A Place to Bark

Today I made a decision to do something to help raise money for A Place to Bark, Bernie Berlin's animal rescue retreat.  What I am planning to do is ask other artists to create one page in the medium of their choice to be bound into a book and auctioned off, I think, on Ebay.   All proceeds to go to A Place to Bark.  

I woke yesterday at 4 A.M. with this thought pounding in my head.  I've wanted to do something like this for a long time but have been so busy with other endeavors that I kept putting it on the back burner.  I now have a window of opportunity and made the decision at once to go forward with it.  I felt my idea was quickly validated when I received a call from Kathleen Dayvolt, a well known clairvoyant, just after contacting Bernie about my idea.  After speaking with Kathleen for quite some time and sharing my intentions, I felt a serge of passion stir in me and received instant positive feedback.  I am now very excited to proceed and think I know in what format to create it in.

After I make a prototype of the book to make sure the format will work, I will put out a call for art to help and pass on all the particulars and a deadline date.  I believe Bernie is at capacity right now and needs some publicity and extra financial help.  I'm sure the need is dire.

My heart is very full right now just knowing that I will be helping this cause.  I have a very strong passion and sensitivity for the animals and my tithing is always towards the animals and children.  I have 2 kitties and have been pining for a dog.  I will definitely be adopting from Bernie in the near future.

If you are reading this and are interested in participating, please let me know.  The more the merrier!  And, please pass it on.
My email address is renee.troy@gmail.com if you want to contact me directly.

Earth Angel

This piece called Earth Angel was inspired by JoAnna Pierotti a wonderful artist and a dear, dear person. 

For the month of March at Ten Women we are allowed to bring in any art to sell.  So I brought in some jewelry, this piece, and some other items that I've experimented with to see how they are received by the public.

The gallery is going thru some growing pains and change over in artists.  Some feel restricted because they have been there for awhile and the art they are creating now is inspired differently which I can totally understand because I want to try everything.  However, the gallery's policy says you can only sell the art that you were juried in with.  If you want to bring something new in it has to be presented at a board meeting and voted on.  Most times it's not a problem but with how many artist feel inclined to leave we are experimenting with new options and changes in our policy.  It will be interesting to see where my art goes if this piece sells.

New and Old

I'm so into birds and nature right now.  Especially since it's been selling at Ten Women.  It's what the audience is buying so I have to accommodate.  This is a 6x6 canvas original, mixed media with 3 diemnsional elements of  nature.  Some pieces are hard to let go of and this is one of them.

 

This is Jilly...so named by my husband and his granddaughter Jillian.  

 

  

Jilly's about 5" tall and is made from polymer clay, fiber, ribbon trim  and lace.  Since taking an online class with Misty Mawn on self portraits my faces have changed.  I also love art dolls and will probably always create one or two intermingled among my repertoire of art.  These dolls I learned from Nancye Williams 

whom I admire and who is going thru a challenging time right now.  I keep her close in my prayers.

I'm always reaching and creating anew...that's just who I am.

My 64th with the kids

 

We have a family tradition that was started a few years ago.  For Gramma and Grampa's birthdays we have a brunch celebration at a restaurant called Hugo's in Studio City.  It's centrally located for the 3 families to come together and sing Happy Birthday, eat and be merry.  These photos are from yesterday...my 64th.

 

James and Izabella, 7 (almost 8) and 5 years old.

 

  

  

My beautiful grand children...how blessed am I!

So much to share

I have so much to share I don't know where to begin...so I'm just going to post photos and give a brief description.  
But, first I just wanted to say that my trip to Las Vegas was eventful, wonderful in terms of why I went and confirming in why I haven't visited Vegas in the past.  In my opinion, it's a sleezy town that offers little but gambling and "naked women".   I could be wrong and that there's lots more to the place...however, I don't have time to find out nor do I want to. 
With that said...Julie Haymaker Thompson's workshop at Art and Soul was filling to the brim.  I loved every moment of it as I do her and her art.  She is an incredible artist/teacher and shared so much of herself/techniques that I can feel her in what I created in her class.  Of course, I will take what I learned into my own and confess that it was worth every nickel and minute spent absorbing her sharing and giving.

 

  

  

I learned so many techniques that I am over whelmed.  Julie has truly a giving heart...fearless and kind.  She also has a wonderful assistant that I adore equally.  Her Aunt Deb who tirelessly assists the never exhausting Julie doing her biding where needed.  With what Julie shared, it wouldn't have been possible without her.

I created another piece which I finished today and will post tomorrow.

Last week, I turn in the Academy Award Nomination Certificates...here is a sampling of what I have been doing for them for over 10 years now.  These certificates are given out at the luncheon where everyone that is nominated for an Academy Award receives this dedication to honor their contribution to the arts.

 

  

  

This is an honor and privilege for me.  One that fills me with pride as an artist.

Art and Soul

 

Just recently finished this small piece for the gallery.  Pieces that I do with a more natural theme seem to sell much quicker for some reason.  After taking Misty Mawn's online class I feel I've learned a lot so I believe art with my women will have a fresher look to them when I next do one.

Also, I'm very excited about going to Art and Soul retreat in Las Vegas to take Julie Haymaker Thompson's workshop.  I leave on Tuesday morning for a 5 hour drive east taking it nice an easy with a book on cd, snacks for the ride and time to clear my mind.  It's been awhile since I took off by myself and I'm needing it badly.  I'm busy with calligraphy work so I'm hoping I won't have to take any with me to do in the evening while I'm there.  I just want to take a hot bath, watch some tv, sketch a little and get into a bed by myself.  I'm going to have to work my little fingers off tomorrow if I'm going to make that happen but it will be worth it.  

I haven't been to Las Vegas since 1989 and I know it's a different city today.  I'm excited to see the hotels and the attractions that have been created for the visitors.  I'll have much to report when I return. 

One More Heart

I have these small square wood blocks that I gessoed thinking I would get them all done before Valentines Day but have been too busy to finish a few.  This is just another one to bring into the gallery before February passes by.  At least I didn't put Happy Valentine's on it.  Tomorrow is my day to do my gallery shift so I like to bring at least one item in that is new. 

Also, I've been trying to print my paintings on the printer I purchased...Epson 3800...but I can't seem to get the colors right.  I'm really not computer savvy and I'm just learning Photoshop Elements so I can adjust the colors more simply.  It seems too much for me at times not to mention the cost.  Between the inks for the printer and good quality paper, buying the program and taking an online class to learn PS Elements, it can get costly if you don't know what you're doing, like mwah!  That was me sighing in case you didn't hear it from where you live.  Oh well, it's all for the sake of art so I guess it's OK.  Now all I need is time.

What I'm learning-What I need

Today, I had trouble staying focused on minding my own business which is one of my resolution this year.  Anger is something I deal with on a daily basis although I have just discovered this.  I've been told it's in regards to fear.  I keep asking myself what the fear is in connection with the things that make me angry and the same answer keeps showing up...I'm not enough!  I focus on things outside myself so I don't have to look at myself too closely.  This is a huge revelation for me...
At Inspirational Retreat last night, I attended "Lifting the Veils" with Kathleen Dayvolt who is an Intuitive and Clairvoyant.  It was powerful!  It was a small group of people with different reasons for being there, different ages, backgrounds and awareness.  But, one of the things we all ended up knowing is that the source is just "one" and that we were all connected.  Like a large mirror that has been shattered, us being the pieces, but if put together, it would make a whole.

Kathleen was amazing, warm and open, sharp and knowing.  I feel I am intuitive and would know someone who was trying to get over on me.  But Kathleen had me eventually sobbing and drudging up stuff that I was trying to suppress for quite some time.  There was no mistake why I was there last night.  I've been in prayer about it for awhile now trying to find the answer to why I seek what I need outside myself.

I'm trying to make sense of my existence.  Approaching 64 in another week or so, I'm seeing less time in front of me then behind me.  What have I learned in my 64 years?  Why am I so angry?  I'm exhausted from it.  It doesn't serve me today, never has...so why do I hold on to it?  Why am I so fearful?  Hasn't life been good to me?  Look at the opportunities and all I have...this not being vast but I really don't need very much else at the moment.  The point is, be grateful for my blessings and focused on now.  I have and will be given what I need to take the next step if I trust this to be true.  How simple, how easy!  So???

Now you know why I'm exhausted and don't sleep.  I worry about everything, everyone in my life.  For today, or tomorrow as it is quite late, I will not fear or be angry, I will breath into peace of mind, stay focused on the task as hand, stay in truth, and know that I am a piece of the whole that is needed, worthy, and being taken care of as I am a precious part of the existence of the world.  I know I can only change what I am thinking and let go because there is a greater power that is in control....TRUST and so it is!
And, one huge lesson that screamed at me is to ask, when in a challenging situation, to be shown a different way to see the situation that will reflects love, patience and compassion.
Whew! So simple yet so challenging. This will take practice for sure.  I hope I will be able to sleep quietly tonight.

Valentine

Just a few new things I created for Ten Women Venice Gallery hurrying to get ready for Valentine's Day.  There's just not enough hours in the day...

This week the nominations for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences were announced and as I have done for the past 10 years now, I started personalizing the nomination certificates in calligraphy.  It's a very large job that consumes my time for about 2 weeks and there's a luncheon as well where the certificates are given out and I also create the name tags for that. 
The anticipation and preparation is nerve racking as I have other jobs that need to get finished as well that got held up for one reason or another.  Juggling several areas of my life that are demanding has become something that never seems to change but indeed has gotten more intense as I'm getting older... 

And, older I'm getting.  I'll be 64 in a few weeks and the only good thing I see about getting to this age right now is that next year I can switch to Medicare and reduce my medical insurance.  Boy, will that be a big savings.
I'm not doing anything special for my birthday except perhaps use a Christmas gift of a massage and get a pedicure.  Ahhh, the simple things in life.

Shiva Paint Sticks

This is my first attempt at using Shiva Paint Sticks.  It was challenging at first but I got into it especially after driving all over Los Angeles looking for who sold them.  I had no idea they would be so hard to find.

Letters California Style 2010

Each year, usually in February, the Society for Calligraphy (SFC) has a mini Conference in Pomona, California at Kellog West Cal Poly which is very much like the big conference held in different parts of the U.S.   We bring in about 8 teachers to teach classes over a long weekend.  Brenda from Paper & Ink Arts sets up her mini shop and teaches a mini class and the artists have a chance to sell their art as well.  Ward Dunham comes to sell pens and wax seals and it's all really lots of fun and gives us a chance to get together and schmooze in a large arena once a year.

We also invite artists to donate a piece of art for the auction to raise money for our Southern California chapter.  This year I donated an original mixed media on wood with sculpted letters, entitled "Love of Letters".  I hope it bring in a worthy amount.

Misty's class

I'm taking an online class with Misty Mawn, and I'm really enjoying it.  I haven't done much sketching...I didn't feel like I had the patience to do both mixed media and working with pencil.  But, here I go, never say never.  There is so much to learn.  I will be working in Shiva next.  Another thing I've never done.

Only one of these didn't have a model to guide me...can you guess which one?

Spending time with the grand kids

Yesterday I picked up the kids at their perspective homes, James in North Hollywood then Izabella in Altadena.  We headed out to Huntington Gardens in Pasadena and spent a glorious afternoon running around, playing hide and seek, seeing carnivorous plants and coy fish and just spending time together.  After the storms of last week, the weather was glorious and it was good to be out in sunshine.

 

 

 

 

They're growing so fast and I'm happy that they will grow up knowing each other. 

Sharing

I want to take a moment to say thank you to the followers and visitors of my blog.  I find it hard to put into words what your support means to me.  Everytime I receive a comment I feel like a little kid who comes home from school to show what I created today and feel so proud when I am complimented and encouraged.  The feeling is addicting.  I once joked with my friend about how she had become a blog slut (pardon the expression) because she couldn't get enough.  Well, it takes one to know one.  The feeling is so rewarding. 

I truly am a kid...a 63 almost 64 year old kid who hasn't grown up yet.  I'm also someone who so much appreciates the privilege of doing art for a living.  It is definitely my one saving grace in my life.  When all else fails and I can't take my life, I dive right into my art where I know I'm safe, where I can forget all my troubles and feel embrace by this unknown miraculous experience every single time I pick up a pen, brush, pencil of any kind, any tool, any medium at all and put a mark to any surface and boom!  the world is wonderful again, everything is fine.  How lucky am I!

Before the holidays, I visited a site and it gave some guidelines on how to let the people you care about via internet get to know a little about me.  I thought this a wonderful idea and kept meaning to do it but busy is the only word that comes to mind as to why I didn't.  So here and now it goes........................

5 Things you might not know about me that I want to share

1. I did not graduate high school but attended college on my own terms taking courses I wanted to learn.

2. My second husband and I are together 40 years, but we were only married 3 of those years, divorced in 1990 but still very much together.  That should really tell you something about me. ;o)

3.  My 2 sons have children that they are not raising.  They are adopted by 2 lovely couples and I am fortunate enough to still have them in my life.  It is a very happy situation.

4.  I still have all my childhood girlfriends in my life (from the Bronx) since we were 12 years old even though most of us live in different parts of the US.  We have reunions every 4-5 years and act like teenagers when we are together.

5.  The only time I am truly happy is when I am creating art.

5 Things going on in my creative life

1. I purchased a very expensive printer to use to create prints of my art and a card line using both my mixed media art and calligraphy.

2. The start of Inspirational Retreat has encouraged me to get connected to the various artists whom I admire and to be brave in my attempts at feeling equal.

3.  I am planning on sending art in to be published to the various magazines this year. 

4.  I plan do some videos to share how I make various creations exclusive to me. 

5. I am planning on starting a selling blog.

5 Things that inspire me

1. I get so inspired by visiting other artist blogs, their flickr and websites and become encouraged to do the same by sharing.

2. I am truly inspired by taking hands on workshops and meeting the artists and physically seeing how they work at their art.

3.  I love taking online workshops because I can go at my own pace and see how everyone else is progressing by their sharing.

4.  I am inspired by looking through all my favorite publications (almost all Stampington) Cloth Paper Scissors, etc. and reading the articles, absorbing the techniques and trying some that appeal to me.  I've grown so much by this.  I also have purchased many books published by my favorite artist.

5.  I also love and am inspired by being surrounded by art so I purchase from some of my favorites (within reason of course, budget allowing).

I'm going to add one more thing to this list because it truly warrants being mentioned....

6.  Being part of an artist gallery is a privilege and blessing and continually inspires me to be the best artist I can be.

I hope that by sharing a little bit of myself personally will bring me closer to all of you.  I will always welcome your comments, negative and positive, as I want to be the best I can be and hope to grow from the critique.

Again, my humble thanks for all your support.
Much love and gratitude.....R

Getting geared up for Valentine's Day

Ten Women will be doing a Valentine's window for February so I'm creating some canvas work for that....

These are 6x6 canvas', gallery quality and I had such fun creating them.  A more casual style then I'm used to.

The Fruits of Life

This mixed media collage painting was very challenging for me.  I started it so long ago on heavy watercolor paper and was trying a new collage technique that didn't quite work out but I liked the images so I kept at it.  I had no idea where I was going with it once my failed attempts were fixed so every day I did a little something to it and this is the result.  I even added a little something else to it after I took this photo but was too lazy to set up the camera again before I took it into the gallery. 

After I finished it I mounted a natural handmade paper on wood and then mounted the painting on top and attached some wire to the back for hanging.  It always amazes me how I start out with a certain direction in mind and it turns out to have a mind of it's own.  I do wonder how I manage to accomplish things sometimes.
Oh well, I got it done and that's what counts in the end.

Samuel's Birth Announcement

In the 90's I created custom framed birth announcements such as this one by the dozens.  That was way before all the new stuff for scrap booking came out.  I would get the announcement and depending on the theme would draw all the little characters,etc., water color them, cut them out, collage them and create a one of a kind, dimensional keepsake.  However, this one was mostly created with store bought scrap booking ephemera with the exception of the waves and clouds.  Each one was further personalized with my dimensional Roman letters that are drawn, scored, cut and shaped.
I had created 2 others for this client way back when and she contacted me when her daughter was due to give birth with her third, unexpected child and wanted them all to have a similar keepsake.  I don't remember what the others looked liked so I'm hoping this one will fit right in.

 

New beginning - new work

This is a mixed media painting on canvas which was really fun to do.  Ten Women will be doing a Valentine window in February so I'm creating some pieces for that.

2010

I am really excited about 2010.  I feel that this year will be a really good one for all of us. 

New Year's eve day I moved up front at Ten Women Venice Gallery.  I'm very thrilled to be in my new position because of the additional exposure and possibility of more sales.

The gallery has a main area and then there's a small area that is divided by a partition making it an additional room.  For the past year I was in the additional room and did well.  Since moving, I sold an original and smaller items already.  I truly feel that the sales will continue if we get the traffic.  Like anything else, it will ebb and flow but I'm in a more advantageous position when the flow arrives.

There are empty spaces already that need to be filled.  Gotta get to work...see ya soon.

Happy Happy

This Holiday Season is filled with so many things to be grateful for.  When I look back on the year I can reflect on lots opportunities that presented itself to me and that altered my life for challenging myself.  Change is hard sometimes, especially at my age but worth the effort all around. 
I made so many wonderful friends and contacts and have broadened my world just by reaching out.  I will forever be grateful. 
I also made changes on a personal level by trying to look at life, family and friends in a different way and accepting them just the way they are.  I realized that I can be judgmental and self righteous but where does that serve me...I get to be right in my own mind.  It is after all, a judgment on myself.  That reflection doesn't make me feel very right.  And, I don't have control over anyone and anything other than the way I think.

This coming new year, I will work on Acceptance on a broader scale.  I truly want to know what the word means and how I can adapt to its meaning.  I'm hoping that the outcome will help me accept myself with all my flaws, imperfections and bring more peace into my life.  I believe that, for me, will bring me more happiness.

May Peace on Earth prevail, Enlightenment unfold, and may we all realize that what we focus on is what will present itself.  All it takes is a little courage to take a step for change if only in a thought.

Happy Holidays and a Healthy and Prosperous 2010.

With Love,
xxxxoooo

Inspirational Retreat ad in January Somerset Studios

I'm so excited that the Inspirational Retreat ad we posted in Somerset Studios has finally arrived at my door step today.  I could hardly wait to get the publication inside and find the ad along with all the classes posted in the Gatherings section.

We have such a fabulous line up of artists all the way through August.  I know that once the classes begin and the word gets out what a wonderful experience it was, it will be the place to come to for inspiration from a favorite artist teachers.

Patience has never been a strong part of my personality and this takes patience as with anything new.  It's been a dream of mine since it's conception to make each workshop a unique, comfortable, inspiring, and a personally rewarding experience.

I've been to many workshops over the years and have felt intimidated, closed up creatively, cramped for personal space and rushed among other things.  Knowing what I would want at a workshop gives me opportunity to prepare a weekend where teacher and student feel that the exchange of give and take is genuine and complete and that each person is getting everything they signed up for and more.  I see so many possibilities and can only hope that the dream becomes a reality.  As they say..."Build it and they will come".

Fairies by Renee

I've been making these fairies for a number of years now and I've decided to make a video on how to create them.

These whimsical little ones are about 5" tall and are fun and easy to make.  The hard part will be making the video and finding the time.