Art meeting today

Once a month, I meet with other artists at our local library. This month the theme was iconic art. Iconic art used to be strictly religious in nature and was usually done on wood. Since the word icon comes from a Greek word meaning image, this type of art can go in many different directions. We chose to try to convey something personal, that shows strong emotion. I really liked an image of a lady on a swing. There is something about having your feet off of the ground that not only shows freedom, but vulnerability, as well.

Click on her for a really large version...

I started by blocking in some colors that are considered traditional in iconic art...red and some gold tones, and just taking it from there. I used an unfinished wooden plaque that was probably 20 years old. I chose a scrapbook paper that had circles on it, as circles are used to convey halos in some iconic art. I used gel pens to accent the circles and to add a halo to my lady on the swing. I antiqued the plaque and the paper with distress ink and some alcohol markers that bled quite well. I darkened in the torn edges of the main image, first just as a technique, to look aged. But then I realized that this gives it more of a "window" look. I wanted to be looking in at her, while she looks at herself in the mirror. This is supposed to show her looking at herself on a deep, almost spiritual level. The rays of yellow are the warmth of God's love shining down on her, as is the stylized sun behind the main image.

I accented the plaque with markers and gold leaf pen. I am undecided on whether to add any verbiage to this piece, maybe something simple like "introspective".

The other day when I was feeling wonky, I got out my markers and began to doodle. Sometimes the best ideas come from doodles. I am a big fan of Steampunk and fantasy art, but unless I have my favorite pen in my hand, I'm not that good at putting my ideas down on paper. What began as a pair of goggles, similar to what Mystery wears, became this. Who knows what might happen when you draw. It was fun and you know that I'm all about art being fun. Anyway, check him out and let me know what you think.

You can click on me, also...

It doesn't have to be fine art to be art. Get out those journals and draw, draw, draw. Take care and have a great weekend.