Barefoot Muse

Burning embers

2012-02-06T21:27:00.001-05:00

"Drawing is the discipline by which I constantly rediscover the world." ~Frederick Franck

I'm in a turquoise, teal, and red kinda mood again! My fav!!

2012-02-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

Blue heaven....last nights journal painting combined with a digital background.

Abstract-ish

2012-02-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

http://mistymawn.typepad.com

2012-01-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

Journal page...abstract portrait. Sarcasm...politically inspired.

Oh.....how do I love thee

2012-01-23T14:43:00.001-05:00

Let me count the ways

.....I ran out of numbers! xoxoxoxoxoxox'sssssssss

Lioness

2012-01-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

Another one of yesterdays assignments, to sketch, and shade an animal! Misty is certainly pushing us out of our comfort zones, and I couldn't be happier about it. Tomorrow onto clay and sculpture.......I'm having a blast!!!!!

This started out as a male Lion whose mane was my focus, but in the translation... lion made it clear she was female, AND wanted some "bling" to boot!

2012-01-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Today's assignments...Nature, and Poetry

Head above water

2012-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

Journaling late into the night yesterday!

2012-01-12T16:34:00.000-05:00

"I had set up tent

digging stakes long and deep;

squarely into the point,where fork meets the road.

Is that it?

Doth Thou answer?

Do I go...

left or right?

Same old question I ask,

day into night.

Yes, time - it does matter,

for it does not stand still.

Flies rather quickly,

unlike climbing a hill.

Faster than light?....or maybe

it's sound...no

possibly, it's the other way round.

Get up, and start walking,

face the road strong and tall.

Travel that road, though

you'll stumble and fall.

Turn your face from the mirror,

forgetting old lines.

Age does bring some wisdom,

and with it some rhymes.

:-) xo Gloria

BONHOMIE

2012-01-09T00:27:00.001-05:00

My favorite word for this year.

Bonhomie

2012

2012-01-06T19:03:00.000-05:00

........and I'm feelin good!!!!!

I'm posting two quick sketches, both done during this first week of the New Year. I wasn't thinking about anything in particular while drawing either one - or so I assumed - but after some introspection, and the serendipitous quote I stumbled upon quickly thereafter.......... I realized I could fill five books worth of journal pages, simply from the unconscious contemplation that manifested itself so primitively in these sketches!!!!

sketch #1

sketch #2

here is the quote....

Consciousness: The Black Hole of Neuroscience

"The simplest description of a black hole is a region of space-time from which no light is reflected and nothing escapes. The simplest description of consciousness is a mind that absorbs many things and attends to a few of them. Neither of these concepts can be captured quantitatively. Together they suggest the appealing possibility that endlessness surrounds us and infinity is within."

Megan Erickson

It's gonna be a great year!!!!!!

2011-12-31T14:09:00.000-05:00

"Song of Myself":

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you."

~ Walt Whitman ~

May this New Year ring in with celestial sounds from the music of the spheres. May the notes provoke awe, yield fervent divinity, create enlightenment, and vibrate with infinite love and Peace for all mankind. xo Gloria xo

Joy to the world!!!!

2011-12-21T21:33:00.000-05:00

My little shepherd boy singing his heart out during his first Christmas play. I thought my own heart would burst with love, as we practiced all weekend long....and it paid off well.

2011-12-15T23:01:00.002-05:00

2011-12-06T20:29:00.001-05:00

"O terque quaterque beatum”
We are three or four times blessed. quote via www.thetoymaker.com

Let the season begin!!!!! xo

Santa baby

2011-12-01T14:24:00.000-05:00

Oh yeah!!!!!!

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/01/verdier-reinven/

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T00:56:00.000-05:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."
~Melody Beattie~

image via celebrationsathome.blog.com

A bountiful Thanksgiving to one and all.

Digital Collage

2011-10-29T21:13:00.002-04:00

This weeks challenge at Digitalmania....a collage in the style of Michelle Caplan.

This is my interpretation. Credits on my flickr page.

2011-10-28T21:02:00.004-04:00

Boo Ya!

2011-10-27T15:37:00.000-04:00

What started out as a late night "face" sketch became a "skeletal" portrait done in pencil, which then became a digital journal page with some Photoshop painting and brushes worked in!
Trick or Treat?????? oooooooooooaaaahahahhahaahhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Not just another pretty face

2011-10-10T14:32:00.001-04:00

I've been sketching faces for most of my life. Our faces tell our stories, and sketching is how I express my own emotions, and philosophies. Thing is ...at times I focus my attention on "practicing" rules, aiming for "pretty" ~ inevitably resulting in distraction from truth and purpose.

This past month I participated in an online workshop given by Katie Kendrick where the focus is placed on intuitive creating. NO rules!!!!!! Just simple, honest, absolute creativity. Art, is exactly that, a humble expression of the story telling within. It is the sense of lightness, the Divine euphoria achieved when the ego steps away, and all that remains is intuition, primal instinct. "ONE"

I have never appreciated art more than during this time in my life, and I love art in every form. Watching pieces come to life in an abstract, metaphysical, unabashed, non-judgmental fashion... liberation at it's finest!!! Thank you my dearest Katie.

talking in my sleep

2011-10-05T23:32:00.000-04:00

Journal page.

2011-09-29T00:15:00.000-04:00

I had done this sketch many moons ago, but decided to try a new (for me) technique where I would not have to use the original piece in the work.

So I transferred it onto tissue paper, as per Katie's amazing tutorials, and tips, then transferred the transfer onto a book page. Lot's of gel medium involved. Once dry, I was able to paint with watercolor crayons over the piece and maintain the translucency. I'm enamored with this process.

Spice Island

2011-09-19T13:33:00.000-04:00

My humble tribute to Nick Bantock, who's art and story telling mesmerize, and enchant. He is a curator of words, of philosophy, intuition and imagination. When you visit his world, you walk into a time machine where the mind, the senses, all become heightened, enriched.

Yes.... I love his work!!! Thanks to "Digitalmania" for the re-visit!

Autumn

2011-09-15T02:35:00.002-04:00

This week at the Three Muses...Autumn.

Credits: The background photo by Ruth Yeaman via Flickr. Starry sky texture courtesy of JoeSSistah, and the little fairy in the row boat....mine.

"Mary, Mary quite contrary"

2011-09-13T00:15:00.002-04:00

Happy new week to all. I should say.........happy Tuesday, as it is exactly 12:05AM.

Looking forward to an extremely busy month ~ creatively, and otherwise. I'm taking an on-line class with Katie Kendrick, and have joined several group challenges.

As if my life isn't challenging enough!!!!!.......all good tho!

"Mary,Mary" ~ done in the style of Eduardo Recife for the Digitalmania group on Flickr

Ooh la la

2011-08-31T16:09:00.001-04:00

This weeks theme on Three Muses was "newspaper" print. MY inspiration began with this gorgeous man clearly depicted in the bottom left corner page of my contribution to the challenge. I came across his photograph somewhere on Flickr, and it was love at first sight. Can you blame me?!!!
On the upper right hand side is a quick sketch by me, of a most appreciative woman..........enjoying the scenery. ;-)

"Want Ad"

But, then I started to think that maybe I was being a bit improper - given it would be shared on another site; so again, using newspaper print, part of my "old" paper stash, I played with a more sedate photograph ....borrowed from a home decor magazine, thus creating an entirely different image (pun intended)!!!!!!!!

"Morning Paper"

Hope you enjoy both!!! lol Bev, I already know likes the first one...........hehehehehe

Aquarium of thoughts

2011-08-20T19:20:00.000-04:00

This Mornings sketch, and a little added playtime on Photoshop.

Feeling mermaid..ish ;-)

Haute head

2011-08-17T12:01:00.002-04:00

Here is my original sketch with a bit of color and shading added, prior to scanning.

For my digitally enhanced version I used a beautiful old paper background courtesy of Kim Klassen, and a vintage postcard to which I added text. The hat and face I continued painting using the Photoshop Elements brushes, and my trusty little mouse. This is when a pen tablet would come in really handy!

For more eye candy from the gals at "Three Muses" click here.........http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com

Journey

2011-08-10T02:45:00.000-04:00

The theme for this weeks challenge over at thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com is Maps. As it so happens, this particular subject led me UP a path I've been craving to travel........inwards!!! It's been awhile.

"A moments insight can sometimes be worth a life's experience." Oliver Wendell Holmes

The areas around the head and arms disappeared between the digital layers, becoming a happy 'accident'. I was going to touch it up, and then realized the spiritual implication.... a perfect metaphor to my contemplation ......the ego melting away in transcendence.

The lovely image of the Traditional Indian dancer is from a magazine. The grungy bordered background frame is courtesy of skeletalmess. The map was found on Flickr, as was the beautiful sand dune and sky texture, borrowed from Moosebite, also on Flickr.

Calling all angels

2011-08-03T13:12:00.001-04:00

Another week, quickly gone by....it's Wednesday already!!!

Angels, as was this weeks theme on http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com/ inspired me to put together this piece

I did not do any original sketching on this one. All of the credit for this gorgeous angel goes to Annie Swynerton and her painting titled "The sense of light", and the background is courtesy of the-portal-of-destiny-by-AutumsGoddess. I used both images in Photoshop Elements, along with layers, lots of erasure, masking, filters, etc. etc.
So much to learn........so little time. I can devote hours on end experimenting with this digital program. It is my good fortune to have met so many generous, incredibly creative and informative artisans via this blog. Thank you all so very much for the inspiration. Especially you Marie ;-)
P.S. I'm leaving the obvious boo-boos un-retouched (fingers on left hand) more reason to practice!!! lol

I've been Zettied

2011-07-30T19:54:00.002-04:00

Never completely happened :-(
I was in the process of assembling and sketching a Zetti collage, as was last weeks challenge on
http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com. I chose Greta Garbo as my famous person. I too am (sometimes) affectionately called "Greta Garbo" by my loved one's..................hmmmmm, wonder why??????
Anywhoooo~on the day I began my piece, my mom had to be rushed to the hospital and required immediate surgery to remove a badly infected, pain wrenching, stone filled gallbladder. She is doing well, and given that fact........so am I. Never a dull moment in my life, but who's complaining.......................................
To make a long story short, I did not get to complete my very first Zetti in time - instead I played the unexpected role of Florence Nightingale.
My Momma (for whom I'll do anything) insists...I make a great nurse!!!
I'd just rather not ;-) LOL

This is my Greta sketch

This is my Greta in the process of becoming zettified.

I will finish it sooner or later.......

Kissing her pink elephant goodbye

2011-07-30T18:56:00.000-04:00

This is a journal page I created months ago. I can't remember exactly why I chose to sketch a likeness of Amy Winehouse; probably listening to her amazing voice and wanted to capture some semblance of my thoughts for and of her at the time.
Such a tremendous talent, and an even bigger loss. Sweet dreams beautiful girl.

Orient Express

2011-07-19T19:29:00.000-04:00

I came across this wonderful site filled with tons of fun and inspiration. It is a weekly challenge where you create a piece of art based upon the theme for that week. Here is the link.......http://thethreemuseschallenge.blogspot.com/ Go visit and participate.
I couldn't resist, and so here is my offering.

Today's contemplation

2011-07-18T00:29:00.001-04:00

This is how I spent my day!

"Thirst drove me down to the water where I drank the moons reflection." ~Rumi

Embrace your inner gypsy

2011-07-16T00:08:00.001-04:00

I was not permitted to attend Woodstock in my early teens...and man did I try!!! Strict (very strict) parents....not a bad thing. I did although enjoy wearing plenty of hippie attire in those days. If the opportunity presented itself now, for a creative, funky, camping in the woods, rockin event during these..... my baby boomer years,.......this is how I'd do it!!!!

photo's courtesy of discoveryourjoiedevivre.blogspot.com

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-03T14:35:00.000-04:00

Experience the magic!

2011-07-03T12:46:00.000-04:00

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."..... Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Think Pink

2011-06-21T23:47:00.000-04:00

Last nights journal page, done in my usual ball point pen...

Tonight I scanned the sketch into my Photoshop Elements program so as to paint, and embellish her to my heARTs content. Digital art is late night meditation for me. I lose myself, and find myself , while creating............without the mess!!!!

Gypsy woman

2011-06-17T01:45:00.001-04:00

Canvas, paper, pencils, paint, beads, sequins, lace, fabric and thread..........oh and my prerequisite, very strong, very sweet, hot espresso coffee, first thing in the morning as I sip in contentment. Yes, voyaging through life in a magical caravan, my destiny. Somewhere different, new and exciting....everyday!!! Utopia!!!
Who could ask for more. OK.......so maybe an extremely large supply of chocolate. A girl needs to eat.

Photo's courtesy of design-shimmer.blogspot.com

2011-06-13T14:46:00.000-04:00

2011-06-12T15:05:00.000-04:00

This face is a quick daily journal sketch (which is how I express and document the emotions, thoughts and consciousness of my day ) scanned, then layered onto a poignant photo of a stranded Polar bear found on Flickr. I then applied brushes, filters, textures and text so as to tell my vision.

via postal

2011-06-11T00:54:00.000-04:00

I've had a few days completely to myself and I refuse to stop playing!!! This one I did entirely on Photoshop using pencil brushes to sketch the eye (using my mouse) Wacom tablet I want you!!! Then I used lots of other brushes for painting, textures, tons of layers, filters etc.

journal page

2011-06-08T01:44:00.001-04:00

Tonights sketch with a little "digi manip" added for ooomph!!!!

Sunrise

2011-06-04T19:52:00.001-04:00

Midnight journal page, "talking with my muse". The face, I sketched and painted by hand, then scanned and digitally enhanced in Photoshop. The background into which I "opened" a niche/ window is from Shadowhouse Creations. The gorgeous flowers.... a still life photo I found somewhere on Flickr.

Mother Nature's wrath

2011-05-26T01:38:00.000-04:00

in prayer.

2011-04-24T00:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter everybunny ;-)

Rockin Round Robin

2011-04-24T00:45:00.001-04:00

I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of Monica's, (girl-gone-thread-wild.blogspot.com) round robin. There are six of us playing, and I thought I'd share a photo or two of the dolls as they rotate amongst us.

This is the beginning of my doll. The idea is to create something new by using something old....recycling, or as Monica has aptly titled our group..."Trashing it Out." She is now in Arizona hanging with JoAnnA.

I've been digging into my stash and finding things that are almost as old as I am!!!!!!!!!! Hey, as they say, "everything old is new again" and ain't that the truth.

Below is Monica's doll, Circus as she arrived to me.

Talk about recycling, her head is a hollowed out light bulb, is that Kool or what!!!!!

A very blurry (oops) photo of what Circus and I have been up to. She had lot's to tell me; a tremendous amount of wisdom to share, and we've had a wonderful time together.

Esperanza

2011-03-18T22:02:00.001-04:00

Un cierto día le diré

todo qué mi corazón no podría expresar.

Mi mente por completo de la emoción,

mi boca sin un lugar.

El recordar diario la hora,

y anhelante de volver.

De donde vine y a donde llegaré.

~Gloria Martin

translation......

Someday I'll tell you everything my heART could not express.

My mind full of emotion, my mouth without a home.

Remembering, every day, that place, so wistful to return.

From where I came, and to where I shall arrive.

2011-03-10T03:17:00.001-05:00

Quote by Anais Nin

Speaking from my heART

2011-02-21T17:52:00.001-05:00

To those of you familiar with the very sad plight of little Victor Barahona, his sister Nubia, and their two other adopted siblings, please offer up a prayer for them.

MOURNING has broken

2011-01-19T01:35:00.001-05:00

My homage to a new year. An original sketch, hand painted on canvas using acrylics. I scanned the painting into photoshop and digitally manipulated the texture using filters. The bird is a png. I found on Flickr, and the soft background of tiny stars....thanks to......Joessistah.

Sisters of Perpetual Mischief

2011-01-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

When I'm bad, I'm bad..., but, when I'm good, I'm better.~Mae West

Rachel's Meditation

2011-01-12T00:27:00.001-05:00

Rachel is the name of my darling, most beloved Aunt, and with whom I speak by telephone on almost a daily basis, but always, constantly, through my mind and heart. She is far away in miles, a recent but necessary relocation. It is the first time in my life that I've lived more than just minutes away from her, and I miss her terribly.

So tonight, I serendipitously found these soothing words courtesy of Jane Cather through her amazing web site www.janecather.com, and I truly hope Jane does not mind that I’ve borrowed them for awhile. For they describe exactly what my Auntie Rachel’s love and energy mean to me.

Rachel's Meditation
The energy of my garden plants can support my body. I can lie down on this energy bed just above the plants. As I look down into the plant bed I begin to heal.

Le Jardin

2011-01-06T13:27:00.001-05:00

Cultivating a garden of creativity in my minds eye. Now.........to express these figurative flowers through my hands.

2011

2011-01-01T19:10:00.001-05:00

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant" ~~~
Robert Louis Stevenson

Dear Lord……..I pray to thee on this, and everyday hereafter, for a green thumb ;-)

2010-12-24T12:54:00.001-05:00

Feliz Navidad ya'll!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-08T18:56:00.001-05:00

Going through old photographs and sitting here amidst a million wonderful memories, as I listen to Christmas carols......oh wait..........I'm missing the hot Chocolate, or should I make it a Hot Toddy???? Either, or, ~ ideal, considering the fact that it is 50 degrees or below here in sunny south FLorida........yikes!!!! I love it.

It totally gets me into the holiday spirit as is evident here in this photo of my little girl, taken in 1976, and a scan of an embroidered piece I've been working on today - a copy of her first letter to Santa, written by Stacey herself in 1978. She was barely four years old and so was still confusing her N's and M's. Sorry Santa.

Now ready to embellish!!!

Today she's a mommy encouraging her own child to write his first Christmas letter. The only difference is...... his list is already TWO pages long!!!!

my minds eye

2010-11-28T22:54:00.002-05:00

"It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth -- and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. ... For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it." --Patrick Henry

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T13:24:00.001-05:00

May gratitude reign in our hearts this day and every day!!!! We are blessed.

and then the light went on!!!

2010-11-16T20:58:00.002-05:00

The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depend upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily...Plato

Words to live by

2010-11-12T12:24:00.003-05:00

"I have been absolutely terrified of every moment of my life, and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do"  ~ Georgia O'Keefe

My Aunt Mimi at her Social debut...........Me lower right hand corner, five years old

perspective

2010-10-09T18:13:00.000-04:00

Todays journal........October 9th, 2010

2010-09-24T12:39:00.002-04:00

Sketching faces for Towers and Turrets. Why the Alice theme you may be asking???? Thank Johnny Depp for that. Does he not possess THE most gorgeous face (well second most gorgeous, next to my Jake) !!!!!!

Just ask Alice

who's still................. loving those '"BAD" boys.

Keith by the way, another favorite. OMG these alluring free spirits......must they move me so!!!!!

2010-09-22T00:08:00.000-04:00

This mornings journal page. I'm still hanging with Alice and her peeps!!!

2010-09-18T00:06:00.000-04:00

Go ask Alice..............

2010-08-29T17:45:00.028-04:00

It's been awhile, I know. The hours in the days have seamlessly melded into weeks as I continue to enjoy the simpler things in life. Family, friends, new babies to cuddle, creativity. Freshly made Pizza's, my cousins homemade pastries, laughter, and even a few tears..... mostly those that come from joy.

I'll share todays journaling here, with you. Rather than a sketch, I wrote....(it's actually more of a prayer) which I often times do, and more often than not, it takes on a life of it's own. hmmmmmm

Seasons of my Life

Nearing the end of summers youth I learn,
I’ve blossomed, grown.
I’ve eagerly turned my face towards the sun.
Smiling eyes, wide open. My flesh-exchanging fragrances with that of the earth. Inhaling, exhaling... each breath with unabashed greed.

Now, joyfully approaching the next cycle, I begin
the third quadrant of my well seasoned life.
In essence, similar to that of a freshly made dough. Able to rest gently inside a lovingly carved wooden bowl, rising slowly, like a beautiful harvest moon.

The Fall of my life, the rise of my life, the rest of my life.

Full, round, resplendent in it’s glow, casting prayer and praise, while feeding multitudes through intent.

Yet, also... like the grand Oak tree, I watch in awe as my leaves, still saturated with life, flutter to the ground, hugging at it’s roots. Exposing vein like limbs that tremble with excitement...while colors change from vibrant green to red. From gold, and russet to violet, then, finally, silver. Imitating the glistening gray silken strands of hair reflecting back those same colors~like a mirror to the soul.

In the vulnerability of those naked branches I come to know God.

And yes, through the weather of life, I remain. From clay, to dust,
my spirit safely nurtured inside the immortality of my soil, experiencing divinity. Infinitely - as intended.
Breathing love in accordance with nature, mankind, spirit, and the million other forms we do not yet recognize as one with the other.

I bare it all, resplendent. Moving between solace and anticipation.
Understanding how much more there is;
even unto my winter, and thereafter.

Gloria Martin 8/29/2010

I dedicate this to my Aunt Gladys, who just yesterday journeyed a peaceful transition from this world into the next. During that miraculous space in time, she touched my soul, even in the absence of my conscious knowledge, as I sat writing this piece~ peace~ prayer..

Fuego #2 in series

2010-07-30T13:57:00.003-04:00

I"ve once again used the torso (below) in this piece; "fuego" #2 in the series. Below are scans of my personal art works.... used in combination with several gradient levels, backgrounds, hues in blue, gray and sepia tones, effects, along with lots of burning via the dodge tool.
I have been invited to participate in an Artists Trading Card swap, and am leaning towards this one as my contribution, with still more handwork to be applied, for additional dimension.

I must thank JoesSistah for the use of her turquoise background, which I implemented in order to create the illusion of a dress with texture. The background titled "Smoke" 0117-3-L, also courtesy of Flickr.

*The two backgrounds above....."Reflections", and "Conversations with God" are my own.

2010-07-21T17:25:00.001-04:00

This female form (face and torso) is a photocopy of the one I created for my "Conversations with God"
piece; which I donated to the Pink Artists Charity event. I've recycled it to fit into this digital collage - that still needs tons of work.....aside from the obvious feathering of edges ;-))

The wings and the background stage textures are from Flickr, thanks to Playing with brushes. Thank you PWB xoxo

2010-07-20T00:12:00.000-04:00

My Andy Warhol take on todays sketch. Posterized, and painted..... all done digitally.

Gitana 2

2010-07-15T12:26:00.001-04:00

I scanned my Gitana mixed media painting into the PSE8 program. I then applied layers with background textures, some brushwork, levels, and the doge tool to create a burned and aged edge to the piece.

The background layers are courtesy of Shadowhouse Creations, as follows....

Anarchy 2

Cracked Mask

The frame was found on Flickr.....one which I failed to label. So sorry about that, but thank you sincerely.

Gitana

2010-07-14T18:37:00.000-04:00

2010-07-12T13:24:00.001-04:00

I've been playing with my 'Wallflower' sketch again using different background techniques. Everyday something new registers (thanks Marie), akin to a light-bulb turning on in my brain, but it takes lots of practice, and patience. For instance, the clock on the wall.........should have been added prior to the crackling, and antiquing. But that is a welcomed oversight; now I need to do it over again - so more practice.

*Most importantly.!.!..!. I must remember to include the names of those most generous artisans who lend their free backgrounds on Flickr. Unfortunately when I download them, that information is not automatically saved. I have to remember to go back, find each, and label. I become so deeply involved during the creative process, so much so that my organizational skills, and protocol are completely forgotten. Ooops :-/

Therefore, since the window and the clock are not originally mine: My sincerest appreciation to ALL who took the time to share. I will find you, and share with you what I've done with your art.

SUNday

2010-07-11T13:20:00.000-04:00

Another week gone by......oh goody! Always something new to look forward too. I'm just having myself a blast!!!!

2010-07-05T18:56:00.001-04:00

Here is another digital experiment. It combines my recent "Industrial strength" sketch (hidden way in the background,) and several layers borrowed from Shadowhouse Creations. He offers tons of free textures and inpiration. His information is on the right hand side of this page. Just click on the button.

FYI....Marie Otero is offering her Digital Magic class again in August. For those of you who missed this first one.......... I would recommend you RUN, not walk to sign up. She presents an overabundance......(I mean that in the highest of compliments) of knowledge, techniques, and her undivided personal attention, during this 6 week session.

As for myself, I have no doubt that this newly acquired form of expression will open many creative doors for me.

My dear girl,

2010-07-04T01:21:00.000-04:00

are you the Lion or the Lamb???? Well, my daughter has finally dragged me into the Vampire craze. I've only just begun to read the first book, Twilight. I'm quite sure I will NOT become a TWI-hard, but it's a good read just before turning out the lights.
Wouldn't you know ~ during my journal sketching I channeled something/someone, from Forks, and here she is in all her splendor......."My dear girl"

Wall Flower

2010-06-26T14:41:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned numerous times on this blog....I journal in pictures for the most part. Sketching for me is a means of relaxation, meditation, purging, blissing out......... If ailing, it's my spa, my shangrila, and my cure. This simple act renders me whole.
It is in actuality, as reminded to me ~ by a new friend, the most ancient, and primitive form of language. So whether it be good art, or bad art, what's most valuable, is that the creator is communicating to their very own soul in this universal, omnipotent tongue . Personal, and social judgment mostly falls away. The cherry on top of all of this.......the 'humble' possibility that....someday, somewhere, someone will interpret, reinterpret, understand and be inspired by sharing in these personal, simple renderings done in pencil with a bit of color...."stories."

"HIStory,.....HERstory, then and now, parallel messengers.

Of late, I've been blessed with the opportunity to begin learning more modern technology through my friends on the Internet, and oh my.....what a world it has opened up to me. Thank you all!!!

In any event....... here's more evidence of yesterdays visual "soul" conversations with myself.
Oh, and these sketches are drawn directly into my journal book, then scanned from there, and enhanced using those same original, unedited images. Again, primitive in method, but that's how I like it as well.

True grit

2010-06-25T14:46:00.002-04:00

.A journal sketch I've titled "Industrial Strength"..............for many reasons!!!!!!. The before.. Top photo.

Industrial Strength.........after... applying sepia tones and texture layers.

2010-06-21T19:21:00.001-04:00

I DID IT!!!!!!!! Yeah.......... Adobe Camera Raw is up and running! Split Toner .......here I come.

2010-06-20T23:59:00.001-04:00

OMG...week 2 of my digital class has begun:-/ The class syllabus....Adobe Camera Raw, Split Toning. Can you imagine!!!! The first one I can only relate to as a spice(Adobo) that I use to season Raw pork and chicken with, and the second is something my hairdresser does with hair dye, so how do I apply that to Elements???????Cracking myself up, that's what I do when I don't know what to do!!!!
Seriously...........I'm having the best time here. Freaking the heck out of myself, but I love it, learning is a definite buzz. The tougher time it gives me, the harder I push. You have to understand that at this late date, Photoshop is child's play to most, whereas to me, it's comparable to listening to someone speaking in tongues. Don't quite understand it, but it's fun nonetheless ;-)
DPI, PPI.........Yippi - Ay - A....my new mantra.

Here are todays before and after. On the before, Marie's original photo, in full color. The edited (by yours truly & M's tuts) after photo shows how the color has been desaturated, and then by applying a mask, poof........ color on only the one hat!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marie Otero ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! She is the best!!!!!!! Look how far she's gotten me already, for all you skeptics out there ;)))))

Digital Magic

2010-06-19T00:08:00.000-04:00

Digital Magic is the name of the Photoshop online class I'm taking, and magic it is. Marie Otero is the creator and instructor of this wonderful tutorial. I think I'm the last of the dinosaurs when it comes to these types of programs, and I must say....I'm finally getting over the trepidation. . I'm basically self taught in most of the medias I create in, but digital media is a whole new world. AND what a wonderful world it is.
I'm loving this intellectually creative challenge!!!!!!
My brain is hurting...................but it's a good hurt ;))

2010-06-06T18:03:00.000-04:00

This mornings journal page.

Free spirit

2010-06-05T19:07:00.001-04:00

Attempting to loosen up!!! The minute the paint brush goes in my hand I freeze. I suppose it's partially due to 12 years of Catholic school....I feel as though the Nun is still standing over me holding the ruler in her hand ready to strike at my knuckles, and that was just for penmanship!!!!!! :-/
fugettaboutit!!!!!!!! ;-))

And a big shout out to "gypsy purple". Thank you so very much for your comment, and your generous mention of me along with the photo/link of my Gitana on your beautiful blog.
To those of you, like me, who love it all, and lean towards the bohemian side of life, take a few minutes to visit gypsy. Loads of inspiration and great links.
Thanks again ....my kindred spirit!!!!!

BLACK......fit to be.........TIDE

2010-06-02T22:47:00.001-04:00

Getting out my frustrations, so forgive the redundant theme, but I MUST express, lest we forget!

Tomorrow I'll attempt more color.

2010-05-30T00:03:00.002-04:00

This is my two page journal for today. The title is.......Forsaken.
the brown paint behind the mermaids head is my rendition of the crude oil, gas, and death that continues to gush into the Gulf coast.

2010-05-02T20:59:00.020-04:00

Here is a story told to my imagination by my barefoot muse, "La Gitana". She came to be, in my minds eye, approximately ten years ago. I describe her below as she truly is. My constant, spiritual, creative, companion.
And so...... let the tale begin......
La Gitana, the barefoot muse,

dwells in a beautiful gypsy wagon, far, far away from the caravan. Here, in this magnificently bejeweled, tiny but regal, most honored temple, she enjoys her consecrated life. This is her shrine. A place decorated by the fairies themselves. Gilded through and through in the spectral colors that are the northern lights, and if you listen closely, you will hear the music of the spheres wafting melodiously from inside. At night, this hallowed wagon gracefully transitions into a mystical silhouette, displaying itself fantastically against the moon....a moon...framed within an onyx black, diamond studded sky.

When morning arrives, my muse takes leave of her abode to stroll along the shore, savoring oysters, collecting the pearls from within, picking shells, driftwood, and flowers, seaweed and coral. She takes such delight in her chores. Her eyes memorizing the intoxicating hues of a turquoise sea. She inhales the perfumed air, the warm, baked smell of summer. Her oxygen extracted from the brightly scented emerald greens that shimmer on an ocean in accordance with the Sun.
Here, in this land of abundance -this land of enumerable treasures, where gifts from nature form a plethora of miracles, all for the taking.........
Here is the place where she was born. A marvel to behold, disguised at first, as veiled, prismatic smoke, rising up from an intricately chambered, multi spiraled nautilus.
Her mere existence....an embodiment of all those things that bring forth perfect harmony
and........ she breathes into me.

She wears the sheerest of linens and lace. So light are they, the fabrics whip and dart like sails, or kites playing about with the laughing wind.
She sings lilting lyrics, as she sacredly performs her rituals, glorifying the dawn, blessing the night, painting the day, and...........
she breathes into me.

Her bracelets, her earrings, her anklets, conducting a cosmic symphony that even deaf ears can hear, and whose musical notes blind eyes can read. She swirls, and spins and she dances, always in her bare feet.........and.......always......
she breathes into me.

She urges me to taste the tangy salt of the waters, from whence we all come. It collects on my lips, brought by the mist, carried by the the breezes that so gently caress my face with the flavor of deep blue velvet.
She amuses herself as she blows sparkling glitter, those minuscule crystals that form the sands that created the shores, back during a time before time..... into my mind, into my eyes, into my heART.........
and she breathes into me.

For my ornamentation, she weaves coronets. Crafted from the finest gifts born of the heavens and the earth. She entwines into them the highest knowledge, and wraps around them the beauty and the honor of living true. She places these upon my head, and.........
she breathes into me.

Onto my very own feet she rubs oils pressed from roses, gardenia, and jasmine,
sweetly scented by the petals, a potpourri of all that is pure,
and.... she breathes into me.

My hands, my hands. Those she convinces me are butterflies in glorious attire, fluttering about as they tickle my skin with their wings. Thereupon releasing a magical pollen immediately penetrating my senses, my soul, my being. As I sit fascinated, enchanted, enthralled, I am captured in awe beyond worldly comprehension.............and all the while...................
she breathes into me.

The gypsy wagon photos were found on flickr, Auguskirk photoslides

the muse who does not need eyes by which to see...........mine.

la gitana

Fire and Ice

2010-04-14T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today, I decided to paint yesterdays journal sketch. Once I started adding color - it's meaning became altogether different. I looked at it and thought..............hmmm........ "fire and ice", how me.

Yesterday it was created in love and support of someone else.

Now with a bit of drama added, it expresses a whole new vibe. Don't you just love that about creating?

A bit eccentric, but hey..........that's what makes my merry go round!!!!!!!

Express yourself

2010-04-11T20:28:00.002-04:00

Here are two sketches I did today. I've mentioned several times, on this blog, that I prefer journaling in pictures rather than words, and so there is alot said in these simple pen drawn portraits.
They are dedicated to someone whom I love very much, and who is desperately trying to find his way.

The colors of Springtime

2010-04-07T23:16:00.000-04:00

This was yesterday at Butterfly World here in Ft. Lauderdale. I had this happen twice in one day (a butterfly landed directly on my finger). How often do we get to whisper so closely and lovingly at these amazing creatures. Then to top that off, I was blessed to share this experience with my daughter and grandson. He was in awe......................so was I

For the love of Chocolate

2010-03-19T16:38:00.001-04:00

Since my last post, I've been busy enjoying myself through many different activities, social and educational, that is, until a bronchial infection decided differently for me. Obviously I was biting off more than I could chew, and so for the last couple of days I've been home bound; with no energy to even get out of bed. ......except for the trips to the freezer, which is where I've stored my Hershey kisses, hoping in vain, that freezing them would derail me from eating them faster than usual. NOPE. If anything, they are better tasting and more enticing than ever!!!! Of course, for me, there is nothing better than chocolate. From.... Hershey's to Godiva, whatever, whenever, let alone - when I am under the weather.
Now frozen chocolate kisses.........to ease my burning throat........ , thanks Mom for that suggestion. OMG the BEST!

YES, I am also having the soup, hot tea, and lots of herbal supplements. I'm smart enough to appreciate the best of both worlds ;)))

I'll be back soon with a couple of sketches and a thing or two for my etsy shop.

Mystic Circle

2010-02-24T23:40:00.000-05:00

I'm done with the acrylics............... at least for a few days ;-)

c'est moi...........2030

2010-02-19T16:59:00.000-05:00

"Time and trouble may tame a wild young woman, but a wild old woman is uncontrollable by any force."~ Dorothy L. Sayers.......... today's self portrait. To be continued...................;-)))

Amazing Grace

2010-02-18T01:51:00.000-05:00

This is Grace. She is my self portrait for today. Although she may not look very much like me...sometimes during those rare and fortunate moments, I'll catch a glimpse of her looking back at me through the mirror of my soul.

The wing, background and flesh tones have to be finessed. I just did a quick color wash here, with aquarelle crayons.

Quote for the day

2010-02-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

"Be who you are, and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind."
~Theodore Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss

Another self portrait

2010-02-12T21:02:00.000-05:00

On this one I actually used paint!!! I printed a photo of myself onto watercolor paper, but I forgot to set the ink from the printer prior to painting....so had some smearing. I let that dry, then went over everything with Shiva oil sticks. That step saved the day. Now after it's all dry, I'll go back in and do some shading, although without the smile and frown lines I look sooooooooo much younger. You know what.........I'm gonna leave it like this.
It's who I am, not how I look........better yet, young is how I feel!!!!!

getting to know you (sing along, for those of you old enough to remember this tune, GREG)

2010-02-12T13:55:00.003-05:00

A self portrait...............self explanatory...........I hope.
Well understood by my artisan friends and family. All of whom are only too familiar, in the deepest sense, that creating opens up a wellspring of every emotion known to man ~ since the beginning of time.
Below you'll find my self portrait, along with a comment from such a friend, clearly expressing....my expression, even better than I can ;)

"i love this sketch, Gloria... we all have darkness and light inside of us... taken together this is what makes us whole... and the truth is... there IS angst, struggle, frustration, fear, and sadness right alongside the optimism, brightness, and joy... and at any one time we take a snapshot of ourselves in self portrait we have an opportunity to ... get to know all those parts of ourselves and each other that much better... what a wonderful thing!... i welcome all those parts of you... this is beautifully done... i'm very glad to be getting to know more of you... :)"

Joanne...I hope you don't mind. It's just that we relate so well, in words, and in pictures. Thank you for that.

2010-02-11T00:59:00.000-05:00

I could say I've been super busy and hard at work, but that would, in part, be a fib. I have been busy, but not with work ;)

Art is not to do with the practical side of making a living. It’s to have a fuller human life---Henry Moore

2010-02-05T19:49:00.002-05:00

Well after many attempts at painting Mystic, I've put it aside. Making my own flesh tone colors using the acrylic paints ends up looking muddy.
So instead of giving up entirely, I went on to complete another one of Misty's assignments. This one was to sketch and paint a portrait using only monochromatic tones. I used raw umber, titanium white, and a tiny bit of paynes gray. This was great practice, because of the amount of shading involved, having to create the effect of light and dark, and reaching for 2dimensional features - with actual paint that dries sooooooooooooo quickly. That's where I'm getting stuck.

Pencil on paper now seems like a piece of cake. Eraser in hand, and you can change anything. Acrylic paints.....not so much. hmph
Anywayssss, not a total loss.

Mystic Circle

2010-02-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

That's the title I'm going to give this piece. First off.......that's how I feel about this group of artisans that I'm taking this journey with. There is so much energy, creativity, passion and goodwill going around... I can't quite put it into words, so I'll put it into heART work.
She is my interpretation of "The head of a young girl" by William Adolph Bouguereau. I've taken the liberty of adding a halo...to represent the spirituality of speaking through art, and the unity and new friendships established in this circle of tremendous talent.
Here is the sketch. Tomorrow I'll paint.......using acrylics.

Mystic circle

Painted Lady

2010-02-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

I SHIVAD at the thought of using the SHIVA oil sticks and all in all........it was a darn good time. My fellow classmates are creating amazing portraitures, but our site is private, so I can't share anyone else's work, or at least...I don't think I can.
Anywhoooo.........shout out to MISTY for bringing us all together.