Mollie January 10th, 2007 Mixed Media , Painting , Pen & Ink , Show Comments(5)

I’m finished!!! I’m exhausted, my carpal tunnel is killing me, my head feels like it’s going to split in two (and I wish it would just fall off and get it over with), my whole body aches, and I went over my deadline a bit.. but I’m done; and the mixture of relief and pride I felt submitting everything tonight was indescribable! I’m so relieved that I actually finished all three pieces; especially after all of the trials and tribulations I had with “Chivalry.” It’s a little unreal how well it came together in the final hour, talk about an underdog!

“Knight,” 30×40 inches, acrylic on canvas (I’m still working on a better photo. If you look closely you can see the clematis at the bottom).

“Chivalry”, 30×36 inches, mixed media (collage, acrylic, pen and ink). A major change in the last hour included taking out the top center helmet and replacing it with knights on horses jousting.

Mollie January 7th, 2007 Mixed Media , Painting , Show Comments(2)

Yesterday I spent nearly the entire day painting and drawing. I stayed up late, and got up early this morning, and I’m already tired LOL.
We didn’t have much luck finding the right molding for frames at the hardware store. The best we could do is to put two moldings together to make one, then cut and fit them to the painting.. it seems like too much in too little time. We checked out the local stores to see what it would cost to purchase ready made frames, but only one of them is a standard size. Ugh! On top of that the only store that has frames big enough (that I’ve found) isn’t open on Sundays. So I have to put that off another day if we decide to go that way.

“Chivalry” – I finished the niche and the flowers.

“Knight” – I worked even more on the stone, hopefully it’s done, except maybe to darken it.

Mollie January 6th, 2007 Mixed Media , Painting , Pen & Ink , Show Comments(0)

I’m posting a progress report for this week – to act as a starting point for this weekend… a countdown of sorts to the big show deadline.

I’ve actually taken a couple steps backwards with “Knight” the stone bricks just weren’t cutting it, so I bought some sea sponges and went to work. As much as I hated the idea of starting them over, (it’s a huge setback), but my pride wouldn’t allow me to submit a painting I’m not satisfied with, as would’ve been the case. Please forgive the horrible photo I was in a hurry because I need to get to the hardware store to buy molding to create frames for the paintings (ya, that does mean that not only do I need to finish each the painting, I have to make the frames and frame everything.)

I’ve made several changes to “Chivalry” this week. I darkened the castle, the cat, and the dress; but I still have a ton to do.

Last, but not least I’ve made a lot of progress on the drawing. I still have to cut them out better, arrange and layer them, draw the background, mount them onto the board, and frame them.

At this point I could use all the luck I can get. If everything doesn’t go perfectly this weekend one or more of these pieces will not be ready for the show; and therefore not be submitted. Keep your fingers crossed!!!!

Mollie January 3rd, 2007 Painting , Show Comments(2)

I’m having some trouble with the stone bricks in the background, and at this point I’m not sure I’m going to be able to overcome them in time for the show deadline next Tuesday. I may have taken on more than I can chew with this one, but it’s a little exciting, and definitely motivating. Today I’m going to take a little time away from working on the drawing and search for some great flowering vines to add on top of the stones. Wish me luck, if I find the right flowers I’ll be able to overlay them and cover up the ugly stones.

I’m also looking for something else to finish off “Chivalry.” I’m open to ideas as to what it needs.

Mollie December 27th, 2006 Painting , Show Comments(4)

With Christmas over I can finally get back to work; unfortunately, with the deadline two weeks away I don’t think I’m going to be able to finish both of the paintings I had hoped to enter. As an alternative to the second painting I’ve started another drawing to take it’s place, something that I can do in stolen moments here and there.

Meanwhile, I started re-working the right animal face and added her costume. I still have a lot to do, including making a frame and hanging it ugh! Wish me luck, inspiration, and most importantly motivation!!!

Mollie December 20th, 2006 Painting , Show Comments(0)

I wish I could say I’ve made a lot of progress on “Knight” but Christmas has put a wrench in the works. I am happy to say, that as of last night I’ve officially finished all my Christmas shopping; and will have a more time to focus on getting everything ready for the upcoming show.

Below are pictures of my progress on “Knight,” which consists of re-working the left figures clothing again (I may need to make adjustments to the color as I get further in); and I added the right animal head. Clearly I have a lot to do before I can call it done, but I’m hoping I have enough basics to make it come together without too much trouble.

To do list:

1. Tone down the right animal head. Add clothing and a base. 2. Brighten the left animals head, and add a base. 3. Add more yellow/gold to bottom half of knight. 4. Work on background, possibly a trellis with flowering vines, I’m open to ideas.

Mollie December 13th, 2006 Painting , Show Comments(0)

Below is the painting I referred to the other day titled “Knight.” I started this painting in college, unfortunately I don’t have any pictures of it before starting re-working it. As it is the only thing that is original is the figure on the right. I’ve redone the knight and the left figure (which needs work). My challenge is getting everything to appear to go together and work out the obvious composition issues. This painting is very vertical, so I’ll need something to break that up a little.  Note:  the photo is horrible, try to look past the huge glare, and lack of defined detail.  The next photo will be better, or I’ll scan it in a section at a time and piece it together.

Mollie December 8th, 2006 Mixed Media , Painting , Show Comments(0)

There is an upcoming show called Art A Lot that I’m working toward. The subject is one near and dear to me – Medieval/Renaissance. I’ve been captivated by the aesthetics of Armor and architecture since, well, I can remember when. The deadline is the first week of January, so I’m in a rush to finish three pieces before then. One of the pieces called “Knight” has been a work in progress since college; representing the holy grail of my aesthetic. It has intimidated me for years, but I’m determined to finish it for this show. I’ll have pics of it in progress soon.

Another picture titled “Chivalry” is a mixed media piece that I’ve have been wanting to re-work for a while, but haven’t had the chance. This show is a great motivator. Below is a picture of it before any re-working.