I haven't painted in EONS.... so I had a painting I was unhappy with, I painted over it and made this flowertree. It's in progress, and it's more of an experiment and exercise in order to loosen up with the brush once again.
I'm just going to keep experimenting by drybrushing layers over it until I feel it's done. I have a few other things I should be working on, but I feel all artistically cramped so I figured I had nothing to lose using a recycled board.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
I'm Back
Hi Friends!
It was nice taking "off" a few days from the blogging world. I highly recommend it. It actually might have been a stupid thing to do, because I've been working hard to increase my readership, and nothing kills a following more than inconsistent posting. But truthfully I think it's a good thing to do occasionally, especially during a busy summer with a busy little girl and busy little creative projects and the usual business of summer. Plus I didn't get a lot of sleep all week long... little girl goes through these lite-sleeper jags where she is up 2 or more times a night, and it makes for a very tired (exhausted!) mama.
I'm NOT one of those mommies whose trying to do it all, because I believe my head would explode. At least right now. When "Anonymous" suggested I was hiding my creative insecurities behind the guise of motherhood I should have just told "Anonymous" to "suck it." But in a way it WAS a helpful comment. Because it made me question the thought that it could possibly be true.
But it's not. I DO create while my daughter naps. (as was suggested). And I empty the dishwasher and scrub toilets and wash the floors and all the other things I can't do when she's awake and climbing onto furniture and eating the dirt from my houseplants. Because when she's awake I like to play with her.
And you know what? I'm STILL an ARTIST! WooHoo!
So there!
Anyway,
Currently I am working on several things at once, some drawing and digi stuff and some paintings. A month or so ago I bought these great (and inexpensive) wooden art-panels from Cheap Joes, inspired to paint some icon-ish angels, similiar to stuff I've admired by artist's like Julie-Ann, who creates the most beautiful and artful icons. Well, I must have been trying too hard to imitate HER style (not COPY... I would NEVER copy!!!) because my angels looked quite ppppbbblllllllttttt!, OK, so I already know the lesson: Be Yourself, but every now and then I try to push my own style using the influence of someone else. Well, it almost NEVER works. But I did learn that I LOVE painting on wood, I love the way it feels, the texture it can provide... LOVE IT! So, after feeling sad for a minute I re-covered my poor little angels with a wash of black and decided to try something else. So now they are "secret-art-angels". And I don't feel bad about painting over them, because they can be like a secret little prayer behind whatever they end up to be. Corny? Pshaw!
So that's what I'm working on.
Uh-oh, daddy's home, gotta go!!!
It was nice taking "off" a few days from the blogging world. I highly recommend it. It actually might have been a stupid thing to do, because I've been working hard to increase my readership, and nothing kills a following more than inconsistent posting. But truthfully I think it's a good thing to do occasionally, especially during a busy summer with a busy little girl and busy little creative projects and the usual business of summer. Plus I didn't get a lot of sleep all week long... little girl goes through these lite-sleeper jags where she is up 2 or more times a night, and it makes for a very tired (exhausted!) mama.
I'm NOT one of those mommies whose trying to do it all, because I believe my head would explode. At least right now. When "Anonymous" suggested I was hiding my creative insecurities behind the guise of motherhood I should have just told "Anonymous" to "suck it." But in a way it WAS a helpful comment. Because it made me question the thought that it could possibly be true.
But it's not. I DO create while my daughter naps. (as was suggested). And I empty the dishwasher and scrub toilets and wash the floors and all the other things I can't do when she's awake and climbing onto furniture and eating the dirt from my houseplants. Because when she's awake I like to play with her.
And you know what? I'm STILL an ARTIST! WooHoo!
So there!
Anyway,
Currently I am working on several things at once, some drawing and digi stuff and some paintings. A month or so ago I bought these great (and inexpensive) wooden art-panels from Cheap Joes, inspired to paint some icon-ish angels, similiar to stuff I've admired by artist's like Julie-Ann, who creates the most beautiful and artful icons. Well, I must have been trying too hard to imitate HER style (not COPY... I would NEVER copy!!!) because my angels looked quite ppppbbblllllllttttt!, OK, so I already know the lesson: Be Yourself, but every now and then I try to push my own style using the influence of someone else. Well, it almost NEVER works. But I did learn that I LOVE painting on wood, I love the way it feels, the texture it can provide... LOVE IT! So, after feeling sad for a minute I re-covered my poor little angels with a wash of black and decided to try something else. So now they are "secret-art-angels". And I don't feel bad about painting over them, because they can be like a secret little prayer behind whatever they end up to be. Corny? Pshaw!
So that's what I'm working on.
Uh-oh, daddy's home, gotta go!!!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Blog Break
Hello Friends!
I'm going to be taking a little "blog break", just a couple of days.
I hope you will check back next week when I return, hopefully refreshed!
:c )
Carolyn
I'm going to be taking a little "blog break", just a couple of days.
I hope you will check back next week when I return, hopefully refreshed!
:c )
Carolyn
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Funky Art Queen Banner
A banner I designed for the Funky Art Queen!
I will tell you more about it later, because right now it's a beautiful day and I want to play outside!
I hope it's nice where you are!
I will tell you more about it later, because right now it's a beautiful day and I want to play outside!
I hope it's nice where you are!
Friday, July 03, 2009
What I'm doing
... going over ideas for a project for a friend...
...trying to concentrate while being interupted 18 times by husband who is off from work today...
...chasing busy toddler who has no fear and is climbing onto of everything...
...chasing a busy toddler who is pulling everything I just straightened and folded and organized and throwing it above her head in joyful abandon...
...waiting for the sun to shine... weatherman said it would happen today after 4 solid days of clammy cloudy cool weather...
...wanting to make these...
...loving this shop...
...wishing I could lose 50lbs so I could shop at fun places like this...
...wanting to get back on the weightloss/bicycling bandwagon...
...preparing to BBQ tonight... just cheeseburgers and potato salad with hubby and little-girl...
...wondering what's wrong with my magic wand: why isn't my house clean when I wave it....
...already getting nervous about going to a wedding next week while my sister watches little-girl (I've never had someone else watch her at night-into-bedtime... hoping it goes ok...)
...craving some time alone in my own house... just a few hours.. so I can actually complete a task...
...feeling guilty for craving alone time...
...listening to little-girl play "music" on my piano...
...looking out the window and seeing my neighbor smoking out on his driveway... SO GLAD I don't smoke anymore (even though now and again I still crave it... after 3 years!)
...feeling proud that I've remained smoke-free for 3 years
...thinking it's time to get off the blog and play with that busy-little girl!
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
...trying to concentrate while being interupted 18 times by husband who is off from work today...
...chasing busy toddler who has no fear and is climbing onto of everything...
...chasing a busy toddler who is pulling everything I just straightened and folded and organized and throwing it above her head in joyful abandon...
...waiting for the sun to shine... weatherman said it would happen today after 4 solid days of clammy cloudy cool weather...
...wanting to make these...
...loving this shop...
...wishing I could lose 50lbs so I could shop at fun places like this...
...wanting to get back on the weightloss/bicycling bandwagon...
...preparing to BBQ tonight... just cheeseburgers and potato salad with hubby and little-girl...
...wondering what's wrong with my magic wand: why isn't my house clean when I wave it....
...already getting nervous about going to a wedding next week while my sister watches little-girl (I've never had someone else watch her at night-into-bedtime... hoping it goes ok...)
...craving some time alone in my own house... just a few hours.. so I can actually complete a task...
...feeling guilty for craving alone time...
...listening to little-girl play "music" on my piano...
...looking out the window and seeing my neighbor smoking out on his driveway... SO GLAD I don't smoke anymore (even though now and again I still crave it... after 3 years!)
...feeling proud that I've remained smoke-free for 3 years
...thinking it's time to get off the blog and play with that busy-little girl!
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
matted Afro Beauty Purple
I'm going to try and limit my online time today!
I need to create something new!
As you can see I'm having fun with my Afro Lady. I think she is my alter-ego. I just love her. I'm offering personalized versions of her at www.crazyfunkycool.com
She can be personalized with a name, word or short phrase.
Hope you are having a productive day!!!
I need to create something new!
As you can see I'm having fun with my Afro Lady. I think she is my alter-ego. I just love her. I'm offering personalized versions of her at www.crazyfunkycool.com
She can be personalized with a name, word or short phrase.
Hope you are having a productive day!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sedum
(Make sure you scroll all the way down for info on a free 16x20 print from iPrintfromhome.com!)
As everything creative is cyclical with me I seem to be heading back into my photography phase. These cycles of mine are short, they seem to last about 2 1/2 weeks and go from drawing to painting to sewing to digital to photography. Sewing and painting have fallen out of the cycle temporarily, for my little one is now climbing on furniture and has entered her fearless stage.
It is exciting for me to watch her struggle, and then, through her efforts, gain that sense of triumph and accomplishment when she manages to reach her goal.
And now I have a tremendous amount of tension in my shoulders neck and jaw from watching and preventing her from standing on furniture and klunking herself into everything. I certainly took it for granted when I could set things on the countertop or table up out of her reach. In a matter of a few weeks it seems there is nothing that holds her back. Needless to say projects like sewing and painting that need time and focus, not to mention a safe environment where a busy and curious little-one can't run amouk, will have to wait.
So I am feeling the pull back to photography. I enjoy photographing things in my garden but what I really love is photographing people. Little girl is so busy that it's very difficult to practice on her, and when she sees me with the camera she does everything in her power to look away. She's not camera shy, just sick of Mama and her camera. It's easier when Daddy is distracting her in play, and I look for those opportunities.
I learn a lot from browsing the photos of others (especially Moms) on Flickr, and on sites like Shutter SIsters and others.
Well, I'm off to accomplish some things while she naps.
I hope you find a little "me" time in your day today!
FYI GREAT PROMO
I am registered and frequently use the services of iPrintfromhome.com
DON'T LET THEIR LATEST PROMO PASS YOU BY:
Tuesday Tweet Treat
iPrintfromHome.com will announce a special Tuesday Tweet Treat each Tuesday that will only be valid until the clock strikes midnight EST that day.
This Week's Tuesday Tweet Treat (June 30th): 1 Free 16x20 Photographic Print - Kodak Pro Photo Papers: Metallic, Glossy, Lustre or Matte**
Instructions:
1. Place an order for one 16x20 Photographic Print at iPrintfromHome.com between 12:00am and 11:59pm EST on June 30th, 2009.
2. IMMEDIATELY after placing your order, send us an e-mail with "Tuesday Tweet Treat - 1 Free 16x20 Photographic Print" in the body of the e-mail.
3. Once we receive your e-mail, we will adjust your order so that you are not charged for one 16x20 Photographic Print.
GO TO THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.
I ONLY HAD TO PAY SHIPPING.
You can use my name Carolyn Gallo as your referral, but you don't have to. (but thanks in advance if you do!)
just thought I'd pass this on!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Peach Daylily
I spent a good part of May busy in my garden. In fact nearly every Facebook status update I posted was "Carolyn is working in the garden."
I planted annuals and perennials, shade lovers and sunworshippers, vegetables and herbs.
Well, we had a pretty blah spring around these parts, cool and clammy and cloudy, and my garden shows it. Because it looks blah too. By this time last year my garden was a riot of color, with flowers so abundant the bees and hummingbirds were loving life!
But this year, well, not so good. With a few exceptions, like this daylily. Last year I found a patch of daylilies in a small wooded area behind my house. It's actually on my neighbors property... a neglected place that is overgrown with tree saplings, wild raspberries and thorns. The growth overhead was so dense they couldn't get any sunlight, and probably hadn't bloomed for years. So I sneakily dug them up and placed then in a sunnier spot nearby on my property. And this morning I was greeted by this little pretty. She is surrounded by the rest of the rescued lilies, at this moment laden with buds just waiting to blossom.
... and all she needed was a little attention and a little sunshine.
Could something or someone in your life use a little attention and sunshine? Maybe it's YOU.
I hope to find a little sunshine in your day today!
I planted annuals and perennials, shade lovers and sunworshippers, vegetables and herbs.
Well, we had a pretty blah spring around these parts, cool and clammy and cloudy, and my garden shows it. Because it looks blah too. By this time last year my garden was a riot of color, with flowers so abundant the bees and hummingbirds were loving life!
But this year, well, not so good. With a few exceptions, like this daylily. Last year I found a patch of daylilies in a small wooded area behind my house. It's actually on my neighbors property... a neglected place that is overgrown with tree saplings, wild raspberries and thorns. The growth overhead was so dense they couldn't get any sunlight, and probably hadn't bloomed for years. So I sneakily dug them up and placed then in a sunnier spot nearby on my property. And this morning I was greeted by this little pretty. She is surrounded by the rest of the rescued lilies, at this moment laden with buds just waiting to blossom.
... and all she needed was a little attention and a little sunshine.
Could something or someone in your life use a little attention and sunshine? Maybe it's YOU.
I hope to find a little sunshine in your day today!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
"Bees" Fabric Swatches
Did you know you can design your own fabric over at Spoonflower? When I stumbled upon this knowledge I thought I'd died and went to creative heaven!!! Imagine the possibilites! Makes my head spin just thinking about it!
The only thing is it's not exactly cheap, but OMG: I CAN PUT MY OWN DESIGNS ON FABRIC!!!
When my swatches arrived I literally tore open the envelope... they came out great. I can add exclusive fabric to my etsy shop, and yes, there is a market for this, even though it's a bit pricey. I am so excited!
The bee's came out super cute...but these are 8x8 swatches and I'm wondering if they would look better small and repeated more frequently... do you know what I mean? Let me know what you think...
The only thing is it's not exactly cheap, but OMG: I CAN PUT MY OWN DESIGNS ON FABRIC!!!
When my swatches arrived I literally tore open the envelope... they came out great. I can add exclusive fabric to my etsy shop, and yes, there is a market for this, even though it's a bit pricey. I am so excited!
The bee's came out super cute...but these are 8x8 swatches and I'm wondering if they would look better small and repeated more frequently... do you know what I mean? Let me know what you think...
Friday, June 26, 2009
Funky Afro Lady
When I was a young girl growing up in and around Motown I wanted to look like this. Unfortunately this was impossible, because little blond Polish girls don't grow good Afro's.
The phrase is a play on the language of the fashion industry when a new color trend emerges: ("grey is the new black"; "brown is the new black" etc...)
She's an image that started as a doodle several years ago. She evolved into a painting, and now, thanks to the world of digital, is now an 8x10 poster-style art print. She's available at Crazy Funky Cool. I hope to develop several variations of her in the near future.
In other news: today is the day I have long waited for: I am FINALLY going to get my iPhone. I have been an Apple FREAK for over 20 years. I think this is one of those techy devices that lives up to the hype... anyone I know who has one is totally in love with it. Being such a Mac geek I think it will tie in seamlessly with my digital world. I'm not happy that I HAVE to switch phone companies (I believe Congress is actually looking into the legality of this), but it's not that big of a deal.
My husband is not a sucker to the hype like I am. He uses his company-provided Blackberry (which has a totally LAME interface) and he's ok with it. So, whatever!
But: I AM SO EXCITED!
Shallow? Yes.
But YAY!!!!
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