A Tale of Two Lighthouses

Time to show you the results of an experiment that I conducted with another artist friend of mine, Grace Stevens, who works in watercolor.
Grace had taken a lovely photo of a lighthouse on one of her boating trips and since we both thought it to be a great subject...we decided to paint from the same reference photo, but in our different mediums.  Her with watercolor...and me with torn paper!!
While we were going a bit out of our comfort zone with some of these textures....we both felt our results would be terrific as separate paintings....but the fun part would be to see how differently each of us might interpreted the subject.
(side by side pic is at the bottom of the post - you can also click images to enlarge)

Grace's watercolor is yet another one of her beautiful delicate pieces. Smooth and calm. The lovely textures of the rocks and the foliage convey a peaceful environment.

My torn paper painting of the same subject....well...I must say the word "colorful" comes to mind...lol

The approach to texture with the use of paper creates a whole other feel in the very same location.

With the watercolor you create a more fluid movement.
With the paper...the textures and patterns almost decide for themselves which direction they will take.

I really enjoyed this experiment.
It's interesting to see how different artists "see" the very same image and how they interpret that.
To see this done with two very different mediums as well...now that's a real bonus. Such fun to see the outcome.
I know I plan to do this again....and I think Grace is already looking forward to the next one as well.

So go ahead....get inspired...and do something like this with an artist friend of yours too!

Catching up

Click on pics for larger images

My goodness...every time I come here I realize just how long I've been absent.
Time to catch up on things.
The last visit I was showing you my new addiction to making gel skins. Yep...I've made them and added some to my Torn Paper Paintings. A very cool addition to the mermaids which you can see in this pic.
I've also been working on a new collection of prayer flags.
A small art group I'm part of is doing this as a monthly challenge...to ourselves. I needed a brand new set...so I'm in!!
I've decided that every month I would make two...one for me and the other to send to Martha's Vineyard to my SIL Amy who I spoke of in an earlier post. She's the person I feel would find these the most meaningful.
Here is a pic of my Jan & Feb flags. For the March flags I'm required to learn "French knots"...so I haven't gotten started on that yet.
Here in New England...even though they've mentions "snow" for this week...I doubt it'll be much and we can feel spring right around the corner. There have been many days in the 50's and all the swans & geese are back in the pond behind my house.
Because I can feel the weather changing....I've started on some warm weather images in my Torn Paper Paintings....ice-cream.
They are just mini's right now....larger pieces will come later....as the weather gets warmer. YUM!

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!!