A little more free time has meant a lot more awesome creative time just for playing around! Yay!
I have had this ugly painting staring at me for many months:
A total failure and I just didn't know what to do with the canvas. It sat on the floor of my studio just taunting me with its absolute hideous-ness.
So late one night, sometime after midnight, I decided it was time to reclaim the canvas!
I covered the face and most of the patterning with black and white gesso, and some red acrylic paint.
Then a layer of tissue paper, mist, and paint. And I went to bed.
In the morning I decided to paint a flower.
I was pretty stoked with how it turned out. But I stared at it for a while and finally decided to add a bit of text that kept rolling around in my head.
I love it! Right now it's propped up on my bookshelf looking back at me and it feels like the beginning of a promise to myself, you know?
Well, after my husband saw the flower painting, he said, "I want a painting!" Being a good wife, I got right down to work.
I had Rothko rolling around in my head when I painted this:
And I had my bow tie wearing husband…
…in mind when I added the text to the painting.
For the next painting I returned to that big red flower.
I had posted the photo of the painting in process (when it was just the flower) on my Facebook page and gotten so many raves about it, I started thinking that maybe I should have a painting that was just the flower without the text.
So I painted a new version.
Changed up the center a bit and made it a simple four-petal flower.
Here's a close-up peek at some of the texture:
This next canvas got a face lift. After finishing the face (no picture, sorry) I didn't like it. So I whited it out…
…and sketched in a new face.
And finished it off!
Here's a close-up of the face:
You can see that the painting is done on top of book pages.
I love the way the background turned out.
I've ordered an easel. Painting these canvases flat on a table is leading to big surprises when I tip them up. I figure it's time for an easel. I'm anxious for it to arrive! And hopeful that some nicer weather could mean doing some painting out of doors!
There are two things that I want to do a lot more of this year: painting on canvas and doing some life sketching in my sketchbook. I'm doing pretty well on number one. It's time to start doing number two!
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. I'm going to be teaching an all day mixed media painting workshop at The Ink Pad on April 16!
Fabulous. Your confidence is something that I aspire to have with regard to my art. I love how you just took a paining you didn’t like and made it work.
They’re beautiful! Love them all.
Fabulous. Your confidence is something that I aspire to have with regard to my art. I love how you just took a paining you didn’t like and made it work.
They’re beautiful! Love them all.
Fabulous. Your confidence is something that I aspire to have with regard to my art. I love how you just took a paining you didn’t like and made it work.
They’re beautiful! Love them all.
Fabulous. Your confidence is something that I aspire to have with regard to my art. I love how you just took a paining you didn’t like and made it work.
They’re beautiful! Love them all.
Great post JFFB!! Paintings are wonderful and hubby’s adorable!!
Great post JFFB!! Paintings are wonderful and hubby’s adorable!!
Great post JFFB!! Paintings are wonderful and hubby’s adorable!!
Great post JFFB!! Paintings are wonderful and hubby’s adorable!!
Beautiful work Julie! I just love the tissue paper texture! And those deep reds of the flower, and the quote is awesome! You continue to inspire me!
Beautiful work Julie! I just love the tissue paper texture! And those deep reds of the flower, and the quote is awesome! You continue to inspire me!
Beautiful work Julie! I just love the tissue paper texture! And those deep reds of the flower, and the quote is awesome! You continue to inspire me!
Beautiful work Julie! I just love the tissue paper texture! And those deep reds of the flower, and the quote is awesome! You continue to inspire me!
Oh these are so wonderful! The brightness of the flower jumps out of you and I love it with and without the text. I have the canvas & the paints – I just needed you to kick me into action. Now all I need is the time! Luckily I have some annual leave owing so I will pen a day in my diary to get the paints out.
Keep up the great work – oh, and I love the texture you added too! 😀
Oh these are so wonderful! The brightness of the flower jumps out of you and I love it with and without the text. I have the canvas & the paints – I just needed you to kick me into action. Now all I need is the time! Luckily I have some annual leave owing so I will pen a day in my diary to get the paints out.
Keep up the great work – oh, and I love the texture you added too! 😀
Oh these are so wonderful! The brightness of the flower jumps out of you and I love it with and without the text. I have the canvas & the paints – I just needed you to kick me into action. Now all I need is the time! Luckily I have some annual leave owing so I will pen a day in my diary to get the paints out.
Keep up the great work – oh, and I love the texture you added too! 😀
Oh these are so wonderful! The brightness of the flower jumps out of you and I love it with and without the text. I have the canvas & the paints – I just needed you to kick me into action. Now all I need is the time! Luckily I have some annual leave owing so I will pen a day in my diary to get the paints out.
Keep up the great work – oh, and I love the texture you added too! 😀
I am totally loving the new paintings. I am really drawn to the red flowers. They have wonderful texture. Beautiful!
I am totally loving the new paintings. I am really drawn to the red flowers. They have wonderful texture. Beautiful!
I am totally loving the new paintings. I am really drawn to the red flowers. They have wonderful texture. Beautiful!
I am totally loving the new paintings. I am really drawn to the red flowers. They have wonderful texture. Beautiful!
GREAT post! You are SO creative and talented!
GREAT post! You are SO creative and talented!
GREAT post! You are SO creative and talented!
GREAT post! You are SO creative and talented!
beautiful work..WOW!!!
beautiful work..WOW!!!
beautiful work..WOW!!!
beautiful work..WOW!!!
Great paintings! I love them. They inspire me so much! Having two weeks’ holiday soon so lots of free time to play with my stuff.
Great paintings! I love them. They inspire me so much! Having two weeks’ holiday soon so lots of free time to play with my stuff.
Great paintings! I love them. They inspire me so much! Having two weeks’ holiday soon so lots of free time to play with my stuff.
Great paintings! I love them. They inspire me so much! Having two weeks’ holiday soon so lots of free time to play with my stuff.
Love seeing your process!
Love seeing your process!
Love seeing your process!
Love seeing your process!
These are wonderful. I like them all but really love the one you did for your husband and both of the red flower ones. Lovely texture and colors on the flowers. Thanks for sharing your process.
These are wonderful. I like them all but really love the one you did for your husband and both of the red flower ones. Lovely texture and colors on the flowers. Thanks for sharing your process.
These are wonderful. I like them all but really love the one you did for your husband and both of the red flower ones. Lovely texture and colors on the flowers. Thanks for sharing your process.
These are wonderful. I like them all but really love the one you did for your husband and both of the red flower ones. Lovely texture and colors on the flowers. Thanks for sharing your process.
Julie these are awesome! They are all so fabulous. You sure are meeting your goals. And how cute is your hubby in his bow tie!!
Keep going! You are a rock star painter!!
Julie these are awesome! They are all so fabulous. You sure are meeting your goals. And how cute is your hubby in his bow tie!!
Keep going! You are a rock star painter!!
Julie these are awesome! They are all so fabulous. You sure are meeting your goals. And how cute is your hubby in his bow tie!!
Keep going! You are a rock star painter!!
Julie these are awesome! They are all so fabulous. You sure are meeting your goals. And how cute is your hubby in his bow tie!!
Keep going! You are a rock star painter!!
Julie, I really enjoy your posts where you let us see the evolution of a piece of your work. I am focusing on my art journaling right now, and hope you will continue to occasionally post examples of your own journal spreads as they unfold. You inspired me to get a nice BIG journal for my next book! I really like your “perfectly imperfect” painting.
Julie, I really enjoy your posts where you let us see the evolution of a piece of your work. I am focusing on my art journaling right now, and hope you will continue to occasionally post examples of your own journal spreads as they unfold. You inspired me to get a nice BIG journal for my next book! I really like your “perfectly imperfect” painting.
Julie, I really enjoy your posts where you let us see the evolution of a piece of your work. I am focusing on my art journaling right now, and hope you will continue to occasionally post examples of your own journal spreads as they unfold. You inspired me to get a nice BIG journal for my next book! I really like your “perfectly imperfect” painting.
Julie, I really enjoy your posts where you let us see the evolution of a piece of your work. I am focusing on my art journaling right now, and hope you will continue to occasionally post examples of your own journal spreads as they unfold. You inspired me to get a nice BIG journal for my next book! I really like your “perfectly imperfect” painting.
Love this Julie… Painting is so good for the soul!
I am looking forward to having a few weeks off of my classes at RISD so I can go back to painting just for me 😉
Beautiful inspiration!
Love this Julie… Painting is so good for the soul!
I am looking forward to having a few weeks off of my classes at RISD so I can go back to painting just for me 😉
Beautiful inspiration!
Love this Julie… Painting is so good for the soul!
I am looking forward to having a few weeks off of my classes at RISD so I can go back to painting just for me 😉
Beautiful inspiration!
Love this Julie… Painting is so good for the soul!
I am looking forward to having a few weeks off of my classes at RISD so I can go back to painting just for me 😉
Beautiful inspiration!
I like the large red flower and its writing
I like the large red flower and its writing
I like the large red flower and its writing
I like the large red flower and its writing
Love love love the flower and its center and the saying. Your hubby’s painting is also sweet (love the colors). Amazing how you can reclaim your “ruined” work. We know that you can sketch after that class that you took where you shared all the drawings of the teacher.
Love love love the flower and its center and the saying. Your hubby’s painting is also sweet (love the colors). Amazing how you can reclaim your “ruined” work. We know that you can sketch after that class that you took where you shared all the drawings of the teacher.
Love love love the flower and its center and the saying. Your hubby’s painting is also sweet (love the colors). Amazing how you can reclaim your “ruined” work. We know that you can sketch after that class that you took where you shared all the drawings of the teacher.
Love love love the flower and its center and the saying. Your hubby’s painting is also sweet (love the colors). Amazing how you can reclaim your “ruined” work. We know that you can sketch after that class that you took where you shared all the drawings of the teacher.
Gorgeous love the poppy remade canvas art!!
Gorgeous love the poppy remade canvas art!!
Gorgeous love the poppy remade canvas art!!
Gorgeous love the poppy remade canvas art!!
Love it! Seriously thinking of going into the city for your class. Looked at the site and couldn’t find any info. Please remind us when it gets posted with the info. This was such a fun post today…thanks. mac
Love it! Seriously thinking of going into the city for your class. Looked at the site and couldn’t find any info. Please remind us when it gets posted with the info. This was such a fun post today…thanks. mac
Love it! Seriously thinking of going into the city for your class. Looked at the site and couldn’t find any info. Please remind us when it gets posted with the info. This was such a fun post today…thanks. mac
Love it! Seriously thinking of going into the city for your class. Looked at the site and couldn’t find any info. Please remind us when it gets posted with the info. This was such a fun post today…thanks. mac
Magic!! I loved that 1st red flower when I saw it on your FB page Julie (said so too!!)
Isn’t your DH a sweetie and I so love his painting… You are so alive with creative energy right now! Just reading your posts is inspiring!! Hugs, Rosie
PS. I’m still waiting for news about your online class?
Magic!! I loved that 1st red flower when I saw it on your FB page Julie (said so too!!)
Isn’t your DH a sweetie and I so love his painting… You are so alive with creative energy right now! Just reading your posts is inspiring!! Hugs, Rosie
PS. I’m still waiting for news about your online class?
Magic!! I loved that 1st red flower when I saw it on your FB page Julie (said so too!!)
Isn’t your DH a sweetie and I so love his painting… You are so alive with creative energy right now! Just reading your posts is inspiring!! Hugs, Rosie
PS. I’m still waiting for news about your online class?
Magic!! I loved that 1st red flower when I saw it on your FB page Julie (said so too!!)
Isn’t your DH a sweetie and I so love his painting… You are so alive with creative energy right now! Just reading your posts is inspiring!! Hugs, Rosie
PS. I’m still waiting for news about your online class?
Awesome, inspiring, motivating!!! I love the evolution of your art, both the individual pieces, and you as an artist. Amazing!!!
Awesome, inspiring, motivating!!! I love the evolution of your art, both the individual pieces, and you as an artist. Amazing!!!
Awesome, inspiring, motivating!!! I love the evolution of your art, both the individual pieces, and you as an artist. Amazing!!!
Awesome, inspiring, motivating!!! I love the evolution of your art, both the individual pieces, and you as an artist. Amazing!!!
Love it! Love seeing the transition and how you made something that wasn’t perfect into something really beautiful. Your blog is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Love it! Love seeing the transition and how you made something that wasn’t perfect into something really beautiful. Your blog is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Love it! Love seeing the transition and how you made something that wasn’t perfect into something really beautiful. Your blog is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Love it! Love seeing the transition and how you made something that wasn’t perfect into something really beautiful. Your blog is very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
I love all the textures in all your work! I’ve done painting on canvas and really don’t like how any of them turned out. The two I liked ened up being finger paint ones done in a sketchbook
I love all the textures in all your work! I’ve done painting on canvas and really don’t like how any of them turned out. The two I liked ened up being finger paint ones done in a sketchbook
I love all the textures in all your work! I’ve done painting on canvas and really don’t like how any of them turned out. The two I liked ened up being finger paint ones done in a sketchbook
I love all the textures in all your work! I’ve done painting on canvas and really don’t like how any of them turned out. The two I liked ened up being finger paint ones done in a sketchbook
Rosie, thanks for remembering! Info is coming soon! I promise!! 🙂
Rosie, thanks for remembering! Info is coming soon! I promise!! 🙂
Rosie, thanks for remembering! Info is coming soon! I promise!! 🙂
Rosie, thanks for remembering! Info is coming soon! I promise!! 🙂
awesome!
awesome!
awesome!
awesome!
Wonderful paintings…I find your work very inspiring. (and your blog is one of my favorite daily reads!)
Wonderful paintings…I find your work very inspiring. (and your blog is one of my favorite daily reads!)
Wonderful paintings…I find your work very inspiring. (and your blog is one of my favorite daily reads!)
Wonderful paintings…I find your work very inspiring. (and your blog is one of my favorite daily reads!)
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!! I’ve never been so inspired to learn how to paint until I started following your blog. You make me feel like I could learn to paint-or at least have fun doing it! I would love to take classes from you and can’t wait for the new show!
These works are just stunning and the flower reminds me of a Georgia O’Keefe painting. (or her work reminds me of yours!;))
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!! I’ve never been so inspired to learn how to paint until I started following your blog. You make me feel like I could learn to paint-or at least have fun doing it! I would love to take classes from you and can’t wait for the new show!
These works are just stunning and the flower reminds me of a Georgia O’Keefe painting. (or her work reminds me of yours!;))
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!! I’ve never been so inspired to learn how to paint until I started following your blog. You make me feel like I could learn to paint-or at least have fun doing it! I would love to take classes from you and can’t wait for the new show!
These works are just stunning and the flower reminds me of a Georgia O’Keefe painting. (or her work reminds me of yours!;))
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA!! I’ve never been so inspired to learn how to paint until I started following your blog. You make me feel like I could learn to paint-or at least have fun doing it! I would love to take classes from you and can’t wait for the new show!
These works are just stunning and the flower reminds me of a Georgia O’Keefe painting. (or her work reminds me of yours!;))
I likey.
I likey.
I likey.
I likey.
I can’t wait to sign up for the class!! Beautiful paintings– LOVE the texture!
I can’t wait to sign up for the class!! Beautiful paintings– LOVE the texture!
I can’t wait to sign up for the class!! Beautiful paintings– LOVE the texture!
I can’t wait to sign up for the class!! Beautiful paintings– LOVE the texture!
I LOVE your painting, especially the girl in the last one! Love all the textures and great colors!
I LOVE your painting, especially the girl in the last one! Love all the textures and great colors!
I LOVE your painting, especially the girl in the last one! Love all the textures and great colors!
I LOVE your painting, especially the girl in the last one! Love all the textures and great colors!
Donna: I will be teaching in beautiful Southern CA in May! http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=36e=30e81422-bdf4-4029-9168-75e7fc1e899f#balzer
Donna: I will be teaching in beautiful Southern CA in May! http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=36e=30e81422-bdf4-4029-9168-75e7fc1e899f#balzer
Donna: I will be teaching in beautiful Southern CA in May! http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=36e=30e81422-bdf4-4029-9168-75e7fc1e899f#balzer
Donna: I will be teaching in beautiful Southern CA in May! http://www.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Custom.aspx?cid=36e=30e81422-bdf4-4029-9168-75e7fc1e899f#balzer
You crack me up.
That flower is gorgeous and the new face is great!
You crack me up.
That flower is gorgeous and the new face is great!
You crack me up.
That flower is gorgeous and the new face is great!
You crack me up.
That flower is gorgeous and the new face is great!
loving the texture in these!
loving the texture in these!
loving the texture in these!
loving the texture in these!
Your hubby is charming, and I love the transition on the flower painting. You continue to inspire me!! xo
Your hubby is charming, and I love the transition on the flower painting. You continue to inspire me!! xo
Your hubby is charming, and I love the transition on the flower painting. You continue to inspire me!! xo
Your hubby is charming, and I love the transition on the flower painting. You continue to inspire me!! xo
Love them all, thanks for the inspiration. I just stumbled on your blog somehow and added it to my favs.
Love them all, thanks for the inspiration. I just stumbled on your blog somehow and added it to my favs.
Love them all, thanks for the inspiration. I just stumbled on your blog somehow and added it to my favs.
Love them all, thanks for the inspiration. I just stumbled on your blog somehow and added it to my favs.
These are awesome! Thanks for all the inspiration. This was my first time visiting your blog and it is really a wonderful blog. I have enjoyed browsing. I loved the way you reworked the art you didn’t like. And I love how your husband asked for a painting – how great is that!?!
Blessings,
Tricia
These are awesome! Thanks for all the inspiration. This was my first time visiting your blog and it is really a wonderful blog. I have enjoyed browsing. I loved the way you reworked the art you didn’t like. And I love how your husband asked for a painting – how great is that!?!
Blessings,
Tricia
These are awesome! Thanks for all the inspiration. This was my first time visiting your blog and it is really a wonderful blog. I have enjoyed browsing. I loved the way you reworked the art you didn’t like. And I love how your husband asked for a painting – how great is that!?!
Blessings,
Tricia
These are awesome! Thanks for all the inspiration. This was my first time visiting your blog and it is really a wonderful blog. I have enjoyed browsing. I loved the way you reworked the art you didn’t like. And I love how your husband asked for a painting – how great is that!?!
Blessings,
Tricia
Julie, you are a sweet painting fool ! I am in love with those flowers !!!! I see a whole series…
Happy Painting !
Julie, you are a sweet painting fool ! I am in love with those flowers !!!! I see a whole series…
Happy Painting !
Julie, you are a sweet painting fool ! I am in love with those flowers !!!! I see a whole series…
Happy Painting !
Julie, you are a sweet painting fool ! I am in love with those flowers !!!! I see a whole series…
Happy Painting !
Such beautiful work!!!! I am so happy to have found your blog — I spent most of the morning soaking it all in. I will keep an eye out for any future classes you might be teaching at the City Quilter!
Such beautiful work!!!! I am so happy to have found your blog — I spent most of the morning soaking it all in. I will keep an eye out for any future classes you might be teaching at the City Quilter!
Such beautiful work!!!! I am so happy to have found your blog — I spent most of the morning soaking it all in. I will keep an eye out for any future classes you might be teaching at the City Quilter!
Such beautiful work!!!! I am so happy to have found your blog — I spent most of the morning soaking it all in. I will keep an eye out for any future classes you might be teaching at the City Quilter!
i am losin my wig right now!!!! these are beyond incredible. i’m not even joking when i say that i’m going to try to make my next trip home for april 16.
i am losin my wig right now!!!! these are beyond incredible. i’m not even joking when i say that i’m going to try to make my next trip home for april 16.
i am losin my wig right now!!!! these are beyond incredible. i’m not even joking when i say that i’m going to try to make my next trip home for april 16.
i am losin my wig right now!!!! these are beyond incredible. i’m not even joking when i say that i’m going to try to make my next trip home for april 16.
Just had to say – your hubby + bow tie = too cute! haha 🙂
Just had to say – your hubby + bow tie = too cute! haha 🙂
Just had to say – your hubby + bow tie = too cute! haha 🙂
Just had to say – your hubby + bow tie = too cute! haha 🙂
I especially love that last painting with the girl. The background is great:)
I especially love that last painting with the girl. The background is great:)
I especially love that last painting with the girl. The background is great:)
I especially love that last painting with the girl. The background is great:)
I’m absolutly in love with your red flower. She’s gorgeous !!!
And your title “imperfectly perfect”…mummmmmmm !
Carol
I’m absolutly in love with your red flower. She’s gorgeous !!!
And your title “imperfectly perfect”…mummmmmmm !
Carol
I’m absolutly in love with your red flower. She’s gorgeous !!!
And your title “imperfectly perfect”…mummmmmmm !
Carol
I’m absolutly in love with your red flower. She’s gorgeous !!!
And your title “imperfectly perfect”…mummmmmmm !
Carol
I love your work! I have a few canvases I’m not happy with but I’m not brave enough to paint over them and start again…you are an inspiration!
love the bow tie painting! too funny!
I love your work! I have a few canvases I’m not happy with but I’m not brave enough to paint over them and start again…you are an inspiration!
love the bow tie painting! too funny!
I love your work! I have a few canvases I’m not happy with but I’m not brave enough to paint over them and start again…you are an inspiration!
love the bow tie painting! too funny!
I love your work! I have a few canvases I’m not happy with but I’m not brave enough to paint over them and start again…you are an inspiration!
love the bow tie painting! too funny!