"Balance"

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


"Balance in life is the right distribution of time in key areas." Ouch! This quote hits me square between the eyes. This is just a friendly reminder to all who care about doing life well.

Monoprint, erratic lines, photography, gesso, graphitint pencils, and lettering. That is the sequence of how this piece was done. It creates a mood and that's what I go for in every piece I create. What is the quote and how do I create a mood that fits?

The Graphitint Pencils (Derwent) are fantastic in helping create mood. I'm sure that some of you might be thinking why not use water soluble pencils. Pencils might still leave some of the pencil marks in place even after adding water. These pencils are water soluble graphite. It is soft and dissolves quite nicely into the background. Even watercolors will not be as completely integrated as these.

And just in case you are under the impression that you are looking at an image of a church. it is not. This is actually one of the many spires emerging from The Biltmore Estate. If you're ever in Ashville, N.C., you really must take a day to go. You will not be disappointed. Just something else to try or think about.

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.

"A New Contract" ($40.00)

($40.00)


Sometimes we just need to have a "heart to heart" with ourselves! Negotiate means to find a way through or over a difficulty or obstacle. Maybe it's time to set a new goal and a new habit. In other words, negotiate a new contract with yourself. (But also be realistic and not too hard on yourself!)

The architectural element in this piece is from a photo I took at the "Biltmore" in Ashville, N.C. It is a portion of the railing on the portico off of the main floor. It is the largest home in America....built in the 1800's by George Vanderbilt. You should go there if you're ever in the area.

So much for the history lesson! This piece is a good lesson in harmony and values. There is the high value contrast between black and white, but also a range of gray values and variation of edges between the stamped images in the background (soft edges) and the hard edges in the drawing and lettering. By creating all of these elements with liquid graphite and pencil, there is wonderful harmony. Even the two letters done with bleedproof white are a subtle contrast. The huge drama is created with the black gesso and white paper with one other color. (Remember that black and white plus one other color works everytime it's tried.)

Just in case you've noticed my compelling need to inform anyone who will listen...take note that I am a teacher. My degree is in music education, so I am not deliberately trying to treat everyone as if they know nothing. I simply have a need to inform. If you have teachers in your family...you know what I'm talking about! (They always tell you more than you want or need to know.)

Please contact me personally to inquire about this piece.