all over the map,creatively speaking

being homebound has pushed me into my art studio more often than usual

and i've been trying new substrates as well as trying to paint other subjects as well as portraits. at the moment, i am drawn to vessels of every sort and florals.

yes, vessels, especially kettles

painting like this takes more time since many layers are required for blending.

i use gesso, gel medium between coats, acrylics, stabilo pencil, colored pencils, lead pencil and thick bristled paint brushes for the background textures. i try to use what i have rather than buy more, although tempted to buy the watercolors lynne recommended and some doll turning tools nola recommended from canada. 

i continue to paint on little rocks and shell shards

 and experiment a more modern take with watercolors

ofcourse i still paint on teabags

and shipping tags, probably my favorite throughout the years

but at night i scribble and sew while i watch every imaginable english period drama on you tube, free and commercials free too. my favorites so far have been "the pallisers" and "south riding", both oldies but goodies. 

i received my "how to be a wildflower" book and am lettering a small sign for my friend katey in alabama

and i picked up my silk ribbons again and for two straight days embroidered this cuff bracelet which sold in an instant. 

this fella always with me

i even painted on a garden wood chip

i even made a carboard doll;

my inner child is always always whispering

and i knit 

and draw disproportionate bodies

and look for ways to display my little makings around the house

some, like this collage, remain in books

others get framed and hung in my studio

and in between

i cook

and garden

and it rains

and we sleep 'neath the vast sky dreaming of playful tomorrows listening to that pitter patter

and play house after short naps to recover that energy which has been so iffy lately. i've tried to eat well and rest and not stress, but something is amiss, i know my body. oh well

i have also discovered new art friends on instagram: susan hopkirk and olivia and very many from faraway lands with incomprehensible texts but beautiful photographs which spell creativity. 

it's been a good month in the art room, different, adventurous. i now have the urge to make a paper mache doll à la julie arkell so am gathering all the tools to get started.

and ofcourse my very own handmade pony. i used to love mine as a child. 

i do so miss the outdoors though, going on a hike. only once have i been to the beach since i returned from baja. tatiana just came back from the grand canyon and her photos blew me away and julie is up in yosemite right now and esther jyst got back from zion national park. 

i promise to write and share the art that has captured me over the past few months next time. 

and that about sums it up

hope your month has been creative too