"Refracted Light"

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


"Wisdom is like refracted light that reveals truth based on the source of light." This quote passes over the physical and spiritual realm simultaneously. Our eyes can see and enjoy refracted light when it passes through cut glass, yet it also touches the deepest parts and origin of our core belief system.

Today is the beginning of my photographic techniques slowing morphing and including expressive drawing and writing. It is quite difficult to move away from "comfort zones", but it is time.

Going into a new year is generally when most people set new goals and make decisions that take them into uncharted territory. My journey will be a slow and steady approach and my hope is that by sharing my process, you will be inspired to look again at your own process of creating art.

In this piece, I altered the image a bit more. I began by printing the photo onto Arches Text Wove after doing a monoprint with Caran d'Ache Caribbean Sea Ink greatly diluted and transferred to wet paper. That changed it from a black and white image to hints of blue.

After fixing the image by spraying (3x) with Acrylic Spray Coating, I brushed slightly diluted gesso over the whole piece. I then sprayed the image with water over a disposable plate, revealing the areas that became the focus. My next step was to introduce more color with the application of soft pastels which created the purple and cobalt blue areas. (Scrape off the pastel onto a paper plate and apply with soft brush.) I discovered that soft pastels adhere to gesso quite nicely so it is a wonderful way to add color with any gesso techniques you are already including in your process. Of course, the piece had to be sprayed again (2x) with Acrylic Spray Coating and then prepared for lettering by brushing on a dilute portion of gel matte medium. (Heat will need to be applied to the surface at the same time you're brushing on the medium in order to get it to attach to the slick surface.)

These are just a few things to think about as you make plans for the new year and think about process.


Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.

"Blending and Moving" ($60.00)

(adjusted price....$60.00....mounted on a 1.50" depth clayboard)

"Blending and moving color is the most stimulating design element." It is a truth in the visual arts and an excellent metaphor in thinking about relationships. When we can be happy for others and even assist them in their hopes and dreams, we are blending and moving in relationship.

This old antique bottle with a hazy patina has been sitting on my drafting table for weeks. I was waiting for the right quote and right background. So this is a perfect illustration of allowing spontaneous processes and materials do their thing and then putting the remainder of the design elements in their places. It is a very exciting and contemplative process.

The basic design elements are present in most works of art. But knowing what they are and how to bring them together is the essence of good design. So in case you have forgotten...line (straight or curved)...direction (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal)...shape (formed by lines and their direction)...size (small or large)...color (actual hue(s) and combinations)...value (light or dark)...texture (simulated or real).

Observing what is happening with each of these elements is the first step in creating well designed work. So put on your exciting glasses today and really observe what is happening in your artwork or in someone else's art. Tomorrow I will list the principles of design...to give you something else to think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.