Theorize Color*

Beauty and the Mountain Man

2012-01-26T11:45:00.002-06:00

Experimentation is in full swing in the studio. Well, these two little SNArts were technically done at work in the Art Department, but I do have other things in the works in the home studio. I really need to remember to take pictures more often and post the evolution here.

Repose

2012-01-21T11:14:00.000-06:00

I've felt as if I were in a slump as of late, and decided to explore new techniques with my painting. No sketching; no planning; just some paint and a brush. This was the result of that freedom.

Work In Progress 1

Work In Progress 2

Repose - 20"x24" Acrylic on canvas

Sketchbook Project 2012

2012-01-05T10:24:00.001-06:00

My sketchbook for the Art House Co-op is still a work in progress, but for the most part, the only thing left to be done is the cover. I glued all the pages together and cut out the center, creating a frame. I then used several different acrylic mediums and paint to give it a stone like quality and sealed it. The type/page within the frame is from an 1860's french book, "Curiosités Théologiques", that was begging to be illustrated. The nude was painted with watercolor on paper and then cut and glued inside the sketchbook. Once the cover is complete, I'll post pictures of that as well.

Reflections

2012-01-04T08:19:00.002-06:00

Thou Art Blinded by Vanity

Sin of The Tie Dyed Zealot

2011 was truly a great year for the Houston, Tx art scene and I have a feeling it will be even stronger this year. I'm grateful to have been a part of many exciting shows and am looking forward to many more in 2012. There are several projects that I've been working on, including the 2012 Sketchbook Project which I hope to have completed by the end of this week. It's a little different than my usual work, and I'm really excited in the direction it's going. I'll also be using a few of my most recent SNArts (sticky note art) and create larger paintings based on those ideas. It may work... it may not. For now, here are the last two SNArts from 2011.

Interesting...if not fun.

2011-12-13T08:54:00.004-06:00

Well, the Claws. Claus. Clause. show was definitely the most interesting show I've been a part of. Surprisingly had a pretty good time and saw some really great art hanging on the walls. My grandmother throwing (and hitting) a zombie, that had been killed by drunk Santa's sleigh, in the back with a plastic bell was one of the highlights of the evening! Here are the 4 pieces I had hanging in the show.

Who's Your Daddy? - 24"x30" Acrylic on canvas.

The Snowman - 14"x32" Acrylic on canvas.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant..." - 12"x12" Acrylic on canvas

Chimney John - 11"x14" framed, Copic marker & colored pencil.

Busy...Busy

2011-12-08T10:42:00.005-06:00

I've been busy lately with an upcoming show Claws. Claus. Clause. this Saturday in Houston, Texas. I'll post pictures of the work after the show has taken place. In the meantime, here are some SNArts to hold you over.

Totally Random Stuff

2011-11-14T13:53:00.004-06:00

Here's some random sketches/drawings I've done recently. Just having fun :)

Houston Artist Gather For New SNArt Show

2011-10-20T13:52:00.000-05:00

Houston Artist Gather For New SNArt Show <---------CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

Hmmm...that gal in the purple shirt looks familiar.

THIS. IS. SNARTA! was a huge success and we can't wait to have another one.

Tis The Wind

2011-10-11T09:39:00.002-05:00

My most recent painting, "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - 12" x 12" Acrylic on canvas.

SNArt is not Dead

2011-10-05T10:23:00.003-05:00

It's been far too long since my last update. We've been busy planning the 1st Official Sticky Note Art Show, THIS. IS. SNARTA!!, in Houston and boy is it a lot of work. The show is going to be fantastic with over 36 artists involved. Be sure to check it out if you're in the area.

Here's my most recent SNArts. Since I started this project, I've drawn a total of 80 sticky notes. It's CRAZY how fast they add up.

Busy...Busy

2011-08-22T09:54:00.003-05:00

It's been insane around here for the past couple of weeks and I've neglected my poor little blog. Well, here's some sticky notes to keep you guys busy for a few minutes!

Shrine and other things.

2011-08-03T11:15:00.003-05:00

Being stuck inside one's own head isn't always a good thing, but sometimes that's where I have to go and bring forth the creativity. I've been playing around in my sketchbook with various ideas and thought I would share a couple with you folks in blogger land. Between this and blue buffaloes, pop rocks, caviar and steam farting geothermal blowholes, sometimes I wonder what's really trapped in there. Only a few pieces of paper will ever tell.

Stickies are fun.

2011-08-01T11:09:00.005-05:00

The time has come for more sticky note art!!

Trapped

2011-07-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

Trapped - 16"x20" Mixed Media on canvas

Trapped

by: Heather Gordy

Foam melts; Disappears.
It's a friend of water.
Unruly; Unstable liquid lost in the effervescent lies surrounded by voids in time.
Foam settles on murky waters, dissolving truths cast in shadows dark.
Silent.
Trembling on broken wings as it softly dances on lips of deceit.
In this place of deadly dreams it lurks.

Devilish eyes spy on bursting bubbles caught in a trance that binds it to this world.
Showing bloody hands and open arms, it sits patiently;
Waiting in chartreuse symphonies filled with childish games and daisy chains.
Frothy, cold and restless.

It's a formulation of perfection.
Biological inventions,
Somewhere between solid and gaseous manipulation.
Foam dreaming of becoming water, becoming ice.
Polluted memories of smothering control, immolated by savage uses of potential mayhem.
Combustible maniacs of chemistry equations.

Matter left over;
Overused.
Sprayed with powdered delusions of reckless hearts and battered bones.
Foam melting into salted crystals and burned by flames upon silver.
Injected, inhaled, shot, smoked, absorbed;
Ripping through to the center.
A sodium delight meant for chambers under pressure.
Pure, impure, real, untrusted, unstable;
Foam dissolving into water.
It lurks; No longer alone.

I know...more Sticky Notes

2011-07-12T15:13:00.005-05:00

So I lied... This post is more sticky notes. But I do have another painting in the works and I'll post in progress pics soon. For now you'll just have to deal with tiny neon colored masterpieces!

SNA #3

2011-06-29T12:39:00.004-05:00

Here's even more sticky note art. I haven't done much of any other art the past couple of weeks, so doodling on sticky notes has kept some of the creative flow going. I find that after I come off of a really detail painting, I'm a bit drained. I am itching to pick up a brush again so maybe my next post will be an WIP post instead of doodles. Until then.... 9-12

Sticky Note Art Continued

2011-06-27T15:54:00.003-05:00

Notes 5-8

I ended up investing in new highlighters over the weekend. Who knew they came in so many different colors! I also got a cheap plastic portfolio with clear sleeves to stick my notes in. That is until I start sticking them around town.

Sticky Note Art

2011-06-23T09:25:00.003-05:00

This was brought about by boredom. Each day, I plan on making at least one sticky note drawing. Let's see how long I can keep it up! These were done over the past three days only using a pen, marker, highlighters, regular & non-photo blue pencil on 4"x4" Post-It Notes.

Her Peace Was Found In Nature

2011-06-10T18:35:00.004-05:00

In Memory of Grandma Boutwell

Her Peace Was Found In Nature

16" x 40" Acrylic on canvas (SOLD)

WIP...still

2011-06-06T09:39:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I haven't gotten much further from the last time I posted a WIP of this painting, but it's getting there. I'm actually hoping to finish it up tonight.

HAC Extravaganza

2011-06-01T09:12:00.003-05:00

JoMar Visions Presents the "Houston Artists' Collective 1st Extravaganza" Art Show, the first with the official HAC name. There will be 33 artists from a variety of styles and mediums including photography, oil, acrylic, ceramic, wood, metal and more. There's sure to be something for everyone. The HAC Extravaganza promises you great entertainment and together with Hardy & Nance Studios Open House, makes it the best place to be! I'm very honored to be a part of this show so please come by and enjoy the conversations, shopping and the insane amount of eye candy never seen before!

JoMar Visions (at Hardy & Nance Studios)

902 Hardy St.

Houston, Texas 77020

Saturday, June 18, 2011

1pm - 5pm

WIP

2011-05-31T09:04:00.002-05:00

So, I haven't gotten as far as I would like on this, but I'm still plugging away. I do plan on finishing it this week so I can get to the other two paintings. A friend and I were discussing our process and I have to admit I do have a strange one. I tend to completely render out sections as I move along. Then at the very end, I refine areas if needed. I guess this way works for me. There has been a few I've painted a bit differently by blocking out the sections in color and then building detail, but for some reason, I keep coming back to this method. Oh well, whatever works. Maybe I just like being difficult.

Sorry for the crappy photo. I promise I'll use the good camera for the final shots.

WIP it...

2011-05-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

Here's my latest work in progress (WIP). Feels good to get the paints out again. My venture in the marker realm was a much needed break but I have missed my acrylics.

16"x40" Acrylic on stretched canvas. (Not yet named)

At last, a little color in the dark!

2011-04-21T08:42:00.004-05:00

Here's something completely different for me. I was bored and started flipping through an old Italian Vogue magazine one night. All the hi-fashion models in their funky clothes and awkward poses were inspiring, so I came up with this.

Hi-Fashion - 7"x10" - Copic Markers & Multiliners, Prismacolor Pencils.

Cycle of life and art.

2011-04-20T09:14:00.004-05:00

I haven't been painting lately. For some reason, applying paint to canvas has been tough. The focus shifted when I picked up my pens and markers and decided to play with tonal values. At least the creative well isn't completely dry, but the urge and frustration to paint are creeping back in. I have a canvas that I toned, sketched and then painted back over because I wasn't happy with the composition. It's now sitting in my garage, taunting me. But alas, all I'm doing is drawing. It's a just another cycle. I have no doubt that I'll pick up my brushes and let the colors flow again. Maybe this is just something I needed to do. Allow myself to breath and get back to the basics.

Skull; Flower; Cycle - 7"x10"- Copic Markers & Multiliners on 98lb paper

Playing With Gray

2011-04-13T10:11:00.003-05:00

So, It seems I've rediscovered my love of black, white and all things gray. I've been painting so much color lately, that it's been nice to get back to the basics. Using Copic markers has really opened a different door for me. Don't fret, I'm still painting and am currently working on a couple of pieces, but using the markers helps tremendously in times of boredom. It's still a learning process. Trying to get the markers to blend just right can be tricky. I've tried a different paper which I wasn't too happy with so I came back to Canson 98lb Mixed Media paper. I'll continue to try different papers I'm sure, but for now, here is my latest creation.

Horned Owl Skull with Banana Spider ~ 7"x10" ~ Copic Multiliners & Markers in gray and black.

Get Outta My Head!

2011-03-28T08:16:00.006-05:00

Here's a couple of things I did/finished up over the weekend. Well actually I should say Friday because I just took it easy on Sat and Sun.

This one started off as just a sketch and completely evolved over a couple of hours. Nothing about it at all was planned and I love it. Yay for learning new medium!

Get Outta My Head ~ 7"x10" ~ Copic Markers in gray on 98lb paper.

This is a painting I did for my mother. I'm so glad she loves it. It's been several years since I did a landscape and honestly, this is my first using acrylic. All previous ones were done with pencil or watercolor.

Landscape ~ 24"x48" ~ Acrylic on canvas.

Pen Ya: Artiste Imaginarium Interview

2011-03-24T08:57:00.005-05:00

Recently I was asked to be interviewed by Roseanne Peña for her current project: Pen Ya: Artiste Imaginarium. I was honored to participate. Check out the interview by clicking above!

Sometimes I need a little gray...

2011-03-18T09:15:00.006-05:00

It's been a week since my last post and figured I'd share what's been going on. I've sworn to myself that I WILL start drawing/doodling/sketching in my sketchbook more often. I'm really bad about it and use scrap paper more often than not. Then I end up with a ton of loose paper everywhere. So, here are two things I did in one of my sketchbooks. I've been teaching myself how to use Copic Markers and for now am sticking to the neutral grays and black.

I've also been working on a painting for my mom. I typically don't do landscapes so this is a stretch for me and has had it's VERY frustrating moments. I don't know how many times I've painted over the sky. There's still a lot left to be added, but so far it's finally coming together.

A little something...

2011-03-10T11:19:00.003-06:00

Figured I'd do a little update since my last post. The Perfect 10's Show was GREAT! Good exposure, lots of fun and even an inquiry to one of my pieces. However, it wasn't a real serious one or they just weren't willing to pay what it was worth. It was for Habitation (10" canvas, skeleton hand with bird) and I had it priced for $125 individually or $200 for both. After spending over 15 hours on the pair, I thought it was a deal of a price. Divide the price by number of hours and material cost, it's less than what I make an hour at work. Oh well, any thoughts on that?

Here's a little sketch I did last night while watching TV. I'm still working on a painting for my mother and once that's done, I have another one on the back burner.

Upcoming Events/Shows

2011-03-04T10:16:00.006-06:00

There's a few things going on over the next two weeks that I wanted to share. The first is this Saturday, March 5th, and I'm super excited about it. If you're in the Houston, Texas area come check it out. Perfect 10's II | Art Show | Glasnost Single Release Party | Dance Party | Official Role AFM Launch Party

The next event, The Sketchbook Project, takes place in Austin, Texas during SXSW . March 12th at the Austin Museum of Art and March 13th (12-6) at 29th St. Ballroom @ Spider House. If you're around the Austin area, come check out (literally) my sketchbook.

Perfect 10's Art Show Pieces...DONE

2011-02-21T21:33:00.004-06:00

(Left to Right)

Incubation - 10"x10" Acrylic on canvas

Habitation - 10"x10" Acrylic on canvas

Well, they're finally done. Phew....just in the nick of time. All that's really left is to varnish them and put wire on the backs. That's the easy stuff though. I'm pretty happy with them and only wished the photos expressed the colors better. I tried to do a little adjusting in photoshop but alas, I got frustrated and said to hell with it. You really do have to see them in person to appreaciate the oranges and reds of the flowers.

Perfect 10's II Show - In Progress

2011-02-14T12:31:00.007-06:00

For the past week and a half, I've been working on my two submissions for the Perfect 10's II show that'll be taking place here in Houston on March 5th. The idea behind the show is that all art must be created in a 10" x 10" format. I decided I wanted the pieces to work as one, but still work on their own. All that's left are the wild roses, so hopefully in the next day or so I'll have the painting finished. I'll post better pics of the finished pieces when I do.

Experimenting Sometimes Works

2011-02-01T10:20:00.005-06:00

I got together with a few friends on Saturday night and this is the result. We're all artist, each with our very different styles, and it's always good to bounce ideas off of each other. I recently got involved with an art show that'll be coming up on March 5th. The idea behind the show (Perfect 10's II) is that everything must be created as a 10" x 10" piece. (or in the case of sculpture, 10" x 10" x 10"). I was completely clueless as to what I would do. I covered a canvas with fiber paste which makes a very absorbent surface and then used liquid acrylic inks and watercolors. Both of those I don't play around with too often. I feel it's not something I want to show for Perfect 10's, as it varies too much from my normal style, but the response to this piece has been very encouraging. Who knows, I may decided to play around with this technique a bit more. For now, I'll hold onto it.

Ametista Padre

2011-01-28T07:50:00.005-06:00

Here's a progress pic of numero due (#2) of the Trinity - Ametista Padre (Amethyst Father). There's still some cleaning up to do and adding a few things. I wasn't sure about the background color and I think it's due to the fact that I don't produce a lot of monochromatic artwork. Maybe after it's worked on a bit more, I'll settle into the color. Maybe not, but we'll see.

I also have a rather large panoramic empty canvas sitting on my easel. I guess it's been there for about a month. I couldn't pass up the ridiculously good price. But nonetheless, there it sits taunting me. It'll actually be used for a painting for my mother. I'll be delving into a landscape which I haven't done in quite sometime. Should be challenging but hopefully fun. I really should start the underpainting on it so at the very least it's not a white rectangle in the room.

Spirito Rubino

2011-01-10T08:05:00.003-06:00

This is the first in a new series (Trinity) I'm working on. I guess this is officially my first piece of 2011. I've done doodles and sketches but that doesn't really count. Those just keep a pencil in my hands. I'm starting the second one now and hopefully I'll have it done in the next week or so.

Spritio Rubino (Ruby Spirit)

12" x 16" Acrylic Paint & Charcoal on Muslin covered board.

Retrospective of 2010

2011-01-06T13:21:00.005-06:00

So I know you've seen these over the past year, but I made this little slideshow video for those that don't want to dig through the blog. Plus I was bored at work and it gave me something to do!

New Year, New Beginning

2011-01-04T08:35:00.007-06:00

Wow, has it really been 4 months since my last post? I really have no excuse for my lack of updating. Laziness maybe? Well, I'm desperately trying to resolve that affliction starting today. Yes I know, it's the 4th and not the 1st, but who says you can't start a new year's resolution on the 4th.

At any rate, last year overall was a good one. I actually produced more pieces of work than I have in a long time. Even though it wasn't as much as I'd hoped for. The 52 in 2010 was a bust and so I've changed it to 52 in 2010-Present. Eventually I'll get 52 of those damned things.

I had my first official group show in December and to be honest, I don't know what I was so terrified about. It was quite painless in fact. Unfortunately I didn't sell anything, but the experience and networking were well worth it. I'm planning on a couple more shows this year and will update as they come along.

There will be plenty of eye candy coming soon but for now, here's a couple of doodles.

Blind contour drawing of my hand... turned zombie.

Ugly woman lounging in chair (Orange Sharpie Pen)

Transition

2010-08-21T22:19:00.009-05:00

Transition - Acrylic, Ink & Graphite on 30" x 40" Stretched Canvas

It's finally done. I added up the numbers and I spent about 29 hrs total paint time on this one. (Spread out over months of course) I'm glad to have this one under my belt and to be moving on to different things. This painting ended up allowing me to test different techniques. I fell in love with some... others not so much. Transition allowed the chance to discover. I hope you all enjoy it.

Here's some close ups for y'all. (Just click on the image to make it bigger)

It's been 3 Months?

2010-08-12T18:21:00.002-05:00

Where does the time go. Sorry I've been neglecting my blog for so long but you guys know how life can get in the way. Things around here are good and I'm getting back to my art. Here's an update of the painting I'm still working on. There's two other projects currently brewing so be on the look out for those too.

Transition

2010-05-07T10:27:00.005-05:00

My problem is that I don't let too many people in. They don't really know me or understand how my brain really works. It has got me wondering, would my art be different if I just let go and put everything out there? I wish I could say that has always happened but the answer to that is yes, I know it would be completely different than what I've done to this point.

There are so many things in my life that I have felt completely out of control of. My art has always been one thing that I can control, so I do. Too many times my head overpowers my heart and my emotions and then I'm left with something that no one understands what it really means. I over think it and in turn, it ends up not expressing what it's really supposed to.

The 52 In 2010 series was a way for me to stay creative. To keep the artist block that I had for so many years at bay. It has been successful at that (even if I've missed a couple of weeks here and there). There's even been a few pieces that accurately reflect what I was feeling that week. It's a step in the right direction at least.

Now, onto another piece....(still a work in progress)

Probably one of my biggest to date (it's not that big but for someone that usually works a little smaller, it seems large). This one really has meaning for me. I guess it's one of those pieces that is somewhat connecting my brain with my heart. Does that make since? It's part old me (having to control every aspect of my art) and part new me (the one I'm working towards). So far so good. I'm just going with the flow on this one. No deadlines, no getting upset and obsessing over it. If I feel like working on it, I do; if I don't, I don't. Simple as that.

Here's what I posted on Facebook about this painting...

From death comes life. Is what was in the jar the thing that killed him? Is the reason he died because he drank it or because he didn't? And because he died, did the flowers grow? Life has sprung around him in all his exhaustion and only the crow knows his secret. It will be carried away on the beat of a wing.

This connection between old and new isn't much different from death and life. Allowing a part of my old self to die, and keeping those memories and those secrets of her, I'm allowing a new me to surface and grow. Much like the exhausted skeleton, I've felt overwhelmed and lost. One wrong move, one struggle, one little thing just out of my reach could end it all. But that's not to say that something good won't come of that struggle, of that death. This painting for me, is a way to express the grief of that loss and to celebrate a new life. There's still more work to be done on this one, and I'll post more pics of the journey as I go.

#15: 52 In 2010 - Existence

2010-04-25T15:53:00.002-05:00

#15: 52 In 2010 - Existence - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media

#14: 52 In 2010 - Exploration

2010-04-24T11:42:00.003-05:00

It's been one of those weeks that my mind is in chaos. I've been trying to deal with the emotional exhaustion without much luck. I hate these kind of weeks. It seems no matter what I do or how I try to cope, it's still there. It's as if I'm being pulled into the unknown in eight different directions. Maybe that's why I was inspired to draw this little octopus character. Just one way for me to deal. Unfortunately, it left me even more puzzled.

#14: 52 in 2010 - Exploration - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media

#13: 52 In 2010 - What We See

2010-04-18T12:40:00.006-05:00

Isn't it funny what we see in random colors, shapes or textures.

#13: 52 In 2010 - What We See - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media

#12: 52 In 2010 - Shadows

2010-04-11T22:17:00.006-05:00

I chose to use something different for this one. I started with the same Carolina Cover card stock and applied several layers of gesso and tissue paper. The background is india ink that I smeared on using a rag and after it dried, I sanded it back some. I then used sepia & white chalk along with charcoal to draw the skull. After a layer of spray fixative, I used watercolor to add a yellowish hue. The squiggle outlines and corners were done with sharpie poster paint pens. It was a great way to experiment and gave me practice drawing objects I have sitting around the house. Yes, there's a skull I use as a bookend for my DVDs...LOL

Nothing Special

2010-03-30T10:30:00.005-05:00

It seems most of the random doodles, chicken scratches or what have you, end up in the bottom of a desk drawer. Often times they try to escape but ultimately end up in the waste bin after months of neglect. There's also that ever present closet monster that tends to eat unwanted ideas. I wonder if I should name him, the monster that is, or just let him keep his anonymity? At any rate, there they sit; The myriad of not so good drawings collecting dust and discouraging me from doing more. Well, they try to discourage me yet I keep at it. Maybe one out of 50 get turned into something worth looking at.

These few pages I'm sharing today are things I do for work. It's something I wasted money on in school. Wishing to be an animator only to find out it wasn't all it's cracked up to be. Knowing that I was so close to graduating and it was too late to change majors. One of life's many lessons. It wasn't a complete loss however. I truly love character design and I also discovered a fondness for graphic design. I'm lucky in that way. I get to do both at one job.

#11: 52 In 2010 - Setting Sun

2010-03-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

#11: 52 In 2010 - Setting Sun - 6.5"x8.5" Mixed Media

Not much to say probably because there's not much going on. This didn't really turn out the way I had imagined but it's ok. I should've taken more time on the rendering but I was getting frustrated and decided to walk away before I royally screwed it up.

All images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

Two for the road (#9 & #10)

2010-03-21T11:15:00.005-05:00

#9: 52 In 2010 - Rats! - 6.5"x8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

#10: 52 In 2010 - My Darling Starlings - 6.5"x8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

I've been working on a few different things at once and completely forgot to post #9 last week, so here it is along with #10. Both of these things were inspired by life around me.

All images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

What's Lurking

2010-03-13T17:34:00.005-06:00

What's Lurking - 16" x 20" Acrylic & Graphite on Stretched Canvas & Muslin

This is a companion piece to #6: 52 In 2010 - It Lurks. Not only did it allow me to let off some steam, but I think it works well with the series piece.

All Images contained herein copyright (c) 2010 - Heather Gordy

#8: 52 In 2010 - Within

2010-03-06T10:22:00.005-06:00

Within - #8: 52 In 2010 - 8.5" x 6.5" Mixed Media on 12pt Coated Carolina Cover Stock

I've been thinking about loss lately. To be specific, about grief. It comes in many forms; sadness, anger, pain. Sometimes we try to hide it while other times we embrace it. For me, I've lost many loved ones in my life. Cancer, alcoholism, murder and horrific accidents have taken parts in their death. It's caused me to look at my own life differently. Most of the time, I put on a brave face and generally try to be happy. I look at the good things in life and the people I'm surrounded by; the ones I'm lucky to still have in my life. But at night, when the lights go out I still grieve.

Art That Circles The Earth

2010-03-04T21:05:00.012-06:00

For a few months now, I've been participating in a project that Shana Goetsch started. Here's a little information regarding the ATCTE project. (Click the image for a bigger view) Image courtesy of Shana R. Goetsch.

There are several great artists involved in this project which you can find out more about on ATCTE blog. Be sure to check out the other mandalas that Shana and the artists are working on. There's some really great artwork taking place.

Here's the two mandalas that both Shana and I created together. You can also see the photos of each phase on the blog.

Heather Gordy To Shana R. Goetsch - This is one I started and sent to her in Milwaukee, WI. After she worked on it, it made the trip back to me in Houston, TX where I did a little more to it. It made it's final trip to Milwaukee where Shana completed it.

Shana R. Goetsch to Heather Gordy - This mandala was started by Shana in Milwaukee. It made it's way to me in Houston where I worked on it a bit and happily sent it back to her. She in turn added a little more and sent it to Houston again. Well, the post had a mishap and it made an extra trip back to Shana before I even had a chance to work on it. Luckily she did receive it and resent it in my direction. I finished this one up.

#7: 52 In 2010 - Enlightened Heart

2010-02-27T18:17:00.002-06:00

Yet another in the series. Maybe this will help me find my enlightened path.
Enlightened Heart - #7: 52 In 2010 8.5" x 6.5" Mixed Media on 12pt Coated Carolina Cover Stock

All Images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy-2010

An oldie...

2010-02-16T19:29:00.003-06:00

Wolf's Intent - 9" x 12" Prismacolor on gray Illustration Board

This is an older piece I did several years ago. Thought it deserved a little love so decided to post it. Just a little glimpse into my past.

#6: 52 In 2010 - It Lurks

2010-02-13T11:53:00.003-06:00

Here it is, lurking in the back of my mind if all this effort will pay off. Maybe it will, maybe it wont, but I know that I have to try. To just give up would mean nothing and all that I've put in it thus far, would be a waste.

It Lurks - #6: 52 In 2010 - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

All Images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

#5: 52 In 2010 - Fairly Innocent

2010-02-06T22:48:00.005-06:00

It's been a dismal week. Gray, rainy, and just plain blah. It takes a toll on a person, mainly me. I find it hard to get out of the funk and depression that this type of weather puts me in. So glad the sun has returned if only for a few days. Looks like more rain and possibly snow? may be on it's way. It's not supposed to snow in southern Texas. What's going on here?

Decided to change direction just a tad with this latest piece in the series. The colors are more spring like in hopes it will effect real life. Maybe it was just a way to work through the blahs. One can hope.

Fairly Innocent - #5: 52 In 2010 - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

All Images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

Friend or Foe #4: 52 In 2010

2010-02-01T22:23:00.006-06:00

We've all had them. You know, the person that you weren't sure if you should be friends with them or take them out back. I haven't met a person like that in quite some time, and for that I'm grateful.

6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover #4: 52 In 2010

All images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

Weathered - #3: 52 In 2010

2010-01-23T17:18:00.009-06:00

It's been warm here in southern Texas the past few days. The sun made it's appearance the past couple of days, however it's been elusive today. No rain, still warm...but grey. Alas, the sun will shine tomorrow and a new adventure awaits.

It's been an educational week as I've embarked on tons of research for an upcoming project. I won't go into anymore detail than that as I don't want to jinx it, but if things work out the way we hope, this may really be worth it.

That being said, here's the next in the series:

Weathered - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover - #3: 52 In 2010

All images contained herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2010

Ghostly Encounters - #2: 52 In 2010

2010-01-15T20:31:00.007-06:00

Inspired by Shana Goetsch's 365 Circles, I decided to give myself a personal challenge of creating 52 smaller pieces. My plan is to create and post 1 new piece a week. This not only allows me the chance in experimenting with different techniques to apply towards bigger projects, but gives me something to focus on when I get frustrated. Here's #2

Ghostly Encounters - 6.5" x 8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

#2: 52 In 2010

All images contained herein (c) copyright Heather Gordy - 2010

New Year...New Art - #1: 52 In 2010

2010-01-10T14:50:00.008-06:00

Memory of The Fallen - 6.5"x8.5" Mixed Media on Carolina Cover

#1: 52 In 2010.

All images contained herein (c) copyright Heather Gordy - 2010

The Sketchbook Project Library

2010-01-05T15:14:00.004-06:00

The first Exhibition is right around the corner. It's kind of exciting and kind of a bummer at the same time. I won't get a chance to go to any of the exhibitions unless they add one in the Texas region. That's the way it goes sometimes. Since it'll be in a permanent collection after the tour, maybe I'll find my way up to Brooklyn one of these days.

January 29th-30th, 2010

Art House Gallery

309 Peters St

Atlanta, GA 30313

February 19 - 21, 2010

303Grand

303 Grand St.

Brooklyn, NY 11211

February 26, 2010

Brooklyn Art Library (Grand Opening Party!)

201 Richards Street #16

Brooklyn, NY 11231

April 8 - 11, 2010

Art and Shelter Gallery at The Salvation Army Alegria

2737 W Sunset Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90039

April 16 - 18, 2010

Soulard Art Market

2028 S. 12th St

Saint Louis, MO 63104

May 7 - 9, 2010

Home Gallery

1407 E. 54th Place

Chicago, IL 60615

Dates are subject to change so if they do, I'll be sure to make the corrections.

Self Imagined

2009-12-30T10:56:00.007-06:00

As this year is coming to an end, I've taken the time to finish up a couple of projects and to make my list of new ones. Oh boy is the list growing! This piece is one for Art House Co-op. The project is called The Space Between Us. We were given a 4" x 6" piece of watercolor paper to create anything we wanted to on it. I decided to use acrylic paint since that's my medium of choice. We didn't have to relate back to the title of the project, but I chose to do my own interpretation of it. 'The space between us' and the grave is not definitive. Non of us know exactly how long we'll be in this world, so we must make the best of the time we have. This year especially, I've been trying to make the most out of my art and my life. Letting go of my inhibitions and just going for it. I hope I can continue on this path.

Self Imagined
4" x 6" Acrylic on Watercolor Paper

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Christmas Dreams

2009-12-19T23:12:00.006-06:00

For Christmas, my Nanny (Cherokee Grandmother) asked for me to paint a picture of a native american for her bedroom. She then mentioned how she'd missed having a shield and/or dreamcatcher in her room. I decided to put the two together and came up with this. Everything was created by hand. The ring was wrapped in leather cord; The leather in the center was cut and glued together then painted on with acrylic paint; The dreamcatcher was hand tied with sinew; Each feather and bead strung; and fur cut to size and affixed to the wrapped ring. It took a couple of days to create this, but it was worth it. I hope she loves it and it brings her peaceful dreams.

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c)Heather Gordy - 2009

Sketchy Slideshow - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-12-16T08:46:00.004-06:00

Finally Finished

2009-12-15T13:29:00.007-06:00

Finally finished my sketchbook. Now to send it off to Atlanta for the show in January at The Art House Co-op.

Page 32 & 33

Page 34 & 35

Page 36 & 37

Page 38 & 39

Page 40 & Back Inside Cover

I've also been collaborating with Shana Goetsch on the Art That Circles The Earth project so there will be more to come. I'm ready for the holidays to be over so things get back to semi-normal.

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

2 4 The Price Of 1 - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-18T23:18:00.004-06:00

I'm counting down the pages...Only 3 1/2 spreads to go.

Pages 28-29

Pages 30-31

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Pages 26 & 27 - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-16T21:49:00.003-06:00

Here's another page playing around with ink, copic markers and water soluble crayons. Sometimes simple pages are fun.

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Pages 24 & 25 - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-16T15:36:00.002-06:00

I'm getting closer and closer to the end.

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Leaves of the Fallen - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-13T08:57:00.003-06:00

Well, I'm about 7 1/2 pages (spreads) away from completing my sketchbook. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's not just a train. This one is my new favorite now. I just like the way the ink, water soluble crayons and pencil work together.

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

In Mourning - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-08T11:14:00.003-06:00

This statue really spoke to me when I saw it at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston. I was captivated by her. I do plan on using her again in this book. Maybe the full view and another closeup since she's my favorite. A friend (Vincent Fink) and I were roaming around taking pictures of other things around her. The sprinklers came on and we scattered when we both noticed how the water sprayed around her. Quiet captivating.

All Images Contained Herin Copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Here Lies Emma - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-06T23:39:00.004-06:00

Here's another page in my sketchbook. I was playing around with water soluble crayons and ink.

All Images Contained Herein copyright (c) Heather Gordy - 2009

Another Page Turned - Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-11-04T08:36:00.005-06:00

Here's another page I just finished. I guess I finish one about every three days or so. Sometimes quicker and others not so much. It's been fun working on it so far. I have maybe half the book to go and about 2 months (a little less) to finish it. No problemo!

I definitely don't miss the days of artist's block. It seemed all of last year and even most of the year before was miserable. I felt trapped in my own head, unable to let any creativity seep out onto a page or canvas. I truly hope I never have to go through that again.

The Sketchbook Project 2009

2009-10-31T13:02:00.013-05:00

I've finally gotten around to posting pics from my latest project. I've signed up for the Sketchbook Project 4 at ArtHouseCoop.com. I've been working on it for sometime now and am almost halfway done with the sketchbook. I ended up glueing pages together for more stability which means less pages to have to create, but it's holding up nicely.

Have a click and check it out!!

Phew, I'm glad it's done...

2009-09-19T16:32:00.010-05:00

Flight Of The Ego

18"x36" Acrylic on Stretched Canvas

Finally! I spent a good amount of time on this piece, maybe too much time if there is such a thing. I'm very pleased with it and it's going to be a tough one to part with if there ever is an opportunity to do so.

No, I haven't forgotten.

2009-09-12T23:48:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything here even though I've been up to my elbows in art. Seems that bouncing around between different projects isn't condusive to finishing one. So it goes....

This is an experiment for an upcoming project that will need to be finished rather quickly. Any thoughts?

All Images Contained Herein Copyright (c) Heather Gordy

Rooted

2009-07-28T14:50:00.006-05:00

I've been lost in my own world as of late. My head's been spinning in a million directions and I haven't been able to slow it down. Bursting with ideas from each end of the spectrum, I've failed to get many of them down. The problem is I do better when I'm working on several things at once and trying to focus on a rather large piece I've been working on has been difficult. I keep telling myself to work on that blasted thing and then in turn won't start anything new. Maybe that's my problem. Here's something I did while boredom sunk in at work today. To the left is the original pencil drawing done on blue card stock.

Here's the picture after it's been tweaked and digitally colored. I like it both ways.

Divine Danseuse

2009-07-02T14:45:00.009-05:00

Yet another sketch from my sketchbook. Are you surprised it's tree-like? Probably not.

Latest Project...

2009-06-30T10:58:00.006-05:00

Ok, so I haven't done any personal artwork since Cloak & Dagger, but that's not to say I haven't been flexing the creative muscle. As a gift to my Dad for Father's Day, I helped with this totally cool, slightly old school, and completely custom flame job on his car. It was a 3 day process just to paint it, and that's not including the wet sanding and buffing that's done afterwards. I will post the final pictures of his 'Stang in all it's painted and shiny glory once the buffing is complete. For now, here's the process before sanding and buffing. Originally his car had racing stripes down the middle which were removed as part of the prep. I'll post those pics along with the finals.

Day one was mostly prep. The garage was turned into a paint booth; the car washed and free of oils, waxes and what not; and the paper laid out for the design.

Day two was spent drawing the design of the flames on the paper; transferring the design to the actual car (lines were perforated with a pounce wheel then blue chalk was rubbed into the perforated holes leaving the chalk on the car); and then thin 1/8 inch blue line tape was used to follow the chalk lines.

On day three (actual Father's Day) there was even more taping....taping....taping. I thought we'd never get it all done in time to actually paint. Painting came after the taping of course, and this went by super fast. All that prep and hard work led up to about an hour of actual spraying (if that). Then it came down to peeling off all that tape that took hours to put on. And there you have it.

Only thing left to do was sand and buff. The paint has to cure for 24 hours before that process. It's been in the sanding; touch up a spot here and there; sand some more process for a few days but looks like it's moving into the buffing process now.

Cloak & Dagger

2009-06-13T13:48:00.007-05:00

Well, here it is finally finished. Glad to be done with it and on to the next project.

Cloak & Dagger; 24" X 20" Acrylic on Canvas

Twisted Portrait

2009-06-11T16:04:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything. It's not that I haven't been working on things, it's just that I need to finish them. Currently in progress is a painting I've been working on for several weeks. I had planned to finish it this past weekend but never did. Too many things going on at one time. Hopefully I'll have it completed in the next few days and will share it here.

A blogger friend and artist Shana Goetsch ,who does absolutely amazing work by the way, has just put up a bunch of self portraits and it got me thinking. I don't do self portraits because I simply can't bear to look at myself long enough to do it. Yeah, I have issues with that. At any rate, maybe the reason I paint/draw trees so often is a reflection of my inner self. Trees can be beautiful but they can be ugly too. Some are twisted memories of themselves and show the many years of change on their faces. So many things effect them; environmental changes, mankind, mammals, bugs, birds, forces of nature. Everything around them effects what they will become much as everything around me effects who I am and what I do. Well, I thought I'd share a sketchbook piece that I've done in my down time at work. There's been a lot of that lately and I think the sinking feeling of possible hardships had a big part in this tree's appearance.

Well, maybe Shana has influenced me to try out a self portrait again. Maybe it'll be a good exercise to just get over it. We shall see.

Sketchbook Dilemma

2009-05-20T14:40:00.012-05:00

Here I go, trying to get over the hesitation of drawing in a sketchbook. Throughout school I drew in them all the time, mainly because that was part of our finals, but I've always had an aversion to filling a book with random sketches. It's a bit intimidating; what if I screw up? Get over it already!! So the pages you'll see done in graphite will be from my sketchbook. To prove it, I'll make sure to scan the rings on the side as well.

The Grackle is one of those crazy smart birds. We have them all over the place here and sometimes they sound like a crackling loud speaker. They can mimic human speech too. I was watching one yesterday morning, as he tried to crack open a pecan shell. He finally flew up to the power lines and dropped it from there above the pavement. It took a couple of tries, but he managed to break the shell and consume the nut.

This here is a lovely Plumed Basilisk Lizard. (As if you couldn't figure that out..LOL) It's the one that runs across the water. You know which one. He's kinda cute in an ugly kinda way.

Just Another Manic Monday...

2009-05-18T14:29:00.005-05:00

...Ok, not really but who's counting. Actually it's quite boring at work today so I decided to sketch. Sometime this weekend, I think it was Saturday, I was channel surfing and paused on a rerun of Gilmore Girls. They were at a Bangles concert. I guess it stuck with me and decided to sketch out Susanna Hoffs (80's version). At any rate, it kept me busy for a while.

These were done today at work too. The theme is Mardi Gras (I know, a little late or maybe I'm just early). I randomly draw little cartoon characters, usually in the margins of my sketch book. Goes to show there's still an animator buried somewhere inside.

Treescape

2009-05-15T14:42:00.012-05:00

Here's a small series of trees in the same diluted acrylic "watercolor" technique I used before. Each individual painting is 5.5" X 8.5". The total dimensions after matting is 19.5" x 10.5".

Trees hold a special meaning for me, especially those that lose their leaves throughout their course. It's a true cycle of life. Spring brings fresh buds and flowers... child; Summer holds tight the green leaves rustling in the wind... adult; Fall is the turning of time where yellows, oranges, reds and browns are constantly changing... elder; Winter reveals their bare limbs and exposes them to the elements... spirit.

Stripped

2009-05-08T23:40:00.003-05:00

I've been working on another plexi piece for my grandmother. It's a wolf howling at the moon which will be framed with a light behind it. It's a long process, so in between I've been playing around with "watercolor" style paintings. I'm actually using acrylic paint that's heavily diluted to give the same effect. When I first started really creating art as a kid, I primarily used watercolor. As I got more advanced and creative, I moved on to different things and left it behind. Since I've gotten the major art bug back, experimenting with new and old mediums has been fun and a nice change of pace. Maybe a series of trees painted this way is in order? We'll see!

Stripped - Diluted Acrylic on 5.5" x 8.5 " Watercolor cold press

Le Patissier

2009-05-06T12:49:00.007-05:00

I'm extremely bored at work and decided to sketch while engraving name badges and bag tags. I hate that stupid machine, but at least it's something to do when things are slow. The constant hum of the motor working tirelessly is mind numbing to say the least. Trying to block out the sound with headphones while sketching helps, but the unending pattern of putting in and taking out the plastic trinkets is annoying. I'd rather be doing art which is what I was hired for. Doesn't help that there's a skeleton crew and this lovely task has been thrust upon me. OH JOY. Can't you see the excitement?

I was a little hungry when I started these 3" x 3.5" doodles as it was right before lunch...LOL I sure could use a chocolate cupcake with a pale yellow paper cup, thick pink cream cheese frosting and bright red cherry on top. It makes me smile!

Heartbeat Within

2009-05-02T20:09:00.006-05:00

So, here it is. The one I've been working on between reading books, going out of town and playing catch up. Originally I had planned on adding hands around the right bottom corner by airbrushing around mine, but decided I liked it the way it was. I did use the airbrush to give it a smokey effect. Heartbeat Within is painted in acrylic (both by brush and airbrush) on a 16" x 20" Canvas Board.

Life Can Be A Fairy Tale

2009-05-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, so inspired by the video below, I decided to create my own personal Fairy Tale Kong. No this isn't the painting I've been working on for the past ummm...two weeks, but that one has to dry so I can photograph it.(Yes, it's done) I was bored and decided to bust out the markers, watercolor and colored pencil. It's light hearted and fun which is in deep contrast to the painting that's about to come.

Alles Neu

2009-05-01T08:07:00.007-05:00

I still haven't finished the painting I was working on and it's driving me crazy. I've been out of town and trying to play catch up at work because of it. Oh well, so is life I suppose. Just so you all know I haven't dropped completely off of the planet, I decided to post a music video. There's something about the song and video. Could it be the rhythm, the language, the meaning or the cello playing chimps in monkey suites? You be the judge!
CLICK HERE FOR ENGLISH TRANSLATION

BeLeaf

2009-04-23T09:19:00.007-05:00

I've been leaving my Altered Book alone for the moment and have been working on a few other things instead. I hope to be posting a new painting sometime next week. It's not finished as I've been reading the Twilight series which I'm on the last book now so not too much longer. Work has been incredibly slow so I've been working on a digital piece. Here it is, only a day late, but this is my tribute to Earth Day. The woman and the leaves were first drawn on a scrap piece of paper that would have otherwise been thrown away. (See, I recycled) I scanned it into my lovely work computer and went to town in Illustrator. Some of you might be asking why I didn't use Photoshop and the answer is simple. We don't really have a big use for Photoshop at work (although it would be helpful sometimes) so boss is too cheap to get it. Oh well, Illustrator worked out well and I'm happy with it. I think I may print this one out and frame it which I've never done with one of my digital illustrations. The name of this one is "BeLeaf". Cheesy I know, but I've never been really good at coming up with clever names. Oh well, belief that life will go on. Belief that every ending has a beginning. Take it in and breath it out. WOOOSAAAA!

Copyright © 2009 Heather Gordy. All rights reserved.

The Man That Did It All

2009-04-20T09:50:00.008-05:00

Dali has to be one of my most favorite artists. His paintings are strangely appealing as well as his eccentric performances. He was a madman and a genius. When asked in an interview what he thinks he's contributed to art, he replied "To Art, nothing, absolutely nothing. I've always said I'm a very bad painter because I'm too intelligent to be a good painter. To be a good painter you've got to be a bit stupid..."

Red Winged Blackbird

2009-04-11T16:58:00.007-05:00

Red Winged Blackbird

8"x10" Acrylic Paint on Plexi-glass

I was very pleased with my latest piece. I've seen a few artists paint on plexi-glass and decided that it was something I wanted to give a go. It's challenging in the fact that you have to think in layers, backwards. The smaller pic is of the three 1/8" plexi-glass layers separately as well as combined. As always you can click on the image to make it larger. I used regular acrylic paint which worked out very nicely. There are clear rubber pads between to give it even more of a 3-D look. It does look better in person than on scan as you can really see the difference in layers. I'm going to frame it this weekend and maybe I'll take a picture of it. Who knows, it may photograph better.

Next Four Spreads

2009-04-08T19:40:00.009-05:00

Here's the next four spreads of my altered book. Most of it has been created using acrylic paint and chalk pastels. Pages 15 & 16 were inspired by lyrics of a song which I can't remember the name..LOL. Pages 17 & 18 are were inspired by the song "Comes and Goes" by Greg Laswell which is on my player. Pages 19-22 were inspired by a poem I wrote a long time ago. It's not the complete version so I posted it below that pic.

Pages 15 & 16

Pages 17 & 18

Pages 19 & 20

Pages 21 & 22

TRAPPED (written by Heather Gordy - 03/10/07)

Foam melts; Disappears...
It's a friend of water.
Untrusty... Unstable liquid lost in the effervescent lies surrounded by voids in time.
Foam settles on murky waters, dissolving truths cast in shadows dark.
Silent;
Trembling on broken wings as it softly dances on lips of deceit.
In this place of deadly dreams it lurks.
Devilish eyes spy on bursting bubbles caught in a trance that binds it to this world.
Showing bloody hands and open arms, it sits patiently...
Waiting in chartreuse symphonies filled with childish games and daisy chains.
Frothy, cold and restless.
It's a formulation of perfection.
Biological inventions;
Somewhere between solid and gaseous manipulation.
Foam dreaming of becoming water becoming ice.
Polluted memories of smothering control, immolated by savage uses of potential mayhem.
Combustible maniacs of chemistry equations.
Matter left over...
Overused;
Sprayed with powdered delusions of reckless hearts and battered bones.
Foam melting into salted crystals and burned by flames upon silver.
Injected, inhaled, shot, smoked, absorbed;
Ripping through to the center.
A sodium delight meant for chambers under pressure.
Pure, impure, real, untrusty, unstable;
Foam dissolving into water.
It lurks... No longer alone.

Tree Top Circus

2009-04-08T18:37:00.004-05:00

Tree Top Circus 16" x 20" Acrylic on Canvas Board

This was another one that was stuck in the closet. I decided to drag it out and post it here for your veiwing pleasure. When I first painted it, last year, I wasn't sure if I even liked it. I think it finally grew on me and I plan on framing it in the near future.

Recycle, Reuse & Repurpose Life

2009-04-02T22:03:00.008-05:00

Pages 11 & 12. Acrylic Paint, Chalk, Ink, Plastic, Metal and Receipts make up these pages. My attempt to recycle more than newspaper and milk cartons.

Pages 13 & 14. Chalk and graphite. I decided to do some life drawing which I haven't done in ages. Boy am I out of practice. Figuring she needed a little help not to draw so much attention to her, that I added a flower. It helped...I think

Murder of Crows

2009-03-29T12:16:00.009-05:00

Murder of Crows

12.5" x 20" - mixed media

So, I've always been into painting, drawing and/or collaging birds. For some reason, crows are a favorite of mine. I started work on this piece a very long time ago, but wasn't pleased with the border area around the patchwork crow image. I put it away so I wouldn't have to look at it. As I was spring cleaning my art supply closet, I came across it and decided to rework the border. I covered the previous crap with black, gray and brown acrylic paint. It already looked better, but I wanted to add something more. At first I painted lines reminiscent of barbed-wire. I was getting there, but it still needed something extra. Adding circles in different tints and shades of aqua did the trick. Needless to say, I'm glad this picture was pulled out of the closet and finished. Now all that's left is to frame it. Another project I will do in the coming months once I get enough work worthy of framing.

"Alter"ior Motives

2009-03-27T18:55:00.005-05:00

Pages 7 & 8

Pages 9 & 10

Here's the next 4 pages of my Altered Book. The butterfly was created on the first day of spring which I thought was appropriate. Theses pages were mainly created using a gel transfer technique. It gave me a chance to play around with it, and so far I like the results.

Songbird

2009-03-20T20:38:00.006-05:00

Pages 5 & 6

Let the music be your inspiration. Sing my little Songbird, sing.

Altered Book

2009-03-18T15:07:00.011-05:00

I changed the images in my last post to better pics. Here's a different angle and pages 3-4.

Flat

Pages 3-4

Lost In The Closet

2009-03-17T22:14:00.009-05:00

Cover

Pages 1-2

I started an altered book last year and named it Theroize Color*, hence the name of my blog. During the holidays with family coming in and out, my art room/office doubled as a guest room. The book was tossed in the closet behind closed doors. There it sat gathering dust beneath piles of random papers and art supplies. I finally decided to dig it out and start work on it again. I'm posting the cover and the first pages I completed. I'll post more pics as I complete pages.

Where Does The Rooster Go When It Rains?

2009-03-14T21:34:00.008-05:00

I work in an older part of Houston just east of downtown. It's a combination of houses, factories and other various businesses found in the shadows of skyscrapers. The streets are scattered with "roach coaches" (taco trucks) and vendors on bikes selling miscellaneous mexican snacks. To those that work in the area it's know as "Little Mexico" but to it's residents, it's just called home.

My company is on the corner of a busy street and a neighborhood filled with houses probably built in the 40's and 50's. On the corner lot of a cross street is a little gray house. Nothing fancy but kept in good condition considering the location. Every morning around 11:30, a confused but rather loud rooster crows on the lawn of gray house. It's my entertainment from the monotony of a boring day behind a computer doing the graphic art biddings of our clients. Like clockwork, there he his crowing away at an odd time. Occasionally you can hear the crow of a competeing foul just down another street.

For the past few days Houston has been inundated with cold and dreary weather. The rooster; no where in sight or sound. It's funny how you miss the unyeilding call of the cock in question. I admit the first day I didn't think much about it. The second day I questioned where he could be. Is he tucked away somewhere under the boxwoods? Is there a hidden coop I've never seen or maybe he's hiding under the truck in the carport?

The rooster was the inspiration for this peice as I've had no luck finding the elusive bird. I just hope he didn't end up in a pot of chicken soup on a cold night. Maybe you can tell me, Where Does The Rooster Go When It Rains?

It all started with primed canvas board. The background is painted with acrylic and is of a pile of feathers (extremely abstract) in various shades of red/org and black. I then scanned several feathers into photoshop and manipulated the image. The feathers were printed on white tissue paper which ended up being a little tricky not tearing as it went through the inkjet. I then affixed it to the board using once again, gloss medium and varnish.

Silence Of The Crows

2009-03-06T19:20:00.005-06:00

I actually finished my latest painting in a week. I was expecting not to post this until next week, but boredom and insomnia found their way into my art room and I finished it. This piece is acrylic on canvas paper. I covered a mat board in black feathers and coated everything in gloss medium & varnish.