Mandala Paintings

"Aztec Dream"

Six months ago, I started a series of mandala paintings. Several artists recommend working on more that one piece at a time. This process worked really well with this project. While letting one painting dry, I could start working on the next one. By the time I finished the process with each one, the first painting was ready for the next layer.

"Mandala Rose"

I covered each canvas with collaged maps, applied gesso, transferred my mandala pattern, painted it with acrylics, added gold leaf, three dimensional fabric paint, drawings, more background stamps and used amber shellac for the final coat.

"Blossom Meditation".

"Pyramid Mystery"

Working on these mandalas was very meditative with repetition of line, color, pattern. I plan to work on more series in this manner. It's very satisfying to complete several paintings by the end of the process. For more information about Mandalas go HERE and HERE.

Early Snowfall- Will We See Snowflakes Tonight?

The weatherman predicts snow tonight. It's an early snowfall for the Willamette Valley. So far only the hills are dusted in white. These beaded snowflakes are my danglies for the Portland Art Collective Show coming up in a couple of weeks. Each year, we have a dangly tree with all kinds of ornaments. Here's a photo from last year's show-

Pomegranate Sketch

Yesterday, we sketched at Monticello Antiques. When it's cold and raining, we move indoors to draw something we've brought or an interesting antique from the showroom floor. I brought the large pomegranates and Martha came with the small ones from her family's Texan garden. With good friends, conversation and a cup of java, who could ask for anything more.

Portland Art Collective November Giveaway

Jan Harris is giving away one of her one-of-a-kind journals. This book has a single stitch coptic binding with a collaged cover measuring 4" by 5". The two insets in the front cover feature a repousse pewter heart and turquoise scarab beetle. There are 12 signatures of sturdy paper that should withstand light water media or collage. Be sure to leave a comment with your name and email address Here to enter the giveaway. Good luck!!!!

Keys to Life

This week, I worked on adding embellishments to keys that I flooded with solder and stamped with words and phrases. After taking Stephanie Lee's Homesteader's Metalsmithing online class this summer, I got the idea to use safe deposit keys supplied by DH for pendants. They come in different sizes and shapes. With added soldered wire links, beads and a bit of ribbon, they became great little necklaces. I'll be selling these at our Portland Art Collective Show in December.

Ruth won the Art Journal Zine Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who commented on my art journal zine. Ruth is the lucky winner. Your comments and support continue to inspire and encourage me. In December, I plan to post a giveaway for my 2011 Art Journal Calendar. Stay tuned for that post and you may become the lucky winner.

This week, I spent five wonderful days on the Oregon Coast being with friends, creating art, walking on the beach between storms and feeling pampered. As soon as I take photos of my artwork, I'll post them. Have a great weekend!

Art Journal Zine Giveaway

The past month, I've been busy finishing an art journal zine for a swap with my Guemes Island retreat friends. I made a couple extra copies and want to give one away to my blog readers. Comment on this post and I'll put your name in a hat and draw a winner next a week. The big announcement will be November 12th. Good luck!

I've always wanted to create a zine. When I tell people about it, they ask "What is a zine?"

Wikipedia defines a zine this way- "A zine (an abbreviation of the word fanzine, or magazine; "zeen") is most commonly a small circulation publication of original or appropriated texts and images." I call it a self-published, mini-magazine.

Alma Stoller sponsors an annual zine exchange. iHanna has a great post about zines on her blog. Art zine themes vary from fiber arts to painting to collage. Our group chose art journaling for our zine theme.

This zine includes art journal techniques that I enjoy plus a bag of goodies to use in your journal.
This next week, I'll be working on our upcoming Portland Art Collective Sale and Show. Stay tuned for photos of what I'm creating and selling in December.