Pixie Tree Studio

Drawing With Imagination

2010-04-22T20:50:00.000-04:00

I have decided to challenge myself by working on becoming more creative. I have always wanted to draw from my imagination and to tap into my creativity in a deeper way. I found a book that I'm betting will start me off in reaching my goal ...one step at a time. This week I started reading Keys to Drawing with Imagination: Strategies and Exercises for Gaining Confidence and Enhancing Your Creativity. In the coming weeks and months I'll be reading the book and following the exercises ...and I'll be posting all of what I create. No matter what it looks like. Should be interesting!

Reverse Oil Pastel Paintings

2010-03-23T13:13:00.009-04:00

I wanted to introduce my students to some new materials and techniques. Since they had never used oil pastels, I thought it would be the perfect medium to introduce to them. The other materials they used were clear acetate to paint on, a variety of tools for blending (such as tissue and Q-tips), and metallic foil. This was a reverse oil painting lesson in which a painting is created in a backward fashion. Our paintings, once completed, would have the look of a stained glass window (at least that was the goal). The metallic foil (we used aluminum foil) was placed behind the painting in order for light to be reflected through the pastel. If you look closely, you'll see a shiny background texture on some of the paintings where the paint is more transparent.

Subject matter ranged from landscapes to animals to the abstract. All of the students were challenged and everyone learned how to select colors, to paint with oil pastel, and to blend. Everyone seemed to really enjoy this new (to them) medium and the process of painting with oil pastels. Just look at what great art they created!

Bookmaking - Notepads

2010-03-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

Learning how to make handmade books, for use as notepads, was the next project for my students. They all enjoyed this one and had fun learning the bookmaking process. Again, we used a variety of our bright specialty papers for the covers, combined with some colorful ribbons for the binding. For the insides, we used plain white paper. Three sizes were made for variety ...small, medium, and large. As you can see here, the results are eye catching and funky.

Creative Ribbon Bookmarks

2010-02-19T16:44:00.010-05:00

Valentine's Day came and went and my students were eager to began a new project. So, I gathered a bright assortment of ribbons, our favorite specialty papers, and a bunch of sparkly embellishments. I demonstrated how to cut the ribbon ends and adhere the papers and other items to the ribbon tops. What resulted were funky, colorful bookmarks which anyone would gladly mark off their favorite novel. Check out these wonderful, original creations.

Tiny Totes

2010-02-02T13:05:00.015-05:00

I found some small tote bags we had left over from our summer arts program. So, for a change from the cards they had been making, we switched gears and painted on the totes for Valentine's Day. This is just a small sampling of the many beautiful creations from my students.

Valentine's Day Countdown

2010-01-07T13:43:00.006-05:00

In January, I worked with my students to create a wide variety of Valentine's Day items. As seen here in these pieces, we created hearts and a bird (but mainly hearts) ...many of which we printed as note cards for sale. Students made these collages using techniques they had previously learned. In planning new lessons for my students, my aim is to utilize different techniques in new ways. Specialty papers, glitter and sequins are their favorite materials to use ....these lovely designs show just how much they enjoy the collage process.

Festive Holiday Cards

2009-12-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

Using what they had learned in previous lessons, incorporating stencil-making and collage, my students created some great hand made cards for the holidays. Check these great designs out!

Making Jewelry

2009-11-02T16:33:00.010-05:00

Making jewelry was something I knew my students had done many times before I came along. Though the process of stringing one bead at a time was often difficult and laborious for many of them. I found a great tool for them to use that strings many beads at a time called a bead spinner. It comes battery operated or as a hand spinner. It's made for seed beads, which we had plenty of left over from past jewelry making exercises. The bead spinners worked great with the memory wire we had, so they made bracelets, necklaces, and rings. We also did some basic stringing and made lots of earrings. The students were so excited when I showed them the bead spinners ...they couldn't wait to try them out. Check out these great pieces of jewelry my students made.

Painting Pictures

2009-10-16T12:07:00.015-04:00

My students, taking what they learned about color mixing, moved on to painting a wide variety of images such as landscapes, birds, and flowers. First, a picture tracing technique was used. The outcome looked like a page from a coloring book. You'd be surprised to learn how many artists and illustrators trace their subjects, especially now with the advancement of computers and Adobe Illustrator. For my students, who have moderate to severe disabilities, this technique made the process more gratifying. After they had their picture outline complete, they began painting. Every painting was unique. It was fun for my students to see the differences across similar subjects. We eventually turned some of the paintings into printed note cards, which the students sold to the parents and staff of their school.

Handmade Cards

2009-10-03T14:15:00.006-04:00

We had a lot of fun creating cards using specialty papers, along with buttons, sequins, and other materials. My students learned to make their own stencils for each card they made based on a variety of images. Students used the stencils on the papers and then cut out their images. They had not up to this time learned about collage techniques, so making their own designs from the variety of papers and materials was a challenge. One that had spectacular results. Here are just a few of the many unique and beautiful cards my students created.

Painting On Fabric

2009-09-10T11:35:00.004-04:00

This exercise was really fun for my students because they were able to experiment with painting in a new and unique way. I gathered many different tools and materials for the students to use to paint on muslin fabric. Their tools consisted of burlap, forks, empty toilet paper cylinders, rope, plastic mesh, paper cup cardboard holders (each one has a different pattern inside), and the bottoms of egg crates... to name a few. Students were given different color paints and a sampling of tools and materials. These are some of their paintings... interesting and beautiful.... each one unique.

Abstract Emotions & Color

2009-08-15T14:25:00.000-04:00

This lesson combined learning about the primary and secondary colors and how different colors and emotions are closely linked. Students were encouraged to experiment with mixing their own colors and then painting their feelings. This was also the first time students worked with acrylic paints. As you can see from these paintings, my students really got into this lesson.

Batik - A Modified Process

2009-07-31T16:01:00.014-04:00

One of the first projects the students were taught was a form of batik using a modified version of the standard batik process. Instead of using wax and dyes, the "paintings" were created using clear, washable glue (which acts as a resist, like wax) and tempera paints. Check these creations out done by some of my students.

A New Endeavor - Teaching Art

2009-07-03T18:34:00.004-04:00

Well... I have been very busy over the last 9 months with a new job and career change. In June 2009, I took the MTEL, passed (phew!) and became a MA certified teacher of visual arts. I am writing this in March 2010 and am back dating some of these postings to show the artwork created by my students over the course of many months since becoming an art teacher.

I started work at a private elementary school in Boston during June 2009. The school, over the past five years, developed a full and enriching day habilitation program for young adults aged 18 - 22 years old with moderate to severe disabilities. Since I began teaching art to these wonderful young adults, I have learned a great deal about myself, about art, and the process of teaching. The outcome of their hard work I am showing here. You can see more of what the students have been up to at the Access All blog, which I created and keep up-to-date.

My personal art has taken a back seat over the months, but I am starting to work on personal projects again.

So... check back over the coming months to see my new creations.

Organic Prints (final)

2009-06-21T16:52:00.008-04:00

Organic Prints (yes, more)

2009-06-21T16:48:00.004-04:00

Organic Prints (still, more)

2009-06-20T18:39:00.000-04:00

Organic Prints (more)

2009-06-20T18:33:00.005-04:00

Organic Prints

2009-06-20T18:19:00.002-04:00

It's been such a long time since I have worked on my art and posted anything. I'm happy to be at it again and this time I'm working within a whole new medium and process for me - printmaking. The prints shown here were created during a 4 hour workshop I took today in printmaking. It was fantastic! I will definitely be creating more art using this method, though I will be experimenting with the "plate" material. In the workshop the plate was made from gelatin and being a vegan I had some real issues with using it.... but since I wanted to learn a new technique, and knew that I could replicate the plate and process using agar agar instead of animal based gelatin, I forged ahead. I highly recommend going to this workshop if you're close to Cambridge, MA. The instructor, Tamar, is wonderful. Post a comment if you'd like me to email you her contact information. Her next workshop is July 26.

Grace & Strength

2009-02-03T11:29:00.001-05:00

The model that sat was a joy to sketch. It was the first time I felt I truly enjoyed drawing from a live model. Her skin was amazing, her hair wonderfully textured and her features so perfect for a model. I used pencil for this ~ it was a warm up, a very quick sketch.

Beauty & the Guy

2009-01-16T08:14:00.001-05:00

When I sketch or paint a live model I feel as though pins and needles are surging through my body. It's a little uncomfortable but exciting at the same time. I love working in charcoal ~these were quick sketches that express the mood of the sitters. Though I don't think the guy was really that angry! More to come.

Degas ballerina

2009-01-04T18:10:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite artists is Degas. This exercise was freeing yet challenging for me since I tend not to draw very loosely. I sketched this ballerina using varied techniques. I am taking this idea into my future work. My mantra of late ~ loosen up!

Little girl in chair

2008-12-14T15:20:00.004-05:00

I was feeling nostalgic and, since I haven't produced any new work, thought I'd post this picture I did many many many years ago which I just found recently. It's behind framed glass so the image is not as crisp as it could be because I had to photograph it not scan it but, still, you get the idea. This was one of my favorites. I always loved the look on her face, sweet and dreamy. The drawing is done using colored pencils which is something I'd like to explore again. It's been ages since I've attempted a drawing like this one.

The Dot Project

2008-11-23T19:20:00.006-05:00

I recently found these dot paintings and want to share them as an exercise in connecting paint and water with paper, using your finger as you would a paint brush. We worked on the dot project, based on the teachings of Kaji Aso, in my pure watercolor class as a means of feeling with our fingers' touch what it is to paint and really understand the pigment and water, how they react and mix together. I liked this process.

Cool as a watermelon

2008-11-14T14:02:00.010-05:00

Love them! Wish it were summer already so I could enjoy a big juicy slice ....and paint one or two again. These were fun to experiment with and I didn't want to spend too much time on a preliminary sketch as I had on the other pieces I painted previously. These were more free form. Don't you wish you could have a slice right now?

Calla Lily

2008-11-05T21:40:00.004-05:00

Flowers are just too wonderful for words. I love all kinds and colors but this one in particular struck me on the night I entered class. Its form was sturdy yet delicate, its color an intense purple/black (I had never seen one like it), and its scent fragrant and light. It moved me that calla lily. This is yet another piece that remains unfinished, without the deep purple tones, but one that I like just the same for its delicate form. The Calla Lilies Are In Bloom Again.

The Iris, or Fleur-de-Lis

2008-10-22T13:23:00.006-04:00

This flower holds a special meaning for me, not just because of its beauty but also because of its symbolism as the flower of my college sorority, KKG. I was very excited to see that the instructor had brought in a bunch for us to paint. Again this is from my pure water color class. Rather than paint the whole lot of iris' in the vase, I decided to focus on just one iris, or fleur-de-lis. This is mainly because I seem to be a rather slow painter and like to focus on one thing at a time. I didn't finish the painting during the class (surprise!), but learned about its form and colors in the process of drawing and painting it. Off with their heads!

The Pear

2008-10-13T15:08:00.007-04:00

I fondly refer to this piece as my 'turbo pear'. It's another work created in my pure watercolor class at the SMFA. As with the other pieces I am posting, I like to include my pencil sketches to see the process and progress. The pear started out being a bit delicate and subtle and then I added too dark (Payne's gray I believe) shadowing which gave it a beefy/muscular and dramatic look. Hungry?

Apples

2008-10-05T11:46:00.013-04:00

Well, this certainly is the longest I've been away. I have since finished my last class at the SMFA in the illustration certificate program and am working on my portfolio (slowly, admittedly). The class and instructor were great and I would love to take another class with her since I feel I need much practice in this method of watercolor painting. I am going to explore mixed media and collage art over the coming months as I create a portfolio, and also rework my children's book concept/dummy that I started in last spring's children's book illustration class.

I am posting the pieces I worked on this summer in the pure watercolor class and will try to post all of them over the coming weeks. Here I selected a New Zealand apple that was very stripey (too much so). The task at hand: sketch in pencil your subject (always), paint the subject in a monotone color (in this case blue), and then paint the subject using the pure watercolor method (yellow-red-blue-green-etc ... one color at a time, as appropriate for the subject). This was a learning experience and I will go back to this striped subject again in the future and try to make it softer.

I am always looking for inspiration from established illustrators and recently discovered this children's book illustrator who has a beautiful hand at creating whimsical and interesting children's book art. Check him out: Rob Scotton. See you soon!

A Nectarine

2008-06-14T10:47:00.006-04:00

It's been awhile since my last post I see and I'm happy to report that my first watercolor class (and last class in my illustration certificate program), Pure Watercolor Painting, started this past week. So I am showing the work from Wednesday's class here. The still life was fruit and I selected a nectarine to paint, mostly because I am very drawn to the colors in it -reds and yellows. We did a quick sketch first then later got into the painting. I did not do a sketch of the nectarine prior to painting it -I went straight into the painting. It received a positive review from the instructor, Katherine Finnegan, who by the way is just great -and I really like her painting style. She is possibly the best instructor so far from all the classes I've taken -yes, I can tell this by just one class. She is also connected to Kaji Aso Studio, which might be the next place I enroll for a painting class. Well, that's all for now. Enjoy!

World Watch Magazine

2008-05-22T22:08:00.005-04:00

In keeping with the spot illustration theme, here are two of the three spots I created for a project assignment in my portfolio prep class this spring semester based on short articles for World Watch Magazine. None of my illustrations were selected (wha...wha...wha) for print but it was fun creating these and submitting them for possible publication. The ones that were selected were really good and very creative. I'll keep at it and maybe someday I'll get something published.

Us or Me

2008-05-15T10:25:00.010-04:00

These spot illustrations are from a class I took spring '07, created for a snippet from a story about a runaway balloon and rescuers getting into trouble in the process of recapturing it. I didn't really like the story, too troubling. Anyway, for what it's worth I am posting these two B+W spots to show the variety of the work I've done while in school. Lots of experimenting with new media (for me) and trying to capture the essence of a story visually. Not sure this was very successful but here it is anyway. Draw on.

Felix & Koko

2008-05-11T19:56:00.003-04:00

This is a cut paper creation of my cats Felix and Koko. I wrote a children's story involving them and plan to rework my story dummy and create more finished pieces. I am just not sure yet if I want to create the story completely in cut paper. Perhaps mixed media is how I'll go but I need to do some more experimenting in the coming weeks. There is more to the picture at top -more curtain- but my scanner isn't big enough to capture all of it. I'll post more as this one develops.

Book jacket

2008-04-29T14:24:00.008-04:00

I made some edits to the SCBWI poster I created (posted earlier) and turned it into a sample book jacket cover instead of a poster. I am working on pieces for my portfolio and hope to create a site where those pieces will live and continue to grow. I am going to get started, now :D

Bye and peace to all.

Eggplant and mushroom

2008-04-24T15:52:00.005-04:00

In keeping with the food theme, here is another piece I did in my class last fall. I really like painting food and want to experiment more. I especially like the way the shadows came out in this one, though the purple tones in the eggplant could be darker and the mushroom could use darker shading. I have others in this series that I'll post another time.

Sweet pears

2008-04-18T12:53:00.008-04:00

It's a beautiful day and I am thinking about summer and sweet, juicy fruit! Here are some watercolors I did of pears from my watercolor and mixed media class last fall. I am taking a pure watercolor class this summer and am really looking forward to exploring and learning all I can about this delicate and amazing medium.

The big bad wolf

2008-04-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

According to a critique in my portfolio prep class last night, I need to go back and make adjustments to the NE-SCBWI poster I showed at the conference this past weekend if I want to add it to my portfolio. Too bad I wasn't able to get this critique prior to the event. Still, it's always good to hear opinions as long as they can help one to grow, adjust and make improvements.

Today I am posting these images which I created in this semester's children's book illustration class. It was an assignment on Peter and the Wolf. I am leaving the text in since it makes more sense to see them together.

Happy Tuesday! :D

A great weekend @ NE SCBWI conference

2008-04-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

What a fantastic weekend spent at the New England Society for Children's Books Writers and Illustrators conference in New Hampshire this weekend. It was my first time attending and I participated in some really informative workshops, met some nice people, exchanged biz cards, received lots of good tips, and got the chance to hear from two very talented and important guest speakers, author Laurie Halse Anderson and illustrator Kevin Hawkes. That was the icing on the cupcake! I didn't win the poster contest :D but wasn't exactly mortified by my work as compared to others, though certainly there were some amazing works by other unpublished illustrators there. Now I am lit with a fire to go out and create some work that will hopefully, someday, be really out there, and published. Let's get going!! :D

PS This image I sketched in a drawing class summer 2007. I chose this little teddy bear from a box of wrenches, hammers, widgets and gadgets because he just seemed so enchanting and warm and fuzzy. Plus his limbs moved so I could pose him in this uncomfortable looking, upside-down position... just cuz. I don't think he minded though.

NE-SCBWI annual conference

2008-04-11T17:43:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to check out the NE Society of Children's Books Writers & Illustrators annual conference this weekend. Two days of workshops and networking and an opportunity to see Kevin Hawkes, an amazing illustrator, speak. I actually have one of his books, The Nose, which I bought so long ago I can't remember the year. His website is very fun -check it out if you can. So I attempted to illustrate a poster for this years theme 'Take Flight" and this is what I came up with. It's actually elements taken from two paintings I did. I didn't like them each separately, so scanned, extracted elements, pieced together, and added texture to come up with this. It'll be entered in an anonymous poster contest tomorrow. I don't have any grand hopes that it'll win -ha, and I'm actually a little embarrassed by it and afraid to see the level of creative expression of the other entries. But, I'll let you know if by some dumb luck I win the grand prize :)

Blooming

2008-04-09T11:26:00.000-04:00

When is spring coming? I need to post some flowers to inspire me and remind me that it WILL be getting nice and warm soon. I have seen some beautiful blooms in the neighborhood which makes me very happy. The slow awakening of life after a long dreary winter. Looking forward to painting more flowers while sitting on my balcony.

New experiences

2008-04-08T21:51:00.000-04:00

Well this is certainly a new thing for me, blogging. I figure it's a good way of putting my art out there -it's going to happen sooner or later. It's all still new to me (this art thing) and I have so much work to do to improve and grow. I'm close to being done with my certification in illustration and am eager to just focus on drawing and painting and getting better. Wish me luck!