Traditional Media vs. Digital Design

As some of you  may know, I'm studying digital design right now. In class, the professor asked us which do we enjoy better, painting or painting on the computer with software. I really have to say there is no comparison. I enjoy both mediums. I feel there is no comparison. I like using acrylic or watercolor paint and the ability to use my hands. There's just something about it. I feel deeply connected and express myself differently then when I use a computer to compose a piece. It's very similar to writing. I normally will produce my writing on a notepad prior to actually typing it on a computer. There's just something about the feel of the pen to the paper. It's raw, organic and natural.

On the other hand, designing on the computer is very interesting. You can create and design with different possibilities that you may not be able to create by hand. It has a different look and appeal. When you make a mistake, it is easy to correct in a matter of minutes unlike traditional artwork. I really don't feel like one medium is better than the other. The two art forms are very similar. They both have their own characteristics and serve its purpose...to influence others through color, patterns, texture and form. It's how we tell our story, express our emotions, deliver a message and envision the world around us.

Desire to inspire......

Until next time,

Digital Media

I haven't posted for quite awhile now. I've been very busy with life. I just want to let you know that I am so excited about continuing my education in digital media. I will be returning in the Fall for school. (Still wishing summer would slow down!) But anyway, I will be working on getting Adobe Software to create some new projects and add to my portfolio. I just set up an account with deviantart.com a few months ago and looking forward to communicating with the art community.

Unfortunately, I haven't been painting in awhile, but I still have a heart for acrylic and watercolor. I've been designing jewelry which is posted on Etsy.com. Please check out my designs. You can search for Gems of Joy Designs or search my YouTube video online.

Until next time....

Keep creating.......

Digital Media

Hi,

I've been attending classes and learning a lot about the digital media field. I'm really excited that I'm finally doing something that I've been wanting learn for over 13 years! I really enjoy mixed media and I'm excited about expanding my creative options on what can be done digitally. I'm currently using a Mac and learning Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash, Dreamweaver and Fireworks. I will be posting a few of my pieces on my blog. I'm currently working in the lab right now and finishing a few projects and looking forward to sharing them with you.

Learning Other Art Forms

I haven't painted in a long time, but I wanted to let you know that my latest creative endeavor has been learning Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. I've been wanting to learn this software for years! I'm so excited to be taking classes and doing something I love....creating!

I believe all forms of art helps other forms no matter what medium. I still love painting and still have a desire to paint. I'm so glad to have so many other forms of creativity. It's endless.....

I want to use my new watercolor paper that I purchased over the summer which is called Yugo. Not sure if I spelled it right, but it's a smooth surfaced paper used for watercolor. I'm going to order a new subscription of the Artist Magazine for more inspiration.

I'm so happy to do being what I've always wanted to do. I hope I've encouraged other artist to keep going and doing what they love. Never let circumstances to get in the way of your creativity. It is so important to keep learning and growing.

Keep creating!

Montclair Art Museum

Last week, I enjoyed attending the Montclair Art Museum Tour. They had a shuttle bus that took us around the city where we visited local art galleries. It gave me much inspiration. It was like a breath of fresh air to do something different for a change. I had a chance to meet other artist and view their work. It gave me motivation to start producing new pieces of work. I will focus on acrylic and watercolor. Last month, I purchased some new art supplies at Jerry's Art Supply, but haven't even used it as of yet. I really can't wait for the inspiration to hit me forelse I will never begin. Once I start painting, I'm inspired. So that's how I'm handling my procrastination.

I also will join a photography group next month. I did get a Canon Camera about 2 months ago! I was just looking at an old post on my blog that mentioned me purchasing a camera after being inspired by a beautiful flower while I was taking a walk. I will post a few of my recent pictures.

Life is nothing without creating!

Watercolor

I just received a free copy of the Watercolor magazine which has inspired me to paint in this medium once again. I sometimes struggle with the techniques since this medium is very fluid and I find it hard to control. Even though I'm a self-taught artist, I enjoy experimenting and learning how to produce new works of art.

I plan on producing a city scene with bright, vivid colors and also a snow scene which I believe will be challenging to create snow from watercolor. I noticed in the magazine they used shades of blue and violets to create snow! It should be quite interesting to see how it comes out. I'll keep you posted! Until next time......keep painting!!!

Inspiration

This morning I decided to look through my new Dick Blick Catalog that came in the mail a few weeks ago. It filled me with excitement and fresh inspiration to look at all the art supplies and materials. It's amazing to see the endless options to create new works of art.

I've been searching for rice paper and found a whole section of Japanese paper in their catalog. I had no idea there were so many types of paper! I've always had an interest in Japanese style painting called Sumi. It is a process of using several different sizes of pointed brushes with black ink to produce japanese calligraphy, but you can also paint with defined strokes to create trees, animals and other images.

I plan on delving into a new form of art and I hope to share with you as soon as I dabble a bit!

Just tweeting....Come on and follow me!

Flowers

While going for a walk this weekend, I noticed the most beautiful flowers. I'm kicking myself for not having a camera! I couldn't get the image out of my head all weekend. I decided to paint from memory......rich colors of yellows and violets. My project is focused on the imagery of flowers, but I will definitely research purchasing a Canon SureShot camera. I've been wanting to buy one to aid in my artwork. I don't believe in missed opportunities. The beauty I absorbed this weekend has to be captured and transformed into a piece of artwork.

Stay tuned....

Art in the Park

Yesterday, I went to "Art in the Park" at the Montclair Art Museum. It is an indoor and outdoor art show featuring a variety of artisans. They had jewelry designers, painters, sculptors, pottery designers, wood, metal and clay artists. On my way to the exhibit, I saw a few acrylic paintings hanging in a window. The pictures was displayed on raw, cotton canvas. I saw a man staring at me inside the doorway. I quickly asked, "Are you the artist?" He replied a confident, "Yes." I immediately responded, "You should be charging more than $20 for your artwork!" That was an opening of a 45 minute conversation about techniques, materials and the best places to purchase art supplies in the area. We exchanged business cards and I gained more inspiration as I headed to the show. I wasn't sure what to expect since this was my first time going to the museum. I saw white tents in the back of the building and as I approached the area I smelled grilled hamburgers, hotdogs and a mixture of summer fixin's.

The early morning rain lost the battle to a partially sunny, warm day. I went to each tent and studied the designs for inspiration and introduced myself to the artist. I collected business cards and postcards which I always make a habit for networking purposes.

This event triggered me to think about painting once again. Through a whirlwind of events, I have put my creativity on the backburner due to circumstances and lack of motivation. I lyed in bed this morning thinking about an image while I listened to the raindrops hit my window. I was thinking how I would use the white space in a watercolor painting. My next piece will be called, "Cracking Up." It is very rare that I think of a title before I paint the picture. As I painted the picture today, it became a burst of colors. The white spaces defined the area too boldly, so I decided to paint very lightly within the spaces. I may call it "Star Burst" instead! Which just hit me as I'm blogging. I also painted a picture of flowers in watercolor. I haven't thought of a name as yet. I painted in complete silence. The only thing I heard was the swooshing of the dishwasher which was very mediating to me at the time. It was upsetting to know that my paintbrushes had a layer of dust on them. But best of all, I believe I found my bliss once again! I vow that I will never let anything or anyone take me away from what I love to do. Yes, I do believe, today was the start of something beautiful!

LIVING OUT LOUD

I want to share my interest in art with you. I remember watching the artist, Bob Ross, on Saturday mornings growing up. I was amazed how he created beautiful landscapes starting from nothing. Even though he piqued my interest, I never really had a desire or interest for art.

About 15 years ago, I thought about how I use to enjoy watching Bob paint so I decided to buy my first acrylic paint set. It was just a small, six-pack of primary colors by Liquitex. Unfortunately, it was another ten years before I even opened the set of paints. Immediately, I realized that painting gave me a peace of mind….it was a form of mediation for me….a place where I could express and release my feelings and inner thoughts of how I see the world. I never could imagine that painting would open my world to other art forms.

From my experience, I started creating greeting cards which mixed my love of painting, writing and paper crafting. I’m at a wonderful stage and I am continuously unfolding the unlimited possibilities…discovering, exploring, learning and enjoying the cycle of change and transformation. Art is life....changing, renewing and evolving…looking at life in another dimension.

Thank you for sharing your time with me. Take time to explore my website.

Looking at Life in Another Dimension