Thursday, July 24, 2014

Tapping Into My Inner Frida


I guess it's prickly pear season in my studio. I took several pictures of the flowering cactus when we were in San Saba a few months ago, and made a sketch then.



Which was translated into a watercolor painting that I just finished (maybe, I think). Here it is with my reference photos. I don't paint watercolor on the easel. It's just so I can get a look at it.


Close up view.



Last week when I went to the Mexican grocery store to buy tortillas I found tunas, or prickly pears. Well, having written so many papers about Frida Kahlo I felt I had to take them home. I did a sketch and took some pictures for a future painting. Now, does anyone know if they taste good? I'll have to try them later tonight.


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Monkey Business

I mentioned earlier that I made a sketchbook out of scraps left from printmaking class and various projects-I just have a hard time throwing things away if I think I can use them later. Well I made that sketchbook into my monkey book. Huh, you say?


Just as I associate the octopus with stress and lack of control, (for example, here and here) I associate the monkey with self doubt, you know the old "monkey on my back". I have for years and it seems so odd to realize that many other artists do as well. Well this book is dedicated to monkeys and overcoming self doubt and the glorious freedom that comes with it. Since the book is made up of all different shapes and sizes I don't feel obligated to work in chronological order. I just open the book and draw. (Granted there aren't many drawings yet) Here's a peek so far.


From stencils I made using drawings I found on the internet. Spray paint is fun. I want to spray paint the whole book.



I started this little guy on a piece of scrap paper to use up some acrylic paint I had left on my palette before it dried. I like him way better than the original project I had the paint out for. Just pasted him in the middle of the book.

I think it's important to note that I don't have more self doubt than the average person, or the average artist. I think I'm just very sensitive to it's effects on my production. I honestly feel better when I can say "Oh that's just the monkey getting you down." I'll be honest, a lot of times the monkey is there telling me I'm not being authentic to myself or thinking what I make is MINE. When I remind myself that I am a tool for God, that old monkey goes and lies in the corner.