DAYS 5-9 of 30/30 Project

This has been an interesting process indeed. Last Thursday I rebelled. I started a project in my book, a whole mess of textured background, and my brain said "enough!" There was just something about HAVING to do a project that my mind rejected. (People who know me well know that I don't take well to being forced to do something.) I put my brushes down, packed up a lunch, a book, a camera and a dog and headed outdoors to the local forest preserve to clear my head. I ate my PBJ but it was too windy to read so we headed on the trail around the lake. It was nice to not think for awhile. When I did get back, I sat down and finished my pages. And did a few more little projects for the next few days since I knew I wasn't going to have much art time. So I'm trying to figure myself out... was I just burned out on the "have to" idea or I am undisciplined? Do other people just sit down and make art when they don't necessarily feel like it? I suppose they would have to if they have a piece of commissioned work, right? How do you keep your creative juices flowing?


Anyway, here's the rundown for days 5-9.  Day 5 I decided to do something different. I was cleaning up my studio (yeah, that's different in itself!) when I came across a sketch on wc paper of a little monster. I decided to finish painting it. I did a few of these monster paintings a while ago for my niece and nephew, also made a jean jacket with the monster on the back and a tee shirt of a princess monster. It was a big hit. But this one was dedicated to all the little monsters in my life. You know who you are.

Day 6 was the troublesome one. Once I put down all these textural layers of tissue paper I had NO clue as how to finish it. After my respite in nature, I saw the background as very organic and finished it with real ginko leaves. I just needed a purpose.

Day 7 was a fun little project. I started out with a block of wood (which had something on it already, shhh) that I painted with black gesso and then put white crackle paint on top. Finished with a few pieces of textiles (burlap, dryer sheet, lace, ribbon) and a button I got from a button swap. Added the few necessary words. 

Day 8 was a cop out. It took me just a few minutes to fancy up this shoe that belongs to Marie Antoinette. It went into Lorena's Marie RR Portfolio. But that's okay because it was Saturday and my daughter and I had big plans. 

Day 9 went to an art journal entry format, telling about our big day on Saturday. We decided to hit the Glen Ellyn Village Fair and Taste of Glen Ellyn. (Where else can you get deep fried Twinkies? and NO. I did not abuse my body in that manner!!!) I took my camera and "shot from my hip". I put 12 photos together on the page. It was interesting because at first I put all the pictures on nice and straight and lined up. But it just wasn't right. So I messed them up, tilted them, doodled around them... yes. Much better. (If you click on the picture you can enlarge it and see the little pictures.) I needed to depict the chaos, the blaring music, the flashing lights, the game yellers, the screamers, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy, the kids running around... 

Well, that's it for now. I am not giving up on this project. If I'm not disciplined I AM persistent. (Some would say stubborn, but I prefer persistent or tenacious.) This week will be interesting because I do have a fair amount of work to do in other areas of life. So keep your fingers crossed and have a GREAT week!