An Emotional Process

       "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." I love this quote by Albert Einstein. As I began this drawing a few months ago I acknowledged the red leaf and thought it to be parallel with my life at the time. As I grew through the emotions of my life's journey - as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and christian, I hit walls. Temporarily pausing to pray, meditate, and contemplate my actions and behaviors. Praying for guidance and handing it over to a Higher Power allowed my "artist's block" to crumble and conceded to the impetuous flow of water and color in this drawing. The red leaf has slowly changed from red to orange to an orange-yellow.

Admitting, amending, and accepting enables our souls to move on. We need to not only ask forgiveness but offer it as well. It is in giving that we receive.

"Forgiven"

 

 

As always thank you for reading!



Ready, Set, Draw!

After hearing only good things about the Caran D'ache Pablo color pencils I had to see for myself what is so wonderful about these pencils.

They are more expensive than my Prismacolors but I decided to loosen the purse strings and go for it. My order arrived on Tuesday and I was floating on air when I opened the set! The gorgeous rainbow of colors, perfectly sharpened and in order! I felt my O.C.D. kick in before I reached out to slowly move my fingers along the tray and stopped. I had to take a photo! Once I began to draw this tin box would never be the same. Okay.......enough about this compulsion.

These pencils draw like butter! I haven't come close to any pencil in comparison to the Prismacolors and I have to say that the Pablos are there....minus the price. As I get further on my drawing I'll let you know how the color choices are.

Until then, happy drawing and as always thanks for reading.

Trash to Treasure, The Final Project

Well I finally finished my rainbow storage bin, labels and all. It fits perfectly on top of my flat files and there's still plenty of unused drawers to fill! The flat files were purchased from an office that was going out of business last winter. My husband and I went to the sale and found them in the usual gray color with quite a few scrapes and scratches all over it. Because my studio faces the north side and is quite small I wanted the room to be as light as possible, the furniture as well. I painted the walls in a cameo white and painted the flat files white. My husband made a laminate top for it so it would bare weight more evenly.

So the room is complete with the exception of creating another color pencil lazy susan. It's still in the planning stages but will be posted. I promise.

Now that the "nesting" process is winding down, I'm preparing for the hibernation in my studio for the fall and winter months to come. I've been adding more nature photos to my inventory and am hoping I'll have a few nice ones to keep me busy for the next several months.

Trash to Treasure

A couple of months ago my husband and I came upon a garage sale where most items were tools and machinery. I usually turn my nose up at men's garage sales but when I stumbled across this steel bin shelf I saw a diamond in the rough. I should have taken photos before I started sanding and washing the pieces. The only photo I have is a portion of it. It was the early 80's country blue. The unit consisted of 50 bins but is missing five so I can use one shelf to store a large tin of colored pencils.

The ceiling fan in my studio is a color wheel, so why not create a matching storage unit?! My studio space is small and I needed to find some way of organizing additional pencils and other odds and ends. I will be finishing off the bins and shelf with a clear gloss coat within the next few days and put it together by the beginning of next week. My studio should be complete by then and I'll post it after that.

I'm hoping to get back to drawing in September after the kids get back to school and I can develop a regular routine. I usually find time after work in the evenings to sit at the drawing table but the summer weather just calls me outdoors to do my walking or any other activity excuse my mind can bring up.

The cooler weather seemed to whisper in this morning and it reminded me of the mornings that we will once again greet in a few weeks while getting the children on the morning buses. We complain about the blasted intense heat of the summers but yet our faces become still and saddened when the cool, crisp air comes knocking at our windows because we know that soon after that the nights become long and cold. This is when I can be found in front of my drawing table and heater at my feet and a warm cup of coffee in the morning or tea in the evening.

So, as I wind up my organizing of my studio (or some may call it nesting or harvesting before the seasons) I wish all my readers to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and embrace the upcoming crispness of autumn, the beautiful colors of the turning leaves and the smiles of the parents whose children are returning to school.

As always, thank you for reading!

Dallas, Camping, Home

So here I am with both feet (or should I say with both boots) planted firmly on my own solid Michigan ground after an enjoyable week with old and new friends in Dallas, Texas at the CPSA International convention.

This was followed by a week of camping at the Warren Dunes along Lake Michigan as one of several parent chaperones for my daughter's cross country girls' and boys' teams.

Rekindling the friendships I had made from last year in San Francisco brought memories of young giggling school girls who were so excited about a huge sleepover away from mom and dad (a.k.a. the husband, family and responsibilities).

The exhibition displayed some of the best colored pencil artwork by international artists. I was very impressed this year with the competition.

Because of the 104 degree heat in Dallas we didn't venture out too much but five of us were dead set on purchasing a pair of cowboy boots! We had a ball trying on several styles and sizes and one by one we chose the style that seemed to applaud our personalities. As you will see in the photo my boot (the dark chocolate with the red accent) applauds quietly. *Sigh* I'll have to work on that next year ladies. ;)

What diversity in our choices!

After our boot shopping we were famished for some delicious Mexican food!

Kendra Ferreira with her beautiful "Sea Foam" at the top.

Yours truly with "Beyond All Boundaries"

Deborah Friedman with her prize winning "Counterpoint in Green"

Lynda Schumacher and her "Canadian Cowgirl" above. Lynda also received her five year Merit Award!

The Cippy Award "The Sisters" went to C.J. Worlien

Myself, Elizabeth Patterson and Lynda Schumacher getting a little crazy at the reception. I think the Dallas heat was getting to us!

Now, onto the camping......to be honest, I have never camped out in my life! I lived in the country when growing up, so why would I go camping?

We borrowed a camper from a good friend and my husband took care of the rest. We left for Lake Michigan the day after I returned from Dallas. I was looking forward to some cool nights coming off the lake after the oven-like temperatures in Dallas. Unfortunately we had temperatures in the 90's and the humidity, of course, made it worse.

The cross country team lightened their work-out schedules and spent more time in the water. We chaperones, ladies especially, didn't mind it. Tradition among the team is to run up the biggest Warren Dune (not once, not twice, but three times for the girls and five times for the boys)! Since my daughter asked that I be the girls' photographer I knew that I should be on top of that dune in order to get some good shots. Yes, I did it! I climbed it once on "Dunes Day" and once on the final day before going home. A year ago (75 pounds heavier) I would not have been able to climb it and would have been embarrassed in front of my son and daughter. As I made it to the top I hid my tears of joy and excitement behind my camera.

What a journey my past year had taken! I am and have been blessed by so many people, family and friends! I have seen and done things I never dreamed of doing! I have a wonderful and supportive husband, children who are considerate, kind and loving and most of all a mother who has always been the best role model by putting others before herself but always teaching us her motto that I live by today..."Be true to yourself".

This year I am especially grateful for those close friends and new friends that have been there for me to support and applaud my weight loss. I have overcome several personal obstacles and continue to do so as I battle my food addiction. As I reach out and seek positive relationships I become stronger and more confident physically, mentally, spiritually and most of all artistically.

I draw and paint what I feel and I feel what I paint. I have tested many new boundaries this year and so it was only fitting that "Beyond All Boundaries" be the title of my displayed piece at the CPSA exhibit this year.

As always, thank you for reading!

Julie is one of five girls' captains this year on a team of 140 girls.

At the very top of the Warren Dunes along Lake Michigan!

CPSA Entry Completed

I vowed to myself last year that I would never work under the gun again with my CPSA entry piece. But alas, just as I have done with cleaning the house, doing taxes, etc. I have used every excuse to avoid the barriers I hit during the progress of this piece. The size started off to be 22 x 34. But as the colors were added the composition became too complicated. Cropping is a too familiar word in my vocabulary and it found it's way back into this painting. After focusing more on the movement of the rapids and the direction of the highlighted water, it became apparent where I had to crop it. It is now 14 x 31.

After the crop, relief and satisfaction came. (I feel the same way about a new hairstyle. :) )

Beyond All Boundaries started to come to life and I felt as if the pencils knew just where to go without my assistance. I became excited about the near birth of this painting!

I have been told by a dear friend to learn to trust yourself. Thank you dear friend!! As I become more comfortable with my decisions I am becoming more confident with them as well.

I used to think art was just about creating, but I'm understanding it's about my life, taking on new challenges and winning them. My paintings are becoming the pages of the diary of my life. As I look back at each piece I can remember what time of year it was and what struggles, challenges and accomplishments I have made. Hence, my latest and newest piece Beyond All Boundaries.

I wish all those who entered the competition the best of luck!

Thank you all for reading.

W.I.P. completed!

After months of second guessing myself on the choice of reference photos, rainbows of colors, techniques and just deciding how to execute this massive size, I can finally say with a huge smile on my face...."I am completely pleased and giddy over this painting!" There are no regrets, if only, or maybes.
I have learned so much about myself in this painting. I was afraid to work with such an enormous size since it's been a while and yet it's my largest ever. I have learned to trust myself with what I know and don't be afraid to try new things. I tell my students that in color pencil most mistakes can be corrected and don't be afraid to try new colors. I've discovered that during the painting while I have engaged in softer and relaxed techniques, so has my life paralleled the painting. I have learned to let go, don't be so critical, I can't control everyone or anything. I can't protect my children forever but I can give them the knowledge of wisdom and faith. Relish the good times and memories. The past can not be changed and the future holds boundless promises and successes if we allow them.
The title of the painting is withheld until the client receives it. (hint...it will be" ___'s Tulips"..the client's daughter's name). I honestly can't wait to see the expression on their faces! I hope they like it.
Now it will be off to making chocolates and cookies for Christmas. It's a tradition I look forward to every year with my kids!

San Francisco Update

On August 20th the CPSA International Exhibit came to an end and I had been waiting impatiently for my original drawing of "Caught Up In the Moment"to be returned at the front door by the UPS man. I started tracking it on Monday and noticed that it was due here on Wednesday, September 1.

When it finally came I noticed the box was to my surprise in very good condition. Although when I picked it up it seemed light. At first I thought my strength training was paying off. Hahahahaha! (**cough**) But as I opened it up I knew I wouldn't find my painting in there.

Since I hadn't received a phone call, e-mail, or snail mail notifying me of a sale I assumed the worst but kept my hopes up that someone fell in love with it and purchased it.

After a quick phone call to the Art Museum of Los Gatos where it was hanging I was informed that my piece was indeed SOLD and the check would be in the mail soon. Yippee!! For the next hour I was doing the happy dance around the house with my husband, teenagers, and three little ones I nanny just shake their heads with embarrassment.

I have many things to be thankful for at the conclusion of the CPSA exhibit. First and foremost, my family who supported me last year when the stress was turned up and my mother who seems to know me better than I know myself and said "this was my time" to take control of my life and "just do it". Then there's the true and many friends I have made at the convention who support each other with love and laughter. LIFE IS GOOD!

The Future Is Looking Brighter (400 watts brighter)

Just like our kids, we parents and teachers prepare ourselves for a new school year. This fall I fit into both categories of parent and teacher. Not only am I looking forward to my kids returning to high school (as I know they are *cough*), but I am also excited about returning to teaching at 212 Art Center in Saline and starting up a workshop in Warren, Michigan for the Warren Fine Art Center at the Warren Community Center.

Though my prior classes have involved transfer paper for transferring photos onto drawing paper I wanted to make it easier and cleaner for my students. (I'm hoping to cut down on time as well.)

I strongly suggested to my handyman of a husband that I would like a homemade light box since they can be pretty expensive. We started out with the idea of a small box (8 x 10) but calculated that it would be cheaper to make a large one to accommodate 4-6 students. (That is, cheaper than building 4-6 light boxes.) If any of you know my husband, he is the "Tim the Tool man" of our subdivision. We actually have a sign for his garage "Bill the tool man". If there's a way to build it bigger and better, Bill will do it.

I've never been so excited about a project of his as I have now! This box looks so professional and works so well! Neighbors will now know when I'm working when they see the house lit up as bright as the Griswold's on "National Lampoon"s Christmas Vacation" Hahahaha!

I'm really hoping my students will enjoy the simplicity of using it and maybe during the cold months they'll appreciate the warmth it gives off. The only drawback is they may need sunglasses. Hahahaha!

I've been working on the tulips but not enough to blog it and see any tremendous headway. I'm hoping to make a major dent this weekend with Labor Day weekend being a three day weekend.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.

my new sleek machine!

8 x 10 photo with a 12 x 16 (800 grit) Uart paper on top (can you see how strong the light is?!)

......and then there was light!!!

A New Woman, A New Painting

It's been a week since returning from California and I'm still astonished with all the new friendships that I've made. After 21 years of raising a family I hate to admit I've never been away from the family except for two family funerals. I know...pretty sad case.

I came to realize that doing something for yourself is not selfish but just the opposite. My family saw a more confident and positive person coming home who smiled and (according to my daughter) laughed a little too much! Can one ever do too much of that? I owe this to the entire CPSA group. Even though this group gathers once a year for the annual convention they seemed to have picked up conversations where they left off from the year before without missing a beat. It's like a family reunion. This being my first year I had absolutely no expectations only to see the best color pencil exhibit from around the world, and I did. But now I understand why (even if one doesn't get accepted) these members attend each year. I believe it's safe to say and parallel the relationships to sisterhood (for the female members). I had the most inspirational and amazing time with old and new friends sight-seeing, conversations, and our common bond - viewing and enjoying each other's art! What more can I ask for?!

The Cippy Award went to a well-deserved artist from Japan, Shinji Harada,CPSA. The detail in his linen entitled Grapes in a Basket was breath-taking. Congratulations. The artists reception at The Art Museum of Los Gatos was well received and many spectators were in awe of the various techniques a color pencil can do.

(At the artist reception)

The Art Museum of Los Gatos

Grapes in a Basket

(Elizabeth Patterson, Lynda Schumacher, and Teresa Mallen at Muir Woods)

(Bonnie Auten and Mari K. Moehl)

(Elizabeth Patterson, Maine, Lynda Schumacher, and Debbi Friedman)

Now that I'm back I have been motivated to work on my next piece. It's a commission and the largest size I've ever done. Tulips from Holland, Michigan was the request on a horizontal format and I was very grateful when I was given pretty much free reign over the colors and types of tulips. I'm working with Prismacolors and on U-Art 800 grit paper. I'm layering the background in now in indigo blue, tuscan red, and dark green and varying in limepeel, moss green, light umber, kelp green, french grey, dahlia purple, and dark purple. After several layers I'll use solvent to blend the colors to give it a more painterly appearance.

Prismacolor on U-Art (27 x 38)

Great Art in the Wilds!

This past weekend my children and I headed to my hometown of Kane, Pennsylvania for the fourth annual Art in the Wilds. Set up went great on Friday evening. My teenagers are taller than I am and seemed to have no problem helping with the tent.

Saturday and Sunday's weather were unbeatable. We had shade from a nearby hemlock tree and the light breeze and warm temperatures gave a nearly impossible excuse for anyone to remain indoors the two days.

The hospitality is overwhelming from such a small town. My teenagers commented that it seemed everyone talked to us as if they had known us for years. I just laughed and said it's always been this way in our town and that's why people keep coming back to visit. It's so refreshing to visit a town where the people approach a stranger with open arms and welcome you into their town with warm hugs and contagious smiles that go on forever! It also helps when everyone in the town knows your mother and considers her the kindest woman around!

We stayed at the Kane Manor for the weekend and we were hosted by the nicest and friendliest gentleman around. Dave puts a smile on everyone's face with his friendly greeting and heart-warm laugh and in the morning you are woken up by the most delicious fragrances of breakfast ever! If you ever decide to travel to that neck of the woods it's worth checking this bed and breakfast out. The fresh country air and warm greetings will definitely make anyone feel at home!

It happens that the art show falls on alumni weekend and because of the professional advertising done people are coming in from the tri-state area to participate in the festivities and purchase good quality art.

The economy may still be lagging but this show seemed to be prosperous for most artists and I was no exception. I enjoy seeing any customer who purchases one of my pieces and grinning from ear to ear because my art put a little happiness into their life. I create first and foremost because I LOVE it and it makes me happy and if it makes someone else happy and brings pleasure to their life then I consider that the ultimate gift from God! There were even those I inspired to go home and grab their art supplies and begin creating again! I love it! Inspiration and creativity costs nothing and it seems to be what really makes us happy!

New Inventory for Upcoming Art Show!

I felt like a kid on Christmas day when I picked up my new order of note cards for my show in Pennsylvania in June! I have had boxed note cards of my "Nature's Candy" series for a few years now and my customers always asked if I would ever get note cards made of my florals and my latest water series. Well, despite the economy, I bit the bullet and placed an order of note cards. I'm very happy I did! I am very pleased with the vibrant colors and the professionalism of the company.

The note cards are available in every floral that I have done as well as the water series with the exception of my latest "Caught Up In the Moment". They will be sold individually and come in a protective polysleeve. The cost will be $2 per card. Many customers don't have the wall space but would like something small to brighten their day and I'm hoping this will do just the thing!

As I have stated in one of my prior blogs, I am showing the last weekend of June in Kane, Pennsylvania at the "Art in the Wilds". I'm looking forward to going home and seeing family and old friends and making some new friends as well! I can always count on the best hospitality there!

Upcoming Events

"Rachael's Lilies"

24 x 17 color pencil on stonehenge

I have been very fortunate this year in being asked to teach a workshop started up by two wonderful ladies. Diane Bennett and Joy Naylor launched a series of summer workshops, http://www.buddingartideas.com/. This will take place in the beautiful University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. There are several artists teaching various media. This is a great opportunity to get away and create in the midst of 200 acres of solitude. You can see my workshop page at www.buddingartideas.com/dianna-soisson-workshop.html.

I'm also preparing for my one and only art show this year in my hometown Kane, Pennsylvania for the Art in the Wilds. This may be a small town but they really know how to treat an artist! Call me biased but they display the best old-fashioned hospitality around! By the way, ask any alumni from there and they'll recommend a Texas Hot from Texas Hot Lunch. They bring back so many fond memories!

Down to the wire

This is my "down to the wire" entry for the CPSA International competition. It is called "Caught Up in the Moment". I had been working on it for over two months and due to unforeseen circumstances I backed myself into a corner the last four days before deadline. What started out to be a 20 x 30 became cropped to a 15 x 20. The problem involved was not time but the subject matter was too busy and I needed to center on what was important. I am much happier with it now as I downsized it. I will keep my fingers crossed as I know how difficult competition is and the art gets better each year.

Now it is off to a commission drawing of Holland tulips from Holland, Michigan. My personal deadline is October and due to the size (20 x 30 or larger) I should get a head start. I have several photos to reference from so I should be okay. With the beautiful weather outside and all the spring flowers blooming I should have no problem becoming inspired!!

I am very pleased to say that I have also been accepted in the Michigan Fine Arts Competition which is held at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center from April 2- May 7, 2010. The piece that has been accepted was in my last post "In the end it is the journey that matters". This exhibit is a must see. The all media exhibit ranges from abstract to realism and I guarantee everyone will find something to satisfy their eye. My good friend Lynda Schumacher is showing there as well. You can spend hours in front of her drawing amazed with her details.

This week my daughter is off to spring softball camp and my husband and son are off to help replace his sister's kitchen floor. I have the entire house to myself! I'll be doing some overdue spring cleaning, paint a bathroom and get a lot of "me time" before I go back to nannying next week. I am going to enjoy this week!!!

Another on it's way...

I have just completed my fourth and last piece of a "journey" series. The leaf (our lives) takes us down the journey until it reaches it's destination. Prints of this series can be seen on display at the Eagle Crest Conference Center from January 29 to April. They are located on the second floor hallway.
My teenagers think that I should start a different subject matter but I see that the water series can be expanded into all four seasons...similar to our lives. The water can take on so many more different colors of the palette! I can't wait to start taking more photos!
My next piece is a maple leaf getting caught up in the turbulent water. It takes on an almost abstract quality.
In March I'll be turning 50. Turning 30 didn't bother me, nor did 40...but 50? My kids are at the age where they are becoming independent. They still need the love, advice and guidance but soon they will be on their own. What do I want to do without regretting years later? Some want to parachute...I'm afraid of heights! Some want to scuba dive...I'm afraid of deep water (my swim instructor (in 1969) threw us in the deep end and said swim!). Some want to see the world...I'm afraid of flying! I'm a real barrel of fun!!! Here's my idea of exhilaration.....changing up my style of drawing. Take my conservative style and go unconventional! Ha! Now don't laugh, this is a big step for me! I just have to remind myself of the quote by William Whewell..."every failure is a step to success"
Anybody have any better ideas to celebrate a 50th? I told my family no party. I'm not one for the spotlight. I'd love to hear what other 50+ ladies have done for their birthday?

Chocolates anyone?

It's that time of year for the Christmas baking and in my family we always made homemade chocolates and chocolate covered cherries are no exception. Two years ago I attempted drawing one of my chocolate covered cherries. In this case the cherry tasted better than the drawing looked and no I didn't have it sit around the whole time I was drawing it. Huh! (I did use a photo.)
I have learned a lot since then. Don't krinkle up foil too much for a photo shoot and don't use a complicated chocolate mold. I have learned that my painting can be turned on it's side and even upside down and take on new perspectives! I have learned to laugh out loud and at myself when others look at this particular painting!:)
Yes, I will try again another chocolate painting someday and this time I guarantee there will be only one way to hang it. Hee! Hee!