"Zoom In"

($40.00......6" x 6"....mounted on a 1/8" depth clayboard panel)

"Zoom in and crop the image and your thoughts to see with fresh eyes." Most everyone understands what it means to crop an image, but the idea of cropping your thoughts may sound a bit odd. When I crop my thoughts, I focus on one thought and give it my full attention. It's just something to think about.

I've talked endlessly about division of space and color percentages, so today I want to throw out a few reminders concerning process. Process is always much easier if it is something you practice everyday. The problems arise when work is created sporadically and you might be scrambling around to find all of your supplies and forget the sequence of the steps.

If you have a designated space to create your artwork... then congratulations are in order. You can organize things in such a way that you know exactly where they are...but only if you keep them in the same place religiously (which will speed up your process dramatically)

With pouring medium in particular, it is crucial to think through the steps before you begin. In every class, I have noticed that there is confusion about when to wet the paper. There is a strong tendency to wet the paper first and then mix the paint with medium. This sequence will result in an unsuccessful "pour". You must have everything mixed and lined up in front of you before wetting the paper. The reason being is that wet paper is what causes the colors to flow. The color will always stop moving wherever the paper is dry. Also make sure your wax paper is laid down wherever the piece will be left to dry.

The bottom line is that you will save yourself many heartaches by thinking through the sequence of the steps before you even begin. And if you do not have a studio yet, shop around for a rolling taboret of some sort. Move some of that food out of the pantry and make room for your rolling cart. (After all, what is more important....food or art? Get your priorities straight!) The kitchen counter can then become your work space. Even having a glass cut (for the most durable surface)  would be good. Glass is easy to store in a portfolio. And there you have it...just a few more things to think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.