Isn’t this sunshine grand? I painted this before the whole hospital thing. Its amazing how green things can be even in the middle of winter.
Life is slowly returning to normal. Ive been reading Apartment Therapy blog and getting inspired to clean my kitchen. But it does make me wish I lived in a New York loft… or near a sunny California beach. Sadly I’ll have to make do with rearranged cupboards. – Which is actually amazingly satisfying in a pinch.
Hi all.
Here is another lovely painting made by a family of four.
Marcel comes home tomorrow. We are so excited to see him without any tubes or machines attached to him. What a trouper.
This past ten days have been a time of reflection and re-evaluation. You cant have an event like this without checking in on your ideals, goals and values.
I did this little painting last night. No need to explain what inspired it. My little guy holding his dad’s hand, in those adorable hospital pajamas. Hes doing great, but being attached to that machine when all you want to do is run and dance and play can be frustrating. I am admiring his patience.
I have been enjoying all the wonderful art hanging on the walls of the Alberta Children’s Hospital. There are days when I question what I do, and think – “man, for the years of university I have, and the effort I put into my work, I should have been a doctor. At least then I could be saving lives and doing something truly useful”.** Yup. I have thoughts like that. But seeing the art on the walls of the hospital and knowing that it inspires people and enriches lives makes me feel so much more proud of the career I chose.
Along Marcel’s hallway there is a series of lithographs by Alberta artist John Snow. They caught my attention right away and I had to look them up. They are just gorgeous. I love the lithographic process, and the beautiful marks and colors he makes. His own story of making prints in small town Alberta, is inspiration in itself.
**I should clarify, this is a totally irrational statement, and by no means do I intend to say the effort and skill of doctors is easily attainable. After this event we all agree, there is a special place in heaven for doctors and nurses who dedicate their careers to helping people.
There is not a lot in the world that could make me happier than this smiling face right now.
We had a big scare on the weekend. Marcel contracted some random horrible bug that was so vicious his body went into shock. We are so happy and grateful for the doctors and nurses at the Alberta Children’s Hospital who literally saved his life.
Needless to say its been rough around here. We are coping. Marcel will have to be in the hospital for another week, but he’s in good spirits and enjoying the movies and munchies.
hugs.
Marcel pulling the sled got into this pic before I snapped it. It makes the picture so much cuter no? I hope its not too Hallmark-y. no matter. the light on the snow is fun to paint. I think I am working with shadow and light. And built-up texture with water colour paint.
I started my first blog a couple years ago. It was called Mammacomic, now I have this one. All through the process I have been resisting being too confining with it, and allowing myself to post whatever feels most important at the time. Despite encouragement from business teachers, etc, I held onto the idea that I would let the blog evolve, and that, at some point it would start to tell me what is truly at the heart of what I do. Being a person who has too many hobbies and interest, I knew that this little forum could help me narrow things down.
And now, here we are. I think this might be a few months now of posts almost entirely about art. Granted my family, architecture, even a little cooking is in there, but there definatley is more paint than anything else. And that’s just cool with me.
In that little space I showed yesterday, I have been churning out these little works. And I am having so much fun. These little projects are brainless, and I felt I needed that for a bit. With painting being my job I also need some paint therapy. So these ones involve going outside, snapping pictures of stuff I see everyday, and think – “wow, that’s pretty, I wonder how I could paint that?”. printing contact sheets of the pictures, somehow, intuitively choosing a picture to paint, and then just going at it. I use the size of paper that fit the frames I like to buy, so that if one turns out great, its easy to frame. Its also easy to get painting when everything has been pre-set.
So. Here is another one.
I also have this gut feeling that if I just let go, and paint what my instinct beckons, it will lead me somewhere important. So I am taking the front brain out of this and letting go. Also I know the more I paint the better I will be at it. Already I learn so much with each piece.
Another little thought, that is sort of interesting to me, is how similar these pieces are to ones I did, over ten years ago in my undergrad. I feel Ive come full circle. wow. I did a series of drawings of places around my home in Vancouver. I also did a similar series in oil paint while living in the Yukon. I was struggling with integrating my education in neo-conceptual photography a-la Jeff Wall, Ken Lum and Roy Arden. And granted, I think a little of that still comes through. Though, I feel the intellectualism, that I admittedly, didn’t understand, doesn’t as much. Perhaps this is the path I should have been on all along. I’m glad to be back on it.
There have been times in my life when I thought I needed more space to paint. The funny thing is, right now I have more space, but this is where I have ended up. In the closet of the playroom! Its sort of been a process getting here, I started at an easle in the kitchen, then the easel in the play room and now here. I like to paint on a flat surface with water colours and so this is a space where I can leave it out, and its high enough that I dont have to worry about little fingers. I can paint in an instant as its already there and the kids play beside me. I haev a little light that is LED and colour correct, so that helps. Granted I am limited in size, but right now, thats OK. I am enjoying doing these little watercolor studies.
SO. moral of the story is: When one needs to paint… one will paint.
(Oh and thats not a MESS up top…OH no! its my paper supply and other boxes of paints and stuff… Also this particular dresser is completely FULL of art supplies. yes. I have a problem! hehe.)
here is another little study for the devotion series. I guess I could call it “community devotion”, or “children’s neighborhood prayers”, or something like that. But I admit, it doesnt sound all that catchy.
I included text in this one, and went for the directly illustration thing. Im having fun feeling my way around. The whole idea of houses in the background sorta came out of this one. I need to take another photo of it though, because I think its out of focus in some parts.
Some other stuff mark and I have been doing includes web design. He is learning to code, and well, I design, so it sort of goes together. We just finished our first project, for a designer friend that I went to school with. The website is here: www.thedesignhaus.ca. I will vouch for her, she is a fabulous designer, if you need a reno done. I mean, I’d hire her… and I’m almost an architect! Also it was fun working with my husband. Its so good when you can giggle about staying up late working on a project, just because it means you actually get to spend time with your spouse… alone! (Although, when its late, he does start singing 80’s pop-rock, and throwing the head around – while waiting for the jpeg to upload. … hang on a minute – I just remembered… that’s one of the reasons I married him! – my bad.)
Anyways, all is well in paint, poop and html. We really like all our new board games. LOOT is becoming a family favorite. Mark is so totally going to be into me, now that I linked to “board game geek.com” I am sooooo exposed right now.
The family that did the last workshop actually painted two pieces. This is the second one measuring 4′ x 2′. Now the memory of the event can be on the walls of both homes! Cool little matching set.
I want to update about some other topics of interest. I have sort of been out of the architecture loop. But I am still doing my best to learn little by little about sustainable building. OUR eco village just posted its summer calendar, and I would love to to the straw bale course… we’ll see. Also I have been looking into Rammed earth. Such a beautiful medium.
I am so inspired by all the painting that my students are doing. I realize that I have got to put brush to paper myself. I am working on another book – or perhaps series. I realize that I need to work differently than the last project. My process before was:
As you can see I didnt start painting to step 8. And this sort of drove me crazy.
I don’t know, but I am thinking this is pretty standard process for illustrators, but for me, it was very confining, and by the time I started painting, I had to spend a lot of effort loosening up again, to really enjoy the process.
though, there is no doubt all that drawing is good for me. But it hurts my brain.
So, for this project, I wan to start with the painting. I have a theme, and some general ideas. I have a little story to follow, and some image ideas, and then I want to let the paint and the process take me somewhere.
This book is about the devotional gathering we have weekly, as told through the eyes of my four-year old. This gathering is the highlight of his week. The love of his life-( his little female friend), attends regularly with her family, who also live in our condominium complex. It is a sweet little evening complete with tired children, who are often too excited and hyper to sit and pray. But it is lovely. I especially love the lighting of the candles process.
Anyways, this painting series focuses on our little complex, and the story of these children, coming together to pray, to think about unity, to make our little contribution to the world.
When I started this art school in September I knew that it would have a life of its own, and would change as it developed. I just had no idea it would become something so unique and so unexpected so quickly. Its only been a few short months of trial and error. Trying to figure out what I can offer, what works in my life, what people want and need, and how I can get it to them. I have done door-to-door sales in my neighborhood, cold calls, press releases and media promotion. All things that are very new (and scary) for me. I have offered all sorts of classes, and its so cool when something sticks, and then changes.
I started doing toddler workshops which I still offer and think are just so great. But these workshops led the way to group painting workshops that I am now offering. The idea of creating a simple art piece, without tension or expectations is thrilling to people, and I just love being a part of that. Its unique in that its not an art class, but a painting experience. With the additional bonus of fabulous results. Its so nice to show people they can make something beautiful. Especially people who have never painted before. Its awesome to witness people working together, discussing whether its finished, if a corner needs more or less, if a certain colour dominates.
I think this is an area that my little school will definitely be moving into. Groups of all ages. Couples, parties, offices, friends, families, birthdays, healing circles…I cant wait to see what future holds.
The above painting was completed for a Grandmother’s birthday. 6 adult family members and 2 little ones made it together. An amazing representation of the beauty and unity of a family.
I know I have already mentioned this, but I thought I would put out another call. I am so excited about the water colour workshop I am teaching this Saturday. You are more than welcome to join us. details below:
So, Jan 23rd (noon – 3pm) I am having a watercolour painting workshop.
This will be for beginners, it will include use of beautiful artist-quality supplies, (300 lb. Arches watercolour paper, brushes and high quality, honey based watercolour pigments made by M. Graham & co.) and a three hour session with instruction. By the end of it, you should have a beautiful abstract-ish painting you may even want to frame! (psst… I will also have frames available for sale to fit the paintings we do, so if the urge hits – after it dries…you can take your picture home ready to hang! eeee! so cool!)
We will talk about the unique qualities of watercolour paint and how to use it to make incredibly beautiful marks and textures. You will also learn a little colour mixing.
email: angie@lilacwindow.com
When the king sat on his throne, trumpets were sounded, fireworks went off, and shots were fired.
I was trying to make a greeny-blue that evoked the turquoise you find in old books. it didn’t really work, but in this image, I like the way the colors are bright and almost Mediterranean.
So here is one of my favorites from the series. It is not exactly what I was going for. I wanted it to be tighter and have a little more nostalgic feel. I need to work on the painting of that a bit. But overall I am pleased with this little picture.This image is actually the only one I really visualized for the whole book. Its the one that motivated me to make it.
For inspiration I often look at this Etsy site. http://www.etsy.com/shop/oiseaux?section_id=5239745
The images she chooses to use are so beautiful.
We also went to the library yesterday. I am so loving this adventure in discovering amazing books. Its so exciting for me. We take out at least ten books, and there will be one that just sticks. We all want to read it over and over, and fall in love with it. I usually do a little research on it because I am curious if we are the only one loving it. Almost every time it turns out we have somehow stumbled across a timeless classic, that has won major awards and has been upheld as iconic work. Ha! Its so great to discover fabulous art this way. If I was taking a course in school about it, or was at a museum looking at it, I know I would feel differently. Instead these books bring joy and mystery to our family. I guess that why I am so inspired to do this.
The book we discovered yesterday is called “The One and Only Shrek” by William Steig. It has five wonderful stories in it. Fabulous.
I have been trying my hand at illustration.
Its exciting.
I am so inspired by kids books these days. Particularly by vintage books. I cant hold it in, I had to give it a whirl. Though, I truly appreciate the skill that illustrators have, and feel rather daunted by the task. Its one thing to make a painting of one image that you have in your head, that can take its own life and form. Its another thing to make a series of images that work with a story, that work together, and are rich and exciting.
Not to intimidate myself or anything…
So I wrote out a little story from the history of the Bahai faith. Belonging to a relatively new religion means that there are fewer books for kids, and its so lovely to have these stories for them. The story is about a puppet show.
The process of drafting the images and figuring out what to put in each of them took months, and covered my studio space with sketches. It is a bigger task than I expected. I thought I could just whip up a picture for each, but sitting at the drawing board I would draw a blank, and realize I have no idea what a Persian puppet might look like, or a tent in a courtyard.
Anyways, its been fun, and now I have twelve illustrations to show you…
