Thursday, May 28, 2009

Tonalist landscape in oils, calcite cabochon wire wrap


"Simple Pleasures" 16x30 oil on canvas panel
My submission for my own masterminded challenge at our local art club. Some anonymous person left something like 20 uniformed but beautiful frames at the studio porch. They are this non-standard opening so some of us had to have wood cut for support. In my case I mounted canvas which I gesso a few times on it. Anyway, at one of the meetings, I thought we could share the frames as an art club by challenging members to take home a frame and create something "with it". So yeah, it will be interesting how they all interpreted that piece of instruction. Actually, it would be interesting to see just how many actually do something with it and show up for the "Arts on the Creek" event we're having Saturday. If I make it there, I'll be sure and take photos!

Wednesday was the 2nd and last day of my jewelry wrapping class. Our wonderful instructor asked us to show up with possible wrapping design for the 4-inch cabochon stonewe personally picked out. The one I chose is this "honeycomb calcite". I was the first to choose from the lot of them, but this stone stood out so uniquely and so naturally to me. I am glad I picked it too because by the time I thought about my design, it turned out to be something more intricate than my classmates chose! I also decided to do the horizontal format. My choices made it extra challenging of course because I couldn't really look over anybody's shoulders for comparison, in fact I even started out wrong as I was shapping the wrap for a VERTICAL yikes! Good thing we took a break for lunch and I came to my senses as I was figuring out where to put the bindings. It would have been a regrettable mistake as I truly love this piece I ended up with. I cannot tell you how it's so "me". I'm not flamboyant by nature, but I do like the more artsy look.


By clicking on the image below, you can better view my piece along with 5 of the other students' works. There were two more students but I think they were being shy. It is a sign of a good instructor to have her whole class yield such impressive work!

14 comments:

  1. The landscape and jewelry are gorgeous!

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  2. I love this landscape painting. It's so peaceful.
    Your jewelries are amazing! They are so beautiful! I can never make things like these....

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  3. All over the place, aren't ya? ever think about 'choosing one'? teehee.

    the oil is fabulous, and i LUV the cabochon! You may have another career as a jewelry designer!

    UR RED

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  4. Wow, you have been busy! I love the painting challenge, I hope other people join in with you. Your jewelry is amazing! I can't wait to see it on you. It looks like you are a natural with the materials!

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  5. Hi Akiko glad you like my latest pieces. I was trying to go for peaceful so I'm glad that's what you see :) And don't assume you couldn't create those jewelry because I'm willing to bet you can ;)

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  6. Red lol Yes and believe it or not, I actually agree with people who would tell me that. But life is also too short to choose one ;) Glad you like!

    So where are you? Still in Santa Fe?

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  7. Hi Hillary are you back from Strawberry Music?

    Last I saw, there were 5 out of 20 frames submitted so I'm trying to keep fingers crossed that more will show up for the event!

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  8. A lovely and peaceful painting, Erika. And you're a natural at jewelry making!

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  9. Hi Don! Yikes I'm humbled by your post since I love your landscapes so much - thank you. Now look who is really being kind? And as for the jewelry, my results surprised me! Thanks again!

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  10. Beautiful painting and jewelry! And how cool to have your work tattooed on someones arm???

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  11. Wow, Erika, these jewelry pieces are beautiful! So unique, I've never seen anything like them! I miss your watercolor paintings, tho! :) RoseAnn

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  12. HI Gwen thanks so much! Yes it's an unforgettable honor to know my art is on someone very special! :)

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  13. LOL RoseAnn I know I'm such a non-prolific painter ANYMORE! Somehow I burnt myself out badly! I am beginning to feel the itch again though :) Love ya!

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Thank you for taking the time to comment ~Erika