Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The amazing thing about Photoshop

So I was asked to do some photo restoration with some old family photos for one of our clients and it's just amazing sometimes what Photoshop can do. Here I cleaned up dust, spots, film errors, and restored color and clarity. It was pretty fun! These are rated from least amount of work to the most amount.












 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Books!

Yay! More books!

Mary Balogh's: 62. First Comes Marriage, 63. Then Comes Seduction, 64. At Last Comes Love, 65. Seducing an Angel (I have to finish them ALL now!)
66. Irish Thoroughbred 67. Irish Rose both by Nora Roberts
68. Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley
(these were short stories in a collection called On the Prowl, but they still count individually since I read them in their own sitting.)
69. Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs
70. Inhuman by Eileen Wilks
71. Buying Trouble by Karen Chance
72. Mona Lisa Betwining by Sunny

73. The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne (which I am now reading aloud with L because it is awesome, disregarding blatant man-boobies on the cover, it is actually a great romance book for guys to get into- spys, torture, intrigue, historical France, humor, and of course love.)

Lord, I read a lot of romance... but they are just so good. :P Attempted Foundation and got seriously bored. Had to give the Odd Thomas books back, but they weren't really my cup of tea anyway.

Hopefully, I'll get back to my discount bookstore soon to buy more, otherwise I'm going to have to hope Christmas and the birthday bring some good books.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

November trials

Gah! How did it get to be mid-November already!?

After my best friend's wedding (which was amazing and she looked beautiful and now they have a new puppy!), I've just been speeding along with work and art.

Working at Scotsgrove is great- I get moving, I get out of the house, I work with kids and animals, oh, and I get paid. That's always nice. ^.^ Last weekend was our Fall schooling show and I finally got to go after being absent for 5 years! I'm planning to have a big update this week (possibly today), but that get's it's own post.

As far as art goes, I had a long discussion with L while we were on top of our mountain. It's been bothering me for some time that I couldn't "get into" my art any more, that I felt fake, definitely unhappy. Getting to the bottom of it was an interesting journey. L was finishing up "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" and started talking about why he would get angry at a problem, how to fix it, how the book put into words exactly what he felt. And being human, I started to apply the same logic and came to the startling conclusion that I was not enjoying art anymore. Not at all. Not even a little bit. I was doing art to please others (an undefinable, unknown other- the audience). I was taking short cuts (yes, I admit it, that's part of the reason I couldn't like it). I was trying to make something that would "go in a gallery" or "be sold easily".
Now, don't get me wrong, part of the reason I was doing this is because I do want the money. Student loans are a bitch and I have to come up with a lump sum every month. Some months I make it, some I don't. Plus, my husband takes care of me. I've got it easy compared to some! He keeps a roof over my head and has money in the bank for food and bills and loves me unconditionally and in return... I am a housewife (ugg- I hate that term) but I clean the house, the dishes, the laundry, get groceries, make dinner, make sure when he comes home life here is peaceful. And so far it works, but I still feel guilty over not putting in a monetary contribution. So yes, I do want to make money as an artist. All our lives we are told- you go to school, you'll get a job. But it doesn't work that way.
SO, I've scrapped most of my art projects (figuratively). I've kept on the Mushroom Dancers because damnit- I have two more to do and I'm so close and I'm NOT giving up on them. Plus I like them. And I have started a new project, just for me, because I want to do it, and it's a challenge. A Tarot deck- all 78 cards of it. (I'm sorry Jess, I'm jumping on your project too, but it sounded too fun to skip out on!) I'm starting on the minor arcana first because I realize this may take years and I want to be better instead of worse for the Major arcana. In twelve days, I have the rough sketches for 10 cards already and I'm still liking it. Lord, I'm dreaming in heavy symbolism and imagery. So that has kept me actually drawing for the past few weeks. As soon as I get to my parents to scan stuff I'll try to get an update. (Dear Santa, please send me a scanner for Christmas. Thank you, Gwen)

As for what else I've been doing, it's mostly website work, which isn't as fun, but at least IMS now has different languages for the front page! Oh, and Scotsgrove has a Facebook page, which is an amazing feat in general. ^.^

And any other free time is spent on this site: Discovereads.com. It's like Netflix for books. I've had to rate about 100 to get through books I've already read plus give them something to "know" me by, but it does work. I now have over 20 books in my "to be read/to go get" pile. Speaking of books, I will have to update my book list soon. Yet another post to look forward to. :P

Sorry for link spamming, and emotional upheavals, and no pretty pictures, but that's my life so hopefully you are at least somewhat entertained. ^.^

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Mushrooms: October + stuff


Well, here's October, but I'm not sure it's done... There's something missing. I just don't have the time to finish it this week. I'm going on my vacation/honeymoon/anniversarymoon with my husband. Has it really been a year? It's crazy, but awesome. ^.^

So far this October has been up and down. Sold my car, but now I get to drive a newer one. ^.^ Still no "real" job, but have part time work now as a junior horseback riding instructor! It's a lot of fun and active and the kids are just so awesome. Gotta pay off those student loans somehow... :P

Plus my best friend is getting married. O.O So, I'll be busy for a bit. Whee!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Mushrooms: October



October mushroom work in progress. Why is it some come together so suddenly and some, like July, I still agonize over?

Friday, September 24, 2010

Mushrooms: September



September is an interesting month. I almost didn't finish it in time... September for me is the start of autumn and cooler weather (if it ever does get here!) and good food and my sister's birthday. So the Chanterelle mushroom and this happy carefree dancer summarize everything quite well. ^.^

By the way- I am now open for 8.5x11 or smaller prints of just about anything on my site. I'm looking into getting a storefront put up and expanding the printing options, but for now, just shoot me an email at gwen@gwenphifer.com if you are interested!

Commission: Bacchus

Portrait of Bacchus the Cat

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Oh My Gosh! Update!


So. As you know I got into the Juried Show. Well, I just found out I won Second place in drawing/mixed media! Completely unexpected and thrilling. I was in very good company so it took me completely by surprise!

So, I'll just be in the corner squeeing for a bit. ^.^

(edited to add the picture taken by my wonderful Papa!)

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

New books!

Yay! More books!

Starting where we left off:
53. The Paladin 54. Cloud's Rider both by CJ Cherryh
55. The Lady 56. The Ship Who Sings 57. Dragonquest 58. Dragonsinger 59. the short story "The Girl Who Heard Dragons" all by Anne McCaffery
60. The Runaway Princess by Christina Dodd
61. The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

And in the To Be Read pile:
The Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov
And still the Odd Thomas trilogy by Kuntz

Scotsgrove!


So, I made brochures for Scotsgrove to use at our booth for the Fun in the Greenville Zoo event. I have to say I'm very pleased with how they turned out. I used Gotprint.com for the printing of 2,500 trifold, full color brochures. Super professional, super fast, and awesome quality (only a two or three so far with a bit of spotting on the cover). Also super cheap.
Emi got the pretty photo of them.
It's good to see my work completed and out in the world. ^.^

Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Temple

So I had this dream the other night... about a temple complex and after hastily sketching down the layout I did a more detailed layout:

I've become kinda obsessed with it. I started a short story from the dream. Here's the first paragraph:

It was the red door that changed everything, just an inconspicuous door in a forgotten back alley. An alley she had hoped would lead out onto a main street, but unfortunately dead-ended. Such is the way of learning how to live in a new place. She had even gone passed the door once in hopes the alley turned. No such luck. So it was on the way back that she really stopped to look at it. The sunset cast a golden glow over everything, what photographers sought in the “golden moment” where the illumination is just right. The red door was scratched and scuffed, but not so old to start peeling, in a gothic arch that really set it apart. The doorknob was an ancient piece of hardware, bronze and cast in a swirling pattern of vines, clearly antique and she was surprised a bum hadn’t taken the whole door to be pawned in the first place. Looking around, for it was not a good idea to get too engrossed and forget your surroundings especially as a lone young female, she noted that there wasn’t another soul in the alley. (...) She checked her watch; she still had time for a quick peek. With a sense of adventure she hadn’t felt since she was 12, she turned the knob to open the door and stepped inside. It led into a small dimly lit entryway and a second plainer door, serviceable pine, no paint, undecorated doorknob. The light came from translucent paper panes set into the wall, guarding the plain door. The tile was cool through her sandals and was a relief from the heat outside. The air was damp and tasted of water. She closed the red door behind her to preserve the moisture and to keep things looking ordinary. It wouldn’t do to look suspicious. She opened the simple wood door and was struck speechless with wonder.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Old sketches

Got to go to Hollywild with my sister one morning around June... Had a blast sketching with her. These were the results. First one I'm getting warmed up,

second one found the form with the camel,

and the third had to wrap it up pretty fast to make it to our lunch date. ^.^ The wolf looks like our parents' dog, Shiloh.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

News!

Guys! Hey Guys!

So. I got into the Artists' Guild juried show!
My "Dreams in Gold" piece will be there.


I'm still kinda surprised. I mean, I like it, but that doesn't mean anyone else will...

Still, now I have to figure out where to get it printed (yes, only a print will be going), a matte for it, and a frame! Gah!

One of the things I miss the most in Savannah were the numerous print shops with large format inkjet printers. Sigh.

Okay. Off to bed. (eeii! oh my gosh!)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Mushrooms: August

I remember why I like these. I can share very easily and they go super fast.

So this is August. It's this little tiny blue mushroom in New Zealand (and strangely in India too) called "Entoloma Hochstetteri". Yeah, it's a mouth full, but it's beautiful and tiny so that's all I need to know. Plus I wanted a BLUE mushroom in my series. ^.^


I think she may be my favorite so far. It's a tie between her and June.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Mushrooms: July

The mushroom Amanita or "fly agaric" is a classic, easily recognizable mushroom. I think this one is one of two "male" mushrooms I have (the other being the partner in Feb).
When I think of July, it's the heat of summer and the bright flashes of fireflies or the explosion of fireworks. The fly agaric is bold and festive and also known for it's psychedelic poison. I think they fit together quite nicely.

Still not completely happy with it, but for now I want to move on to the next one... ^.^

Oh yes- and updated the website in case that gets buried.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

New Stuff!

Yay! New stuff over at the website.
Updated the layout of artwork into sections and made a "Sketches" section, which could be interesting... Also new artwork sprinkled in there.

And just to show that I do still care, here's the Beauty and the Beast poster. I'm not sure how much I like it... I'm on good terms with it, I'm not going to work on it any more, but it just doesn't grab me the way Dreams of Gold did. Ah well, can't win them all!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Books

Oh god- this is going to take a long time. So, I'll start with the first ten that I read at the beginning of the year and see where that takes me.

Yes, they are children's books. I got them for Christmas from my mother. She is awesome and cleaned out my Amazon wish list. O.O It's research! For science! (Actually for art.)

1. Beauty and the Beast by Angela Barrett Illu. by Max Eilenberg
2. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
3. Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave by Marianna Mayer, Illu. by K.Y. Craft
4. The Ballad of the Pirate Queens by Jane Yolen, Illu. by David Shannon
5. Aida by Leontyne Price, Illu. by Leo and Diane Dillon
6. The Lady and the Lion by Laurel Long and Jacqueline K. Ogburn, Illu. by Laurel Long
7. The Sea King's Daughter by Aaron Shepard, Illu. by Gennady Spirin
8. Alice in Wonderland and 9. The Wizard of Oz both Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
10. Alaskan Field Sketches 1954-1956 from William D. Berry

Next up- random novels that I have read this year.
11. Sabriel, 12. Lirael, 13. Abhorsen by Garth Nix
14. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
15. Dune by Frank Herbert
16. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffery
17. This Alien Shore by C.S. Friedman
18. To the King a Daughter by Andre Norton and Sasha Miller
19. The Serpents Shadow, 20. The Gates of Sleep, 21. Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey
22. Cry Wolf, 23. Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs
24. Archangel by Sharon Shinn
25. Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia McKillip
26. Song in the Silence by Elizabeth Kerner
27. Caspar and the Secret Kingdom by Miranda Seymour, Illu. by Lois Allard (yes, another children's book, but it might as well be a novel- it's so long!)

Okay. Here be Romance Novels. You have been warned. Yes- I read them. Usually I can get through one in a day, so there are a lot. I also happen to have favorite authors.

28. Dark Angel, 29. Lord Carew's Bride by Mary Balogh
30. Someday Soon by Joan Wolf
31. Rules of Engagement by Christina Dodd
32. The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (alas the only book I have been disappointed with in some time), 33. What Happens in London, 34. Splendid by Julia Quinn
35. Scent of Darkness, 36. Into the Shadow, 37. Into the Flame by Christina Dodd (someday I will get the second one Touch of Darkness even though I know how the series ends. I am a completionist.)
38. Storm of Visions, 39. Storm of Shadows by Christina Dodd (and this series looks like there might be five or six books...)
40. The Duke and I, 41. The Viscount Who Loved Me, 42. An Offer From a Gentleman, 43. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, 44. To Sir Phillip With Love, 45. When He Was Wicked, 46. It's In His Kiss, 47. On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn

Oh yes- more that I forgot about reading this year. Actually it's more likely that I reread these over and over again so that I don't really remember when was the last time I read them. They are kinda my constants, my comfort reads.

48. Beauty, 49. The Blue Sword, 50. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
51. Snow White and Rose Red by Patricia Wrede
52. The Serpent Garden by Judith Merkle Riley

To Be Read pile:
The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
Odd Thomas, Odd Hours, Brother Odd by Dean Kuntz

Well, that wraps up that. A little more than 50 books in 6 months isn't bad. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm starting to reread stuff (not that that's bad, just some variety would be nice and I don't count them twice (or thrice) in this list.)
During this post I was able to do two complete loads of laundry (sadly there is still more to go), change the bed, and do the dishes. I should however by working on a website or business cards or a logo. (sigh) What I wish to be working on is my Beauty and the Beast poster...

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

resolutions 6 months in...

Well, it's 6 months in and I wanted to see how far along I've gotten (mostly on the books, but that might have to be a separate post). Here we go!

Travel (these may have to be LIFE goals... sometimes they seem so out of reach. We are planning to go to NC for our anniversary though...)
1. Visit the Aquarium in NC
2. Visit the Discovery Place in Charlotte
3. Plan a week long road trip with Landon and ch-puppy
  • 4. EITHER go to the Grand Canyon (and other western-ish stuff on the way)
  • 5. OR travel up the Shenandoah Valley (definitely life goals. Sigh.)
6. Take a weekend trip up the east coast to see lighthouses and stay in a B&B
7. Ride the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

Personal
8. Get a job :(
9. Sans job, stay busy on relevant tasks (Check!)
10. Continue learning about web design/building (Check!)
11. Update my personal sites at least monthly (Yay! Check!)
12. Read 300 books (separate post coming soon!)
13. Complete at least one piece of art a month (8 done since June, and 5 mini paintings)
14. Get in the habit of sketching and note taking again (working on that...)
15. Taking up my dream journal again (yes! I've actually had some interesting dreams)
16. Finish some of my "short stories" (erm... no)
17. Update the Scotsgrove site weekly and redesign update quarterly (Updated monthly, sometimes weekly depending on the traffic, redesigns are GO!)
18. Maintain weekly riding lessons as weather permits (Check!)
19. Compete at Scotsgrove schooling shows (er... Since Flame is gone that kinda fell through.)
20. Go to Hickory Top in the Fall (as is this one. Poo.)
21. *Give blood (I like this, I want to do this! I will try, last time I did - I puked. I'm O+, I think, so it would be good to do.) (hasn't happened yet...)
22. *Learn to change my oil! (not yet)
23. *Get the wedding pictures printed (o.O oh snap. I really need to get on that!)
24. *Attempt to grow an herb garden (CHECK! I have Basil! and Oregano! and Chives! and Lemon Balm! and a bonsai Rose! and Mint! and ... I think squash and merrygolds are in there too!)
25. Maintain our recycling (Check!)
26. Have my people over for dinner (Check!)
27. Have Landon's people over for dinner (um. We sent them dinner... does that count? no. shoot.)
28. Reach out to friends more (I have been trying. Some with success others without. I cannot expect to pick up where we left off, even though I want to.)
29. Market myself better for jobs (sigh. I am trying, but not very hard.)
30. Open an Etsy shop (this WILL come)
31. Finish a longer art project to be made into calendars/postcards/etc.
  • 32. either the celestial beings (make that the princess posters.)
  • 33. or the mushroom dancers (I was in the middle of July when I paused, so not too off track)
34. Actually buy clothes for myself (I did go shopping! I have three new shirts! He still has more than me.)
35. Look into the local art community (check!)
36. Submit art to some local art shows (going to do that this Thursday!)
37. Not argue so much with my mom and dad (so far so good!)
38. Work out a children's book with my mom (it's been put on pause by her, so...)
39. *Volunteer either with children or with animals or both (er....not yet.)
40. Work on creating/designing characters (I have! I just need a scanner...)

Health
41. Tone up (Ha! HAHAHA! um. yeah... no.)
42. Ease into a more organic lifestyle (somewhat. I have my mini garden!)
43. Eat more fruits and veggies (I have been making an effort to put broccoli or peas in at least two meals a week.)
44. Become more flexible (ha. no.)
45. Drink more water (we've both put down the caffeine and gotten into Powerades and homebrewed tea. Not quite water, but definitely an improvement!)
46. Have one week with no eating out (oh. um. We like to treat ourselves at least once.)
47. Try different recipes (Yes!)
48. Take ch-puppy on an "outdoor adventure" weather permitting everyday (I try. Really, but the heat is awful and it's not like she enjoys it. Really- she just lays down. But I have been pushing for walks around the neighborhood in the evening.)
49. Lessen my chocolate consumption (check!)

Financial
50. Become better aware of what is in my personal account (um. sorta)
51. Stay on track with paying off students loans and once there's a job- start paying off more than the minimum (well- it is on automatic slowly draining my account, but I get a cut in my interest so that's good!)
52. Build my credit (not yet...)
53. Maintain being cheap :D (not a problem.)
54. At the same time- learn to live a little (have a monthly "me" spree) (heh- no)
55. Learn brand-name does not equal better, but you do get what you pay for (check!)

Relationships
56. Maintain our monthly anniversary (sorta)
57. Say "I love you" more (always)
58. Initiate "yes" more ~.^ (has been fun!)
59. Listen to everyone more, instead of being bossy (trying very hard to do this one.)
60. Call my sister more, just to say "hi!" (yup!)
61. Maintain my weekly visits to my parents (sometimes I go twice. I must love them.)
62. See Landon's side more often (really need to work on this)
63. Be a better friend than I have been... (I hope so)

House
64. Decorate living room & upstairs in general (Living room- check! Upstairs-...no)
65. Paint upstairs, bathrooms & touch up dings in neutral walls (no... stupid dings.)
66. Get pictures on the walls (yes! well... some.)
67. Create larger pictures to hang on walls (wouldn't that be nice...)
68. Work on the back porch (stain, awning, garden) (GARDEN! Check!)
69. Get bedroom furniture (not yet...)
70. Get a corner cupboard for dining room (nope)
71. Organize downstairs closet and extra bedroom (HA! no)
72. Finish stripping, sanding, painting the old desk I got for Landon 2 years ago (oh. I forgot about that...)
73. Create my own work space (It is in the dining room. Not where I want it to be, but it's there.)
74. Get lots of shelves (Sigh. Eventually.)
75. Figure out what is wrong with our fireplace (either fix or replace it) (stupid fireplace.)

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Dreams in Gold

Finally got my physical media project scanned. Took me long enough!


It's the story of Rumpelstiltskin. I've been calling the girl Aurelie. It means "wheat", so that's fitting. Sorry about the watermarks, I'm trying to be more careful about my final pieces. I don't know what was my favorite part, the "story mandala" in the background or the girl. I had a great reference for her. First time posting my references, I believe. I aim for black and white photos, usually older, non (or out of) copyrighted stuff. I think I found this from someone who got it from the Library of Congress. As you can see- it spoke to me from the moment I saw it.


The caption at the left says: "Thoughts of Love" Copyright 1899(?) of (something) A3. I wish I could get the last bit.

I had a lot of fun. So I'm going to go ahead with Beauty and the Beast. ^.^ One of my favorite fairy tales.

~Gwen

Monday, May 24, 2010

No Pretty Pictures... again.

Sorry for the lack of pretty pictures. That's one issue with physical media vs. digital- you can't share very easily. I WOULD take a picture, but my camera is out of battery juice and it's not happy with the ones I scrounged up for it. "Zoom Error" or something similar comes up. RARW! It's done this before it just likes brand spankin' NEW batteries (preferably brand name lithium thank you very much!). Stupid needy camera.

But yes. Starting on a physical media piece. Life outside of art makes my speediness go out the window. I used to be so FAST, but now there's more to life. I was eating and breathing and sleeping art in college. Seriously- I never did anything else. (Guess that's why I burned out for 6 months after graduating.)
ANYWAY back to the physical media- mixed media thing. It's a addition to the series of fairy tales I did for my portfolio class. Kind of.
The real reason I put the mushrooms on hold is because I want to submit to the Artists' Guild juried show next month. o.O While my mushrooms are good as a set, standing alone is a bit harder. Thus, kicking into gear some new work. Let's just say it looks similar to my "Parsley" painting, which surprisingly I still like a lot.

Of course once I started sketching these out I had about 4 more...

Maybe I should do a post on my process sometime? Could be fun.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

update!

Yay! Finally got a bunch of pictures on the Gallery of Scotsgrove Stables website. Whew- and I'm sure there are still more to come.
Plus our Schooling show is next week! o.O

Haven't had much time to work this week. My sis is out of school for the summer and we've been catching up and having much needed girl time. ^.^ Like shopping and going to the salon. ^.^

Also, I've been cooking up a storm! On Tuesday when it was all gross and rainy and just nasty I made comfort food- my Great-Grandmother Mommy Mc's Mac and Cheese with a twist, I added shrimp, onion and some garlic to the mix. Let's just say Oh.My.God. It was sooooo good. It was like heaven.

As for this weekend... I have no idea how things are going to go down. It's almost as bad as Christmas trying to schedule two families who both want to see us at the same time! :P

All for now!
<3 Gwen

Friday, April 23, 2010

June work in progress

Work in progress for the June mushroom. It's in the Cort. family... and it's slimy. ^.^ Still working on that leg... and the hands. :P A bit different than the edible ones.

Already starting to think of my next series. Maybe herbs? or flowers? I also have done birds before, but it's been a while. >.> or maybe just more mushrooms! (hee)

All for now. I've started to become addicted to Little Big Planet. We finished up the story line around Christmas last year and then kinda fell out of playing, but then I started up the Create mode... yeah- FUN! So that may slow me down a bit. >.>

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Black Morel + some

Final of the Black Morel.

I guess I got inspired working on my last one. ^.^ Morel went by FAST!
Oh- and the final of Porcini wasn't quite done - I forgot to make the text layer visible before taking the picture. So here's the final final.


I think my edible mushrooms may become a set... I've also got chanterelle planned for down the way.

ALSO: Totally inspired by a new band that I found on the internets. Movits! They are a Swedish swing, jazz, rap? band. I like it. Check them out! Seriously, I cannot sit still listening to them. ^.^

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Boletus edulis

Final April mushroom, Boletus edulis (or Porcini). I'm really liking the textured paper and layered font going on in the background. I may have to implement this on the rest of the mushrooms. Also while most of my mushroom people will be dancing, there are also some yoga poses interspersed. This is a variation of the tree pose. The Porcini (another name is King Bolete) seemed to be more of a sedentary mushroom. >.>


Interesting to compare the work in progress sample. You can see I've figured out the mushroom cap but am still fiddling with the body shadows and colors. The face has some basic blocking in, but there aren't any details.

Next up is May and the Morel mushroom. ^.^ She's kinda creepy. I think morels look like brains... so that may have something to do with it.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

behind

Yup, I'm behind on a lot of my personal stuff. The physical media project for March is still a work in progress. ugg.

I know we were warned about this after college finished, but I never thought it would happen with me. I've always been motivated and doing something. And it's not so much that I don't have the motivation... lord- I have so many projects I want to do, but lack the focus to keep them going.
Let me count the projects!
  1. celestial beings
  2. mushrooms
  3. Cinderella book
  4. note cards/Etsy shop
  5. pull together a game design mock-up
  6. launch a webcomic
Good thing is, my website work is still pushing along. Scotsgrove gets regularly updated, yay! And the Funeral Alt. site is slowly coming together.

And it's not like I'm NOT doing something, it's just not art work. I clean and cook and do other wifely things. I take the puppy out. I see my parents. I go horseback riding.

Gah. I guess I just needed to get it all down (this is a blog after all). Now to pick myself up and start getting stuff done. :P

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Mushrooms... yes I'm addicted.


Dunno if you can actually tell the differences I've done. They are there... This piece may have some trouble printing (HA!) between the "blacks" and the green (I hate printing green, it NEVER prints right).

So now I'm working on April. It's a Porcini mushroom. Apparently they are delicious. Surprisingly I don't eat mushrooms if I don't have to; I'm just completely interested in them. April is a lot more zen than what I've been doing. Still have a lot of detail work to flesh out. This one is not as easy to map out as the others, with them I had a clear picture. This one could do anything. I'm liking the idea of having textured or patterned paper in the background. So that could be fun. :/ Decisions, decisions.


Other than those, I'm working on another physical media project that I like a lot and hopefully my sis won't tear to pieces. ~.^ Updates for that will probably be on Friday. No promises though. Also working with my parents to get an Etsy shop for my mom, my sis and myself (and maybe even my dad) up and running. Putting some of my mom's stuff on gift cards and maybe I'll have a calendar by the end of this year, and maybe some prints put up.

Of course constant website updates. Updated the Scotsgrove Stables site with it's spring clothing. It looks spiffy. ^.^

Friday, March 5, 2010

paintings

Well, here are the new paintings I've been working on for the last two months. :/ I was really excited about them, but then my sis pointed out all the flaws. Rarw! Having crits in the middle of working is the thing I miss most about college. I could have fixed them! _sigh_ Better luck next time. :P

First up, "The Dream Tree":


Second up, "Three Graces":

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Oh My Gosh!

Guys! Guys! I'm in HOW magazine! (unofficially... officially)


Technically, SCAD's Illustration Department's booklet "Illustrious" got into HOW magazine and MY image just happened to be "featured". ^.^ But it still makes me squee. (Thanks to Anna for pointing it out!) I'm on the top right corner with the "Bird Girl" image. Here's a close up:


^.^
Gwen

Mushroom Dancers- February and March


Finally tweaked February, I think I'm happier with it. :/ I like the color scheme a lot more... but... I'm just not sure.

On to March! I really love this one. Still have to tweak it some, but I'm liking where it is going. The mushroom she is based off of really does glow in the dark. It's pretty awesome. Still debating on the pattern paper. :P


Hopefully more to show later!
Gwen

Monday, February 1, 2010

yay! art!

Well, I've gotten some art done this month. There is another physical media project in the works. But I lack a scanner. sigh. Almost done with that one.


Anyway, here are the February mushroom dancers. Still a work in progress. A few more details to be picky over, but I'm always surprised at how fast digital media goes. Got this done is a couple of days. I believe the mushrooms they are based on are Mycena rosellas. They are small dainty rosy looking mushrooms that have an almost translucent stem.

But hey, at least I've gotten TWO pieces pretty much done by January. That's a good first start. ^.^

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

"hey, whatchya doin'?"


After about three months of marriage this is what I see before going to bed. I don't know whether to "aww" or be jealous. :P

No, she's actually a momma's girl. She follows me everywhere. Originally the Ginger-pup was fast asleep, but I moved to get the camera and she woke up to make sure I wasn't leaving. ^.^

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Web sites

New site I've been working on... here.

It's a mortuary site (hey- they need websites too!) and I'm getting paid! But it's also for a family friend. He gets his site, I get a time to learn exactly what needs to be done for tables/html/css/etc. Plus he wants me to do 3 more sites. ^.^

Not bad for the new year.

Also updated the Scotsgrove website... here. New winter themed decor, updated pictures in the gallery, and a new layout to the Horses page. AND hopefully faster downloads.

Plus I'm thinking of keeping updates to some of my "new year goals"... specifically my reading and eventually my process/sketches. sigh for want of a scanner...

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Year "Resolutions"

So, I'm not very invested in resolutions. They tend to disappear by February. So this year, the start of a whole new decade, I'm going to set some goals to be accomplished in about 2.75 years instead (stealing one of my friend's new years meme).

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Start date: January 5th 2010
End Date: November 1st 2012

Travel
1. Visit the Aquarium in NC
2. Visit the Discovery Place in Charlotte
3. Plan a week long road trip with Landon and ch-puppy
  • 4. EITHER go to the Grand Canyon (and other western-ish stuff on the way)
  • 5. OR travel up the Shenandoah Valley
6. Take a weekend trip up the east coast to see lighthouses and stay in a B&B
7. Ride the Great Smokey Mountains Railroad

Personal
8. Get a job
9. Sans job, stay busy on relevant tasks
10. Continue learning about web design/building
11. Update my personal sites at least monthly
12. Read 300 books (since Christmas: 10.5)
13. Complete at least one piece of art a month (Jan: 1.25 done)
14. Get in the habit of sketching and note taking again
15. Taking up my dream journal again
16. Finish some of my "short stories"
17. Update the Scotsgrove site weekly and redesign update quarterly (so far so good!)
18. Maintain weekly riding lessons as weather permits
19. Compete at Scotsgrove schooling shows
20. Go to Hickory Top in the Fall
21. *Give blood (I like this, I want to do this! I will try, last time I did - I puked. I'm O+, I think, so it would be good to do.)
22. *Learn to change my oil!
23. *Get the wedding pictures printed
24. *Attempt to grow an herb garden
25. Maintain our recycling
26. Have my people over for dinner
27. Have Landon's people over for dinner
28. Reach out to friends more
29. Market myself better for jobs
30. Open an Etsy shop
31. Finish a longer art project to be made into calendars/postcards/etc.
  • 32. either the celestial beings
  • 33. or the mushroom dancers
34. Actually buy clothes for myself (at least have more to choose from, right now Landon has more clothes than me!)
35. Look into the local art community
36. Submit art to some local art shows
37. Not argue so much with my mom and dad (over different issues)
38. Work out a children's book with my mom
39. *Volunteer either with children or with animals or both
40. Work on creating/designing characters

Health
41. Tone up
42. Ease into a more organic lifestyle
43. Eat more fruits(easy!) and veggies(hard.)
44. Become more flexible
45. Drink more water
46. Have one week with no eating out
47. Try different recipes
48. Take ch-puppy on an "outdoor adventure" weather permitting everyday (we don't do walks)
49. Lessen my chocolate consumption

Financial
50. Become better aware of what is in my personal account
51. Stay on track with paying off students loans (and once there's a job- start paying off more than the minimum)
52. Build my credit
53. Maintain being cheap :D
54. At the same time- learn to live a little (have a monthly "me" spree)
55. Learn brand-name does not equal better, but you do get what you pay for

Relationships
56. Maintain our monthly anniversary
57. Say "I love you" more
58. Initiate "yes" more ~.^
59. Listen to everyone more, instead of being bossy
60. Call my sister more, just to say "hi!"
61. Maintain my weekly visits to my parents
62. See Landon's side more often
63. Be a better friend than I have been...

House
64. Decorate living room & upstairs in general
65. Paint upstairs, bathrooms & touch up dings in neutral walls
66. Get pictures on the walls
67. Create larger pictures to hang on walls
68. Work on the back porch (stain, awning, garden)
69. Get bedroom furniture
70. Get a corner cupboard for dining room
71. Organize downstairs closet and extra bedroom
72. Finish stripping, sanding, painting the old desk I got for Landon 2 years ago
73. Create my own work space
74. Get lots of shelves
75. Figure out what is wrong with our fireplace (either fix or replace it)

*stolen from my friend. Hey- they are good goals!

Can't think of any more and I'm tired. :P Pretty big list though. I'll add more if I really need to.