Makewells

Where Did I Go?

Well, I know I disappeared for a while, but I'm back. So hello :)

I'll start by saying that my first winter was rough. Despite the excitement of snow, a wonderful day skiing with my hubby, and a few beautiful "warmer" (aka, 55 degrees) days, I did not like winter. And as I write this on the 5th day of spring, I currently have 6 inches of snow in my yard. 

I'm very thankful for where God has Brent and I, and the ways He has provided for us, but despite all the blessings, I sank into the winter blues and had a hard time coming out of them. So this month was a big wakeup call - a huge reminder of how much I desperately need Jesus every single moment of every day. 

A lot of things with Makewells were put on hold the past month because of the above confessions and because of an upcoming -and very soon to be announced - project. (I plan to share this in the next day or two). So I just stepped away from the blog for a bit to get things, and myself, in order. 

There. Now you are caught up. 

I did make a lot of art in March though - my Mixed Media Workshop class inspired me to start art journaling again, and working with a lot of different materials and techniques I hadn't touched for quite some time. 

Here is a look at the messy creations:

 

The above painting I completed last week - it's 3' x 4' with all sorts of materials used. I decided to just go crazy with collage materials (maps, vintage stamps, lace papers, magazine clippings, Liberty of London patters, dress patterns, and even clippings from my sketchbook) for the background. It was so freeing to work so large and unplanned.

The quote, "Someday is Today" just popped into my head, but it really means a lot to me. I'll be starting this huge, soon-to-be-announced project and it just is a reminder that in order to achieve great things, you have to just DO them. God is giving me an opportunity to do something big and exciting - and the dream of "someday I will do this..." is now happening.

Someday is Today. Make the most of it.

Happy Monday!

Mixed Media Class

Last week I started teaching a class here in Lynchburg called Mixed Media Workshop. It meets just four Monday evenings for 2 1/2 hours at The Academy of Fine Arts in our downtown. 

I must admit, I was super nervous getting back into the classroom for the first time since last May. And this was my first time teaching an adult class too - so I was unsure of what to expect. But it was super fun...and tiring!

For our first class, we focused on breaking up space using different collage elements, 2D textures, and 3D textures. It was quite messy and freeing - always a fun combination! A night full of lace papers, gel medium, citrasolv, stencils, stamps, inks, coffee, tissue paper...the list goes on forever. I may have overwhelmed the ladies with ideas materials you can use when making art - but it's better to have too many ideas than none :)

Here is a peek at the mess we made:

Week 2 we will be focusing on image transfers and mark making techniques/tools...

Happy Monday!

 

Mini Art Blocks

Well, it's official. I have multiple artistic personalities.

Just as soon as I get in one groove, I move onto another. I can't help it though! An idea pops into my mind, and I must create it. 

So these little mini paintings have been on my mind lately, and I have this dream of creating a huge collection of them to mix and match. For this first set, I stayed with a common color scheme and whimsical feel. 

I'll be putting them up in my etsy shop soon, so keep your eyes peeled if you'd like one! (or four :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

 

Another new print in my shop!

This is the Day that the Lord has Made...Let us Rejoice and Be Glad in it. 

This print is now available in my etsy shop...enjoy!

Have a great day!

A New Painting (finally)

Hoorah! I just finished a new, rather large painting and it felt so good to be back behind the easel. I enjoy all the other projects I've been doing these days (illustrations, lettering, invitation design, etc) but freely painting what my heart desires is my true love. 

This piece evolved quite a bit as it went along, mainly because I would work on it one day and not be able to come back to it for a week or so and that went on for over a month. But yesterday, I had a surge of inspiration and everything came together. 

Here she is:

And some details

I'll be showing my work in a local gallery/tattoo shop in February, so I'm excited to have a new piece done :)

Happy Monday!