This and That

Keep Away
Collage on paper mounted on turp paper and decorative paper.

I've been spending every possible chance I have cleaning out my studio. I decided to do this because someone asked me for some pictures of my whole studio. As I took pictures on one end, I would move the boxes and extra junk to the other end. Then when I wanted pictures on the other end, I moved all the boxes and sacks and stacks of junk again! Finally, I thought -  ENOUGH! I started cleaning out the boxes and sacks and stacks. You know full well that in order to find room for everything, you have to get rid of some of the things you already have which, in my case, led to cleaning out some drawers, cabinets, and storage units.

Over the weekend, I started going through four HUGE boxes of trash -- collage papers and stuff . . . trash from mail and making art pieces.  I hit on an idea to motivate myself and keep me cleaning -- I told myself I could make one collage per box using only the items in the box. Above is the first one. Everything except the crown, the snap, and the pin, I found in that box of trash. I mounted it on turp paper and then found a sheet from my new purchase of a paper pad by Me and My Big Ideas.

 
Sometimes I get the Big Head, Mail art from Sharon Tomlinson

Also over the weekend, I got a surprise RAK (random act of kindness) from my friend, Sharon of All Norah's Art.  Aren't these fantastic "found" paintings? They are acrylic on a manilla envelope. Thank you so much, Sharon, you gave me a song in my heart to find such a jewel in my mail box!

How-to book by Carrie Stuart Parks

Two weeks ago, I picked up this book to keep me company in the surgical waiting room while my mom was having cataract surgery. She came through the surgery with flying colors and I met TWO artists among the twenty-some odd people in the waiting room! All because I was reading an intriguing art book. I guess all artists are interested in drawing.

This is an unusually helpful book, in my opinion. It is written by Carrie Stuart Parks, an award-winning watercolorist and internationally known forensic artist and instructor. Her career as a forensic artist includes teaching countless artists and non-artists how to draw realistic faces.  I found her tips and techniques very helpful. I consider myself an artist who DOES NOT draw and just look what I did from her book:

First -- the eyes.


I drew with Koh-I-Noor Hardtmuth Triograph 1830 triangle graphite pencils (2B and 6B)
on pages in a Strathmore 400 series, spirial bound sketch pad.

Then -- the nose.

Well, next is the mouth --
and then a whole face! 

But first -- I've GOT to get back to cleaning out those boxes and making a place for everything in my studio. That is supposed to be my priority this month. Maybe I'll clean out another trash box so I can do another collage. But I guess first I'll have to clean up  my table from that last collage --my, oh my, does it ever end? Oh, well, it'll be wonderful when it's all done  and clean -- for about fifteen minutes or so anyway.

Comments

[diane cook]

No, I don't believe it will end until we can't even crawl back into our workspace! Great mail art from Sharon, and your collage is wonderful.
Then I looked at how to make turp paper~way too many projects (on my mind), and not enough time....what's a girl to do! =)

[DebbieM]

Wow, I can't believe the sketches you were able to achieve. They look great! I, too consider myself unable to draw -- I might have to look into this book.

[Deryn Mentock]

Wow...incredible eyes and nose! I'm going to have to get this book...

[Patti Koosed]

pI don't know one person that loves to create that has a neat work area. It is impossible my friend!

Love the mail art and the collages from your trash box. Of course they are outstanding!

I just finished a paper doll for ZNE Dollz, stop by and take a look. I am pretty proud of her Sally and since you are my biggest inspiration I wanted you to see...
Hugs
Patti

[kris]

The drawings are beautiful! I've had such trouble drawing faces so I'm going to pick up this book. The collage is gorgeous too!

[Doreen]

I came here to tell your how envious I am of that large piece of furniture you have in your studio. I love it... but now seeing this book,too. I've been looking towards improving my faces and here you are working on the same. I may have to check out this book. thanks.
Doreen

[megan]

what amazing drawings Sally - I think you need to remove the "does not draw" from your post! Truly beautiful work Sally.
Mxox

[Marilyn Gallas]

I linked to you from The Altered Page. I'm one of the participating artists. I just had to tell you how much I like your blog. Great writing together with the visuals. And what a great job you did on the eyes and nose. I'm such a book hog for "how to's" I will have to buy this book. Thanks for the resource. Can't wait to see the mouth.

[gwen Buchanan]

Hi Sally, I also took part in the Pulse and I had to drop you a line to let you know how amazing I think your studio is.. so thought out... a creators dream come true!!! You have thought of everything!!!