I do what I like and hope you like it too!
I started my shop on March 1st 2008, with guidance from "Monsieur T" and "Ryan Berkley"
I had been working for a CD Rom edutainment company for 7 years prior to that.
When the company went out of business I decided to just make art, paint what I wanted to paint, and hoped people would like it enough to buy it. My first solo show nearly sold out, and my second one did the same. When I discovered Etsy and saw people selling prints of their paintings I thought this was great! I was excited by the prospect of creating other things to sell here as well, still trying to make the time to create those things! I'm always learning new things about myself, my audience, and my clientele.
I'm a slow poke in life but I'm trying to get things done and always trying to grow.
My philosophy is to love one another, to be nice, to help in the ways I can, and to say no if I can't. I believe in patience, and persistence, and following your heart and dreams.
I've battled depression and anger and won! I feel like more people need to talk about this and remove the stigma associated with it.
My paintings:
I paint primarily with a process of gouache and ink resist which I have increasingly pushed the boundaries of since I was introduced to the process by an amazing teacher and human being, Dwight Harmon, in 1987. The technique, when done most successfully should have elements of both painting and printmaking, but the technique should not be in the forefront.
I start painting in reverse, things normally painted last are painted first. I start with the smallest brush, painting highlights, and finish with the largest brush, painting large background areas. Areas I want black I leave unpainted.
When the water-soluble gouache painting is finished, I cover the entire painting with water resistant ink. When the ink is dry I wash it, and much of the gouache, off. The Ink sticks to the paper or other substrate, the gouache washes off.
What is left is the positive image stained on the paper, canvas or board. Sometimes the painting is finished at this stage, but more often I use this as an under painting where I balance the ink resist technique with straightforward painting, texture with flatness, and soft edge with hard. I also add detail where needed.
I struggle with the act of taking my paintings, to prints, and my prints to Etsy. The work is work, and making art is what is fun, but we gotta do what we gotta do. I'm happy with all the improvement Etsy is making to ease the process! I love meeting other creative people, and have recently challenged myself to make a treasury every week. I'm liking discovering new artists and crafts people this way. I always enjoy making new Etsy friends!
If you like I would love a like on Facebook!
