#augustforartists

August 2021

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 1

Artist Intro

I love self-portrait photography
I use to write a blog called Paisley Rain Boots
I was a Veterinary Assistant for 8 years
I love maps and backroad adventures
I love hunting for vintage playground equipment

August 2

Preferred Medium

Paper

I love paper with all my heart. Collage and old book pages play heavily into my mixed media pieces.

I love trying to fit them together like puzzle pieces.

August 3

How I Started

The journey began with a pair of Paisley Rain Boots and a blog by the same name. Instead of a cape of courage, I had Boots of Bold. They set me on the path to discover who I was, beyond wife and mother.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 4

A Piece that Challenged Me

This piece holds so much that I love, but I can’t seem to finish it. I realized today that part of the reason is that I started this in the Spring - spring color palette - and then was trying to finish it once summer came. I was no longer attached to the spring colors.

august 5

First Reel

Made my first REEL on Instagram. Learning curve for certain. But practice could/will make better. I might even learn to like making them.

august 6

Most Recent Artwork

This is one of two pieces that I had framed recently. First pieces of mine to hang on my walls, something I have always aimed for. It is amazing how much better a piece looks when framed.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 7

Tools of the Trade

This tray of tools is by my side all the time. Old kitchen drawer organizer found for $5 at a thrift store. I like this one because it is wood and not plastic.

august 8

Color Challenge - Galaxy

This is from a collage I did in April 2020. Definitely not my color palette.

august 9

Favorite Piece

To date this is my favorite finished piece. I finished it last fall after a trip to Northern Michigan. What I especially love is the mystery at the horizon line.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 10

Biggest Art Challenge so far…

I make things too “bitty” at times.

august 11

Close up/Details

Close up of a piece on paper I am working on. This is about the only part of it that I like.

august 12

2nd Reel

Getting slightly easier to do the “Reels”. Decided to be brave and put myself in this one.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 13

Flat Lay

Continuing to work on the piece from yesterday.

august 14

A Medium I want to Explore…

R & F Pigment Sticks

august 15

Color Challenge - Monochromatic

It is interesting to see a painting in black and white. I think it emphasizes where your heart is.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 16

Me with My Work

A selfie with my current work in progress.

august 17

Proud of Myself Moment

I am proud of myself for the accomplishments I have achieved in my photography and writing.

The crowning moment was when I was published in the Spring 2016 issue of Artful Blogging.

august 18

Workspace

My summer studio. Our three season porch.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 19

Reel #3

Unboxing some new supplies. Reels continue to get easier.

august 20

Hands

Hands always ready to create, to dig in, to help out.

august 21

Top Artist Tip

A to do list with three art related things, and three domestic things. Keeps life balanced.

#augustforartists

instagram challenge from @thatblonde.art

August 22

Neutrals

I could play with neutrals all day long.

august 23

Work in Progress

Current state of my work in progress.

august 24

Advice for New Artist

Daily Journaling. Whether five minutes or 30 minutes a day, getting thoughts out of your head and onto the page is imperative to personal growth and finding your voice.