A Spattering

'Dream, Awaken' ...the process

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:59:00 +0000

'Dream, Awaken'

5" x 5" mixed media on canvas

Original $65.

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart ...
Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens."
- Carl Jung

How does the process begin? What goes through your mind? Do you have a clear vision of the outcome or just allow yourself to be guided.

This is my attempt to show you my steps or thinking as I am guided in the process of creating my layered mixed media works of nature. I begin with a quote and in this case the one above. I then decide on color and what is speaking to me at the moment. Using FW acrylic ink I apply the color to the canvas with cotton balls so to get a rustic looking background.

Next I write the quote using an Artwin pen and blur the writing by misting with water or rubbing alcohol. Although the quote has meaning it also provides a background. Sometimes I want it ledgable and will repeat a quote in a later stage of the painting.

More background is added with transfers of my designs I do on the computer. My favorite transfer method is printing the designs on transparency sheets and using rubbing alcohol to make the transfer.

*Side note here before I forget. I spray the piece with an acrylic spray or fixative between steps that I know will run to keep them fixed.

Next I add bits of paper for color, design, and texture. I apply the paper with a gel medium.

One of the final steps is painting in my nature subject. It could be a bird, butterfly or plant life. Sometimes I have an idea at the beginning but it can change by this step. I originally was going to do a bird but a butterfly image became strong as I was creating the background.

I start by sketching the butterfly out on plain paper working from my photos. Using graph paper I transfer the outline to the canvas and fill it in with white gesso. The gesso provides a surface and background to make the butterfly stand out and not have the under-layers interfere with the colors. The butterfly was created with gouache and colored pencil. The last step in this case was writing 'Dream Awaken' with a calligraphic pen and gouache.

I finish my canvas with a UV acrylic spray which is glossy. Then I apply a matte varnish.

I love the gallery wrap canvases that you can paint around the sides. I like to hang them as they are with no frame but you could frame them if you wish.

Mandala Fun and Camp

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:56:00 +0000

You should never go camping unprepared and that is just about what I had done. I forgot the the one most important item my Ott Light. Yes my intention was to do some art while at the cabin which by the way turned out to be wonderful with full accommodations except internet and cell phone reception. But we did have Direct TV! We only turned it on late night.

So what to do when it is raining and cloudy with minimal lighting? We colored mandalas. My sister and Jean brought mandalas to color so we sat at the kitchen island coloring. Amazing how different the same design can turn out colored by different people. You find yourself going into a zen like zone coloring and blending watching life go into each design. I kept thinking I could design a mandala and so last night I created my first design. I didn't want to stop and this morning I tweaked it some more.

Now I want to share with you! Download the design, print it out and have some fun coloring with pencils or markers. Share your colored creation on your blog, facebook, twitter or all of these social media. I would love to see them. And please if you will link back to here. I would appreciate it.

What else did we do at camp besides mandalas. My sister and I did the cooking creating soups (naturally) salsas, chili, and in desperation chocolate chip cookie dough to eat. Kelly and Terre brought their sewing machine to make their cute little owls.

I did get out for a little bit on the trails between the rain showers. Kicking myself for not taking more photos.

And a stray horse kept coming into the yard. She didn't look to good covered in mud needing a good brushing. We were able to locate a local horseman who said people have been reporting the stray horses. It was not his horse but came by to see if he could get the horse but it was gone by the time we reached camp again. He informed us that some people can no longer afford the horses and are letting them go to fend for themselves. How sad people would do such a thing. Take them to auction if you cannot take care of them. Don't let them run wild in the woods or on the roads where someone might get hurt. We informed the owners of the cabin and gave them the number for the county ASPCA.

While packing to go home the sun came out and we had beautiful blue skies and glorious yellows and reds dotting the trees. Even butterflies came out to bask in the sun. But it was soup night and had to make my way home for an evening with the kids and more soup. Love this time of year :-).

Special print offer of 'A Winged Heart'

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:35:00 +0000

For my blog and facebook fans I'm offering my print 'A Winged Heart' for $40. till the end of October 2009. This is a $5. savings plus free shipping is being offered till the end of October. Printed on archival fine art paper using pigment ink the image measures 13 x 15.

Buy now with paypal.
PA residence are subject to 6% sales tax.

Shipping: Prints are packaged in a clear bag with a hard backing for protection and will be mailed in a hard photo mailing envelope through USPS. Allow 5 - 10 days for receipt of purchase.

Please contact me with any questions or additional information about my work and prints.

Inspiration at the Mud Flats

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:51:00 +0000

The sun came out after days of rain and clouds last Thursday and the break in the weather allowed Michele and myself to take a late afternoon trip to the mud flats at Conneaut Harbor in Ohio. One of the wonderful things about living in Northwestern PA along Lake Erie is that we are about 45 minutes from either the Ohio or the New York state line and there is so much to see along this lake's shore that spans the three states.

We had been hearing from quite a few of our photography friends that Conneaut Harbor was the place to be right now to view migrating shore birds. The harbor also has a mud flat that attracts these shore birds as a migration stop to rest and feed. We geared up with high boots, cameras, and binoculars and ventured into the mud flats. Since the weather for most of August into September had been dry so were the flats which aloud you to drive out onto the flats.

At first we walked along the West side of the harbor and I was excited to see a Great Blue Herron among the Gulls.

Great Blue Herron

Also walking along the shore that looked like little specks among the stones, driftwood and Gulls were the cutest little Sanderlings. You didn't notice them till they started to scurry about quickly which made it hard to photograph till they came to a stand still or with luck settled down to sit for awhile which gave me an opportunity to lay down and for some close ups.

Sanderling

When we finally walked over to the flats we came across some birders observing a Red Phalarope. Now at first I thought why are these people spending so much time observing this little bird. It wasn't till we got home when I was trying to ID what we saw what a colorful bird this is in the Spring and Summer.

Red Phalarope

For myself 7 of the birds we saw that day were life birds for me. Observing and studying these shore birds has inspired me to pay closer attention to their beauty and grace. I'm looking forward this winter to start sketching from my photos. And to give you an idea I filled my digital card which holds 400 photos and Michele filled hers and started another card. Her first card holds 1000 photos!! I would say we had a productive day as we stayed till the light gave out as the sun began to set over the lake. I'm hoping to get back one more time before migration ends.

American Golden Plover

Black-bellied Plover

Caspian Turn

Dunlin

Least Sandpiper

Semipalmated Plover

Beginning Again

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:57:00 +0000

I have started this blog post a thousand times in my head going over events all summer and wondering where to start. Somehow the priorities changed for awhile and I was consumed with the everyday living and trying to keep up. For awhile I didn't miss the blogging. I was getting burned out feeling tired and simply needed a break. We all need a break at times, re-adjust our thinking, set priorities and finish long overdue projects. I had to clear the plate or palette and adjust my attitude. Yes my attitude on faith, work and all that surrounds me. I'm getting there with a more clear vision moving forward.

This is a starting ground or jumping off post for this blog. I want to focus on my art, nature, and just some everyday living. I'm not a sketching everyday person, I've tried and it began to feel like work trying to fit it in to my work schedule. I love to grab my camera and photograph what inspires me noting the little things, then on a quiet night or early morning sketch from my photographs. I love to make messes in my studio and now that some projects are finished I can start getting dirty again. I don't want to feel like I have to blog to keep up. I want to blog to share when I can without it feeling like an obligation. I love to read other blogs that tell a story, create a feeling and set a mood. It could be a simple image, a few words, or a story that takes you on a journey. I love sharing the creative process and I am fascinated reading and seeing through photos your creative works of art.

So my long drawn out post that kept going through my head all summer ends here. Somehow past events are not so important. What is important is today. A beautiful fall Saturday which will be filled with sights, sounds, and the scent of apples as Don and I take a trip to the Apple Festival in Franklin, PA.

My newest print for sale 'Bay Breasted Warbler'

Original watercolor on canvas was donated to the Presque Isle Audubon for their annual fund raiser banquet. Professor Dave Gustafson was the recipient of the raffle.

'Live, Love, Laugh'

Set of three 12 x 12 inch gallery wrap canvases.

Acrylic, handmade paper and gouache

Set can be hung horizontally, vertical, or on a diagonal.

Loggerhead Shrike WIP

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:24:00 +0000

Before I finish the Loggerhead Shrike I had to show you the gift I received from my oldest son. My youngest son and his wife went to Delaware to visit my oldest son and his wife for their annual racing weekend at Dover and brought back a box of home canned goods. He loves to cook, garden and now cans and freezes what he grows. I am looking forward to opening the goodies in the next month. Relish, pickles, salsa and tomato sauce. I have two wonderful boys who treat me well.

In the last two posts I have been showing you the Loggerhead Shrike in progress. I'm working on canvas which was prepped with clear gesso. I'm using watercolors and just the white and black are gouache. Once I get half way or more done with a painting I lay mat corners on the piece to check for areas that need more work in contrast and perspective.

When I am satisfied it is complete I spray the canvas with Krylon UV resistant spray.

I will then crease the canvas to give me guides for the stretcher bars.

I try to leave enough canvas so I can staple on the back rather than the sides.

Once it is stretched I give the paintings a final coat of acrylic varnish. When dry they are ready to be framed just like an oil or acrylic painting on canvas. No glass is used.

Finished Loggerhead Shrike.

Say hello to Bonnie! Plus WIP

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

Life changes when you bring a new pet into your life and make a commitment to take care of this precious pet. Most of my readers know that Bonnie flew into my life about a week ago. She stayed close to my yard and it took four days to capture her. I say 'she' because after doing some research and talking with a breeder I have concluded my little Budgie is a four year old female. My friend Julie gave me her cage she was no longer using so all I had to do was fill it with feeder cups, toys, and perches. Hours were spent at the pet stores making decisions on what to buy and not buy. Not having a clue what this Budgie might be used to eating or playing with has made this whole experience a guessing game. So far we are doing fine and Bonnie seems to be adapting along with Lily my cat. Now we are all in training and setting boundaries. Once I feel confident and Bonnie feels confident with me I'll close off the upstairs where she stays with me in the studio and let her fly. Lily will stay downstairs on these occasions. Life is always changing and you never know who or what will appear when you least expect it.

My graphic work has really slowed up and I am trying to remain confident we will make it till Don graduates this August and finds a job. On a good note we made the final payment on our car in May. On a bad note someone hit my parked car at the grocery store and did not leave a note. Just one more thing to deal with.
I keep telling myself to paint, sketch, and get busy finishing my web site but somehow I find distractions. Having this sketch and layout of the Loggerhead Shrike on my studio desk has helped so you get to see a work in progress. My first sketch can be seen here. Next step was transferring to canvas coated with clear gesso and masking out some of the branches below the Shrike.

The first layers of watercolor laying in the background.

Starting to paint the Shrike.

Adding more detail with more photos and the finale project in the next post.

Unexpected Visitor

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:50:00 +0000

Out of nowhere he flew in and landed on my back briefly as I bent over to tie my shoe. As I moved to see what was there he jumped down to the table top. Before me was a beautiful white and blue with touches of black accents bird. As my husband, myself and my neighbor stood stunned at our unexpected visitor I thought "Little one you sure are a long way from home". He looked tired and a bit stressed out so I gathered some seed and brought out some water in a bowl along with my camera and took photos while he ate and drank. Now I had to start thinking how I can capture this little Budgie. I missed my opportunity when he first flew in and was still tired. I should have made a move then to grab him but could not think fast enough and kept wondering what do I put him in.

As the day wore on it became more difficult as he flew easily now from tree to tree in the back yard. I posted his picture on facebook and received lots of great advice like buy some parakeet food and put it in a cage to lure him in. I remembered my cat carrier and came real close several times to capturing it but every time I made it to close the door he flew out just in time. He was getting wiser. Another day passed and still no luck. He is now making friends with the other birds and eats with the Morning Doves. My friend Julie then let me barrow her unused bird cage but still he is leery of going near the cage even though the food is there. He began observing the other birds and where they were feeding and figured out to go beneath the feeders to find fallen seeds. We are going on the forth day now and he still comes back knowing he will find food and water. I am comforted in knowing he still comes and hopeful I will be able to capture him and give him a good home.

The garden needed a lot of tending to and the garden chairs need a face lift. This ladder back chair was rescued from my sons house in Delaware and I have used it for potted plants for a couple of years now. Last year it gave way and fell apart so last fall I brought it into my basement to dry out over winter. After gluing it back together it got a coat of primer and then some color. I have been attacked to yellow lately and find it to be a good color to go with everything.

Now my yellow ladder back is waiting for me to pot some flowers and adorn it.

Since I was on a roll I looked at my tired worn garden bench in the back garden and knew it needed some tender attention also.

Again for me yellow seemed to be the right color. It just makes me smile. Now to make time to work on all my pots.

Namaste

Getting back to normal

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Beginning sketch of a Loggerhead Shrike. Photo by Michele

I keep telling myself when things get back to normal I'll paint, sketch, garden, blog, visit, but normal never comes at least what I dream of as normal. What is normal? Lets face it normal is what you make of it. I was the one who decided to get involved with the organizations I belong to. So busy is the new norm. That is ok because what I need to learn is to pick my priorities, feel comfortable in what I am suppose to be doing, keep track of my goals and have faith that in the end this is where I am suppose to be.

Loving these little jewels that fly around the yard.

I found myself involved with the Presque Isle Audubon Bird Festival, which was the weekend of the 8th, 9th, and 10th. The festival was wonderful and I had the opportunity to get to know fellow birders and create new friendships. I also took a birding class on Saturday Mornings with Michele and Julie. Saturday was our last class which ended at the height of the migration for our area. I am so glad I took this class because I got to see birds I never saw before and in their natural environment. My attempts to photograph these birds was ok, at least I now have some reference photos to sketch and paint.
You can read more about the festival and our birding class on the Presque Isle, Naturally blog.

I was never a fan of orange till I started to attract the Orioles to my back yard. Their color is so striking and they look great against my Dogwood.

The garden is calling out to me and I want to spend every waking moment tending to it's every need. Slowly I am getting it tidy spending about a half hour to an hour in the evening weeding, arranging and watching things grow. Taking in the scent as I mentally picture where I want new plantings. Gardens are forever changing, growing, with a few surprises as new seedlings pop up you didn't expect that were carried in by the wind or deposited by the birds. Gardens give me the feeling like I am being creative with God.

This little Common Yellow Throat flew in to my yard one morning after a strong wind. I was surprised to find him standing on my driveway in front of the garage. He rested for a bit and then flew off.

Don has three months left of school. It seems like it has been forever with moments that have gotten on both our nerves. We keep telling ourselves it is not forever and soon our life will change again. It will be hard for him to attend class this summer wanting to be outside biking and fishing. We still try and get out to walk at the park to keep mobile and relieve stress.

I get joyful when I hear the Goldfinches calling each other. The male comes to feed and calls out to his mate. It sounds so sweet.

This is the new normal, keeping busy and doing what I love to do. My lists everyday help me stay on track most of the time. At least they are reminders of what needs to get done. I do get side tracked like this morning when I wanted a brief look at last nights Idol that I missed and ended up watching almost all of Danny Gookey's video's. He is still my favorite.
Re-prioritize and start painting and creating with faith and conviction.

Namaste

The Mourning Cloak and Lily

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Saturday the sun just glowed and I wanted to stay out all day. I almost did and came home with a sunburned face. It was a day filled with birding and friends, joy and sunshine. I blogged about our class here and the Hawk Festival here.

When our instructor and most of the class headed for the Hawk Festival four of us stayed behind to go on the Fry's Landing Trail and I am so glad we did. I was hoping to see some Spring butterflies and I finally spotted a Mourning Cloak fluttering around and landing on a white Birch tree. What an awesome contrast between butterfly and tree with the sun dappling where the butterfly landed.

The Mourning Cloak cooperated by basking in the sun while I got in a few shots. Excited to see the first butterfly of the season I also knew it was going to end up in my handmade nature journal. Already thoughts are lingering in my head to do a painting of this on canvas.

My lists seem to be working and planning everything on the calendar to make room for painting and the feeling gives me hope.

Now for Lily... I had to share this with you. Nancy of the Zen Birderfeeder sent me a window feeder which didn't see much activity all winter. Lately I have seen some Chickadees come and grab some sunflower seeds from it. Well as you can see we had a new visitor to the feeder and Lily didn't know what to think of this.

At first she pawed and pawed at the window and the squirrel would stop and look then go back to eating.

Since Lily couldn't get the squirrel's attention she finally settled back and just watched till the squirrel had his fill and moved on.

This morning I found the feeder on the ground and I'm not sure if it fell from our high winds last night or from critters. I'll put it back up and see what happens. I have a feeling it will be quite entertaining this summer with the feeder and Lily.

Eastern Phoebe and Time Managment 2

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:01:00 +0000

As artists I think we feel at times when a piece doesn't start out so well that a little voice inside our heads starts to say you cannot paint or draw. It happens to me at times and you begin to think of the piece as failures. STOP! Don't listen to those voices. Instead listen to your heart, gut feeling and muse. Perhaps the art you are trying to create was meant to be presented differently. When I first started out creating my Eastern Phoebe I had a different background in mind. It simply did not work. So after letting it sit for a day it came to me to how it wanted to be created. Have you had that happen? The part about how a piece says it should be. You just follow your instinct and before you know it the art is speaking to you.

Once again I got out the clear gesso and coated my lightly petal imbedded paper to paint on. I also got into the habit of using a limited pallet. For this painting I used Ultramarine Blue, Quinacridone Gold, and Perylene Red to mix my grays. This can sometimes be a pain when it comes to scanning so we will touch on scanning in another post.

I have been delighted with the response to time management. So many great comments were left and a couple that led to more great blogs talking about the same subject. Check out the comments when you get a chance. We are not alone and at some point we have all experienced the stress of our schedules. I am going to put into practice some of the ideas you have mentioned and if you are looking for more hop on over and checkout these wonderful artists and their recent posts on time management.

First there is R Garriott and her work is colorful, delightful, and beautiful. You will also find a section on some wonderful Photoshop Tips. Here is her post on Time Management.

Then Leslie Avon Miller, a collage artist, has for me these wonderful calligraphic marks in her work that just speak volumes. She also wrote just recently on time management. Check it out here.

No matter what our jobs are we need to invite less stress into our daily lives, figure out what is important and takes first priority and let the rest fall into place. There are only so many hours in a day and I want to enjoy every moment no matter what I'm doing.

Work in Progress & Time Management

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:07:00 +0000

For quite some time now I have been saying "When things slow up I'll paint and do this and do that" well guess what it has not slowed up. I have finally come to the conclusion that this is going to be the normal for awhile. I shouldn't complain and actually I'm not. I have been very blessed lately.

I have also thought I needed balance in my life. But how do you get balance. It keeps eluding me. Why? I am poor at managing my time. I get sidetracked a lot. So to help myself I am going to write out a schedule. Not just planning it all out in my head. I need to write it down.

I know it will not be strict but it is a start and I have to start somewhere. I've been reading I'd Rather Be in the Studio! and Alison doesn't say to write out your schedule but she does talk about keeping one and allowing time for everything including blogging and facebook.

Time is such a precious thing and it can so easily slip away. I want to grasp it, hold on, and manage my time the best I can. Maybe life will seem not so crazy in my head and I just may get those paintings done.

How do you manage time? Are you set in a routine? Do you plan things out and write them down?

Last week I wanted to take some time off to paint but ended up with deadlines for ads that needed done. I was so upset that by the time I did take time off other things got in the way and my muse was not there. I had started this painting of an Eastern Phoebe but it did not go well. My background for it was all wrong so rather than fight it I set it aside knowing with confidence I would be shown the way to paint this little bird. It did come, my muse that is, and she whispered in my ear. So now you see my work in progress. And tomorrow you will see more and I'm looking forward to the weekend. yea!

The Winners!

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Thank you everyone who participated in my first give-a-way!
This was fun and I so enjoyed reading your comments on how much you enjoy life. We have a lot to celebrate for even in these hard economic times.

I had 60 comments and numbered them as they came in. I then used RANDOM.ORG to generate two numbers for me.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

52 18

Timestamp: 2009-04-05 14:02:38 UTC

So our winners are ....
Number 18: Diahn of 'Ott Work' Congratulations Diahn

and

Number 52: Violet of 'Violet Ink' Congratulations Violet

Please come back and visit anytime. I enjoy the company and will have more fun give-a-ways throughout the year.

Hugs to you all. Toni

Chatter, chatter

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Around 9 pm the air was warm for an early April night and I had just finished updating some files for work when Don asked if I wanted to go for a walk. How could I resist on such a beautiful night.

We headed down our sidewalk, turned the corner and got about half way down the block when we heard chattering. At first I thought chipmunk but no it was night time. The sound was coming from a pine tree so we stopped to see if we could see anything. After about a minute we saw something take flight from the tree crossing the street to the boulevard and into the tree lines. As we slowly approached we saw two more take flight. All three were chattering.

I couldn't believe it we were looking at three owls. But we had no idea what kind they were. They were so small that at first I was thinking they were migrating Saw-whet owls but without a good look I had no idea. We debated if we should chance going back home to grab the camera but I knew if I didn't try I would forever regret not getting it. So we rushed back, grab the camera not knowing if I would even be able to get photos. Because of the darkness several times my camera couldn't focus or shoot a picture. I finally found a setting that worked. Not all of them turned out but I was excited when I downloaded the photos that I got this one clear shot.

We continued with our walk wondering about the owls and even went back afterward and yes they were still there. Once we were home we set out to try and ID the little ones. No they were not Saw-whet owls. I got a hold of Michele on Skype and we started doing searches and came up with juvenile Screech Owls. We still were not 100% sure because it is to early in the year to have baby owls, yet there they were. The other thing that baffled me was their sound. It was a low chatter. I finally did find the sound online which did Identify the owls as juvenile Screech Owls.

Ok time to bring in the experts. I sent an email to Jerry my birding instructor and I also asked my birding friends on facebook. Everyone agrees they are juvenile Screech Owls but they are also surprised because of the time of year which is unheard of seeing juveniles. Julie Zickefoose commented that the babies are about a month old which means the eggs were laid in late January and they hatched in late February. I find all this amazing and magical and I am looking forward to hearing the Screech Owls all summer.

Here is where I found the sounds similar to what we heard. Scroll to the site bottom to hear the warning sound and the nesting food cry.

Thanks Julie, Jerry, Susan and Michele.

Look towards the center of this photo to find the baby.

No Fooling a 'Birthday Give-a-way'

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Birthdays come and birthdays go but as I get older I find I want to celebrate more and more. And why not celebrate. I'll say it, I'm 57 years young today!

My Dear Hubby surprised me this morning after he left for school with a big bag sitting on my computer in the studio with a small gift inside. What a sweetheart with his hand written note and my new purple iPod.

So celebrate with me and have a cup of cheer because I'm giving away a print to two lucky readers.

Just leave a comment on this post and a way to get a hold of you if your name doesn't link back to your blog. And if you wish say how much you enjoy life. :) You have until midnight (central time) April 4th, 2009 to leave your name. Then on Sunday, April 5th I'll draw two names and each recipient will receive one of my new 'Robin' prints.

The prints are printed on Art Rag paper (Moab by Legion) with pigment inks. Image size is 7" x 6" and paper size is 10" x 8.5"

Go out and Celebrate! The birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.

Happy Spring

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 18:35:00 +0000

I feels so good to venture outside and have the scent of new growth fill you up. For me there is a spiritual awakening as the ground thaws and I can smell the earth. I feel renewed and energized.

I am about 3/4 finished with my dinning room makeover. Like all things one leads to another. It is an old house and there were several cracks in the walls and ceiling that needed taken care of. A fresh coat of paint (well several), new curtains and rug to go under the table ( the old wall to wall rug is being ripped out, still not done with that, to long to explain) and a new light fixture needs to be installed yet.

A complete overhaul of my web site is being worked on by me that is why it is taking so long. Just received the last bit of code I needed to finish it off today. So when it is ready I'll let you know.

Michele and I are working on the Festival of the Birds coming up in May. Our Audubon had a bit of trouble with the web site which is now back up and running but you can download the brochure and registration by clicking on the Festival button on the right.

Staying cooped up in the house all day is not a good thing so last Saturday Michele, Julie and I headed for Presque Isle. All winter the Robins are gathered high in the tree tops on Presque Isle. You really don't get a good view of them but now they are coming out of the woods and feeding off the ground and I'm sure you are seeing them in your yards now and hearing their call into the evening hours.

While waiting for Michele and Julie I did discover something I didn't know. If you have ever been to Presque Isle you know there is a camp ground at the entrance to the park. We all know about the camp ground but what I didn't know is that there is a stream running through the camp ground that flows out into the bay area. As I approached the grounds I heard splashing. And there they were several fish swimming up stream.

Ah but you will have to wait to read about them. I will be posting about these non-native fish on a new blog by Michele and myself.
So I want to introduce you to Presque Isle, Naturally. We launched the blog yesterday and we are excited to bring this new blog to you. So hop on over and check us out. Here is a small description: "Through Presque Isle, Naturally, we will bring you stories, photos, paintings and all sorts of information about Presque Isle. We also plan to enlist some of the many knowledgeable Presque Isle-ophiles to share why they are passionate about Presque Isle. Although primarily devoted to Presque Isle, we may at times offer information about special places and events of local interest."

Taking a small break and Award recognitions

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Sometimes life catches up with you and a break is needed to get yourself organized. So dear friends I will taking a break for about 2 weeks maybe less (less because I know I'll miss you) from blogging and facebook. I committed myself to two organizations which need I little attention at the moment. One is our local audubon which will be hosting their second birding festival in May. You can check it out here. I will be part of an art exhibit and need to get going on some pieces.

And the second is Northwestern PA Artists Association which is in the early planning stages of an exhibition come August.

So I'm taking a break while I wrap my head around these and get my house in order so I can have a carefree Spring. I won't be long and will be back in full force.

In the meantime some of you have acknowledge me with some awards and I have not been able to follow through so I at least want to acknowledge these wonderful bloggers and artists. Do check them out.

Stevie from A Little Birdie Told Me So passed this award along . Thank you Stevie and do check her out. Her wit and office doodles keeps me smiling.
I also recieved this same award from Laure at Painted Thoughts Blog. Thank you Laure. Laure is a wonderful watercolor artists painting botanicals and natures gifts. She also has an Etsy store so do check her out.

Ann from Wild Sommerset Child tagged me and I failed to get to the tag. Ann writes for an Organic Gardening magazine in the UK and creates wonderful journals. Check her out as she also restores her garden this year.

Thank you everyone I'll be back soon after the fog lifts. lol

Hummingbird Study

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Last summer I got lucky with a couple of shots of Hummingbirds in my back yard. One beautiful quiet late afternoon into early evening after this little female got done at the feeder she flew over to one of my spindly sunflower plants and sat there resting. The stem had a slight bend and was just right for her to sit and gaze around while I was able to get a few photos before she took off.

For this study of her I decided to try some handmade paper from India which was a popular paper for book binding. Again I coated the top with the clear gesso mixture before painting with watercolors. I did the stem with the few leaves and the Hummingbird then decided to add the backside of the flower towards the bottom because it was in the photo. I should have left it alone without the flower because with it painted in it doesn't look complete.

So before I do anything else I scanned the study and opened it in photoshop. I work in layers so it will be easy to delete and erase. The drawing or painting is one layer and then I create one or two layers above it. You can then apply color without worrying about messing up the original scanned copy. I played with the photoshop brushes till I was satisfied with the background.

But when I stood back I felt it was to much behind her head. So as you can see I removed part of the background so the top of her head was the natural paper behind her.
I'm still not sure yet what I might do but at least I can get ideas this way with out totally messing everything up.
I have to say I love my wacom tablet and wouldn't be with out one now for painting in photoshop and some other digital applications.

What do you think about backgrounds and using photoshop as a tool for guidance? I am also toying with the idea of adding more sunflowers in the background.

I also want to thank everyone who has stopped by. Your comments are greatly appreciated. This week has been filled with meetings in the evening for two great events coming up. One is our Bird Festival at Presque Isle. Michele and I will have more on that soon. And the other event is with the art organization i belong to. We are planning an awesome gallery event this August so I will be talking about that more come summer.
In the meantime I will be painting every chance I get for the bird festival gallery show.

A red, red Robin and Rag & Bone

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:33:00 +0000

Wednesday night into Thursday morning I laid there sleepless as the wind moved gusts as loud as a freight train. I listened to the rip of metal coming from somewhere outside as thoughts of ad and package design deadlines loomed in my head. As my eyes got tired in front of the computer all day on Thursday and needing something restful to gaze upon I grabbed bits and pieces of moments this week to escaped into another bird study which brought a wee bit of joy as it came to life.
I took my experiments a bit farther with some layered background work. I adhered a piece of Japanese Chiri paper to some watercolor paper I was not real fond of with gel medium and then top coated the surface with a mixture of the clear gesso and medium. Next I took a quote and wrote with walnut ink then made a blurred effect with a mist of water. I then painted the Robin and the egg and adjusted the background blur a bit. 'Spring' was written in a light touch with a watercolor pencil then blended with a damp brush. Lastly I stamped the flourish design going up the side. For me the beauty of all this is the transparent look achieved allowing the beautiful Chiri paper to come through. I can see this technique done in a beautiful handmade journal.

And speaking of a handmade journal ... although this has been a week filled with meetings, deadlines, and yes that metal sound I heard came from my house as some shingles came ripping off the roof next to the chimney, ... I did have a wonderful moment come my way. A few weeks ago I was reading one of my favorite blogs 'Rag & Bone' by Jason Thompson. I became familiar with Rag & Bone a few years back when I purchased 'Making Journals by Hand' by Jason which is chock full of favorite artists who make handmade journals. Jason and his family make the most wonderful journals and in this particular post in January Jason said,
"But if you yourself are making something handmade and are trying to make a go at creating a business and life for yourself around your art and craft - you can do it! Even with the scary economy. It’s a big world out there and if you make something beautiful with integrity, you’ll find your customers. We’re encouraged every day. Go for it!"
I was touched and encouraged by what he had to say. The part that got to me was the 'integrity' which to me is a very powerful word. Imagine what a beautiful world this would be if everyone had integrity. Well as it turned out Jason at the bottom of his post said if you leave a comment he would pick three people to receive a handmade book by 'Rag & Bone' so look at my beautiful gift!

This is an exquisite 5.5 x 8.5 blank journal with a cloth cover I simply love. It is going to house my garden journal and sketches this Summer. Head on over to Rag & Bone to see what Jason and his family have to offer you will not be disappointed.

Hope and Solitude

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:04:00 +0000

"I walk in silence and solitude across the worn path surrounded by sleeping trees and shrubs wanting to wake them them from their slumber. For now it is a blanket of snow waiting to be absorbed into the earth providing nourishment for the first buds to push forth. Even the birds are silent nowhere to be found."

Since those two days I went for a walk at Presque Isle we have had an early Spring thaw. Our mounds of snow are almost a mere memory as a warm front came through and nearly melted all overnight. The birds are chirping and singing a bit more and slowly coming back to the feeder since the Hawk left. I have not seen the Cooper Hawk for weeks now. Slowly the silence and solitude is breaking and I found signs of Hope bursting through the ground in the garden.

Last night Don and I went for a walk at Presque Isle and we could smell the earth once more. A fresh scent we all hunger for this time of year. My thoughts are now drifting to the first signs of wild flowers and the Trout Lilies that dance in the dappled light beneath the tree limbs before they are covered with a blanket of green leaves and put back to bed during the hot Summer days.

I'm still trying to sketch or be creative in some way each day as I make my way through twists and turns the past week has brought. I'm now reading Alyson Stanfield's "I'd Rather Be in the Studio!" and making a schedule for myself and sticking to it. Life is good as Don and I continue on our journey of change. He is doing excellent in school and we are looking forward to August when he is done.

The first signs of Spring in the back yard!

A Sparrow and more on Clear Gesso

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:04:00 +0000

A few years ago I took a class at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh on painting in watercolor on velum (calf skin) by Kate Nessler. As a calligrapher I was familiar with velum for writing and illumination but when I saw Kate's botanical works on traditional parchment (velum) I was captivated by the look and feel.

A close second to the look of velum is a natural color paper from Nepal called Lama Li but the surface was not made for painting. I had been using clear gesso on canvas and knew mixed media artists were using white gesso on paper for different effects so I decided to try the clear gesso on paper allowing the natural color of the paper to come through. This now gave me a natural looking surface to paint on similar to the look of velum.

A few years ago when I was experimenting on canvas I would mix the gesso with with other surface mediums such as Ross Art Paste (now Elmer's), which I use for creating paste papers, and also with acrylic medium. Clear Gesso on its own can be very grainy to the touch so to help with the texture I would use the mixtures which helped smooth the surface some yet still provided a decent painting surface.

In this photo I added watercolor to the Lama Li paper with no treatment. The paint immediately soaks into the paper and you are unable to work with the paint.

Here the surface is treated with a thin coat of just the clear gesso and when I apply the paint I am able to feather it out just like you would with normal watercolor techniques.

A patch of color is applied and allowed to dry.

Then I am able to take a wet brush and lift color out.

This is a piece of canvas treated with a mixture of clear gesso and acrylic medium. The patches of color are applied watercolor techniques.

After the paint dried I am able to go in with a wet brush and lift color.

The White Throated Sparrow above has two thin coats of clear gesso.
After the first layer dried I did a light sanding of the surface and applied another light coat of the gesso. I did not mix anything else with the gesso on this piece.

Try mixing a ratio of 2 parts gesso with 1 part acrylic medium or do a 1 to 1 ratio.

Special note: Years ago I wrote an article on Ross Art Paste for Bound and Lettered Magazine issue 3-4. Since then Ross Art Paste was bought out by Elmer's and is now known as Elmer's Art Paste.

Try mixing the clear gesso with the art paste using the same ratio as above. And if you are wondering what ever made me mix the gesso with the art paste well at the time I was using the art paste for paste papers and book binding. It just seemed a natural thing to do. You have to understand I am always experimenting.

Note: After painting on canvas with watercolor I spray the surface with Krylon UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating then stretch my canvas and brush an acrylic varnish on. My canvas are framed with no glass just as you would an oil or acrylic painted canvas.

One of these days I'm going to invest in some more velum to paint on. It is a wonderful surface and forgiving, in other words you can correct mistakes.

The Snow Bird; Juncos

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:25:00 +0000

I look forward every year towards the end of October into the beginning of November for the return of the Juncos. And this year in our area they brought with them the snow. The Junco is my favorite bird in winter with its dark grey coat and pinkish beak. I have a Red Twig Dogwood out back and when the Juncos light upon the branches it creates a sticking contrast.

This study was done from this photo on my post 'Saturday Morning' I love drawing subjects from odd angles and the way this little one was looking over her shoulder caught my attention.

With this one I was back using cold press watercolor paper. My next attempt for a study will be on a natural paper called Lama Li from Nepal. I have it all prepped with the clear gesso waiting to be painted on.

I have some ideas in my head just waiting to make their way to paper to show you some of the differences painting on gesso compared to paper.

In the meantime here are some of my little snow birds. Generally the darker grey coloring are males and the lighter ones are females.

This one with the brownish sides and tinting on the back side are Oregon Juncos

I believe this one to be a female.

And this one to be a male.

More Bird Studies and Clear Gesso

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:54:00 +0000

Continuing my bird studies with this Chickadee. Is it alright to say I love how this one turned out! It has been awhile since I have worked on canvas with watercolor and I was reminded once again as I worked on this how much I love watercolors on canvas with clear gesso. The natural color of the canvas shows through which gives a natural feel to the painting.

Awhile ago I cut up small pieces of different canvas and applied a gesso surface to them with either clear or white and some I did a mix of gesso and Ross Art paste. Then wrote on the back what the mix was.

This piece of canvas was Duck Canvas I purchased at the fabric store and a mix of clear gesso and Ross Art paste. One of these days I'll do a tutorial on watercolors on canvas. For now I will tell you working this way is very forgiving. And by that I mean mistakes are easily corrected. After I m satisfied and the painting is done I spray it with a UV acrylic spray.

The chickadee was from another photo taken last week on my walk at Presque Isle. Next study coming up will be a Junco.

Chickadee Smile as Tom would say!

Titmouse Study

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Last Wednesday I was able to get out for another walk at Presque Isle and have been wanting to post about it but instead you are getting it in bits and pieces. The Downy Woodpecker study was from that field walk. I mentioned I wanted to do bird studies so the Titmouse is my second study working from my photos. This one went better since I kept the background more muted similar to the photos.

What I started to do is pick a photo and print it out making a note on the back which digital roll it is from, the picture number and the date. This little tip I picked up from Gayle in the UK. Thanks Gayle.

I then sketch from the photo while I watch 7th Heaven in the morning. Yes I am hooked on reruns of that show. Then in the evening after a day of work and dinner I paint it.
I still need to write down my thoughts from my walk that day in my nature walk sketchbook. All in good time but I better do it soon least I forget.

Towards the end of my walk that day I finally came across some very cooperative birds. I never realized how acrobatic the Titmice could be. This little one found and old spider web that still had silk around an insect it was going after.

Next on my list are more chickadees.
1/28/09 Edit: I could not figure out why Karen asked if I stuck around to make sure the little Titmouse was ok. I thought my last photo up was of the Titmouse in a sitting position. So yes he/she was ok and flew off. Sorry Karen if I made you nervous. Here I had accidently uploaded the same photo twice. I meant to have the one you see now. Toni

Cooper Hawk Tales

kellyinkstudio@verizon.net (Toni) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:37:00 +0000

The winters around here have been harsh for our feathered friends and it has been reported in our local paper that few birds are being seen at our State Parks and Cooper Hawks have been a frequent visitor to home bird feeders.

I have had several Cooper Hawk sightings at my feeder this year, so much so I have been tempted to shut down the restaurant on more than one occasion. But with dipping temperatures and snow covering several seed bearing plants this winter I find myself still putting out seed.

So I say a prayer hoping my little winter birds will escape the wrath of the Hawk who sits and waits for her opportunity to strike.

Not all make it and now she is bold and feasts in my presents only watching for other predators to partake of her meal.

And nothing is left but scattered feathers and remains of an undigested Pigeons last meal.

If you are curious and dare to click you are invited to view a Cooper Hawk meal.
1/26/09 amendment: the video below can be pixelated so to view a better quality go to the link listed below to the larger better quality video. Thanks, everyone for viewing and commenting. Toni

Or if you wish to view the photos click here.
And a larger better version of the slide show click here.