I've Got This Covered...

Having no preconceived ideas for the cover of my latest art journal, I grabbed a couple of paints, pens, words from magazines, rubber stamps and just let it happen. 

Wallowing...

Christmas has come and gone.  For me, it was bittersweet.  We haven't seen our children in over a year.  Talking on the phone just isn't the same.  I've been feeling very sorry for myself of late and know I need to SNAP OUT OF IT!

Creating art has always been a magic tonic.  I decided to make myself a new art journal in honor of 2021.  My intention is to fill it with thoughts of gratitude for all the many blessings I have in my life.

140lb. 9x12 watercolor paper; folded in half; Coptic binding

hole placement jig

Front and back covers made from backing cardboard of watercolor pad; glued in place; let set overnight.  I couldn't let a new journal sit naked in my studio - mark-making thoughts (not good) about 2020 and some dribbles of acrylic ink.  This spread will eventually be painted over.  Remember - NO bad thoughts in this baby!

Once the covers are gessoed and painted, it will be 2021 and the fun will really begin!

Girl with Red Hair...

This started out as a hand study...now I feel as if her chin is askew - nuts!  I doubt that I will take the time to change it lest I mess up her hands which I think turned out satisfactorily enough...

It's a start...

 I promised myself I would pick up a brush and continue on with this piece.  I'm not quite sure where it's going.  I'm depending on "her" to let me know!

Blue Birds of Happiness...

For some unknown reason, I am finding all kinds of reasons to delay finishing a painting I started before I had knee surgery.  

The last few days I've been making birds out of Kleenex boxes, cough drops packaging, cracker wrappers, bits of newspaper, wire, hot glue, Apoxie sculpt, and acorn caps. 

These are strange little creatures that make me happy.  I doubt they could ever fly!

My process

End Results

Now that these birds are finished - I'm getting my paints and brushes out and bite the bullet - get painting girl!!

...and the stockings were hung...

Even though it seems like every day is the same (tedious COVID-19) the time is flying by.  Hard to believe Christmas is almost here.  I worked on my Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago.  This year I chose to do a two-sided card rather than a folded one.  I had the cards printed at Costco - they are very affordable, great quality, and fast turned around.  

I kept Richard busy putting the return address labels and stamps on the envelopes.  

My intention was to have a little "fun" with COVID-19!

The great reveal:

Have a joyous holiday however you choose to celebrate!