Friday, April 25, 2014

He Loves You So . . .

 9 x 12 altered backer board

"Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart."
- Jose N. Harris

So I found the coolest substrate the other day as I was rummaging around my stash looking for something new to art on. I guess I've been wise for years, as I've never been able to throw anything away just in case it may perhaps be useful in some random future project. Well okay, wise may not be the right word; perhaps hoard is more appropriate. But either way, my wise-hoarding ways did serve me well this week as I found an old piece of backer board (for framing) to play with. All it needed was a little gesso to get it going . . . .

I took some process photos along the way for a little show & tell:

Getting started: gesso applied with a palette knife followed by some stamping, watercolor crayons, acrylic and mark making.

A quick sketch. I wanted to express sorrow.

The finished sketch with a sad girl, wonky house & a mama bird with her three chicks. 

Okay, so now you may be wondering what the piece is about. I created it for my girlfriend who lost her Father - after many years battling sickness - just last week. As expected, she is devistated. And she's an only child. So everything that needed to be done in the aftermath of his passing was left to her and her alone to figure out. My heart broke for her as I tried - from another state - to do what I could to comfort her. Creating this painting was the only thing I could really think of. I know it won't bring him back or ease her sadness, but I do hope that it will make her feel less alone. 

Tears created by pressing a wet brush loaded with watercolor under the eyes. 

And here's what it looks like finished:

Complete with a bit of glitter, iridescent stars (which are making their way into everything I've done lately), sequins and ink.

The road reads; "He Loves You So."

Thank you for taking a peek. And be sure to check out PPF. You'll always be glad that you did.

Yours,
Kristin xo

Friday, April 18, 2014

YOU are the Spark . . .

9 x 12 Loose Art Journal Page

"You are the Spark that ignites the World"
-- Anonymous 


Happy Easter, Happy Spring & Happy PPF!

This little girl came about shortly after hearing the fabulous quote above. I just couldn't keep my mind off of the inspiring words and, naturally, knew that there would soon be a journal page in response to them. Here's what I came up with. Pink, polka dots, and glitter; what more could a girl ask for?



I hope this finds you knee-deep in colored eggs, jelly beans, chocolate bunnies. And that you are surrounded by those you love.


To Bunny Kisses,
Kristin xo

Friday, April 11, 2014

It's Spring Again . . .


"It is Spring again. The Earth is like a child that knows poems by heart."
- Rainer Maria Rilke


I love this time of year. The colors, the smells, the sound of birds chirping: really, what could be better? Oh yeah, I know. Spring Break! And let me tell you, as a newbie to Homeschooling, I really appreciate the chance to spend some time with my kidlet without the pressure of having to school her (well, you know what I mean). . . So, heres to bold, beautiful flowers, the smell of freesia in the air and some time off with family. Hopefully, I'll even get a chance to listen to some of those chirping birds. . . .


To the love of Spring,
Kristin xo