"The Chat"..................:)

In my previous post, I shared that I now have a sketchbook. I am really enjoying it and today decided to work on the cover; 'cause we all know we just can't leave something plain - lol! The first picture, here, is my cover. I couldn't get a great picture, of it, but it's got a lot of dyed cheesecloth on it, transfers, and stamping. I used lots of Shiva oil sticks, Gold Rub 'n Buff, Lumieres, pastels, and finished it off with that Delta Ceramcoat Instant Age Varnish which I am just loving! It goes on very wet but when dry, leaves a really nice aged and antique look. I use it a lot in my altered book spreads. You can use a number of coats, too.

The second picture is of another sketch I did in the book. This was done at Panera's, of all places, and if you're not familiar, Panera's is a cafe, restaurant, bakery and they offer great food, casual setting with wireless access! Can't beat that. I treated myself to a cup of coffee this morning with a danish. I had an appt., there, so while waiting, decided to pop out my sketchbook. I caught two ladies sitting at a bench-type seat chatting. It looked like they were waiting for someone as they were sitting there for the longest time.

I got a rough sketch, of them, and when I got home, worked on completing it as best I could. I then decided to treat the page with oil pastels, pan pastels, some distress ink, stencil, splattering, etc. - you name it, it's in there :) I took the ladies out of their element at Panera's but there was no way I'd be able to draw what was around them! :)

This was a tough one, for me, as they both had glasses on and the angle was awkward. I call this page "The Chat".

I compare the sketchbook to the feeling I get when I'm working on an altered book. It's very freeing and I can do what I want, in it, and call it my own.

Wishing you all a great day and week ahead. Stay safe and happy!

Thank you always for your constant support, lovely comments, creativity and friendships. Without you and the inspiration you offer me, I couldn't do what I do! Thanks for the "wings" :)

Love, Marilyn

"Joy"...................just for fun :)

This is an 8 x 10 canvas that I had some fun with today. It's done in acrylics and oil pastels.

I recently bought a sketchbook and have been bringing it, with me, wherever I go. I'm really trying to work on my drawing skills, or I should say lack of :)

Yesterday was a beautiful day, here, so my husband and I took a long walk and decided to stop at a coffee shop that isn't too far from where we live. We sat outside and I had my sketchbook, with me, and was enjoying watching this young man (I would venture to guess he was 12) who was strutting about outside of the cafe. Now; my parenting instincts kicked in and I immediately thought now why isn't this young man not in school? Hmmmmmmmmm. But; I let that go and decided to start sketching him. It was a rough sketch as this young man could not stand still for very long but I really liked his hair and the way he was moving. He always had his hands in his pockets but it was like he was dancing in a way. He was quite entertaining :) I think he was probably reacting to the joy of being out of school for awhile - yikes!

I already had the background, for this piece, as it was a demo for a workshop that I conducted at the Art Room. Sometimes when I'm teaching, I don't get to finish a piece, and bring home the "starters" to work on at another time. I think this was a match! This young man seemed to bode well with this background. My vision, for this piece, was to express his graceful movements. He was so unaware of what I was doing.

Today, using my sketch, I ended up drawing him onto the background, painting him in with acrylics and working oil pastels into the figure. I did add the flowers, birds and word Joy to the painting, too.

Well; my friends, here it is Friday - woohoo! I hope you all had a good week. Enjoy your upcoming weekend; be safe and maybe get out those sketchbooks and see what inspiration you can find out in the world. There's so much to see and experience...........................joy!

Love and hugs..............................Marilyn xxoo

juanita - shania twain

A very special friend of mine, Peggy Beck, referred me to this UTube video.When you can, please take some time to listen to her words; they are very inspirational and I think we can all relate. Let me know what you think!

Thank you Peggy! I love it!

Hope you all are having a great day! Love, Marilyn

Class Sample..............................:)

I've been planning some classes at the Albany Art Room and these are pictures of one of my upcoming workshops. We haven't nailed down the exact date, yet, but are working on that now.

I was asked to do a collaged-wooden birdhouse. I like to think of it as celebrating spring! :)

We thought it would be fun to have an all-day project with a pot-luck lunch! I am going to add some wax to the roofs for a final touch but this should be a fun project that will involve some fun techniques including a "faux transfer" technique that I recently came across.

Students will have an opportunity to work on their own creations with what is presented. I love the design of this birdhouse; it looks a little like a "bird hotel" :)

Thank you for visiting; I always appreciate your support and lovely feedback.

May your day and upcoming week be safe, happy and artful!

Much love.............................Marilyn xxoo

"Pheasant Under Glass".......................

Mixed-Media/Acrylic, Pastels, Gold Leaf
11 x 14
Clayboard

Another sneak peek project for the 5 Rivers Nature show in May.

I'm wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead; have a safe and artful one!

Love to all...........................Marilyn xxoo

Another beautiful Aries tribute :)

I have and am receiving such beautiful tributes to Aries! This is the latest one I received from my dear friend Rosann Rogers.

Thank you, Rosann, I love it! The quote is perfect with this!

Have a great day everyone!

Love, Marilyn

Another fine Aries tribute :)

I just received another wonderful art tribute to Aries from Femmy!

Thank you so much; this is beautiful and the quote is amazing!

Check out Femmy's Blog for more of her inspirational artwork.

Woohoo! I think I just learned how to reference a Blog with a link! I decided to go to the help menu on Blogger and actually read it! :)

Hope everyone is having a good day!

Love to all - Marilyn