Sharing....Art Every Day Month Day 13 and Kinda 14 :)

 The theme for this post is about not just creating art everyday...but sharing art today.

Some very profound things happened while in Raleigh at the Art of the Carolina's....

 I was fortunate to be invited to participate in my own way by sharing techniques and tips over in the Strathmore booth featuring their new product line of visual journals.   Can I just say doing things like this is very rewarding, especially when I get to meet people that enjoy seeing other artists work or have heard about me or seen my work and just want to talk with me about my ideas and processes?

 I met a special person today that stopped in the booth and was sitting behind me quietly watching me.  She wanted to meet me after seeing one of my journal pages the night before while it was on display. It touched her in a way that was very emotional.   The words and the imagery connected to her because of a sad situation that is going on in her circle of friends and family....The words I put done came from an experience I had lived through...but to the point that it was an experience or words that someone else was going through in  a different yet similar way was really, really, amazing to me.  To feel that connection through something I created was and is just a wonderful feeling especially because it could help another person cope with the situation if only even a tiny bit by knowing they are not alone in that feeling.

 Later on in the day I conducted a second demo featuring a variety of background techniques.    It's always great to share a bit of what I know with others that are really enthusiastic and engaged in the process.  To share art with others is extremely powerful.  The energy was so positive, it really inspired me.

 After my demo...sweet Michelle shared some of her techniques creating painted paper collages. Michelle is the vice president of the Carolina Mixed Media Guild, the organization which hosted the make and take event in conjunction with Jerry's. Her artwork is amazing as well.   I learned some new tricks and techniques through her generous demonstrations....and it was great to have a new technique that I am definitely interested in incorporating with what I do :) 

Here's my little ATC that I created using Michelle's painted paper collage technique--so sweet :)  

I also sold one of my paintings today that wasn't actually one I was going to sell....but something told me to bring it to the  trade show. It was a piece that was an emotional piece to create...and I recreated it a couple of times before I considered it complete.  The customer saw it and loved  the elements and depth I had incorporated into it....several which spoke to her for her own reasons even though they were totally different from the reasons why I put them in the painting...she connected with the piece and knew she had to have it.  It's funny how connections happen through art...through sharing of art...and through making, creating, and giving art to others.  I hope you never get bored with infusing creativity into your every day.....in anyway that you see fit, it can change your world in so many positive ways.  

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Last but not least, I just wanted to say thank you to Penny Arrowood, who is the President of the Carolina Mixed Media Guild. With her leadership along with the other very dedicated board members , Penny has been the guiding light  making these events we participate in and community art outreach programs happen.   When we talk about giving...Penny has really given it her all to be our leader.  We talked today about the direction of the guild and how when we first joined together, there were about 8 of us....now, the guild has grown tremendously, to almost 100 active members and even more online that follow our group throughout the Carolina's and beyond.  Penny is an artist herself, but that passion has taken a back seat so that she can administer and foster the enhancement of our guild and the artists members of this guild.  It's a huge sacrifice for her not to be able to create as much as she would like to for the sake of other artists' advancement, but one that she does with vision and enthusiasm like none other I have ever seen.  

Thank you Penny, for all that you do.  You have helped create an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, and motivating for us all. 

Talk about sharing.

My Life is a Work In Progress Art Every Day Month, Day 11

Kids...here's the honest truth.....my life is a work in progress.  Not everything is completed in a day, a moment, a sitting....I have about 5 projects going on at once and not a whole lot completed today...and it may not be even completed tomorrow.   That's the honest truth. And that's okay. I like things to progress sometimes slowly.  Taking time to build the layers and adding the details as they come to me.  Doesn't make for great show and tell but it hopefully shows you what you may be feeling yourself, that people don't magically create magical beautiful pieces every single day. Completely.  But, if we can carve out even a few minutes to make progress on those pieces--well, then that's more than good enough...in fact, a work in progress is better than no work at all.  

I'm okay with that :)  Stay tuned for all the finished pieces, coming soon to a blog near you :)

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Other news-if you are in Raleigh this week, be sure to stop by the Art of the Carolina's at the North Raleigh Hilton this weekend for the AMAZING trade show Jerry's Artarama puts on. I am going to be there Friday (to shop) and Saturday and Sunday to volunteer--I'm REALLY excited about it!  Surrounded by all the creative and artistic people and the mojo that exudes from everyone, well, how can you not be inspired?

I'll be teaching a background demo at 4:15 Saturday in the Make and Take room situated just before the classrooms where the Carolina Mixed Media Guild hosts ATC make and take goodness all during the show. Several of our lovely members will be doing great demos as well as showcasing their own art--and as a special addition, several of us will have our new Strathmore Visual Arts journals featured at the trade show. (hence all my journal pages lately in my new journal).  This product is FAB..love love love it. In fact, I'll be conducting a workshop locally using this journal in my class (probably in January...stay tuned for that)!

Well...it's almost Art Everyday Month Day 11...I made this post in the nick of time.  On to more works in progress tomorrow.  And so my life goes..I love every minute of it :)

Playing Outside of the Lines Art Everyday Month Day 8

 C'mon take a peek into my journal again today.  Art Everyday Month Day 8 continues with a little  Teesha Moore style funky collage journal page. I just love her style, don't you?  No one does it quite like her but it's fun to play with nonetheless! 

Check out the top border--guess what that came from?   Citra Solv altered National Geographic papers!!! (HOW COOL!!) I have been messin' with this technique for over a month now and have accumulated a whole slew of papers that are just yummy and fun to play with. I'm finding the process totally addicting now that I have figured out the technique. In fact, I'm going to demo the process at the Art of the Carolina's this weekend (Saturday at 4:00pm) in the Carolina Mixed Media Guild's Make and Take room. I'll also be sharing a few other UBER  cool background techniques to enhance your work for paintings or ATC (which is the main focus of the make and take room)  If you are in the area, definitely come and check it out! Did I mention the Make and Take room is FREE????!!! Come make ATC's with us and stay for  one of the many demos our members will be sharing throughout the weekend.

 I really probably have a few more things to add and enhance to this page but that's the beauty of a journal...it's yours so it's done when you say it's done. Come back to it tomorrow or come back to it 2 months from now and play some more!

 I'm actually working on a bigger 24 x 30 commission piece this week so this journal was by my side as I painted on my canvas (I'll feature that soon...it's sweet as can be :).   Excess paint paint goes on the journal, then when the paint was drying on one thing, I went over to the next and back and forth...back and forth I went. I finished up some of the lettering in bed (hence the letters probably need a little touch up because I have poor lighting in my bedroom.  Maybe I need to buy another Ott light for there if I continue to draw and work in my journal at night.  Can you tell I'm single??? LOL  Who plays in their journal at bed time that has a partner....oh my. I have too much time on my hands!

I really had no plan as I worked on this page, just started to put things to gether (all the borders, hand, shirt, hand, circle thingy are all citrasolv papers) and then I came up with my main phrase and just wrote out my thoughts around that for the day.....relaxing and invigorating to be free to just do whatever no matter how crazy it is!

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Materials Used:

9 x 12 Strathmore Mixed Media Journal

Liquitex lime green acrylic paint

Citra Solv Altered magazine pages

Black Sharpie

White Deco color acrylic paint pen

altered magazine images

Gel Medium (I actually would advise not to use too much gel medium when adhering magazine pages...I prefer glue sticks when using magazine images in journal pages.  I have no idea what possessed me to use medium....the pages crinkle more and are left with a bit of a glare)

Pan Pastels in black, gray, and titanium white

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Challenge yourself to think outside the box and just play. No rules, no needing to stay inside the lines...just play and have fun. I did!

Soaring with a new style...Goin' Graffiti!

What are you doing today? I'm teaching a class...Wish you were here!



For more information about my classes in person or online, please email me at johl3 at windstream.net!

Like An Angel.....

There would be days when she would write poetry from the top of a mountain,

And sing with the angels

As the sun rose each morning,

Laugh with all the world's children 

And dance until Midnight come.

But it was painting that healed her

Broken heart

With each color of the canvas shining a light

That had grown dim.

Looking back now 

It seemed so easy to live

But so hard to smile.

It was the laughter of a child and 

The magic glow of her art

That saved her from

A life that was quiet and cold.

Her heart is full now

As She Waits 

For 

Next....

Like an Angel, Art Saved Her.

Using What I Have!

It's easy to forget to take time to come up for air as I've been getting ready for Spring Fest this week (April 24th in Southern Pines, NC on Broad Street from 10-4pm)...well, truthfully, I've been preparing for  it almost all year.  I'm still not where I wanted to be.  You know how it is, you think you have so much time so you put things off....and put things off...until, oops, before you know it, it's the week before the dang show!  I can say, I'm in much better shape then I was last year so I decided to take a break and bring the studio outside this weekend and enjoy the weather.

I'm having a hard time figuring out this new blogger set up so forgive me if the post is a bit wonky!  Hmmmm maybe I ought to get back into blogging more regularly and it would be easier :)

Anywhoo...As I was creating some of my Sweet HeART blocks for the show, I decided to use some of my graffiti papers for the backgrounds for a few of the heart bases.   You could do this with really any of your painted papers as well. 

Here's a quick tutorial on how to make your own Graffiti Sweet HeARTS:

1) On 90-120 lb watercolor paper, create your own graffiti style papers, using stencils, spray paint, paint drips, paint splatters, funky lettering, and layers of paint.   Allow to dry between layers to get the best effect without muddying up your work.

 

Mixed Media Art and Musings by Jodi Ohl-check out my latest newsletter!

A month in review--check out my latest Newsletter!
I'll be back later this week with more news :) tonight I'm beat!!!
Have an artfully great week!!

Mini Zentangle Doodles and a Demonstration

In honor of Art Everyday Month hosted by the uber talented Leah, I'm trying to be better at showcasing what I'm doing and blogging more frequently (as well as visiting blogs). Over the last few months, it just seems that I've been bogged down with misc. things that have kept me from my little online world of blogging. Art has not stopped though...in fact, this year I've done a lot of projects, shows, and even a bit of writing. (Stay tuned for a new article coming out in Cloth Paper Scissors come January)!

I'm trying to position myself to one day doing this gig full time. I'm having a hard time deciding when that would be though. When do you know you are ready??? Is anyone else out there self employed??? How did you get started? Did you have another income coming in before you hit the ground running??? I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I don't have a lot of money saved, that's the problem. AND I just bought this house. I do have my 401k I could tap into...but...not sure if that would be wise. hmmmm...all things to ponder as I decide what I want to do with the next 40 years of my life :)

In the mean time...I'm conducting classes, creating when I can, and even doing demos for different functions and organizations. My next two demos will be at the Art of the Carolina's this coming weekend, held in Raleigh at the North Raleigh Hilton. On Friday at 12:00 I will do a ATC demo on creating distressed backgrounds using ranger inks; then on Saturday I will be doing a demo at the Strathmore table featuring their ATC papers and these quick little pen, pencil and marker doodles-similar to the ones featured in Cloth Paper Scissors on "Zentangles". I am a bit addicted to these mini mindless activities. I've added a twist to a few of them by lightly sketching a subject rather than random tangles and filling in the body of my sketch with fun doodles and limited colors. I love how they look matted! Come see me at 1:00 pm on Saturday at the Strathmore table!!

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Question of the day--when do you know it's time to go off on your own???

Image Transfer Class and Art of the Carolina's

What a crew!
Just sharing a few pics from my samples shown during my class yesterday on Image Transfer techniques. My students were eager to learn, enjoyed a variety of different techniques--some worked better than others, but over all I think that that's how image transfers are, testy and challenging but alluring and mystical all at the same time. Revealing the faint hint of the image or the crystal clear copy is all part of the fun!

I also explained the process of creating a paint skin then creating a photo copy on a typically non porous surface by using Golden't digital ground. I've just started playing with this technique but love the possibilities that it provides to add dimension and mystery to my work.

Do you see my little assistant in back??? Such a trooper to put up with all my artistic endeavors. My oldest son was here for the weekend so he was my other trusty assistant in charge of heavy lifting and transportation of equipment..lol...see there's room for the entire fam in the art biz. Who knew???

This is perhaps my favorite technique....anyone wanna guess how I did this??? The first person that answers correctly wins bragging rights..haha :)

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Coming up this week:
The Art of the Carolina's
I'll be doing a demo in the ATC make and take room on Friday at 12:00pm--woot woot

Come see me in the vendor area where I will be doing a demo on Saturday at the Strathmore table as well from 1-2pm!

I'll be featuring techniques to creating backgrounds using Ranger distress pads, working with pen and ink, and of course, creating funky lil mini houses as time permits. This is my first time doing a demo for such a wide and diverse audience so wish me luck! I have stage fright I think!

Hope you have a creative week!

Still Looking for Home!

Lil Birds-works in progress: "We, Me, Family"

Ohhh my nose is to the grind lately, when I'm determined to do something, I'm almost obsessed about making it happen. So, my latest obsession is house hunting and finding that next place to call my OWN (finally). After all, I am 40 years old so it's about time I take that next step and make this happen. I'm in love with an older house but it has small bedrooms and small bathrooms (1 & 1/2 bath). I think I'm in love with it because it has a WONDERFUL space for a studio, and the yard is comfortable, nicely landscaped and full of mature plants and trees that create a cozy back yard. Can I live with a smaller bedroom and not so big of bath for the other things that I do love???? I'm going to go see a few more places on Wednesday so I'm not going to let my overwhelming love for the studio space out weigh my senses for the things that are not so perfect. The two other places I thought would work are under contract now so that must be a sign in some way, shape or form. Tiime will tell, right? Hopefully I will know!

Othew news-I've worked out some details with the girls at Swank and we will be offering classes at their new location starting August 26th. For right now, it will be one class a month but if demand warrants adding on more classes, I'll go from there. I'm excited about venturing out into teaching in person! It's a new opportunity and a new experience that will help me as I shape my artsy career that i so very much want. The first class will be basically an intro to mixed media. I'll be doing, "Magical Mixed Media Backgrounds". I will be showing how you can erase the fear of the white canvas by opening up to backgrounds full of depth and interest to provide a basis for other art projects, whether they are journaling, jewelry, collage or a painting. The class will be 2 hours starting August 26, at 6:30 and going to 8:30 and the cost will be $25.00. I will also offer a supply pack for $12.00 so beginners are encouraged to try it out, or you can bring your own goodies.

Whether you join us for the new class or not, be sure to check out their new location on Broad Street in Southern Pines, next to the Sunrise Theater!!

Stay tuned for more details!

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Until next time, keep those good thoughts coming for me to find the right home soon!

With Heartfelt Thanks!

I can hardly believe it's been over a week since I last posted. Well, when that happens you know I'm out of sorts as I'm normally pretty reliable....normally. This week has been the exception to the rule with me feeling like total junk, run down, congested, body aches...blah blah blah blah blah. Add that to having to work on opening a new branch, get adjusted to a new schedule, and a few other misc. things added in and you have my excuse as to why I haven't posted.

I did manage to get to the Carolina Mixed Media Guild meeting on Thursday, lucky thing as I was to present a demo on using acrylic mediums to add texture to mixed media paintings. I debated on whether or not to cancel. I really really wanted to have the opportunity to do the presentation but with feeling so ill I could barely muster the energy to get dressed and get to work let alone work on a presentation and samples. Well, somehow I did it even though I wasn't at a 100%, and I actually survived! :)


This is one of the samples I brought to the monthly meeting. 4 x 6 mixed media collage on canvas, using acrylic paint, papers, stamps, graphite pencil & washes, gesso, then for my feature technique-I used tar gel to create a unique image transfer. This piece is called "Broken"--which is basically how I've felt for a long time, brokenhearted if you will so I thought it appropriate to use a portrait of myself over top a little journal writing which lets my constant questioning of 'why' come out in my art. I've pretty much moved past this time in my life, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't have sadness over what could have been....

The uniqueness of using tar gel for an image transfer is the fact you only need one coat of the gel over top of the image. With most gels, you need to use typically 4 coats to get a good transfer, letting each dry for a day before adding the next coat. With tar gel, one coat does the trick! For this image I used an inkjet print sprayed with workable fixative to set the ink. I added a layer of gel and then let dry overnite before peeling the paper off the back of the print to acheive the image/skin.


Another good reason to go to this month's CMMAG meeting was our ATC Valentine's Day swap. Penny our new President made these uber adorable goody boxes to hold our treasures. After my demo, everyone started the ritual of trading cards and ohhhhing and awwwing everyone's beautiful creations. It was so much fun! I truly felt like I was back in grade school!

These are samples of the ATC's I made for the group. I collaged canvas paper, used a brayer loaded with 3 colors and then adhered fabric/paper hearts I made then finished off by adding some text and a little decorations with gel pens. Lots of fun!!

Enjoy a sampling of other members cards--each and everyone was totally unique!


Awww...Debbie's included a sweet treat!


What a great way to spend the Thursday before Valentine's Day, don't ya think?? I appreciate those that were at our meeting and put up with my feeling under the weather, it was thrilling to be able to do a presentation amongst such a talented group of artists! Thank you again for support :)

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Some sad news to report--my step mother in Florida is not doing well at all..things don't look good unfortunately. Out of the blue, her heart stopped and she went into seizures one night last week--she has spent the last week on life support and nothing seems to be working. No answers as to why this happened or even any forwarning. According to my father, the evening was normal, laughing, joking, spending time with the family, went to bed, hugged good night and said their love for one another then next thing he knew, she was having seizures (never happened before). It doesn't seem fair to have no warning, or is that a blessing? Please keep my father and my step sisters and all in your thoughts and prayers if you will. Life will not be the same for them.

CMMAG Interview--check it out!

I'm excited to share this interview I did for the Carolina Mixed Media Guild for which I've been a member of for a little over a year. This group has a huge pool of wonderful mixed media artists. I'm honored to be a part of such a diverse and talented group.

Thanks Michelle for doing the interview with me, it was lots of fun!!

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On the creative front, not much going on this week. I've been struck with some sort of flu bug that has left me pretty much useless. It came on all of a sudden but when it hit, it felt like someone took a sledgehammer against my chest and then hit my head for good measure! I even missed my beloved First Friday at the Artist Alley.....wahhhh...that's one event that I've grown to enjoy with all my local artists friends. We meet monthly, share goodies, network, and then often meet afterward for dinner and or a drink. Always lots of fun and many laughs.

The good news is that I did have a chance to meet up with several of the gals over at Nanette's for another creative Art Play Night--a tradition I think we are going to keep! Check out the fun!

Penny, Nanette (our lovely hostess with the mostess), Amy and Kathy all enjoying some wine and creative time

My project for the evening--working on some Valentine ATC's. The hearts are made from from some cool fabric paper I made with a combination of fabric, tissue, paper, paint, stamps, stencils and more. Lots of fun :)

Hope you have an opportunity this week to share your creativity with the world :)

Art Everyday Month-Promotions of Artwork

I've neglected to post some of my Art Everyday creations over these last few days as I've been crazy busy with the promotions end of my work--but some good things are coming together that I've been working on--for now, check out my new cards:

Just a quickie post to show you all the scans of a few of the ACEO's I've made recently and have just uploaded to my ETSY shop!

As a SPECIAL offer for the Holidays, I'm offering free shipping on all ACEO's. Later this week, I'll add some new prints and ACEO prints that would make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

I had a whirlwind weekend between volunteering and helping out at the Art of the Carolina's and then going to Myrtle Beach for a friends birthday and even managing to start my Christmas shopping. (((big WOW...that usually doesn't get started until December!!))

In my next post, I'll highlight the trade show and our adventures there. Jeanne Rhea did a great job at recapping some of the highlights so please check out her blog post. Check out some of her fantabulous cards here . Lots of great things happened during the event--so much fun!!

Last but not least, if you aren't sure how to display ACEO's, here's an example of how they look framed--soooo cute! These are some prints of my Carolina Blue collection and Winter in NY series which I will also be offering in my Etsy shop this week. They turned out WONDERFUL!! I adhered them to matte board to make the prints more stable.

For a sneak peak on my new pieces I'm working on--check out my flickr page!

Until Next time--hope you listen to your creative muse and enjoy the journey wherever it takes you!