Author Archives: Sheila

A Little Bird and a Castle

4 x 5 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press paper.

adding texture to the frame

I worked on this yesterday, and I am painting the frame for it as well. It is a Mother’s day gift. I saw this little bird on Pinterest. The artist’s name was not included. Thought it would be good practice at staying loose. I still need more practice, but I like how this turned out.

The frame was bright gold, I thought a soft pewter would be better. I started with a base of khaki. I applied each layer lightly with a sponge, to allow the previous layers to show through. I added silver, and metallic taupe. Then I used a toothbrush to spatter some black in just a few areas for texture.

Bird in frame I know it is difficult to see in the photo. It looks great in person. I will seal it tomorrow and it will be ready to hang.

Liberate Your Art

Postcard #4 arrived. All the way from Kent, in the U.K. It is a terrific photo of the Bodiam Castle, taken by Lisa. I don’t have her last name, but she did give me her email address.

Bodiam Castle in Kent, U.K.

I love historical British shows. Call the Midwife, Bletchley Circle, Downton Abbey. So this card is a huge treat for me. Lisa’s photo is awesome. She framed the castle with branches that are just beginning to bloom.

So glad Lisa, to meet you in the swap this year!

Liberate Your Art Postcard Number 3

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Mixed media: watercolor, acrylic, fabric, and paper flowers cut from gift bags. (click photo to see more)

I came home from brunch with my folks, raspberry french toast from Corky’s, to find this. A fantastical postcard from my friend Natasha Papousek. She explains:

Aloha Art Friend!
This year’s swap finds me in Honolulu for the spring semester. I thought it fitting to show a phoenix (an old bird celebrating new beginnings) with the Queen of Polynesian flowers, the Tiare or Tahitian Gardenia. As I learn about Hawaii and experience new adventures, I am reminded of this quote by Ursula K. LeGuin:

It is good to have an end to journey;
but it is the journey that matters in the end.

Mixed media: watercolor, acrylic, fabric, and paper flowers cut from gift bags.

This card traveled from Hawaii to Oregon. It took the long way around through the east coast before landing in southern California. This traveling card came from an avid traveler! I hope the travel bug rubs off on me!

Thank you Natasha, for making this a delightful day!

Wishing you all the best, may you have many new beginnings!

Liberate Your Art – Postcard Arrivals

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Candid Subway Series 2013 NYC. Lori Moon.

Howdy Y’all.

I didn’t meant to go so long without posting. Server issues that I thought had been resolved, but instead are ongoing. Hopefully all will be well soon.

I am so excited to share my first two postcards from Kat’s swap with you. Card #1 is from Lori Moon (came last week). A collection from her Candid Subway Series 2013 NYC.

As I gaze into the subway, I can imagine the sounds. The light changing as we enter the tunnel. Lori has me wondering about each of these people. On the back of the card, Lori wrote,

“May you find beauty in your everyday.“

Today’s beauty was Lori’s photographs of people going about their business. Just as they did yesterday. And just as they will tomorrow. Just as we all do.

I look at these images, and I am reminded. To me New York will always be synonymous with HERO. I think there is a bit of hero in each New Yorker.

And I hope there is a bit of hero, in each and every one of us.

God bless Kat for creating this opportunity for so many to spread joy around the world.
God bless Lori, and creative’s everywhere who put their hearts and souls on display.

God Bless New York. God Bless the U.S.A.

Postcard #2

Art in my room

This treasure arrived yesterday. Light and lovely. I have a piece of art in my room with the same flowers. You have to take a look at Barbara’s site. She has a series of these poppies. My photo does not do hers justice. On the back Barbara included this,

“Teach us delight in simple things.” ~ Rudyard Kipling

Luscious, luminous… celestial. Go NOW. Take a look!