"The Fox and the Hedgehog"mixed media and encaustic on wood
9" x 11"
There are times when you should return to your roots in your art, and times when you should abandon everything and try something new. These past couple of weeks, I've been doing a little of both...I'm happy to say.
"The Fox and the Hedgehog" is my latest painting. I didn't try any of the new resin techniques on it. I had found a cool wood panel with exposed bark on the sides a while back. I put it aside and never got around to painting it. It's gone through two studio moves. I picked it up last week and decided that I needed to paint it like originally planned. The new slick resin techniques just didn't seem to fit it's character, so I used a encaustic beeswax finish instead. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. The beeswax is matte and really gives the wood a nice sheen. Here's a new video of the painting and the inspiration behind it.
"The Fox and the Hedgehog" is my latest painting. I didn't try any of the new resin techniques on it. I had found a cool wood panel with exposed bark on the sides a while back. I put it aside and never got around to painting it. It's gone through two studio moves. I picked it up last week and decided that I needed to paint it like originally planned. The new slick resin techniques just didn't seem to fit it's character, so I used a encaustic beeswax finish instead. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. The beeswax is matte and really gives the wood a nice sheen. Here's a new video of the painting and the inspiration behind it.
Then to really step out of my comfort zone, and try something new. I created a new jewelry line. The jewelry is silver and gold metal with transparent images of my paintings on it. The image is thin, and looks like it is printed on the metal. The colors are transparent. I'm very excited about it.
"From Within" Cuff Bracelet2" wide, adjustable
I also found a new loves with sari silk ribbon and Roman glass. The ribbon is actual recycled silk from Indian Sari's. This is the first time that I've ever incorporated fiber into my jewelry. The sari silk is a little tattered and worn, cut brightly colored and elegant at the same time. The Roman glass is from ancient Rome. The glass has been excavated and has a wonderful patina and luminescent quality to it. In the photo below, the Roman glass is circle just below the wings.
It feels really good to try new things, and especially to discover new materials and techniques. I think, as artists, we need to learn how to balance. Sometimes we get so caught up in learning a new technique because we feel it will take our art to the next level. Or we feel like we need to learn a lot of new techniques to be really good. Or we just need new supplies, more paint, better brushes to create our masterpieces. While all these things are good...we need to make sure we are not using those things as an excuse. We can't fall into the "As Soon As I..." syndrome. As soon as I get new paint...I'll start painting. As soon as I get some new beads, I'll make jewelry. As soon as I learn how to do this....then I can create. You get the idea.
The truth of the matter is...we usually already have everything we need. We put off doing, because we are afraid to fail. We feel safer if we have all the "tools" in our toolbox, and then maybe we can attempt to create. But, really all you need is your heart...it's the best tool to create masterpieces. And best of all...it's not limited to one area of your life.
For this week's giveaway....I want you to remember that you already have everything you need to create anything in your life. It all comes from within. I'm giving away the new "From Within Cuff Bracelet".
Here's what you need to do to win:
Leave a comment on this post and your name will be entered. Only one comment per person, please. I'll use the random number generator to pick a winner the following Tuesday evening at 11pm EST. I'll announce the winner of the previous week's giveaway, and we will start the next giveaway. Just enter a comment below...and send lots of positive thoughts and prayers my way. That's all you have to do. And if you want to know more about the giveaway and how it came about...click here. But remember....you need to leave a comment on this post to be entered in the current week's contest. :)
Happy Spring to everyone! I hope you are blessed with a windfall of creativity and love. Just remember it all comes from within.
Love Always,
Wyanne
The truth of the matter is...we usually already have everything we need. We put off doing, because we are afraid to fail. We feel safer if we have all the "tools" in our toolbox, and then maybe we can attempt to create. But, really all you need is your heart...it's the best tool to create masterpieces. And best of all...it's not limited to one area of your life.
For this week's giveaway....I want you to remember that you already have everything you need to create anything in your life. It all comes from within. I'm giving away the new "From Within Cuff Bracelet".
Here's what you need to do to win:
Leave a comment on this post and your name will be entered. Only one comment per person, please. I'll use the random number generator to pick a winner the following Tuesday evening at 11pm EST. I'll announce the winner of the previous week's giveaway, and we will start the next giveaway. Just enter a comment below...and send lots of positive thoughts and prayers my way. That's all you have to do. And if you want to know more about the giveaway and how it came about...click here. But remember....you need to leave a comment on this post to be entered in the current week's contest. :)
Happy Spring to everyone! I hope you are blessed with a windfall of creativity and love. Just remember it all comes from within.
Love Always,
Wyanne