flying dog studio design wall

Lots of Winter Still Here

2012-03-07T07:09:00.000-09:00

Ice on the beach one day...

...followed by a day of heavy, wet snow. We slogged to the Slough.

The next day, a break, with a dramatic evening sky. I was struck by how opaque the line of clouds right above the mountains across the Narrows looked.

Winter is lingering just as the Ground Hop predicted, but seems to be loosing its teeth and claws. Spring is coming, but today, I can wait.

Change in Plans

2012-03-03T20:17:00.000-09:00

Sometimes a plan doesn’t work out. My big idea for big origami wearable art was unsatisfactory, so I have moved on to another scheme. I cut up a rayon dress acquired at the last clothing exchange and started sewing, painting and pondering.

The silk organza triangles I stitched together became dimensional in a surprising and much more interesting way than I imagined.

My goal for this project is to use only what I have on hand in the studio already.

Stewart Gill textile paints come in a glitter flavor with amazing properties of transformation. I used them liberally to enhance the plain rayon.

Here is a glimpse of the front of the dress early on in the process this week. The rest must remain a secret until after the wearable art show next month.

Ever have to change your plan? I'd love to hear about it. Happy weekend to all!

Daily Drawing

2012-02-29T07:08:00.000-09:00

watercolor pencils and watercolor in 9x6 sketchbook

A Late Afternoon Walk

2012-02-26T20:50:00.000-09:00

After work at the studio yesterday we went out the road for the afternoon walk. We were surprised to be the only ones on the trail, as it was a beautiful out there – clear, still, and not all that cold.

At the Slough, Trumpeter Swans were placidly feeding. Even Flossy’s rambunctious barking didn’t concern them.

The melting snow turned to a perfect drop of ice as the sun went down.

A bit of snow had recently fallen, just enough to remind us that winter still has the stage.

We headed back to my truck as the light dwindled and went on home to supper.

My birthday today was quiet as befits one turning into her 6^th decade. So much to be grateful for! Happy week to all; see you Wednesday if not before.

A Sweet Surprise

2012-02-23T20:29:00.000-09:00

Winter has been mild for weeks, but it's still winter. Grey, blue, silver and black is the predominating color scheme outdoors.

Even the sunset colors are muted. Imagine my delight, then, when this was delivered to me at my studio today:

Flowers from our daughter as an early birthday gift! They smell sweet, too.

These are the paintings I am working on as they stood at the close of this day. Both are acrylic and paper on canvas.


I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow.

We are Recognized

2012-02-22T07:17:00.000-09:00

Flossy

Flossy and I are pleased to have received our first blog award, the Liebster, bestowed upon our little bight in Blogland by Nadia over at the Province of Multicolored Pieces. Thank you, Nadia.

As part of the terms of the award, we in turn honor 5 other bloggers with 200 or fewer followers whose work consistently moves us. Our nominations:

1. Fiberrainbow – From her home in the Netherlands, Els shares her love of color through photos of her beautiful felted works and fiber art in a voice which is kindly and joyful, always on the sunny side.

2. Cachepot – Poetic drawings by a loving soul who nourishes her readers with photos and writings which are spiritual meditations.

3. Here with T – T’s art is created with a deep sense of connection to the land she loves. Her photos of Australia transport me from my rainy, cold home to her warm, parched one.

4. Carole Reid – A fellow Northwesterner, Carole’s blog shares her wonderful art and warm sense of humor.

5. True Adventures of an Art Addict – Honest, intelligent writing accompanies Sharmon’s dreamy artwork.

From what I have been able to research, the Liebster Award: honors bloggers of note who have under 200 followers. The Rules (of course, this is entirely voluntary):

1. Thank the giver and link back to her/him.

2. Reveal your top 5 picks and leave a comment on their blog.

3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

Blogging continues to make my life rich and full in connection with all of you through reading your beautiful blogs and corresponding via comments and email. Thanks again, Nadia, and happy day to all from Flossy and me, sus

Ducks and Painting

2012-02-19T22:09:00.000-09:00

The weather has been quite moderate all month, making noontime walks a pleasure. The mirror calm South Harbor provided smooth sailing for these local waterfowl.

A reflected patch of Petersburg mountain caught my eye.

Back in the studio, paintings are progressing.

I like working on two at a time.

This is the painting on the right above, after the second morning.

And the same painting again at the end of the second day.

The smaller painting - finished for now.


And a detail...

I’m working with acrylic and paper on canvas with some transferring and stamping thrown in. Finding my way in paint again after years in other media is an interesting venture as I slowly rediscover its magic – so direct.

Tyvek, continued

2012-02-16T20:34:00.001-09:00

This morning I dragged my big Tyvek square upstairs to the top floor of the building that houses my studio so I could lay it out on the floor and do the next step.

I checked out a book about origami from the library...

...and followed the directions...

...very carefully...


...until I had a giant origami crane. Now for the tricky bit: turning it into wearable art!

Daily Drawing

2012-02-15T07:24:00.000-09:00

Pigma pen and Prismacolor pencil in 9"x6" sketchbook

Contemporary Stitchery Book

2012-02-11T21:29:00.000-09:00

‘Hoopla: The Art of Unexpected Embroidery’ by Leanne Prain is a visual treat covering 28 contemporary embroidery artists and their often humorous, always amazing innovative artwork.

Each artist is interviewed and their stitchery showcased with excellent color photographs shot by Jeff Christenson. After every artist’s section is a project based on the style and techniques they use. I really enjoyed this fun survey of the current world of subversive stitchery.


Ice on Falls Creek

I want to add a little note of welcome to new readers. One of the main reasons I began my blog was to forge relationships with other artists. To that end, I love getting your comments and answer you by email. Thanks for visiting, and have a good rest of the weekend.

Tyvek, Painting, and Drawing

2012-02-09T20:56:00.002-09:00

The busy harbor drew me out for a noon walk. It was all blue and silver out there, a contrast from the colors I was working with in my studio.

crab gear

I am working on my piece for the local wearable art show coming up next month. Last week I made a scale model. Today I started painting the real thing, a very large piece of Tyvek.

Tyvek is used as a vapor barrier in house construction, but it makes a dandy painting surface.

I started with primer over the branding.


The paint is acrylic enamel - I will be covering both sides. Got this side completed today		.


Waiting for the paint to dry on the Tyvek gave me time to carry on with a couple of new smaller paintings I started last week. Here's a look at one when I stopped for the day.

A professor I learned much from used to say 'painting is novel, drawing is journal. I think about that a lot, since my drawings are so different from my paintings. My goal with this series is to bring more of my drawing-sense into my paintings.

Do you have a distinctly different style from drawing to painting?

Up Next

2012-02-08T07:13:00.000-09:00


1" = 1'-0" Scale Model

In the Harbor

2012-02-06T21:24:00.000-09:00

The day was warmer and the ice underfoot abated - I went for a noon walk on the floats.


The clouds were heavy and squalls were moving through quickly, but the sun broke through for a few minutes, illuminating bits of color on bow and stern. Hope you are having a colorful week. Look out for this full moon - could be a challenging day ahead Tuesday.

Practically Instant Baby Gift

2012-02-04T22:20:00.000-09:00

I was invited to a baby shower on very short notice this week and had to come up with a quick gift. I stopped by the quilt shop on the way home from the studio, purchased 1.25 yds each of two complimentary flannel prints, prewashed them that evening, and whipped up an instant baby blanket Friday morning. Here's a tiny tutorial:

First, cut the selvages away and square up the flannels.

Pin right sides together and stitch all around with a ½” seam, leaving a 6” opening on one side.


Clip corners and trim the seam allowance to ¼”. Turn right sides out and poke out the corners.


Press around the edges.


Top stitch 1/4" from edge with contrasting color of thread, and you're done!

The new baby has a toddler sister, so I used the left over flannel scraps to make a little gift for her as well.

The projects were greatly appreciated!

Hope you are having a good weekend.

Daily Drawing

2012-02-01T07:10:00.000-09:00

Here's a little sample of what's been going on in my sketch book - and HAPPY FEBRUARY, by the way!!

Dog Mask - Pigma pen and watercolor in 8x6" sketchbook

My Dragon - Pigma pen and watercolor in 8x6" sketchbook

Sample Color Mixing - Watercolor and Pigma pen in 8x6" sketchbook

Winter Parts I and II

2012-01-28T21:23:00.000-09:00

The pictures in my last post were taken as we walked north of our house along the beach which had been cleared of snow by the high tide. These images may have left the impression that spring-like weather had come to our Island. This is far from true. We are actually deep in the heart of Winter Part II.

We slip merrily through Winter Part I which begins in late October and lasts through the end of the December holidays. Snow is a pretty novelty, the social rat-race distracts, and short daylight hours make evenings seem cozy.

Winter Part II, on the other hand, is serious business. Extending from January to whenever spring arrives, we face a seemingly endless cycle of snow, rain, bitter cold, ice, snow, rain, etc. The days do get longer by leaps and bounds, which is cause for celebration, but snow shoveling, ice grip wearing, and grey skies test everyone’s mettle. Cabin fever sets in. The lucky leave for Hawaii!

Today was another day of snow which turned to rain mid-afternoon. We walked the beach again when the tide was just beginning to ebb and I took some representative shots of Winter Part II.

Snow at the tide line is very slushy.

Looking up the Wrangell Narrows, with Kupreanof Island on the left.

The spit at Spruce Point.


The Sailor's poor skiff, buried in snow.

Before you go, have a peek at my sewing machine, where this afternoon I was finishing a piece for the new Fiberactions challenge. Shhh, the reveal is March 15th, so it's a secret until then.

Scene Recently, #22

2012-01-25T07:08:00.000-09:00

Cat Toys

2012-01-22T21:50:00.000-09:00

While the Christmas tree was up in our house, The Cats found that low-hanging ornaments made great play-things. When the tree disappeared, they went back to fighting each other.

Bert and William Wallace ready to fight

We decided they needed a toy of their own, and I created the Squidoctopus.


Squidoctopus

The Squidoctopus is enormously popular...

Thomas relaxes with Squiddy-boy

William Wallace acting like a kitten with the Squidoctopus

cat toy designs - watercolor and pigma pen in 6x8 sketchbook

...I plan to make some more cat toys someday soon.

And the winner is...

2012-01-19T19:29:00.000-09:00

Thanks to all who left a comment on my first give away post last week. The prize will be going to blogger and artist extraordinaire, Zom. Thanks as well to all of you, new readers and long-time friends, who follow Flossy and I as we trudge the art trail.

Today was extremely cold here again (it's January in Alaska, right?), but in my studio things were cookin'. I started two new pieces, and bubbled with ideas for more. It was one of those getting happily lost in the process days. I am using a commercial batik for one and a commercial quilter's cotton for the base of the other, and applying textile paints with my rubber stamps as well as stencils, screen prints and brushes - creating chaos which I am bringing my own version of order to. I will stitch this work eventually.

Here's a random picture of my work table mid-day.

I want to recommend a smashing read, 'A Game of Thrones'. I just started the book but find myself thinking about the characters - and the world the author has created - when I am not reading. What are you reading this month?

Daily Drawing

2012-01-18T07:18:00.000-09:00

pigma pen, watercolor and gouche in 9x6 sketchbook

pigma pen and watercolor in 9x6 sketchbook

Recently I am enjoying using watercolor in my daily drawings, usually putting down the color first and then responding to those forms with my pen. Doing anything different with your work today?

Don't miss out on our first-ever Give-away. Leave a comment on the January 12 post - I am drawing the winner tomorrow.

Anchorage

2012-01-14T19:54:00.000-09:00

I spent the past few days up here in Anchorage, Alaska attending an arts and culture conference put on by our State Arts Council.


A moose browses on bark right next to a busy street.

The theme of the conference was building creative communities. Outstanding presenters included Ben Cameron of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Milenko Matanovic of the Pomegranate Center, and Carole Coletta of ArtPlace. You have to check these organizations out. There is so much hope for a better world through co-operation and collaboration in the arts!

Anchorage, -7 degrees F (-22 C) at 4pm

Big icicles hung from the eaves of this house.

There was lots of information about how artists have been collaborating with others in their communities to create gathering spaces; about the changing role of artists and how that can bring positive change to our aching world.

I met artist friends both old and new in the workshops. It was a great conference.

I fly home tomorrow, full of inspiration and fired up to get back in the studio. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Give Away – Our First!

2012-01-12T19:50:00.000-09:00

We at Flying Dog Studio (Flossy and I) want to include our Bloggish friends in celebrating our second Bloggiversary by having a little give away – our first-ever!

Flossy hopes you will comment.

Here’s how it will work: leave us a comment on this post telling us what keeps you coming back to visit us. Or you can just say hello. Next week – January 19 – I will do a random number draw and the commenter with the winning number will receive in the mail…

...this little image I made with cotton fabric, procion dye and acrylic paint. It’s mounted on mat board, all ready to frame or hang like it is. The piece is about 6x8 inches, and the title is ‘Intercession’.

Thank you to our readers, followers, neighbors and friends in Blogland and beyond – here’s to another year of widened horizons!

Sunday Afternoon

2012-01-08T19:47:00.000-09:00

The third day of the current storm – we headed out the road for the afternoon walk, in search of a break in the rain, and found it...

...about 21-mile at Ohmer Creek.

We walked the highway, which has been scoured clear of ice by the torrents of rain.

The blueberry bushes showed their fiery red stems against the gloom of the forest.

We ended up walking all the way to the old log dump, three miles south of where we parked the truck. It was a long hike back, but really beautiful. So grateful the rain held off the entire time.

It was nearly dark by the time we got home.

The pets were glad get back indoors and onto the Couch of Comfort.

We were glad for a good dinner waiting for us in the oven, and the cake I baked this morning.

Happy week to all!

Painting

2012-01-05T20:47:00.000-09:00

I went to the studio this morning intending to make a Tyvek junk journal like I saw over at the fabulous Amy's blog. I want such a journal to write my Small Stones in. So I was painting Tyvek and having a really great time -

so great, in fact, that I decided I wanted to do nothing but paint - FOREVER!

And I had these canvases all stretched from last summer so I made a switcheroo and spent the rest of the day in color paradise, pushing acrylic paint around.

I haven't painted on canvas for years. Why not? So many interests, so little time!

Before I left to go home for the day, I started two more. Can't wait to get back in the morning!