Type

I got these great type pieces at an antique store yesterday.  I have walked past the display many times, but yesterday my brain went "ooh, type, how cool."  I even got this pretty wood box to keep them in.  I had a lot of fun testing them out.

Foggy Manzanita

Life of a Kentucky Raccoon

I have had a long life as a wild raccoon
But I fear it will end soon

I loved to rummage a garbage can
And I am apt at avoiding a speeding van

Alas this Winter will be my last
My health is fading fast

An infection in my eye
Might lead me to die

But with the help of a raccoon rehab
My life will turn out fab

My twilight years will be spent
In luxury and retirement

Living in the wild was the best
But I am due for a long rest

Snowy Owl

acrylic paint, coloured pencil, marker

Sketchbook Project Finished

Today I mailed my Sketchbook.  I have to admit that I've had a bit of an artist-block and I completed my Sketchbook in an all day marathon session yesterday.  This project was a true experiment.  I tried some things I have never done before (some worked, some didn't).  I participated in this project because I thought it might be fun and I might learn something.  I have learned what I will not do next time.  I have also learned that I need to do some form of art every day (or something like that) to keep my creative juices flowing so that I do not get blocked again.  Below are a few of my favorite pages from the Sketchbook.

Self Portraits

I was visiting my parents recently and one of my favorite tasks while home is to go though old stuff.  I found some of my childhood art (though most of it seems to be in Missing Sock Land).  Below are two of my self portraits (which was always the one assignment I dreaded in art class).

crayon and paper

Preschool

pencil and paper

Grade 6

It's raining today.....

...a California Sunset

(photograph and water colour)

Owl Print (Rough Draft)

The past few years I have been placing owl things around my home; due to the current "owl fad" this has made it easier.  But I am also now incorporating owls into my art.  I am doing this out of a sense of homesickness.  My Dad collected owl figurines since before I was born.  My sisters and I would always get him owls as presents (from all over the world too).  His collection is vast and every time I would visit him at work when I was little I would be fascinated with the world of owls adorning his desk, shelves, cabinets, walls, and even on his door.  I can not think about my Dad without thinking about owls, so having owls in my home and in my art, makes me feel closer to my parents even though we live so far apart.

Woodpecker

Snow and Seashells

Added a touch of California to my studio window for winter.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

We were able to trim the tree last night, which is always fun.  But unfortunately my copies of The Year Without a Santa Claus and the Muppet's Christmas Carol are at my parents house, so I will only be able to watch Black Adder's Christmas Carol this season. (My husband will miss out on rolling his eyes at me as I do the Heat and Snow Miser dance.)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

 (yes, this is our tree; the Deciduous look is so less messy)

Sketch Book Update:  Today I glued pages together to make them more sturdy for my collages.  The Sketch Book is looking a bit more loved and used.  Now I just need to get it looking less blank.  Only three weeks left.

Cardinal

This is a cardinal I did today to celebrate starting graduate school at University of Louisville.

Go Cards!

(water colour & ink on paper, 

with part of my acceptance letter as it's wing)

My Short Hiatus

I've been caught up in finals week so that is why I haven't been posting.  But posting will resume in a couple days.  Thanks for the patience.

Beginnings of a Sketchbook

Below are some pictures I took during one of my walks last week.  Now I just need to turn them into art for my sketchbook.  I am interested to see how they evolve because for the moment I am stuck and not quite sure which direction to follow.  Maybe the best first step would be to clean my desk so that I can use it.

Paper Owl

Last night I tried experimenting with paper cut-outs.  I concluded from the experiment that it is very time consuming and that I am the type of person who has to stop constantly to look for the tiny piece of paper I just dropped.  This experiment might not be repeated.

Popcorn and Horror Movies

Happy Halloween!

Rooted Faerie

a faerie to tend our new home

Studio Relocation and New Project

This weekend I am moving my studio from Mellwood to my new home now that I will have space for it.  I am so excited because this will lead to greater productivity.  I get most of my ideas at night sipping on my cup of tea and it has been so hard not having my desk and supplies at home.  Because of this move, I will be posting more frequently from now on;  at least twice a week if not more.

Also, I am starting my sketchbook for the Sketchbook Project this weekend since most of my boxes have been unpacked.  (See icon on the right.)  My theme is "Down the Street."  I will be doing art based on whatever tickles my interest within walking distance of my home; this will be art and exercise all in one project (preparing myself for holiday cookies and other yummies).  I will be posting the pages as I complete them.

Check back on Sunday for new work.
-Elissa

ARTfordable Show at LVAC

I will be part of an art show ARTfordable

art by local artists for under $50

Friday, October 15, 2010, 6-10pm

Saturday, October 16, 2010, 1-6pm

LVAC

2932 Cleveland Blvd

Louisville, KY 40206

(unfortunatly I won't be able to attend,

but stop by to see the great local art)

Sail Boat

photograph and water colour