAiBT9UhI-X5hwVXdCC0dFytDIf0xEAhXf2EKmkM6C_wRpzKnSeolqNFFG_0w1UDl5tRKnCTzkUxEOoPHwaD30xIKX49y1X7nig8svWvfnQng6avMV9dO4fDHn03rkKuhro4VssRRz1-T1pV2JOxo=w369-h400" width="369" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYu5eBDmRidCkkMJKRap2ET0PRWgOgxpYqP7WFimDrrZY6ipzm9QuXkYy3lKLBGaVLT1mo6qSodjbWwYf_DLqW5y4AaSlFXdfGMhOUs7SC54Xhxl1ZSCu_hXEkGjHuIzDjAvcABIxRri-Soqh05vEbSQCyLuG0i4tGrAftCYkd5IzuRibgy-S5OQ=s6783" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5505" data-original-width="6783" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYu5eBDmRidCkkMJKRap2ET0PRWgOgxpYqP7WFimDrrZY6ipzm9QuXkYy3lKLBGaVLT1mo6qSodjbWwYf_DLqW5y4AaSlFXdfGMhOUs7SC54Xhxl1ZSCu_hXEkGjHuIzDjAvcABIxRri-Soqh05vEbSQCyLuG0i4tGrAftCYkd5IzuRibgy-S5OQ=w400-h325" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here we are into week 3 of the 100 Days Project and my #100days of tags, and I have been having a blast. So much so, that I wish I had selected a larger substrate for creating, but then that might have jeopardized my completion rate. As it is, yes, I am sometimes cheating by catching up a day or two. Life is just busy! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, as you can see, I have been doing a little experimenting. On Day 15, I played with splatters, molding paste and gelattos. On Day 16, I had a visual of God mending my broken heart. I wanted to actually sew it together, hence the black Posca pen mimicking the stitches, but I really like the staples! Day 17, I decorated a simple flower motif with some glittery glue. Day 18 is my multi-colored abstract. On Day 19, I searched for a different kind of tag out of my stash bag, a clothing tag, and thought a lot about Matisse as I lovingly applied saffron acrylic to that long, thin tag. After it dried, I painted dots in Indigo, covered them with black Posca and decorated with yellow Posca. Still thinking about Matisse (and reflecting on a study of Matisse taught by Jeanne Oliver), I created the red and white flowers on a black gesso background on Day 20. And finally, on Day 21, a bit of ombre background behind the stencils, with red acrylic for a pop of color and a message to "imagine what the future holds." </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are you creating regularly? I encourage you to play as often as you are able. You might just find you enjoy it.</span></div></div><br /> <p></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-17414613279065559322022-02-27T15:40:00.001-05:002022-02-27T15:40:05.809-05:00Week 2: #100daysoftags<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cjl8H_g21q-ElAAgoD4AtF-FvKy1MFIYRMLbDLZnFkym3Ldds5HvyLTA8AdjBPFqyaspVhYvALroYICAA-VaaukEZUriwk7mdH4Gp7cn5n1_e9CDhoma2GeTYBLnV0_Tc4YPJlGbwSEZsYFxZFrHDuDdCshRSyYOfVIzYqlXUP1ha4oSk1gkZHk=s6062" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6060" data-original-width="6062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cjl8H_g21q-ElAAgoD4AtF-FvKy1MFIYRMLbDLZnFkym3Ldds5HvyLTA8AdjBPFqyaspVhYvALroYICAA-VaaukEZUriwk7mdH4Gp7cn5n1_e9CDhoma2GeTYBLnV0_Tc4YPJlGbwSEZsYFxZFrHDuDdCshRSyYOfVIzYqlXUP1ha4oSk1gkZHk=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Week 2, #100daysproject</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieHwEFntRLuDlnRhHekFTYU5ZllnSaDBV-8XI2-peiy1P_T1349QXLAYNLPCjP3b_Mib34AmPNGJBqPek7hhEqP95Ior6YdiHOfjsHxOgHBRiOkVY0nYY_pQE0e2H1AHy_eIR_KTnui_0NovEwCTLj7XJstyb_-UnpIb4PuPipqZpBteSmTlJgE5Y=s8967" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8967" data-original-width="4587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieHwEFntRLuDlnRhHekFTYU5ZllnSaDBV-8XI2-peiy1P_T1349QXLAYNLPCjP3b_Mib34AmPNGJBqPek7hhEqP95Ior6YdiHOfjsHxOgHBRiOkVY0nYY_pQE0e2H1AHy_eIR_KTnui_0NovEwCTLj7XJstyb_-UnpIb4PuPipqZpBteSmTlJgE5Y=s320" width="164" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday ended Week 2 of #100dayschallenge and my #100daysoftags. I decided I would use some of the exploratory concepts being presented in Wanderlust 2022 for my tags. The first two tags were inspired by Jeanne Oliver's lesson using charcoal and gesso. The ideas were not new to me, but it had been so long ago that I had played with them that I found a kind of childlike wonder all over again. The first was a botanical drawing using chunky Derwent charcoal, activated with water, followed by adding highlights with white gesso. The second tag was a reminder that there is simple beauty in using staples not only to adhere layers to a tag, but also as a form of mark-making. Both were very satisfying activities. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Day 10 involved collage using torn scraps (yes, this is the hoarder's heaven) from magazines, water-stained handwritten recipes, teabags, and other ephemera, which I entitled "beneath the golden sky." Days 11 and 12 were more collage. on Day 13 I decided to play with acrylic paints. And I ended the week with a round tag where I played with Conte crayons (new product for me.) While they felt and acted like pastels, a quick Google search revealed they are somewhat waxier than pastels and therefore less "dusty" and somewhat more controllable. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What materials have you been playing with this past week? I'd love if you respond in the comments below. Can't wait to see what this week will bring.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9zwVu4vDpPoZwNH3ZrY0KgTZWzZM19n7usW7QL12UzdzgsJVN0lQ8SFHxwAxU42J-VIeWa3nVgQZRJdU8moJNKGNuuOARtGT4WN8uAd8mej6qdrGz0S61HWM0rQv6nIXHaZXqbJbHq9n0V6c8zke95iWsv_VgmgNgevRa_09p4l24Nu9vYQBce_g=s6169" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5810" data-original-width="6169" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9zwVu4vDpPoZwNH3ZrY0KgTZWzZM19n7usW7QL12UzdzgsJVN0lQ8SFHxwAxU42J-VIeWa3nVgQZRJdU8moJNKGNuuOARtGT4WN8uAd8mej6qdrGz0S61HWM0rQv6nIXHaZXqbJbHq9n0V6c8zke95iWsv_VgmgNgevRa_09p4l24Nu9vYQBce_g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTmisrL7eaOcjUxkzQ_1Yi3cgNR0ZEFW8X3n1I2NSkb-CjC1_pv_AvmyCHQOxoRDAB2tgDvPjpbba_oQqtqUI5EJVB3JDBAAnveqEIe0ZOTyjbCgAbpfidz_8vmM515CZ2Rs230s3yi8dQe0jPHzWqZijLEDZBcJScmjmSsTL6Pfhx3K4zBJ_310g=s6353" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6353" data-original-width="6340" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTmisrL7eaOcjUxkzQ_1Yi3cgNR0ZEFW8X3n1I2NSkb-CjC1_pv_AvmyCHQOxoRDAB2tgDvPjpbba_oQqtqUI5EJVB3JDBAAnveqEIe0ZOTyjbCgAbpfidz_8vmM515CZ2Rs230s3yi8dQe0jPHzWqZijLEDZBcJScmjmSsTL6Pfhx3K4zBJ_310g=s320" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-45448172689888992282022-02-19T12:56:00.000-05:002022-02-19T12:56:20.050-05:00#100dayschallenge<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggok1szpVjg1FoPQ6pSt1AcEODqFDBQwnLIisko-J606NSZ2basZytLjtYQ9ntHxJ75izvoIp2vb7MWadDyS2sP2bxet1R2WfTKwVHuobN88DhobxUD-6C9EGTZcCE6Gp0rsFCw2vfiVwYIE5x3eAU186Ndi0kdo0bFu5nOcM8eDugrgs301VueMc" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="6781" data-original-width="8379" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggok1szpVjg1FoPQ6pSt1AcEODqFDBQwnLIisko-J606NSZ2basZytLjtYQ9ntHxJ75izvoIp2vb7MWadDyS2sP2bxet1R2WfTKwVHuobN88DhobxUD-6C9EGTZcCE6Gp0rsFCw2vfiVwYIE5x3eAU186Ndi0kdo0bFu5nOcM8eDugrgs301VueMc=w400-h323" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have been toying with the idea of joining the #100dayschallenge, and last Saturday I decided what I would like to do for those 100 days. I wanted to keep my idea rather generic so that I didn't get stumped on something either too difficult to complete or so specific that I might run out of ideas, so I decided upon #100daysoftags. I could pick the size, shape, and color: check. In addition, tags are generally small enough so that I could keep my daily creativity within the 5-10 minute range, especially good for the three days each week that I spend with my granddaughter (almost 13 months and busy, busy, busy!). Mostly each day represents some aspect of either my day or my mood. I don't expect each one to be a masterpiece, but just being able to touch and work with my art supplies every single day is bliss enough for me. Also, I am relearning what I like to do and what I won't bother with again. My favorite medium? Why, acrylics, of course; though second best is collage. You will likely see a lot more of both. It's never too late for you to join: no one said you had to follow the start date in order to participate...your 100 days could even take all year if it had to! I plan to see you regularly with my weekly posting.</span><p></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-62235664186285914262022-02-14T13:40:00.004-05:002022-02-14T13:40:47.049-05:00Valentine's Love<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTR7XDr6IZkcYNtNrM73aXxL23k3z94p8yAEp_b7M5H8bNvF-Ny-zWdW_7VY1XWPzc5byXS59rutfTwtBZjRYQPZMgGrNfHnY7iZnjZjsqmJ7rzEawjwgpAYXzPZKqIjFmu19l4uZrsrpdkcg89QSp1ICTlPGSorCbHFiyzi5EwHQzQvguqEX11so=s2701" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2613" data-original-width="2701" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTR7XDr6IZkcYNtNrM73aXxL23k3z94p8yAEp_b7M5H8bNvF-Ny-zWdW_7VY1XWPzc5byXS59rutfTwtBZjRYQPZMgGrNfHnY7iZnjZjsqmJ7rzEawjwgpAYXzPZKqIjFmu19l4uZrsrpdkcg89QSp1ICTlPGSorCbHFiyzi5EwHQzQvguqEX11so=w328-h309" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Happy Day of Love! Even if you don't have that "significant other" to spend your day with, please know that loving yourself...and loving yourself well...is probably even more nourishing than loving another. This piece was created a few years ago, based upon Laly Mille's "Wholehearted" lesson. I totally love this lesson because it begins with an underlayer of self-love affirmations written on scraps of paper that are glued to the canvas. Important stuff, that underlayer. Laly only incorporates one collaged heart, but as I worked through a series of these paintings, I began incorporating at least two, and sometimes one with other figures. The juiciest part: writing over the background with a poetic snippet, your own words, lyrics to a song, whatever speaks loudest to you. This one is from a poem and perfectly expresses the self-love required in a case of unrequited love: "I confess, I loved you more than I let on, but you weren't ready for it and I wasn't going to pour myself into hands that couldn't hold me." I'm not really sure who penned these words, but thank you for letting us know it is okay to take care of our hearts. That being said, I love you all.</span></div><br /><p></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-69148175459453179202022-02-08T15:17:00.002-05:002022-02-08T15:17:28.853-05:00Watered Down Black & White Gesso<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhggCfkmwZrdxY7-3pC7K0gGc6H6Nm5jaKMSQg3lfkkBv7cbfFQ8QSnuXe3gAFr_DDIaau9OFZhVf7B_EilMivqL3z8qfxsV7VlZpAhQrBYBAYc1ZUeT_na8EqA5jdwGP_Az-ecEtHuvJnIuBvy8mKVRToUAcINIHpHybqGloyMLgvuaTa5HQUhGXY=s8182" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4162" data-original-width="8182" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhggCfkmwZrdxY7-3pC7K0gGc6H6Nm5jaKMSQg3lfkkBv7cbfFQ8QSnuXe3gAFr_DDIaau9OFZhVf7B_EilMivqL3z8qfxsV7VlZpAhQrBYBAYc1ZUeT_na8EqA5jdwGP_Az-ecEtHuvJnIuBvy8mKVRToUAcINIHpHybqGloyMLgvuaTa5HQUhGXY=w400-h204" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A new lesson from Wanderlust 2022 from artist Soraya Nulliah. The idea was to use watered down black gesso and also watered down white gesso to create contrast and to push back a vibrant background. I used a self-created stencil, keeping my unmuted background marks within the confines of the figure. An envelope window, adorned with washi tape, also gives a peek into the background. Additional stencils and washi tape completed the spread.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't think I have ever used the watered down black gesso before. I feel like I should have used more water so that more of my background shows through. I love the foggy atmosphere the watered down white gesso provides. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The inspiration for this particular take on the lesson was a quote from Song of Solomon, chapter 2, verses 9 and 10, which are quoted in the spread on the left: "He is standing behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is gazing through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me, "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away." Will I be roused by the words of my lover and step out into the early morning fog to accompany him? I think so!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">#Wanderlust 2022</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">#Soraya Nulliah</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-44642418198284934132022-01-10T14:21:00.000-05:002022-01-10T14:21:00.954-05:00My best friend: Mom<p style="height: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8fVwNYCX-oXB44YhLTOkrpqzErXHqL1vLgqZBCAhH6m8dgw5E07eQaioo82YGuFyKVhM36_Th0TnxOSPyin28IHJG0OBU3ErcP4dlI7rg_Wqb0cA8UTL4de3sNQ9KJ4NjDuASFvFylcNS4fzbYU4q1qx7yNce6uE6RoR0w7WBmq9fWNOEOuHbR4=s8000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="5346" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc8fVwNYCX-oXB44YhLTOkrpqzErXHqL1vLgqZBCAhH6m8dgw5E07eQaioo82YGuFyKVhM36_Th0TnxOSPyin28IHJG0OBU3ErcP4dlI7rg_Wqb0cA8UTL4de3sNQ9KJ4NjDuASFvFylcNS4fzbYU4q1qx7yNce6uE6RoR0w7WBmq9fWNOEOuHbR4=s320" width="214" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">How did so much time go by since my last post? Well, I guess two years of pandemic explains some of it, but not all of it. So many changes: I have retired, taken classes for certification as an Art4Healing facilitator, ordination as a deaconess at church, Ministry training school, starting my own art business, reading up a storm, becoming a grandmother and subsequent 3 day a week commitment for her care. Yes, I have been busy! But things have settled (more or less) into a routine and I would like to continue posting to show growth and just to have a platform from which to talk to the rest of the world. I HAVE been creating along the way, but not nearly enough. I plan to remedy that this year. That being said, I would love to share with you this week's creation, based on Kasia Avery's first lesson in Wanderlust 2022, where she explores the use of clear gesso to build layers over a printed photograph. While this is not a new technique by any means, it was a great reminder of how useful a tool clear gesso can be to a mixed media artist. My word of the year -- free -- is embedded in my journal page. Mom is free from all the drudgeries of this physical life and now resides in a much better place. Though she passed many years ago now, she infuses all aspects of my life today. I love that you are still my best friend, Mom.<br /></span><p></p><p style="height: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="height: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="height: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="height: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="height: 0px;"><br /></p>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-50269060536860511612019-01-26T18:20:00.000-05:002019-01-26T18:20:22.733-05:00Getting into Gouache<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just finished a lesson presented by Toni Burt as part of Olga Furman's Paint Your Heart and Soul 2019. This was the second time I broke out my set of gouache paints since I bought them. I love how these paints work like watercolors (still in the beginning stage with this medium) yet have greater opacity, somewhere between watercolors and acrylics. There was a great lesson on mixing earthy colors (flesh and other tones).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The picture was created over a collaged background using sheet music adhered and sealed with matte gel. The face and features were lightly sketched with Cretacolor graphite pencil prior to painting. Gouche was built up in several layers (burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, white). Wings courtesy of our oak tree.</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-1220562279870375242019-01-08T05:30:00.000-05:002019-01-08T05:30:01.060-05:00Watercolor-Based Mixed Media<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure if you have ever heard of <a href="https://www.wyanne.com/" target="_blank">Wyanne Thompson</a>, but she is without a doubt one of the bravest women I have ever encountered. She is a renowned watercolor artist who battled oral cancer and has come out victorious. What an inspiration she is, continuing to teach and create through all her struggles! The image below is my take on her lesson "I Am Free" (Lesson 12 of Effy Wild's Radiant II: Art Journals).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Media used here: watercolor (several brands and types), masking fluid, pastels, and gel pens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My was my first attempt at using masking fluid for both writing and drawing. I can see many applications available with this product, though I didn't have much success using it later with acrylic paints. (I think the paints were not dry enough when I attempted to remove the masking fluid; a lot of the paper beneath tore. That was not a happy experience, but I am committed to try again with the acrylics to determine the exact cause of the near disaster.) </span></div>
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-54168711055640229392019-01-01T09:12:00.000-05:002019-01-01T09:12:10.424-05:00Stepping Into 2019<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so glad to be back! 2019 is going to be one of my best art years ever. I was sidetracked for about a year by an auto-immune illness brought on by an antibiotic I took and the death of my mother-in-law, but I am back. And, boy, does it feel good. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I barely created during 2018, but took an Advent calendar challenge through <b>Wanderlust</b> with Kasia Avery that got me back into my journal in December. Then I discovered I had purchased Effy Wild's <b>Radiant II: Art Journals</b> and never started the course, so I spent the latter part of December discovering Effy's technique for how to get the most out of an art class. I have to tell you that even though it adds a lot of time, the opportunity to be self-reflective and document what I learned through the process is exciting and oh, so beneficial. I have even devised my own notebook for the class, which is something I intend to do with all the classes I take from this point forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below you will find my New Year's Eve creation, setting my intentions for 2019 to draw closer, go deeper, and move into higher spiritual realms this year. I hope all my art will reflect this desire.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I also decided that after 2 years as a Wanderlust student I was going to delve into different waters. I am eagerly awaiting my first lesson (tomorrow is the day) from Olga Furman's <b>Paint Your Heart and Soul</b>. It was difficult to cut the umbilical cord with Wanderlust (and who knows, I may return one day), but I am ready to launch out into deeper artistic waters, fully developing my style. Hope to see you around with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much love, joy, and health to you and yours this 2019!</span></div>
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-41493967142111811082018-06-28T16:43:00.000-04:002018-06-28T16:43:32.963-04:00Me, the Warrior<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yea, I said that. Times have been interesting lately. I haven't really had time to create, but I pretty much spent the day doing spiritual warfare and it ended up in a great journal spread. Isn't it funny how evil can use the people you love most to attempt to trip you up just when you are on the verge of moving into a new realm? You can't be mad at the those who don't even know they are being used; all you can do is love them. But you can engage in warfare, fighting for their understanding and your sanity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The scripture from Philippians 4:8 & 9 was my revelatory turning point: "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." See, I was focusing on what I had heard the day prior, not on what I know. Error. Faulty thinking can lead you down a rabbit hole from which there is no escape. So, I decided that I would focus instead on all the good things, taking all those negative thoughts captive. Definitely a better plan. If you've got that inner critic (or an outer, real critic) whispering a boatload of junk in your mind, silence it with truth. Fight for what you love.</span></div>
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-43594759784606454042018-06-11T19:15:00.001-04:002018-06-11T19:16:14.722-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hello all! Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted. So much going on and much of it not uplifting, so I thought I would share the #womanunleashed online retreat with you. I'm already signed up and can't wait for the workshops to start on June 21 (right around the corner). Hope you will join me for this free online retreat and find something to satisfy and uplift your soul. Please feel free to sign up at <a href="http://www.womanunleashed.com/">www.womanunleashed.com</a>.</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-14931689286546679352018-03-25T14:10:00.000-04:002018-03-25T14:10:16.525-04:00Fractured Portrait<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, yeah, I can't seem to control myself. I also signed up for Dirty Footprint Studio's <i>21 Secrets: Tools & Techniques. </i>(As if I don't have enough art inspiration in my life already!) This is an older class, but I previously participated in <i>Color, Color, Color </i>and had a wonderful time, so I figured what the heck. I immediately jumped into Galia Alena's lesson "Fractured Portraits" and decided I would like to give this a try. After some doodling that I didn't like, I decided to paint over one of the photos. This provided an interesting contrast to to the whole pieced photo idea and I really like how it took my piece beyond the lesson provided.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Materials used: printed photos, Stabilo all pencil (water-activated), acrylic craft paints, Pitt pens, Posca pen.</span></div>
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-5042715146634236892018-03-23T15:18:00.000-04:002018-03-23T15:18:26.050-04:00Raven King<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My brother-in-law was kind enough to purchase the #ArtBundlesforGood package as my Christmas gift. I immediately jumped into Effy Wild's Mixed Tape 1, where I did a lot of Bootcamp work. I have finally finished that section and have found some time to jump into the Mixed Tape Lessons. I love how Effy paints to music, but she doesn't encumber her students by requiring they do the same. Basically, we are instructed to use whatever inspiration we have, be it music or novels or scenery. I found inspiration for Lesson 1 in a young adult novel entitled "An Enchantment of Ravens," a scrumptious tale about humans interacting with the fairy world. My inspiration was the Prince of Autumn. The heroine barters protection from unseen dangers for the portrait she paints of him. While my rendering is not 100% accurate, again, it was my inspiration for this spread. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr1NaWRGfkbtnQ_Xj0sERr_7nXNHfjaFKdEDmWxiG65SledtObrT5dr1rML_7P1HcpVYE-KGt0OOmUkpJ6GhdLy53aOHmDxUL2RVwBNgHI96ZYQZ_PfEjQqqwCIbbF5mDlKPTq5E2gV0/s1600/RavenKing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1600" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr1NaWRGfkbtnQ_Xj0sERr_7nXNHfjaFKdEDmWxiG65SledtObrT5dr1rML_7P1HcpVYE-KGt0OOmUkpJ6GhdLy53aOHmDxUL2RVwBNgHI96ZYQZ_PfEjQqqwCIbbF5mDlKPTq5E2gV0/s640/RavenKing.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The writing reads: "1 raven for uncertain peril."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stencils, fluid acrylics, acrylics, and white gel pen.</span></div>
Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-13937668355803978742018-03-22T08:31:00.000-04:002018-03-23T15:19:58.941-04:00Layered Watercolors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bjTrhgVTYJWNGntSW_f6yV4lFP3ua-sOuuwhwqevXQTG_TpA-GMpB3ANcGRfhpbl3scLNPeLIOBwCaZWDpKVQePYyarbznFQ8w_cg1DTw1SOFZU1PclmZ7JRnpGLbZPQwZT1WmsPIUE/s1600/3sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bjTrhgVTYJWNGntSW_f6yV4lFP3ua-sOuuwhwqevXQTG_TpA-GMpB3ANcGRfhpbl3scLNPeLIOBwCaZWDpKVQePYyarbznFQ8w_cg1DTw1SOFZU1PclmZ7JRnpGLbZPQwZT1WmsPIUE/s640/3sisters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Three Sisters</div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Okay, you're probably thinking I haven't been making any art, which is not true, though I must say I have had less time lately than earlier this year. Lots of stuff going on with family, including my own bout with the flu/bronchitis that lasted waaaaaay tooooo loooong, but I am up and moving again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Just wanted to share a new technique I was using this week of layered watercolors, presented by Marlene Meijer-van Niekerk as last Friday's lesson for #Wanderlust 2018. Amazing way to play. I was able to use so many different media: watercolors, stamps, colored pencils, washi tape, paint pens, ballpoint pen, and china marker resist. This is the busiest any of my pieces has ever been and I really enjoyed the process. Hope you enjoy the results as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One thing to correct/do differently: more definition on the facial expressions.</span></div>
<br />Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-66538952005304582722018-01-27T17:30:00.000-05:002018-01-27T17:30:56.341-05:00JanuARTy<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sheesh, have I been so busy making art that I have forgotten to post? Unbelievable! The year started out with a bang with Wanderlust 2018 and Art Bundles for Good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Needless to say, the first thing I chose from Art Bundles was Mixed Tape 1 & 2 from Effy Wild. Her request was to start with Bootcamp, so, naturally, I did. I am now getting fairly adept at quickly putting together a handmade journal, where I began experimenting with my products (all part of Effy's lessons). To take a break I peaked in on a lesson called "Tea with the Muse" from Shiloh Sophia and created the interesting piece below (acrylics with gel pens and waterproof brushes).</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6M8Ogx6PQRYaydVqx68zxFjPgN5ebHLFdqeCKD_Ee7nNedcd8lcRgUIDiOw-g-ir-D4kxw77o64N8rqKqSRDDbAXJB4_rI8Cv2quAe1tST8w_11qTQ43P_hRwPHOZmSNYt2LFWZEIhk/s1600/20180127_165957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6M8Ogx6PQRYaydVqx68zxFjPgN5ebHLFdqeCKD_Ee7nNedcd8lcRgUIDiOw-g-ir-D4kxw77o64N8rqKqSRDDbAXJB4_rI8Cv2quAe1tST8w_11qTQ43P_hRwPHOZmSNYt2LFWZEIhk/s320/20180127_165957.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wanderlust 2018 has had me on a journey with the theme "Paths and Roads". My 3 creations are below (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Path to Love, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mandala Bloom, and Lifeline).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujQ-Q_bRzBPfnUA3ds_nt4N0qKh2Y6N7CoizLiMSVqW5E17m9WOC2EhLhK6VmjVl9iLOiuPDhyphenhyphenDqifpFNBkZweA0yBOuwF5b6aagCqdJUbHXgc6eZrLI5QFwQogoyEx3fsB0NwajokOE/s1600/path+to+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujQ-Q_bRzBPfnUA3ds_nt4N0qKh2Y6N7CoizLiMSVqW5E17m9WOC2EhLhK6VmjVl9iLOiuPDhyphenhyphenDqifpFNBkZweA0yBOuwF5b6aagCqdJUbHXgc6eZrLI5QFwQogoyEx3fsB0NwajokOE/s320/path+to+love.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM5_BtWoN9QJvfHzGcTMlf5plHqMgeux45Yv_FSn-lPyWISUAQ4uW9sKYks_T_y1CyAN4bfcRza6pmJ7RDRMYINKaOMwZwsXS9hg6kpkzw7sZ39Vf4Z3SUTKCwujbl2GXmrGr7IXh19I/s1600/Lesson+4+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM5_BtWoN9QJvfHzGcTMlf5plHqMgeux45Yv_FSn-lPyWISUAQ4uW9sKYks_T_y1CyAN4bfcRza6pmJ7RDRMYINKaOMwZwsXS9hg6kpkzw7sZ39Vf4Z3SUTKCwujbl2GXmrGr7IXh19I/s320/Lesson+4+spread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been pretty much stuck in the midst of the lesson from Michelle Turbide; I need to force myself to just jump back into the lesson and allow the work to take me where it will. Funny how I can just get mired down in "how it looks" even though it isn't finished. Calling on all my resources to muzzle my inner critic and allow myself the freedom to make a mess and see what transpires.Wish me luck!</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-85530114307161711102017-12-30T17:12:00.001-05:002017-12-30T17:12:27.791-05:00Twice Today<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I know; it's either feast or famine. Today you have a feast. I just couldn't wait to post my newest face (Facing Forward, Volume 1, Effy Wild). Drum roll, please:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97LoulzVR-O_HCRiYDPJcRgmRqXDo9hVWeZKTDxNHwheU2UcqhdJEu54_e70H75aQliTFp_vOumv_ZxdvC9MJLuMFtEkicqMDL3ta24EbKZXGnGhS4o_cSxjdAE0ZStwdMHOp4yiNApI/s1600/20171230_105544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97LoulzVR-O_HCRiYDPJcRgmRqXDo9hVWeZKTDxNHwheU2UcqhdJEu54_e70H75aQliTFp_vOumv_ZxdvC9MJLuMFtEkicqMDL3ta24EbKZXGnGhS4o_cSxjdAE0ZStwdMHOp4yiNApI/s400/20171230_105544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must be learning something because I was able to sketch this face fairly quickly with a graphite pencil. I am also getting the knack of substituting supplies I have on hand for the ones used in the lesson. So instead of all the lovely Golden fluid acrylic quinacridones, I used alizarin crimson, some glittery gold craft paint, and other standard acrylics and craft paints. Overall, I am happy with just about everything. I am really most excited because I can see so much improvement in the faces I create now over those I began creating. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yay, me! I wish my Gelly Roll pen was more visible for the quote in the moon, but what the heck. My text reads: "When I am open to the Holy Spirit, I am moving with God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish you a year of moving with God. Happy 2018!</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-48685382407180069282017-12-30T10:42:00.000-05:002017-12-30T10:44:36.041-05:00Arting up a Storm!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you, Effy Wild for your invitation to participate in Art Bundles for Good! My brother-in-love was kind enough to purchase this form me as my Christmas gift and I have been arting up a storm. Here's a journal spread (part of Book of Days Bootcamp) that was a supplement to Mixed Tapes 1 & 2, which, BTW, I haven't even gotten to yet since I am still working in Bootcamp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got to play with lots of layers in this piece, using a new set of stencils and even cardboard stencils I created myself a while back. I am a tad disappointed that you can't see the green dots between the figures very well. I have subsequently used a darer shade of green Sakura pen so that the intention of connection between the two is much more evident.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This MDS (multiple day spread) was done all in one sitting, so the tags represent different areas where connection is imperative for me. I affixed the tags with staples. Loving the simplicity of that instead of more medium. I ran out to buy an inexpensive handheld sewing machine after completing the piece so that I can play with other means of attaching tags and other ephemera. (I hope I am more proficient with it than I was with the giant sewing machines in high school home economics class!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hope you are having as much fun as I am this Holiday season and that you ring in the New Year safely. Much love to all who visit.</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-32858540217187047872017-12-16T20:11:00.000-05:002017-12-16T20:13:24.683-05:00Finally! Time to Make Art!<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has been a wild ride this month. Parents in and out of the hospital, hubby finally caving from being caretaker since June. Ready to experience winter break and to get some time to create. Well, I took time today. Another lesson from Effy Wild and Facing Forward 1, where I started with a magazine photo, changed which part the light hits, worked the lesson colors in reverse. Nothing like making it my own. I worked with Stabilo All pencil in blue, tortillion to blend, and acrylics, both fluid and regular. Lettering was press apply.</span><br />
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-49205560726046724782017-11-24T07:29:00.001-05:002017-11-24T07:29:18.254-05:00Handcrafted Art Journal<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not sure if I ever told you about my participation in Wanderlust 2017 hosted by the Averys. I was enticed to join this yearlong journey by the participation of several favorite guest artists, but most especially by Rae Missigman. When her lesson aired, I was deep in the recovery process from rotator cuff surgery on my dominant arm less than one month prior. Her lesson was creating a simply sewn, handcrafted art journal using everyday office supplies. Brilliant. Beautiful. However, not something I could do at the time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I eventually downloaded the videos and the .pdf document with the intention of "someday" creating this precious book. As the time drew closer to my daughter's birthday (which fell this year on Thanksgiving Day), I decided I would give the journal a go with, of course, some variations to make this journal specifically my own. Paired with an instructional book on watercolor techniques, it was an exceptional hit. </span></div>
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I can't begin to tell you how much fun this project was to make and to give. It was received with total delight and great anticipation about filling the five individual signatures with different themes (not my idea). I hope you'll be inspired to create one (or several) as unique gifts that inspire.</div>
</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-50763422739407743862017-11-20T18:37:00.000-05:002017-11-24T07:30:02.968-05:00Playing with Pastels<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today my daughter came by with her art journal and oil pastels. We traded our pastels (both had different brands) and just played. I opened up a journal I had bought a while ago that is filled with black mixed media paper and decided to play. What I created is below. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIOiYkw99GIr6Mw1NKjME7jQbzNjeuIpxCDfrl4gdYui81fx3GXPygWIYGvZmPpB-w1KEJTj5BdT5T6Xib935f_uI-QxtLWU1RL_vCjePPX18wX4c-Xv0T88vbFwH33z1M28lIowXTk/s1600/20171120_135651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIOiYkw99GIr6Mw1NKjME7jQbzNjeuIpxCDfrl4gdYui81fx3GXPygWIYGvZmPpB-w1KEJTj5BdT5T6Xib935f_uI-QxtLWU1RL_vCjePPX18wX4c-Xv0T88vbFwH33z1M28lIowXTk/s320/20171120_135651.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I used Cray-Pas (my daughter's) and she used my Portfolios. Since she has been working with her brand for a while, her report was she preferred the blendability of her pastels to mine. Since I haven't done much with my pastels, I cannot comment. I hope you get a chance to break out your toys and play some today as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-70623100116842037822017-10-29T07:45:00.001-04:002017-10-29T07:45:37.694-04:00Beauty and Strength<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is easy to confuse beauty with strength. When I was working on Lesson 3 of Effy Wild's Facing Forward I, I was pondering aspects of my self-worth. I realized that my strength doesn't come from my beauty, but rather that my beauty comes from my strength. Furthermore, my strength comes from my Father (my heavenly One) Who is able to transform all my pain into wisdom and compassion. What else could really make me strong? I hope you enjoy my take on this lesson. It will always serve as a reminder of where my strength comes from.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr3eNH7GpUnm4GTlXBhuDO8La6P6OT2DyS8NJh04E9ozZBlGJvVRA8gUjvesYBG0Xl3uIiGIiC3v_KslIMajO6l_tZRz8ZTwamVoTw8JzucPB_HOKn0zhyphenhyphennUBZ-cKg1bN9TK4fzUmbD4/s1600/20171029_072920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr3eNH7GpUnm4GTlXBhuDO8La6P6OT2DyS8NJh04E9ozZBlGJvVRA8gUjvesYBG0Xl3uIiGIiC3v_KslIMajO6l_tZRz8ZTwamVoTw8JzucPB_HOKn0zhyphenhyphennUBZ-cKg1bN9TK4fzUmbD4/s640/20171029_072920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-49295565693401015642017-10-23T20:16:00.003-04:002017-10-23T20:16:37.626-04:00Faceless Angel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqHx9GVJRpfEOu8YK1x6J7HhM3tfP1lOyk14rQt0pI-qU0fwrcnE3PEi_-CiJDPbTc8frAO5BBlOkaE_vMoyKWXpTubx9O7cAJy4NOvo7F7wfuecxjj4k1I8thFmNSOqUSOHiCS_D7LI/s1600/20171023_200142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqHx9GVJRpfEOu8YK1x6J7HhM3tfP1lOyk14rQt0pI-qU0fwrcnE3PEi_-CiJDPbTc8frAO5BBlOkaE_vMoyKWXpTubx9O7cAJy4NOvo7F7wfuecxjj4k1I8thFmNSOqUSOHiCS_D7LI/s400/20171023_200142.jpg" width="282" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just having a blast these days working on faces and exploring skin tones. Hope you enjoy my faceless angel who praises our Creator. I thought those collar bones were a bonus. All done with craft acrylics. Ya don't have to spend a lot to get results with which you are pleased.</span>Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-54494691358510534362017-10-15T14:45:00.003-04:002017-10-15T14:45:42.737-04:00Exploring Faces<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been taking Effy Wild's class Facing Forward, Part 1, so that I can learn how to create beautiful, whimsical faces. Lesson 1 was an intense journey, with almost 2 hours worth of video, but I learned a lot about shading, mixing flesh tones, and proportion. Of course, I had to create my own rather than use the template she provided. My hubby says she looks too sad (not what I intended). Hopefully, I'll learn how to make happy faces, too. </span><br />
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Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4634846164209833923.post-74248818191881441512017-10-05T19:01:00.001-04:002017-10-05T19:01:26.032-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hands of Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spent an hour today doing a sketch for the #smallcreativeacts October challenge through Mindful Art. Hesitantly sketched in pencil, then traced over lines with Stabilo All pencil in blue. Finished by softening lines with water (aquarellable pencil). Bravely sketching after viewing Lorraine Bell's basics of drawing lesson last Friday for Wanderlust 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not perfect, but who is? Loving the process.</span></div>
<br />Laura McDonaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102207815545778236noreply@blogger.com0