Sunday, December 2, 2012

WOW, DECEMBER.... really???????????

First, I can't believe it has been sooooooooooooooo long since I have posted.   Lots of things going on and the outcomes were all WONDERFUL.  My husband successfully completed radiation treatment, got our numbers back and they are awesome!  I had two minor procedures and all pathology reports were GREAT.  So now back to the daily business and celebrating our health!


I have been viewing art and reading about Flora Bowley.  Her retreat sounds incredible and maybe next year something I will try to do if it's offered.  It's on my want list anyway.    I have always tried to produce art - but my most favorite pieces that I've done were out of emotion and didn't follow the rules that I had in my head.  With all this in mind, a couple weeks ago I decided to start a painting for my grandson Mason's room. 
His mom just said something nautical please.  Mason is three and, of course, adorable. 




 I was going to draw out my tracing paper and transfer my drawing - and start a watercolor.  BRAIN SAID STOP.... expand your comfort zone!  FEEL THE PAINTING...it doesn't need to be neat and tidy.  Read some more Flora... be inspired - just put on the paint...Okay - I hear ya!!!!  So, I had this big canvas that I bought and have stared at all summer!  Here we go!

Step one - big brush (Sanford Birdsey always said BIG BRUSH) randomly stroked some paint on - no need to cover canvas all neat and tidy just throw some paint on.  I used this blue RUSTOLEUM that had kind of thickened and it was fun!!!  It took awhile to dry the paint was so thick.  I just looked at it for a few days thinking of how I wanted to draw my subject on the canvas....read more Flora.... so just took a sponge brush and swirled in an outline with some patchie fill in.  Let it dry and looked at it for a couple days.  I really only paint in the morning before I go to work, so it's not like I have a big block of time.  I am NOT a get it done at night person.  Anyways the process continued like that - threw some more paint on with my hands.  Just sliding my fingers thru the paint and up and down the canvas - it felt so wonderful - like I was putting a part of me into Mason's painting.

I feel like this painting is mine, using the techniques and inspiration from Flora Bowley's book: Brave Intuitive Painting.


the m.a.w. is supposed to look carved into the boat, Mason date of birth -the painting is signed Grams in lower corner
On the cover of the book it states: techniques for uncovering your own unique painting style.  let go. be bold. unfold.  I feel like that is what happened in creating my nautical sock monkey.  I let go, I was bold for me and the painting seemed to unfold right before my very eyes.  You don't look at this and say that is a Flora Bowley painting. 
Although this year has been rocky.... I have learned alot!!! Thanks to my artistic connections thru blogland!!!! Thanks to Alexandra for hosting Sunday Sketches... I hope you check everyone out and Alexandra's etsy shop too!
 Hugs to you all! 

Ahoy mating! dana

all work copyright dana strickland/sinderella's studio 2012

15 comments:

carol l mckenna said...

Glad you and your husband are doing well ~ love your 'nautical' painting ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

thanks for coming by ^_^

Debbie said...

i'm so glad you and your husband are feeling better! hurray! I love your new painting and I'm intrigued about the book...will have to check it out!

Christine said...

That's just perfect for your cute grandson's room! Nice to hear from you and glad you and your husband are feeling well!

Hwee said...

The nautical painting will be perfect for your grandson's room! I like the rustic look of the background.

AM Zafaran said...

A very cute painting for your grandson! I am sure he is going to love it!

Jez said...

I've missed your posts so much, and its great to have you back. Firstly, I'm glad all your medical things turned out well, I know how worrying these problems can be.
As for your painting, it's wonderful (and so is your grandson). Never mind the rules, just go with it. Your process and the result are really interesting, and just say that they have been painted by you - which is what is important. I've always liked your individual style.
JezXX

Unknown said...

Glad you and your husband are ok. Lovely photo of your grandson. Love the monkey. so glad you listened to your inner voice.. :)

Molly said...

so glad to hear everyone's health is getting better! wonderful new painting.

Anne Manda said...

Cute and fun painting!

Joni Nickrent said...

Loving your new painting! Fun and whimsical

Ann said...

love your art!!
so glad you and your husband are ok!!

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

I must admit that Flora's book didn't do it for me. Following her for so long I always wanted to go on one of her workshops but since I couldn't I was excited about her online version. I didn't do it the first time around because it was too expensive for me but I'm doing it next year. I can hardly wait. :)) It's so wonderful to see you experimenting. Love that monkey. :)

stefanie stark said...

Oh such a cute idea to paint this nautical lovely bear for your grandson. I like the funny twinkling in captain bear's eyes :)

Anonymous said...

A very whimsical children's art piece--so cute! :)

Carolyn Dube said...

You have made me change my plans for today- I need to get my hands in paint! Your painting adventure here is contagious - in the best possible way!! I think your piece turned out fabulous!