Icy River Sketch

Iced River--Columbia River @ the Richland Y.
I loved the melodious movement of the young branches.

The day sunny and the temps warmer than usual, though still not warm enough for this fair-weather artist to paint on an icy Columbia River shoreline near the Richland Y. I always sketch before painting anyway - gives me a better opportunity to work out composition. As you can see by the boxes inside the sketch, the image kept growing and went from vertical to horizontal format. It's a great view of Rattlesnake Mountain, all lavender and shadowed, peeking above the horizon line while the low water in the foreground was still frozen over. The breeze off the icy surface chilled my fingers in fingerless gloves, and I knew my easel would likely rock about so I'm saving painting for another day. 

My day's goal was to "be in the landscape" and so for about 30 minutes, I was. I did paint in the studio afterwards for a bit too. Will post that painting at a later date.

Mulling over a book concept, sketches, and cards

The Book Artists Group that I am a part of is having a show at our local Allied Arts Gallery in March. I enjoy the concept of book making, though I am not a true book builder who focuses on the various bindings and such. I love the look of these books, but the process is a bit tedious for my level of focus. The books I create often have a painted element in them, and tend to be a bit more free form, and are often wall hangings. I have done a series of long linear pieces, that take off on the Japanese scroll concept with a visual depiction of Kuan Yin (the goddess of compassion). I'll post the finished book here in the next post.

I am planning a new series of books that address the concept of growing up in a family business. My family owned a motel for the duration of my childhood, moving there when I was age 5 in the middle of my kindergarten year. There has been a progression of events that occurred at the motel, and I suppose the chores that went along with it could be compared to growing up on a farm--a business as well. This story has many veins and will make a fine book series.

These ideas have been percolating for awhile and I have about 3 directions to take with this book idea. A dear artist friend suggested that I do a small mockup and so that is my next perceived step. In the meantime, I have busied myself with keeping the drawing hand fluid, and also a bit of painting and card-making. It seems my creative solutions come more freely when I am doing something ... rather than just trying to solve it all with my brain. I think that is called a "process-artist". Will post some images soon of these book ideas.

Sketch of the nook over my fireplace shown in the background.  ©Laura Gable 2012

Some of the assembled Valentine's cards
(thank you DS Watkins, for the creative concept)  ©Laura Gable 2012

A poinsettia card I did in December at the painting class at the Cancer Center.
©Laura Gable 2012

New sketchbook, funny sketch

new sketchbook from HeronDance.org

"Bound Up!" a sketch

Just have a little bit today... a new delicious sketchbook from Heron Dance, a quick sketch called "Bound Up!" and some musings on quotes I've recently read and the "art" of being an artist.

Sometimes we've got so much creativity inside, that we can't find the means or the tools to get it out ... or we don't fully set aside the attention and time that it demands. Not all efforts are quick nor do they come with ease, some take longer -- "a percolation" if you will. According to Maya Lin, "It is a process of percolation, with the form eventually finding its way to the surface."

In the words of Martha Graham,
"There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening
That is translated through you into action,
and because there is only one you in all time,
This expression is unique,

...It is not your business to determine how good it is,
Nor how valuable it is, nor how it compares with other expressions.
It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly,
To keep the channel open."