duck duck goose the beginning

I decided it was time for a bit of light hearted humor after the long process of the bodhi tree.

I like using unexpected color pallets when doing these type of paintings to try to move people beyond the automatic reaction of "look there is a  ......." and hopefully give the viewer the chance to connect with the piece in a more intimate and emotional way. the painting is going through what i call the ugly phases right now and I always have to convince myself to work through the ugly to find the beauty waiting to be released (kind of like life sometimes), but I find that if I stick without I find the beauty.

assemblage swap

I entered a swap on swap bot that was an assemblage/shrine swap. An area I have not ever really explored in art. I was assigned a partner who I had to make a piece for based on her suggestions of what types of things she likes. The person I was assigned to likes gothic, death, coffins etc...

This piece took a while to come together in my mind but once I got rolling it went fairly quickly. The poem (which is in the lid) is actually a poem a had written some time ago. A bit on the dark side but fitting for this piece I thought. I slowly burned and smoked the paper to try and create the effect of paper pulled from the ashes, it is a bit hard to see in the picture but I think it turned out well.

Bodhi Tree

I am so excited I have finally completed the Bodhi Tree! I ran into trouble when I reached the leaves as it took a lot more leaves (and material) then I had anticipated. In the end though it was worth the extra time and effort I am pleased with the results. I am looking forward to starting my next piece.

Bodhi Tree Progress Week 3

So week three has felt like slow progress due to the small delicate nature (big fingers+little pieces= many humorous moments) of doing some of the branches but I think in the end it was worth the effort. Now its on to the foreground and then the rest of the leaves.

Bodhi Tree Progress Week 2

Its kind of in one of those in between not so pretty places this week. I added the first layer of leaf's so that they will be behind some of the branches to create depth and began to apply the bark to the tree. I started out strong but faded as the week went on due to numerous distractions (interviews, father falling ill) but hopefully I have regained my focus and will make some progress over the next week.

Kiwi's Blogger Follower Swap #2

Bodhi tree progress week 1

So I have finally made some progress on my Bodhi tree piece the sky is all in.  It is looking a little more like a halloween tree then a Bodhi tree right now, which is appropriate I guess all things considered. I think its the bright green paint undercoat that really makes it kind of creepy. I will be posting weekly progress photo's, I am hoping this will help me stay motivated to make progress.