Art Rocks

Just plain art for fun

I just felt like working on some art - for fun!  I think, lately, my own art has been taking me down so thought I would just play in a small watercolor journal I have.  

I purchased the Suzi Blu stamp Belle, awhile ago, and wanted to try her out. She's a very versatile stamp and I it really lifted my spirits including her in this spread.  The stamp is just her upper portion (head and neck) and you can have fun adding a funky body or collage...whatever.

The butterfly is collaged and the background for both pages includes watercolors, collage, sketching, rub-ons, etc.

I hope you all had a safe and fun Memorial Weekend and your weather cooperated for any outdoor activities.   We are experiencing early heat and humidity here. 

Thoughts of all of you!                        Love - Marilyn xxoo

 

Grid Expression

This was a grid spread I did in my Moleskine journal, on and off, while Ted was in rehab for two weeks.  I did it using sketching and charcoal pencil, Prisma Premiere Colored Pencils (which, by the way, are heavenly), and some of the Woody pencils with Gesso.

I recall, in my mind, questioning so many things and I came across this poem that was so fitting, for this time, and thought it would be so appropriate for journaling.  I would like to share it, here, if you are unable to read it:   (no title)

I think it is enough, at times,

to go without knowing

where the end is, what

the beginning so long ago.

Perhaps friends can whisper such things

in your ear to hear

little bits of messages.

But; mostly we

just proceed ahead,

not remembering how

it all started, where

it is leading................not sure.      (poet unknown)

Happy and Safe Memorial Weekend to all of you......Love, Marilyn xxoo

What's a "good" cry?

What is a "good cry" anyway?  This is another Moleskine journal spread I did while in hospital at my husband's bedside.   I did it after one of the aides came in and started talking to me and asked me if I was ok.  I am ok until someone asks me if I'm ok.   My eyes started to fill up and the aide said to me......."Dear, you need yourself a good cry".    As the tears were coming down my face and hitting my cheeks, I thought - this isn't a "good cry"; it feels awful and it's very painful.   

I turned to my journal and started sketching and I drew through the clouded eyes I had from my tears.   Words kept coming to my mind and I eventually added them to the spread.

I suppose a "good cry" might be tears of joy when we experience something that is worthy of joy and our emotions are high with happiness.

But; I can honestly say that the cry that came and comes from my husband's diagnosis and watching him go through this - is not a "good cry". I feel like cancer is ruling our lives, at the moment, each day and night and it has infiltrated every part of our being.

I find myself running from it when I feel that I'm starting to fill up with tears.....I try to distract myself with other things fighting the emotions that are surfacing to the top.  After all; what "good" would it do to have my husband see me like that?

I know these recent posts are not happy ones but it is so good to get back to Blogging and being able to express myself - "raw" - to all who follow.  I am feeling more comfortable doing so and it is so therapeutic.

Thank you all for your friendships, your encouraging and comforting words; I so appreciate all of your prayers, positive vibes, and thoughts. 

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the moments.

Love, Marilyn

Therapeutic journaling

 

As I mentioned, in my previous post, I would share with you some of the art journaling I did while my husband was in the hospital.   It took me awhile to kick in but the days were long sitting at  my husband's bedside or taking some short breaks in a waiting room not far from his room.  I knew I had to express my inner feelings somehow and journaling seemed to be the answer.

I kept my supplies portable; moleskine journal, sketching pencils, colored pencils, Woodies, writing pens, etc.

The first spread was the first one I did and recall it was a beautiful day outside and really felt like Spring was in the air.  Spring usually offers us hope and I just wasn't sure if I could or should be hopeful.....did I dare?  We were all unsure of what was going on with Ted's health - answers were not coming at that time.

The picture, below, is of a journal spread I did just shortly after hearing Ted's diagnosis.  Hearing the cancer diagnosis was so surreal and from that point on, everything felt like stress; it still does.   But; I wanted to express how I think it looks! 

It's kind of hard, for me, to share these with you; I know they're not happy reflections but the journaling sure was therapy for me.  

But; Ted is home and doing ok; we have home services in place, now, and family and friends continue to amaze us.  Ted will be receiving  his next chemo treatment a week from tomorrow and, this time, it won't be low dose.  He's going to receive the regular treatment which will be more potent.  He is nervous about this as we all are but we know it needs to be done.  

Thank you all for your continued prayers, notes of encouragement and hope.

I will share more of my therapeutic pages with you from time to time. 

I plan on catching up with Blogs; a few each day so I can get back to you and feel connected again - even if it's for awhile. 

Love to all.........................Marilyn

 

 

Courage still the word......Update

 

Hello Everyone!

My it's been a long time since I've paid any attention to my Blog.  Time has been standing still for so long.  I so miss  all of you!

I thought I would post an update on things, here, to let you know that the past couple of months have been filled with tending to my husband's health issues.   Beginning on March 12th, we had no idea of the journey we would be on and still are traveling through it.  Ted has been hospitalized for two weeks beginning on March 12th, home for 4 days, and then readmitted to hospital, transferred to rehab, for two weeks, and now home since Friday, May 4th.

After going through extensive testing, while in hospital, it has been discovered that my husband has Stage 4 T-cell lymphoma.   It was a devastating diagnosis and has been very difficult for Ted and all who love him to process it.

Courage has been the word through this all.  

Ted has been going through chemo treatments; has had two low-doses thus far; the last one being this past Thursday.

His homecoming has certainly lifted his spirits as you can well imagine.We are now in the midst of arranging some home services; family and friends have just been angels for us both!

I think the hardest part, for me, has been the fear of the unknown yet I keep that word courage close to my heart and in my mind as we are all taking one day at a time.

I ask your continued prayers and positive thoughts and also want to thank all who have emailed me, sent me cards with supportive and encouraging thoughts and words.

I haven't had any time to create art but during hospital stays and visits, brought my moleskine journal, sketching and colored pencils with me. Sometime in the future, I will post some of those journal pages.  It's very interesting, for me, to look back at them now that Ted is home.    I do believe that art saves and it did help get me through some very dark moments, dark thoughts, and inner feelings. 

Love to all........................................Marilyn

And the winner is..........................

I just drew the name for the winner of my Blog giveaway and it is..............Terrie, who is #53, on the comment list!     Congratulations Terrie!   I have sent you an email to contact me with your mailing info. so I can get your winnings out to you.

Thank you all for participating!

I try not to write personal things, here, on my Blog - once in awhile I will post a picture of my grand daughter, Sophia, but mostly believe that my Blog is all about the art.

Today I am finding myself wanting to share that my husband and I have been going through a bit of a difficult time over the past month.   My husband was admitted to the hospital this past Monday and has some rather serious health issues. He's having a rough go, of it, and I am trying my best to take care of myself and know I have to face all of this with acceptance and patience.  It is difficult to see a loved one going through so much and being in extreme discomfort.  I also have this wave of a feeling that my life is about to change significantly, here, upon his homecoming and we are all hoping for a sooner-than-later homecoming. I'm blessed with lots of family and friends who are helping me on a daily basis and for them I am so thankful.

The reason I'm sharing this, with you, is I will be taking a blog break for awhile in terms of posting.  I will, however, try to catch up on your Blogs, as and when I can, so I can share in the joy of your creations and achievements with your artwork.

I will miss blogging but there comes a time when we have to prioritize our lives and I've always felt that family is first.  I'll be back just as soon as I can.

I do ask your prayers and positive thoughts for my husband's speedy recovery.

There is a quote that I discovered, recently, that helps me get through my days and I recite it each and every morning before I head to the hospital.  I'd like to share it with all of you:

Whatever you may be celebrating or grieving, may you practice courage every day and let it nurture your spirit however weary or uplifted it may be.  There is hope in our celebrations, and strength in our brokenness. Embrace your own sweet surrender with faith and courage.  (Author unknown)

On a happy note:  we got news, quite recently, that Sophia is going to be a big sister!   New grand baby due in November :)   

Love, courage, and faith to all of you!         -Marilyn xxoo

A "Twofer" Giveaway :)

I recently realized that I haven't offered a giveaway on this new Blog of mine; don't you think it's about time? :)  Yes, indeed!

I am offering these two items as a giveaway as a thank you to all who have continued to follow me as well as new followers that I have encountered along the way with my new Blog.  I am very blessed to have you all, not only locally, but across the globe!  Thank you SO much for your encouragement and friendships. You all enable me to reach higher and higher with my art!

The first photo is of a 7 x 7 original mixed-media piece that I created on 90 lb. Fabriano watercolor paper.

The second and third photos are of a Letraset Aquamarker set.  These are water-based twin-tip markers that can be used for strictly coloring in, blending, and creating quick watercolor effects.  I am too embarrased to tell you how I acquired TWO sets of these :)    Oh well..............guess I'll 'fess up!   I ordered them and realized I already have them!  Now; is this an addiction or what with my art supplies?-lol!  I did open the set, already, and cannot return so I thought I would offer the set as a giveaway.   They are super - truly!

The photos reflect side 1 and 2 and, as you can see, the colors are amazing.

All you have to do to win the original mixed-media piece and the markers is leave a comment that you want to participate.  The deadline for commenting is Wednesday, March 14th. 

I will announce the winner the morning of Thursday, March 15th. Just to clarify, the winner will receive both the markers as well as my original art piece. 

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend and wish you a safe, happy, and peaceful week ahead.   My heart goes out to the victims of the recent tornadoes in the Midwest and parts of the South.

Much love to all.......................Marilyn xxoo 

Memories of Paris

I've never been to Paris but recently had the opportunity of watching two movies with Paris as their setting.  One movie was Before Sunrise with Ethan Hawke and it was fabulous; basically a story of two people who met on a train and it was the dialogue between them but it was the scenery and photography that was so wonderful with their words.  The other movie was Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris which I've seen twice now.  I loved it!  It starred Owen Wilson and the backdrop was Paris - wonderful and I highly recommend both movies if you haven't seen them.

I think that's why, recently, I've been in a Paris mood with my art and this one is no exception.  The background on the left-side page was done strictly with torn fabrics adhered to the page and then a white wash of Gesso over it.  I thought I'd try it and I like it - the texture is wonderful!  Now; how about that hunka flower there?  Isn't that incredible?  I ordered a foam stamp from Donna Downey and that was in my package as a gift!  I LOVE it!  It's made of mulberry paper, looks like, and a brad in middle. I would like to try to make some. I had to use it with this spread.  The stem and leaves, again, are created with fabric.

The figure on the right is one I sketched and painted and her outfit is collaged with fabric as well. I believe she is longing to return to Paris :) and found I really enjoyed using pieces of fabric just like paper.  I do not sew but have a few lovely fabric pieces in my stash and I guess they were calling out to me to be included in something.

Hope your week is being good to all of you.  We've had our first "winter wonderland" today on March 1st!  I have to say I'm likin' it!  

Have a great upcoming weekend everyone!           Love - Marilyn

Within Your Heart

This is my journal spread completed using the Stabilo Woody pencils (previous video tutorial).   I didn't use the same journal, as in the video, I decided to work in my altered book journal.   It's a fantasy spread, of sorts, as the landscape scene was so much fun to just create using the woody pencils with their luscious colors and gesso.  I did add some handmade papers for collage, small flower embellishments and even some beads.  The quote is by Aristotle....."In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous".  How true!

The grid (which I thoroughly enjoy) was, again, created with washes using the Stabilo woody pencils as a watercolor application.  I added a transparency transfer, my handsketched angel, rubber stamps, rub-ons, and the quote in one of the grid blocks is by Louise Driscoll...."Within your heart keep one, still, secret spot where dreams may go".

I hope you all are enjoying the weekend and have a safe and positive start to your week. 

Thanks SO much on all of the positive feedback I received on my recent video tutorial.  I'll get there!   :)

Best to all...........................Love yas - Marilyn

Me and My Woodies

 

This is another video tutorial I recently played around with.  I did have one "faux pas",in it, where I call the "hunka chunca" sharpener an eraser!  Whoops! No biggie! :)  I felt a little more at ease with this one.

I really do love these Stabilo woodies.  They make great travel companions, too, and I can't stress, enough, the "silkiness" of them when used with Gesso. 

Hope you enjoy the video and I will have a journal spread completed, in near future, using the Stabilo woodies so you can see a completed piece.

Have a safe and happy weekend ahead....enjoy the moments!

Love much...................Marilyn xxoo