Inspriations and work space

I have begun a new series of paintings on canvas. It is strange for me to not work on paper as I have done for many years. I want to experiment with these canvases and use them as studies for a larger piece. As you can see my work space is rather messy. I try to keep it tidy, but things keep piling up but I think the piles add information to my work somehow.

My daughter's workspace looks very similar. She also did a painting on one of the canvases. Hers is Itsy Bitsy Spider. Some inspiration for the new work is all around me. There are many geodes and fossils surrounding the stream in my forest. I have become fascinated with these rocks, they are so mysterious and ancient. My daughter and her cousin are standing next to a pile of them that we collected.

I have been thinking of ships again and the traveling that happens in my dreams and nightmares of when I was ill. This rough paint by number is hung in my studio and I reference it often.

The beautiful weaving of roots and plant life that is found in the forest floor and its ever changing nature.

Modern Nativity

Kitty introduces her modern plastic fascination to the nativity scene. I like this updated view of Christianity.

Birthday Drawing

I am working on this delightful, over the top, drawing for my daughter's third birthday. She loves everything in the drawing: rainbows, whales, dolphins, sea horses, and horses. I have enjoyed making something that might be desirable to a three year old and her active imagination.

Materials used: ink, graphite, watercolor pencils, 8 X 10 " on rag paper

Studio turns to play room

I was determined to clean out my studio to make more room for another table and more work space. I soon realized what I needed more then more work space was something for my daughter to do while I was working. Kitty is almost always in the studio when I am drawing asking for this or that and wanting to play. I decided to bring in some of her things: kitchen, dollhouse, car garage, cash register as well as her art supplies. So far it has been working well and she plays much more and is less distracting in my studio. She really enjoys cutting paper as you can see in the second photo. So good bye more work space, hello play land!