Color Test Cards
When I’m working on a painting I’m almost always putting my brush into jars with at least *a few* layers of dried paint on the sides. (I’ll toss them when they get too thick, or turn them into strictly water jars)
Jars like this can make seeing the true color of the paint rather difficult. Similarly, (depending on the shape of the jar) I’m not really able to tell the strength of the pigment merely by looking in.
So, I rely on my test palette cards to tell me what’s really going on in there.
Each painting usually has 3-4 cards that accompany the piece, testing the colors, viscosity, and translucency of the paint as I’m working. Occasionally I’ll use them to try out certain layering effects before putting the paint on canvas. Or to wipe off a pencil tip or brush top. These 5 x 7s are random essences of the larger work.
Most of them are only that, random odd marks that will get recycled into a collage piece or turned into a folded card, but every so often I get a few that turn out rather interesting.
After featuring a large collection of these in my summer show, Color & Contour at StudioStudio last year, I’ve decided to release a few of the more interesting versions for purchase. They will be mostly made in tandem with the work that month, though you may see a few older favorites (with some new washes) pop up here and there.
When I have a new set to release I’ll send them out first in the monthly email so sign up here to make sure you’re on the list.
(But here’s a sneak peak at the first 4!)
Happy 2022!
Happy New Year friends!
I’m not much for resolutions, but I can do intentions.
My intent for 2022 is to be more present (regardless of where I’m at and what I’m doing) and to try my best to just slow down. So often I find myself doing too many things, moving through thoughts before really truly considering the fullness of them.
I’ve been staying surface level to get things done quickly, (not necessarily art-related, this applies to house projects, running, playing with my dog….) when I could be going so much deeper if I just gave myself more time to do it.
So, my intent for 2022 will be to give myself more time and to foster presence in all things.
I hope 2022 brings you nothing but joy, wonder and excitement. Here’s to the new year!
New Studio; A photodump of progress.
Before…
AFTER!!
After 6 months of construction I was finally able to move into the new studio this weekend.
Thankfully the weather was such that we could prop the door open (really weird for December…) and just bring in boxes, furniture and of course, blankets and a bed for Chewy.
It’s not in it’s *completely* finished form, I’m still playing with lighting and tossing up the idea of building a few rolling walls for display - but I want to see how I use the space first.
The bottom floor will be painting/building stretcher bars/snacking area, the top floor will be storage, plants and a small space for small work. The upstairs also has a fun little windowed cubby, it’s a nice place to lay down and think. (For humans and puppies alike)
Once everything is in and I’ve got a good idea of the flow of the space I’ll do a studio tour of sorts. I’m just overjoyed to finally be in it. So ready to get back to work.
The Other Art Fair Chicago
Hello Chicago!
My booth was sad without a plant friend.
Booth #72
Nest / Solstice / Helena
What a great show.
Thanks so much to everyone who came out and said hello, bought a piece or took a postcard. I truly had the most wonderful time meeting everyone and getting to know so many great new artist friends.
The masking etiquette was superb BTW. Made me far more comfortable to hang out for 3 days.
Temporary Studio (so I can spread out without the construction dust...)
With The Other Art Fair quickly approaching I needed to get my potential work for the show all in one space together.
My in-home studio was definitely too small to get it all laid out and as we have houseguests for the next week-ish, I can’t realistically be taking up the living room + dining room and make them eat/sit outside.
(And the new studio is under an inch of sawdust, so that’s definitely out.)
So, I’ll be setting up a temporary studio in a dining room that is currently in-between renters a few streets over until I can get into my new studio.
Must protect the floors!
I didn’t bring everything over since space is still a concern in here. I limited the materials for what I need for Chicago, daily sketch materials and what I need to wrap up the last of the commissions for the summer.
(Side note - I’ve closed commissions for the remainder of 2021. Here’s why.)
A sneak peek at work for Chicago!
I’m really grateful to have access to this space for the summer/fall. As much as I truly enjoyed being able to work out of my house, it’s past time for more space. This should bridge the gap between these spaces nicely. (And let me finish the work for The Other Fair!!!)