The Blue in Black

I've made it to the ninth prompt which is Switzerland. I simply can't express how much I am getting from this exercise.  I really needed just such a diversion and maybe that is why I've immersed myself in it. 


I snapped this one in-progress shot because I wasn't sure if what I was doing was going to work or not and I wanted a visual for my memory. It worked just as my muse suggested and I thought you might think seeing the blue in black interesting as well.  


Here is the reference photo and if you look closely, you can see part of his signature in red in the lower right corner.  I usually sign with a pen but always painted my signature when oil painting. Today, I followed Mr Hodler's lead and used my brush with fluid red oxide. I like it. 


With a little energy, I plan to be back tomorrow with photos of all 9 of the spreads to share how my cards are attached in the book. 
♥

My First Nude

go to the tab/page for Postcard Challenge to see all cards
in chronological order and full size

Well well, the story is getting juicy. And I'm still crazy about this project.  Just want to tell you that all of the artist mentioned are real. Even the unknown, Sharon Tomlinson :0)  If you Google their names, you will discover all sorts of interesting art history.


I'm now working on week 9, Switzerland and making huge progress on the pages that hold the cards. I'm very anxious to share those pages as soon as I get photos.
♥    

Peek at next card in progress

I recently read that long ago, artist painted an under layer of green and that if you study the piece you may be able to still see some of the green even in the face.  





So that is why I started this one with green all over. 

I started today's morning art after I was all dressed and ready for this dang-desk-in-town. I knew I would not want to stop.


Note the time on that little clock. I snapped this and ran out the door. 



I almost finished but am happy that I got to this good "sit and stare" stage. So that is what I'll do here at the desk.

I am enjoying this postcard project immensely while I am getting some good painting practice because working in a journal frees me up to go fast and not be so obsessive about the piece. 


I'm also learning a bit of art history. That's good. 
♥

The Blue Hat found by Vanzie

What great fun I had yesterday with this!  I'm getting caught up....well halfway caught up. I confess,  I cropped a bit off the reference and I painted it directly on the book page. 


Not sure what the rest of this day will bring.  I might need to just sit in the chair zone.
♥


I appreciate and ♥ all of your comments. Thank you.

Conversational Saga continues

click on   Postcard Challenge 2012   page tab for large view of postcards in chronological order  

Just in case you haven't figured out, I am using my art in this conversational saga between Vanzie S. Smoot and Professor Dr. Tad Keys.  Almost one year ago, I finished a Morning Art series in which I painted from start to finish this painting.  The background was inspired by another artist and the portrait was inspired by Eva Gonzales (1849-1883) who was born in Paris, France and studied under Edouard Manet.

This is one of my very most favorite paintings.
I guess that is why I have been hanging onto it.
I'm now ready to list it in my shop when time permits.
Or if you are interested, email me for details.
12 x 12 x  1.5 gallery wrapped.  $300.

You can watch the 14 video series by clicking on the Morning Art Videos Tab.  

If you only want to see a "start to finish series in review", watch the conclusion video.  The review starts at about the 8:57 minute mark.  I think it is pretty cool to see the progression of this painting. 
♥

Year of the Dragon 1940

click on   Postcard Challenge 2012   page tab for large view of postcards in chronological order 

My Good Fortune Journal inspired this little do-over painting for this new project.  Which by the way, I am making a journal to hold the cards and art as well as other important things like the maps and stamps of Baha and Pelago etc etc.  When I get the journal a little further along.....well you know I will share that. 


Shout with me! THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!
♥

Another mysterious discovery

click on   Postcard Challenge 2012   page tab for large view of postcards in chronological order

Baha the land of brids

WOW! What a weekend I had. Fact of the matter is I literally wore myself out. Crashed in bed for a late afternoon nap Sunday and then watched a couple of movies last night. 


But look! I was up early today as usual and made an official Baha stamp.  The Postcard challenge is a super fun project and I have added an extra challenge for myself (as I do sometimes).  The prompt each week is new country so I am going to study a little art history along the way. Stay tuned for how that turns out.
♥ 

Vanzie hears from Tad

click for larger view
♥

Have you been to Pelago?

Weekends are so great!
Especially when playing ART.
Just working on my next postcard.
Hope you are having as much fun with your weekend as I am.
No laundry happening here. 
No cooking either.
Just full on ART play!
♥