Archetype art challenge + free stuff

Archetype: Primordial image, character, or pattern of circumstances that recurs throughout literature and thought consistently enough to be considered universal.

I really like this definition of Archetype from The Encyclopedia Britannica. It was last Wednesday's Mix It Up With Melange challenge prompt. Here's my response.

This piece has been a long time coming. About 10 years ago a dream influenced this sketch. It's been tacked to my wall since.

Today's variation measures 36" H & is made with a mix of materials on matboard. There's lithocoal, chromacoal, pastel, watercolors, marker, ink and metallic paints. The gator's & girl's eyes are painted a reflective green over faux gold leaf. Makes for a cool flash when you change your line of sight.


Unfortunately I couldn't get the photos right. I've included a few close ups here but none of them really came out. It is funny, shortly after I drew the newsprint sketch we had some ghost hunters (DH secretly called them the "Ghost Dusters") poking around. One of them was convinced that the woman in the portrait was an angry ghost hanging around my studio. Maybe that's why she won't be photographed (insert spooky music here).

I think it might not be finished yet, but I'm at that walk-away point. Needs to simmer a bit more before I oversalt it or something....

To see more interpretations of Archetype visit the the Melange blog HERE & check out the links in the comment section.

Now for the free stuff:

Thursday's Giveaway this week is the matted artwork Alice With Tulips. Just leave a comment before noon (EST 8/13) to enter the random drawing. CLICK HERE to view prize.

Totus Mel's Wunderkammer has a fabulous giveaway going on. Great prizes donated from some amazing steampunk artists. CLICK HERE for pics of prizes & contest rules

Visit January Wish when you have a moment. She is hosting a giveaway of cute items from krize.etsy.com

Ewian keeps adding more & more art supplies to her giveaway stash! Here are details By the way she got 1st worldwide dibs at the new IKEA 2010 catalog. Really. You can read about it here.

A final freebie today. Since we're talking archetypes, here's 1 of my beasts up for grabs. Sorry about the bad photo - the border is refective silver paper. Plus 1 of my photos embellished with mica & glitter and a tiny swarovski crystal

Ego ATC

1st person who would like this ATC, just speak up in the comment section. 1st come 1st serve. Just make sure your contact info is in your profile or leave your email. I'm off to bed but I'll be in touch for your address. I just ask that you Pay It Forward. Other than that, no strings...

Things slowly come together

It was not like the beginning of a journey; it was like the beginning of a dream

I'm so happy to have come across this line in The First Men On The Moon by H.G.Wells tonight. After 30 years, I've returned to his wonderful stories in search of a catalyst for his author's box. As soon as I read that line, things finally clicked.

On the aside, I can't remember the last time I've enjoyed reading this much. While exploring the Island of Dr. Moreau, The Invisible Man & The Time Machine, I've been returned to an earlier time in my life when everything was fresh & new. I was probably about 10 when I first read Wells' books. Some of my earliest TV memories are of Claude Rains as The Invisible Man, Charles Laughton & Bela Lugosi in 1933 The Island of Lost Souls and other early adaptations of his works. I remember how thrilled I was to find there were books that came first... in my local library - woohoo! One thing that strikes me years later is how accessible the stories are. Unlike other pieces written in the 1800s, the language is clean yet riveting - with just enough adventure to keep a kid's interest.

At last I have a line to focus on. Now the box can slowly form itself in the back of my mind while I find the time to build it....

On another note, I haven't had much free time this week. Still playing with the Melange prompt Archetype when I get a few minutes here & there. The pic at the top is a sneak peek. Here's a another one:


If you want to see some cool interpretations by other artists, click HERE & check out the links in the comments section. Or add your own if you want.

I finally got a grip on Illustration Friday's prompt, Impatience, tonight. Another fun challenge, but I've been struggling with it. Finally came together in my head but only had time to lay out a few lines on canvas. Sorry about the bad lighting.

I hope to finish these before the challenges roll over (Wed & Fri.) but who knows what, ehem, distractions (work, family, sleep) will have to come first.... Wish me luck!

Just a couple notes:

15% off sale in all 3 of my Etsy Shops this weekend. If you're into art & jewelry start at ArtSnark's Artifacts. There's also free shipping on ACEOs & books. In my shop's "announcements" you will find links to my 2 supplies shops, as well as a list of Melange Team Members who are also having a 15% off sale all weekend.

Plus if you would like to be entered in this Thursday's random drawing, just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) 8/13. 1 lucky winner gets this piece of art, Alice with Tulips. Contest is open worldwide with free shipping.