Paper Heart

I was searching for a simple craft to make for my daughter's birthday party a week ago and found a tutorial on how to make paper bag snowflakes.  I was amazed about how quickly it was assembled with simple supplies, paper bags, scissors and hot glue. My daughter made two and I longed to try it too.

Since Valentine's is around the corner, I decided to create hearts instead. Maybe there was a tutorial for this too, but I was inspired to figure it out myself. I tried two different approaches. One was to cut the curves of the heart (pictured: bottom heart) before all the steps and the other was to trim the circular shape afterwards to create the heart shape (pictured: top heart). I enjoyed both processes and thought giving the round shape a trim was the most fun! Maybe I'll perfect the technique some more!

Autumn Flowers II

For an Art Experience, I picked flowers from the garden in late fall for a still life display. It was a surprisingly long warm autumn and as I walked around the garden to choose flowers, I noticed more and more delicate details in form and color. 

We all had a choice to draw and paint from what individually inspired us, using a combination of acrylic, oil pastel and color pencils.

Take a peek at the photos from Autumn Beauty: http://cloudbeary.blogspot.com/2016/11/autumn-beauty.html

Painted Water

The subject for each painting arrived through the unconsciousness of the moment, from a simple winter day to the heart wrenching protection of our earths' water. 

Winter

Pulse

Abeyance

Playful Color

Puzzling

Yes, I love puzzles... for many reasons and frankly I'm good at it. Since childhood, it's been a yearly tradition to put together a puzzle during winter break. With leftover snacks from the holidays and a hot drink, I'm good to go for hours. Sometimes it can even be difficult (my family says it's "very" difficult) to drag me away from the table because there is "one" more piece that fits.

This winter was "the" year of puzzle making and I enjoyed every minute. Over time the pieces seem to fall into place without any effort at all, as my eyes and hands are in perfect rhythm. Then I pause to ponder the color, a fold in the drapery, the design of each shape as it develops into an intense study of every detail of an artists' work, Charlie Harper and Michelangelo to be precise.

I've been drawn to Charlie Harper's work since I was a kid. I especially enjoy the mix of the natural world and the repetition of geometric lines and shapes.

Here is one my daughter worked on. Love those cats! The watercolor and different expressions create a friendly clowder of cats.

This is a mini puzzle that was presented from a small tube. These kind are almost the most intricate due to the pieces only having a handful of variance, so one really needs to look at the image. Guess which plant was the most tedious?

 

Ah, and the last one that was finished just yesterday, the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. At first I thought this was going to be exasperating, though as I began placing the pieces and discovering new ways to explore, it became the one I loved putting together the most. 

Examining all the details was especially gratifying. Thinking about how many figures, draperies, marble elements were painted in such a grand scale. Realizing there is so much more to this work than the most recognizable scene. I long to visit this masterpiece in person. 

 

Throughout the days, many things fluttered through my mind. They are moments to relax and reflect, to let my thoughts wander. I remember fondly my art school days drawing folds of fabric for hours and hours along with still life and figures. Hmm, maybe it will be another path to follow.

Painted Spoons

Fine Little Day, is a book that as I turn the pages allowing each detail to play in my imagination, I'm always energized to create. One of the projects were painted wooden spoons and of course I wanted to make some of my own. 

A couple beauties painted by my daughter which are kept in the kitchen with all our utensils, ever reminding me of her.

In the making...

On our way home, we decided to stop by a small town and have a hot drink at one of my favorite shops. As we drive down main street we spot this magical landscape. Spending moments in awe over all the blue glistening ice, we ask what is being made...

 

...an ice castle!

An Adventure

After discovering the sculptures in Franconia, we stopped by a small town along the river for a bite to eat. While walking up to the restaurant, we heard the sound of rushing water and looked forward to an adventure. To our delight we discovered natures own sculpture garden!