Shifting into Digital Mode

As I was setting up my new site and selecting images to include (which I am still slowly adding!) I realized how long it had been since I’d created any art using digital tools. Shortly after my son showed me his sweet new tablet with pen and I was drooling. Fast forward a month or two and I’ve jumped in with both feet, purchasing a new tablet to replace the almost nine year old one…along with one of the fancy pens. Of course an art app and some downloads to beef it up came along in the process! I’ve been creating off & on for probably a month now and really enjoying being able to be creative while I’m in the house, not just while I’m in the studio. I’ve created several landscape style pieces, lots of abstract art in different shapes and sizes and even some faces, which I’ve affectionately been referring to as my “Hippee Chicks” as they all have a very Boho vibe. I’m adding a few samples below, which one(s) are your favorites?

A very early landscape piece, currently untitled

“Full Moon Rising” digital landscape

early abstract work, currently untitled

“Playful Thoughts” abstract digital painting

“Hippee Chick” #1, Digital Portrait

Many of the newer pieces have been added to my print store online and can be ordered as photo prints, fine art prints, metal prints, canvas prints, prints on wood or acrylic prints. I am more than a bit haphazard about posting here on the blog but I do send out weekly newsletters to keep my art-loving friends in the loop about upcoming events, special offers and new creative pursuits. While you are visiting my site would you take a moment to join my newsletter list ( there’s a link at the bottom of every page)? I’d appreciate it!

I hope you have been able to spend time creatively too! I’d love to hear about what you like to create – it’s inspiring! Thanks for reading…I’ll pop back on when I can. Love & blessings….

Your randomly creative artist friend, Lynne

The last of my Grands…

If you’ve been following the last couple of posts then you know I spent some time doing a series of colorful/fun portraits of my seven grandkids this spring. Today I’m sharing the last of those, my twin granddaughters. I worked on these at the same time, adding to one as the other dried. The process began with a sketch and proceeded from there with black & white underpainting, backgrounds and the final layer of color.

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The image I was work from had Miss A’s hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. She did NOT care for the look, feeling it wasn’t “girlie” enough so during a visit I sat with her and changed it to her natural, gorgeous, head of curls. I have to say, it captures her much better! Below are the two final images of these beauties:

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I still haven’t figured out where I’ll hang all these fun pieces together, right now they are placed across the side of my desk and I’m enjoying seeing them each day. Next up? Well, firstly I decided to go “old school” artist and do a self portrait, which was an interesting experience. I also received a commission to do two more adorable “Grands” which will be fun too!

Hope you are enjoying the onset of summer and keeping yourself safe, healthy and well. Love to you from your randomly creative friend,

Lynne

Soul Searching

“Soul Searching #3″ 12×12” mixed media painting on canvas

After neglecting my blog for the better part of a year it’s more than a bit intimidating trying to figure out what to jump back in with! I’m fairly prolific so the choices are numerous and with several shows and exhibits last year that is probably an understatement. I finally decided to just start writing about what is currently dear to my heart, a series I titled “Intuitive Abandon”. Then, within that body of work, I found these pieces, aptly titled and begging to be shared. Perfect!

Something that’s been on my heart for several years is the desire to merge both my art and my faith, to feel like my work is more inspired and led than just merely decorative. I can kind of put it in “auto-drive” and make art that is pleasing to look at but when asked what it means, well, nothing really. I tried just referring to it as “Happy Art” (which it is) because so many people commented on the colorful and happy content. That, in and of itself, isn’t a terrible thing – I am a fan of happiness and if I can give others joy with my art that’s pretty darn cool. But I wasn’t satisfied with just that anymore.

“Soul Searching #2″ 12×12” mixed media painting on canvas

Enter my favorite, most “mountain top” experience each year called “Gathering of Artisans“. 2018 was my third year in a row to attend/participate in this event and I cannot recommend it highly enough! And, yes, although I’d classify it as a mountain-top experience no matter where it is held, it happens to actually be held in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Each year I’ve attended I’ve grown and deepened my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. In addition to the most powerful worship I have ever experienced, 2018 led me to classes by two different instructors, Aeron Brown & Amy Smith, both of whom had an amazing influence on my artistic and spiritual path. I finally feel like I am stepping into my desire of combining my faith with my artistic expression.

These newest explorations are full of freedom, mark making and lively conversation. After some prayerful quiet & meditation these pieces start with mark making – my thoughts, prayers, song lyrics, text randomly scribbled with charcoal/pencil/graphite on the canvas/paper/wood substrate. In the case of these pieces, 12×12″ canvas. From that place I try to listen quietly until I get a feel for the initial colors. Once the painting, scraping, stamping and marking begins I try to not think at all! Often I get so lost in the process that, unless I stop to take progress pictures, I have no idea how I got from point A to point B. The freedom to create this way is so very freeing.

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  Progress of “Soul Searching, L to R

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Currently I have close to 40 pieces created in this manner – on canvas, wood and paper. They even inspired another artistic endeavor! I’ll be sharing more as I continue to blog but if you just can’t wait to see them you can CLICK HERE to visit the web page where they are featured.

Until next time…blessings & love,

Lynne

A new twist

I’ve been working with the batik process on paper for a few years now but continue to find new ways to use and present it! A few weeks ago I created several smaller pieces of artwork that were mounted on wood panels. Prior to mounting them I covered the wood panel with dictionary pages…one of my favorite backgrounds.

After the pieces were completely dried I added one more layer, resin! Wow! Do these colors pop and shine now! I’m continuing to experiment with resin, it’s a learning process for sure but it’s been a fun challenge. To see a video of the finished pieces in all their shiny glory, follow THIS LINK to my Facebook page.

I’ll be teaching the batik on paper technique at three different locations in the month of April…details will be published on February 27th. Hopefully you’ll be able to join me for one (or more) of the classes!

Lynne

New in the Studio this week

I’ve had the pleasure of being able to spend a few days in the studio this week! As of yesterday I completed five “in progress” batik pieces that I have been working on for the last few weeks and also completed painting 12 stones that will be incorporated into new mixed media art pieces for an upcoming show. Here is an image of one series of stones as they progressed throughout the day:

A different set:

If you are interested in creating some painted rocks, or just playing in the paints I’ll be having open studio play dates next week! The cost is only $10 for a 2-3 hour session and this month all the fees are going to be donated to HDSA. You can read the details in THIS POST.

Here is one of the batik pieces, almost finished:

I tried my first stop-action film while working on the finishing details on this piece but it turned out slightly blurry and a bit too fast. It was a good learning experience none the less. My second attempt was in focus but my camera battery died mid-recording. Now I’m out of works in progress to film! I’ll get it done eventually though, it’s one of those things I’ve wanted to do/learn. There are so many!

Now I’m off for a few more hours in the studio…I wonder what will be created today!

Lynne

The Beginning: Serendipity

 

“Serendipity” mixed media sculpture (wood, stones, driftwood, copper, hammered wire) 6x6x5″ $250 © Lynne Medsker

One of the first pieces I created in my newest series “Wood|Stone|Metal”, this is “Serendipity”. The entire series could have been named that, it just came together in a delightful way! For many years I’ve collect bits of driftwood, sticks, stones and other items as I’ve traveled through life knowing that “someday” I would do something with them. With that stash of fun things around I was posed the question “what did you really enjoy doing as a child?” and immediately my love for collecting rocks in a shoebox popped into my mind. Even if they were just small pieces of gravel from our driveway adorned with paint, I spent many happy hours with rocks, as well as playing in nature with whatever I could find. But how to incorporate all that into works of art? That was when the exploring began. Sorting, stacking, painting, and arranging I began to gather/create items that might work together in a natural way. With the plasma cutter I started a collection of steel and copper shapes to use.

From my newly gathered stash of scrap balsa wood pieces I began to shape organic, rock-like pieces.

Rocks were pulled from jars, boxes and storage spots…as well as the landscape!

Driftwood, collected on my travels, was unearthed and more sticks gathered in our woods were stripped, cleaned and bleached to add to the pile.

 

I also began experimenting with paint on stones.

Over the course of several weeks I gathered, created and prepared. Then it was a bit like solving puzzles, choosing which pieces went with which, how they should be arranged and what made me happiest. Here are images of the process for this piece as it evolved:

Although I ended up with more wall art than sculptures, it was fun to express myself in a more dimensional form. Look for both types to be featured over the following weeks!

Lynne

A sneak peek at the new art show!

I’m just going to share a couple “teaser” images with you today, down the line I’ll share each of the new pieces up close & personal. I couldn’t be more delighted with how this show looks! Our artwork blended effortlessly and seems like they were made to show together.

It’s a fun mix with her abstract canvas work and my dimensional art! There are a lot of other art surprises included but this gives you a good feel for the show. Don’t forget that tonight is the private opening and tomorrow is the public opening/gallery walk from 5-9.

New Work! November at ArtSplash Gallery

I’m excited to be sharing the main gallery space at ArtSplash Gallery in Carmel, Indiana, during the month of November with the talented Lynn Andalman! We’re jokingly calling it the Lynn & Lynne show. 🙂 I’ve been busy creating new work with a focus on wood, stone & metal. It’s more sculptural than some of my previous work and I’ve been having a lot of fun exploring the shapes, textures and colors I’ve been using.

From the artists –

Lynne Medsker:
“I was asked recently what I loved as a child. The question brought memories of collecting rocks and other items in an old shoe box when I was young. Some were from treasured trips to local creeks to collect geodes, fossils and river rocks. Others were merely gravel from our driveway that I’d used my Prang watercolor set and painted pretty pastel colors! Special trips to the local rock shop, where I would spend much longer than my parents would have preferred, selecting just the right stone added to my collection. Those happy memories, along with a collection of driftwood, rocks and items that I have collected as an adult (to make something with “someday”) are what inspired this artwork. I hope you enjoy these new creations as much as I have enjoyed creating them!”

Lynn Andalman:
“After my trip to South Africa and surrounding areas, color and content seems to be bursting at the seams. There doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to complete what I have to give to the canvas. Looking forward to sharing all things new & wonderful!”

We’ll have some delicious treats and libations to celebrate the show during the Private Opening, Friday, November 7th, 2014 from 6 – 9 p.m. If you can’t make it then be sure to attend the Public Opening/Monthly Gallery Walk, Saturday, November 8th, 2014 from 5 – 9 p.m. Of course you can always visit during normal gallery hours as well.  ArtSplash is located at 111 W. Main Street, Suite #140, Carmel, IN 46032.

Tropical Tree

Created in late winter/early spring as I was craving the warm weather and having my toes in the sand!

“Tropical Tree” mixed media (marker, watercolor, ink) on watercolor paper, 12×12″ © Lynne Medsker

Similar in style to “Monochromatic” that was posted last week, this whimsical creation at least let me dream about being somewhere tropical! Here are some images taken during the creative process:

So, does it warm you up too? Lynne

Mandala Tree

A recently finished piece!

Mixed Media (Marker, watercolor, Ink) on Paper, 36 x 24″ © Lynne Medsker

This was a fun project that I started for one reason and finished just because I loved making it. 🙂 Originally thinking I’d enter it into a competition, I didn’t get it finished before the deadline but that didn’t stop me from completing it. The drawing/coloring of all the mandala “leaves” was much more time consuming than what I thought! 

 

After getting them drawn it was on to adding the background paint and then it needed to dry for a while, it had gotten quite saturated!

Once it was dry, the first details I tackled were in the tree trucks.

Then on to the leaves. That was the slowest part of the process. 

I used a semi-limited pallet so that the piece would have some continuity, which added to the challenge. 

The finished piece is still in the studio as I decide how to frame & display it! I’m also thinking it needs a better title than “Mandala Tree” – what do you think??

Lynne