tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353992952024-03-07T19:32:50.773-05:00Jessica Torrant Art BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.comBlogger653125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-73946010742953684982015-06-06T13:58:00.001-05:002015-06-06T14:16:42.306-05:00#30DaysofArt <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.michaelgalpert.com/post/38956982173/explore-blog-chuck-close-on-creativity-the" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.michaelgalpert.com/post/38956982173/explore-blog-chuck-close-on-creativity-the" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaOK2ZAuGZAbU-bvn7QtqrdORjIdgu8SGgz18CUGKMAbPS3oMHKyl_lUCEYLSLdGcT1TzvU6hD3bqsK_kUBPVZYv_CLrkSLQ3ZK6TnAcojxS278i3NKePP444ePTdYeDv9_1i/s640/chuckclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chuck Close nailed it: <i>“Inspiration is for amateurs — the rest of us just show up and get to
work. And the belief that things will grow out of the activity itself
and that you will — through work — bump into other possibilities and
kick open other doors that you would never have dreamt of if you were
just sitting around looking for a great ‘art idea.’ And the belief that
process, in a sense, is liberating and that you don’t have to reinvent
the wheel every day. Today, you know what you’ll do, you could be doing
what you were doing yesterday, and tomorrow you are gonna do what you
did today, and at least for a certain period of time you can just work.
If you hang in there, you will get somewhere.”</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was almost like divine intervention when</span><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: large;">my friend and fellow artist, Marla Fasano, tagged me in a Facebook status about doing this 30 days of art challenge. The last couple weeks I had been so focused on getting my yard and gardens tidy, I went gangbusters on that and then when I returned to the studio, I was sort of lost and unsure of myself all over again. I did some crafty things, I cleaned and tried to organize. I know I worked every day for long hours and yet by the end of the week I had so little to show for it. This was very frustrating, to say the least. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So when I saw this challenge pop up (that just happened to fall at the start of the month of June AND perfectly timed with Monday being the first of the month) it just felt like the answer I didn't even know I was looking for. I <i>had</i> to do it. Something to hold me to the fire to paint every day. To FOCUS. </span><i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And so day 1 began that familiar feeling of painting again after a little break. It's tight and controlled, it's falling back on old familiar routines. Every. Time. I made some art, but it wasn't ground breaking or anything...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 I began to loosen up and everything opened up from there. The rest of the week flew by and one idea evolved into the next, paint flowing freely and straight from the source. No over-thinking, fast and loose. By the end of the week, I had a couple of big paintings and an idea for a new series. Not bad for five days! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's my journey so far via images... First, some pics of what I got myself into before this began. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGoyGkcdGne7KsRwQytQbNT6cxo2XrM-I19t-ycPVSYaF6csG1NVTJ7JNJHeURItTvQ00nYUMMRY-yKv5fSoUwRearOjVCJGDybLZBqTiXl-0sU3XoKK1TyCGyh-Y68ZWslf_/s1600/studiogarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGoyGkcdGne7KsRwQytQbNT6cxo2XrM-I19t-ycPVSYaF6csG1NVTJ7JNJHeURItTvQ00nYUMMRY-yKv5fSoUwRearOjVCJGDybLZBqTiXl-0sU3XoKK1TyCGyh-Y68ZWslf_/s640/studiogarden.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My wacky little artsy herb garden out by the studio. One of several outdoor projects I worked on that are decidedly quirky. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQ1km5PSHSVsdWDkJpk60rVClh-cKyd8VlYbXMNn5Nc-dmjTKpG_XnupeKMlZ06KRtkJKRtHLQR5UunDwyU2rXmRfx-5Eh4nx26stGGr-EOpKw7FsTytnNVOQ83YMuSWM_ov/s1600/mermaidWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXQ1km5PSHSVsdWDkJpk60rVClh-cKyd8VlYbXMNn5Nc-dmjTKpG_XnupeKMlZ06KRtkJKRtHLQR5UunDwyU2rXmRfx-5Eh4nx26stGGr-EOpKw7FsTytnNVOQ83YMuSWM_ov/s400/mermaidWIP.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the projects I got sidetracked by. Love this wire mermaid sculpture (sorry the photo chops off her tail) and what I have in mind for it, but the beading will take forever. A project to save for another day... </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDYJsUBqpJX7vz6CbsGL-o8OPTXljAn4Z-7weQLjXLv__bjtQQBYvYXl10ZjiNx4jF-JmtQfjfL9JelrQw0FOgxp0w9xx5JNFZKzsHTeFu6DNsxGubaz5rhBxIRFf1o1s8vmF/s200/dayone1.jpg" width="200" /> <img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbO8x0iGrdBS32RtppCI4krJkKMNcD-ZZolArpf5ZNkZzUjJC_0kLrO5b3vQEpT9BRabGHHwYS2r_BdFMLdthxC7oRKJE9KxEGIIeFY2PNQPbX0WeT5jjR4jGgmBaXwZjRqp7/s200/dayone2.jpg" width="200" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Day 1 was rainy and I was tentatively working small. It's like I have to tip toe my way back into painting... </span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmeU90A-65-GafsyMVSRcIJ3h-Zp-QynWpEFske03qXpO3-g8gEoERcwJOAaSkcSUcH6igwZ42PjOwV-ZSNWRLsuWgI0QQiGH6gMIGBeIYbM3MH7Uu1G2IiA0emhHHky4CszK/s200/daytwo1.jpg" width="198" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfZPLpmEUOkjvDYPXn7dyrxPBsTGRiQl5g_icK9Xyhkza2qnO8UWPczPlXYFttT2jR6MCNJfeMhUq4d6DlNAtNaVXLHlWIye9_C1BJr6TSwaYd8qDwaUUsBSwSHn8S6v1vE5/s1600/daytwo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrfZPLpmEUOkjvDYPXn7dyrxPBsTGRiQl5g_icK9Xyhkza2qnO8UWPczPlXYFttT2jR6MCNJfeMhUq4d6DlNAtNaVXLHlWIye9_C1BJr6TSwaYd8qDwaUUsBSwSHn8S6v1vE5/s200/daytwo3.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 2 I started to open up working much larger. (I also worked on that floral.)</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbjD_RTZQM1RgmrE6uOIlhH9AANEvCczy4G1hoau5ZbLEoHmFgK_RQagumhu0gEU4JUmJoOGw5YOn6MCHhWlZks8EmRr3tR8-UpbZDxRd1dKToRjwo-j-1exx9HxuLS8j2ZQm/s1600/day3studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbjD_RTZQM1RgmrE6uOIlhH9AANEvCczy4G1hoau5ZbLEoHmFgK_RQagumhu0gEU4JUmJoOGw5YOn6MCHhWlZks8EmRr3tR8-UpbZDxRd1dKToRjwo-j-1exx9HxuLS8j2ZQm/s320/day3studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> By the end of day 3 I had a completed painting and a newly stretched canvas. Now things were really on a roll...</span></span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KnPAfICWHlP9JlapkaE56W1Cuk2O69FpiqWinYSdkX0iSev-0VsYr_ff4pvTnkZdRzZyl81UzvmUiLaz_HbkTP_ryFHGnBS_o4v3ppyppWP2jhb2-VY_VjRA3jvrWrMy2BNY/s200/dayfourwip.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT1UyO8_D94EPbfO6hUhezt0X3S2VNTfrrfrZfCHnoEB337vqeDRAzJHrutjv1fkyWecRcAEsRFBzm2dD3oPyN_e2mj2svCfdybDj8LJRVqxd6xIKaGyeWxMC54STa4FFKyiL/s1600/dayfourwip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCT1UyO8_D94EPbfO6hUhezt0X3S2VNTfrrfrZfCHnoEB337vqeDRAzJHrutjv1fkyWecRcAEsRFBzm2dD3oPyN_e2mj2svCfdybDj8LJRVqxd6xIKaGyeWxMC54STa4FFKyiL/s200/dayfourwip2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Day 4 was all about working on this 48" x 48" canvas, as was day 5...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And now I have these paintings completed and listed in my shop! </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235908439/original-abstract-landscape-painting" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235908439/original-abstract-landscape-painting" border="0" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUu_cbsLNGVx6LBER-bKOJJXIPe57zYe8mzKYOkKPvvqK25xri9s1djBx_ghIBdsQBvvAhXuqZY7GbJHnpG2jH6unTGz78ogiPwZgmUmANarXcYhNflYRcehHcaUkdCJhj0o4S/s640/summermeadow72.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> Summer Meadow - </i>Acrylic and oil pastel on two 16" x 20" canvases</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Available for purchase here - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235908439/original-abstract-landscape-painting">https://www.etsy.com/listing/235908439/original-abstract-landscape-painting</a></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235850246/large-original-abstract-painting-phoenix" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235850246/large-original-abstract-painting-phoenix" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvgLrlxRaEWg-swFq11toWz5GAksri9q9Kit2vFAjCg3JsM1_wNxOK6nTLPiXbuxcvdg1Q0fomw0MEYtdvLdGC5gTifpW3OiLQQLbIehIQ02ZKjp9fP03mMgQUzriL0JWWAKh/s640/phoenix72.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Phoenix</i> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 36" x 36" canvas</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Available for purchase here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235850246/large-original-abstract-painting-phoenix">https://www.etsy.com/listing/235850246/large-original-abstract-painting-phoenix</a> </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235993265/extra-large-abstract-seascape-original" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235993265/extra-large-abstract-seascape-original" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vNzquY3q1IjgP5QzWa4KnwZ-QG7jiFmrVDANa3M18o-9XUYcgXezyehvj00-GUD7RVMCnRiDKKXQHRlLV-Go9bG1fSFsO1m-yMh8wCFLAWnh0lmUTmVcKNCJZ8LnUkbuHju4/s640/safeharbor72.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Undercurrent - Acrylic on 48" x 48" canvas</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Available for purchase here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/235993265/extra-large-abstract-seascape-original">https://www.etsy.com/listing/235993265/extra-large-abstract-seascape-original</a> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today is day 6 and there is work to be done! You can follow along with my daily progress <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">on facebook</a>, and be sure to check out Marla's page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SorchaMoonArt" target="_blank">Sorcha Moon</a> to see her daily silverpoint work, as well as Deana Diefenbach's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bellacosaartbyMattos" target="_blank">BellaCosaArt</a> page for her 30 days of creating updates. <i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-52300195038824998862015-05-16T14:48:00.000-05:002015-05-16T14:48:31.890-05:00Back To School... Sort of, Part 1
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<span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27i0K5N-z51m9U5Di5vLqanKAIX1xIhKS3gGGm6zhgQr9hDn2SSTGBxV1LvR1EEvT7hQgU2YwWXq6euYwbxiwfqiGazZSw4nOp7DpZ5FPLXD_E-lsrHg5t9irk9lUsTMSiJj5/s640/newnotebook.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of my best friends has been a lifelong learner, taking tons
of classes through the years on a variety of subjects ever since we met in
college. If you put them all together she could probably have degrees in at
least six subjects, but that hasn’t been her priority. I love that about her
and respect it tremendously. Meanwhile, I always felt wildly different about
education. I was all about getting in and out of college in four years flat –
get my degree and I’m outta there. (Purely coincidentally, the class of 2015
graduated today from my alma mater, UNH – congrats fellow Wildcats!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But ever since I’ve really focused in on my art making career,
I’ve been open to the idea of re-educating myself on my own terms (which
basically translates to free and when I feel like it). Fortunately, there’s no
lack of free resources online – from podcasts to <a href="http://www.ted.com/" target="_blank">Ted Talks</a> and more – wonderful
insights from the minds and experiences of successful artists, business owners
and self help enthusiasts. Topics explored include, but are not limited to…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How to manifest your greatest dreams. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How to figure out what those dreams are in the first place.</i></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How so-and-so became a successful artist. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>How to best market your art. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since I came to this conclusion that I need to embrace education as part of my journey towards the career of my hopes and
dreams, I’ve been almost manic in my consumption. I thought since my audience
tends to be other artists, I’d share a little of what I’m learning here on my
blog. I have to say though, if you aren’t an artist by trade, this information
tends to apply across the board in all matters of life, so read on – I think
you’ll dig this stuff too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pause for an art break…</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubUSNrRgh8w_6SAxQYZhM3VaoprcZ_ryOPLAvmruiufcYFULj4z3HKdTQ3Zx1L-_jTUjSxbn6-vpOeOKOeH-jMQnRnCawwkCixIGC5me93dkBjYyIUrItyFC0tPqlZ4X-NnRn/s1600/reflections2sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubUSNrRgh8w_6SAxQYZhM3VaoprcZ_ryOPLAvmruiufcYFULj4z3HKdTQ3Zx1L-_jTUjSxbn6-vpOeOKOeH-jMQnRnCawwkCixIGC5me93dkBjYyIUrItyFC0tPqlZ4X-NnRn/s640/reflections2sml.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <i>My latest custom painting commission </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Reflections 2, Acrylic on 40" x 40" canvas</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The first thing I’d like to talk about is this idea of <b>GOING
OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE</b>. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It’s something I’m getting from almost any and all of these
interviews and discussions, “You <i>have</i> to go outside your comfort zone.”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Full disclosure: Any time I’ve ever heard that in the past,
my gut reaction has always been as follows… </span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">No. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't want to. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I’m an adult, and therefore I don’t have to do anything I
don’t want to do. </span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The end. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">What, am I supposed to jump out of a plane to gain a <i>deeper
appreciation</i> for life? Please. No way, not in a million years. I like comfort. I like
knowing what makes me comfortable and I like remaining comfortable. (I’m also a
Taurus, that’s sort of our "thing".) Besides, life throws enough curve balls all on
its own to actually want to seek out <i>more</i> things/situations/experiences to
unsettle me. Why would I do that? It just never made any sense to me. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">But I think I was missing one key point to all of this. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">FIRST you must figure out what you really, really want and
THEN you must be willing to go out of your comfort zone to attain whatever that
is. It isn’t about nonsensical risk taking - <i>duh! (Why did I think it was?)</i> No one will be waiting for me with
a million dollars on land if I jump out of a plane (PS even then I wouldn’t do
it). It’s about being very aware of what it is that you want and then open
minded about the path of achieving and actualizing your dreams and goals, not
letting any fears stand in your way or limit how far you can go. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">So, in the business of making and selling art, maybe this
means “putting yourself out there” on social media platforms or making
connections with local galleries, or maybe it's getting started on a big (albeit intimidating)
concept/project/series. In general life terms, it can mean opening
yourself up to failure if you try something new, facing some of your biggest
fears and doubts on the road to love, or challenging your ability to
communicate in order to strengthen an existing relationship. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It just never clicked until recently, but <i>now</i> I get it, and
in a way, it’s almost scarier than the concept of jumping out of a plane
because these particular challenges are now unavoidable and necessary if I want
to achieve my goals. But what better encouragement is there to do them than a.
to prove to yourself that you can do anything you set your mind to, even stuff
that scares you and b. to get yourself closer to living the life you’ve always
wanted to live! In one of the many Ted Talks I listened to the other day,
someone said this line that I had to write down so I’d remember it… </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Success is the freedom to do whatever you want to do. </span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">That may sound like pure hopeful rubbish, but let me tell you, after
listening to one successful person after another, it is absolutely true and
possible. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The trick, if there is one, is simple. You have to be
willing to work extremely hard and take risks boldly and with conviction, and
that includes going out of your comfort zone. And that’s a challenge my comfort
loving self is willing to take... firmly on land, thank you very much. </span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here’s a list of some of my favorite educators thus far…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://lisacongdon.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Congdon</a> - She's everywhere right now... for good reason. Check her out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://artbizcoach.com/" target="_blank">Alyson Stanfield aka The Art Biz Coach</a> - I've only barely scratched the surface of this excellent artist resource, including tons of <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/art-marketing-action-podcasts/id217733522?mt=2" target="_blank">free podcasts</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.keshabruce.com/" target="_blank">Kesha Bruce</a> - I've been following Kesha for years now, she's fantastic!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://elleluna.com/" target="_blank">Elle Luna</a> - I just love her attitude and spirit! This essay in particular is a <i>must</i> read, <a href="https://medium.com/@elleluna/the-crossroads-of-should-and-must-90c75eb7c5b0" target="_blank">"The Crossroads of Should and Must"</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I know I'm missing some new favs here, follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JTorrantArt" target="_blank">twitter</a> where I am most likely to share my latest great finds!</i> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-19404686448312754032015-05-01T10:24:00.000-05:002015-05-01T10:24:25.282-05:00Week in Review - Hello Spring! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231635083/turquoise-sky-spring-green-chartreuse" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231635083/turquoise-sky-spring-green-chartreuse" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoOTTMEhWr0TztSba3zkgdjnaGYwldKDvhVji_gxmPKA5m1OWGDlw5SqWD7Emd_SRqkcbiiNrTK7vIDBF8HpSdJOOtpTfe49DadETIYtfRwmAnLM611VUOrUiiyfJHMS4lPJ1/s1600/springbranches2sml.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spring has truly arrived here in New England, and I can't think of a more inspiring time of year to embrace change and transition, and feel the surging power of creative energy and motivation. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231630733/instant-download-stock-photography" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231630733/instant-download-stock-photography" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX01XNjIh3DN8xD25OTLUf2hZ7pxB5j7iefADEDTlA3uSkBJ6jaSZEhCWVWWsQ-rCfzVrMxUhREx09FPR6yTHT15Ej4wQzokMHVJiHQI8ncXXN9e4Ggx8ORzm_poyAfcDnlZEE/s1600/forsythia2sml.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every day, something new blooms or rapidly evolves from early bud to blossom. It's really quite spectacular and awe inspiring if you think about it. Life GROWS on.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA252cJZlF0yOBO4j0JjkvqSTv-zTT5LMUYDfd8ETR1T3LSgOtYE-WoeXVM9fyaQp5qmGT_COhVOjiZ2iQMo5E1h39GSeYSz6aagA0R6OJvU5IPUz301UTX8DOGgS14Ocm2WJh/s1600/timelessoceanstudio.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the studio, I'm already mentally launched into summer and I've "arrived" at my favorite place to be - the beach! I created this triptych of three 18" x 24" canvases that I titled (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTorrant/photos/pb.151324950749.-2207520000.1430491102./10153220270785750/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">thanks to my aunt's suggestion</a>!) "Timeless Ocean". </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9b7G1_cXTKDHE3JPb6PHSaNxVPK8WHhMaE9lrHHh6SevK8d_cJvQY0E_VF4IkmkSww6DqRtZetPbs9wDbEgOEF7A60NRb6DR9ZVAnGfoUSAohUf7KIHt59gNlHlFsfNFuu_Ac/s1600/oceantripclose.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been enjoying using metallic paint (gold, silver, copper) to recreate the shimmer of sunlight on ocean water. It's a lot of fun to work with, and one thing I've discovered is that it's best to go back and forth between seeing the sheen and not seeing the sheen. (If someone were to catch me in the studio they'd be perplexed by me constantly bobbing my head around as I work!) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you see a piece with the reflection really shining, that layer pops in an almost 3D way to the eye. It's important that those lines or shapes, or however you are using it, make sense from a complete compositional perspective. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WmFQU0OLgnd81zVDfFD9lT7jT2k0Qe-y19VAyQr8zEXyah1Xav_kH_Kf-VFxtOFdvYkEYAkZ3m6kYL-ciAhfVNb6BlsGs-dCL_em6uVXom-Q31sLVFrc4uBdBLz0qkSc1Bjf/s1600/timelessocean.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/231796487/ocean-triptych-wall-art-acrylic" target="_blank">Timeless Ocean</a> with the <a href="http://joybird.com/sofas/lennon-sofa/" target="_blank">Lennon Sofa by Joybird</a></i></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I so enjoyed painting this, I'd love to paint a dozen more. In fact, I have another triptych in the works in a bit of a different palette and I'm eager to get back out to work on it right now! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm really trying to live in the moment, and it's working beautifully (*much easier to do with gorgeous weather and flowers!). But I'll be honest, a part of me is like... </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPQ5oLnAVzHP5hS6skIVKeViKaGFLvjbfq_oY-6rXOc8oMKrD6zLRn7WZM21rqokh4ghWifHDizPBH5CBSjzXIDq8GCKQjKKc9tcWO6LZgSwsv3gQ7DmmU5JBry_Xn5W9xVl4/s1600/herhere.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/104919866295110063/" target="_blank">Free on the beach</a>... <a href="http://ilaurens.tumblr.com/post/76551879332" target="_blank">Ocean in Victoria, Australia</a></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (In more ways than one.) ;) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend! </span></span><br />
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-18907899659688266672015-04-04T15:50:00.000-05:002015-04-04T20:58:14.569-05:00Moving on to greener pastures... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoVJz8XTPm6vJMC-m2fzv0qLQWgOV19pw0I11UydDtqG_tFlIOPE68BAX_GovwyuRC27C-l4BPnSdHg3amH53jCEk8rqtYaQTzl_tg8mIHlY0BfnaevAyHU4iLQ35DqdblwqR/s1600/ggstwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoVJz8XTPm6vJMC-m2fzv0qLQWgOV19pw0I11UydDtqG_tFlIOPE68BAX_GovwyuRC27C-l4BPnSdHg3amH53jCEk8rqtYaQTzl_tg8mIHlY0BfnaevAyHU4iLQ35DqdblwqR/s1600/ggstwo.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My sketchbook with a series of designs for custom vegetable stamps, a few of my hand carved stamps, my favorite ink pads, tools of the trade, and test papers...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">With a hint of trepidation and a whole lot of excitement, I am officially making the move away from my rubber stamp shop, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps" target="_blank">Green Garden Stamps</a>, and focusing entirely on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">ART</a>...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">...for now? (More on that later.) </span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I opened my rubber stamp shop in 2010 after finding that I really enjoyed the medium and the ability to express another side of my creative aesthetic. Here's a collection of my favorite kinds of designs to carve - rustic, country, garden-inspired. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnPNKsksElNYgO_h3AR9bNVkY6LLIRE3zaFTKfuD3Y1JnrI2IchItcMb_OsAHTxC8SktgI09US9j_F1mf6Y9PLTdiNB-doGzAw8N6iT0UCCDOJT2CiHgqDXZlatXnw_m1zYzH/s1600/gardenstamps1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnPNKsksElNYgO_h3AR9bNVkY6LLIRE3zaFTKfuD3Y1JnrI2IchItcMb_OsAHTxC8SktgI09US9j_F1mf6Y9PLTdiNB-doGzAw8N6iT0UCCDOJT2CiHgqDXZlatXnw_m1zYzH/s1600/gardenstamps1.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
As the years progressed, I learned a lot operating this business. I also connected with <i>tons</i> of amazing people, businesses and organizations. Creating custom stamps was always such a pleasure. Here are some examples of my custom work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoGdCObusyVMEBAfE9N3jA8cTVPZY3gHQoEATkiEYOjSgaY5tOM09WZXTAJg2ziOeF_chbKulOJrpPLT7ozE5g3T9xbAxVZrb0WoPQOkt5o-2eaAfMaNerl37RttguPt3ifrV/s1600/customscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoGdCObusyVMEBAfE9N3jA8cTVPZY3gHQoEATkiEYOjSgaY5tOM09WZXTAJg2ziOeF_chbKulOJrpPLT7ozE5g3T9xbAxVZrb0WoPQOkt5o-2eaAfMaNerl37RttguPt3ifrV/s1600/customscollage.jpg" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Perhaps my favorite of all was connecting with the good people of Max's Love Project - <a href="http://maxloveproject.org/">http://maxloveproject.org/</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wWnxjORLYG3xVJdXINv9GD7s5GN9iD9xM1M6ZZsNCI_12npOIjlh8_tB_d6QBboHBS9m3fvJructLC9gUJ8DP-DpFDQakDa72RWltAAzCUa9IxqrUfcp73ygwL7BHLjBBH7L/s1600/beckymike.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wWnxjORLYG3xVJdXINv9GD7s5GN9iD9xM1M6ZZsNCI_12npOIjlh8_tB_d6QBboHBS9m3fvJructLC9gUJ8DP-DpFDQakDa72RWltAAzCUa9IxqrUfcp73ygwL7BHLjBBH7L/s1600/beckymike.jpeg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Such a fun stamp carved for two great friends for their wedding. </i><span class="_Tgc"> ♥</span></div>
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<i> </i> </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
At some point along the way, I saw an example of stamps being used to show meal selections at a wedding on escort cards. It was in a magazine or online somewhere, I can't recall. But it got me thinking and sketching... and I came up with this set of four designs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35rVtEjT98Zj9AUp5tK4-PSC2ZvQ4iabkivG82ltioJCYv3_BysBbRHC0WWZaQce_Xo-HvFecvCVPAcHDKV0GOXO4SaX45uDQT9NwfQCR-Fl6soi7HFcp1gm_4mxyQvzOLDFX/s1600/DSCN71651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35rVtEjT98Zj9AUp5tK4-PSC2ZvQ4iabkivG82ltioJCYv3_BysBbRHC0WWZaQce_Xo-HvFecvCVPAcHDKV0GOXO4SaX45uDQT9NwfQCR-Fl6soi7HFcp1gm_4mxyQvzOLDFX/s1600/DSCN71651.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each measures about 1" x 1", for beef, chicken, seafood and vegetarian. They quickly became a hit. Soon I had people contacting me about other options - do you have a pig? Can I get a pepper instead? After compiling a list of custom requests, I expanded the product line to include more options.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghG8-Lig14wCFwcsbtQ_VBd55DO6bGVWvxCDf8aUHHnUVMPADRDm8BtTbfkzimeTS8kx-9H9-vjZw3GsCWeCdRXQ77yBXHK1hq0oxd2i-ban0aFkiaFg-vZ4x3Y1UJy-YdsRA/s1600/DSCN8725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghG8-Lig14wCFwcsbtQ_VBd55DO6bGVWvxCDf8aUHHnUVMPADRDm8BtTbfkzimeTS8kx-9H9-vjZw3GsCWeCdRXQ77yBXHK1hq0oxd2i-ban0aFkiaFg-vZ4x3Y1UJy-YdsRA/s1600/DSCN8725.jpg" height="566" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been selling them in various numbered sets and they are by far my most popular product. These meal stamps have often paid for much needed winter oil deliveries, weekly groceries - you name it! I'm incredibly thankful for all of my customers, press and social media sharing - it's been an amazing ride. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>So why quit when you have a successful business?</i> </span><br />
<br />
That's the million dollar question isn't it?<br />
<br />
The answer requires me to take a deep breath because it's rather personal, actually. To a degree that I'm not quite sure how much I want to reveal. But this time in my life right now is about taking greater risks, so here goes...<br />
<br />
Toward the end of last year, my undiagnosed lifetime of depression and anxiety hit an all time high and I finally had to confront it and deal with it. I "talked" (spurts of words in between sobbing) with my doctor and acknowledging it to a medical professional alone felt incredibly healing - a huge weight lifted. It was the first step. And now I've been on medication for the last five months and <i>it has dramatically changed my life for the better</i>. <br />
<br />
<i>(At this point I feel like adding some caveat like "hey I'm no expert" or "talk to your own medical professional" or something like that. It should be obvious that I'm speaking solely about what worked for me, right? Moving on...) </i><br />
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It isn't as if I haven't been aware of the existence of medication for such things. But I'm about to get real here - as an artist, I was seriously scared that whatever unknown spark made of rainbows and/or stardust that "made" me an artist would go away if I was medicated. THAT plus whatever quirks I felt made me "me" kept me away from what would end up being a godsend for much too long. But I'm not in the business of looking back right now - it's too potentially destructive. I am just happy and thankful that it has come into my life here and now. However, I feel like it's important for me to say that my fears were entirely unfounded and in fact, I feel like I've never been a better artist than right now.<br />
<i> </i><br />
Medication hasn't taken away my unique self. Instead, it has relieved a ton of distractions, road blocks, obsessions, paralyzing fear and doubt, and rabbit holes that prohibited me from being really present in the moment. I feel joy and peace sincerely now, <i>and I mean that sincerely</i>. It isn't "numb", it isn't "fake" (as I had feared).<br />
<br />
I read somewhere that when a person lives with chronic depression and/or anxiety, it erodes/eliminates certain neural pathways that medication can "reconnect" in a way. That makes so much sense to me and speaks to that feeling that my states of inner calm/peace/joy now don't feel "phoney" - they feel entirely natural - clean and clear. <br />
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All that being said and revealed (YIKES!), I have found that the one thing that has changed is my carving ability. Perhaps that was the lone area in my life where my anxiety actually served me well? ;) Because without it, something feels different when I carve now. Honestly, I just don't care for it anymore. At least not as something I have to do <i>all the time</i>. I think it used to calm me down, and now that I don't need that as much, I'd just rather be doing other things. (Painting, hiking, reading, cooking, gardening, etc, etc.)<br />
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Also, arthritis runs rampant in my family and I'm starting to sense its creeping presence in my hands and wrists. If I let myself go there, this can scare me a lot, most especially thinking about my future painting (because painting is a passion I don't ever plan on retiring from). I'm already looking into compression braces and ways to work around this, but there is no question that carving stamps exacerbates the problem. If anyone has seen the movie <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHrVw-cDmU" target="_blank">Words and Pictures</a>, you may recall Juliette Binoche's amazing performance as a painter coping with severe rheumatoid arthritis. She comes up with some very creative work-arounds that were quite inspiring. (PS I really recommend this movie!) Time will tell how much this will affect me, but considering how my grandfather was already greatly suffering with terrible arthritis by my age, and working a very hard job, I have no excuses to not do anything I want. He was body surfing well into older age. Tough stuff!<br />
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And finally... unfortunately Life once again brutally smacked me with this hard truth very recently... Life is short. Just how short is unknown. In the face of that, there is really only one question - what do I really want out of my life? It can all get really heavy (and heady) thinking about this stuff, but it's important work. Checking in every now and then to see how your day to day aligns with your "big picture" goals.<br />
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It's been ten years since I quit my job picture framing and jumping - mostly clueless - into being a self employed artist. For half of that time, stamps helped compliment my painting business and pay the bills and I'm so thankful for that. But I have come to the conclusion that it's time for me to move on and focus entirely on art. On top of everything else I just shared, it simply comes down to this...<br />
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MAKING LIVING BREATHING ART is ALL I want to do, and be, and surround myself with. That and being with the people (and animals) I love, and appreciating life, and simple pleasures/blessings, as much as possible. <br />
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That's it.<br />
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Carving stamps stopped feeling like "being an artist" a long time ago, and after carving well over 2500 of them, I'd say I'm more than ready to let it go! I've cleared out my shop of almost everything but my meal stamps and some simple leaf stamps. One more wedding season maybe? Or maybe they'll all be gone next week. I'm not entirely certain. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-MThJ6AYFClhFdG7ZxFuhciuBN6pKrw73s6SHjrCGh5XELBrqun8JKKpm2mNcD2nSNZqnTIeWPg3etQ-PsrjMx6AOmGdXqlHHRjbZQnjKwBzukA_BevE7aaLHqBGAlkbQVnT/s1600/DSCN4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-MThJ6AYFClhFdG7ZxFuhciuBN6pKrw73s6SHjrCGh5XELBrqun8JKKpm2mNcD2nSNZqnTIeWPg3etQ-PsrjMx6AOmGdXqlHHRjbZQnjKwBzukA_BevE7aaLHqBGAlkbQVnT/s1600/DSCN4265.jpg" height="640" width="554" /></a></div>
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<i>Hungarian stamp set. Floral folk art inspired by my grandmother. </i></div>
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What I do know is that this aesthetic is still very much a part of who I am and a "wing", you could say, of my creative vision. That's why I'm not so sure that Green Garden Stamps is going away <i>entirely</i>. I'm thinking of changing the shop name to Green Garden Studios - or something like that - and changing focus. Perhaps more digital stamp collections... (all of my digital stamps will remain available). I'd really like to get a tablet to make my own digital clip art (I worked with a graphic designer who perfected scans of my stamped images for my current designs). It's on my wish list along with a new camera because I'm also thinking of adding digital download photography of gardens, nature, and the countryside. Some of my favorite things that keep consistent with the design aesthetic I created with the Green Garden brand. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps?section_id=10494335&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreenGardenStamps?section_id=10494335&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRNoRQ9_Frqf0ItOKAl3DiH2a3WFB_4X6CFFAXRZb7ljT9mHFWPAWHBH2eeJV3XC5vAF_wf0vzseIxTLYa8o9t9Blrx6T_lCw0n_gSSlrOXrTqyl1kF1wrbQLNpdJqFD6toze/s1600/under+the+sea+colour.png" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
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There are lots of ideas brewing around for what this could evolve into, but for now, I'm putting it <i>allll</i> on the way, way back burner and embracing THIS instead:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80MzKpoQHvUTbdx8bwE0cqP0RU7bja5h5zhwzy8SFT6_-ZfdRmKJ0diC86HdFbeRrUHevYJ0dg6Hj_ntuX3YTLBGJVhccRnh-ESUckQ7jCJp1XvphxGMbrTDqwPNwNli1YGqm/s1600/DSCN7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80MzKpoQHvUTbdx8bwE0cqP0RU7bja5h5zhwzy8SFT6_-ZfdRmKJ0diC86HdFbeRrUHevYJ0dg6Hj_ntuX3YTLBGJVhccRnh-ESUckQ7jCJp1XvphxGMbrTDqwPNwNli1YGqm/s1600/DSCN7523.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Leo last year in front of my studio at the start of painting season, around this time of year. </i></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;">PAINTING SEASON OUTSIDE! YAHOO!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmdwfHfeDi-PckmHe_286_xrhMnLPi49kjcsCwyi6XTyp3EjOUprTPfvPR5jDJYmxankuAtbCJhuSsNbqbpV_pQBrfaVeD1IxgKQcNQdji2xD1Ci95VxgDL_08Sz3r6s4rrPR/s1600/houstoncommission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmdwfHfeDi-PckmHe_286_xrhMnLPi49kjcsCwyi6XTyp3EjOUprTPfvPR5jDJYmxankuAtbCJhuSsNbqbpV_pQBrfaVeD1IxgKQcNQdji2xD1Ci95VxgDL_08Sz3r6s4rrPR/s1600/houstoncommission.jpg" height="282" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Recent commission - Three 30" x 36" canvases for a Houston, TX orthodontics office. I'm loving this ombre style and have created a listing for custom paintings in all sizes in my Etsy shop here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/226864925/custom-abstract-painting-colorful-ombre">https://www.etsy.com/listing/226864925/custom-abstract-painting-colorful-ombre</a></i></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In closing, this is all totally terrifying. Hahaha!! Putting my truth "out there" as well as boldly leaping into my greatest dreams, aspirations and desires as a painter. In a lot of ways my stamp shop was a crutch that took the pressure off of my paintings. It worked when I needed it to and I'm entirely thankful for it. Now I want more and it's sort of hmm... arrogant? to presume that I can even do it. At least that's what the nay saying voices in my head tell me, which I am learning to silence one by one and listen, instead, to a gentle and loving voice that encourages and says simply, "Go for it. What do you have to lose?". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Many thanks to all of my Green Garden Stamps customers throughout the years and fellow shop owners that helped promote my shop! It's been a wonderful journey... :)</span></i> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-3010554169376574272015-03-06T02:33:00.000-05:002015-03-06T02:33:08.238-05:00New work 2015<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/223152325/red-black-white-original-abstract" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/223152325/red-black-white-original-abstract" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62hyphenhyphenJSUylzsPU8jAA-V7dKPR1W2yC4HRgYSLHKGFzjnTVrGbzAn_dqr78fC5uCNdp_FZ5uhM74wZCCfjIgpYU8f-e0Nm1za6JhZhQ2Th50QDgogCN7_ajYCq6Mn8cZp0C_lfb/s1600/fireandicemed.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a><br />
<i> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/223152325/red-black-white-original-abstract" target="_blank">Fire and Ice</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224207314/abstract-expressionist-painting-original" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224207314/abstract-expressionist-painting-original" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMpVvnflUlnVYFgj5miZp0TVjswI4DMbY8k_GL0OLl_eI5B8QAf4U0U0zL6ezVtAmsjM7bnkIqIadoxMhEwXvONdOqjkjgww6T_Q-BmnNCEyIFWmgv5MognQw8SYlJwzVqwMi/s1600/fastandloosemed.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224207314/abstract-expressionist-painting-original" target="_blank"><i>Fast and Loose</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224802127/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224802127/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbcqbq-OCRMry_ck8LY80jpWvoUkrHUEw_Yw22-8qAj7CAXV3n5tlR2j2qYNxE13IyKufzL0vzzFw4qftQnZvVC6gCUL-4p5srRBi3byRxhUDMy-3n5BFfsjC6s_8CvAtCLuI/s1600/ferociousdeterminationsml.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224802127/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" target="_blank"><i>Ferocious Determination </i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224974846/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224974846/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJFTCqRj34JN2fZzsgyfr0SJ4NOHO-rkZSZp0pAy02wwECJ73PqHcDi4_0PEriKw82kEb8GqAloMpO6tK0wYQzkR54COwDU-Kgh48nql1DM2fc0rxNgxrvAgKV2d5CrQoAJf5/s1600/urgentmed.jpg" height="640" width="482" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224974846/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" target="_blank"><i>Urgent</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225109952/original-abstract-painting-16x20-acrylic" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225109952/original-abstract-painting-16x20-acrylic" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiG4jp58zL8ugvFdrJK4UjOEPSL7zwEkRVNr2YUu0nLBqjxFQBfslx7rlIIyrbQAFjSCXkS7kzfPIwu4MrrZ3uwjR4M57xVa8tH6w_MS5xr0KZlr6xcDvaZkQBGz2XtL0jegno/s1600/gratefulheartmedflip.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225109952/original-abstract-painting-16x20-acrylic" target="_blank"><i>Grateful Heart</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224321988/red-abstract-painting-original-fine-art" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224321988/red-abstract-painting-original-fine-art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs13T7QQ9W0o_fGSuLTNkeFNydg1t24AnaqXW7yJFeyHoUmWGL9cSoTMc-NPvV3-AYo-eft1G7mWjvNGcN0ZG1G-qSzlO2BOQFF1xpHlB5di4ZitOt_CDNRS3_q8jG0A2C1poo/s1600/rushsml.jpg" height="502" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224321988/red-abstract-painting-original-fine-art" target="_blank"><i>Rush</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224436950/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224436950/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xDNnI2YLN4gYLqw_6cxK8kvrMRLQM2sTfbV6yGNRWBgDLnmdA7gjqgVUqNjMSiGvyLZvMxa9Op6Fpfz8rAtWOhfdt0Ci-Me28VHrCgvilWrOkmTEEakgDNVkqmrxNlMuFXTn/s1600/carnivalmed.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224436950/original-abstract-expressionist-painting" target="_blank"><i>Carnival</i></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221507427/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221507427/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6v0FSF7kuJfZvidSZyIRuM-omjDh6pQApbBw-zUDuGkUX7U971Vm1R-N7uXsrSPPB_uLHLjSh8fB2nRqgsSi94IfVfsMIgD1F7kB88P4jB0EEvXblJedokS6eWktg53R_8W9/s1600/impermanencesmall.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221507427/original-abstract-painting-16x20-canvas" target="_blank"><i>Impermanence</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPOezE6Syb-cqJzRokwH5vFjwfc8UYogqDPKlKP0lF_Ti4xu5wlpN0WebOv0n-ahLiqm7lhjk3GVbtM6hNsEd_hnwwrEX9RzonHTad3NTAiRJoWyLn1KmumK8RHL8Gl25dXjl/s1600/risingupsml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPOezE6Syb-cqJzRokwH5vFjwfc8UYogqDPKlKP0lF_Ti4xu5wlpN0WebOv0n-ahLiqm7lhjk3GVbtM6hNsEd_hnwwrEX9RzonHTad3NTAiRJoWyLn1KmumK8RHL8Gl25dXjl/s1600/risingupsml.jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div>
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<i>Rising Up</i> - SOLD</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224966556/turquoise-blue-and-white-original" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224966556/turquoise-blue-and-white-original" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjMjjqH0On2cJDZU66Dn1eBlvnDk-NDaCOt16KJHJtkwtjRL7EqECMpqA4RRgfMNkkcc2HtaX9Rxq8tWC8kNJwzUxzMqkaZfxWrU0TqVV99wQfVqIH0lds1gs8ZzCb-X-PITc/s1600/seasonschangemed.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224966556/turquoise-blue-and-white-original" target="_blank"><i>Seasons Change</i></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224569819/purple-pink-white-original-abstract" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224569819/purple-pink-white-original-abstract" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4tDMEic_LnDrWbwaaQVZ3V8lcdT1eh4DptE0mvisxwwxSvZunPFRlRKxN_MH7nkpNyuz7QW_Qpg_EOoeNoBtVfIqQVDVJBHtwQUgMAZyVvwAxosm5mK0Nv0LTwsP_6h_8EYh/s1600/divinedelightssml.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/224569819/purple-pink-white-original-abstract" target="_blank"><i>Divine Delights</i></a></div>
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<i> </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-69923679619736900722015-02-24T02:03:00.000-05:002015-02-24T02:03:49.878-05:00Light In Flux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DYWrnGsUlM5VeC0Xln7qmb-TxJGJrddAiGznOnSxo995F7OlqpysrSjfpRxvtrIOsMZjhWc9Bs8U4iCAJa3ZjQGRDjeXBOm62b8Eo6JJzQVGCAko_AdgJLcMlnyvDuyhL3Iz/s1600/lightinfluxsml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DYWrnGsUlM5VeC0Xln7qmb-TxJGJrddAiGznOnSxo995F7OlqpysrSjfpRxvtrIOsMZjhWc9Bs8U4iCAJa3ZjQGRDjeXBOm62b8Eo6JJzQVGCAko_AdgJLcMlnyvDuyhL3Iz/s1600/lightinfluxsml.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>Light In Flux</i> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 16" x 20" canvas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Late winter sun, blue shadows on snow and birch, resilient brown brush... </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221217863/original-abstract-painting-16x20-yellow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Original painting available for purchase - click here for more information.</span></a></span> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-79424022902619121682015-02-16T19:09:00.000-05:002015-02-16T20:06:18.530-05:00Not enough hours in the day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img alt="http://www.zazzle.com/autumns_approach_abstract_circles_fall_colors_clock-256494798404800030" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7y5o2apfDvKtdXhnLlJxkW9MYbC8gzXP4Q6_RnpZ4xtmVfCpVUc5vhkLabF1MC75XAwwDwv_1RAaKoka3rFHl7i5dmrCPYA6C4mwDpom2Y75Q1YT_I3BOo76HK3CLhWEnUbfx/s1600/clock.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/autumns_approach_abstract_circles_fall_colors_clock-256494798404800030" target="_blank"><i>Abstract Painting Wall Clock</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When a fellow artist friend visited me in my studio last summer, he asked, "What do you do in the winter?". My reply was something snarky and self deprecating. If I had to guess, "Hibernate and wallow" was the exact response. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The truth is, there is never any lack of work to be done. When you sell online and promote yourself as a self representing artist, the list of new sites to update, new tricks of the trade, and the ever changing environment of selling/promoting online can keep you so busy you may consider cloning yourself (but I wouldn't advise it, watch <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117108/" target="_blank"><i>Multiplicity</i></a> if you don't believe me). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With that being said, I've got a list of things I've been up to that I'd like to share, and I could really gab about each one at length but I'll try and be as brief and succinct as possible because, you know, time is precious and all that. <i>(ETA: Brevity is not my forte - see below).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - I think I figured out the best way to utilize my art page JUST as everything was about to change (exposure of posts has been limited as they are encouraging more paid posts, aka "boosts", from pages). If I had clued in about a year or so ago, who knows what it could have done for exposure/sales, but alas, it is what it is. We only have the now to work with, right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That being said, I greatly increased the number of likes on my page by doing a few simple things. First of all, I made it a New Year's resolution to only give myself a little time in the morning and at night to look at my "regular" facebook feed - if any time at all. As anyone on facebook knows, it is <i>so easy</i> to discover you've just spent an hour looking at pictures, following links to stories to read, or watching videos that make you laugh. And hey, there's nothing wrong with that! But for me, it was an easy distraction through the day that took me away from my work. When you are your own boss, it's easy to let things like that slide but, again, there are only so many hours in the day. Cutting back on "regular" facebook time was also for my own mental well being. I began to realize how depressed it could make me or anxious/enraged depending on my mood (and what might be happening in the world at any given moment). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Focusing on my art page, I began to like more pages <i>as</i> my art page, therefore giving me a feed that was nothing but art... what a refreshing change! Now I look at facebook and comment/like in a totally different way. Not as Jessica liking her friend's picture of a recently devoured dish of <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/creme-brulee-51113040" target="_blank">crème brûlée</a> (as scrumptious as it may appear to be), but as Jessica <i>"</i>the artist" liking and sharing pictures of fellow artists from all over the world. This has led to making new connections with other creators and entering into dialogues about my favorite subject... ART! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also - and this seems so simple, because it is - the more frequently you post, the more action you'll see happening on your page. That's pretty much the case with every site out there across the board. A "no duh" observation? Maybe. But hey, it took me long enough to catch on to the obvious, maybe it can help a reader or two as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My final note on this is that I am still always tempted to bounce back onto my regular facebook account to see what people are up to, some days more than others. But on the whole I have a new attitude about using facebook, and it means a lot more art time every day, which has been great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> - I'll admit, I really didn't "get" Pinterest at first. My husband still doesn't and probably never will. (He's the first person to support and cheer me on in my work, but you should see his eyes glaze over when I excitedly show him a new board. Just. Doesn't. Get it.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The way I look at Pinterest now, and have begun to see the whole world of presenting yourself online, is that it is a reflection of your unique aesthetic, interests and abilities. Yes, Pinterest is a great tool for promoting your own work, but if that's all you do there, you may not get many followers. Creating new boards that are AUTHENTICALLY interesting to you (more on that later) is where it is at. For me, I feel like I have different versions of myself that are side by side, just as real and "me" from one to the next. One version of myself would ideally live somewhere tropical by the sea, wearing flowing white dresses and turquoise jewelry, barefoot 24/7. Thus, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/coastal-style/" target="_blank"><i>Coastal Style</i></a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/coastal-home/" target="_blank"><i>Coastal Home</i></a> were created. Another version of me lives in a funky, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/artful-home/" target="_blank">artsy house</a> wearing <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/artful-style/" target="_blank">colorful fashion</a> that screams "I'm an <i>artiste</i>!". I also could see myself in a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/modern-minimalist-home/" target="_blank">chic NYC loft,</a> or a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/country-home/" target="_blank">country cottage</a> with a kitchen garden outside, or a rustic, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/natural-home/" target="_blank">natural home</a> in the woods. None of that may sound like it has much to do with art per say, but they each have a unique, true-to-me aesthetic. Most importantly, it's something that I get real enjoyment from, and so finding the time (and items to pin) to make these boards interesting is genuinely FUN for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As for art, well that's what 90% or so of what my pinning is about. I do pin my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/jessica-torrant-original-art/" target="_blank">original work</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/jessica-torrant-reproductions/" target="_blank">reproductions</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/fabric-designs/" target="_blank">etc</a>, but my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/contemporary-art/" target="_blank">Contemporary Art</a> board of other artist's work gets a ton of action regularly and is my most popular board, not surprisingly. As with my other boards, I don't pin anything and everything that could possibly fit. I only pin images that I truly love and connect with. That makes my board something unique amongst the plethora of other boards out there about art, painting, abstract art, etc. because no one has exactly the same tastes as I do (<i>Or you!</i> Just think about that for a moment and begin to see the real value it has!) I also enjoy pinning work of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/greatest-inspirations/" target="_blank">great artists in history</a> that I admire, and images of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jtorrantart/where-artists-work/" target="_blank">where artists work</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once I shifted my perspective from "how can I use this to make me sales" to "how can I use this to present my unique perspective and aesthetic as an artist and a 'taste-maker'", everything changed. That's when the world of Pinterest really opened up for me and things took off from there. In the process, this genuine content sharing leads to views and possible sales for my own work, so, in a roundabout way, I've ended up accomplishing my original hope for the site - getting views and sales! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/JTorrantArt" target="_blank">Twitter</a> - For a long time Twitter was simply the dumping ground for any content I shared online. Post a new pic on <a href="http://jessicatorrant.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> or my facebook page? Off to Twitter it goes. I didn't pay attention to it, I didn't think of it as its own entity, I just let it fly. If someone followed me, I most likely followed back. I never spent any time there, so who cares who I add/follow? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, I am in the midst of changing all that. First of all, the ability to upload pictures makes the experience of using Twitter SO much more enjoyable when it comes to following and sharing artist's work (let alone your own). It's all about a visual experience when it comes to sharing your artistic vision, so a bunch of images rather than verbal soundbites are much more interesting/engaging. Second of all, in the process of discovering new artists and interesting people to follow, I'm also unfollowing a lot that have no use for me. (That sounds harsh but clearly I mean me personally, not that they have no use at all... ok... you get it). By selectively choosing who to follow, it makes the experience of Twitter a lot more enjoyable and engaging. If I follow you, it's because I am genuinely interested in what you have to share and/or say rather than hoping to have an "I'll pat your back if you pat mine" relationship. I think the former has a lot more value ultimately. Which leads me to my final point about all of this social networking...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">AUTHENTICITY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For a long time, I did whatever I could do to promote my work, get seen, get sales, etc. Sometimes it felt right, a lot of times it felt like desperate scrambling or clawing at any nibble of potential. I am <i>so over</i> that way of looking at my work and the world of social networking. I don't think it actually serves anyone to create or share something that isn't truly of interest to them. To boil it down... create what you want deep in your heart to create. Share what genuinely interests or excites you. Otherwise, what's the point? If you don't honestly care or feel passionate about something, why would anyone else? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With that in mind, the next piece of this puzzle fits together and comes about rather effortlessly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">SYNERGY</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Maybe that's not exactly the right word for it, but what I'd like to convey here is the potential of utilizing interconnected content across many different platforms. (Whoa... that was a mouthful.) In simpler terms, and as an example, I could easily go on a pinning binge sharing unique artwork I discover one after another, being led down a rabbit hole of new boards to explore, and more and more art to gaze upon. Once I come up for air from that, I can go back and copy/paste the names of each new artist I've pinned on Facebook, adding their pages (if they have one) and in some cases, sharing an image I find particularly striking on their page. Or when I'm on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">Etsy</a>, I look at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/JessicaTorrant/favorites" target="_blank">my favorites</a> now purely as curating. What would I genuinely wish to offer customers if I owned my own dream gift shop/gallery? Or how would I stage a fabulous beach home, or arrange a fashion spread in an niche catalog? Once again, I look at "favoriting" as another opportunity to reflect my aesthetic authentically. In the process of discovering artists/shops that strike my fancy, I can follow them on Facebook or Twitter and/or pin something I love. You see what I mean? It becomes a dance between these various sites, a "synergistic swirl" if you will, and when done organically and sincerely, it's actually quite a lot of fun as well as SERIOUSLY inspiring. There is no lack of value in that department. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now that I've shared all that, guess what? There is SO MUCH MORE WORK TO BE DONE! But as far as understanding and best utilizing these three sites - for now - I think I've got a pretty solid system worked out that is going to work for me. And really, that's the advice that I've give to anyone . Do this stuff if you actually like it, find a way to make it work uniquely and sincerely <i>for you</i>, and if you just don't enjoy it, no matter what, then don't do it! It's not worth your time. Speaking of... someone's got to cook dinner and that someone is me. </span></div>
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</span><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-503288620305970912015-02-10T15:08:00.001-05:002015-02-10T15:08:56.089-05:00New Horizons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/218390350/original-abstract-landscape-painting" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/218390350/original-abstract-landscape-painting" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwQsY3seM5IDCgcT_3QS-OAu-UuhsEj1DNCTe5G_UAMJ_wBIEzuMKUxxfT6AiC8Lc9KJ5z4x-CfeR-Dhtohdv8h21xi4QkBuUh0VXSSRrGmUI1AiY4kV93AGIHx_u7lDkjSjj/s1600/newhorizons8x10web.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a><i> </i></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/218390350/original-abstract-landscape-painting" target="_blank"><i>New Horizons</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 16" x 20" canvas, 2015</div>
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This painting was my first of the new year. Though it is full of lots of vivid color, it was actually inspired by the winter palette I see here in New England. The cool tones of shadows on snow, and the warm tones of brush and leafless trees that catch the setting sunlight. </div>
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The original painting is available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, but you can also purchase prints and products on <a href="http://society6.com/jessicatorrant" target="_blank">Society6</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://society6.com/product/new-horizons-4vr_pillow#25=193&18=126" target="_blank"><img alt="http://society6.com/product/new-horizons-4vr_pillow#25=193&18=126" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Y2Y0I-Mrrpes2OxuVkNSI2btt_8F5t9kkAZyCIFpbVoEd0vbASUFFNC2ZULJOx9Q3yMsvAFo8ahY0d5hrJaGKtd0T1iB_1vcoDmcwmvwzp28ja1c74toUWHxScgkQzlvlf-C/s1600/Screen+shot+2015-02-10+at+3.07.02+PM.png" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-38993178010954025952015-01-16T21:31:00.000-05:002015-01-16T21:31:06.513-05:00Hello 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Christmas tree farm, Connecticut</i><br />
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Happy New Year! (Ok, so it is technically halfway through January already, but happy new year nonetheless!) I hope you had a lovely holiday season and that 2015 has treated you well so far.<br />
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This blogging thing is a little rusty for me, but it's something I'd like to re-commit to this year. It's on a list of things, in fact, that will help me refocus my life/career on making and living ART. It's not as if I haven't been doing that for the last ten years, but this year I'm taking on a new approach. A more active engagement in what my goals and dreams are rather than a passive "play it as it goes" approach (which admittedly is kind of how I've "rolled" for a while). <br />
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There are a couple of ground rules that I'm trying to live by right now that also apply to how I am working/plan on working this year. Work with what you've got, pay attention to your thoughts/feelings as well as what's working and what's not, and, if possible, eliminate any anxiety triggers that are unnecessary.<br />
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"Work with what you've got" unfolds in many ways. First of all, I'm trying to once and for all eliminate the mindset of waiting to have/feel/be/do ___ in order to have/feel/be/do ___. Fill in the blanks as you choose. That way of thinking has been prevalent my whole life and I'm finally realizing the truth that if you wait forever to have everything fit "just so" to be truly happy and content, you are missing <i>your life</i> as it is unfolding <i>right now</i>. Therefore, <i>you are missing the opportunity to be happy right now</i>. In the face of that, I'm trying to be more appreciative of the uniqueness of every moment unfolding as it will. I'm also trying to think/be more resourceful when it comes to every aspect of my life - from home repair to cooking to my business. <br />
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Paying attention to what I do, what I consume, and how it all feels is another way that I'm working on being happier and more productive. If there's something unnecessary that I do in my day to day that gives me stress or anxiety and there's a way to simply not do it/consume it/etc anymore? Well, then, what are you waiting for!?<br />
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Speaking of, there is one more mantra that's been really weighing on me... at first in a nagging, unsettling way, and now in a more positive, encouraging way, and that is, (to repeat)... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? When, exactly, is an appropriate time to ask yourself the very important question, "What do I want?"? What year does "someday" fall in? If not now, then when? How wonderful it feels to embrace something right in the moment and <i>deal with it</i> right then. I'm learning this in such simple, small ways so far, but the idea of its reach is quite exciting... and still very new.<br />
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Now that I've expressed all of that, who really knows how this year will actually unfold? I know that I could make the grandest plans and life could take a sharp turn at any point, laughing at all of my foolish "preparation". At the same time, I also don't want to be the loose little seed floating in the wind, carried away without any will or say of my own. Finding a balance, as always, is key.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgCAnfcxa5JXR6mzcm9Rxnt7VNfylziJ81-LnWSDyVw9y5JCY50beHDaTTwQMBuW0rag6F-ESG2uOYqtXX6pTTj4H2VwNj0H2KALYJLE5rzZkM6HMn8HP96ADRYl4_5aiTlrM/s1600/winterscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCgCAnfcxa5JXR6mzcm9Rxnt7VNfylziJ81-LnWSDyVw9y5JCY50beHDaTTwQMBuW0rag6F-ESG2uOYqtXX6pTTj4H2VwNj0H2KALYJLE5rzZkM6HMn8HP96ADRYl4_5aiTlrM/s1600/winterscape.jpg" height="142" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-73818079860747372742014-09-26T00:34:00.000-05:002015-02-10T03:10:03.328-05:00New Work Post the Cape Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw69gCYQ_c-I6Q17E-YEIcCLBvj4P6DvFbKT5qDhl4KNyPij6vsah5Kt1-qJMe_isihpFq_olzUSKaGp5AojLwXbxNE36kZo4mpgoeuAIcCzDR-CWiZm1o5rbMWOafkiNFoZRh/s1600/autumnsapproachmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw69gCYQ_c-I6Q17E-YEIcCLBvj4P6DvFbKT5qDhl4KNyPij6vsah5Kt1-qJMe_isihpFq_olzUSKaGp5AojLwXbxNE36kZo4mpgoeuAIcCzDR-CWiZm1o5rbMWOafkiNFoZRh/s1600/autumnsapproachmed.jpg" height="640" width="514" /></a></div>
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<i>Autumn's Approach</i> - Acrylic on 16" x 20" canvas - SOLD</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PcmjNwvsTyA15VHbzc7xcfrZHmDivNE2xyKLYLJd7ARi43qDpizBv8RRFOb3Sp-fM1HvHMpl6rTwH78xn7VJsjjPPS8H56eLYVihzlHDnuIg5bLm6k5o6D3WDlwNe8yDtK1k/s1600/tangledupinbluemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PcmjNwvsTyA15VHbzc7xcfrZHmDivNE2xyKLYLJd7ARi43qDpizBv8RRFOb3Sp-fM1HvHMpl6rTwH78xn7VJsjjPPS8H56eLYVihzlHDnuIg5bLm6k5o6D3WDlwNe8yDtK1k/s1600/tangledupinbluemed.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>Tangled Up in Blue</i> - Acrylic on 16" x 20" canvas - SOLD</div>
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Saying goodbye to summer isn't ever easy for me but alas, time moves on and so must I. These two paintings were a couple of new works post my Cape Cod series that sold to a local collector. She happens to be super awesome and I love her enthusiasm about art and artists. Honestly, it's needle in the haystack people like her that keep me painting. (THANK YOU! You know who you are!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuQe2Cdcz3kPhgBcA8pO_avfTfAF_hNwrDFib3LNvIOaxL-axaVOFxeHtsND0JUYh6g01cew01JIZYy__7rNQKPc8FBPFLtgUCdkPFKbXu03J8tjrpAV8nX4KAmNjbhV1md68/s1600/shadesoflovemed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBuQe2Cdcz3kPhgBcA8pO_avfTfAF_hNwrDFib3LNvIOaxL-axaVOFxeHtsND0JUYh6g01cew01JIZYy__7rNQKPc8FBPFLtgUCdkPFKbXu03J8tjrpAV8nX4KAmNjbhV1md68/s1600/shadesoflovemed.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202114607/abstract-painting-pink-red-white?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank"><i>Shades of Love </i></a>- Acrylic and oil pastel on 24" x 30" canvas </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSje71yv3BkO8XichCPgJ39PlSq3HJ2n4IL_-2Q3zo5NNDZR-QuV9CRzP8c84WKE9G8n_CHSuEJkwbL3GRGbCyJ6JC58FLMh-hc94PDgA95hGUmbRxkxRbecaAzRSPDjvVY0M6/s1600/tropicaldreamsmed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSje71yv3BkO8XichCPgJ39PlSq3HJ2n4IL_-2Q3zo5NNDZR-QuV9CRzP8c84WKE9G8n_CHSuEJkwbL3GRGbCyJ6JC58FLMh-hc94PDgA95hGUmbRxkxRbecaAzRSPDjvVY0M6/s1600/tropicaldreamsmed.jpg" height="640" width="510" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202355808/abstract-original-acrylic-painting-16x20?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank"><i>Tropical Dreams</i></a> - Acrylic on 16" x 20" canvas </div>
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I have been loving the delicate brushwork of circles, white in particular, and even bought a new brush to fully accommodate this look. That brush is the star of all of these paintings. I have since changed ever so much in what I want to create and so this particular brush, and its marks, may not be seen again for a little bit. Or not. You never know! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-64462617828313786552014-09-23T00:56:00.000-05:002014-09-23T00:56:25.459-05:00The Cape Cod Collection <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194285993/original-painting-beach-decor-abstract" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194285993/original-painting-beach-decor-abstract" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5CVtfsQKPUropnAHwgF3ATKfEJ_mQgY97yLVfN3aYph-TzKzFf530pCC57wjE7jExttg_uGiaiCCVE26yTCMzq4x_52efZ25uYmEpOEl5hsuTxMIyFCfBSZgWguW9C5FuDFu/s1600/tidepoolreflections1.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194285993/original-painting-beach-decor-abstract" target="_blank"><i>Tide Pool Reflections 1</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 24" x 24" canvas, 2014 </div>
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There is something that happens to you when you spend even just a couple of days by the ocean. That magic <i>something</i> happened to me this past June when my husband and I went on an anniversary trip to the Cape (where we married and honeymooned 8 years ago). </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194456979/beach-decor-art-abstract-painting-12x12?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194456979/beach-decor-art-abstract-painting-12x12?ref=shop_home_active_13" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX6Jg3DjEzAOVQrx3sn8IiUqkwUIJnj2JfC8FKp1-6ZlNb5DlqMNT9e_EPTYKSGYu_4MY4nEjBGuO8iWh4h04ybvJ7In0QQknzdmKndrGTra8yb0x1YW0nLPf5zHdk84N73jY/s1600/tidepoolreflections2med.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194456979/beach-decor-art-abstract-painting-12x12?ref=shop_home_active_13" target="_blank"><i>Tide Pool Reflections 2</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 12" x 12" canvas</div>
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During this wonderful trip (now 3 months ago) I experienced a sense of peace that I really can't say I've ever experienced before. With some reflection, I now understand why. </div>
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1. We camped. </div>
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The media/entertainment/news-feed of our modern society can become not only addicting and something to obsess about, but also alter who we really are. It was so great to get away from technology - the television, the internet, our online businesses and who left a review for one of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Robert-J.-Duperre/e/B003XG6JQC" target="_blank">Rob's books</a> on Amazon and who favorited one of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/jessicatorrant" target="_blank">Etsy listings</a>. Being in nature and connecting with nature's rhythm was so very good for the soul. #mediablackout </div>
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2. We were on the freaking Cape. </div>
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Not only does it hold a bounty of good memories and heart strung connections for us personally, the flexed arm of New England is everything that a laid back traveler could want. There's room for every kind of New Englander to get their taste of the Atlantic - from the super wealthy (hello Kennedys?) to your average Joe and Josephine getting clam strips from a roadside stand. Life is good on the Cape. Whoever you are you can make it work... and thensome. #tartarsauce</div>
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3. The beach has magical powers. </div>
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This is where I feel for my landlocked friends. If you've never been to "the beach", than you really do not know what you are missing. The ocean is the best anti-whatever-ails-you antidote that I've ever experienced naturally. People come to the shore to veg and let it all hang out. You could say that in the outer Cape, that is more true than other many other oceanside locations internationally. (he he - #nudists!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GlHvNR16sZ7etR-_yR3jmVdCmx0GajYoni_V4vDC8do13pziLxrC3-k8g1A5orianbVHkhdjfI9J45RzVYa_jqh9HfBNfuq-pDPjs24_0jmwlEpPyrAxXaXYMnmxfG0vo75l/s1600/tidepoolreflections3med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4GlHvNR16sZ7etR-_yR3jmVdCmx0GajYoni_V4vDC8do13pziLxrC3-k8g1A5orianbVHkhdjfI9J45RzVYa_jqh9HfBNfuq-pDPjs24_0jmwlEpPyrAxXaXYMnmxfG0vo75l/s1600/tidepoolreflections3med.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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<i>Tide Pool Reflections 3</i> - Acrylic 12" x 12" canvas, SOLD</div>
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If you've been paying attention, I've shared 3 paintings titled the same. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant?section_id=15658933&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1" target="_blank"><i>Tide Pool Reflections 1-3</i></a>. </div>
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It was our last day on the Cape and we were at a bay side beach. The tide went out for as far as the eye could see, but in between here and there were many tide-pools - from knee deep to just barely covering the top of your feet. As any normal person connected to their inner child would do, I skipped my feet in the water, watching the beautiful patterns of swirls and circles of light dancing on the surface of the water before me. </div>
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And that was the beginning of a series. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg674pcv7Zf_QmdTF1ltfL_kajhDTNtUpS13mZkI2qBOviiVe9iBVQ0EqxQiQ8Vp_4xXM_pbWjuMKHj7uMP-DySJD7OUM-G4zCAQg5d1-hMLswXnWSt956tgcVUSzz5kJ7UkLoH/s1600/serenitybythesea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg674pcv7Zf_QmdTF1ltfL_kajhDTNtUpS13mZkI2qBOviiVe9iBVQ0EqxQiQ8Vp_4xXM_pbWjuMKHj7uMP-DySJD7OUM-G4zCAQg5d1-hMLswXnWSt956tgcVUSzz5kJ7UkLoH/s1600/serenitybythesea.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Serenity by the Sea</i> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 18" x 24" canvas, SOLD</div>
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This series was yes, about the reflections of light on water, and New England earthy sand vs the salty sea BUT it was also about transcending petty problems and just living in the moment. It gave me the idea that hey maybe I could feel this way - this zenned out, happy and fullfilled way, any time I wanted. And wasn't that radical. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201540432/large-original-abstract-panting?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201540432/large-original-abstract-panting?ref=shop_home_active_2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJCIoqpr3nh8QeUIGzmg3bLpA2kLzAF1wFHovGDc_oEwc6KnVOtZ8y_wm59QrbJXZlLXO82pMqhzwzHdBk4SO5G_p8uAiEC1w9CrOyQppLYDmyC7lODVBMIj0VxiAVW3fKCEzJ/s1600/songoftheseamed.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/201540432/large-original-abstract-panting?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank"><i>Song of the Sea</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 24" x 36" canvas</div>
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Check out all of the mellowed out, ocean inspired, Cape Cod Collection here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant?section_id=15658933" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaTorrant?section_id=15658933 </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-92088465841266376172014-05-28T21:02:00.002-05:002014-05-28T21:02:35.307-05:00Triptych Commission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrDn-w0joEkKbjT5UuyWuygtFVKtMPXgmPyw3xMIik9sUcFPkyC971ilhtSpDUTBIMn5Xees-ZEs2XWoXW8F1cZPvvudTNUWD3eefymLHGq_owArNSp5djWUc_7bMAcuM0yAT/s1600/triptry2.jpg" height="324" width="640" />Custom original acrylic and oil pastel painting on three 20" x 30" gallery wrapped canvases, 2014</div>
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This piece was commissioned by my cousin and his wife. Scroll down to see each canvas larger. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeJF-UBME39HPhXHHJnknWauR-bqL14QRftm6Klln7ih-RqOfqbX5zvKUYpHbNMI7sDe8RC0iMIbL6HoR9ZAEgzZMic0wBC_aaxTZ9xSmVB7Qdy9itd8Vc_5jc1HJwC0i0j-m/s1600/part3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQeJF-UBME39HPhXHHJnknWauR-bqL14QRftm6Klln7ih-RqOfqbX5zvKUYpHbNMI7sDe8RC0iMIbL6HoR9ZAEgzZMic0wBC_aaxTZ9xSmVB7Qdy9itd8Vc_5jc1HJwC0i0j-m/s1600/part3.jpg" height="640" width="424" /> </a></div>
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I'm so pleased with how this turned out and I can't wait to see it in its new home! <br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-64437380881924682462014-04-30T00:21:00.002-05:002014-04-30T01:33:26.058-05:00Express Yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187876666/abstract-painting-original-art-on-12x12" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187876666/abstract-painting-original-art-on-12x12" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvwC3UK0g-SKfS31RouBdLeVtlP_5xTnIO01hARxpFMyt-QqmkoNWQJB0SK3JuDCOeBdpblkYQ5iRLK8gBChyphenhyphen5yF1ok9eI3-2NusMDXsDLZCD-ROZx0HSQSLLW1gjGR5a2y-N/s1600/playitloudmed.jpg" height="640" width="636" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187876666/abstract-painting-original-art-on-12x12" target="_blank"><i>Play It Loud</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 12" x 12" canvas, 2014 </div>
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Lately I've been focused on creating my own take on abstract impressionist paintings (see previous posts). A certain style is calling to me this painting season and I'm rolling with it - scratch that - I'm loving it! But that doesn't stop me from having pulls in different directions that I can't help but indulge in. These two paintings are bold and bright and totally expressive and different from everything else I've been doing lately. Truth be told, I haven't been in the best mind set lately, and sometimes just letting it all out via the brush is great free therapy. If it happens to go outside the "what I'm working on currently" playground, so be it. </div>
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I recognize the validity of working in a series, but maybe it's the stubborn Taurus in me that wants to rebel against any kind of rule or expectation, even from myself. As far as I'm concerned, just painting, just making art in any form, is a mission accomplished. So hey - I made a couple of paintings that don't fit the current mode/zone/series/whatever you want to call it. Like them or not, they needed to be made. I will always paint what I feel needs to be made. Even if it's just for myself and no one else gets it or likes it. It's something I would tell young artists to do no matter what voices they have swirling around their heads about what to do and what no to do. Oh yeah... maybe you are a young artist reading this blog... in that case... JUST DO YOU! <i>I mean it.</i><br />
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I think working in a series is a revelation for an artist. You have to do it, even if it's just one time (but once you do, you'll be hooked!). At the same time, <i>during</i> the time you are working on that series you may feel a little twinge to do something else, and all I'm saying is to follow that and see it through.<br />
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Take the time away from a series or project that you are committed to when inspiration calls from a different corner of the room. Allow yourself to invest the resources it takes to create this new thing that may not be anything ultimately but you've just GOT to explore it. In my experience, there is always an audience. If you are an online art seller such as myself, forget the business side of the equation, just go there, let yourself do it. Given my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">facebook page'</a>s responses to paintings, it is always very interesting to see who likes what. I am a firm believer that being a one trick pony artist isn't necessarily the right goal for every artist. You can put a lot of your various takes on subjects and styles out there for people to see and yes, sure, maybe it will turn some people away because of inconsistency, but who exactly would be all that bothered by it? In my opinion, let's just say it... art snobs. Let's just call a spade a spade, am I right? If you want an artist to be one dimensional, I'm sorry, but you must not know an artist personally. <br />
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This blog entry is one part free form rant and one part call to arms for independent artists to go their own way and break the mold. But to sum things up - to the budding artists, my dear friends, if you happen to be reading this, my advice is this... attempt working in a series, give it a try even if you don't think you are "there" as an artist yet to do so. Just do it to get comfortable with the concept, give it a go. Who cares what the results are. Also, don't ever stop listening to the inner muse. Follow her voice, she's going to lead you in the right direction. If that direction deviates for a moment, go there without any regard to expectations or concerns about how you will be perceived. Paint it, make it, do it anyway. <br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187011814/original-painting-abstract-portrait" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187011814/original-painting-abstract-portrait" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfn4qoCRHlQymiCtTmcsvvGz_okCsjKGXlC4B7tf1LBDg9JK493A-zc23NUGM6yC6KzJB9MGliT59xMxMFZdMgChwt1ZKrmmkFfpSLBCPMCipq6QI2kaMc0zBhQkRridCpPamB/s1600/shesonfiremed.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187011814/original-painting-abstract-portrait" target="_blank"><i>She's On Fire</i></a> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 16" x 20" canvas, 2014</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-63052754341138878632014-04-17T21:25:00.001-05:002014-04-17T21:29:38.141-05:00Vibrant Meadow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186603159/abstract-landscape-painting-original-art" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186603159/abstract-landscape-painting-original-art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenTcvVUoclTm_6tOLVD25xA_8yIRvL5d6bIdC-2kEnKerOsivgQuaFUBc3cx_8Jgtv0IkgsHCkQDhP6b8bAaCEbxC8AXKA9LncW7LOORZSFg7I80UMNg29QnLGAhpvTxFhLvA/s1600/vibrantmeadowmed.jpg" height="640" width="626" /></a></div>
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<i>Vibrant Meadow</i> - Acrylic and oil pastel on 12" x 12" canvas, 2014</div>
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Original painting - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186603159/abstract-landscape-painting-original-art">https://www.etsy.com/listing/186603159/abstract-landscape-painting-original-art</a></div>
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Prints - <a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Vibrant-Meadow_Print#1=45">http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Vibrant-Meadow_Print#1=45</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-79390975843120488142014-04-14T22:49:00.000-05:002014-04-17T21:31:58.062-05:00Sanctuary <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIdtxk9vA0vVvcGaJOSgSbgeJGR53BgPZAOpYtfs_QdVzcjaoE5C-FRPJHjMoGpuASme0P-Bqu3kdIEitSLGf4Cu8C4vRkovGklli6hJnutGcn2pEFduIYc80XuNTPCmuGCzL/s1600/sanctuarymed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIdtxk9vA0vVvcGaJOSgSbgeJGR53BgPZAOpYtfs_QdVzcjaoE5C-FRPJHjMoGpuASme0P-Bqu3kdIEitSLGf4Cu8C4vRkovGklli6hJnutGcn2pEFduIYc80XuNTPCmuGCzL/s1600/sanctuarymed.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Sanctuary</i> - Acrylic on 20" x 30" canvas, 2014</div>
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Original painting: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/186225165/abstract-painting-original-art">https://www.etsy.com/listing/186225165/abstract-painting-original-art</a></div>
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Prints: <a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Sanctuary-m9H_Print#1=45">http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Sanctuary-m9H_Print#1=45</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-71914133926769030112014-04-13T01:10:00.000-05:002014-04-17T21:33:05.645-05:00Days Like This <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185687215/abstract-painting-original-art" target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185687215/abstract-painting-original-art" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqCGq2G72fTkDpg9dXqMG5_hfG1uCvAE3e9u5o8MLj5AacxblCP9t02Tlmd-EGvbziBzBD8GtdCPxS-FzFJQrRQ3MUAgOgRkP02sEylPTwSZZhovYD3wWNaiKNHZAuvNEOUIs/s1600/dayslikethissml.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Days Like Thi</i>s - Acrylic on 20" x 30" canvas, 2014 by Jessica Torrant</div>
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Original painting: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185687215/abstract-painting-original-art">https://www.etsy.com/listing/185687215/abstract-painting-original-art</a></div>
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Prints: <a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Days-Like-This-RDk_Print#1=45">http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Days-Like-This-RDk_Print#1=45</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-23518710835711994842014-04-09T12:24:00.002-05:002014-04-13T00:13:44.911-05:002014 MojoHello! Is anybody out there?<br />
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I've sadly neglected my blog in such a major way that it has been almost a full YEAR since I've posted! Time to get my bloggin' boots on and just dive right back in. <br />
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After a rough, seemingly endless Winter in New England, Spring has actually made an appearance just recently and I've been able to get back into my backyard studio. That means painting season is officially back on for me and I couldn't be happier about it!<br />
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Here is my first painting of 2014.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB4K_iiCtAxZxW1p1bhFh7urP4KxpVA89gEkcv4gPJGAgA93x8MmL3fHUZFu2w_AwBTg7ZaIkJTcYjbuNryv3a4GScSx2fp840cz-OxJehswEyWqWf2FWDEZxivPYqizQWW2B/s1600/radiancesml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgB4K_iiCtAxZxW1p1bhFh7urP4KxpVA89gEkcv4gPJGAgA93x8MmL3fHUZFu2w_AwBTg7ZaIkJTcYjbuNryv3a4GScSx2fp840cz-OxJehswEyWqWf2FWDEZxivPYqizQWW2B/s1600/radiancesml.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Radiance</i> - Acrylic on 22" x 28" canvas, 2014</div>
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Original painting available here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185634016/abstract-painting-colorful-original-art">https://www.etsy.com/listing/185634016/abstract-painting-colorful-original-art</a>. </div>
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Also available as a print in multiple sizes: <a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Radiance-XX7_Print#1=45">http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/Radiance-XX7_Print#1=45</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-17366262577018430452013-05-08T16:40:00.000-05:002013-05-08T16:40:27.685-05:00Society6 - New Prints and Products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FaKktFeeWMlr-Ki4df97gLYOv4nzCbGRL9DIqp2eo3nDdJXdLPjWLU2vUjCJXKhVm9qIZEQxmP_QjrkOsiwLI-lAH8R_1AKMNgJvEA2qYgIS7P-77v3ZkA6HrHi_7YOGBfLm/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-08+at+5.29.05+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today I set up a new shop on <a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant" target="_blank">Society6.com</a>. I'm limiting the collection to my latest series and you can buy prints, stretched canvases, throw pillows, greeting cards, iPhone cases, laptop skins and more! <br />
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<a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/cases" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDb4bQO5iBz8bGCUhR6ZC8uW6vqUOahCHOsjbXnqULRtcEo8t1za8EEvfMmVhyphenhyphenLlWc5nmwwhrxqDxXBt-odMbRLLm0v3P96f6LAl0jHDpjY4w5LUUciEE_4DaDi5hZi1CzDba1/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-08+at+5.33.24+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant/pillows" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkiVFm4R1VsHidQhQEXXGGt6SLRzKSynCTGe_1nigrTXXV7MYPCWS2VumX3j-CnScmc2-emSwz8GJaQHIq5s5XDy_DZf-aHPIccmR3COiFyLnHFPnigWsQ_XBAIJSaQvyMsCC/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-08+at+5.36.53+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Visit my shop via the link below to receive free shipping through May 12th!</div>
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<a href="http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant?promo=05a269">http://society6.com/JessicaTorrant?promo=05a269</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-12702831397220364162013-05-08T16:23:00.002-05:002015-01-09T04:44:48.497-05:00Love Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150557249/love-song-abstract-painting-original" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX_pvbstyYRj60jzrzOxdhobLYSR2JJiCIV7yJ9HOEtq_K1L8rng8B8JRwJbcTBlaooDysdqOAq2nlS5l4yV_0TQIyWpC-_BNANkMaf_3_9bbcwww06HjhV31hq0NPegnBMny/s640/lovesongsml.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
LOVE SONG<br />
Acrylic, 16 x 20 inches</div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150557249/love-song-abstract-painting-original" target="_blank">Click HERE for purchasing information.</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-17113180943208418942013-05-07T02:55:00.000-05:002013-05-07T03:11:20.030-05:00Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150460240/abstract-painting-original-fine-art" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6sB97kY7s2MW62dhLDQtftdgGv8sCqrN5UtLgCzf5Q9u9K40KK2ClQeyoh8H4CHkYXQC3Irm0Ogq_Ac4LwEezFlSbVvbxO7yDD5ZOL9PIg1GNl0yL70igvAQskPzVOJq1PNQ8/s640/wondersml.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
WONDER<br />
Acrylic, 16 x 20 inches<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/150460240/abstract-painting-original-fine-art" target="_blank">CLICK HERE for purchasing information </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-57969807991080089242013-05-03T17:06:00.000-05:002013-05-03T17:07:41.908-05:00Week In Review 4/29-5/3This was probably my most productive week ever! Thanks to nearly perfect weather all week, I was able to really dedicate myself to painting every day. <br />
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Monday I completed this painting...<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/130802556/abstract-painting-original-art-on-canvas?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoKQEDNvy2CqO1tWp7BLBAbcO5jSp45rRydgJ_39R7VKf5ZooQ7W-efPdbZgzX10OW-W4e25Y9fr6-bi1R3p4bYhpvHTa_6SI0y4g0oQ_W7f3TLps8E1I7JPJfjZRYrp7T9of/s640/thatandsomuchmoresml.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
THAT AND SO MUCH MORE<br />
Acrylic, 16 x 20 inches</div>
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This was a fun piece that incorporated wet/drip techniques, sgraffitto, and palette knife painting. </div>
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On Wednesday I completed this painting... </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150005272/original-abstract-painting-wall-art-on?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8mAOAM5cw_pM1fr-P098C8mbW3zgZnMELdUj2FWUllMIllSJTr_2b5B3TvpH-tw9mgddozGsWg-Z6ERZ30G1kBBAxNp-RfaB8w9vDRCuLju8-_b6uyjLrd1yes9tiLqjHUHR/s640/thesonsreturn1sml.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
THE SUN'S RETURN<br />
Acrylic and oil pastel, 16 x 20 inches</div>
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Thursday this one came together... </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/150108084/abstract-painting-pink-abstract?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKGleB0igzuMeYJ3WgAPXdSiKM0iajMGqr9yphft31DKaefsfnLVoR1sKBh5J7E-f2Colx8Q7LJVqREnxyHKe6R9KegG260qBg0b8fejgBW3v7r_zif20-Ml05fCYsx9wYU50/s640/thrivesml.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
THRIVE<br />
Acrylic and oil pastel, 16 x 20 inches</div>
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And today (Friday) I worked on a larger canvas that is still a work in progress. I like the movement and larger, gestural swatches of color. I still want to keep working on this one, but hopefully I won't overwork it and lose some of that initial energy. Working on this piece makes me realize how much I want to work exclusively on larger scale canvases right now. <br />
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You can find all of the above original paintings at <a href="http://www.jessicatorrant.com/">www.jessicatorrant.com</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6QjdYfIWOAL7h_SUHx35hUZB1Ntr3ou1Tg6IzEssPkxrS4CDgvePnaiFlKSiIZBylyd67axrETbgv8M8_pP_EpW0JagygpAQWcmvniPxz-pYaJajQx-8V-YWDpbCGzQg5IdO/s1600/wip5.3.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6QjdYfIWOAL7h_SUHx35hUZB1Ntr3ou1Tg6IzEssPkxrS4CDgvePnaiFlKSiIZBylyd67axrETbgv8M8_pP_EpW0JagygpAQWcmvniPxz-pYaJajQx-8V-YWDpbCGzQg5IdO/s640/wip5.3.13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be spending the weekend with my family so everything has been put on pause until Monday. I hope you enjoy your weekend and Happy Spring! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-90669142981214079922013-04-26T17:36:00.003-05:002013-05-07T03:02:37.385-05:00Between Two Worlds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130548627/abstract-painting-between-two-worlds?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXp_PXHvZmKgYDnw89jnu7YanJUAw-7rU2GOd_QIK1PpFFprKfCErWUM0xTWnvSTwI_llVGTrhqZqg1NpMkLxUfyKce4E76P9SBScMXXYmSB7amebmRLuQExItVnvZ8ziI2Nc/s640/betweentwoworlds.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />
BETWEEN TWO WORLDS<br />
Acrylic and oil pastel on canvas, 16 x 20 inches<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130548627/abstract-painting-between-two-worlds" target="_blank">CLICK HERE for purchasing information - $350</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-91937489779439945512013-04-25T23:58:00.003-05:002013-04-25T23:58:55.974-05:00All of It <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/130397357/abstract-painting-original-contemporary?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFENy0XNL9ex3I1_p7fK3AfI_dtL-kKc3czlmqNlBmwervN_OziS95CPkLLGTlOZNU5hlTxcXT4P0JzKrslLANDVVgTOS_mULILiHdi8wMH0XzYMOmtpu6zJ2c0-GBnKjvOPCK/s640/allofit.jpg" width="482" /></a> </div>
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©2013 Jessica Torrant<br />ALL OF IT<br />Acrylic on canvas, 18 x 24 inches </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-12058504580611298022013-04-25T13:50:00.000-05:002013-04-25T13:50:29.115-05:00Studio Clean-Up Round 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you read my <a href="http://jessicatorrant.blogspot.com/2013/04/spring-cleaning.html" target="_blank">last post</a> you know I have been on quite the cleaning kick lately. After getting the porch area cleaned out, I tackled the indoor area which was much more disheveled and disorganized. I had a couch in this space that served no purpose (I never sat on it) so I took that out of there which opened up a LOT of space as well as the dresser that I moved out to the porch. <br />
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This is my new art storage area. I used the shelving that originally went with the work table outside that perfectly lined up with the spacing between boards. Foam core boards give some stability to the larger paintings on top and a piece of board was used on the bottom to connect the bottom shelves which keeps my 16x20's off the ground in the middle. It's still not a perfectly ideal storage solution, but it's better than what I had been using.<br />
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I went through the dresser on the porch and organized each drawer. Above (from left) you'll see one for brushes, one for drawing materials, and one for water media.<br />
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Here you'll see my new shipping/framing table with various tools, hardware and shipping supplies tucked below. To the left is my stack of paintings that still need work and/or can be painted over. They are right by the sliding glass door that leads out to the porch so they are ready to go with easy access.<br />
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Here is the view looking out to the porch. On the left are paintings that need some TLC due to slight damage or other issues. On the right are my canvases waiting to go and up above the door is a collection of trinkets I've collected and special paintings that remind me of my favorite places, people or states of mind. An "inspiration shelf" if you will.<br />
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And finally, I just had to share this picture of my beautiful one eyed boy Leo who posed for me in front of the studio. What you may not be able to get a sense of is the fact that his entire body is tense with anticipation of me throwing a frisbee in one hand while I snapped the shot with the other. He looks so calm and docile here but in reality he was seconds away from sprinting full steam ahead after his wonderous flying friend. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01475024301146537719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35399295.post-44686932880547342742013-04-18T14:40:00.000-05:002013-04-18T14:40:50.689-05:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When the forsythia blooms, that's when I declare Spring's official arrival. Time to put your work clothes on, rake the lingering leaves, clean out gardens, and dig in the dirt!<br />
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I planted this humble little garden outside the porch area of my studio (the potted bulbs you see are now planted too). Some colorful flowers and little trinkets make me smile and draw me out to the space. Some extra personal touches include my grandmother's knitting needle holding up the sun sculpture, the frog that reminds me of my uncle (and a little painted stone that represents him watching over me). I know my loved ones are always with me, but little things like this are just a visual reminder and tribute to them.<br />
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Lately I have been on a big "if you don't do it the right way, don't do it at all" kick when it comes to all things cleaning. I will admit to years of only giving cleaning a cursory effort, which frankly is not nearly as rewarding. So instead of just sweeping around furniture and wiping down tables, I took EVERYTHING out of the screened in area of my studio (where I paint), and swept from ceiling to floor. So much dust and pollen and cobwebs gather during my off months, it's great to start my "painting season" with a completely fresh space.<br />
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When it came to bringing everything back in, I realized how rickety the shelving units that held up my table had become. <a href="http://www.artwanted.com/imageview.cfm?id=871165&SGID=17028" target="_blank">Click here for what this originally looked like.</a> Looking at alternatives I had around, my grandfather's old dresser was the perfect height, super sturdy, AND it would make all of my materials easy to retrieve and at the same time out of the way. How had I not thought of this sooner? I had been keeping it in the indoor portion of the studio holding various supplies and last year I had the drawer with paints out of the chest and sitting on top of the table. Now it's easy access to ALL of my supplies! I'm going to have a blast geeking out on re-arranging and organizing those drawers.<br />
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The only issue with this was the table top slipped around, so my husband (who I had enlisted help from at this point) glued on some non-stick pads to the top of the dresser. It worked like a charm.<br />
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This was also great because I was looking for something to represent my grandfather (and others I still have yet to find the perfect item for, but will) to put in the garden, something to honor him. This was an even better active tribute of gratitude for him, especially since that man supported my art career with incredible loyalty and love, never missing a show and always the first to arrive.<br />
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In the process of moving the dresser out, I had to move some things out of the way and rediscovered an old mirror I've had hanging around for ages. It was a tag sale find about ten years ago - a huge antique beveled mirror that weighs a <i>ton</i>. I thought I might be able to fix it up, but never bothered (there's a lot of etched away areas on the back which makes it look dirty even when it's clean). Finally I found it's intended purpose - a palette! The most epic palette of all time, if I might be so bold. 30" x 36" - now that's a lot of room for paint mixing. I'm giddy just thinking about it.<br />
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So other than a couple folding chairs and a tv tray, I'm keeping that space pretty sparse for now. Just the basics. But before you start thinking my work is done, take a look at this....<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDxSnQqAYeY" target="_blank">DUH DUH DUHHHH!!! </a></div>
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It's a good thing you can't get a clear view of the complete mess that lies beyond these sliding glass doors. Lots more work to be done! </div>
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Soon this will all be filled in with wild violets and the strawberry plants will start launching out in all directions on the south side of the porch and the sun will keep setting later and later in the day.... ah... welcome back my favorite time of year. I missed you. </div>
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