a MAN

Yes....my first "merman"!
I've been interested in trying to make one for a while now since I've done so many lovely mermaids. I've discovered that the male version is a bit more difficult to do.
Being a female, I of course understand the form much better than the male. I wanted the merman to look strong and manly. However, as I soon discovered, just the very nature of the creature makes that rather difficult.
When you add the flowing tail to the male upper body, it had no choice but to soften the being.
Oh well, I can settle for now for a good looking "somewhat" strong male version and hope to learn more as I go.
Stay tuned for more to come I'm sure.
Oh yes...and if you have any ideas for some good male names for them, let me know.

Summer happens

Yep...it sure does.
As you can see, I haven't been here for a while. Sorry. I do try, really.
I'm sure most of you out there are actually very much like me and when the summer comes around and you're able to be out and about more often, some things take a back seat.
Here in New England, we try to enjoy every bit of summer weather we can before we fall back into those winter months.
Here we are, about to hit Sept 1st.  Where did the time go.
Well, here's a short run down on where mine went.
First of all, I have to have lots of Torn Paper Paintings ready for The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis. Busy season there you know.
Secondly, this year was especially busy with being part of a fund raiser to create a yearly grant for women in need, in the name of my beautiful sister-in-law who passed away from cancer just over a year ago. The event was very time consuming, but raised a great deal of money to create this self sustaining grant.
Then of course there's all the regular stuff, gardening, beetlecat races, family gatherings...etc.
So, I do hope you'll continue to check in now, knowing that I'm aware I haven't spent much time with you....but that will change.
Why will it change you ask? Because I'm finishing up my new Torn Paper Paintings website as well, and attached to it, will be this blog. Yes. One stop shopping so to speak.
So, bear with me. We're almost there. I will announce it when it's "live".
And, since we're changing things up, I'll leave you with a pic of one of my latest pieces...Birds Eye 1.
Maybe there'll be some changing up of things in my artwork as well. Stay tuned.

Fun with gel

Gel mediums....sooo much fun to be had.
I've recently been experimenting with different types of gel mediums to add a new texture dimension to my Torn Paper Paintings.
Many of my subject have a beachy seaside feel since I live on the New England coast. Among these subjects are of course mermaids.
Well....some of these gel experiments are going to come in quite handy with the backgrounds. I'm talking about "gel skins". Lovely thin layers you can design with colors and movement...then when dry, can peel them up and use them in the paintings.
I'm in the middle of working with some of these little gems...and will give you a better explanation on doing them after the experiments are complete.
I've added just one pic here to inspire you and get the wheels turning.
Trust me....creating these can be as addicting as working on the Gelli Plates. They are nothing alike...but both have endless possibilities!!!

It's happening!!

All that wood you saw in my last post (yes...it's been awhile).....well, it's finally turning into a deck!!!
This has been a project soooo long in the works. I honestly can't believe that the end result is within sight.
The first part...the removal of the big inground pool was something that took a couple of years to finally track down the right person to do the job...and to do it with a little creative style. Didn't think that was too much to ask...but...oh well.  It finally happened last fall.
And...because we were on the ball right away last fall....we lined up just the right person to build the big new deck. After a few interviews, this terrific man, George, became the right choice.
Of course, because it was the fall....we had to wait until mid spring to actually see the start.
Thank goodness we lined him up when we did....he's been in high demand lately.
The beautiful deck began only a week ago, but I can already see the results. The crew is terrific and work together soo extremely well.
The deck is in two levels...one 12'x12' and then a step down to the 18'x30' level. After only five days of work, the entire framework is done and the smaller deck area is all done.
Right now we're into the slower more detailed work since I want special cable railings to take advantage of the water views. No problem. Don't want to rush perfection!
Until then....I'll just enjoy my evening glass of wine on the small level and dream of the soon-to-be-finished backyard project!
Cheers!

Maine workshop

If there's ever been a pretty area to hold a workshop in Oct....it's Maine.
A couple of weeks ago I gave a Torn Paper Paintings workshop in Bath, Maine. It's such a charming town. I've always enjoyed visits there....and I get to do that on a regular basis since I have a friend who doesn't live very far from town.
How nice it was to have a "Sold Out" class at the Centre St Arts Gallery. Love the two day classes since that gives everyone a good chance to complete a great piece of art!

The gallery was a terrific host for the weekend and they provided us all with a great space as well as some yummy baked goods & coffee!! Thanks to all!
The class was a fun group filled with students at all levels in their creativity!! As a result..there was much fun and laughter as well as a wide range of subjects chosen for their art.


 The pics here are just a sampling of the terrific artwork everyone created that weekend.
They all left very proud of what they accomplished and I certainly don't blame them!!

The gallery is looking to set a date for a spring weekend class next.
Since we had a sellout for the first one....if you're thinking of going to the next...I'd advise booking your spot early.

See you in the springtime!!

Siren Sisters

I created a mermaid piece a few months ago that I named Serena...I felt she had a real serenity about her. Very peaceful.
Recently I decided to create another mermaid, a "Siren Sister" using the same basic shape that I gave the first...but, since no two piece can ever be the same even if I tried...I decided to not even come close.
This time I chose to go a more vivid route with the colors. While I kept her with the flaming red hair...the tail took on a colorful fun loving feel.
While the first is more of an inward looking gal....I believe the second is the party girl.
Or...as we can all relate to...maybe they are two different sides of the same person. You decide.