Tanya's Table

After a long wait by my friend, I completed her table commission. It is a portrait of her in a fashion. I put things in it that are important to her, from associations with her friends, to places she likes to visit. There is a vision of her in this table from the flora and fauna down to the choices of colors. I figure that the frog is her in amphibian form.
I meant for the table to have different viewing sides, with no correct up and down. Much like I imagine her vision of the world to be; a multifaceted person who examines things like only she can do. I see her as a mechanical engineer embodied in a true child of nature.

The table top is done with prismacolor pencil and matte varnish. The table legs and sides are painted with acrylics and finished with a matte varnish.

A past painting

This painting is acrylic on canvas. I am interested in the idea of atmosphere in a painting. I love the idea of conveying mist and light; I suppose any painter would if they are into landscapes. This one was an experiment of sorts. It is called "Light Through Trees" and I plan on doing more with this idea in mind.

Current interests

Lately, I have been drawing on tables, enjoying the idea of doing something normally drawn on canvas or paper. I love the idea of am image on a 3 dimensional object, "wrapping" the image around it. I have a new table I recently completed; it is at Twigs & Leaves gallery in Waynesville, NC.

Another nest

I did this piece with Prismacolor pencil on wood. The one exhibited at the Quinlan show is done with the same materials. I was inspired by the furniture pieces; working on wood feels good to the touch. I have been toying with the idea of carving into wood and drawing into the carving. Haven't tried it yet, but it is floating around with other future ideas.

Birds' nests

I recently was invited to participate in a show at the Quinlan Arts Center in Gainesville, Ga. It is called the Birds Nest Invitational, inspired by paintings done by Roseta Santiago, who was also the juror. The Quinlan teamed up with the Elachee Nature Science Center, to have part of the proceeds from sales go to the center.

More views of Tree of Life

Tree of Life

I recently had the pleasure of doing some new pieces that reflect the Tree of Life imagery. I did some research before and found that this symbol is very relevant to many cultures. I love the idea of an image that transcends language and speaks to a vast population of spiritual beliefs.
These first pieces were done for a cantorial concert at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell, Georgia. Their cantor, Nancy Kassel, is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah year there. In honor of her service to the congregation and the community, I thought I would do Trees of Life for Nancy and the other guest cantors. It is a way for me to personally say thank you and communicate what I think they do for others; I am learning how a cantor has a very unique and spiritual relationship to a congregation.

Another table covering

This cover was actually done for a larger table. It was put here to catch candle wax, which can be cleaned off the surface of the cover. The palette on these cloths can be any color; these were done to match the decor.
There are other artists featured here. Roberta Elliot, a blacksmith, made the beautiful candleabra pair. Her company name is The Velvet Hammer. The large platter is by Ruth Hablutzel, and the black and white piece is by Chris Baumann. If you go to Raiford Gallery you can find their work. I also have work exhibited there. I highly recommend a visit to the gallery. There are many beautiful pieces there.

Table runners

I have toyed with this technique in the past and found a need for it again. In a search for a table covering that was resistant to spills and could be cleaned easily, I went back to my technique to create some table coverings. The photos illustrate some that I have done recently. They are done on heavy artist canvas. I use acrylic paint and paint layers to create a wrinkled effect on the canvas, then seal it with an acrylic medium. The finish tends to feel like leather and it is easy to keep clean.

The First Table

Here is another table that I have been working on. This one is closer to completion. I have worked with Prismacolor on this one too. There is something about the images wrapping around the edges of the table that I like as well. I started this in preparation for another table drawing I will be starting soon.

New work to show

I've been working on many things lately. This is a table that I started drawing on. It is not completed, but I wanted to see it up here on my post. It is something that I am really excited about. The medium is Prismacolor pencil. I will be filling in more detail and putting a final finish on it soon. I have found it is good to get away from a piece like this for a while and come back fresh, so I don't overwork it.

Companion piece

This is the other large piece I did. This one and the one in the previous post were in the Lake Toxaway Artists Association show in October of this year. I met many amazing artists there. The next step is to get up to North Carolina more to be inspired.

Great show

I had a great show at the with my new friends at the Euclid Avenue Artists Collective. It is at the old Moreland School in Little Five Points. I felt like I was back in grammar school stepping through the doors. The collection of artists there is so stimulating. I am now the proud owner of each of the artists' work. My friend, Judie, would call me an "artist ho". It simply means that I can't live without the work of creative people around me. I will be posting their websites so you can check them out. I am hoping that next year, I will be in the show again. It is easy to get into my studio and disappear into my own little world, so to get out and be with other artists is good food for the soul!
Thought I would post a photo of some new work. I did not have this piece in the show. It was too large to haul back from North Carolina. I am doing large and small pieces. This particular one has a companion. I'll show that later; need to get in the studio and do some more work.

Upcoming show, Dec 4,5,6

Hello and thanks for being patient about coming to my site and not seeing new work yet.
I have decided that I need to be a bit more communicative and post some personal musings on what I am creating and participating in. I consider it a New Year's resolution before the New Year.
I am participating in a show this weekend at the Little Five Points Community Center. I hope to see support for the great artists there. I am thrilled to meet some new people to expand my horizons. Please come see me. I have posted a sample of what I will have there.

More work soon

I have been busy creating work and not showing it on this site! I will be posting images of new work soon. Please check back in to see new things. Any comments are a great help to me.

Details of Large piece

Larger mixed media piece
Acrylic on canvas - 36inx36in
Bamboo, Arches paper, acrylic, thread, pearls,
antique kimono, yarn

Red Squares

Series of three Red Square pieces,
Acrylic on canvas, mixed media with
Arches paper, acrylic, cotton, thread, skewers

Flying Leaves

Both pieces inspired by moths - done on canvas with sticks, Arches paper, acrylic, thread and palm bark

Triptich

All pieces done on canvas, with Arches paper, acrylic, Prismacolor pencil, knitted sections, feathers, twigs, cotton sheeting and thread

Oriental Tapestry

Done with Arches paper, acrylic, cotton sheeting, thread, copper leaf over ceramic shards attached to canvas

Comission

Piece done on canvas - Arches paper, acrylic, sticks, with gauze and thread

Wing

Detail from an arched piece called Wing -
Arches paper, acrylic, yarn, sticks on board

Twig and Paper Tapestry I and II

Both collages are mixed media - Arches paper, acrylic, cotton sheeting, twigs and thread on board.