Friday, March 22, 2013

{In the Art Studio} Courage, Gratitude, & Treasure Hunting

{new backgrounds} 

Well, it's been another not-so-creative week.  I try to remind myself that one day I will have far too much time to myself, that I will be missing these days when my son is tiny and all about the cuddling and the eating and the waking up at night.  And thanks to my daughter it's not too hard to remember to soak up every moment that I'm able, although sometimes I must admit that my selfishness creeps in too close and I get grumpy.  Especially if I'm low on sleep, like I have been these week. 

But this morning I was able to wake up a bit early and spend an hour making new backgrounds and trying to figure out what to do with the hair on the woman in my main work-in-progress.  Let me tell you -- deciding about her hair is freaking me out.  Because I really love how her face looks, and poor hair attempts have definitely ruined many a fine face of mine before.  But obviously the risk of face ruination must be taken, and a finished piece is worth it . . . so I'm trying to be brave.  I keep telling myself that there are no mistakes in art -- and that even if there are, that's what white paint is for.  ;) 

{in progress}  

Also, I just want to say how grateful I am for you.  Thank you for leaving me little love notes of encouragement or understanding here.  I'm sad that I'm not able to reply to your kind words right now due to the baby-induced lack of time (see above), but I read every single one.  If you'd really like a reply, please make sure that your email address is associated with the account you use to comment -- that makes it much easier for me to reply.  Thanks, sweet loves!

p.s.  Did you spy Eve's name in one of the backgrounds in the top photo?  I'm going to try to incorporate both my children's names into new pieces, just for fun.  I love both finding and hiding secret treasures of meaning like that.  Both of their names are in the bottom piece -- can you find them?  :)

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26 comments:

  1. I think she looks splendid the way she is. If I can't make paint decisions, I resort to fabric and end up with a collage:)
    Xxx

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  2. Beautiful colors, I was amazed this beautiful portrait of blue eyes.

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  3. Loving your wonderful painting.
    Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  4. Hi Beth. I love that you are hiding your children's names in your paintings. I looked closely and the one place I can sort of see Eve in a scratched blue? Am I right or did I miss that completely??

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  5. Beth - I'm bowled over by your creativity ... especially during this season when you're wondering how you'll ever make time to enjoy your craft. Creative, creating, you are!

    Linda

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  6. Beautiful painting, very serene but evocative. Just love this. HPPF!

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  7. Oh I think she's beautiful as is!! Good for you to find a bit of time for releasing some creative energy. Love taht you're adding your children's names to your art. Happy PPF!

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  8. Just fantastic. She is beautiful and her eyes are just speaking loudly and reaching out. I love this. The beauty and radiance shines through. Happy PPF Lovies, Samara

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  9. Such neat backgrounds and the painting of the woman is awesome! You could leave her hair just as it is... I think it looks wonderful! :)

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  10. Stunning piece here and her hair is PERFECT..really love it.

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  11. I love how the face is looking too... the blue and greens in there are absolutely wonderful... looking forward to seeing what you ended up deciding...xx

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  12. Love your wip....very pretty I don't think you can ruin her...she has that kind of face any hair will work!! Beautiful! Don't worry about the selfish creeping in , you need to take time...it's important for sanity!! Take care!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  13. Beautiful work. I also often have trouble with hair! I think she would look well with a hood?

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  14. It's all coming along wonderfully I think :) HPPF Dxx

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  15. I love that you're putting their names in! I do some photography and have made magnets with my pics for gifts. Often I put Sully's name in small somewhere. If their for my friend Laurie, I also put her angel Jack's name in. Also love the sheet music

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  16. Awesome backgrounds and lovely portraits!
    I agree...there's always white paint if my paintings need to be modified! :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  17. I love all of the texture and details you put into your backgrounds! Makes me want to branch out in my mixed media. : )

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  18. I think her face seems very dramatic against the hair she has now. Her face draws me in, as if that is the focus, and all else fades away. The whole painting feels finished to me - beautiful! Never feel selfish about your creative self expressing herself! As the mother of five, I can tell you that I am always a better mother when I get that creative release. I can get cranky too, if I can't get to my paints for just a little while :)

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  19. backgrounds are so fun to work on! i did spot eve's name... love that you are putting your children's names in your work! this piece is fantastic. love all the colors! :)

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  20. Beautiful WIP, lovely expression and colors! <3

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  21. She is beautiful...... I think its such a sweet idea to incorporate your childrens names into your artwork

    Hope you manage lots of sleep this week :)

    Karen x

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  22. I love her, what if you didn't add hair? I mean, it's not really necessary! What about flower hair instead? I think she's great!

    Also, your backgrounds are fabulous! Wonderful amount to do in an hour! :)

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  23. Oh, I was "happy" to read that someone besides me struggled with hair. I get to that point and always think, there's still time for me to mess her up. She's beautiful!

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  24. Oh, I was "happy" to read that someone besides me struggled with hair. I get to that point and always think, there's still time for me to mess her up. She's beautiful!

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"I am glad you are here with me."
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King