This month's theme for our montly Art Elements challenge was "Moon" chosen by Lindsay. It was a wonderful theme for me mainly for one reason (and yes, you can laugh ;) ) - A moon is round. A circle... and circles are an elementary part of my work, especially my abstract mixed media work.
I am still trying to recover from the bad cold I got during christmas. The coughing is still bad and my lung is hurting. Don't worry, I went for a check to the doctor, got a lot of strong drugs and still waiting for the test results because my doctor just let them test... everything?
At least a lot since it seems that I have an atypical version which can untreated end bad. I am taking it slow, take the tram and bus instead going by bike, don't carry anything heavy, and at work I am mainly sitting at the computer.
But I am so thankful for the strong drugs so I won't cough as hard and the pain goes down. It could also be that I am not a good patient... being ill annoys me way too much!
So I also took it slow with the theme challenge.
I had a lot of ideas for earrings and monoprints using a resist technique and vintage moon motives... but I didn't stress myself, I can always come back to these ideas.
I enjoyed playing with different techniques and materials, being abstract as well as whimsical or simply playing with paint.
With every single sketch I learn a little bit more. On my to-do list is to create big, really big abstract paintings one day. It won't be anywhere soon, but the desire is there.
I will need more training before, to better find the balance between complexity, depth, and simplicity. It is already there in parts in some of my work but I am still not there.
I don't know why but there are abstract paintings that stop me right there. That I could look at for hours without tiring. Where paint and structure, color and composition evokes some feeling inside me.
Once in a gallery tour I saw a painting that felt so alive, I almost could smell it. Cool and rich, earthy... Sadly I never wrote the artist name down and one of the times where I really would have loved to be rich, so I could have bought it.
I love painting animals and flowers and hopefully in the future also more people, it is what I enjoy... but my abstract work is more personal, you will find me in there, it is what I need to create.
And there will be a giant painting... with a circle! ;)
Thank you for joining us! Please have a look at all the wonderful creations :)
Guests:
Art Elements Crew:
Hope you feel better soon, Claire, and yes, do take it easy even though it's irritating being ill...
AntwortenLöschenI love, love all of your sketches and paintings! I'm with you about some abstracts being pretty evocative and being watch-worthy for hours. I generally freeze in front of paper (still working towards getting the hang of it) so I find it inspiring that you have so many of your ideas translate to paper so well. Good luck for the giant painting! :)
Take care of yourself, this doesn't sound like fun at all.
AntwortenLöschenAll the sketches are great, but some are speaking to me in particular - the little rocket really made me smile, but I also loved the animals (cats and the moon, irresistible!) and the mountain.
Feel better soon - being sick is never fun.
AntwortenLöschenI loved all your small paintings - I really enjoyed the moon and the rocket one.
I can't wait to see a large painting in your future!
I'm hoping you are feeling better at this point! And wow, Claire, if this is you taking slow, I can't imagine what not taking it slow would be. These paintings are all fantastic! Looking forward to seeing the large painting!
AntwortenLöschenHope you feel better soon, I had that horrible flu virus for over 3 weeks this month and was so fed up and miserable, like you I am a terrible patient. Glad you were able to create your small paintings though they are really delightful to look at :D
AntwortenLöschenI hope you are better soon and enjoying life. The paintings are so cute. My favorite is the rocket. I love the pop of red and it just looks alive. Well done!
AntwortenLöschenGet well soon, sending you some prayers. Your paintings are wonderful. I especially love the girl and the moon. She looks so mystical, one with the moon.
AntwortenLöschenHope your strong drugs kick in and make you feel better soon! I know I sound like a broken record, but I just LOVE you painted sketches in your sketchbooks. I could look at them all day, no matter what the content. But these moons....breathtaking.
AntwortenLöschenSo sorry to hear that you haven't been well. Hoping that the medicine helps and the doctor can fix you up soon. And, good for you for taking it easy so that you may heal. As for you contributions, they're stunning. Yes, the moon is indeed a circle. Your variations on that theme are beautiful!! And, your words resonate very much.
AntwortenLöschenWow. For someone who has been feeling so sick, you got a crazy amount done! I have not been sick and now I feel like a total slacker. I love every single one. Your little sketchbooks make me happy.
AntwortenLöschenSo many many moons! I can't choose a favorite because they are all so beautiful. Nope, I lied, I love the one with the little rocket. It just looks like a happy moon being visited by a happy little rocket. I hope you're feeling all better soon! It always seems that a chest or head cold saps more than its fair share of your energy, right?
AntwortenLöschenSo fun to see all of your moon artwork. I always enjoy getting a peek into your little sketch books! I hope those drugs kick in for you and you're back to 100% soon!
AntwortenLöschenClaire, I sincerely hope February will see you in better health!! XO You must be young because I'm flabbergasted that you'd have enough energy left over after work to doodle and sketch!! All are wonderful, as usual. Alysen.
AntwortenLöschenLoved seeing your beautiful mini paintings and subject studies. Your style is whimsical and artsy and I loved them (especially those floral moons!)
AntwortenLöschenI love seeing your artwork Claire, you have a such a wonderful talent for painting in all styles, but I think I like your abstract work the most. You create such beautiful colours and depth.
AntwortenLöschenI sure do hope you are feeling all better soon. I enjoyed all of your works and am so impressed with how versatile you are with different media and styles. Everything is so delightful.
AntwortenLöschenLove your material explorations for your moon paintings. If vinegar suits you, I recommend drinking apple cider vinegar with honey in hot water once a day for your throat
AntwortenLöschenWish you to get well soon and jump on your bike again :) I'm impressed with so many moons - I tried to draw some in pencil but they looked soulless and yours have a soul each! And you also have flowers on the moon :) And that cityscape moon the high-rises! Your way with watercolors is so inspiring, I feel like trying my hand at them!
AntwortenLöschenI do hope you continue to rest and take it easy Claire! Your art work is as always beautiful and I really love your abstract work there is always a perfect sense of balance to it!
AntwortenLöschenHello, Claire! Your artwork for this challenge is beautiful. I especially love the pieces using newsprint -- that was going to play a prominent role in my project, until I changed my mind at the last minute. I'll be back to look through your website! Everything is lovely, and so inspiring to me! Hope you're feeling better!
AntwortenLöschenSo many interesting designs, love the little baby ones in your small book!
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