Art With a Touch of Whimsy

Halloween, 2011

2011-11-05T21:35:00.012-04:00

These are my pics from Halloween 2011! I was a Forest Fairy and made my outfit in one day right before the party that night! I had to have a wand, so I sculpted a head out of paper clay and painted it and embellished it ...it was glued to a thick stick right from my yard. I made my headpiece, just hot glued all sorts of fall things to an old head band...It was so much fun to make the costume and dance with (strangers) and my gal pals at the party.

Sea Siren Sue

2011-10-19T17:25:00.002-04:00

This is my entry for a Gustav Klimt Challenge...Finally fini!!! It is painted on an 8x8" canvas board, and is a mixed media piece. I used my face from several snapshots I took and painted with acrylics, nail polish and glued on confetti papers.

Thanks to Gritty Jane DesRosier at http://grittyjane2011.blogspot.com/ for thinking of this whole fun challenge, I would have never tried this...it has opened my eyes and mind...

More of My Klimt Challenge Painting

2011-10-17T00:22:00.006-04:00

I was able to get more work completed on my painting...I thought I would have it done and my next painting rolling along...but sometimes life takes the side roads and ...SuRpRiSe!!! You have to deal with it and let other things take the back seat for a while. I added some modeling paste to the hair for a hair-like feel...and some confetti that I glued down in pieces for the background and I still have a lot of painting and tweeking in that area, but I think I am happy with the results, so far....

Decided to try a challenge on FB

2011-10-07T04:02:00.006-04:00

I saw a challenge from one of my Favorite artist's Jane DesRosier.... who wanted everyone to have a fun time and do their version or interpretation of a Gustav Klimt painting...she posts them everyday on Face Book and they are amazing... so I decided to join in on the fun...I am painting myself as a sea siren, you can see the real one and my interpretation...I hope to finish it tomorrow...I just started it today, so be kind...! What a fun lady Jane is...Just look her up on FB and you will see all the lovely works.

2011-09-28T02:55:00.007-04:00

This is the completed painting I titled "How Much Fun Can I Have Before I Go To Hell?" I am taking an advanced painting class to bring me back to life after a horrible 2 years of watching and caring for my Mother, my best friend, die, and I was her complete care-taker...I will never be the same person, but I hope I can be a person who can make people feel happy and comfort them at the worst times in their lives. Even though I still spend some days in bed all day...she passed at home in June, I am really trying to get back to living...something a care-provider needs to learn to do. This is my start...going back to the school I was in (WVU-Parkersburg)when I had to leave my life to help her on her last and most courageous journey...it was the most difficult, but beautiful time we spent together...she will always be my Hero.

Anyway, back to my painting series for this semester...I decided to express myself in different circumstances...showing what I was going through in the last 2 years, not only with my Mom, but life changes I decided to make for many years and finally had the courage to do so... I felt I was living for everyone but me...And that was okay...if it was for my Mom, but not for others, who only caused me grief and toxic people I needed to break from...to grow.

So, now I want to live a life for me and these paintings are intense, some will be more than this one, which is full of life and humor...but to show my emotions and express them and release them to the outside world...Then I can move on...

This is a mixed -media piece...I used masonite board and covered it with old recycled Bible pages to paint my portrait on...then I used them on the frame...which I added the title to...just look at it with humor, I am definitely not trying to offend anyone...I'm Roman Catholic...I use Bible pgs. all the time along with any other things I can find...my top straps are from the Sunday comics if you look closely , you can see them showing through! I did use old make-up, foundation, creamy blush...acrylics and sealed with a clear glaze, both the frame and portrait for more depth in the color. This picture was taken by one of my fav gal pals when I was a featured artist for the Artist's Walk in Marietta, OH, for work I was commissioned for by the Marietta Convention and Visitor's Bureau...which they are still using the art work for banners throughout town this year! This pic was 2 summers ago, so my hair was shorter...Hope you like it and it makes you laugh or smile...

Started a New Painting for Class

2011-09-21T01:00:00.004-04:00

This is the start of a new painting in my art class, Titled: "How Much Fun Can I Have Before I Go To Hell?" It is pure fun, I hope it doesn't offend anyone, but I have had one hell of a year and have decided to do all my paintings for therapeutic reasons...what I have been going thru and feeling...but with my Whimsy touch. It will be a semester of me or interpretations of me in different situations. This is just 3 painting hrs into this one, I see where my face needs to be fuller and my chin is too long and sharp...

I am using mixed media for this piece and the frame. Also, I am trying different painting styles...this is one I want to experiment on...using shapes and strokes of color, but I just wanted to get the piece all worked in with color, and now I can go to town. I provided the photo I am basing my look from...needs a lot of work, but having fun!

I will keep posting as I move thru it. Stay tuned...

Almost Finished...

2011-09-18T15:16:00.004-04:00

Almost finished...a few tweeks and I think I am fini! I am showing the inspiration..."the Scream" by Edvard Munch. You can see the smaller canvas, which needs to be attached and I have to sign it. Now, on to my next painting ....

My version of "the Scream" Titled: "Screaming MeMe

2011-09-18T13:13:00.002-04:00

This is my work after 3+ hours in class...I am adding or gluing the smaller canvas to the larger one...a version of me, I took pics of myself and using them for my reference. My body of work this semester is a take on what I have been going through over the past year and a half...dealing with taking full time care of my Mother to help her pass...the hardest thing I have ever done, but would do all over again. Also many other losses and changes and now trying to find me again...stay tuned in...! They are all whimsical paintings...

One of my Painted Refurbished Clocks

2011-09-07T14:20:00.002-04:00

I can't remember where I found this clock, but I immediately knew I could transform it. It still works and is in perfect condition. I used mixed media for this piece. I cut out bird shapes from musical-note paper, since birds sing in the mornings to greet us! The rest of the clock was painted with acrylic paints and I used a gloss finish to seal it.

Time to Make These Again!!!!

2011-09-06T16:13:00.002-04:00

This is a few of my Christmas sculpts of fun and tipsy characters that I make for Christmas and sell...I also make funny ornaments and wine stoppers. I like to save some for reference and just to have some for myself. BUT, before Christmas, I MUST create them for HALLOWEEN....I usually use paper clay or sometimes the sculpy clay and paper mache'. I then paint and embellish each one with all sorts of things...so look for my Halloween treats and tricks soon!!!

Drawings I Found While Going Thru Mom's House

2011-09-04T23:01:00.002-04:00

Since my Mother passed away in June, I have been living in the house that I have known and grew up in...I moved back into a bedroom over a year before she passed, because she was battling cancers and colostomy problems for 20 years and needed 24/7 care. We had Hospice, but they were short of critical care nurses...I think she went to the wonderful home away from home 3-4 times when she would have episodes (when she was failing) and they loved her...then they would bring her back home after 5 days...I had the Living Room set up with the hospital bed, etc...and she wanted to die at home...the last time she came home from a hospice 5 day stay was my birthday...the best present I could ever have had, and I told her so...she died 10 days later....I stayed in her bed with her until they took her away in a body bag....I also did her make-up for her viewing...she was always petite, but at 60 lbs., she was a skeleton. I and even the Dr's. could not believe she lived as long as she did, but she hung on for me...we were like the same person...so connected and best of friends...too much love, she would say, because she knew when she died, I might die also. And if something happened to me, it would kill her....

She left me her estate and the house...I have to sell my other homes, and am going thru a divorce. She wanted so much to be here with me while going thru the divorce, but I have my brother in NC for support and some very good friends. And selling the homes, is not the best time in the world, but..??? The worst part is going thru everything at my parent's home, and Mom kept all of Daddy's things the way they were 12 yrs. ago, when he unexpectedly died.I am finding treasures and many things I had forgot ...then I have to get rid of so much and change it over to the way I want it...and it is the worst. Some push me to just do it, and others say isn't it still fresh...and my reply, you mean RAW, yes, it is, and I put it off. My brother and Mom's older sister said to move at my pace, don't let anyone tell you what you should be doing or feeling, because, they have never done or have been through the year+ I have. I have dedicated my whole life to my parents...staying close by, not taking better art jobs and moving away or up in my career, because, they needed me close by.... and now it is the first time my life is my own....and I am 52...and I am just learning who I am again...after the hell Mom went thru and myself trying to make her happy and comfortable, watching her die a slow and painful death... me losing all kinds of weight and crying myself to sleep at night, so Mom would not hear or see me do that. But she could see the weight loss and the aging in me. I am still grieving really hard and I have days where I don't want to get out of bed.

I got off track about the drawings I found...Mom kept so much of what I would draw, and this shows my love of fashion ...I wanted to be a fashion designer or model...can't you tell by the style of the clothes and details!!! So, one night I scanned this page to show that I was always drawing something...since I could hold a pencil...and I will cherish what she kept...and what she has given me. I love you Mom and miss you and Daddy!

Desperate For Chocolate

2011-08-29T12:11:00.005-04:00

My camera didn't get the best image of this wooden plate I painted. It has a great crackle finish and I added the words...she looks so innocent, but hey ladies...we know what it is like when we need our chocolate fix...She was painted with acrylics and used the crackle over it for a truly great look...Kind of like she is cracking , because she is jonesing for her chocolate!!!

My Bunny For My Nephew

2011-08-24T20:39:00.003-04:00

This is an old bunny drawing I made for my nephew, Bryce, now 12, and I saw it in his bedroom in NC when I was recently visiting. I was happily surprised he still had it on display among all his sports stuff and saved things. It was created on black paper, with colored pencil. I tore the edges for a different look.

I just had to post this...

2011-08-24T20:11:00.002-04:00

This was sent to me in an email from a best friend...I simply love it...it fits a lot of things going on in my life right now. I do not know who actually created it, but I love the message!

"Dog Gone"

2011-08-20T17:00:00.002-04:00

This is another one in my SketchBook Series. I am just starting it and have it inked in ...and also added a yellow napkin from a fast food joint...it is for the pee pee...Now...let the fun begin...COLOR and whatever else muses me.

Chris Isaak - Black Flowers

2011-08-16T15:58:00.001-04:00

This is such a Fantastic Video...and the Song is amazing...
Love me some Chris Isaak!
***You will need to turn off my playlist to listen to this video.

Print Making with my Nephew, Bryce

2011-08-14T12:19:00.007-04:00

Print Demo to show Bryce how to make a print.

More of Bryce's work...

Bryce's art work...he has this stick figure type of work and has created a ton of drawings and stories...quite awesome. Now... he wants to start drawing a more human form...I bought him a small artist mannequin to help him.

One of Bryce's prints...he likes to use a lot of paint and gets the coolest textures. He gave this one to me, which I will frame. He titled it: "CreaTures"

Prints my nephew,Bryce, and I made while I was visiting in NC.

A Funny...I borrowed it!

2011-08-13T13:09:00.002-04:00

A real man is a woman's best friend. He will never let her down. He will comfort her after a bad day. He will inspire her to do things she never thought she could do. He will enable her to express her deepest emotions. He will enable her to be confident, sexy, seductive and invincible ...No, wait. Sorry. I'm thinking of wine.

It's wine that does all that... Never mind!

~borrowed

I Vsited My Brother and Nephew in NC Last Weekend!!!

2011-08-13T00:57:00.009-04:00

Pond ...great spot for meditating...just wish I knew how!!!!

Bryce's art...gee, where does that gene come from...I wonder...HHmmmmm...he does the coolest comic type of art...awesome...!!!!!

Full view of the pond area they made, with fish, fountains and a waterfall

.....oohhmmmmm!!! Yoga time, anyone...???

Bill's house, on a golf course...nice...of course golf runs in the family...Dad, Bill and Bryce...I love it... just not had a real opportunity to work with a Pro...love watching it live or on TV.

Blurry pic of Bryce holding "Fred" his new kitten, and me, with my vintage glasses' frame...I picked out Fred from a neighbor of Mom's the day Mom was placed next to Daddy in the mausoleum...Bill wanted to surprise his son...and I kept him that night, my bro stayed in a motel to give Mom and I space, but she died...it was expected, and he didn't want me to see him break down, because I was so wrecked, myself, ....he is an awesome brother...always giving me the low down on life and what not to do anymore. We both learned the hard way....Life is way too short...so relax and let go of the toxic people and the negatives and move on....I am really taking this to Heart!!!!

I was lucky enough to visit my brother Bill and my wonderful, unique, nephew, Bryce, in NC this past weekend...an 8 hour drive...but worth every minute! It was HOT ...Did I say HoT...100's....ugh!!! but still gorgeous! They showed me around...with the intention of wanting me to move down that way...he is near Burlington, 5 min. and Greensboro, 20 min.
We saw some artsy towns....wonder why???!!! It is booming now and I would fit in well in that area...but who knows what is in my future...??? I am still dealing with all of Mom's things and selling 2 of my own homes and a divorce still going on...what the hell...but I loved every minute and everyone I met...it is a great place and I can see it happening for me there...but I still have other options...it will take time..I was told by Hospice not to make major life decisions until a good year has passed...wow, were they right...!!!

These pics are some of the 20 I took while there, Bill, Bryce and me and Bill's house....love the house and the yard is awesome...I need to learn how to meditate just to sit at the fab pond...it has fountains and fish...and it is soooo soothing in the early morning or evening after a long day...

Meet my family...
xoxoxo...suzi

Today is my Mother's Birthday, Missing You

2011-08-11T01:45:00.008-04:00

Thank You, Lord, for my beautiful Mother~

for the love she always gave to me

and her friendship that was never-failing, for her kind eyes that saw the best in me

and her gentle wisdom that still carries me through,

for her prayers that lifted me up

and the dreams she held in her heart for me,

for the Happy Memories we made together

and all the hugs and smiles we shared~

I am forever grateful.

~unknown

Mom and Daddy holding their grandson, Bryce, who is now 12 yrs. old. My Daddy died 4 hrs. later. We were in Lexington, KY, and he wasn't feeling well and went back to the motel right after this pic, and we found him 4 hrs. later, he was already gone, massive heart attack. Seems like he is just away...even to this day. I even have dreams like that, he comes to stay for a while and then he leaves and I never know when he will be back.

Now they are back together, my Guardian Angels, I'll see you over the Rainbow!

"Angel of Peace"

2011-08-10T02:43:00.003-04:00

This is a pen and ink drawing of an Angel who just happens to be a hippie/gypsy soul, like myself. I love all the detail, I can get lost in it. One day, I want to create a large colorful painting of this piece.

"Helga, The Animal Whisperer"

2011-08-04T02:34:00.003-04:00

Another in my Sketchbook Series...This is Helga with a gold tooth, I love her face, hair-do and freckles, too! The animals are all floating around her...everywhere she goes, the creatures come out for she has this mystical power to communicate with every one of them. They feel her love and spirit. This is a mixed media piece, using soft pastels, crayons, colored pencils, nail polish and ink white-out.

Quote...

2011-08-01T13:51:00.001-04:00

“People help you, or you help them, and when we offer or receive help, we take in each other. And then we are saved.”
~ Anne Lamott

"What's The BuZZZ"

2011-08-01T01:59:00.003-04:00

Another spread from the Sketchbook Series...Mixed Media piece...using soft pastels, colored pencils, crayons, old make-up, ink white out,and rubber stamps for the bees. I just love how she turned out, with her Bee-Hive Hair Do and Bee Sting lips!

Beautiful Quote

2011-07-31T22:30:00.002-04:00

"What in your life is calling you? When all the noise is silenced, the meetings adjourned, the lists laid aside...what still pulls at your soul?"

~Terma Collective, "The Box"

"Open Your Mind"

2011-07-30T12:39:00.002-04:00

Another spread from my Sketchbook Series. This is another mixed media piece...using mostly...old make-up...yes, there is a use for that stuff! I also added some nail polish and ink white out...now the papers used are a map , cut out floral designs that were on my paper towels, and Bible pages. The message is clear ...open your mind to everything...think outside of the box...doesn't have to even deal with art, but in life.

"Have a Heart"

2011-07-28T23:39:00.003-04:00

This is from my sketchbook series I worked on in the wee hours of the morning while I was taking care of Mom. It is a mixed media piece. I used soft pastels, colored pencils, crayons and a touch of glitter ink for the words. Also I used some nail polish...
The quote says:
"A Loving Heart Is The Truest Wisdom."

"My Heart Has A Boo-Boo"

2011-07-26T01:05:00.005-04:00

Another in my sketchbook series...This was created during a difficult perod. I used crystal stickies for the tears/hearts...I used soft pastels, colored pencil and crayons. I made the tiny band-aid from a regular sized one and the tiny hearts on it is nail polish that had hearts glitter in it.

Angels are everywhere...you just have to look...

2011-07-25T00:23:00.003-04:00

This piece was made when My Mother was near death...she is and was my Angel....I used bible pages to cut out for the wings and place them one by one....her dress is a used fabric sheet that I added glue to and made the folds, after it dried, I added color. Her collar is a folded yellow page phonebook...one of my favs to use for papers....Mom loved this piece...I hope you do. This was made with papers, soft pastels, and glitter ink. From my sketchbook series I kept when My Mom was ill. I will continue to work out ideas and paintings with this book...it is very special to me.

"Two Hearts"

2011-07-22T14:27:00.005-04:00

This piece was painted with watercolors, using brushstrokes to show the vibrancy flowing from the hearts...

"Pull YourSelf Together"

2011-07-21T23:25:00.002-04:00

From my sketchbook series...this piece is actually torn apart and glued on facing pages. I used soft pastels, crayons, colored pencils, old make-up and glitter ink for the lettering. For the bright whites, I used ink white-out. This was one of those days when I was losing my Mother and trying to keep it together for her. So, I stayed up one night after she fell asleep and made this one...it was my therapy!

Delightfully De-Caffed

2011-07-20T15:20:00.004-04:00

Delightfully De-Caffed and calm. Now me...I need my tea the old fashioned way...with caffeine to snap me out of the sleepies. This was created in my sketchbook using old make-up, soft pastels and some tea bag papers...I love her hat.

Sweetie Pie

2011-07-18T14:25:00.003-04:00

My scan did not turn out as well as expected...colors are juicer in person. This fun piece is all watercolor.

Save Face

2011-07-17T18:16:00.004-04:00

Finally back to working again. This is from a sketchbook I worked in while my Mother was ill. I chose to keep it a positive message type of journal, instead of one with all the true feelings that were going on inside of me. She loved to see what I had done. I did not get too many finished....too busy with her and trying to spend as much awake time with her.

This piece is composed of pencil, soft pastel, old make-up....yep! old make-up, and some ink.

Who Am I...

2011-06-26T10:41:00.002-04:00

My Mother passed on June 3rd...peacefully at home. Hospice...was there to take care of hugging me and helping get Mom ready to be taken to the funeral home. It was tough the last 2 months when we finally got hospice, because we had no critical care nurses to relieve me and I was on 24/7. I just tried to keep her happy and comfortable. We said everything we needed to say to each other...a lot of love there, I am so grateful for that opportunity...I did not have that with my Dad, who passed unepectedly. This has been the most painful, yet insightful, journey in my life. I would do it all over again...even though it took it's toll on me physically and mentally. I will never be the same Suzi...hopefully a better Suzi...one who doesn't have the time or energy to waste on toxic people. I am ridding those from my life and now I need to look deeply into my soul and find me again. This recovery period will be a difficult one since Mom and I were like 2 peas in a pod...I keep finding that I want to call her or just see her there and tell her things...then I remember she isn't physically there. I miss her so much...and I stayed in her bed with her until they came to take her to the funeral home. I wanted to apply her make-up. It was so peaceful and helped me...like a final gift I could give her.

David Bowie - Heroes (live)

2011-06-16T13:27:00.001-04:00

For my Mother...you are my Hero.

My Mother is doing worse

2011-03-28T17:19:00.002-04:00

Was hoping to do some art in my journal....doing a lot of drawing, but not much time for all the rest of it. My Mom took a turn for the worst and was in the hospital....she has prepared me for when she passes...I know everything I need to take care of. Living with her and being her caregiver is very difficult and demanding, but I would never think of not doing it. Sometimes I feel so alone, but I look at her and how she is suffering and trying to stay alive and she is such an inspiration to me! My life is going through all sorts of changes...and I will be much better for them.

The Start Up

2011-02-26T10:20:00.007-05:00

Here are a few pages I am working on...just in pencil...and then on with the color!

I am experimenting with old make-up to use like oil pastels and soft pastels....I hate throwing it out, so I will recycle it and see what happens...who knows!

The top book is my new journal...it has natural paper with a nice look and feel to it. The middle book is a journal where I write inspirational quotes and ideas. And of course...last evening I got my new issue of Somerset Studio...which is total inspiration and like an art class with every issue. My true vice.

I'm Back!!!

2011-02-26T10:01:00.003-05:00

After taking months off from my blog and art to be caregiver for my Mom...I have decided I needed to do my art for my own sanity! I am starting small with art journals...hopefully I can use them to vent, hope, pray and possibly some of the works will become a painting one day...I am so full of ideas and just do not have the time to do much for myself. But...I am where I should be...making my Mom as happy and comfortable for as long as the Spirits let her stay. I will only be able to post art once a week...but my observances and musings may still appear in between. It's great to be back...I sure missed my blogging community and the kindred spirits I have met on this blogland journey.

More Cowbell Snl Full Skit (Real Video!)

2011-02-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

New Self-Portrait

2011-02-14T12:34:00.002-05:00

Me...playing around with my camera and photoshop again!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T12:22:00.002-05:00

This is an oil painting study from an old Master's painting. It is appropriately titled "The Kiss."

Elvis Presley Memories

2011-02-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

cowboys herding cats

2010-12-10T14:40:00.001-05:00

One of my FAVORITE commercials of all time!

Talking Cats Play Pattycake

2010-12-06T14:03:00.001-05:00

For all my feline-lovin' friends....

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

2010-12-05T14:29:00.001-05:00

Vintage Bruce...'nough said!

Anybody Seen My Baby

2010-12-02T15:07:00.001-05:00

One of the best bands ever, the Rolling Stones...and a fab video with a bunch of cool art effects...enjoy!

Self Portrait Photo, title"Going Green"

2010-07-10T20:18:00.002-04:00

"Going Green"...just trying to do my part!

I do not have time for creating much art these days, my Mother is dying and I am at her home every day except one day a week... I get to come to my own place, chill out with a glass or two of wine, read a book , see my neglected cats and check out what everyone has been up to on my computer.......I miss everyone and my creative spirit, but for now ..I am needed elsewhere, and I would not have it any other way. So, I take stupid pics and play with them...hee hee!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
SuziQ

Happy Fourth of July!!!

2010-07-02T19:04:00.007-04:00

I hope and wish everyone in blogland a Happy 4th. I will be quietly spending it with my Mom...I do not blog much since she is ill and I am her caregiver/taker...whatever the term is...

These are vintage photos of me and a best friend from childhood, Denien Lamone King, and she has lived in Italy for over 20 yrs. now with her wonderful husband Marc...and raised 4 kids there.....anyway, she was just here 2 weeks ago for her Father's passing and I am also sharing a "today" pic of us. We were in dancing school forever... growing up and took baton, tap, jazz, and ballet...then tumbling...which I would prefer to forget...I am not built for gymnastics...more for ballet...

She got to visit with my Mom, who is losing her life battle....so if you do not hear from me...just remember you all are in my thoughts and I miss you all. I will try to produce some art, but I am a nurse more than artist now...and that is what is important to me.

XoXo

Title: "Snake Charmer"

2010-06-26T12:36:00.003-04:00

This is another monoprint using plexi glass. I manipulated the ink for the design and sent it through the press. I like how it turned out...

Title "I Don't Think We Are In Kansas Anymore..."

2010-06-25T18:15:00.002-04:00

This is another monoprint made from plexi glass. I rolled black ink over the plexi, then added the golden yellow color and played with a palette knife. Instead of running it through the press, I used a rolling pin for the transfer...was surprised to find most of the black gone, but liked the effect. It reminds me of things/shapes flying through space (like when Dorothy and Toto were in the hurricane flying around in the sky...hence the title)...also something under a microscope! yuck!

Title: "I Only Have Eyes For You"

2010-06-24T21:47:00.002-04:00

This is a monoprint from plexi glass that I painted with the green ink and drew out my characters with a cotton tip. Instead of running it through the press, I used a rolling pin and it came out perfect....After it was dry I added pastel for some fun colors and a touch of whimsy!

2009-2010 Purchase Award at West Virginia University-Parkersburg

2010-06-23T17:43:00.003-04:00

I was the recipient for this award for this year, along with another fellow for a ceramic piece he created. Two pieces are chosen by the school to purchase and keep in their permanent art collection. A huge honor...and my piece will be hung and have a plaque for everyone to see and hopefully enjoy! I received my cash award on Monday at their board meeting and was on cloud nine and a half!!!!! Hated to part with this one, it was a self portrait and had so much hidden meaning...but anytime someone sees it, their face lights up, and that is what it is all about!

Father's Day!

2010-06-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

It is another Father's Day without you, Daddy....
I miss you so much and it still hurts....
I am taking good care of Mom, I know you are proud of me.
You are our Guardian Angel.
I love you,
Suzi

Marietta, OH Artist's Walk

2010-06-16T18:15:00.007-04:00

I was a featured artist at "The Gallery" last Friday night in Marietta, OH. It was the Artist's Walk where all the shops stay open and musicians and artisans of all sorts are all over the streets and in the shops. "The Gallery" sells prints of 6 paintings I created for the Tourism Bureau for advertising purposes in 2008. There are full size and smaller prints for framing, mugs, and greeting cards for sale. The Artist Walks are part of the summer festivities this little town puts on every month.

Title: "Radish Rhapsody"

2010-06-09T11:33:00.002-04:00

Monoprint made with plexiglass and printing inks...I love this new medium!

untitled.....

2010-06-02T11:24:00.003-04:00

This is a print I made using plexi glass and manipulating the ink on the plexi before pressing it to the dampened paper...I believe my paper was too moist, since my 3 characters didn't come out very distinct. But, I do like it...leaves a lot to the viewer to interpret.
This was made at home, now today in class, I hope to get a chance to use one of the presses.

I have been away from my blog land, busy with life...taking care of my Mom, who is very ill. I will try to post more often. Missed everyone!

Finally Doing Some Painting...

2010-05-18T23:54:00.004-04:00

Not the kind of painting you were thinking...right. But, I did 20 miniature paintings...all toe and finger nails!!! Had to get this turquoise color...too pretty and notice how it goes with my second hand store shoes that I picked up for 1.99...that's right!...and never been worn....

My boy Tigrrr loves when Mom puts on any kind of make-up...always finds me when I am doing that...so I guess this counts, too!

My Hero and me....

2010-05-17T19:48:00.002-04:00

This picture was taken at a wedding about 5-6 years ago...Mom was heavier then, now 25-30 lbs lighter...due to her problems... She would never let me take a pic of her now....but she is still a beauty....even sick...you cannot escape inner beauty as well as outer beauty. And she is both...
I take after her...petite, but I am taller than a petite....????!!!!
She could have been in the movies, such beauty...............................................................
I hope to gather some of her strength through her health ordeals.....she is an Italian dynamo, just hope some of it has rubbed off on me!!!!

Quote

2010-05-13T10:18:00.002-04:00

" the main thing in life

is not to be afraid of being human."

pablo casals

Do You Believe in the Power of Prayer?

2010-05-12T16:27:00.002-04:00

If you do, all I ask is that you say a little prayer for my Mother...yesterday we got word that one of her CAT SCANS, abdomen, had a suspicious area...right near her colostomy. She has suspicious nodules in her lungs and they are not sure if cancer has returned...and we have been dealing with that since Oct, when they were discovered..not much change in those, which I guess is good. But the lung specialist sent her to a Dr for serious weight loss and digestive disease. Now, he is sending us to her Oncologist with this new result. Which is scheduled for Thurs. He will take it from here with more tests. I do not look forward to tomorrow.

The problem is that she is fading away from life...massive problems with the colostomy...and has trouble even talking and walking, she is sooo weak. When I hug her, I get sick to my stomach and can't eat myself...she is skin covering a skeleton. But she is still so beautiful and giving, loving....We both hugged and cried and she said to me that we needed to take care of things...she nor I like to think about it, but we have to be strong and do it. We have always been so close...and she said to me, while I was holding her fragile body in my arms (after the Dr's call), that we have been through so much and it can't last. She is my best friend, my hero...and has suffered like no human being should have to....since her first cancer diagnosis in 1992. Rectal cancer, then 2 years later, after losing a sister to breast cancer 4 months earlier, had cancer in both breasts at the same time....has almost lost her life 3 times to the colostomy and can't live a normal life, she has not been able to travel or enjoy life because her colostomy keeps her house-bound. Many people have told her they would not live like that...and that is a real hard thing to hear...she fights for her life everyday and never gave up....no matter what. Like I have said...she is my Hero...

Altered Book/Art Journal...my first attempt

2010-05-09T09:29:00.019-04:00

The cover was a paper towel I used when I painted, I glued it down then painted over it with white glue watered down. When it dried, it dried with a sheen and hard coating...nice.

Final spread, I am not a smoker, but my Daddy was a living smoke-stack...the one on the right is a self portrait...they make me laugh.

Fourth spread...I was going to give her face details, but she spoke to me unfinished...and fit the quote perfectly.

Middle spread...supposed to pop up, her halo and wing tops, but does not want to participate. It is funny, I used Bible pages for her wings and the quote is about age...here it is the story of Noah and that he is 600 years old...Someone had to point that out to me, I never read it...so see, it is never too late!

Second spread...she is pure class with her Bee-Hive hair doooo. She is peeking out from an envelope. Inside is a special message!

First spread, using a ticket admitting one for the little bird is giving her a solo performance of his sweet songs.

This is my first attempt at altering a book or making an art journal. I used it for my final Drawing class assignment, we only had to create a drawing, medium of choice...and I went overboard, as usual! The child's hard cardboard page book only cost .25 at the thrift store. Then I covered the spreads with papers, gesso, whatever...and quotes that I felt were relative to my feelings at the time. The background art in the first pic are other students work from the class.

Mother's Day Tribute for my Mother

2010-05-08T10:45:00.002-04:00

My Mom, Mary Camellia, a beautiful Italian woman then and now...although she would not agree with that statement, she is struggling with her life and is skin and bones...she is my Hero, a three time cancer survivor (praying it has not invaded her weak body again), and my Best Friend. We are so close and have always been. I was really sick in my late teens and almost died and we have gone through so much together...she took care of me and now I am taking care of her.

She signed it for a niece in CA, my cousin Sandi. Mom was a "Miss Westinghouse"...that is how she met my Dad, they both worked for Westinghouse. I will be spending the day with my Mom and giving her a colored pencil portrait of her "Scooter Boy"....my furry little brother!

I'm the one in the middle...

2010-04-28T21:55:00.003-04:00

"Nobody cares if you can dance well...Just get up and dance."
~unknown
Dancing school at Mrs' Wilhelm's School of Dance...every Saturday...of course this was from a recital....my best friend is next to me with the skinned knee...probably from wiping out on our bikes...she is much taller than me now. I was an early bloomer, I guess. Always taller than the boys....then, everyone grew and I stopped in 6th grade. I was planning on maybe being a model since I was so hideously taller than all my friends for so long.....and I am only 5'3/4". But then I felt like the Jolly Green Giant. And forget about what else was growing....

Oh...the pain, the pain...

2010-04-28T12:37:00.002-04:00

This is how I have been feeling since Thursday! This wonderful painting titled "The Scream", by Edvard Munch is what I have been doing and feeling...screaming every time I move...my neck, shoulders...I can't even put my hair into a pony tail with out a scream...the pets are used to it all by now. At first, they all scattered and so did the fur for cover, now they just look at me and shake their tails...hummmm.

Anyway if Edvard were here today and painted my portrait, this would be me...7 days with this living hell, the family size pack of frozen peas is now my best friend for all the hourly icing I am instructed to do. And for not so good pain relief...and I have tried them all...my pill of choice is plain old (stomach-lining-eating) aspirin. It has worked over the years. I found out I had arthritis in my neck when I was sculpting about 6 years ago and had to have physical therapy just to be able to work. Now, the new x-rays are hideous! It looks like some foreign object has taken over my neck bones and is growing as I type. Plus, it is appearing to fuse no. 5 and 6 vertebra together. Arthritis...I hate getting old, and this is from the type of work I have always done!

So, I am seeing a great chiropractor who is an Angel and has worked on me everyday...even saw me on Sunday!!! But now she is out of town and I have to wait until Monday....I could not stay for my painting class on Monday and today I have drawing class...and I have lots to do before finals next week....frozen peas, anyone?

An Angel For Becky...

2010-04-26T19:20:00.003-04:00

I just found out today that a friend/artist/merchant has cancer of the lip and had surgery to remove it...I am devastated by this news and the town of Marietta, OH is holding a benefit in her honor, on May 14th...at the Lafayette Hotel. She is such an inspiration to me...she has a unique shop (which is closed due to her condition). She paints anything ...and I mean anything she can get her paint brushes on...love her to pieces...Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Becky Johnson and she owns 'Black Sheep', one of the coolest shops on Front St.

Becky, I wish you a quick recovery and hope to see you soon back in your shop....inspiring others, you are so gifted.

love you,

Suz

Self Portrait/photo

2010-04-26T10:40:00.001-04:00

Two Heads Are Better Than None...

2010-04-25T11:54:00.002-04:00

No... these aren't any of mine...although they pull the same antics...but I had to share this...too cute!

Drawing Class assignment...self portrait

2010-04-22T12:47:00.006-04:00

This was so much fun to create for Drawing Class...had to be a self-portrait. I have drawn and painted so many self-portraits and bottles this year that I decided to combine the two! I am Italian and like my wine...and save bottles for Gawd knows what...

So I took pics of myself "smoking" a paint brush, I do not smoke but liked the representation of my paint brushes smoke when I paint and in the moment. I added a crystal tear drop to represent paint dripping...and each work created is a little gem. I drew myself on black paper with colored pencil.

I titled it ArTsy phArTsy...a full bodied wine...not for the faint of heArT. Vintage 1959, the year I was created. The back label was fun to write, all silly ArTsy stuff. Class at critique last night loved it...now everyone wants me to make wine...

KaTee KaT

2010-04-21T12:15:00.002-04:00

Katee, my oldest child, 13 yrs...we have been through a lot together. Love her to pieces.

OMG!!! 51 is coming in way too fast....

2010-04-19T11:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, May 25th., I will be 51....My 50th. totally sucked. No party, hooplalala, just another day, really weird. It fell on Memorial Day and the only good thing was that I got to spend some time with the woman who brought me into this world...and that was all that really mattered. Then I had to head back for classes the next morning.

Usually some of my friends get together to celebrate all our b-days since 3-4 of us have them within a week of each other. But lives get busy and time flies as you age. I do not feel 50, let alone 51...then I think ...hmmmm...what do I have to show for all those years...hmmmm, give me a minute, I should be able to come up with something......

It is time to reevaluate my life and what I do and what I bring to the world and others. It is never too late to start over.

Great Quote...

2010-04-18T23:53:00.001-04:00

"Every job is a self portrait

of those who did it."

~unknown

Title "Adam's Apple"

2010-04-15T18:33:00.002-04:00

This one got started today...due Monday for class. A collaborative project, we pick a subject and each do our take on it. This is 12" x 12", acrylic on canvas board. I am going to Mom's for the weekend, my brother and nephew are coming in from NC. Then, back in the studio Monday to finish up by 4pm, class time!!!!

Title "I'm Mad As Hatter!"

2010-04-14T10:53:00.005-04:00

I think I am finally finished! What a fun painting to create. Now if I can fit it into my VW Beetle...hummmm.

I used tissue paper, acrylic paints, tea bag papers, confetti, rubber stamps, cut out words, and two 5 and 9 of hearts playing cards...represents the year I was born. The tea bag hat is attached with Velcro, so I can remove it and make interchangeable hats for other seasons, Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July...simply mad, I know!

My Bottle Obsession

2010-04-12T11:18:00.004-04:00

This is a series I did in painting class, not intending it to become a series at all. But I became obsessed with that bottle, it's shape, colors, and light. This last one, pen and ink, was created using washes of natural home made dyes from nature...flowers, fruits, spices, etc.

Something to ponder...

2010-04-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

"You can't depend on your eyes

when your imagination is out of focus."

~MarkTwain

Quote...

2010-04-11T13:36:00.004-04:00

"Have a Heart that Never Hardens,

a Temper that Never Tires,

a Touch that Never Hurts."

~Charles Dickens

WV Mining Tragedy...

2010-04-10T01:14:00.005-04:00

MONTCOAL, W. Va. (April 10) -- Authorities say crews have found the bodies of four miners missing nearly a week since an explosion at a West Virginia coal mine, bringing the death toll to 29. Gov. Joe Manchin said, "The journey has ended."

Please pray for the miner's families and loved ones who will not have someone to bring home with them. It has been a long and painful week here in WV and my thoughts and prayers go out to miners everywhere...it is a sort of brotherhood, miners are very special and brave individuals. And God Bless the Mine Rescue Teams for all their hard and painful work.

More of MadHatter Me painting...still in progress

2010-04-09T11:11:00.005-04:00

Some pics to show the progress of my latest class project in painting class...I was inspired by the movie, Alice in Wonderland. And I love my tea...notice the hat made from Lipton tea bag papers. The two cards coming out of the tea cup are the 5 and 9 of hearts...signifies the year I was born...

Me...as the Mad Hatter....

2010-04-06T21:30:00.006-04:00

This is a final project for painting class...our own choice...and since I am a staunch tea drinker and loved Alice in Wonderland...here is myself as a Mad Hatter of sorts!

Mining Disaster in WV

2010-04-06T08:38:00.004-04:00

Monday there was a tragic coal mining disaster at a mine in Southern WV. It was a horrendous explosion and so far 25 bodies have been recovered. Please, if you can take just a moment, say a prayer for these miners (and all miners), who risked (risk)their lives everyday and for the loved ones they left behind.

Happy Spring and Easter!

2010-04-01T10:19:00.002-04:00

Love me some pastel kitties!!! Wishing everyone a grand Easter...may the big bunny treat you well. God Bless.

Me...Recital Time

2010-03-30T20:51:00.003-04:00

In a land long, long, and really long ago....yes, I was a dancer....every Saturday, my friends and I went to Mrs. Wilhelm's School of Dance....and yes, I twirled a baton or two there, also. Simpler times, but not simple costumes. All I want to know is... what happened to that blond hair???? Oh, and let me give credit where credit is due... my Mom was my make-up artist and hair stylist...she still has style!

Another Angel...Penny McAllister

2010-03-28T12:28:00.007-04:00

Folk Artist Penny McAllister passed away after a battle with Leukemia, life is so unfair. This Angel is for you, Penny, always an inspiration to me...my love and prayers to you, now amongst the angels...and you family. I will miss your whimsical world of creations.

Student Art Show Exhibit...

2010-03-26T23:55:00.006-04:00

I finally got to go to the gallery that held our Student Art Show...and I photographed my 5 pieces in the show!!! It was exciting to see my art, framed, and hanging in a highly respected Art Gallery.

An Angel for Penny McAllister

2010-03-26T11:44:00.002-04:00

If any of you know of Penny McAllister and her amazing folk art, or even if you do not know of her, please take a moment to say a prayer for her. She has a form of Leukemia and has taken a serious turn. Her work has been selling through Midwest of Cannon Falls. She has always been a favorite of mine...so fun and imaginative...what whimsy! God Bless You, Penny, and your family.

"Precious Darling," my BIG girl...

2010-03-24T20:42:00.001-04:00

Isn't she lovely??? She was a skin and bones starving cat that had been a mama, when I found her...she was near dead. So I took her to the vet and had her stay for a bath and tests and brought her to her new home...it has been 4 or 5 years now...and she is well taken care of. I should have called her Sophia, she has Sophia Loren's magnificent Italian eyes! Mama Mia!

New Title..."The Better Half"

2010-03-24T20:35:00.004-04:00

A friend in my Drawing II Class (the class this was created for) suggested a fabulous title...and of course, I asked his permission to use it. Yes... this was posted before,
but I felt compelled to reveal the new title...

"Precious Darling" class assignment

2010-03-24T11:55:00.004-04:00

This is a Drawing Class assignment in oil pastel...not too thrilled with how it came out, my first attempt with oil pastels. Lots to learn. But that is the best part, discovering how I can use these new mediums I have been introduced to...
The model is my huge chubby cat named Precious Darling, I found her starving...she has made up for that over the years.

Quote...

2010-03-21T10:42:00.002-04:00

"The faculty of creating is never given to us all by itself.

It always goes hand and hand with the gift of observation.

And the true creator may be recognized by his ability to find about him,

in the commonest and humblest thing, items worthy of note."

~Igor Stravinsky

Poetics of Music

Glimpses of Spring Around My Abode...

2010-03-16T18:41:00.006-04:00

Got back to Parkersburg, WV, to see what has happened since I have only been gone 4 days!!! Lots apparently! Bulbs are starting to sprout and be proud!!! Love it..we had a fear the mighty Ohio River might flood and it is below range ...Thank God!!! It can sure change lives forever when it decides to take over...glorious and beautiful...but mighty, and never doubt it...I have lost many friends to it's water's.

FiNi~ no title yet...

2010-03-12T09:41:00.003-05:00

I have been working on this particular still life since the beginning of the semester...but also working on two others during that time as well. Every time I'd go into the studio, the light was always different, the bottle had been moved, the fabric as well...so a lot of starts and stops and re-dos. Well yesterday, was my day to get it fini!!! The smaller one at the top is part of the project we had...to create a large painting of this still life and then take a section of our painting and paint it on a smaller canvas in a totally different manner...I love the smaller one so much, it is acrylic and the large on is in oils. No titles yet, but I will think of something...

Fly Renee, Fly...With the Angels

2010-03-10T14:07:00.002-05:00

Our Dear and Lovely Renee has left this world. After a long and hard battle with cancer, the Angels finally opened their arms and lovingly carried her with them to a better place. She is an Angel among us...not suffering any more.
I am grateful for meeting her through this community of bloggers. You are all special, and Renee touched and was loved by so many, I know that is a comfort to her family and loved ones. I will miss her writings, but never forget her spirit, life, compassion, and strength.

Study Within a Study...

2010-03-07T18:10:00.003-05:00

This green/blue section of a decanter is taken from a small section of a larger oil painting from a still life in painting class, (which is not finished and I will be there all day tomorrow finishing it for our mid-terms...) anyhoo ...I have posted the original in stages (but this is my latest) and needed to get a small section and go in any direction I wanted, style, color, medium...whatever moved us and here it is... Maybe I am broadening my horizons...hopefully... and experimenting with different styles....

So, I chose acrylic and painted over tissue paper on canvas board. Have no idea what to call it...which is so unusual for me...I give everyone great names for their pieces...all whimsical, of course.

WVU-P Student Art Show...

2010-03-06T10:06:00.005-05:00

This small group pic is of me with some classmates from Drawing II Class, we have also been in other painting classes together. I took my camera and only came away with 3 pics!!! I swore I had more pictures taken with friends/artists...but it was a whirlwind of an opening at the Art Center Gallery of WVU-P Art Students, on Thurs, the 4th. And I must say it was a gorgeous show, such creativity and we all support one another and help each other, so important. Paintings, drawings, sculpture and ceramics...something for everyone...

The turn out was incredible and seeing everyone in their fancy outfits was too fun! Mine was called Vintage-Bohemian...the hat was to actually to cover some gray roots and under those lights, it could have been nasty!

Anyway their were lots of people trying to round up all the classmates for a group pic. I hope to get those copies. I am not good at taking pictures at such events, I am too busy talking to everyone!

Title: "Warmth"

2010-03-05T11:18:00.002-05:00

This was a drawing class assignment using soft pastels...we had to create a landscape. Mine is a picture of a field in Tuscany. Would LOVE to be there...but this will have to do. It was difficult trying to keep the pastel from smearing all over, I did use a spray fixative, which changed the texture and colors a bit.

Title: "To Paint or Not to Paint..."

2010-03-04T11:47:00.004-05:00

What a fun piece to create! It was a class assignment using trash, found objects, you get the picture...and incorporating them into a work of art with painting. I had the cool old frame and used a canvas board covered in tissue paper then splattered paint all over it. I grunged up brushes with gobs of gesso and paint and framed a palette of mine with a thrift store find frame in the middle of the madness. I really like how it turned out...not everyone's cup of latte' but that is okay!

Title: First Date

2010-03-03T10:04:00.006-05:00

This was a class project in soft pastel with gesso...you apply gesso to paper (I used watercolor paper), but first mix acrylic paint into the gesso for a nice color. Once dry, you use your soft pastels and get some great results with the way the gesso texture comes through and the color underneath, too! I doodled some things sitting there trying to come up with something...and here it is. I call it First Date. Reminded me of people meeting someone for the first time and wondering...now what???

A Funny...

2010-03-02T11:02:00.004-05:00

Time flies like arrows...

Fruit flies like bananas.

I was bopping through a thrift store and came across this book, Achieve Your Dreams, and it is full of sayings, like the above one I used. I love getting books from those shops, such variety and some treasures if you are lucky!

BRRRRrrrrrrr!

2010-02-25T06:48:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for the next winter blast coming this way! This pic is from the last one, I was facinated with all the critter foot prints in my yard!!!
Wishing everyone a warm and cozy weekend.