Medical History and Being Crafty

 

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Two of the artists in Pieces of Eight have inspired me this month. Jean Thomas did a journal workshop in which I participated and I learned how to make the handmade journal, above. 

During a recent doctor visit I was asked when a certain injury happened, when pain recurred, etc. and I thought that it would be handy if all that was written down in a certain place, with all symptoms, because who remembers the dates of medical problems? Fay Picardi gave me a nice little sketchbook for Christmas, and I decided that I would use that for my medical history from here forward, and include sketches of my pain locations. And of course, being me, I have already included a sketch of my doctor. To give the book more importance and assure I would actually use it, I used my newfound knowledge to fancy up the cover.

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Unlike my travel journals, for this one I say the less entries, the better!

Carmen

Hello Kitty, 7x5 Original Oil Painting Animal Portrait of Cat

 

This is my daughter Suzanne's cat, an imperious creature, as you can see. This cat bit me once, but I have a very forgiving nature and honored it with a portrait anyway. Also, I happened to take a dramatic photo that I couldn't resist painting. By the way, the cat's actual name is Hello Kitty.

Carmen

Twenty-Minute Challenge, Small Paintings

Donna Vines introduced me to artist Mary Gilkerson's 20-minute challenge, which means doing a small painting in just 20 minutes. Here is my first attempt, a scene in Florence, Italy. I learned from this one that the subject was a bit too complex for a 20-minute execution!

This was my second attempt, and it went much easier. No buildings or people!

I was more deliberate with this last one, and stopped panicking over the time ticking by.

If you want to paint more loosely, this is a great exercise. One important tip: mix up your paint before you set the time.

Below is a page from my sketch journal, starting with my gym class the other day. Jean Thomas's class really inspired me to sketch more about everyday happenings.

Carmen

The Harpist, 11x14 Oil Painting on Canvas

This young woman was so beautiful, playing such a graceful instrument, with the light shining through the window. It's so much more attractive than a woman playing, say, a cello or a trombone. However, I do love cello music in spite of the awkward knee placement of the cellist.

This beautiful musician was playing at my beautiful niece's beautiful wedding.

Carmen

Italian Girl With Flowers, 11x14 Oil on Canvas, after Sorolla by Carmen Beecher

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I've had no time for painting this week, so I am posting a throwback to 2008, when our painting group, Pieces of Eight, decided to copy Impressionist masters as a learning exercise. I love Sorolla, so I copied one of my favorites, with the above result. Below is the original by Sorolla.

I also copied John Singer Sargent, the master portrait artist. The best thing I've ever done is team up with seven women with the same passion for painting that I have. It has been such an enriching experience in so many ways, and I have learned so much.

I'm working on a huge project that is going to take months, and I'll tell you all about it when it's done.

Carmen