“The grass is greener on the other side of the fence” is a timeless proverb. Trying to keep up with the Jones’ can leave your head spinning. The phrase happens to be permanently stuck in my head after years of hearing my mom repeat whenever I chose to whine about whatever bugged me about me at the time. Of course I knew the true meaning was that the grass might seem greener for other people, but seldom was greener when you came right down to it. 
I’ve been wanting to paint a circular canvas for awhile. When this idea popped into my head, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to break out of the box : ) I chose a 16″ round canvas and started the piece by adhering ripped map pieces along with flowery and grid (fence-like) decorative paper.
I wanted my choices including canvas shape and materials to work with the whimsical nature of the idea. Raffia was a given for the grass. I also happened to have those cool wooden sticks (kids building sticks from back when). And have I mentioned my latest obsession? Much like half of the crafting universe… it’s GLITTER! (check out the Martha Stewart vintage line…ahhhhhhh.) The point here is to think creatively when on a mixed media adventure. Sure a fence is simple enough to paint or make with paper…but what about a painted fence from actual wood…hmmmm.
This process shot is a behind-the-scenes as to how I work. A little paint and then a little adhering (with gel medium), then more paint and more adhering, etc. I build up the layers plunging right through that awkward-i hate-this-piece moment that happens at right about the halfway point with every painting I do. 
In the end, I’m very happy with how this painting turned out. I’d keep it if I had more wall space. Until I figure out how to get more of that, I’ve listed the original over in my etsy shop. No prints will be made of this one. It’s a circular one-of-a kind.
*bonus points* if you can answer why most paintings are square or rectangular. I really wanna know because circles seem more fun!
I’m so pleased to have my art included in the latest *gorgeous* issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. There is a ton of amazing work in here. I especially love the “Stuffed Horse Ornaments” by Samantha Jenkins and “Everyday Women” by Nola Hart, but that is naming just a few for sure.
My article included in this issue provides a step-by-step to creating art with flashcards. I promise, it will get you thinking about equations in a more artistic way.
The original flashcard pieces featured in the article are now available for sale over in my etsy shop. These pieces have been created on vintage self-hanging plaques so there is no need for additional framing. Prints of the originals are also available. Okay back to sick kids. That certain flu has officially hit our house…yes it’s definitely multiplying which means my undivided attention has been focused on sanitizing and taking temperatures. As a result, we had to subtract our weekend travel plans. Nothing more to add to that (except of course to bug you with math puns. Sorry about that. : )
I just finished the above painting which was inspired by the spring rain and this week’s prompt over at Illustration Friday. In case you’re wondering about that, the theme of the week was “Dip.” However, I read my weekly e-mail reminder really fast and saw “Drip.” So all weekend, I’m thinking and painting “drip” which led to water, rain and flowers and how the very toughest moments in life prove to be the ones that reward us in the end with inspiration and valuable life lessons. 
I probably could have skipped the true confession paragraph above and played off “dip” with this painting…(not me, ahem, but: the flowers were dipped in rain drops giving them the strength to bloom even brighter) However, that wouldn’t be keeping it real, now would it? And I would never lie to you. Just a self reminder to stop and smell the flowers/slow down especially when reading e-mail. : )
