tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74824770159295244142024-03-14T01:57:40.649-04:00Kyra Wilson's Studio BlogKyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-34716503651888884182019-10-10T11:40:00.003-04:002019-10-10T11:40:31.118-04:00New HomeI have completely moved over to my new blog, <a href="https://lifechocolate.art.blog/" target="_blank">Life, Art & Chocolate</a>. I am still posting and still painting, so if you're interested, I am over there! I'm also trying to find my artist bloggers as well. Seems a lot of us have gotten quiet!<br />
<br />
I hope to see you!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-1421977410918730662019-05-23T15:55:00.001-04:002019-05-23T15:55:23.990-04:00Life Got BusyI feel like I am in the final stretch of... something. I haven't done much in my studio but these:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZXEj50TAHI/XObzon8qqwI/AAAAAAAACHA/yDp7fWySHekl0apWZZLDxqzMiq7E_6LHACLcBGAs/s1600/Twinkle_Kyrawilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="950" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZXEj50TAHI/XObzon8qqwI/AAAAAAAACHA/yDp7fWySHekl0apWZZLDxqzMiq7E_6LHACLcBGAs/s640/Twinkle_Kyrawilson_LG.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twinkle" 8x10, acrylic, <a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/products/27605481-twinkle" target="_blank">Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5zn5wU8hg0/XObzrYBIjPI/AAAAAAAACHE/Rcy5LbPNq88h0vmEB_twzC2Gftyg-iUUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sky_1_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="987" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5zn5wU8hg0/XObzrYBIjPI/AAAAAAAACHE/Rcy5LbPNq88h0vmEB_twzC2Gftyg-iUUQCLcBGAs/s400/Sky_1_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sky 1", 6x6 acrylic, <a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1287756-abstract-original-paintings/products/26851503-sky-1" target="_blank">Available </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwtSL1A1Lh4/XObzvkC8WBI/AAAAAAAACHI/LFrFlHikCGcICfsAgsi1OUfgK7F9Fsx0ACLcBGAs/s1600/Halo_Kyrawilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="791" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwtSL1A1Lh4/XObzvkC8WBI/AAAAAAAACHI/LFrFlHikCGcICfsAgsi1OUfgK7F9Fsx0ACLcBGAs/s400/Halo_Kyrawilson_LG.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Halo" 6x6, acrylic, SOLD</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I find that I am disappointed in myself for not having accomplished more. I have started a few pieces, but in truth I've just been completely buried in my life. We have been remodeling, and it's getting to a desperate point since we have my parents and my son's girlfriend coming out for his high school graduation shortly (to see some remodeling pictures and such, <a href="https://lifechocolate.art.blog/2019/05/23/early-onset-something/" target="_blank">you can pop over to my other more life oriented blog here)</a> I've been painting walls instead of canvas!<br />
<br />
My son is graduating high school in two weeks, company is coming (so we have to finish our master bedroom at the very least, so the guest room is open for guests again), my daughter is turning 21 and also moving back to North Carolina... AND we adopted my daughter's roommate's kitten that the roommate wasn't taking care of. Meet Cleopatra (Cleo for short, because it's super embarrassing to say that in person at the veterinarian - even though after meeting her the doctor agreed the name totally fits her!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-2szc2R5q4/XOb3S2Mi4fI/AAAAAAAACHo/sP_ih6DIcpAPadbKdjnoaWOq6iWThskTACLcBGAs/s1600/cleo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1375" data-original-width="1309" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-2szc2R5q4/XOb3S2Mi4fI/AAAAAAAACHo/sP_ih6DIcpAPadbKdjnoaWOq6iWThskTACLcBGAs/s640/cleo.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
<br />
I just couldn't let her go to a shelter (even though they're all no-kill here in Vermont.) She's the sweetest, cutest, tiny little thing with six toes on each paw so she's a polydactyl, and suspected Maine Coon, but we shall see. My old boy, Socrates (also a Maine Coon, and about 16 years old) is a little huffy about having THREE extra cats after being the only one for so long. However, he's a gentle giant and just moping rather than acting out. I'm trying to snuggle him when I can. He's still my boy (even though Cleo sleeps every night curled into my neck or on my chest at the moment. Cuteness overload, people!)<br />
<br />
But I miss my studio. I miss feeling like I have done something with my time that was for ME but also productive in a way that I have something to show for myself. I want to become someone who is producing something almost every day (or at least making great headway!) I have found my self-worth is tied heavily to my art, and I feel a bit of pain not having anything to show for months having passed. Maybe that's silly, given so much is going on, but it's my truth. I NEED to paint.<br />
<br />
We all have things that are tied to our self-worth, what are yours?<br />
<br />
Life will be crazy for the month of June, which also includes actual contractors showing up and ripping out our kitchen (the only project that's just too much for us to do it ourselves) in addition to company, graduation, birthday parties, and my daughter moving away. I'm hoping that July brings an opening into my being able to work again. If my son successfully attends college in September, and the remodeling is done by then as well, and nothing else bad happens (as has been for the past couple of years) I will finally have the house and my LIFE back to myself for the first time in over two decades. I'm really looking forward to what that will bring, and hoping to take advantage of it!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-74711931986903395682019-03-22T20:56:00.001-04:002019-03-22T20:56:57.584-04:00A New BlogI used to blog a lot. I had two other popular blogs back in the day and I eventually shut them down. Thinking it over, I think it really did have a lot to do with Facebook. When I finally did join, 10 years ago, I felt like I was crossing a line I had been fighting for a long time... but everyone was vanishing!<br />
<br />
It's hard to remember, but Facebook used to be about people. Actual people posted about their days and what was going on, and it was interesting to check in with folks and say "Hi! Me too!" or whatnot. Then Facebook lost it's ever-loving marbles and turned into an advertising machine. More, memes and political posts became how people chose to check in with one another.<br />
<br />
People stopped talking to each other, or about themselves.<br />
<br />
Facebook became funny cats and anti-whatevers jammed in between ads all over the place. I don't know how you all feel, but when I go on Facebook now I feel like I'm walking down the Vegas Strip. Everyone is selling something, stuff is flashing in your face, you can't hear the person you're with because everyone is talking - not even caring if anyone else is listening. Ugh.<br />
<br />
I miss the days of blogging.<br />
<br />
I went out there and looked around in the blogosphere and it is pretty quiet. The majority of blogs out there are about business and marketing, or trying to become mini-Buzzfeeds. The people are missing. *sigh* Remember people? Even the art bloggers have slowly drifted off.<br />
<br />
I drifted for a bit too.<br />
<br />
Well, it turns out I wasn't the only one feeling this way. A resurgence has started to trickle in with people starting back up blogs (or starting new ones.) I decided to join in, and while I will still have this as my primary art blog, for more general content about life and other things I will be here: <a href="http://lifeartchocolate.com/">http://lifeartchocolate.com</a> (it redirects to <a href="https://lifechocolate.art.blog/">https://lifechocolate.art.blog/</a> if that one doesn't work. Still working out the kinks with this.) I'll touch briefly on art there, but mostly it'll be about my life and thoughts. NO business, selling, opinions masquerading as a news story, etc.<br />
<br />
Just me.<br />
<br />
So if you're interested, I'm over there now too with the intention to post at least once a week.<br />
<br />
And now, back to my regularly scheduled programming! I sat with a blank canvas a couple days ago, wanting to just play. I didn't know how it would go - maybe abstract? But I ended up with this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8m3UTHNp6c4/XJWDgaB_y_I/AAAAAAAACEU/_QXznoeZ5YIs5dD21ny2YkPbgfkfaFgTwCLcBGAs/s1600/WinterStill_Kyrawilson_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="941" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8m3UTHNp6c4/XJWDgaB_y_I/AAAAAAAACEU/_QXznoeZ5YIs5dD21ny2YkPbgfkfaFgTwCLcBGAs/s640/WinterStill_Kyrawilson_2019.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">"Winter Still", 8x10, acrylic on canvas panel. Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's interesting that no direction led me back to something that is far closer to my old style. Hmm. Still, it was nice to finish another piece!<br />
<br />
Hope everyone else is up to all sorts of creative things!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-28922723325312354722019-03-19T06:00:00.000-04:002019-03-19T06:00:15.631-04:00The Art of LIAFCOLNot every sketch, canvas, idea deserves the same amount of time in your studio. Yet, when you work professionally in the arts, I think here is a sort of pressure to make every moment count. A sketch? Well, hopefully you're using it as a study or set-up for the next piece you're doing (and maybe someone will want to even buy the concept sketch.) A painting study? Well, could you work a bit longer on it and make it better, more finished (I know it's just a study, but... shouldn't you?)<br />
<br />
No. You shouldn't. *I* shouldn't.<br />
<br />
But getting my brain wrapped around that fact is incredibly hard for some reason.<br />
<br />
I used to think it was because I sell my work, file business taxes, marketing, etc. I'm a full on business (I know people think artists just sit around and create and that's all there is to it, but that's only a part of the business - with BUSINESS being the much harder part of the equation!) I have a business degree, and I actually use it. However, while having that business sense and know-how is helpful, I think it also brings along a sense of obligation to every stroke of my brush. All activity should be in the pursuit of finished product.<br />
<br />
And that's just wrong. Not to mention, it's unfair to me as an artist!<br />
<br />
With the commissions cleared from my schedule and shows pared down to the bare minimum, I've been able to play with different subject matter and techniques. I'm happy about that, but I'm also trying hard to do better with the art of LIAFCOL! (That's "Leave it ALONE, for Crying Out Loud!!!)<br />
<br />
Not every piece should be "done". Not every painting will be sell-worthy, and shouldn't be because that shouldn't be the goal of every painting. Painting as a business has an obligation to sell, but painting as a complete business has an obligation for the artist (supplier) to grow and develop.<br />
<br />
We do not learn by doing everything perfectly.<br />
<br />
We learn by making mistakes, or half attempts, or just trying one little thing and getting it right (or wrong, and wrong again, and wrong AGAIN! Then right somehow... maybe) so we can add it to our toolboxes and use it on a piece that <b>will</b> be "product" one day.<br />
<br />
But I haven't been letting myself do that. I see every canvas as a challenge to finish it, and finish it correctly. How shortsighted and silly of me, really! Or really, not silly enough. I need more silly, more relaxed, more "huh, tried that... didn't work out... moving on!" in my art-life.<br />
<br />
So along with exercise, my goal is to work more on LIAFCOL this year!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-6280498212208237472019-03-15T17:02:00.000-04:002019-03-15T17:02:06.734-04:00Chocolate and Wonderland and On!I had to go and check my blog to see what I had and hadn't posted, and found that I just hadn't <i>posted.</i> UGH! Well, I have actually gotten some art done, so let me hit that right now!<br />
<br />
The first painting I completed for 2019 is one that I had been dragging my heels on for a while. I have been wanting to close out Alice for a long time, but I had a special collector who wanted two last pieces done. The biggie is Queen Alice:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeBE8dKgRQY/XIwJ3j0jzBI/AAAAAAAACB0/76tK5joCj3k60_22NmNYNKjwVNv4rmMWACLcBGAs/s1600/Queen%2BAlice_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1188" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeBE8dKgRQY/XIwJ3j0jzBI/AAAAAAAACB0/76tK5joCj3k60_22NmNYNKjwVNv4rmMWACLcBGAs/s640/Queen%2BAlice_LG.jpg" width="473" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Alice, 18x24, acrylic on stretched canvas. (sold)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then a small little piece for her collection of the drink and cakes from Wonderland. Forgive the photo, I only snapped this one with my phone - I don't know why I didn't get a proper scan - but perhaps it was because I knew I wasn't going to offer prints of it or anything, and it was just quickly on its way to its owner:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VF5mc1tZtUs/XIwMJzTeXLI/AAAAAAAACCc/EMJzVWsX6No8I5aWNXkEqGfoMGdeHFE0gCLcBGAs/s1600/BottleAndKey_Alice_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="790" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VF5mc1tZtUs/XIwMJzTeXLI/AAAAAAAACCc/EMJzVWsX6No8I5aWNXkEqGfoMGdeHFE0gCLcBGAs/s400/BottleAndKey_Alice_KyraWilson.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drink me/Eat me, 8x10, acrylic on stretched canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The reason I found this one so hard was because in order for it to fit the collection, I needed to paint in my old style. But artists evolve, and I definitely have. Here is most of the Alice series I did (missing only a couple little pieces):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVcgpEdcJFY/XIwJ4tKCBuI/AAAAAAAACB4/3Odr681qEjUawGIWsoNqByxRvl_jX4t3wCLcBGAs/s1600/Wonderland_Series_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OVcgpEdcJFY/XIwJ4tKCBuI/AAAAAAAACB4/3Odr681qEjUawGIWsoNqByxRvl_jX4t3wCLcBGAs/s640/Wonderland_Series_2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My figures changed, my colors changed, etc. I didn't realize how MUCH until I was working on Queen Alice, and I just found it so hard to switch back. Still, I was happy to complete this series and leave Alice behind!<br />
<br />
My next deadline was for a group show and the theme was "children's story reimagined". I chose the 12 Dancing Princesses. My take on it was that the princesses were often portrayed as unfeeling and awful creatures delighting in tricking everyone while they danced the night away. BUT... how happy and delighted would YOU be to be forced to dance every night, ALL night, until you had worn clean through your brand new dancing shoes?<br />
<br />
People, there is no amount of coffee in the world that would help that situation. So, I painted five of them (because 12 in one painting looks more like a pile-up at a football game) quite exhausted, in the underground jeweled forest:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Km6Mru0ZkY/XIwJ3nIeIlI/AAAAAAAACBw/l0M0ZiLubTACbJZ1VO5fRVrPPYs_f7xTgCLcBGAs/s1600/12Dancing_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Km6Mru0ZkY/XIwJ3nIeIlI/AAAAAAAACBw/l0M0ZiLubTACbJZ1VO5fRVrPPYs_f7xTgCLcBGAs/s640/12Dancing_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"After the Dance" 14x18, acrylic on stretched canvas. (sold, prints available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think it's clear that my Alice painting mind-set had a bit of influence over this piece. Somewhere in between my old style and my current one.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then was free of obligations, having said no to commissions and such so I could clear the decks, my mind, whatever else, and just PAINT for a while. It was around Valentine's Day, so I painted some small chocolates:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBky5F2EDEk/XIwJw56wyPI/AAAAAAAACBs/52AJ_xLx-YQpiHA3DveyvOzRqZGigeQKgCLcBGAs/s1600/StrawberriesandChocolate_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="1000" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBky5F2EDEk/XIwJw56wyPI/AAAAAAAACBs/52AJ_xLx-YQpiHA3DveyvOzRqZGigeQKgCLcBGAs/s400/StrawberriesandChocolate_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Chocolates and Strawberries" 4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas panel. <a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-canRyXKydLc/XIwJwgX9NyI/AAAAAAAACBo/5DeuIJ7ai0In-AKtzsykMB-ry8igz1BKQCLcBGAs/s1600/truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1000" height="267" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-canRyXKydLc/XIwJwgX9NyI/AAAAAAAACBo/5DeuIJ7ai0In-AKtzsykMB-ry8igz1BKQCLcBGAs/s400/truffles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Truffles" 4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas panel. <a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I knew from years past that I enjoy painting chocolate. It's so easy to make them look real (when they're square. The truffles were a nightmare.) However, I had such awful cravings! I ate boxes and boxes of strawberries after the top one. I also went out and bought a ton of clearance Valentine's Day chocolate to take my own reference photos (these were referenced from Pixabay.)<br />
<br />
Do you know what multiple pounds of chocolate smells like under studio lights when you're snapping pictures? I think I gained five pounds just because of the aroma. Good grief!<br />
<br />
Yeah, and then I ate them. *head*desk* Not helping me lose the 20lbs I have gained since I moved back to Vermont! Although, I feel like I could kinda get away with the strawberries. They're healthy! Oh sure, I know, I know... moderation is the key. *dramatic sigh*<br />
<br />
I really liked painting the chocolates, and I have good reference photos, but I realized I'm kind of in the mood to do more still-lifes, so I bought some other produce and used some left over wine, and snapped a bunch of photos I plan on using soon as well. I've been thinking about that though.<br />
<br />
While I am enjoying doing basic still-life paintings, I want to add a few elements that make them more *me*, and not just any old still-life. If you have any suggestions, let me know! At the moment, I'm contemplating small animals (Duckling? Bunny? I thought of a mouse, but people get freaked out by mice by food, so maybe not. Chipmunk, maybe?)<br />
<br />
Lastly, this week I finished this piece:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhdfup6teRQ/XIwJucbZrZI/AAAAAAAACBk/j6_ohe9oJr4tpgBNx_ILLnSo1jY5GMAogCLcBGAs/s1600/Tempus_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="931" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yhdfup6teRQ/XIwJucbZrZI/AAAAAAAACBk/j6_ohe9oJr4tpgBNx_ILLnSo1jY5GMAogCLcBGAs/s640/Tempus_KyraWilson.jpg" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tempus" 11x14, acrylic on gallery deep wooden panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started this piece while staying in a hotel room during a family crisis a year ago. I set it aside and occasionally worked on it, but I never had a good vision with it. Over the last week, I picked it back up again and finally settled on this. It's strange that I finished it a year later, and being able to reflect on my life then and now. I won't say everything is better, because it's not. Life is forever changed.<br />
<br />
But I'm here. Time did pass. Things have changed. And that means something!<br />
<br />
Moving forward, I'm hoping to start producing more. But then, that's always my goal! PAINT FASTER!!! And better. Always trying to improve my techniques! I need to switch back over into my oils, but I think I've been waiting on the warmer weather so I can have the windows open.<br />
<br />
Oh, lastly, I turned 44 in February.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEviCBNjfH8/XIwRvXzaa4I/AAAAAAAACC0/Jkc1lIlqhcA-ZiZ2ofyiTKRQsNk1JhxgQCLcBGAs/s1600/Kyra2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEviCBNjfH8/XIwRvXzaa4I/AAAAAAAACC0/Jkc1lIlqhcA-ZiZ2ofyiTKRQsNk1JhxgQCLcBGAs/s320/Kyra2019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's me, on my birthday, just like I do every year. Next year, if life is good to me and my family and they're healthy and I am too, I should be an "empty nester". It'll be an interesting phase in my life! Gotta get there first, though!<br />
<br />
Off to paint! I think I'm in the mood for landscape experimentation at the moment!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-70580228471534967992019-01-11T20:49:00.000-05:002019-01-11T20:49:23.669-05:00Hello 2019!I have to admit that I sat down to write out a post several times over the past months, and I just couldn't do it. I think part of the reason behind that was that every time I posted, something else would go wildly wrong, and it all just became too overwhelming.<br />
<br />
I think a lot of people had a rough, or even awful 2018. I didn't see any posts on social media expressing how much they didn't want to see 2018 go, and rather it was a lot more "don't let the door hit you on the way out, 2018!"<br />
<br />
As always, I use the end of the year to review. Some years, I feel pretty good about my year even with the knocks. This year, like so many other people, I was just over it.<br />
<br />
At the tail end of the year, I tried to knock out some challenge paintings... that I then went and got too complicated with and only managed two of the 12 I should have done. One is a raccoon, and even though the prompt was "cookie", I'm pretty sure I channeled my own issues which led to me gaining 15 lbs since I moved back to Vermont...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2pWGiHdEX0/XDjx69p9BSI/AAAAAAAAB_w/5vQ9uYELLj0_DqgIDSTmh4q5ne74VSGrQCLcBGAs/s1600/MyCookie_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1400" height="301" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2pWGiHdEX0/XDjx69p9BSI/AAAAAAAAB_w/5vQ9uYELLj0_DqgIDSTmh4q5ne74VSGrQCLcBGAs/s400/MyCookie_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1683081-my-favorite-things-series/products/25198050-my-cookie" target="_blank">"MY Cookie" 6x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel (available)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do you see it? I totally see it.<br />
<br />
Man, I wish my pants fit right now. I'm trying to tell myself that making my jeans tight just made them into compression stockings... right? *sigh* I need a button that let's me zip my mouth shut. I still haven't hopped back onto the healthy eating train either. I was going to, I totally was going to! And then I tried to give up coffee, my son blew out his knee trying yoga with me, and... cookie.<br />
<br />
The other painting prompt was "Ribbon":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCUST3hTvNY/XDjuhKDXr1I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/H0QEiA6j2-UYtLE7n7erboaHgqOGtnpHgCLcBGAs/s1600/RedRibbon_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1000" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCUST3hTvNY/XDjuhKDXr1I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/H0QEiA6j2-UYtLE7n7erboaHgqOGtnpHgCLcBGAs/s400/RedRibbon_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/products/25252587-red-ribbon" target="_blank">Red Ribbon, 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel, Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Earlier, I got this one done for a deadline that I actually missed... but I liked him so much I had to finish him anyway. He's my "Twitterphant"!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deycTOPA3wI/XDjuYbGAYVI/AAAAAAAAB_I/jeCTbGQ7OrkxIyJrSOzbOyyCj4jqxBVLgCLcBGAs/s1600/Twitterphant_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="1000" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-deycTOPA3wI/XDjuYbGAYVI/AAAAAAAAB_I/jeCTbGQ7OrkxIyJrSOzbOyyCj4jqxBVLgCLcBGAs/s400/Twitterphant_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/products/24911706-twitterphant" target="_blank">"Twitterphant" 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel, Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />And then lastly, working with Thrice Fiction, I was given a story by someone I think Christmas doesn't bring good feelings for (that's putting it mildly.) I'm a holiday freak, as I'm sure you all know, so this was actually a challenge. I read the story to my kids and we came up with a zombie hand, but festive-style!<br /><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMz81__NkQs/XDjuYBrrC0I/AAAAAAAAB_E/YwU66uhsL9YhLZIeDp-cqxaXHlp91uzcgCLcBGAs/s1600/ZombieChristmasLG_kyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="729" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMz81__NkQs/XDjuYBrrC0I/AAAAAAAAB_E/YwU66uhsL9YhLZIeDp-cqxaXHlp91uzcgCLcBGAs/s640/ZombieChristmasLG_kyraWilson.jpg" width="465" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Christmas Tree, 5x7, Acrylic... my son is thinking of keeping it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have to say I LOVE painting twinkle lights. There's something about being able to use paint to make you think something is glowing in real life. It's funny, because it's just paint... but your brain says "those are lights, and they are on" - I've never been able to paint a candle with the same effect, but I have seen it in some paintings and always marveled over it. I CAN pull it off with twinkle lights, though! HA! (Mental note: practice painting more candles this year.)<br />
<br />
I'm kicking myself for missing the holiday season and having a reason to paint twinkle lights. Maybe Christmas 2019 will let me go wild with the lights in all the paintings! Here's hoping I get a chance to actually get a shot at that!<br />
<br />
As always, I put together my painting quilt. This is EVERY single painting of 2019. I wish I had done more, but the ones I did, not so bad! My color choices continued to shift to more earthy (natural) tones, and I'm really enjoying that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpGFwaNWAr4/XDjuPfcFxpI/AAAAAAAAB_A/_W2kI3WCOvg4fuWY2LnCohR-dvjKt7sawCLcBGAs/s1600/2018_Quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YpGFwaNWAr4/XDjuPfcFxpI/AAAAAAAAB_A/_W2kI3WCOvg4fuWY2LnCohR-dvjKt7sawCLcBGAs/s640/2018_Quilt.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have goals for 2019... not the least of which is to fit into my clothing again. I know, I know... no cookie. Sigh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I plan on painting. As always, that is my goal. My hope is to rebuild and bulk up my portfolio and start laying down artistic roots once again now that I am back in Vermont and it really feels like home. This year has the potential to yield big and wonderful things, and I truly hope that is what is actually in store for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really hope you all had a decent 2018, but if not, at least it's over. I hope 2019 is a great year for everyone!</div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-749674399758013052018-09-29T21:47:00.000-04:002018-09-29T21:47:44.579-04:00Going Back HomeWhen last I popped in, it was June in North Carolina. It was hot, humid, and just icky. I have to say it's a wonderful relief to sit here and tell you that there is a cool, crisp breeze outside and it'll be getting down to the low 40's tonight. If we were in NC still, that kind of weather would cause an all out panic (which makes me giggle a little, I admit.)<br />
<br />
We have relocated back to Vermont!<br />
<br />
This has been a very interesting experience, going back. When I left, I was angry. I felt like I had been driven out with the cost of living, solar panels going up all around us (a neighbor had a huge field of them go up on two sides of her property, and there wasn't a thing she or the town could do about it.) I was upset about the cost of college for my kids, and the thought that there was nothing they'd be able to do for work here. When given a second chance to rethink our relocation to NC at the last minute, we wavered, but in the end we decided it was the right thing to do to leave VT. I was convinced I was never going back.<br />
<br />
I think a lot of my anger stemmed from the fact that when we first moved here, we thought that was it! Vermont was where we would retire, and everything would be wonderful! It wasn't - there were some negative/strange interactions that I let affect me, lots of hitches and snags (although, surmountable, had I tried harder), and in the end I think I just felt betrayed that I had to leave for my kids' future, when I thought I would be staying forever.<br />
<br />
Life's lessons come in some funny forms. This one for me was a pretty big lesson. North Carolina was the biggest mistake we ever made. I won't go into the why's and what happened, because most of it is intensely personal. I think it's enough to say that it was life changing, and perspective altering. Your priorities shift on some major levels when things get really, <i>really</i> bad.<br />
<br />
The opportunity came up for us to move back, and we realized how much we actually wanted to. On some level, I was aware that it was likely we were yearning for the life we had before some truly horrible things happened to us... and that's delusional, because you don't get to go backwards. I look back now, and realize that we really did love the land and we should have tried to find other solutions. Some things have also shifted and it turns out that what my children want to do IS supported here; there is a real path forward. Some things haven't shifted, but we have solutions now. Being aware of all of that, we were able to make the decision in a balanced way, and we chose to go home. <br />
<br />
I thought I would have to eat a lot of crow, having left in such a huff. But do you know, the only person who snapped back at me is someone who isn't even from Vermont at all? Instead, the people here welcomed me back with warmth and caring - leaving me practically tearful with gratitude. We were lucky enough to move back to our same town, which wasn't something we even tried to do (in VT, that's pretty tricky because the housing market is not such that you pick the town you want to live in, but rather that you look for a house that will work and THEN discover what town you will be living in.) That means the community we left is still mostly here, and that has been a huge blessing.<br />
<br />
We have gone from a shiny "perfect" house in NC, to a house that needs a LOT of work - the kitchen is from the 1980's and my son cracked me up when he confessed to being afraid to use the oven because it's all dials and the only way to tell the temperature is an actual gauge you set inside on the rack (yeah, the kitchen is on our renovate list first, right after replacing the 25 year old boiler that's making really scary sounds right now!) But a big, shiny, perfect house doesn't mean anything if it doesn't feel like home. When I got here, I felt like I could breath after three years of holding my breath. I never relaxed in NC, but I did here, even in the midst of a crazy move.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z7GHojQIxs/W7Abb3iDjTI/AAAAAAAAB78/yEm1n9axik03Mk5d85iBjIOjre8r7GgQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/b6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1z7GHojQIxs/W7Abb3iDjTI/AAAAAAAAB78/yEm1n9axik03Mk5d85iBjIOjre8r7GgQwCEwYBhgL/s400/b6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new backyard is about 100 acres, and this is the view from my new studio (it has a little balcony) and this is my husband (just celebrated our 23rd anniversary!) who is also thrilled beyond belief to be back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wake up every morning and there are deer, and often a "rafter" of turkeys (no idea why they don't just call it a flock.) I have squirrels, and birds, and breezes that flow through my OPEN windows, and cool crisp air that smells of honey and clover. I have quiet, and butterflies, and I have peace. It took a bad turn to realize we really did need to be back, and it has been a lot of work - will continue to be a lot of work on multiple levels, but I really feel like we're on the right path for the first time in a long time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3RK4TrGki8/W7AbbcCbpHI/AAAAAAAAB70/1F1jBp4RxmUOIdz2kbte30iQb3V4NXMXACEwYBhgL/s1600/b5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x3RK4TrGki8/W7AbbcCbpHI/AAAAAAAAB70/1F1jBp4RxmUOIdz2kbte30iQb3V4NXMXACEwYBhgL/s400/b5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunset, in our backyard a week ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also have two new fluffy members of the family! We just adopted them a few days ago and are in the process of slowly introducing them to the other animals in the house. Meet Merlin:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwoTBNe5lo4/W7AbaiTcPwI/AAAAAAAAB74/Y4AmuO71fPc1KGHTOe-TFvrt-UN3SjH9gCEwYBhgL/s1600/b2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rwoTBNe5lo4/W7AbaiTcPwI/AAAAAAAAB74/Y4AmuO71fPc1KGHTOe-TFvrt-UN3SjH9gCEwYBhgL/s400/b2.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
and Stratus:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPJpuoQsVQg/W7AbbKAvjxI/AAAAAAAAB74/M18erl-086w9hFe0cfGaR7KcWwE8ceM-ACEwYBhgL/s1600/b4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="962" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kPJpuoQsVQg/W7AbbKAvjxI/AAAAAAAAB74/M18erl-086w9hFe0cfGaR7KcWwE8ceM-ACEwYBhgL/s400/b4.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They're total snuggle-bugs, small kittens (especially compared to Socrates who is about 10 times their size) and they also like watching Disney movies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZRsA8GL-EM/W7AbapMhTjI/AAAAAAAAB7s/bW0l-SiRhuo1l4nRT01uXOOGafg7r9KjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/b3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1038" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZRsA8GL-EM/W7AbapMhTjI/AAAAAAAAB7s/bW0l-SiRhuo1l4nRT01uXOOGafg7r9KjgCEwYBhgL/s400/b3.jpeg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merlin and Stratus, snuggled up with me<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Side note: I found a bathrobe covered in shiny silver stars!<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utNAnwA4c08/W7AlUP8orfI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/TPUxfnelISsnUzJoBiLcMVABUQ718uNUACLcBGAs/s1600/bathrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utNAnwA4c08/W7AlUP8orfI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/TPUxfnelISsnUzJoBiLcMVABUQ718uNUACLcBGAs/s320/bathrobe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I think I only have two new paintings to share, even though so much time has passed since I last wrote. The first is a painting that is currently on the Liberty Orchard's Halloween box!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFMZXqmkr1w/W6_9UdedIqI/AAAAAAAAB60/o-ABm_HXuIoH2xXFywPe9cs_ii5SUBXBACLcBGAs/s1600/Halloween_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1000" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFMZXqmkr1w/W6_9UdedIqI/AAAAAAAAB60/o-ABm_HXuIoH2xXFywPe9cs_ii5SUBXBACLcBGAs/s400/Halloween_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Halloween Kittens" 9x12 inches, acrylic on canvas, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJx45mazIfI/W7AbajfJvsI/AAAAAAAAB7c/p6_PMY7MpaQBYkyqzmR8vdfY1v4HhcFBwCLcBGAs/s1600/B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1378" height="302" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJx45mazIfI/W7AbajfJvsI/AAAAAAAAB7c/p6_PMY7MpaQBYkyqzmR8vdfY1v4HhcFBwCLcBGAs/s400/B1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ad from Liberty Orchards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next painting is the second in my Favorite Things series:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgiQFhVkDHE/W6_9Uexxc9I/AAAAAAAAB6w/3JU0H37enQcYhxcbSDqfdCb_7CbEoc7hwCLcBGAs/s1600/Opossum_Georgette_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1000" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RgiQFhVkDHE/W6_9Uexxc9I/AAAAAAAAB6w/3JU0H37enQcYhxcbSDqfdCb_7CbEoc7hwCLcBGAs/s400/Opossum_Georgette_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1683081-my-favorite-things-series/products/24543816-georgette-opossum" target="_blank">"Georgette" 6x8 inches, acrylic on canvas, available </a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have my kitchen unpacked, and my studio completely unpacked. That's it. The rest of the house is in complete disarray. I'll get there with the rest of the house, but I am ready to start painting again.<br />
<br />
I tried working on an in-progress piece - but I feel out of sync. So, I think like after not exercising for a while, I need to warm up and do some smaller, faster work to get back into my groove. I'm going to try to do daily paintings again, at least for a little while, to break in my new studio area! Hopefully, I'll have a lot more to share, and check in more often!<br />
<br />
Things may still be hard right now, but there is light. There is positivity. I didn't expect any of these turns, and I'm as surprised as anyone else that this is where I sit tonight... but I'm oh, so glad that this is where I am. Home.</div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-72450301119157216262018-06-11T09:21:00.002-04:002018-06-11T09:21:33.184-04:00Back To Your RootsToday, I'm in my PJ's sitting in my studio contemplating the coffee I haven't brewed and am supposed to give up... but I'm totally going to finish out the coffee I have in the house before I give it up. Seems like a fiscally responsible thing to do, right? It's not like I have someone to donate it to, it would be a waste otherwise... *ahem*<br />
<br />
I have two paintings to share for my online art collective's auction that opens up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StrangeDreamsSurrealArtCollective/" target="_blank">Friday on Facebook</a>. The theme is "Seasons". I had all sorts of ideas for this one, because I feel that something like seasons is right in my wheelhouse. I sketched out a bunch of ideas... honestly, I ended up having too many ideas, rather than too few, and it actually messed me up. I had this elaborate one with three elephants and on the head of each was different seasonal effects (like snow, flowers, etc) - I actually have the elephants mostly painted, but when it came down to it I just wasn't feeling it and I set it aside to be completed later (and perhaps differently.)<br />
<br />
Instead, as I was on an owl streak and that's all I wanted to paint lately, I put these two together:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEY4-7lta4o/Wx5xDufGz1I/AAAAAAAAB30/YGgroWR368M7wQp72pnnIcCpU0mIIK3_wCLcBGAs/s1600/Lilac_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="900" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mEY4-7lta4o/Wx5xDufGz1I/AAAAAAAAB30/YGgroWR368M7wQp72pnnIcCpU0mIIK3_wCLcBGAs/s640/Lilac_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StrangeDreamsSurrealArtCollective/" target="_blank">"Lilac" 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel, will be available on Friday</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAfMUj0GoNc/Wx5xDp6LFYI/AAAAAAAAB3w/OsnEASEvnccbPgZ7WuRjpEPNIqrUHsZfwCLcBGAs/s1600/Mistle_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="634" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JAfMUj0GoNc/Wx5xDp6LFYI/AAAAAAAAB3w/OsnEASEvnccbPgZ7WuRjpEPNIqrUHsZfwCLcBGAs/s640/Mistle_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StrangeDreamsSurrealArtCollective/" target="_blank">"Mistle" 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel, will be available on Friday</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lilac for Spring, and Mistle for my Winter/Yule season. They actually look better in person, my scanner really pics up variances that you just don't see in reality that make it look a bit choppier. I haven't figured out how to adjust that yet (any pointers from people who know? I use an Epson v39 scanner with it's software for 8x10's and under, everything else I have professional photography equipment but I use the scanner because it seems like too much effort to bust out all the stuff for a little painting! I use Lightroom3 or PSE to adjust if needed, but that's the extent of my photoshopping skills, and I'm probably missing most of the stuff I can do with those programs.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I really like how these owls turned out. I met my deadline by getting them done before the show opens (yay!) and now I am working on an old commission (as in, it's been going on for two years...)<br />
<br />
My collector is dedicated and lovely. She's been so understanding, but it has been hard to work on this piece. I think the biggest reason is that I just don't paint like this anymore. My collector loves my Alice in Wonderland series, like this piece from 2012:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12_LE7BXbJQ/Wx5yz_Vm9yI/AAAAAAAAB4E/lfUAi3uq_wM-lKRaYtvXT1oJmKX45nSiwCLcBGAs/s1600/teatime_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-12_LE7BXbJQ/Wx5yz_Vm9yI/AAAAAAAAB4E/lfUAi3uq_wM-lKRaYtvXT1oJmKX45nSiwCLcBGAs/s400/teatime_LG.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Tea Time"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
There is a whole series of paintings, including the cheshire cat, Alice, the Queen of Hearts, etc:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1-e-0G1IT4/VFzganutL8I/AAAAAAAABLk/xAr0-H316wo9ykV_iVArBXn9TZV1_86GQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/QueenofHearts_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="945" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1-e-0G1IT4/VFzganutL8I/AAAAAAAABLk/xAr0-H316wo9ykV_iVArBXn9TZV1_86GQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/QueenofHearts_LG.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuutSY8tL0/T4VsPmj00KI/AAAAAAAAAUU/X0aqd4eurfcihzfDUsD59ORTYHnMv2G5ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/wannaplay_kyrawilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="793" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTuutSY8tL0/T4VsPmj00KI/AAAAAAAAAUU/X0aqd4eurfcihzfDUsD59ORTYHnMv2G5ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/wannaplay_kyrawilson.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGCYTMSWF6o/Wx5z6yM7sBI/AAAAAAAAB4s/M4PXavTWhK4cav-C9RFNpJ4456xfHSOiQCLcBGAs/s1600/WhiteQueen_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="789" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGCYTMSWF6o/Wx5z6yM7sBI/AAAAAAAAB4s/M4PXavTWhK4cav-C9RFNpJ4456xfHSOiQCLcBGAs/s400/WhiteQueen_LG.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd9LGZg-siw/Wx5z26Qx9sI/AAAAAAAAB4o/4CXx4i4N9FAB4YBI4oP1xWuUU2da3m3GgCLcBGAs/s1600/Cheshire_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="487" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gd9LGZg-siw/Wx5z26Qx9sI/AAAAAAAAB4o/4CXx4i4N9FAB4YBI4oP1xWuUU2da3m3GgCLcBGAs/s400/Cheshire_LG.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsxpsz840ME/Wx5zwvU2bqI/AAAAAAAAB4k/KcihhY9PloAYdHkJuzbWMze4GuKdQgzPgCLcBGAs/s1600/CoolCat_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="665" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsxpsz840ME/Wx5zwvU2bqI/AAAAAAAAB4k/KcihhY9PloAYdHkJuzbWMze4GuKdQgzPgCLcBGAs/s400/CoolCat_LG.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP9Ff9tLkmo/Wx5zmAgDM0I/AAAAAAAAB4c/g9v0JQbuREMxhxnBY7id1CEHXRSPhNR7wCLcBGAs/s1600/alice_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="773" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP9Ff9tLkmo/Wx5zmAgDM0I/AAAAAAAAB4c/g9v0JQbuREMxhxnBY7id1CEHXRSPhNR7wCLcBGAs/s400/alice_LG.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are lots more, even. Anyway, it's a bigger series, lots in it, and the collector wanted a "Queen Alice". I could already feel my style shifting pretty dramatically, but I felt it would be ok.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, embarrassingly, it has taken me forever to work on. After I finally got it sketched out, it sat for a long time. Life blew up, so that is partly responsible for a lot of the time too. I just didn't paint at all - anything - for months and months. Then, I found I wanted to paint other things and when I tried to work on Queen Alice it would go sideways on me. I just wasn't feeling it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because I am all caught up on my other deadlines, I am trying to work on this commission and I am finally feeling it a lot more. It is really hard to paint in a way you don't anymore. Those of you who have evolved your style, have you tried painting like you once did? I feel like my brain and fingers get confused.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, here is the work in progress as of this morning - it is messy and has a loooooooong way to go, but I am working on it. I spent Friday only on the stack of books. That should have taken very little time, and instead because I'm all upside down and backwards about this, it took ages!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2CukHDQEQ/Wx51Gwkg4QI/AAAAAAAAB48/2Mq22W_75cYAb0qqbEWDkpN67B7Hau_jgCLcBGAs/s1600/aliceWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH2CukHDQEQ/Wx51Gwkg4QI/AAAAAAAAB48/2Mq22W_75cYAb0qqbEWDkpN67B7Hau_jgCLcBGAs/s640/aliceWIP.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Alice, Work In Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I'm determined though. My poor collector, I cannot believe she has been so patient with me over this. So, this is my focus right now. I MUST get this one done. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a lot of ways, it'll be cathartic too. It'll be the final piece that links back to that whole period of my art-life. My art roots (after the abstracts where I really started.) I still do some specific fairytale stuff (and I always will because I love the stories), but it's not my focus anymore. I have new focus, new direction... I just need to do this, and maybe it's really all about closure? Do we need closure on art-periods and phases we go through? Hmm. Well, in either case, it's what I am getting!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Off to paint!<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-12471821763566436482018-06-05T12:19:00.002-04:002018-06-05T12:19:13.197-04:00New DirectionsIt's Tuesday and my youngest (17 yrs) is off taking his first of two finals in high school, so by the end of Thursday I will have a high school senior on my hands (which I am extremely grateful for, because it's been a very difficult year)! One more year and then he'll hopefully be off to college (wants to be a programmer) and I'll be an Empty Nester!<br />
<br />
An Empty Nester at 44 (I'm 43 now), and yet I saw on the news that more and more women are choosing to have babies in their 50's. I cannot even imagine doing that, I'm so exhausted now as it is. I remember existing in a fog in my 20's because of baby-duty, but at least I had the energy of being young. I didn't think I actually had energy at the time, but looking back now I can see that I did. Sort of like a zombie shuffling forward on autopilot. (I think if I had kids now, my autopilot would just give up.)<br />
<br />
My eldest turned 20 years old this past weekend. She finished up her second year at university in May, and then decided that's enough for now and that her path lies in another direction. For me, this was a bit hard to wrap my brain around. Isn't it funny how you want to give your kids what you didn't have and if it turns out it's not for them it can really set you back several paces? But the truth that every parent has to grasp is that they are not you and they have their own path to follow... you just hope it doesn't end up with them living in your basement until they're 40 (because apparently that is a thing now, too!)<br />
<br />
My own direction is shifting quickly. I still cannot share everything, but I'm hoping it'll be very positive for everyone - albeit stressful! My hope is that I can start to really do some productive things in my studio. I feel left behind because I have been meaning to get a Patreon going for over two years now, among other things, but life has gotten in the way.<br />
<br />
However, there have been some positive signs - glimmers of hope - that lead me to believe I can start investing in myself again, and my work. That being said, I have two new series that I have started. One is going to be all larger paintings (16x20" and up... I have some really big canvases, so who knows where this will end up) and the other will be smaller paintings (8x10" and under.) They are unrelated series, but both make my soul sing just enough to know THIS is what I want to be doing right now and I want to be in my studio <i>all the time</i> again.<br />
<br />
The big series is in planning stages still. I have the first painting planned out, but not sketched out. I'm excited to work on it, but I have other commissions, shows and various deadlines to meet before I can start in on it. I'm looking forward to sharing it, though!<br />
<br />
The smaller painting series is much easier for me to dive into in between projects, and here is the first:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06TB1lr0I8k/Wxa1R91n8PI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/3jQdLFHY5nI52D-lsaHrGi7yTHW11N-HQCLcBGAs/s1600/TimeKeeper_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-06TB1lr0I8k/Wxa1R91n8PI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/3jQdLFHY5nI52D-lsaHrGi7yTHW11N-HQCLcBGAs/s640/TimeKeeper_LG_KyraWilson.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1683081-my-favorite-things-series" target="_blank">"The Time Keeper" 6x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel. Available</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The series is "My Favorite Things", and each painting will be 8x10 and smaller, with a subject posing with its most favorite thing! I painted this Great Grey Owl, and my son informed me that this one's favorite thing was most definitely a pocket watch! Once he said it, I knew my son was absolutely spot-on! I've called this painting "The Time Keeper", and he's in a <a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1683081-my-favorite-things-series" target="_blank">special section of my shop</a> just for this series.<br />
<br />
I thought about holding the paintings back and doing a show, but there are reasons why I can't do that right now... that I'll share later. But perhaps the larger series will be one I can do a full physical show with!<br />
<br />
My goal is going to be to hopefully paint one of these Favorite Things pieces a week, whenever possible. I'm not sure how many paintings my series will encompass, but I think I'll know when I'm done. As I am just starting, I believe I have a long way in front of me! If you have any particular animal you'd like to see, let me know! I love getting ideas, but I have no idea what their favorite thing will be until I've painted them in... they're all so individual! For example, I've painted multiple raccoons (and I will do at <i>least </i>one for this series) and I have to say I don't think a single one of them would have the same favorite thing.<br />
<br />It's so nice to find the joy in my studio again!<br />
<br />
...Off to paint!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-50557590416446786462018-05-26T17:19:00.000-04:002018-05-26T17:19:46.846-04:00In The QuietIt's the end of May, and I fear I have little to show for 2018 in my studio thus far, but I have recently begun painting again and have a few pieces to show. The one I like the best, I just finished last week and it's off to La Bodega gallery in CA for a "Spirit Animal" show in early June:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnfySBGgQaQ/WwnCI5YICGI/AAAAAAAAB2o/6KxSR3B4e4Y1sCYHxD_x3w3zRBE0YPNSwCLcBGAs/s1600/Rae_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="877" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnfySBGgQaQ/WwnCI5YICGI/AAAAAAAAB2o/6KxSR3B4e4Y1sCYHxD_x3w3zRBE0YPNSwCLcBGAs/s640/Rae_KyraWilson.jpg" width="510" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Rae" 8x10, Acrylic on Canvas Panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's funny, really, because I felt I wasn't going to meet my deadline. I also felt that even if I did, it wasn't going to be very good. In the middle, it felt like nothing was coming together, and then... it just <i>did</i>. I actually LOVE this painting. Love it!<br />
<br />
What tripped me up, as it did with the little nudes earlier this year, is that I put in a colorful background and it was just wrong - WRONG! I had to use Payne's Grey and Unbleached Titanium to flip it to more neutral/earthy tones, and then I was able to move forward. It seems my personal art evolution is leading me to a more grounded background/subject, but with color pops in other areas, whereas before it was color all over the place.<br />
<br />
It's not a conscious thing, rather more like a personal subconscious drive and new preference that brings me here. Even without actively painting like I wish I had been able to, I have evolved. Art is so much more than what we put down on canvas/paper, so much exists on the inside, but it's hard to explain that to someone if they haven't experienced it (and it sounds fruit-loopy, too. For an analytical sort like me, that's a bit annoying. I hate when I sound fruity!)<br />
<br />
I also learned that I have to paint the eyes in a painting as soon as I can, so I can connect with it. Otherwise, I feel like I am fumbling in the dark. It's strange, kind of a mind game I suppose, but it's these landmarks and preferences that help me go in the right direction with my painting rather than fighting it (in other words, I need to get out of my own way and do the things that help me paint, and I should know better than to try to do it differently.)<br />
<br />
Here are the only others I have managed (and most of them are recent, it's been a long slog in real life which led to no time in studio-life):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unwevmIg5P0/WwnCoxPL6UI/AAAAAAAAB2w/NH7-9s9D12cuzMVRDVxWGjE8o6MVyZDDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Parrot_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="1180" height="260" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-unwevmIg5P0/WwnCoxPL6UI/AAAAAAAAB2w/NH7-9s9D12cuzMVRDVxWGjE8o6MVyZDDQCLcBGAs/s400/Parrot_KyraWilson.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parrot study, 4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas panel <a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/collections/1581695-small-paintings-4x6-and-under" target="_blank">Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59v6lD1f4d4/WwnCySf0a2I/AAAAAAAAB20/vtEUl72y3ZQq5i-deGdJfhq9DQ6nINfOwCLcBGAs/s1600/raccoon_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="529" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59v6lD1f4d4/WwnCySf0a2I/AAAAAAAAB20/vtEUl72y3ZQq5i-deGdJfhq9DQ6nINfOwCLcBGAs/s400/raccoon_KyraWilson.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raccoon, 4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas panel (sold)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_EFixhnqJU/WwnC1ifii8I/AAAAAAAAB24/6U4-jgguP0gMZo0NR_2lgdgBdbapm5l4gCLcBGAs/s1600/PartyCrashers_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P_EFixhnqJU/WwnC1ifii8I/AAAAAAAAB24/6U4-jgguP0gMZo0NR_2lgdgBdbapm5l4gCLcBGAs/s640/PartyCrashers_KyraWilson.jpg" width="506" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Party Crashers" 8x10, acrylic on canvas panel, framed, <a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">available</a> (on show currently at Thumbprint Gallery, CA)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, about the quiet. I've been silent, and it's because my life blew up again as I stated in my last post. Not me, personally, but people more dear to me than any other on this earth. Life or death, without exaggeration.<br />
<br />
I wish I could explain what is going on, but due to our society's pattern of shaming, stigmatizing, harming, and subsequently silencing... I can't. In order to protect, I cannot share, and that leaves me all alone. I have written, and deleted what it has been like. I have written, and deleted what I have felt and feared. It's not my tale to tell, not really.<br />
<br />
And if one more person tells me to "paint the feelings" as a way to manage the stress of it all, I may give them a black eye. Or two. Perhaps the issue lies in the fact that it is not my angst that I would paint, but the suffering of another experienced from the outside - and that is what silences me more than anything else in the studio. Art is a place of joy for me, and when there is no joy I cannot create art. Art does not come from active fear, for me. Maybe painters of old were able to lock themselves away and explore their angst in paint, but in my dynamic circumstances I have neither the desire, irresponsible nature, nor the ability to shut everything else out and "just paint."<br />
<br />
So, instead there has simply been quiet. I watched my paint dry up on my pallets. Heck, MOLD grew on one (the ever-wet pallet? Yeah, distilled water didn't stop that from happening. So, there's one marketing claim debunked.) Dust gathered on my easels. I missed deadlines and commitments, and I was embarrassed. I began to wonder if I even <i>could </i>paint anymore.<br />
<br />
A little bit of hope worked its way in with some changes (that I yet again cannot mention), and as soon as the glimmer was there, I was able to at least go sit in my studio for a few minutes here and there. I've held onto that little light, and I'm working on making it grow. That nurturing of hope is what yielded these few paintings. I have more in progress now.<br />
<br />
My Owl painting, Rae, is what really made me feel better. That made me think that maybe I haven't forgotten everything, or maybe I actually have something of worth as an artist still... You start to doubt everything, especially when you aren't painting and you see all your peers posting more and more work while you post nothing. You are effectively left behind, even if that's not true - <i>art does not leave people behind</i>. (But sometimes, oftentimes, it feels that way.)<br />
<br />
I am currently in the midst of trying to cling to the glimmers of hope, trying to be more than barely existing, and some big changes coming soon (that I will be able to talk about, but not quite yet.) I am in my studio now, and I will be painting in a few minutes. Little paintings right now, because I can finish them and give myself a small sense of accomplishment. I need that right now. I feel like it's the starting walk, that leads to a slow jog, then a fast one, and then a run in my studio. I want to run again!<br />
<br />
So that's where I have been. That is the quiet I am living in. I have probably said more than I should have in this post, and yet left it vague enough to be irritating (sorry about both.) I hope to have a lot more positive things to share in the future!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-29194923007134908762018-02-12T17:21:00.000-05:002018-02-12T17:25:00.635-05:00A Hard RoadTime seems to move fast and slow at the same time for me. Do you ever feel that way?<br />
<br />
As I said before, life has gotten hard again. I wish I could share more, but owing to privacy issues and our judgmental society, I can't. I can say that I am back to being a full-time caretaker in a scary situation, and it's taking its toll on me... and possibly my hair (I've lost about half of my volume of hair over the last year and it hasn't come back. I hope it will, I miss it and my husband has even notices, which freaks me out even more.)<br />
<br />
All that being said, I am trying really hard to paint. Art is who I am, and I lose something vital when I don't work. I don't have a lot to show for myself for these past weeks, but I have the following to share:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjtFtml9ciU/WoILxvR2b0I/AAAAAAAAB1g/M8xbuVdaIFE3BQnRpmefjyzC_7sEijprwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nude1_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="839" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IjtFtml9ciU/WoILxvR2b0I/AAAAAAAAB1g/M8xbuVdaIFE3BQnRpmefjyzC_7sEijprwCLcBGAs/s400/Nude1_KyraWilson.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nude 1, 5x7 acrylic on canvas panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94DRrQwUmCs/WoILxvY4k2I/AAAAAAAAB1c/AV5yDv2qkG8wOdH8p95IF_HSYuUX6VZzQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nude2_KyraWilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="831" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94DRrQwUmCs/WoILxvY4k2I/AAAAAAAAB1c/AV5yDv2qkG8wOdH8p95IF_HSYuUX6VZzQCLcBGAs/s400/Nude2_KyraWilson.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nude 2, 5x7 acrylic on canvas panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
These two nude studies are 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel. I did them because I really want to start improving my figure painting, AND I wanted to try to work with a local gallery here who I like. They had an open call for artists to submit nude works, and I managed to finish these two right on the deadline and submit them.<br />
<br />
I don't know when I'll hear back, but hopefully they'll accept them. If not, they'll be available in my shop! The back-facing one was easy! It just flowed. I felt good about it and it went great, especially for acrylic when I prefer oils for people. The second one... what a headache! It got bad enough that I had to ditch the reference photo and just make it up as I went along. It turned out ok once I did that, but it looks less like a real person and more like I made it up... which I did.<br />
<br />
I have figured out that while I respect people who can paint with hyper-realism, I don't want to paint that way... but I want to paint in a painterly realistic way, if that makes sense. The top one isn't bad for that goal, as a starting point. The second one, not so much. I suppose it's all a journey figuring my art-self out as I go!<br />
<br />
This next piece, well I'm technically not supposed to post it until the 15th, but I wanted to share it (because it'll likely be a while before I blog again, given my history!):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlJejPee6BQ/WoIL0HEoc0I/AAAAAAAAB1k/0WZva_WJlg0Owwls2REked2j4GayM5gjwCLcBGAs/s1600/3eyedfox_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="936" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PlJejPee6BQ/WoIL0HEoc0I/AAAAAAAAB1k/0WZva_WJlg0Owwls2REked2j4GayM5gjwCLcBGAs/s640/3eyedfox_KyraWilson_LG.jpg" width="497" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-Eyed Fox (I can't figure out a good name yet) 8x10, acrylic on canvas panel, available on auction on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/StrangeDreamsSurrealArtCollective/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The theme is "Mystic Animals" and this was what I came up with. I had a lot of thoughts, but weirdly when it came time to sit down and do something I kinda hit a blank until a three-eyed fox. I know I'll have a million ideas later and kick myself for it, but hey, at least I made this deadline too!<br />
<br />
I'm going to be 43 in about two weeks. I feel 16 and 80 at the same time right now. I tweak my knee by getting ready to stand up - not actually STANDING up, but just tensing to get ready to stand. Who does that?! Yet, if I buy something like a bottle of wine (which is rare, I don't really drink) I feel like I'm going to get busted like some sort of teenager. I'm in a weird place, yup.<br />
<br />
I'm working on trying to take care of myself in between everything going on. Trying to get in workouts, trying to cut back on the chocolate (ha, yeah... there's a losing battle right there), and trying to get sleep and find time to just breath. I really wonder if moving to NC was a good choice. I was so frustrated with VT on many levels, but the main reason we moved here was because college is so unaffordable up there. One year up there at a main university is the cost of a whole bachelor's degree at a main/state university in NC. That's insane, not to mention the job market is dead for new adults as my children would be.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that getting more involved with the art scene here will help. I've submitted to that local gallery, and I also plan on attending some artist gatherings when they start back up in a few weeks... as much as I am a hermit, keeping myself apart isn't helping me settle in. I'm trying, though.<br />
<br />
About comments on my post, I can't seem to comment back to folks, so I want you to know I REALLY appreciate your comments, and I'm sorry I haven't figured out how to easily respond!<br />
<br />
And... now I'm off to paint for another gallery deadline that I haven't started! EEK!<br />
<br />Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-52573231176187949352018-01-23T12:15:00.000-05:002018-01-23T12:15:05.009-05:00Monkey BusinessI haven't accomplished too much in my studio, yet again. I do have this lemur to share:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s6HJAzrCzQ/WmdrcE-1X7I/AAAAAAAAB0w/NEl4eQMTfEEYoMpBuf60dNoRnxYrBCsVgCLcBGAs/s1600/Lemur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1180" height="261" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s6HJAzrCzQ/WmdrcE-1X7I/AAAAAAAAB0w/NEl4eQMTfEEYoMpBuf60dNoRnxYrBCsVgCLcBGAs/s400/Lemur.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/products/22996212-lemur" target="_blank">4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas, Available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
He is only 4x6 inches, acrylic on canvas panel (he's available.) I actually want to do another one. I didn't know how he was going to turn out, and at one point I thought I might have to scrap it.<br />
<br />
That's part of the problem I have been having. It's almost like I feel like I forget how to paint on some days. Have you ever felt that? It's so weird! I'm wondering if perhaps I am feeling it because I keep painting things I haven't ever painted before... like a lemur. Really, I haven't painted a lot of animals in general, so I'm figuring out a lot of fur techniques as I go. In truth though, I think I just blindly figure my way through each painting. Eventually it does get there! Well, usually.<br />
<br />
I'm still doing a lot of thinking about what I want to do with my art. I know that I want it to be more than small $50 paintings being completed over and over. I want to "paint big" (as in speak loudly.) I also know I want to include human subjects, and I have a LONG way to go to reach the skill level I want to have to be comfortable in my art.<br />
<br />
The only way to get there is to start doing it, repeatedly, and consistently. So, that's my goal - to be trite - Just DO it (already!) I can plan and wish all I want, but if I want to get better I need to make the effort and suck it up when it feels crappy. And it will.<br />
<br />
Jumping the gun a little bit, I am going to do a nude study for (hopefully) a submission to a local gallery I would like to get involved with. That's coming up fast, so I hope to start that in the next day or two.<br />
<br />
Life-wise, things are getting tough again. I wish I could say more, but in short I knew this was coming and it's just very unsettling. Unsettling I can handle, my real fear is it getting scary and life-and-death as it was last year. It's entirely possible. I'm just trying to keep a positive outlook and eyes on the goal of life getting better eventually.<br />
<br />
I hope you are all well! I read all your comments on my posts, and I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-82845248137812469452018-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:002018-01-06T06:00:03.097-05:00Starting MarkI have finished my first piece for 2018! I started this in the winter of 2017, but then it sat dormant as my life got crazy. I picked it back up, and finally finished it:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGpR8yyWTtM/Wk_tkkWVBcI/AAAAAAAABzk/DRxTJjCWZysMZIXcHrCunMIeX6dXEarPgCLcBGAs/s1600/SmallTalk_KyraWilson_Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="900" height="475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGpR8yyWTtM/Wk_tkkWVBcI/AAAAAAAABzk/DRxTJjCWZysMZIXcHrCunMIeX6dXEarPgCLcBGAs/s640/SmallTalk_KyraWilson_Web.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">"Small Talk" 9x12, acrylic on canvas panel, available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is 9x12 inches, acrylic on canvas panel (with iridescent acrylics used on the moon, because SHINY!)<br />
<br />
I have another sister polar bear piece that has the same backstory of being started and not finished that I am layering oils on and finishing it that way. I am going to compare the two and see which I like better.<br />
<br />
I thought for a long time that I was going to dump acrylics altogether and just switch to oils because it's my preferred medium. With life being out of control in 2017, I realized I just didn't have time for oils. Not really. I didn't have time for much, so I started trying to do daily paintings. Since they had to be finished quickly, that meant I wouldn't be able to walk away for a few days while layers dried, so out came my acrylics.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorites I completed at the end of 2017, they're all little ones 4x6 inches:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MHyRIa39g/Wk_ukzeZURI/AAAAAAAABz0/RJQ_PI5yaQoUsrEywdPYEeWgBWG-qT8dwCLcBGAs/s1600/applehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="960" height="296" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v3MHyRIa39g/Wk_ukzeZURI/AAAAAAAABz0/RJQ_PI5yaQoUsrEywdPYEeWgBWG-qT8dwCLcBGAs/s400/applehouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">Apple House, 4x6 acrylic on loose canvas, available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCw-V9cMPh8/Wk_ukyGVIPI/AAAAAAAABz4/1i4MedX9HWA8Hj8gU5R8B8PHoRWe4AvcwCLcBGAs/s1600/cardinal%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="960" height="281" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TCw-V9cMPh8/Wk_ukyGVIPI/AAAAAAAABz4/1i4MedX9HWA8Hj8gU5R8B8PHoRWe4AvcwCLcBGAs/s400/cardinal%25236.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardinal, 4x6 acrylic on loose canvas, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIKM7aaKFiE/Wk_ulKdpPxI/AAAAAAAABz8/VT2CxfXPC04OrMHOFObUS8S6Rymuk0sLACLcBGAs/s1600/fox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="702" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIKM7aaKFiE/Wk_ulKdpPxI/AAAAAAAABz8/VT2CxfXPC04OrMHOFObUS8S6Rymuk0sLACLcBGAs/s400/fox.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fox, acrylic on loose canvas, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQGq5-IUH6Q/Wk_ulg8DuNI/AAAAAAAAB0A/A3JdkAw7FCc1O6TW3mvhJb848t9E4K2EQCLcBGAs/s1600/owl9202017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="694" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQGq5-IUH6Q/Wk_ulg8DuNI/AAAAAAAAB0A/A3JdkAw7FCc1O6TW3mvhJb848t9E4K2EQCLcBGAs/s400/owl9202017.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl, 4x6 acrylic on loose canvas, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kzbt0IbWQM/Wk_ukyFi9UI/AAAAAAAABzw/OhERptX9G3ACHX2NiPuczhdI4QeNE9k6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="960" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6kzbt0IbWQM/Wk_ukyFi9UI/AAAAAAAABzw/OhERptX9G3ACHX2NiPuczhdI4QeNE9k6wCLcBGAs/s400/Owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vision (owl) 4x6, acrylic on loose canvas, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAhyKAudKMQ/Wk_umJs93MI/AAAAAAAAB0E/mFpuyVH9nzUJom9pJNJfwbk-2lk6Wf17QCLcBGAs/s1600/raven%25239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="736" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAhyKAudKMQ/Wk_umJs93MI/AAAAAAAAB0E/mFpuyVH9nzUJom9pJNJfwbk-2lk6Wf17QCLcBGAs/s400/raven%25239.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">Raven, 4x6 acrylic on loose canvas, available</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I enjoyed my dailies so much, that I realized it was a good thing for me to keep doing because it motivated me, and it is the first step in improving my skills like I want to. So, I invested in some acrylics that promised to be a little more like oils. I bought Charvin acrylics, and I have to say they are buttery and a bit more like oils in the blending which is nice, but I'm still on a learning curve with their drying process (it's a bit different than the cheaper Soho brand I had been using), and they still dry flat like all acrylics do (varnish helps this a bit, but you have to be able to see beyond and hope it causes that depth!)<br />
<br />
I also decided my dailies are going to be on canvas panels instead of loose canvas going forward (for the most part) and that I will save the loose canvas for fast studies or trying stuff out. It's nice that you can frame loose canvas like a photo, but I think buyers would rather have a hard panel.<br />
<br />
I finished out the year with some reindeer, because I was in a festive mood (and I have two more sketched out that I need to paint... although it feels a bit odd after the season has passed!):<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaA2UllU0Xg/Wk_uXrllFrI/AAAAAAAABzs/kJ6nX9PA2gQ8L8UD8_W8_n-e27Urj8nHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Reindeer1Kyrawilson_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="700" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaA2UllU0Xg/Wk_uXrllFrI/AAAAAAAABzs/kJ6nX9PA2gQ8L8UD8_W8_n-e27Urj8nHQCLcBGAs/s400/Reindeer1Kyrawilson_web.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer 2, 5x7 acrylic on canvas panel, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2PKKA4x7SQ/Wk_xJ-blyKI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Ycc2YpQmeWcwJ6BuUha13PoIG-Jv03K0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Reindeer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2PKKA4x7SQ/Wk_xJ-blyKI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/Ycc2YpQmeWcwJ6BuUha13PoIG-Jv03K0wCLcBGAs/s400/Reindeer2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer 1, acrylic on 5x7 panel, sold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That's probably enough pictures for today!<br />
<br />
I'm just happy to share my first finished painting, and I hope to be sharing a lot more going forward! Part of that is my own participation on this blog, so I'm going to do better with that.<br />
<br />
I think... I'm going to go paint a turtle. It was my intended new years painting, to be the last for 2017, but showing up a little late isn't so bad, I suppose!<br />
<br />Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-45172875771725139422018-01-03T16:40:00.000-05:002018-01-03T16:40:23.998-05:00Oh, Where Have You Been?<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess it's almost been a year since I wrote anything here. It looks like my last post was of Valentine's stuff in 2017. It's strange to look back and see that. Life was OK then, but it didn't stay that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You will have to forgive me for being somewhat vague about what has happened, it's just not something I can share details about. In March, a family crisis started. It escalated to the point that for months I pretty much stopped doing anything positive for myself. Anything I needed fell by the wayside, and my only focus was surviving it all. At one point, I could barely eat and I lost weight as a result (I'm a stress-eater, so this is a rare thing.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sleeping, gone. Eating right (or at all some days), gone. Exercise, gone. Art, gone. Anything positive for myself, absolutely out of the question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Part of this was an inability to focus correctly in the middle of the storm, because nothing matters at that moment. Not only did nothing else matter, but denying myself my own basic needs was almost like punishing myself. I <i>wanted</i> to punish myself, to be cruel in any way I could think of. It's not that I did anything wrong, it was that the whole situation wasn't anyone's fault... so it felt good to take my frustration out on the only person I could: me. I made it my fault, even if I knew it wasn't. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't handle being helpless very well, clearly. I also don't handle my world being flipped inside out with any real grace. I've spent more time crying in the shower or my closet than I will freely admit. But I will say it's amazing how just the right spot in your closet can feel like a safe haven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Things are still not OK here, although they have improved since this past Spring and Summer, but they're slated to get a bit worse in the coming months... with hopefully some sunshine at the end of a long tunnel (but we have been promised that before.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have put together my yearly painting quilt for 2017:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi_SQ_1Q7aA/Wk1LooNXZuI/AAAAAAAABy8/dxcrRAXu01oZxcNBmyx46z_wgSb92XwnwCLcBGAs/s1600/2017quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi_SQ_1Q7aA/Wk1LooNXZuI/AAAAAAAABy8/dxcrRAXu01oZxcNBmyx46z_wgSb92XwnwCLcBGAs/s640/2017quilt.jpg" width="581" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I did very few serious paintings. Most of these are little "daily" paintings I finally started to work on in the Autumn. If I hadn't, there would only be about five paintings or so in it. Considering most of these are dailies, there are even fewer paintings than there should be overall if I was committed even to that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2017 was about teaching me that I have no real control. Bad things happen, even when you had nothing to do with it. Bad things happen, even though you try to stop or fix things. Bad things happen, and it's not about fair. What happened in 2017 wasn't my fault, but I still had to deal with the fall-out. I realized that control and influence are an illusion, and that made me care little about anything outside of my family. I put my own needs outside of that circle as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What I have learned, not heard and acknowledged, but actually learned, is that I have to stop making myself LESS. When I put my wants to the side, that's fine, because the world doesn't revolve around me and people should learn to do that more often. However, when I put my NEEDS aside, it makes me less of a person. If I am less of a person, I am not capable of doing the job I need to do for those that I care about. By being less, I am offering less to those that need me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I need to start being MORE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When you are so busy surviving and taking your frustrations out on yourself, it's hard to stop that momentum and think about being good to yourself for a change. Kindness to yourself is <i>hard</i>. It's much easier to keep beating myself up because I can't take out my angst on anyone else, as that would be unfair. It is even daunting to maybe - <i>maybe - </i>consider the idea that I'm deserving of being treated better, just like everyone else.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It feels wrong, but I know it's the right thing to do. So, I'm trying to get myself back on the right path. I do not expect that 2018 will be a good year, but maybe I can be in a better place by the end of it.</span><br />
<br />
So, here is my list. My resolutions, I suppose:<br />
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Eat right, because it's not about weight anymore, my health is a problem now too.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Exercise, because I am always better when I do. Also, health and pain benefits, so it's non-negotiable. </span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Sleep, I'm really trying to manage this one but I don't have a lot of great strategies yet. Not eating after 6pm or 7pm helps me sleep better. I'm taking melatonin as well, but it's the anxiety that is ruining my sleep. As that anxiety is actually rooted to when something actually happens, there isn't a lot I can do about it.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Art/Career, I'm making it a real point to make it into my studio in 2018. Today will be the first day of painting for 2018, because already life got in the way this new year (although I did get my business taxes filed, so... whatever, the boring stuff counts too!) I also know that I am now searching for my "opus". For me, I want to create a large series that will be well worth leaving behind me when I am gone. So, I am searching for that idea that inspires that in me. Once I have it, I will "train" towards it, until I'm ready to start. This is a years-long journey, but it's worth it. I have purpose again beyond the commissions and gallery shows. More on this later.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Breath, I'm trying really hard to give myself time to breath (I hate yoga and meditation, it actually makes me angry... running is my zen. I'm that type. So, that's not what I mean.) I'm working on speaking to myself -on the inside- in the moment about how it's not all my responsibility and I cannot fix everything, and how that is OK even if it feels like it's not. It's the closest I can get to treating myself with kindness, beyond meeting my own basic needs right now.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My hope is that from these five things, I can grow other beneficial behaviors and results. This is my base I'm cobbling back together, and I am hopeful to see what I can build on top of it once it is stable.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm going to really try to make 2018 better than 2017 was. I'm fearful, because 2017 was so bad, but it's just one of those things, isn't it? The days will pass whether I want them to or not, at their own speed. It is good to meet tomorrow better than I did today, and next month better than this month, so that maybe - just maybe - I'll meet 2019 in a completely different place.</span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<br /></div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-76043225781886423482017-02-15T11:10:00.000-05:002017-02-15T11:10:04.189-05:00Half-Price Chocolate DayIt's the day after Valentine's day, and that means major sales on chocolate! Not that I'm buying any, but I AM going to go hunt stuffed animals with my son later this afternoon (it's likely HE will be the one scoping out the chocolate.)<br />
<br />My husband and I went to Walmart on Sunday, and I have to say that I have never, in all my life, seen that much stuff in one place for Valentine's Day. Maybe it's a bigger deal here in North Carolina than in Vermont?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8b4zzJoZK5g/WKR0pI58xvI/AAAAAAAABt8/M9kaEs_lkFkOmwkLnkX_bSeWLlwJB983QCLcB/s1600/bins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8b4zzJoZK5g/WKR0pI58xvI/AAAAAAAABt8/M9kaEs_lkFkOmwkLnkX_bSeWLlwJB983QCLcB/s400/bins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They had these red bins of stuffed animals as far as the eye could see. I'm not kidding, they were set up two-deep in front of every register like you see in the photo I snapped, but also down every larger walkway, and in the back of the store. Never have I wanted to take a running leap more than I did when I first caught sight of all these giant red bins. Forget ball-pits, I want a pit of stuffed animals!<br />
<br />
That wasn't even the tip of the iceberg though! There were so many aisles full of candy and decorations and crafts... good grief! Balloons everywhere! Pink baked stuff on every corner. Flowers shoved into huge shelves that bracketed the doors... Actually, that is something I'm going back to see if I can snag a few of. I don't like getting flowers, unless they're potted. I always feel bad when the cut ones die, because they were so expensive. If they're gonna die, let it be me that accidentally killed them instead of paying an arm and a leg for ones guaranteed to die in a vase.<br />
<br />
Now, you might be thinking I'm a grown woman with stuffed animals all over her house after my obvious fixation on them in the store, but that's actually not true. I <i>was</i> that kid who collected (far too many) stuffed animals, but I did eventually get rid of them as an adult. Probably because I had children, and I got to live vicariously through their stuffed animal collections. Now, both of my kids don't really have many anymore, but they still like getting one at Christmas.<br />
<br />
I have a few small stuffies, all given to me by my children throughout the years sitting in my studio, and a new one this Valentine's day from my husband (a small purple unicorn. He also gave me a Reese's heart, but I haven't gotten into it. I really am trying to lose weight! I just visit it, and tell it I love it, but I leave it in its box. I can't even smell it like that. I know. I have issues.) Likely, I'll go and just stand there in Walmart and imagine how great it would be to buy a giant bear for 65% off, but not actually do it. A sort of vicarious discount experience. I'll probably do the same with the chocolate.<br />
<br />
In order to stay out of the chocolates, I decided my fast painting for Valentine's day would actually BE chocolates. That might sound like I was torturing myself, but it was kinda neat. It turns out chocolates are a lot more complicated than you would think. Instead of spending only 20 minutes on it like I am supposed to, I went the better part of an hour. I was frustrated it wasn't moving faster and I was determined to finish it. I do like the results though:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16711886_10211887807975053_9135620944050220169_n.jpg?oh=8fd2d787b318c9a8d8e2bdf3ae2f34e1&oe=593CA087" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16711886_10211887807975053_9135620944050220169_n.jpg?oh=8fd2d787b318c9a8d8e2bdf3ae2f34e1&oe=593CA087" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolates, 4x6 acrylic on loose canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A lot of people have complimented it and say it looks like a photo. This is flattering, but also interesting to me. The reason being is that I think I have finally learned, I mean really let it click for once, that even when you don't paint it perfectly that the viewer's brain will correct or even fill in the details to make it look the way it's "supposed" to in real life. As long as you're not too far off, the viewer's brain will do the rest.<br />
<br />
If you get close up to this painting, there are mistakes. There are areas where it's so very clearly painted, and maybe even wrong. I've been working with my nose so close to the canvas and being mad I can't get it perfect on all my bigger paintings, but the truth is... it doesn't need to be. This might help me speed up my bigger painting projects and hopefully improve them overall. All a part of my growth. Working on it!<br />
<br />
I also finished a little daily 20-minute last week, the last of my Betta's for that week:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16602755_10211853312192680_6698635103349741107_n.jpg?oh=a0e2bf0f9135e6480f67ea0e12495194&oe=59349738" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16602755_10211853312192680_6698635103349741107_n.jpg?oh=a0e2bf0f9135e6480f67ea0e12495194&oe=59349738" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4.5x6, oil on loose canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm working on some larger paintings at the moment, but the in-progress shots would be a mess to show! But at least I'm working! It's forward progress for where I want to go with my studio, I just need to create enough space between assignments and deadlines to start changing things for myself and growing. It's hard to push back, but I'm trying.<br />
<br />
A lot of it is my own fault, too though. Tripping all over myself, boxing myself in. It's that way in all areas of my life that have problems, I think. Whether it's my studio, or my weight, or what have you... why am I always in my own way? Oh well, a thought for another day.<br />
<br />
For now, paint, and later... hunting unicorns!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-18592261944043152502017-02-09T16:43:00.000-05:002017-02-09T16:43:12.861-05:00Awww, Come ON!I have a cold.<br />
<br />
Actually, to be more precise, I have my husband's cold. I had it settling in yesterday morning, and it was coming on strong last night. I didn't sleep well, because I had horrible nightmares, like my in-laws suddenly moved in with us and the only thing coming out the taps was mud, that I somehow caused by using those toilet-drop-in tablets. (Yeah, I dunno what's wrong with me either.)<br />
<br />
The one upside to nightmares is that you are so relieved that it wasn't real, you can pretty much face anything else that's coming that day! And what was coming was... *gasp* a mammogram.<br />
<br />
OK, I just cannot get over that word. I feel like it should be a ripped guy in very little clothing, cowboy hat, with balloons, showing up to sing something. They need a new word, because in my head it always looks like "Ma'am *wink* o-gram" and then I start giggling like a 12-year-old. Because I'm mature like that.<br />
<br />
Speaking of maturity, I think they should have wine at mammogram places. It would really liven things up! I walked in to the windowless waiting room of gonna-get-squished doom, and they basically had an assembly line going of women who were all miserable to be there, and avoiding eye contact. That's no fun at all. I mean, we already <i>know</i> what's coming and there's no way to make that part fun, so why not liven up the waiting room?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I survived. I feel like I chest-planted into cinder blocks, but I survived. WHILE I have a cold, mind you.<br />
<br />
I bring this up, because my husband came down with this cold on Sunday and proceeded to basically... well, act like he's dying. He got the dreaded MAN-cold. I think I read somewhere that the man-cold is a real phenomenon and that they get sicker or feel worse than women do. I dunno. I kinda want to dispute that, but ok. Whatever.<br />
<br />
The real kicker isn't that anyway, it's that apparently with this cold comes a whole bunch of water weight. It BETTER be water weight. Unless I'm sleep-donut-eating, it can't be real (and we don't have any donuts anyway... wait, maybe that's WHY we don't have any?!) But it's demoralizing just the same. Stupid scale. Stupid cold.<br />
<br />
Ok, there's a slight chance I'm a wee bit grumpy. A small possibility.<br />
<br />
On to brighter news! Yesterday, I didn't feel up to my daily painting, but I did do this one today:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16508169_10211842857691324_2650796083011351158_n.jpg?oh=5b4d359d209c9505d20a55602bcb1a6f&oe=590D6F60" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16508169_10211842857691324_2650796083011351158_n.jpg?oh=5b4d359d209c9505d20a55602bcb1a6f&oe=590D6F60" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4x6 oil on loose canvas. I decided to focus more on his face, so there was a focal point. I really think it makes a big difference in the painting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also managed to finish this little 5x7:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtO5N3AQ92g/WJzbczyJMXI/AAAAAAAABtA/ZaKKUDSqdCEHOGT30bA_c-EHl1ZrlQ4JwCLcB/s1600/Chapters_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtO5N3AQ92g/WJzbczyJMXI/AAAAAAAABtA/ZaKKUDSqdCEHOGT30bA_c-EHl1ZrlQ4JwCLcB/s400/Chapters_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5x7 inches, oil on cradled wood panel. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That one had been kicking around for a while, so it was good to get it done. I also finally photographed these three ultra-mini paintings:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d66vtvGPB30/WJzhkPJK7dI/AAAAAAAABtY/6wD3myBqUSw54msMHRDyrSVnOzoXW4m5wCLcB/s1600/Cnadycorn_easel_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d66vtvGPB30/WJzhkPJK7dI/AAAAAAAABtY/6wD3myBqUSw54msMHRDyrSVnOzoXW4m5wCLcB/s400/Cnadycorn_easel_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2x2 inch, oil on stretched canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC6Ih52ABtU/WJzhkGoA_9I/AAAAAAAABtc/VufEaylzxto1PvkD-iJ_3uMKlUYCX1yiQCLcB/s1600/SmallMousePatch_easel_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pC6Ih52ABtU/WJzhkGoA_9I/AAAAAAAABtc/VufEaylzxto1PvkD-iJ_3uMKlUYCX1yiQCLcB/s400/SmallMousePatch_easel_LG.jpg" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2x2 inch, oil on stretched canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ArwpfYCMN0/WJzhkBdwleI/AAAAAAAABtg/Pijth2j3mgcG0Cdp4IETDl9FpwlC07OuQCLcB/s1600/Squirrelpatch_Easel_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ArwpfYCMN0/WJzhkBdwleI/AAAAAAAABtg/Pijth2j3mgcG0Cdp4IETDl9FpwlC07OuQCLcB/s400/Squirrelpatch_Easel_LG.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2x4 inch, oil on stretched canvas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's kind of nice to get a few done, and then processed (have to take pictures, post them for sale in my <a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">shop</a>, etc. It's more work than you would think!) Now I have deadlines to focus on, and stop procrastinating by doing other work... is it procrastinating if you're still working? Seems like a gray area to me. Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
*sneeze*Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-4724530700497152602017-02-08T13:43:00.001-05:002017-02-08T13:43:41.103-05:00ProgressWell, it's February. It's going to be about 75 degrees today, and I plan on opening the windows. Were this the weather in April, this would be excellent. But it's February. I want snow! On Friday it's supposed to be in the 40's. I'm going to shut all the blinds, pretend it's snowing outside, and bake cookies.<br />
<br />
Speaking of cookies, or not eating them, I'm down 10 lbs since January 1st. Granted, some of that is water weight, but a chunk of that *IS* real weight loss! So, yay!<br />
<br />
With that loss, I'm about 18 lbs from not being overweight by the BMI charts for my height, and another 10lbs beyond that from my final goal weight. Well, final as long as I get there and feel decent. But I'll decide once I am there. When I was younger and at that weight, I felt good and people actually called me thin. But your body changes when you're older so... we will see. I will say the bonus to being tall is gaining 10 lbs and there being very little difference in appearance or the way your clothes fit. The downside to being tall is that you work hard to lose 10 lbs and there's NO freaking difference!!! Good for holidays, bad for the ego I guess. *<i>pout</i>*<br />
<br />
Anyway, my goal is to lose 6 lbs a month, and by summer I'll be at goal. I may not quite be able to pull that off for February given my stupidity with the super bowl party we had, and my birthday at the end of the month, but we shall see what I can pull off! I really want this weight off.<br />
<br />
In other progress news, I have started daily exercise paintings for days I am in my studio (preferably five times a week.) I get roughly 20 minutes for the painting, and then I need to walk away. It's all about laying down values, and seeing what it is you're painting. I've been allowing myself some leeway, up to 30 minutes, because sometimes it just isn't even close to ok. I think it's working though. It's teaching me to lay down basic values without obsessing over details, and learning how to walk away.<br />
<br />
The walking away part is what kills me. It's not right! I must fix it! GAH! But I'm doing it. What's more is that I'm listing the paintings for cheap ($20) and most of them are being snapped up right away. It pays for my practice session supplies, the canvas and the paint, so I literally have nothing to lose. No excuse not to get busy and start working.<br />
<br />
So, I started with landscapes last year with this exercise, and then dropped it. Now that I have picked it up, I'm doing beta fish this week. I'm getting a little bored of them, but it's only one week. All paintings are 4x6 inches on loose canvas, and so far all oil. Here's how it's gone so far this week (I started a day early):<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16473114_10211789834925788_3191403135840409373_n.jpg?oh=663b35d11b6c8579bc9782f8d2f1d6c9&oe=5905963A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16473114_10211789834925788_3191403135840409373_n.jpg?oh=663b35d11b6c8579bc9782f8d2f1d6c9&oe=5905963A" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beta Fish #1, I like his face the best</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16649076_10211813976049301_8610310472200186913_n.jpg?oh=3ee4351e4d8a3b290cbc127497520cf7&oe=5902B193" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16649076_10211813976049301_8610310472200186913_n.jpg?oh=3ee4351e4d8a3b290cbc127497520cf7&oe=5902B193" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beta Fish #2, Whites were hard on this one. I feel like I learned a bit, but struggled far too much. A big part of this is because the canvases on this and the last started as white.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16507864_10211824633995743_5335961952959284521_n.jpg?oh=18215bdf96ce00e130c8707d7d97943a&oe=590858E5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16507864_10211824633995743_5335961952959284521_n.jpg?oh=18215bdf96ce00e130c8707d7d97943a&oe=590858E5" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beta Fish #3. Now, this time I got smarter and gessoed the canvas black FIRST. SOOOOO much better, and I almost hit the time for 20 minutes, until I realized I hadn't painted in the black and that looked odd to me. I actually made a time lapse video, so you can see where I changed my mind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't figure out how to post the video here, so I'll link directly to it on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQOM3aEgb7j/?taken-by=kyraart" target="_blank">instagram</a>:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQOM3aEgb7j/?taken-by=kyraart" target="_blank"> https://www.instagram.com/p/BQOM3aEgb7j/?taken-by=kyraart</a> You will be able to see it whether you have an account or not, and it's only about 30 seconds long.<br />
<br />
I have figured out I am in love with black gesso. I think it's just more me. I like working from a darker ground. Although, I have some other things I'm going to be practicing with (not for these, more involved) and they have various toned grounds. Maybe I'll fall in love with another color too. I just feel like white doesn't work as well for me anymore.<br />
<br />
Anyway, these practice paintings do loosen me up and get me ready to face more in the studio. I'm hoping it'll yield other results as I carry on with it. I'm thinking about doing desserts next week (hey, they're calorie-free when they're just paintings!)<br />
<br />
I have finished a few small paintings too, but I'll post those next time!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-18030424389055992512017-01-25T11:00:00.001-05:002017-01-25T11:00:44.688-05:00Matters of the BodyToday I bit the bullet and scheduled all the doctor exams I needed to. Apparently, from moving, all my appointments are condensed into one area of time. I used to have things spread out... eyes in May, girlie doctor in March, etc. Now? It's all at once! It's like a giant influx in my mailbox screaming "You're getting OLD! It's time to feel bad about yourself! Come on down, schedule an appointment!"<br />
<br />
Ugh.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I'm kind of looking forward to my eye appointment. I used to have amazing eyesight. I mean, fighter pilot AMAZING type eyesight. Now? I have no idea where it went, but it's totally not fair. I'm having to hold books farther and farther away. The magnifying glasses I got for close-up work have become my go-to, even though they're stronger than what I need, because I need <i>something</i>.<br />
<br />
I had an appointment last February, but they did a poor job of helping me. As my eyes have gotten worse over the last six months I've just been counting the days until I could get someone to help me (my eyes aren't equal, so those store reading glasses give me a headache.) I have a new office picked out and scheduled. YAY! There's nothing quite like being in a poor situation to make you look forward to a doctor's visit you would otherwise dread.<br />
<br />
I hate to think what would have to happen to make me look forward to the gynecologist. Maybe I'll just embrace my dread of that and be grateful. This is, of course, hard to do. It's bad enough in a doctor's office when they weigh you, but getting to be naked too? Yeah. Joy.<br />
<br />
Speaking of body, it seems like any complaint you could possibly have (minus maybe eye sight) it always goes back to "Well, lose weight." I have this list of things that I'm going to push on once I get the rest of the weight off and say "See, I did. Now this is still a mess, what can we do?" I mean, how many things are supposed to hurt, what's normal for being in your 40's anyway?<br />
<br />
I need a manual. They should have a manual like they do for kids. The pediatrician used to hand you a sheet that said "Your child: 18-24 months" and it had all sorts of data, what's normal, what's not, etc. Why did they stop that? I need one.<br />
<br />
In other news, I finished my first piece for 2017. I have a lot in progress, but this sucker is actually done:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Ou2YCoyAM/WIjKscGGmzI/AAAAAAAABsk/dri3LRYAj8Ef_utelZK6I9zijgx_FUPKwCLcB/s1600/inthepink_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f1Ou2YCoyAM/WIjKscGGmzI/AAAAAAAABsk/dri3LRYAj8Ef_utelZK6I9zijgx_FUPKwCLcB/s640/inthepink_LG.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"In The Pink" 8x10, oil on stretched canvas (available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had to do a piece "inspired by a song" for a group auction. I had a whole other piece in the works, but I was forcing it. Then, the son "Dear Jessie" by Madonna just popped into my head (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EGYmN-1UQzI) I knew I had to switch tracks, because I felt a lot more inspired about pink elephants than I did about my other piece.<br />
<br />
So, I worked furiously on this one, and got it turned around quickly. Lots of work, for what seems like a simply piece. But, you know... pink elephants. Totally worth it.<br />
<br />
Hope you are all having a good week! Is it Wednesday? Wow, already?!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-77047820837697335612017-01-12T20:13:00.000-05:002017-01-12T20:16:03.415-05:00Blurry VisionYou wouldn't think that art and eating would be connected, unless you're a chef, but for someone who uses food the wrong way it's absolutely linked. I found myself struggling with food today. Which is stupid, because today is the first day I got to be on a sorta-normal schedule.<br />
<br />
I woke up at 5:45AM (just typing that makes me want to throw something) and made sure the dogs were taken care of, that my teenage son was up (this is like a game show, wondering each time if I've won or caught myself a whammy) and then managed to run a two mile HIIT before I saw out my son stumbling to the door moaning about the unfairness of it all as he headed off to school. By 7:15AM I was showered and dressed and making an on-plan breakfast. All was right with the world.<br />
<br />
Well, maybe not all. The morning news is enough to send anyone to the doctor to beg for an antidepressant (or a sedative. I joke, but every time I turn on the TV the world outside my door seems to be getting worse and worse. I really honestly do struggle with being informed and being sucked down into a black hole of oblivion and wanting to crawl back into bed because of it.) Still, I pushed forward and eventually made it to my studio. I even had a healthy snack (as I was supposed to) before digging in.<br />
<br />
Where I then accomplished next to nothing. I feel like I'm forcing it, but I managed to finish the underpainting on a polar bear (that I decided to paint because I'm not interested in any of the actual projects I am supposed to be working on.) It'll look better when I switch over to color and add depth and... well, color.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72k82O80T3o/WHgghF2wJAI/AAAAAAAABr8/oeeAY67BQuAW6R_4Kit4ngUND3zvbpO7gCLcB/s1600/underp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72k82O80T3o/WHgghF2wJAI/AAAAAAAABr8/oeeAY67BQuAW6R_4Kit4ngUND3zvbpO7gCLcB/s400/underp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8x10, underpainting in acrylic, switching to oils for the good stuff!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And then. Then I had lunch and ate leftovers I shouldn't have, totally bypassing my plans. It kinda went downhill from there, and I honestly just didn't understand WHY.<br />
<br />
My daughter still hasn't gone back to college yet, so my routine is not totally normal. But... while I have mixed emotions about that, I realize that's not it. The house isn't clean, the laundry isn't done, the weather is warm and all the snow is gone (and that's depressing to me - I'll even have the windows open tomorrow because it's going to be 70.) Those aren't the reason, either. I'm not thrilled about the world, or certain aspects of my life... everything feels wrong, just slightly off of right, and that's infuriating. But, still NOT it.<br />
<br />
Plus, I was on plan until I went into my studio. Heck, I did an ab workout yesterday with my lower body weights that has left my stomach aching like it hasn't in a very long time. I have BEEN ON PLAN even feeling like things aren't right. So what happened?<br />
<br />
My studio. I know my art career is bugging me. I know I have ideas of what might make me feel better. But, I realize now that I lack vision. I feel like I want someone to hand me a project, a big all-consuming project that will focus me entirely on it for the whole year. As a self-employed business owner, the only person who can do that is, well, me. And as a responsible employer, I have to say that the employee in question just isn't ready for a big project like that. I don't think she could pull it off right now, she simply isn't there with her skill level.<br />
<br />
Just look at this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGWF5ibnACg/WHgipX5eTgI/AAAAAAAABsE/DY8wL7W8ZdQ76qB-ECWWGEuZVUd9mPUNwCLcB/s1600/unfinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGWF5ibnACg/WHgipX5eTgI/AAAAAAAABsE/DY8wL7W8ZdQ76qB-ECWWGEuZVUd9mPUNwCLcB/s400/unfinished.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
These are in-progress paintings that absolutely need to be finished. I have learned that as artists, we sometimes start paintings that will never be finished and they need to be thrown out or reused. These are the survivors of that process that need to be finished, rather than tossed. And I <i>just keep adding to the damn pile! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Some are old. The planets? Yep, that sucker is from way back in Vermont, a few years I think, but I know exactly how it's going to be finished (and I haven't done a thing about it yet.) There is a big commission piece in the center. There are other pieces I dearly want to finish and just haven't. And the polar bears are NEW additions that I have added to the pile.<br />
<br />
I lack vision. I'm creating and starting work, but not actually finishing anything because I lack vision. No amount of cleaning my house, or organizing my studio, or stuffing my face will change that. (Although, to be fair, I didn't try cleaning. Because, cleaning.)<br />
<br />
So, I ate today. Did I go crazy and knock back a take-out pizza? No (also, calling a stranger and having them show up with food kind of freaks me out.) I did hit the left over Christmas candy, but probably not to the tune of major damage. Just enough damage. Damage to cause a halt in progress, maybe a backslide ever so slightly. And that doesn't feel good either. Not irreparable, but hurtful to me.<br />
<br />
I realize that I ate because I am uncomfortable feeling lost. Like a hiker in the wilderness with her trusty backpack packed with a compass, flashlight, food, water, tent and more - <i>I have all the tools</i>. I just didn't bring the magic wand. I have to work this problem myself, put the tools to work, suck it up and figure it out on my own.<br />
<br />
I ate because I am uncomfortable with me. My art is me, and I'm lost and have been for a very long while now. My original plan was to just paint. That's it. Just paint new things, try new things, and voila! New me!<br />
<br />
As much as structure makes me itch... oh for the love of sugared squirrels, I NEED structure. Dagnabbit. Worse, I have to give it to myself!<br />
<br />
So, I'm taking myself on as a client/artist to mentor. I have mentored several artists over the years, and now I need that myself... even if it's just from me to me. I'm putting together a plan with a schedule, and working out the details. I need to be working toward a goal, and while I don't have a specific goal yet, I can at least put the starting pieces into place.<br />
<br />
My hope is that with more clarity and focus (and STRUCTURE) on this aspect of my life, I'll stop trying to eat my way through my kitchen like an 1980's escaped pac-man.<br />
<br />
I can do this. I can make things better for myself.<br />
<br />
I can do this.Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-148652300950423712017-01-09T18:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T18:00:09.422-05:00They're Heeeeeeereeeee!It's Monday... and they're here. ALL of them. ALL. Of. Them. It snowed a little bit in North Carolina on Saturday (stopped snowing by noon), and the whole state lost its mind. They have called off school for Monday and Tuesday, and the roads are a disaster because no one seems to know how to deal with it. Coming from Vermont, this is kind of shocking, but I suppose if you only get snow once a year, maybe it makes sense. I miss snow. Anyway, the family is here and no one is getting out.<br />
<br />
I love my family. Adore them. Yet, for some reason when they are here and I decide to go work in my studio, I feel as though I am being selfish or letting someone down.<br />
<br />
I know this feeling is irrational, and maybe it's just a mom-thing. (Do guys have this problem? They don't seem like they do.) I remember having trouble even taking a moment for myself when my children were really young. In those days, even a closed bathroom door seemed to cause upset if you didn't sneak off successfully beforehand.<br />
<br />
I remember one day clearly where my husband said "Go take a bath! Enjoy yourself!" So, I did! My husband was going to watch the kids and I was going to sit in a tub of hot water with a book and enjoy just sitting there. It was going to be awesome! Me. A Bath. A book! Maybe I'd even light a candle! JUST ME! I was going to make sure I pruned up before I even considered getting out.<br />
<br />
Not five minutes later, while the water was running, the door started rattling. One of the kids had figured out where I had gone off to. Then the meowing started, because the cat figured it out too. Had camera phones existed back then, I would have taken a picture or a video. Instead, all I can do is say that I distinctly remember looking at the door and watching little fingers and paws come under the door and swipe at the air on my side, while my daughter loudly cooed "mooooooooooom?" under the door, and my toddler son slapped his hand on it and called out "MOM!" repeatedly.<br />
<br />
I resisted for a few minutes, but finally I grabbed my towel and opened the door. Both kids, the cat, and the dog were all at the door waiting for me (and my husband was nowhere to be seen.) When I went downstairs, like a parade with everyone following me, I found my husband watching soccer in the family room. He looked up and said "Did you have a nice bath?"<br />
<br />
You know those moments that leave you speechless, and yet you have so much to say at the same time? This was one of those. It was probably good that I momentarily lost my capability to speak, because most of what I would have said would have been... less than appropriate.<br />
<br />
I did get my bath, eventually, but I realized that in order to get any "me" time, I was going to have to fight for it and guard it. As the children got older, things like privacy became something I didn't have to fight for because it became more natural and they needed me less. But when I started painting again... well, that was different.<br />
<br />
My painting started back up, not as a business, but something I had always done. A hobby, maybe, except it never felt like a hobby to me. If you aren't connected on a visceral level to something, I don't know if I can explain it. I have hobbies, but it's the difference between having something to do, and doing something because you HAVE to and it's just who you are (and without it, you're a half-self, never really all the way "here"). Unfortunately, painting was always the very last thing I could do in a day. Everything else had to be done first, and it was the lowest priority to everyone else.<br />
<br />
I realize, looking back, that I allowed my art to come last. I could have fought harder. I also realize that when you have young children, there are only so many minutes of the day and so many battles you can fight. I brought the art more and more into my life as I could, and I went professional with it when my son (youngest) was two years old. I would say it was part-time professional though, because raising children is a full time job and there were always so many things to do just being mom. Never mind when I went back to school and got my business degree, or went to work full time.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to now, and I still feel like I'm not allowed to "go work" when the rest of the family is here, especially during the day. I feel like I am disappointing them. (It doesn't mean I don't work, necessarily, but I feel bad when I do.) One of my daughter's first posts on Facebook was that she felt like I was always painting when she had a question. That makes me both feel awful, like I have let her down somehow, and also good because she sees me working and she <i>should</i> see me working. She did get to ask her question though. I wonder what she thought I should have been doing instead when she wanted to ask a question? I may ask her that...<br />
<br />
I want both my kids to see that a strong work ethic<b> and</b> that being true to yourself is important. But it still makes me feel bad to not achieve the super-mom status they way you want to when you have to choose and sometimes choose yourself instead.<br />
<br />
Anyway, what this all means is that when the family is home, I feel like I can't work. Or, <i>shouldn't work. </i>I feel like now that they're all older, that if they're all home with nothing to really do (a rarity, usually), it means that I'm being selfish if I run off to my studio to work as I had planned. Because they all have their own lives now and I'm at the tail-end of our family being just us, I feel the need to grab these moments like the last fragments of the family I used to have before they glitter and dim into nothingness.<br />
<br />
That's <i>not </i>exactly true, though, is it? Yes, this time is fleeting. But it all has been, since they were so little they couldn't exist without me, to now when I just want a moment of their time to tell them I'll always love them, even though they're practically adults. My painting time is fleeting too, though. My time to create something is dwindling every day, too. It matters, <i style="font-weight: bold;">too. </i>I matter too, and I shouldn't be the one doing all the accommodation.<br />
<br />
Ahh, balance. Still searching for you, aren't I?<br />
<br />
Well, on the positive, I compromised and did tax stuff for my business today. So, it was a necessary evil, I felt like I was being punished while accomplishing something (because, taxes), and I could pause what I was doing to accommodate my family as needed.<br />
<br />
If I did taxes, is that a win? I think it's a win. Maybe. Stupid business taxes... but I'll take it as a win anyway!<br />
<br />
They'll still be here tomorrow, but my plans are to accomplish more in the studio than I did today. I have polar bears that I need to paint! I hope to do that while I still see snow outside!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-8627470228680286852016-12-31T12:08:00.000-05:002016-12-31T12:08:09.180-05:00Come on 2017! (Part Two: Goals)Yesterday, I established that for me 2016 was a bad year. I also said that I am working on goals for myself. Not resolutions, but goals that can be hammered at with various levels of success without giving up. Part of establishing goals is taking a look at the state of each thing currently. For me, I can only set goals on tangible things, things that I actually wield some control and influence over.<br />
<br />
Of course, I'd love to just say "I'll be happier!" in 2017, but that doesn't mean anything. How will I be happier? What makes me happy? What if what makes me happy is completely beyond my control?<br />
<br />
The truth is that all goals are in the pursuit of happiness. They fulfill different needs within us that lead to contentment and happiness if we achieve them. They also offer lifelines to us when things start going wrong. Essentially, goals are about making ourselves stronger and able to withstand what life would throw our way, which makes us able to enjoy those moments when happiness is a real thing.<br />
<br />
So, with all that in mind, here are my goals for 2017 with ideas on how to achieve them (and they're all important, so order doesn't matter here):<br />
<br />
<b><u>Health</u></b><br />
<br />
My health deteriorated in 2016. I gained weight, exercised less than I have in 15 years, and I have physical pain and more (some linked to this asinine behavior of mine, and others just a nifty nasty new present the universe decided to lob at my head.) I cannot live like this. I do not want to live like this.<br />
<br />
My goals include getting back to the original program that worked for me so many years ago (that I stayed on for a few years, and maintained with.) This should result in significant weight loss, but my real goal is now health (and less pain.) This goal includes my husband, because we're in our mid-40's now and I worry about heart attacks and the like, especially in his case.<br />
<br />
I feel like I am starting from square one again, something I haven't felt in about 15 years, and it's depressing. But it's important to remember that just because you are starting again, it doesn't mean you'll stay at the beginning. Eventually, you can accomplish so much and not feel so bad about where you are at anymore. This starting point will be that distant memory soon enough.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Art/Career</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
Every year, I do an art quilt. This has all the work I did for the year in it, and this is 2016:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWIfuIOR2lA/WGaf0U-RT4I/AAAAAAAABrg/ds7lzBbCiJkz2-mkPq4ATErbTDweofLngCLcB/s1600/quilt_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FWIfuIOR2lA/WGaf0U-RT4I/AAAAAAAABrg/ds7lzBbCiJkz2-mkPq4ATErbTDweofLngCLcB/s640/quilt_2016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What I see here is 99% of the work I completed in 2016, and how little I actually created. Depression hit me hard, and while I mostly made it out of bed, I didn't make it into the studio. My heart wasn't in it, or much of anything. I do see some growth, a gradual switch back to oils (finally!) and a few other things... but mostly, I see that I am lost.<br />
<br />
I work in separate genres (surreal and fantasy, and dabble with abstracts still), and while I have been this way for a long time, I have lost my "voice" in all of those over the past few years. I'm not sure why that happened. Maybe it's a natural consequence of growth, and it's normal and you just have to find it again. I certainly hope so.<br />
<br />
I had so many goals at the end of 2015, because I thought that is what I needed to focus on in my career. The problem with losing your artistic voice and vision is that more production when you are uninspired and lost isn't possible or reasonable. You think it's the answer because it means money, and you think you'll figure it out while you sell what you create in the meantime. It's the wrong focus.<br />
<br />
2017 is going to be different. In some ways, I realize I have lost certain skills, or simply don't have what I need yet. 2017 is going to be about pulling back. I'm going to sort of cocoon myself in my studio and LEARN. I want and need to learn several new techniques. I need to paint, without the intent to sell, without that pressure, so that I can give myself the room to grow again.<br />
<br />
Will I continue to sell? Oh, sure, I have a thriving business and that will continue... but sort of on the back burner. It's not my focus for 2017, and I'm lucky enough to be able to take the space to try and improve myself as an artist. I have a long way to go, but to me, this is worth more than selling a painting ever again.<br />
<br />
And there you have it, my goals! I thought there would be more, but I think it is best if I stick close to home, simple, and quiet with them.<br />
<br />
I have personal goals, but they're kind of vague. I also suspect a lot of my personal goals and feeling better in general will be directly linked to achieving my health and art goals. Mind, body, and spirit. I sincerely want my spirit to stop feeling so wounded. I feel... like I'm bleeding, all the time, everywhere. I don't believe this is linked to just one thing, and I certainly cannot share publicly the deeper thoughts and issues I struggle with, because let's face it, the Internet hordes would crucify me. You cannot be totally human any more, not in person, and certainly not online.<br />
<br />
So, I'll simply say that I hope for better. For health, and peace, and balance that 2016 lacked so significantly for me. I cannot control the world, what 2017 will pelt us all with from the outside. I CAN control what happens within my bubble and focus on being a better me.<br />
<br />
I expect that I will be doing a lot more blogging about my progress on these goals, because it will be moving in the right direction and I think I would like to share that.<br />
<br />
Do you have goals for 2017? Are you ready?Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-12733361195607373922016-12-30T12:07:00.000-05:002016-12-30T13:28:48.669-05:00Come on 2017! (Part One: The Downer)2016 has been hard, don't you think? I don't know anyone that thinks it was a good year. Yet, I had some good things happen in 2016, big things, things that one would think would qualify it as a great year! But they don't.<br />
<br />
I was thinking about this whole 2016-perspective-thing last night as a small spat broke out between my kids. We had been sitting outside on our porch, chatting around a little fire-table we got for Christmas (it doesn't put out much heat, so it was a little chilly, but it's neat to have one!) The conversation had been good, everything was pleasant... and then suddenly it wasn't. The evening ended on a sour note, and everyone left. When something like that happens, do you still feel like you had a good evening, or does the sour note sort of ruin all the good that came before and make you feel like you shouldn't have bothered in the first place?<br />
<br />
My husband is the type of person who thinks that a great evening cannot be ruined by a bad ending. He immediately said it was a great evening with good conversation, and not to let the ending ruin it. My perspective is that if the evening ends with everyone feeling bad, it wasn't a good evening even if it started out well. That doesn't mean I won't try again, just that this time we missed the mark. I can see the good, but it's more of a lesson about how to maybe get it right next time (because ending bad is just bad, period. It was a bad evening.)<br />
<br />
My husband finds my perspective disappointing because I'm not all chipper about how it went well until it went into the ditch and ended up with everyone mad at each other. I find his perspective frustrating because how on earth can you expect me to be all positive about the evening ending in a ditch?<br />
<br />
I think we both have valid points, and likely neither one of us is right or wrong. Put them together, that's probably the most healthy viewpoint one can have. The good parts are worth building on, the bad are worth noting and maybe changing things for. I'm trying, <b><i>hard</i></b>, to find a way to adopt a hybrid view in general. Not only with last night, but also with 2016. Because to be honest, 2016 has pretty much just flat out ticked me off.<br />
<br />
On the positive;<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We finally got furniture and sorta settled into the house, including finally getting my studio organized and stocked.</li>
<li>We went to Paris, something I have wanted to do since I was a little girl!</li>
<li>My daughter graduated High School and started college.</li>
<li>My son passed his exam and got his driving learning permit, turned 16, and now <i>*gasp*</i> has his first girlfriend. (side note: both positives about my kids have also been hard for me, too.)</li>
<li>I made a new friend, a real not just an acquaintance friend.</li>
</ul>
<div>
On the negative;</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I have struggled a great deal with depression. It got in the way of my art and other goals, and I guess I "let it" although I look back and I can see that I did try. Failed, but I didn't give up entirely either. I'm not going to share more on that.</li>
<li>I don't think I like North Carolina, and now I'm going to be stuck here for a good many years.</li>
<li>Trump. I don't care what your political leanings are, this is my opinion. I normally wouldn't mention political topics on here, but this is unbelievably far-reaching and has had a major impact and will continue to do so.</li>
<li>I gained a significant amount of weight. </li>
<li>Health-scares galore in my family, especially with the kids. Add medical bills to this one, too.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Actually, I'm going to stop there. That's enough. Without going into further detail, 2016 has been miserable for me for 90% of it. Whether it's my fault or completely out of my control, it hasn't <i>felt</i> like a good year.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKyT_x_d1KY/WGaQvXfsDNI/AAAAAAAABrQ/9AmDrptLZDgV_3rg_zV-OdupaKxF3YvwgCLcB/s1600/Wiltthrice_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sKyT_x_d1KY/WGaQvXfsDNI/AAAAAAAABrQ/9AmDrptLZDgV_3rg_zV-OdupaKxF3YvwgCLcB/s400/Wiltthrice_LG.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the last painting of mine for 2016. "Wilted" (sold) 6x6 inches, oil on loose canvas. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This last painting, I did it as an assignment for Thrice Fiction Magazine. It's not really illustrative, it's just what sort of popped into my head. The more I have looked at it this past week, the more I realize that this is pretty much my 2016. How I felt, and maybe still feel. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, OK. I can say it. For me, regardless of the good things that happened, 2016 sucked. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But you know what? Even so, I have a choice. You either have move forward and try to do better, or decide that 2017 is going to suck too. Even with my negative viewpoints, I'm not willing to just toss the towel in on 2017 and give it up. It's MY year, it's not even here yet, and I want to do better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I'm working on goals. I'm working on things that are under my control, at least from my perspective at the moment (who knows what will happen) and setting goals for improvement and accomplishment. Not New Year's Resolutions, because those always seemed a bit silly to me. No, just personal goals that I can make mistakes on but keep on trying without having to say I failed at nailing them perfectly (which is how I view resolutions. They have always seemed like all or nothing.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to be better, do better in 2017. I need to, especially as it feels a lot like we're going to head into the year with the world falling apart and it's unlikely to get better. If the world is a mess, it's important to pull back and strengthen your base, your core, your safe space and self.<br />
<br />
(part two, tomorrow with my goals)</div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-15044698950488582672016-12-27T11:59:00.001-05:002016-12-27T11:59:23.659-05:00Holidaze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNjihZUWNWY/WGAh76WRv_I/AAAAAAAABq4/XStJxTOQgIwmLAhQkTf7ivlEGu_mOyxKACLcB/s1600/Sequor_Seasonsgreetings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PNjihZUWNWY/WGAh76WRv_I/AAAAAAAABq4/XStJxTOQgIwmLAhQkTf7ivlEGu_mOyxKACLcB/s640/Sequor_Seasonsgreetings.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope that you have had a good December holiday, no matter what you celebrate (or a decent break, if nothing else!)<br />
<br />
I've been engaging in a lot of thinking. More to come on that, but not for today. For today, I wish you all well!Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-79847507712137283792016-12-07T16:36:00.001-05:002016-12-07T16:36:34.053-05:00I Want CookiesWell, I <i>think</i> I want cookies. Actually, that's not what I really want. I want to feel like it's the holidays. That usually involves cookies, ergo I want cookies.<br />
<br />
I just cannot get a handle on the southern weather patterns not having SNOW in December. I grew up in Colorado, and you would get snow off and on from about September. The only issue with that was that Colorado was the definition of bipolar when it came to the weather.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, everyone thinks they live in a state with changing weather. I moved to Chicago, Maryland, New York, Vermont, and even here in North Carolina. They ALL say the same thing with this laugh like you'll never have heard this before; "<i>Don't like the weather? Wait five minutes and it'll be different! HA!</i>" Yeah. You don't even have a clue about mercurial weather.<br />
<br />
In Colorado I went to a job interview and it was 93 degrees. I was trying not to sweat all over my interview outfit, and I was a bit mortified by the whole experience (because I totally sweat all over myself. Between 93 degree weather and nerves, I was totally out of luck at that point.) The next day it snowed over eight (*8*!!!) inches. A 60+ degree weather drop in less than 24 hours, and that was normal.<br />
<br />
But SNOW!!! SNOW, people! Colorado was hit and miss with a wintry Christmas, but December still had some snowstorms in it. Vermont used to be just awesome with the seasons, and it was mild and lovely and almost always had snow for the holidays. Even if you didn't, your windows were pretty much shut from October on because it was chilly, and that was an excellent start.<br />
<br />
Folks, I am sitting in my studio right now, in December, <i>with my windows open.</i> Now, it's a good thing I can have my windows open because I just varnished seven paintings and I'm pretty sure I saw a unicorn go walking by a minute ago, but my point is... my windows are OPEN.<br />
<br />
Where's my cold weather? Where's my keeping warm by the fire and baking cookies on the first snow? How do people get in the holiday spirit without snow when they have always had it?<br />
<br />Last year, I was still all discombobulated from the move so I just chalked up my meh holiday feelings to that. This year, I'm settled, and it feels like October to me. It feels like we're just about to start putting out the Halloween stuff, when instead my house is all decked out for Christmas.<br />
<br />
And it IS all decked out! I even went the extra step of flocking things, so I could pretend to have snow. Probably more things than I should have. You see, I did my research on the stuff, and it turns out a 5lbs bag of flocking costs the same as a 25lbs bag, so I got the biggie. I went on a bit of a flocking binge.<br />
<br />
The upside is that I ended up saving a lot of things that were headed for the garbage:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15319268_10211126753029155_6551738566377611785_n.jpg?oh=207b7fe9970c27b239f3d30e2d66b881&oe=58AF0415" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15319268_10211126753029155_6551738566377611785_n.jpg?oh=207b7fe9970c27b239f3d30e2d66b881&oe=58AF0415" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These three trees are about 12 years old, and used to light up but don't really anymore. They also looked really awful and kind of bald. But with flocking, TA-DA! I really like them again. (I know, I need to sweep the floor... I'll get to it!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15219408_10211126752949153_1675518056471964502_n.jpg?oh=b861a56119dd2f333d3cee04c537d237&oe=58F1EECB" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15219408_10211126752949153_1675518056471964502_n.jpg?oh=b861a56119dd2f333d3cee04c537d237&oe=58F1EECB" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this sucker is another 4' tree that was at least 10 years old, and trying hard to be a stick. It was positively anemic. I actually don't know if it'll make it past this season as it's a lot of branches and separate parts, not like the new trees in just two parts. I'm not sure how to store it all flocked like that.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I did a slew of little 2' trees that were destined to be donated or trashed too, and they came out rather well. My daughter took one to college with her. I was the cool mom for a second there.<br />
<br />
I also flocked some new, cheap garland. This year, I picked up a very snowy (flocked) tree from the store for our foyer (I've never had a foyer before, so I'm still trying to figure out what you do with one.) The normal green garland just looked weird with it, so I needed to flock it to match. It came out pretty good, in my opinion:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15327499_10211126698787799_4429887139464202067_n.jpg?oh=476dac12d26ffaa550058fe9be53298c&oe=58FCA3A0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15327499_10211126698787799_4429887139464202067_n.jpg?oh=476dac12d26ffaa550058fe9be53298c&oe=58FCA3A0" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We ran that garland all over the railings on the steps. I'd show you a picture of the foyer all decked out, but the more I look at the picture, the dorkier it looks. It looks much better in person. Maybe it's something you just have to be here to appreciate? Anyway, it's very "snowy" inside. I really am trying, here.<br />
<br />
Getting our family tree up helped a bit too. All the crazy ornaments that mean something. Bubble lights (because bubble lights are the best!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15193557_10211127264161933_8484529050937764497_n.jpg?oh=88579c93cc5e65aefc747970ee5cbd20&oe=58ED42A3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15193557_10211127264161933_8484529050937764497_n.jpg?oh=88579c93cc5e65aefc747970ee5cbd20&oe=58ED42A3" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But then. But... then.<br />
<br />
meh.<br />
<br />
Last night, I promised my son that I would stop work early and we would watch Christmas specials and bake our first batch of cookies! It was going to be great! Right up until I found that someone had run off with our chocolate chips. (My husband swears it wasn't him, but I have my suspicions.) We put on a holiday movie anyway and made brownies instead.<br />
<br />
It all should have worked, but my son finally said to me "<i>It just doesn't feel like the holidays. We need snow, or something</i>."<br />
<br />
*head*desk* <i>I KNOW! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
So, anyone have any ideas of how to get the holiday spirit a'flowin' even in the face of this gosh-awful-perfectly-sunny-warm weather? I need that switch to flip in my brain! I need my holiday happy! How do you get in the holiday mood?<br />
<br />
In other news, my <a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">shop</a> is closing on the 10th for my holiday break, and my last shipment goes out the door on the 14th. Even though I've been out of my own planned business loops this year, I've been working a lot in the past few weeks. The post office people are starting to recognize me and contemplate hiding when they see me coming with my stacks of boxes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15349614_10211145005085445_7622230326294475987_n.jpg?oh=58c6ec3b04d58d4476f16d42e387f278&oe=58EFC68B" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the midst of all the busy-busy-busy going on, I realized that this time of the year is special because it's the only time that I actually get to be "done".<br />
<br />
I divide up all my projects into "Can complete by the deadline" and "Next year!" and once I get through my complete list, I am OFF! Good or bad, I'm done for the year. I've accomplished whatever I could, and it's done. A real feeling of turning off the light, so to speak, and headed home instead of always being on pause.<br />
<br />
I really, <i>really</i> look forward to this. It's not that I don't love painting and my business. I DO! But sometimes, well once a year, it's really nice to feel like I have done my best and gotten to drive home from the office to stay home for a spell.<br />
<br />
It's coming! Maybe my holiday spirit will pop in on the 14th? I'm looking into what people do around here for holiday stuff and I haven't found much.<br />
<br />
I did, however, discover they do holiday home tours. It's totally a thing here. As in, people deck out their houses with holiday stuff and sell tickets. I kid you not. I admit, I'm mildly curious... Can you imagine, though? Having people traipse through your house like that?<br />
<br />
Anyway... I should probably be painting, so off I go!<br />
<br />Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7482477015929524414.post-15678637874206349062016-12-05T11:35:00.000-05:002016-12-07T15:27:03.054-05:00Back to the Art-sideA long absence has certainly given me a lot to share, both personally and art-wise! I'm going to go a bit lighter today.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As it's December, I thought I would share my official 2016 Holiday painting (this is a different painting that I create each year with the intent to release as a holiday card for myself and others to order, etc.) I got my neighbor's daughter to be my model, and I actually think it turned out rather well:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKB7GO0nYsY/WEGXm_8fhbI/AAAAAAAABo4/dLcL5acUILQ8XA8FLrEQ64r61ZEV9jczgCLcB/s1600/Sequor_MD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SKB7GO0nYsY/WEGXm_8fhbI/AAAAAAAABo4/dLcL5acUILQ8XA8FLrEQ64r61ZEV9jczgCLcB/s400/Sequor_MD.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sequor" (<a href="https://www.kyrawilson.storenvy.com/" target="_blank">original is sold, prints and LE canvas prints available</a>)<br />
11x14 Oil on Canvas Panel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was happy I completed this painting this year, as I sort of failed that goal last year what with only moving into the house in October and not being settled at all. This year, my studio is set-up very nicely. In fact, I recently was able to attend <a href="http://www.artofthecarolinas.com/" target="_blank">Art of the Carolinas</a> for the first time ever! I didn't participate in any workshops, but the art supply trade show is a DREAM.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was able to get my hands on all sorts of things at a huge discount. One of the people there told me that many artists save up all year and then do all their buying at the show. I can see why, and I'll likely start doing that myself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was able to purchase HUGE canvas panels for the first time ever. I always had to order stuff in Vermont and the shipping was often the same or more than the panel, and the panel was pricey too so I never went for a big one! At the show I was able to get canvases over 60 inches for less than $60. If you know your canvas, you know that's a big savings! I was giddy at the trade show! I even got a new easel. It's an art supply wonderland for me!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My poor husband endured it pretty well. I figure it's payback for all that time spent in fishing stores, or in the home improvement stores when he's "just browsing" and I get to the point where I'm eyeing the stacks of plywood and thinking "I could nap on that, right? No one would notice..."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was also able to paw through wood panels. I have started painting on these now and again. I'm kind of on the fence with them. The ones I had were plate-smooth and this actually made it hard to paint on. I felt like the paint was slipping off, and this surprised me because I often feel like I'm fighting the tooth of normal canvases. Still, I got this one to turn out when others had failed me (or I failed them):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibIUs-JTlF4/WEGb21i-xPI/AAAAAAAABpM/k5Yd9i5GPTQ6jK8NRg8VQRp5lN-m1KueQCLcB/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ibIUs-JTlF4/WEGb21i-xPI/AAAAAAAABpM/k5Yd9i5GPTQ6jK8NRg8VQRp5lN-m1KueQCLcB/s400/sunset.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sunset" 5x7x1" oil on cradled wooden panel, available</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found some gessoed panels at the show that actually had some texture to them, and I'm going to try them and see how they work. I like the idea of painting on wood, but I have a lot of canvas to use up if that's the way I go. I also, a few months ago, found gesso (Prima) that reduces the tooth without sanding and this was a huge find for me.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's see. More art that has happened, and has started me really thinking about my studio and my direction:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sr6IZp8XRvI/WEGdB3zoZ7I/AAAAAAAABpU/LjPsF1dGDhg0zyCqPqRVijdqJqG_tANCACLcB/s1600/Dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sr6IZp8XRvI/WEGdB3zoZ7I/AAAAAAAABpU/LjPsF1dGDhg0zyCqPqRVijdqJqG_tANCACLcB/s400/Dawn.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I painted "Dawn" on a black ground, and this was a new experience for me. One that I really liked, and intend to explore more. It took me longer than necessary because I was new to it, but here is a time-lapse I shot on my phone of the painting:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKyraWilsonArt%2Fvideos%2F10154624661179470%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div>
<br />
This is one of the paintings that has got me thinking about my studio and "voice" which I'll touch on in another post. Until then, here is more art from this year that I haven't shared:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6-t68zjhUE/WEGgAY7km7I/AAAAAAAABps/Ucs8WrSxo0oNCQHiI0JF0JWb25BvrrRsQCLcB/s1600/ringmaster_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q6-t68zjhUE/WEGgAY7km7I/AAAAAAAABps/Ucs8WrSxo0oNCQHiI0JF0JWb25BvrrRsQCLcB/s320/ringmaster_LG.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just finished "Ringmaster" on 12/1. I had to turn him around in about 24 hours. I'm pleased with how he turned out! He's another little one: 5x7" oil on canvas panel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YykQZeC2cwE/WEGg2XMUKoI/AAAAAAAABpw/NLGrULgI4qQxBPzuwsKTwWsPvqgBU9bogCLcB/s1600/Envy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YykQZeC2cwE/WEGg2XMUKoI/AAAAAAAABpw/NLGrULgI4qQxBPzuwsKTwWsPvqgBU9bogCLcB/s320/Envy.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Envy, oil on 6x6 canvas panel (available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I have been playing with abstracts again:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTHXkUH-OFc/WEGhs2EzRcI/AAAAAAAABp4/y5JLDxzikUkk30Y-DHEnWDvc9JJ9VNY7wCLcB/s1600/stardust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nTHXkUH-OFc/WEGhs2EzRcI/AAAAAAAABp4/y5JLDxzikUkk30Y-DHEnWDvc9JJ9VNY7wCLcB/s400/stardust.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stardust" is a large piece at 24x36x1.5, acrylic/silver leafing/gems on stretched canvas (available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-3VgGeAKA4/WEGhswWzWII/AAAAAAAABp0/3JO2XQ5m3KMraWfinijrzeenB08udG0CQCLcB/s1600/Lark_LG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-3VgGeAKA4/WEGhswWzWII/AAAAAAAABp0/3JO2XQ5m3KMraWfinijrzeenB08udG0CQCLcB/s320/Lark_LG.jpg" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lark" is 9x12, acrylic/gold leafing on stretched canvas (framed, 14x17, available)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4T_pZFFd-8w/WEGiVtp1_4I/AAAAAAAABp8/va1OitIrkXonuMkiDzSOKkA_NKzCxgURgCLcB/s1600/purpleab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4T_pZFFd-8w/WEGiVtp1_4I/AAAAAAAABp8/va1OitIrkXonuMkiDzSOKkA_NKzCxgURgCLcB/s320/purpleab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't name this one, but same dimensions and info except I used silver leafing (sold)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've completed other paintings, but that's probably enough for now. And honestly, I haven't been creating a lot this year. I know I originally had this huge plan, but I will say that I failed that. I've been thinking a lot about why, but that is for yet another day!</div>
Kyra Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13079675297202008697noreply@blogger.com1