Ripple Mandala [Colored pencil and AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I have been on a mandala kick for a couple of months now. See this blog post if you are interested in a bit of background. 

I have only scratched the surface so far in terms understanding the art form and meaning behind these representations of the universe. But every time I design a mandala, something new is learned about the process. It is a meditative experience to create one. 

My most recent drawing "Ripple Mandala" (pictured below) was made using a compass, a ruler, Blick colored pencils, and AP Micron pens in black.

My mandalas thus far always start with two straight diagonal lines which come from each corner. This simple "x" yields a center point, from which the essential and initial circle can be created with a compass. 

The rest of the design spans out from there based on impulse. Usually the form comes together through experimentation and through using points that create themselves within the drawing, always with symmetry in mind.

Finished version of "Ripple Mandala"

Clean version of mandala without any line work

Though my works are far from perfect, the precision involved can be tedious; it takes a lot of patience which I am learning is an important part of the process.

I adore working big, free, and messy when I paint. Drawing is something totally different from painting for me. Drawing is more intellectual and mind based, whereas painting is more impulse and heart based. 

I love both mediums and look forward to exploring each more frequently in the coming months. 

I have exciting news on the horizon to share with you all soon...in the beginning of February!

Universally Speaking [AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I created this drawing with thoughts of the mysterious universe on my mind. I don't have much more to say, but here you will see my head, hand, and heart trying to work together. To infinity and beyond...

Lavender [Deco Color Paint Pens on Ampersand Clayboard]

Memories can be triggered by any of the senses. Smell and music seem to be the quickest gateways to memory lane for me.

Last night the scent of lavender perfumed my apartment. It triggered memories of my mom, Amy, who passed away six and a half years ago.

She spoke French fluently and spent time living in Aix en Provence as a young adult. My mom loved the romance, beauty, and charm of Europe. When she could not be in France, she enjoyed taking theater classes in French and practicing her language skills with other enthusiasts in Salt Lake.

As a child, I remember her visiting Europe on several vacations. When she returned home, she always came back with goodies in her suitcase. I especially loved the potpourri from Provence. My mom adored lavender scented lotions and fragrances and even grew the plant in her garden, to which she devoted much time.

So...With these thoughts on my mind, I doodled this simple but colorful representation of my nostalgia.

My mom's favorite nickname for me was "Doodles," so today I honor her by sharing my doodles.

Lavender

Noise [Black Deco Color Paint Marker on Clayboard]

I spent yesterday browsing photography exhibitions at Photo LA in Downtown Los Angeles.

It was an exceptional show, and I saw some truly breathtaking black and white photography.

The black and white element of yesterday must have stuck with me. As I was winding down last night, I grabbed the nearest clayboard and started doodling. Here is the end result of my exercise: "Noise".

I find that it is very helpful to keep art supplies within an arms reach because with an hour of free time, it becomes accessible and easy to create something.

I particularly like having clayboard and paint pens around; they allow me to doodle or draw something that will appear much more finished than something in a sketch book (at least I think so).

Happy Monday.

Finishing Old Business, Collaborating, Creating Something New

A great friend of mine, who is an exceptional photographer and artist, came over to my side of town yesterday. As we sat in my living room listening to music and catching up, we stared at an old painting of mine. It dawned on me that the canvas needed more work. At one point, I was happy with the painting, but looking at it last night, all I could see were areas of potential improvement. It had a better future ahead with some love and care. See [Water Marks]...the old version of the painting.

I asked Kelsey if she would be interested in adding to the painting the following day and combining our styles onto the canvas. She was up for it, so we put our minds together and decided to play a fun and silly game to get our creative energy flowing. 

The game went like this: I would say a word, then she would respond with her gut reaction of another word or thought...and so on. After our goofy rapid-fire brainstorm session, we stumbled upon the concept of Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. We didn't take the idea too seriously, but decided to roll with it.

In the morning before checking any social media or playing on our phones, we set up paints and put on a good playlist, then got moving. 

I had no attachment to the work as it was, and I was excited to see it transform into something completely different, working with her.

Sidenote: I am very interested in the idea of collaborative canvases and works of art. We are all creative beings, and I find it to be an exciting journey and experience, seeing what we can paint together.

Collaborating, especially on a single painting, is a fantastic exercise in letting go of control and surrendering. Why? Because it causes you to ditch attachment to your brushstrokes, color choices, and work in general and be receptive to what the other person(s) brings to the table. It also encourages you to be open to the energy of another and build on each other's strengths. 

Creating art is a magical experience, and I have always loved working alone, but sometimes doing it solo can feel isolating and/or block transformations and discoveries from happening. It is really good to work with another person and see what two (or more) people can come up with together. 

Once Kelsey and I started on the canvas, it took some time for us to fully let go and make bold changes to the work, but eventually we did, and at a certain point, we were finger painting! Here is the result of our two hours of painting together.

It was simply too fun!! Kelsey and I are both huge fans of bright, bold colors, so it made it even more enjoyable working together. It was also awesome working so large, because it gave us the opportunity to go wild. Every ten minutes or so, we would rotate the canvas and build on one another's work.

Here it is...