I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: WHIMSY 

"Fantastic Ride" by Tina C. Wells, mixed media on canvas

January needed a little whimsy. Several months back, I started painting photo collages (see below). I am now putting together a collection to hang together. My goal is 12 paintings; they are small, only 10"x 10", but hung together will fill a good size space. I started this piece with a base coat of turquoise paint, then added newsprint (with mod podge) and painted over top a bit. I then added the elephant and balloons, and the photo of my kiddos. Finally, a little photo touch up with paint.  

SIMPLY CREATIVE: Paint Jeans

Long ago, I learned the value of “paint jeans,” or more specifically, work clothes. In my teens, I first started selling my work (craftier back then), and spent a good deal of time painting. Rule #1 has always been that I put on my ‘paint clothes’ before I dive into any project, even a small one. Worrying I might stain my clothes held me back from fully immersing myself into the art. I get messy! My paint jeans form over time as I often brush off a color onto them to start with a new color. It’s funny that if I run an errand in them, I am often asked where I bought my cool jeans. HA! If you are going to get more creative this year, make yourself a fun pair of paint jeans. I was in desperate need of a new pair, so the last painting I did was very colorful and I intentionally brushed and spattered color on the denim as I went. This is fun! You don’t need to paint anything in particular, just pull out a canvas and start playing around with color (you can always paint over it). Your newly decorated jeans are great for any messy project from painting to gardening to spaghetti sauce...or out and about.

January 18, 2013

I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: Citrus!

"CITRUS" by Tina C. Wells, Acrylic on canvas

In Southern California, this is the time of year that navel oranges are hanging low on the trees. My parents have a handful of orange trees, and I grew up with their delicious sweet/tart fruit, and freshly squeezed juice. One tree, let alone several, has more fruit than a family could eat, so they have always shared with friends and neighbors. The warm citrus colors are so inviting on a winter day.

SIMPLY CREATIVE: Chevron Stripe Buckets

Easy to make Chevron Striped Buckets

Before the holidays, some friends and I decided to share homemade gifts for Christmas. It was a lovely idea, but the holidays got so busy, that we decided to postpone our gathering and gifts for a January New Year celebration. And by some wonderful twist of fate, we were blessed with a rare, warm, clear January day, and we sat outside eating brunch in short sleeves in 75 degree weather. Ahhh...

My gift to my friends was oranges, from the Carlson trees, in hand painted buckets. I keep a lookout for inexpensive containers, and had found these metal buckets a few months back. Primed, and painted with a chevron design, these containers made a splash.

HOW TO:

Supplies: Metal container, Spray primer for metal, low adhesive mask tape, acrylic craft paint, spray Varathane

1. Tape off the areas not to be painted. Spray metal with a metal primer spraypaint. (available at paint/ home improvement/ craft stores) Allow to dry completely.
 2. Measure the base of your container and create a low, flat triangle template out of paper. Trace 4 times evenly around base, leaving 2+ inches in between each.
3. Lightly apply low adhesive (usually green in color)  1” tape along the triangles to create chevron stripes. Keep repeating to the top of the container.
4. Paint stripes in alternating colors between tape. Allow to dry completely.
5. Spray or coat with Varathane (water-based clear sealer available at paint/ home improvement stores)

RECIPE: Grand Marnier Oranges

Grand Marnier Oranges- Light and Delicous- Perfect for January!

While this recipe is still dessert, it fits in better with my New Years resolutions than some kind of decadent pastry. It is a perfect sweet, light ending to a special dinner, or a great addition to a brunch. Because my parents have always had orange trees, my mother has been making this as long as I can remember. It is delightful! 

6 medium size oranges, peeled and sliced horizontally into circular slices
1/4 cup + 1 TBS Grand Marnier liqueur (orange liqueur)
1/4 cup orange marmalade (a more bitter marmalade, vs. sweet, is preferable)
1 TBS orange juice (collected from the oranges as you slice)
Optional: small topping of sour cream and mint sprig (I looked questioningly at my mom when she said she serves it this way, but then I tried it- Oh Yes!)

Grand Marnier Oranges

Slice oranges and place in a shallow dish, such as a pie pan. Separately mix marmalade, liqueur, and orange juice; then spoon over the oranges. Marinade at least 30 minutes, but you can marinade overnight as well. Enjoy!

I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: WORDS

"Art of the Word" Original Art by Tina C. Wells

This painting was born out of a desire to live better in 2013. The words collaged on the background of the painting are inspirational to me. My brushes beckon me to to play in the paints, be creative. I hope 2013 will be filled with these words from the book of Romans, and that I will make time and space for new and expanding creativity. 

This piece is fairly large, 24"x 36". I have been experimenting with collage and mixed medium over the last few months. I have perfectionistic tendencies, and I wanted to pull back from these and keep this painting loose and a little messy. I have a way to go in this area, but it's a start. 

The process: I haphazardly painted the background in a limited palette of colors. I then printed out the writings I wanted to use in a variety of different fonts and sizes. The paper was then torn and wrinkled; I coated the back of the paper with Mod Podge (available at craft stores) and applied it to the canvas, adding more to the top, then brushed over the paper with thin coats of paint from my background colors. Last, I painted the brushes in the jar over the top. In some spots the words show through the brushes, and the wrinkles add texture. Best of all...it was really fun! 

SIMPLY CREATIVE: Art Kit

Not much space required for this starter, or travel art kit

Get Creative This Year
When I get into conversations with people about being creative, I often get a list of things that stand in their way. The reasons are valid, but if you want to add creative time and space to your life, it is not going to magically happen; you need a plan. This piece is about painting, but the same principles apply to crafting, writing, photography, music, sewing, cooking, DIY projects, etc. 

Obstacles. Feeling blocked or uninspired?  This often happens when I have 37 other things running through my mind, which doesn’t leave space and focus for even a small creative project. A wonderful book that I often recommend is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. A helpful exercise she recommends is spending a few minutes clearing your head through the power of writing. When I lead art workshops, we always start our session spending 5 minutes with a sheet of paper and a pen. Each person then writes down anything and everything on their mind, a mental laundry list. The things that need to come out are all those TO-DO items, how you are feeling, the misunderstanding you had with someone yesterday, a prayer, a complaint, excitements, difficulties, etc. Get it out! The things on the paper are private. You can keep the paper or throw it away, whatever is most helpful. Once your head is a bit more clear, you can be present in your creative project. Seek inspiration in a change of scene, a favorite magazine, or toss around ideas with a friend. JUST DO IT! You are practicing, playing, experimenting... don’t worry if it’s not a masterpiece. Have fun and enjoy the process.  

Time. It’s tough, I know. None of us seem to have enough of it. If engaging in more creative projects is a priority for you, then you might have to schedule it the way you would a doctor’s appointment and make the necessary arrangements to keep the appointment. I have two friends who get together once a month and do something creative, often a project from Pinterest. I love this, as they are able to spend time together, catch up, and share creativity. I often get up early and paint a little before the madness of the day begins. It’s all about what works for you.

Space. Here in Southern California, space is expensive. Square footage is at a premium. My house is small and it seems every last corner accounted for. A few years back, I finally convinced my husband that our car didn’t need its own bedroom, and that our garage could really benefit our family as a workspace, and playroom. This has changed our lives. We inherited some furniture, a TV and DVD player, and bought a rug. We can have a group of kids over and they have a spot to watch a movie, play games, do crafts, eat snacks, and be loud! Better still, my large easel, and box of paints and brushes also have a permanent home. They are set up 24/7, ready for me to work. If I only have an hour to paint, I don’t have to spend 20 minutes of it setting up. Yes, I do share my studio space with dolls and legos, but that’s OK; it works. Do I dream of having my own beautiful studio? Of course, and maybe one day I will...but until then I will be content with the space I have. I have found myself waiting for the time when I will feel inspired, have more space, move to that new house, have more time in my schedule, etc. I realize that my dreams will pass me by if I wait for the ideal circumstances, so I am trying to move forward with what I have today.

Art Kit
Back in my 20’s, I never went anywhere without a mini paint set, pencils, and a small pad of art paper. New places inspire me, and I would often sit for half an hour and do a quick sketch or painting. Somewhere along the path of marriage and motherhood, this wonderful practice got lost. A few months back, I was fortunate enough to take a quick trip to Santa Barbara with my sister. She was working, so I had a day to myself and remembered my old practice of plein air painting. I decided to put together a travel paint kit to bring with me. 

If you are just getting started, and short on time and space, this art pack may be the perfect starter kit. It is small enough to squeeze its way into one of your cupboards. It is easy to take out, set up on a table (a small folding table is ideal), and use for a quick project. It is easily cleaned up and put back away. 

Necessary items*:

Basket or container 
5 paint brushes, various sizes (brush case is a good idea)
Small canvases, boards or stretched
Water container
Palette for mixing colors (a disposable plastic plate works well)
Rag 
Small drop cloth 
Pencil
Eraser
Ruler
Paints -small tubes of acrylic artist colors, or small jars of acrylic gloss craft paint (the less expensive choice, and fine if you are just starting)
Colors: red, blue, yellow, green, violet, orange, brown, black, white
A more technical list of colors: Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue, Medium Red, Violet or Magenta, Medium Yellow, Light Green, Phthalo Green, Medium Orange, Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, White, Black

*All items are available at Michael’s, or art supply stores

I{HEART}ART: Inspiration: METAMORPHOSIS

Metamorphosis is the Greek word for transformation. Mariposa (Spanish for butterfly) undergoes complete metamorphosis as she changes from a squishy caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. 

The new year is here...full of resolutions, full of ideas of how to do life a little better. For me, that always includes healthier living and new commitment to being actively creative. I hope in the next days and weeks to stir up some inspiration for both.

Mediterranean Layer Dip
(adapted from Midwest Living)

Mediterranean Layer Dip

I am addicted to this appetizer that my sister frequently makes. It is fresh, and healthy, and full of flavor...winning combination!

Ingredients

16 oz Hummus (I like Mediterranean Hummus from Trader Joe’s)
8 oz Tapenade (Trader Joe’s again, refrigerated section)
2 cups shredded fresh spinach 
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion

Combine together and set aside:
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chopped cucumber (I like persian cucumbers)
3 TBS snipped flat leaf parsley
4 tsp snipped fresh mint leaves
2+ tsp lemon juice
salt and pepper

Assemble just before serving:
Spread hummus on a 12 inch serving platter; arrange spinach over hummus, leaving a 1 inch border of hummus. Spread tapenade over spinach, leaving a 1 inch border of spinach. Drain excess liquid from tomato mixture (discard liquid) and spoon mix over tapenade, leaving a 1 inch border of tapenade. Sprinkle feta and green onions over top. Serve with pita chips.