Whimsy and the Mixed Media Journey

This coming Monday (March 19), I'll be presenting a program at the DuPage Art League (218 W. Front Street, Wheaton) called Whimsy and the Mixed Media Journey. It will include a little bit about my creative journey, my musical background, and how I ended up creating whimsical works of art. I'll also be doing a demo on how I create my pieces and what media I use. This is an interactive program as well, so come with a sketchbook or journal and a pencil!

There's social time at 7 p.m. and the program starts at 7:30. Hope you can stop by for some creative fun and a couple giveaways too!

Sometimes It's the Things You Don't Know

I was struck by the simple truth of a Rainn Wilson (a.k.a. Dwight Shrute from The Office) quote I read recently about faith and not knowing what's going to happen at any given time. I remember as a child thinking "show me the proof" about religion, faith, why things happen the way they do. As an adult, it's taken a while but I enjoy living in the moment and not worrying so much about things I can't "see."

My dear childhood friend, Jennifer, posted to my Facebook page recently and mentioned some of the wild, crazy things we used to get into together. We lived in a very small town and came up with some pretty unusual things to do to stay entertained...one of which included the two of us getting in her Radio Flyer wagon and taking off down a very long, skinny, windy road down a very steep hill.

As a parent, I look back on that now and think "what were we thinkg…were we insane?" It was a really dangerous thing to do since it was the only road in and out of our little town that sat on the side of a mountain - and if we steered the wagon incorrectly, we could easily have flown over the side of the mountain (which almost happened once). I even had the torn up knee to prove it. But, I think it basically comes down to friendship, trusting Jen when she was "driving," and taking a leap of faith every time we got in that wagon. Not such a bad philosophy.

There are lots of leaps of faith during our life journey - and many times it is about what you can't see or what you don't know as cold, hard fact. I think that's probably the underlying, subliminal message in my art which I've been told by many they find nurturing, spiritual, affirmative and, of course, whimsical from time to time...okay, maybe a little more than time to time. So, all that being said, go hop in a Radio Flyer and go for a ride!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67251269/journey-note-cards

Illustration Friday – Diary

What a lovely topic this week. It brought back all kinds of memories of my junior high diaries. If I kept a diary, which I don't anymore, this would be my entry for the week. To live joyfully, experience simple pleasures, and breathe....

Illustration Friday – Wilderness

The first thing that popped into my mind when I saw this week's IF theme was "wilderness of the heart." This image followed shortly after, and I just finished it today. Hope you enjoy viewing it...

Illustration Friday – Skinny

In a skinny little forest, on a skinny little hill, sat a skinny little house...

Illustration Friday - Fast

Here's my take on this week's them of "fast" - which is how it always seems to be in our lives! I have to give thanks for the lettering inspiration to Aimee! Just love her work - it's simply wonderful.

Illustration Friday - Drifting

Oh, it is so nice to be back with an IF entry! It's been so crazy the last few weeks that I have not had time to post anything or even spend time looking at the IF site. So, here' my entry for "drifting." This piece is based on a Vettriano piece - was done a while back for a "takeoff on an artist" piece. It's called "Drifters."

Illustraton Friday – Intricate

I did this piece a while ago, but I immediately thought of it with all the different patterns. Seemed perfect for the "intricate" topic.

Illustration Friday – Time

I saw this week's theme and this piece immediately jumped to mind! It's called Taken Over. Taken over by the need to handle multiple schedules, running from one place to another, and always "living by the clock." It just seemed so appropriate. Ah time...what we all wish we had more of.

Illustration Friday – Flawed

She loved to dance...her only flaw was that she was shy.

Illustration Friday – Clandestine

Their clandestine meeting was in a beautiful spot among the flowers. They met "in the garden of my beloved."

Happy New Year everyone!

Illustration Friday – Pretend

She dreamed every day of a better life, a home to call her own. It was nice to pretend.

Illustration Friday – Packed

I did this little piece several years ago, but it immediately popped into my head when I saw the theme for this week. She had her suitcase packed - just with something a little different.

Illustration Friday – Island

She created the perfect little island for herself with good books and the perfect cup of tea. Add in a rainy day...what could be more perfect?

Illustration Friday – Routine

I just finished this piece for an exhibit and thought how appropriate it seemed for the IF topic. Sometimes, the routine makes me want to have a genuine 3-year-old meltdown. I think all you moms will understand where I'm coming from. I love, love, love my kids but there are times I just don't want to hear any more chatter and questions!

Illustartion Friday – Poof!

In a gust of wind – Poof! – the uninvited hairdo arrived! I think maybe we've all been there at some point.

Illustration Friday – Sour

It all went a little sour for the witch one day - but her red hightops sure looked good!

Illustration Friday – "Baby" of the Court

Her name was Modern Marie - and she was a "baby" when it came to the intricacies of the French court.