Monday, March 8, 2010

Getting Back to Creating ...

You know ... thinking back through my projects - it seems to me that I tend to paint and create when I have a reason to, as commissioned work or gift-giving - - rather than just for the sake of creating. I am wondering if I will be able to shake this routine - even when I am consciously attempting the 12-week course of The Artistic Mother --- Which, by the way, I am part of a large group of like-minded gals who are attempting this feat as well. Check on my sidebar for a link to where you can also pay visit to other artistic women who are on a similar journey ... an artistic sisterhood, per se - - it's nice to know one has company! :) If you would like to join us - stop by at http://www.artisticcreationswithtrudy.blogspot.com/.
Getting back to creating ... Friday and Saturday held a paintbrush in my hand - and, Dear Lord - it felt good! The reason for the painting? - because you know there is! - my mother-in-law's birthday. Right away, I pictured something for or representing her flower garden ... and so, the process began ...
Worn wood from old basement shelves - - character, I say ... after swiping off a few cobwebs! Although, my mom declares that cobwebs simply add texture! LOL!
This may have been the most fun! Throwing paint around & loving that blue!
Adding some warmth and wear with stain.
The makings of a Chickadee - I have such a soft spot for these birds. Funny thing, too, is that my mom-in-law seems to have one of these little characters in her garden that attempts to chase her out each morning. So, it seems appropriate that a darling chickadee must be included.

There he is.

Wild roses ... these are the most fragrant and beautiful roses I've ever seen. And, lucky am I, that a bush has been transferred to our yard. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it will dig its roots in and bloom this summer.

Hollyhocks ... can one have a cottage garden without them?

Meadowsweet.

Sweet William.

Within my Garden ... Magic lives.

It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.

- Claude Monet

8 comments:

Kim said...

That is astoundingly incredible! I LOVE the little bird... have a fondness for most feathered friends. Are you self-taught or trained? In other words, how did you learn to do that?!
Blessings, Kim, another of the mom's on the journey with you throug "the Artistic Mothers" group. And, by the way, love the music on your blog... very invigorating.

Donna said...

Jenny, this is fabulous! I love what you did with an old piece of board and some paint. You are so talented. It's gorgeous, and I know she's going to love it!

Hugs,
Donna

Trudy said...

I love this. It's so beautiful. What your mom said about the cobwebs adding texture was so funny.

Thanks for the mention about the group. I'm so glad we are all in this together.

Debra said...

You are so talented! Wow! How beautiful the piece turned out!
Hugs
Debra

Anonymous said...

I am the lucky recipient of this masterpiece. i was in awe upon opening it on my birthday.It will take its place in my little cottage garden. Thank you Jen and I love you

Jen @ By Jen ❤️ said...

I love your painting. The old shelf worked out perfect. Thank you for sharing the photos of the whole process.

Kristin said...

Oh my goodness!!! This is stunning! Your talent shines through this beautiful piece, Kristin xo

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful painting....love the tutorial pics....you're sooo talented!!