Enter to win an original painting from Risa Tritabaugh - ends 8/12

 

Hello again. Where has the time gone? 

Is your summer flying by? Mine sure is. I almost can't believe it already time to announce a new Thursday Giveaway. (By the way, if you are looking for the 2 winners of Jacquelyn Berl's prints click here). 

The new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Did you catch Risa's Studio Tour on this blog last Saturday? If not, go check it out. I'll wait for you....dum de dum...hmmm..mmmm..mmmm...

Risa in the studio

Now wasn't that fun? Great space, huh? Lucky for us Risa is back to share more of her art & thoughts. on creativity.... And she brought a new prize for the next random drawing!! On 8/12 one lucky winner will take home her original painting Among The Flowers. Giveaway & prize details are at the bottom of this post. 

For now, put your feet up & stay awhile. I've got AC and tall glasses of iced tea. So beat the heat and visit with Risa for a few minutes while I go scrounge up some cookies....

Time Flies by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Four years ago I entered a new phase of my life. I was basically done raising my two children as a single parent. Young adults, my "children" were ready to branch out on their own. And after 20 years of being single, I was getting married...to a man that encouraged  me to pursue my art!

Risa's Studio

RT: My hubby and I rented an artist studio to share. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! 

work in progress

RT: I started painting like crazy! I love going to my studio, putting on my music, and painting the day away. A lot of things have changed since I moved into that studio space–

RT: I’ve created lots of new works and have opened my studio to the public for several Art Crawls (open studio events). Currently I am participating in two art crawls each year, plus a monthly open studio event. I am also looking for opportunities to show my work at other venues.

Risa & her painting Force Of Nature featured on a magazine

RT: I am tackling new technology to promote my art--I have been writing a blog for several years now and love combining my love for writing and painting there. I opened an Etsy shop. I’m on Facebook and Twitter! I just created my own website, http://www.createdbyrisa.com !

RT: My hubby and I moved from our apartment into a nearby artist co-operative building. I have kept my Jax studio for painting and making messes, but also do some work in my new Tilsner space. We love living in the artist community of Lowertown St. Paul!

RT: Recently I was laid off from my job as a social worker and have decided to spend this summer painting. (Why not make lemonade out of lemons?!) Having the time to pursue my art full-time has allowed me to finish a lot of older pieces and start several new series.

works in progress

RT: I primarily work with acrylics on canvas, but have begun doing some mixed media work as well. My artwork explores many subject matters and themes, often drawing from my life experiences. Through my art I look at what is hard in life and what brings us beauty. I explore relationships and the forces that keep us going. I love using bold, intense colors (like those on my studio walls) and playing with texture. I hope my artwork reflects my passion and energy.

RT: My latest work has been focused more on the “what brings us beauty” part. My soul just needs that right now. I think the whole world needs that right now. 

works in progress

RT: When I found out that I might be laid off, I went into the studio and knew that I needed to paint hope. The Hope Garden series was born. I’ve started a new series that features more muted teals and purples, but also features flowers and birds. It is bringing me a sense of peace and calm in a world that feels a little crazy and uncertain.

Untitled by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: I’m determined to continue making art and to share it with others. I turn 50 later this year–and that feels like a major milestone. I’ve reached that point in my life when it’s not too late to dream, but it is getting too late to put my dreams on hold. And I’ve decided to DREAM BIG.

Among The Flowers by Risa Tritabaugh

Risa, thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing your vibrant artwork! And thank you for donating your original painting, Among The Flowers to the next Thursday Giveaway on August 12th!

Dear Reader, thank you for visiting as well. If you have a moment, please leave Risa a comment & let her know what is on your mind. Your comment will also enter you in the random drawing for Among The Flowers, an acrylic painting on canvas This painting measures 8" x 10" and is signed by the artist.

To enter this random drawing, leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 8/12. The lucky winner will be selected using random.org. Prize ships free to winner. Please note this contest is open to USA addresses only.

Want to see more of Risa's studio and art? You can find her online:

Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

If you're in the St. Paul Minnesota area, and would like to attend one of the local gallery hops, drop Risa a note at any of the above locations. She'll let you know the next time her studio will be open to the public.

Winners of Ascender Rises Above Prints Giveaway

Hey there. How have you been?

It has been crazy-busy around here, but I'm finally picking today's 2 lucky winners of Jacquelyn Berl's giveaway.  Each winner will get their choice of fine art print from this page on Jacquelyn's website AscenderRisesAbove.com.

Using Random.org the lucky 2 winners are:

slommer 

&

Linda Robinson

A hearty congrats to you both! I will be in touch today with instructions for selecting your prizes. 

I want to take a minute to thank Jacquelyn for generously sponsoring this fantastic giveaway! And also to say thanks for sharing her thoughts on art and studio tour earlier this month. It has been a lot of fun learning more about Jacquelyn's wonderful art & creative world.

I'd also like to thank those of you who stopped by & took the time to leave a comment. The artists always appreciate your feedback....and I just love picking winners!! So keep those comments coming.

Later today I'll be back with a new artist feature & prize announcement. The new prize is an original painting by Risa Tritabaugh. So be sure to pop back & leave a comment to enter that great giveaway.

By the way,  if you missed the fun tour of Risa's colorful studio last weekend, you can still catch it here. 

Studio Tour # 28 - Risa Tritabaugh

Hey There!  Ready to go? 

Today we're off to St. Paul, Minnesota to tour the vibrant art studio of painter/mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Last May Risa gave us a sneak peek into her creative world in this Saturday post.

Risa's studio - all photos courtesy of Risa Tritabaugh

She is also featured in the Summer 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine.  A great issue by the way (which also happens to showcase a few other studios previously featured on this blog). 

Summer 2010 issue

I had the good fortune to meet Risa through the Melange Team on Etsy, a creative & supportive group of mixed media artists who sell their art online at Etsy.com. Yummy colors abound in both Risa's spirited artwork & wonderful studio! There is a cheerful energy in her rich pallet that always makes me smile.  Now I'm going to get out of the way so Risa can show you around her fun candy colored space - Enjoy!

Sunrise by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: When I was planning to move in with my soon-to-be hubby nearly four years ago, we knew that we needed more space. There was just no way we were going to be able to combine two households into a 2-bedroom apartment. So we decided to rent an artist studio in our neighborhood. By renting and sharing a studio, we could resolve some of our space issues. My hubby could have his office there and I could have a place to paint. It sounded like a win-win situation.

RT: We made an appointment to look at a studio in the nearby Jax building. The Jax is a very old building, primarily filled with artist work studios. I had been to the Jax during a recent Art Crawl (open studio event) and loved the “feel” of the building. The building was a little rustic, but maybe because of that, it reminded me of my high school art classroom. It had great creative energy.

RT: We walked into the empty studio and I was immediately impressed with the amount of light pouring through the windows–something very important to a painter. It had great wall space with lots of opportunity for exhibiting artwork (including a little front entryway “gallery”). And finally, it had lots of storage space. When the landlord told us someone else was looking at it later that day, my hubby and I looked at each other and in unison said, “We’ll take it.”

Rebirth by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Before we moved all our stuff in, we painted the space. It went from drab and dingy to bright and warm. I bought paint at a discount paint store where I could only buy one gallon of any particular color. I picked a few purplish-blues and two different tones of magenta–not what I would paint my home, but great for a creative space.  I have had many visitors on dreary, cold rainy days comment that the space really feels warm and inviting. 

RT: With paint on the walls, it was time to start putting paint on canvas. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! I had raised my two children as a single parent, and having the time and space to make art was always a challenge. For years, my only work space was a corner of my bedroom or perhaps the dining room table.

Hope Garden (work in progress) by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: For me, it also works to have my painting space away from home. I can make a mess and not worry about it. When I go to the studio I escape the distractions at home. There's no t.v. or computer--just my stereo that plays music as I paint (and sometimes do a little dancing)! I have a wall of shelves that hold bins that organize my stuff and a large work table in the center of the room.
 

RT: The studio is my creative oasis away from home!

Thank you Risa for showing us around  your colorful world!  

And thanks to everyone who stopped by for today's tour. Please leave a comment & tell Risa what you think. It is your ongoing interest that keeps these tours coming! Also, if you like to  share your creative space, just drop me a comment or email (found in my profile).

Want to see more of Risa's work & world? Find her online 
Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

Risa returns Thursday to tell us a little more about herself & her work. She is also  donating an original painting for the next Thursday Giveaway. To find out more about this contest be sure to pop back here on 7/29.

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By the way, have you entered the current random drawing? On 7/29 two lucky winners will get their choice of prints from artist Jacquelyn Berl (a.k.a. Ascender Rises Above). Prints measure 11" x 17" each. Leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 7/29 to enter this random drawing. Click here to view prints to choose from & Click Here For Giveaway Details & an interview with Jacquelyn.

Change Is In The Air....

(& so is Tropical Storm Bonnie)

Just walked back from one of my favorite local shops, Bohemian Vintage in Tampa. Sad to say that today is the last day the storefront will be open. 

However Mina will continue sell her fabulous finds online at BohemianVintage1.etsy.com. You can also read about her latest treasures & other fun decor posts on her blog minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com

I will admit I do a lot of my shopping online & do not "shop local" as often as I should. But it has been a true pleasure having such a lovely (& lively) store literally right around the corner.  And Mina is such a sweetie! 

She greets everyone with a smile but is content to let her customers find their way around. And always makes time for a chat if you have a few minutes to talk treasures. So I popped by this afternoon to take a few photos before she closed for the day. 

Many of the free-use antique photos I post to this blog come from Bohemian Vintage. Mina has a great eye & I am so glad she will continue stocking her Etsy Shop with her latest discoveries. Ciao, Mina. Wishing you the best of luck with all of your new adventures!!

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On other local fronts today, the Tampa Artists Emporium turns 3! Congrats, Guys!!

The new owners, Melissa & Anthony, are hosting a birthday bash from 6 - 10 tonight at the gallery. There is lots of art, a bar and.....cupcakes! mmm...mmm... you can't go wrong with cupcakes. They will also be holding a raffle featuring local art & giving away goody bags too. 

I decided to donate a half dozen mixed media tiles. I  altered some old polaroid transfer tiles (rejects I never got around to tossing) & had some fun with rubber stamps, markers & inks. Here's one of them:

In fact I need to get over there - didn't realize how late it was! So, if you are in South Tampa tonight pop on over to 3415 Bay To Bay Blvd. You can find more event info on their website &  Facebook page . And if you're not in town - have fun anyway!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Potions Class

Keeping my Harry Potter fan busy this summer

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By the way, have you entered the new random drawing yet? On 7/29 two lucky winners will get their choice of prints from artist Jacquelyn Berl. Prints measure 11" x 17" each. Leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) to enter this random drawing. Click here to view prints to choose from & Click Here For Giveaway Details & an interview with the artist.

2 more Diary 2011 pages

Just finished my last 2 pages for The Diary 2011 Project.

Next up are some ACEOs for a swap 

(Which I thought were due the 25th not the 20th
Oops - best get crackin')

IF - Breakfast

Today's Illustration Friday prompt Breakfast showed up in my inbox with this whimsical Lewis Carrol quotation: "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." 

While I don't find breakfast particularly inspiring, I do love coffee...mmmm...mmm. So I decided to finally pull together the Zombie Apocalypse mugs I've been thinking about since last year.  (Using Zazzle for the first time. I'll let you know how they come out.)

 

If the thinking about the 1st meal of the day makes you pick up a pencil instead of a fork, I suggest you pop over to IllustrationFriday.com & add your take on this tasty topic. Or just click through & check out what all those fun artists are up to.

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By the way, have you entered the new random drawing? Mixed Media artist Jacquelyn Berl has generously donated 2 of her 11" x 17" prints to this great giveaway. There will be 2 winners & each will get to choose one favorite print from her large selection. Click Here For Details & to enter this drawing which ends 7/29.

Meet The Artist Behind Ascender Rises Above & Enter To Win Some Great Art

Detail from Unraveling Yellow acrylic on canvas by Ascender Rises Above

Last spring I stumbled onto the wonderful artwork of Jacquelyn Berl (aka Ascender Rises Above). First I was smitten by the vibrant colors in her acrylics on canvas.  Rhapsody in Plume brought to mind the energetic nature paintings of Charles Burchfield, one of my favorite artists.

 Rhapsody In Plume; acrylic on canvas by Ascender Rises Above

Exploring Jacquelyn's website AscenderRisesAbove.com I was tickled by the fantastic textures and details of Scatterlings © series. The originals include bits of plants & flowers in addition to inks and watercolors. They also contain hidden, ehem, models.

Here is a detail from one of the Scatterlings© pieces. You can read more about this charming series here. With so much going on in each picture, it is easy to see why this series is popular with kids too.

Jacquelyn's website also features her bold collages

Annie by Ascender Rises Above

And graphic pointillism drawings

A Passion For The Past by Ascender Rises Above

As well as works done in pastels, on tiles, and variety of other mediums.  

If you like what you see, when you've finished here be sure to pop over to Jacquelyn's website and have good look around. Also, click here if you'd like to take a photo tour of her Studio; she stopped by my blog last Saturday to give us a tour.  

Lucky for us,  this wonderful artist has also dropped by today for a visit ..... and to sponsor the new Thursday Giveaway. Giveaway details can be found further down this post in red. Now let's find out a little more about Jacquelyn Berl, the creative force behind Ascender©.

JB: While working for my Associates of Fine Arts degree in interior design, I was vice president of the student American Society of Interior Designers. I spent ten years doing contract and residential perspective renderings/interior design.

 perspective rendering by Ascender - click here for more interiors

JB: I then expanded my horizons into that of a graphic and fine artist. I have done a great deal of community work, including contributions of graphic work for several non profits. A particular favorite non profit project was the Nicolaysen Art Museum in Wyoming in the the Children's Discovery center, in addition to aiding in graphic needs on newsletters and special promotions on the marketing committee.

JB: I began selling my fine artwork privately, donating some proceeds to non-profit organizations. I've held several exhibits of my work which have combined my artistic vision with a variety of artistic media and form: pointillism, dry pastels, mixed media watercolor and Scatterlings© (a collection of self-directed enchantment art.

JB: I'm presently working on an upcoming illustrated novel. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to be alerted on the book publication date.

Thanks for stopping by today, Jacquelyn, to talk about yourself and your work. To find out more about why Jacquelyn became an artist and how her work has evolved over the years, check out this great interview.

Now as a special treat, Jacquelyn has generously donated 2 limited edition prints to the new Thursday Giveaway. On 7/29 two winners will each take home 1 print of their choosing. 

To enter the random drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 7/29.  For a second entry,  click here to visit Ascender Rises Above & leave a comment there too. 1 winner will be randomly selected from each site. This drawing is open to USA residents only and the print ships for free with in the United States. Each print measures 11" x 17". (And if you have the time,please check out this wonderful selection of prints & let us know the title of your favorite.)

I know I'm a little long winded today, but before we finish I wanted to mention a special offer that Jacquelyn is running right now. For the next 2 weeks, she is holding a sale of her 11" x 17" limited edition prints. Each piece is printed to the border, signed and dated on the back. They are printed on 80 lb Dull cover paper with HP Indigo inks on an Indigo 5000 press ( a commercial printer, not a home printer).

Until 7/29 these prints are either "Buy one, get one half-off" or "Buy 2 prints get a third for free". Customers gets to choose which sale they want to apply. Click here for all the details & be sure to notify Jacques which sale you are choosing.

Thanks, Everyone, for popping by today. I really enjoy pulling together these artist features & random drawings. And it is your interest that keeps them coming. Please remember to leave a comment to enter Ascender's fantastic giveaway.

Some more places where you can find Jacquelyn and her art online:
Ascender Rises Above Site
Ascender on Linked In
Ascender's Squidoo
Ascender on Art Bistro
Ascender on Facebook
Ascender Facebook Fan Page
Ascender on Twitter
Check out What's On My Desk

Who won the Hearsong Fine Art random drawing?

 Indira did! Congrats!

I will contact you today with instructions for collecting your prize.

photo courtesy of Heartsong Fine Art

A hearty thanks to Laura Koniver, MD for donating a set of her colorful art cards for this giveaway. Lucky Indira gets to choose her favorites from the cards section of Laura's etsy shop, Koniver.etsy.com. To find out more about Laura & her wonderful creations visit HeartsongFineArt.com.

And many thanks to those who took the time to leave a comment this past week. You feedback is always appreciated! Please pop back later today for a new artist feature & random drawing announcement.

Illustration Friday meets Diary 2011

"I always say,  keep a diary and someday it will keep you." 
- Mae West

Seems like ages since I've contributed to Illustration Friday. Each week I am inspired by the  latest prompt but haven't had the time to transfer my ideas from brain to paper.  Last Friday's word was "Diary" and came with this fun quotation.

It just happens that I've been running behind schedule on my pages for Fantayza's Diary 2011 project. Due to my perpetual procrastination, I've retooled some older drawings to fit the bill rather than start from scratch. (The drawings are faint so that the pages can be used by the diarist. click image to enlarge)

(Were you around for last years Diary 2010 posts? If not, the links to those pages are here & here if you are curious)

Are you wondering What is the Diary 2011 Project?  Now in its 4th year, the Diaries Project was founded by photographer/fashion designer Lucy Baribeau of Fantazya. Lucy gathers pages from artists worldwide into a fantastic Diary/day planner that she then sells online at Fantazya.etsy.com.  Last summer Lucy stopped by the blog to say hello; you can find her interview here. She recently remodeled her studio so I'm hoping to sign her up for a Saturday Studio Tour sometime soon.

Want to contribute a page? Here is the link to all the info, including dates that still need some love. Though this phase of the Project is technically over, there are a few pages that need artists. (As you scroll down the Diary 2011 page they are the ones in red.) If you can finish one in the next couple of days, drop Lucy an email to reserve a specific date.

I'll be pulling together a couple more pages in the next few days & will toss them up here for your perusal. Then it is onto making cards for an ATC swap I signed up for a while back but haven't even started yet (eek! Lately the one thing I can count on is my procrastination).

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 Inspirational Cards from the Original Paintings of Laura Koniver, MD

Speaking of waiting until the last minute, it is the last night to enter Heartsong Fine Art's random drawing. Laura Koniver, MD (the artist behind Heartsong) has generously donated this week's Thursday Giveaway prize. 1 lucky winner gets their choice of a set of Art Greeting Cards & Envelopes. Click here to see some of the choices. Leave a comment on my blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 7/15 to enter. If you'd like a second entry, check out Laura's guest post on creativity & health and leave a comment there as well.

Your secret mission.....

Wondering what to do with your week? Pop on over to MykeAmend.com and pick up a secret mission. And what is a secret mission without a new identity?

I also suggest you spend some time checking out the fantastic artwork. I am just crazy about the Airships & Tentacles series! If you say hello, be sure to tell him Crazyteeth Trollop sent you.

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By the way, have you entered Thursday's (7/15) random drawing for a set of art cards from Heartsong Fine Art?  Click Here for details & photos

Studio Tour # 27 - Ascender Rises Above

Hey There. How are you today? Ready to go?

Today we're off to to California. We've been invited to tour the studio of mixed media artist Jacquelyn Berl (aka Ascender Rises Above ). She creates with a fun variety of materials - including watercolors, handmade papers, inks & pressed foliage. Many of Jacquelyn's pieces have a wonderful organic feel. 

Some canvases overflow with lush colors.

Rhapsody In Plume; acrylic on canvas from Ascender Rises Above

Others are full of hidden surprises.

 In Search Of A Miracle; Scatterlings © mixed media from Ascender Rises Above

The fantastic pieces in the Scatterlings © series are worth a second look

Detail from In Search Of A Miracle; Scatterlings © by Ascender Rises Above

And even a third ...

Detail from In Search Of A Miracle; Scatterlings © by Ascender Rises Above

Click here to see more close ups from this wonderful piece. 

 The first time I spotted In Search of a Miracle I found myself thinking of this line from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's  story The White Company:

 "Clouds of insects danced and buzzed in the golden autumn light, and the air was full of the piping of the song-birds. Long, glinting dragonflies shot across the path, or hung tremulous with gauzy wings and gleaming bodies." 

On closer inspection of this lovely picture I also remembered that Doyle did believe in Faeries. But enough of my ramblings, let me get out of the way so that Jacquelyn can show you around her creative space. (By the way, I apologize for any weird formatting or colors, blogger is giving me a headache today)

 JB: I live and work in paradise. My apartment *is* my

studio; a place where I go to get completely lost in time,

a place to dream and play.

Over the years, my studio has grown from one corner 

to taking over the entire living room. Living and working

under the same rooftop is perfect for me. It's freeing to be

begin creating whenever I get the urge, even in the middle

of the night.

My workstation powers from sitting to standing - 

depending on how much I am moving around. I try to

keep it tidy, most of the time. My screen sits atop three  

college books about architectural graphic standards;

college was a few years ago (ahem; cough, cough). I hide

the regulation bird's nest of wires and gadgets behind a 

curtain which unfolds as I power my workstation to 

standing.It isn't cutting edge, but then, neither am I. 

Like me, it usually gets the job done nonetheless.

Other stuff on my desk includes the essential broken coffee
cup with assorted pens, a big stack of paper, lists, notes and
letters next to the keyboard. I keep my active files in a 
hanging rack to the left of my workstation. I still use my
scanner from time to time, and my workhorse LaserWriter
12/640, so old that the ink cartridges don't have expiration
notices on them; unlike my HP 1200 office inkjet. (grr).
I listen to music (Pandora or i-tunes) when painting or 
doing pastels.  I don't like music playing while working
on the computer.

The wall in front of the workstation bland; colorless
and devoid of artwork (both my own as well as other
peoples). I think it's better for the creative process that
way - less external influence allowing you to 
focus on balancing the colors in the piece at hand.
At one time I had assorted framed Scatterlings on
the wall above my desk but found I was forever 
referencing them and trying to redo aspects I'd thought  successful. 

Do you do that? Besides the whole area is cranked up with
radiation from the computer etc anyway; right? (Note the 
carbon monoxide alarm on the wall; I try not to think about
it being there. If it sounded I would have a cow right where
I am sitting)


To the left of my workstation is an ancient entertainment
center which is the size of a decent sized buffalo, filled with
inspiring magazines and books, photo albums and a few of
my scrapbooks. I've been working professionally as an 
artist since the age of 24, so over the years I've acquired
a pretty nice library. I have to limit myself to the amount
of books this thing can hold or else the whole room would be
full of books -- I do try to recycle out the books that have 
outlived their usefulness about twice a year.



Don't get me wrong there's a lot of artwork in my rooms;
piled thick with it. It's just all on the wall behind my 
workstation when I'm working. Most of these are the larger
pieces I've been working on.. I keep paintings over the
fireplace on rotation through out the rest of the house.
I try not to get too attached to seeing them in one spot
or I will never be able to part with any of it. I used to keep
all sorts of fun items on the mantel but removed them too.



(riddle me this batman - why, oh why, did they put a fire 
place leading into the hallway?)



On my front door is a large six week calendar where I stick
that all-important 'stuff', postcards, lists, notes of huge
importance and a list of paper dimensions, because I never
remember anything the slightest bit technical, even down to paper.



This is a a bookcase made for my art supplies; it is quite 
thin. I go ahead and leave my supplies in the open or I 
would completely forget what I have and where I have put
 it. It is in an area that doesn't get a lot of attention.



Embellishments, feathers, collage, mixed media supplies, 
glues, beads; glass bottles preserving dried flowers; stamps,
inks; critters in the making. In a few minutes you will forget it is there too.



I have begun to seriously took up collecting for future assemblages - next year!

Every year I say "next year"; meanwhile I collect whatever
tiny items I find on the ground. This is part of my collection
of found items from the last six years. I have realized that I
don't make these assemblages because I am afraid of 
ruining the items.



I usually work on my standing light table and an easel
which collapses down to store between light table and wall.
I'm fortunate enough to have a lot of natural light. The light 
table is quite large and durable, it has the light mechanism
built inside ... Can you even still find these  today? (I got this
light table from my former job where I worked as a
designer on a marketing team for a state wide newspaper;
they cleared them out when the department shifted to
computers.)


I have modified the light table to attach permanently to a 
small work table. I wish the black trays to the right were
attached permanently - I want to use them but tend to keep
them empty due to the amount of times I have bumped into
them and knocked them on the floor. I got tired of picking
it all up. (Why don't I just fix them?)


I tucked two 2-shelf bookcases from IKEA in front of the
light table - the perfect size as they look built into the light table.



This area is really quite organized at the moment, due to the
fact that I have just finished one brief project and will soon
be starting another. My daughter and I are putting
finishing touches to a couple of paint-by-numbers for her
apartment. (I tossed the instructions to mine and altered
the painting style; I am picking up colors she used  in hers
so there will be a consistent color key).

Usually this area is a little chaotic and when I can't see my
desk, or the floor, or find anything, I tidy up and start again.


I have a small coffee table behind the light table which I
continually trip over; I keep the answering machine on it;
a land line which I rarely pick up. (I wish I could get  
Victoria's voice to answer the machine).



Behind the coffee table are doors/windows to a small porch
which I sometimes escape to. I have flowers and trees out
here. Every year a random flower popped up. I don't know
what this one is. My orange tree behind it needs some food
badly.



I grow, dry and press most of the flowers used in my Scatterlings.



Items on my wish list for my apartment/studio/apartment are:
wall of bookcases!
flat files!
An empty wall to paint half with chalkboard paint and half with magnetic paint!
I want a loft... I need a loft... I deserve a loft.

Thank you Jacquelyn for showing us around. I really enjoyed this peek behind the curtain to where the magic happens.

And thank you to all readers who came along for the ride. Want to see more of Jacques vibrant artwork? Be sure to stop back here next Thursday (7/15) for an Artist Feature and Giveaway sponsored by Ascender Rises Above. Also here are some places where you can find Jacquelyn and her art online:

Ascender Rises Above Site
Ascender on Linked In
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