Halloween Roses- drawn on wallpaper

These will probably be some of the last roses of the season, but you never really know do you... I wanted to capture them before the snow comes. We've had some frost, but I still have roses- and it's Halloween! I'm always amazed at how hardy some flowers are. This drawing is done with sharpie on wallpaper. I think I like drawing and painting on wallpaper- we had a bunch of it in the basement, and I decided to test it out and see how I like it. This one has a really great texture to it- very fun to draw on!

another photo- ready to paint

Etsy.com

Image via CrunchBase

I just spent an hour looking at Etsy. Do you ever look at this site. I find it so inspirational! You can find so many fabulous handmade items. I think the pictures of the items are a treat to look at. So many great ideas for how to photograph your work. It makes me want to make something creative, NOW!

Art Prize starts this week!

Image via Wikipedia

Hi Art Friends!

ArtPrize: September 22 - October 10

Don't Miss it! It starts this week!

I'm an official artprize artist! Please vote for me!

look me up at 

http://www.artprize.org/

Julia Garnett's 

Text voting ID: 

Up: 44301 

or use this code to vote online

My painting "Farmscape" is showing at O'Tooles 

juliaspaintings.blogspot.com

Venue information

O'Tooles Public House

448 Bridge Street NW

Grand Rapids

A2 Art Fair '10

me in my booth, ready to enjoy the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair '10

This was my 2nd time having my own booth at the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair.  The first booth experience I had was with 4 other Michigan Art Teachers.  We were selected through a jury process by The Guild.  They helped us to learn the process so that we could share with our students what it is like to be a professional artist selling at outdoor fairs.

almost 500,000 people attend this art fair

jammin' on the corner

My husband made an opening in the back of the booth to try to catch a breeze inside,
and so we could sit behind it and still see if someone was in the booth.  It was unbelievably hot!

The tax collectors taking a quick break-
this was such a hot tiring day for these hard working gals! 

a postcard of me!

and a postcard of me!

lots of doggie art critiques at the fair

a swim noodle in the corner to help keep the rain from puddling on the roof

view behind the booths

view from my booth

one man band at the corner (I'm sure he made more $ than I did!)

living statue at the corner

medics watching the one man band at the corner

My daughters- also artists, willing to do anything to help out!

My chosen sister, Mary, with her other family:)

Here's my best helper, critique, and all around good guy!

Ann Arbor Art Fair '10

Image by jgarnettzoo via Flickr

July 21-24 I will be at the Ann Arbor Art Fair! Come and see me on Liberty Street across from the Post Office.  Booth #259.

The Guild website has lots of information:
http://www.theguild.org/art_fair_summer.html

The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is a combination of several art fairs.  It's huge!  About a 1/2 million people attend the fair every year.

revelation: gardening- art connection

This last weekend I spent a day cleaning up the garden. It was the first time this Spring that I have really dug in and spent quiet hours alone with my plants. It's like getting reaquainted with old friend. I caught up with the roses and checked on who was budding and who was having a little trouble getting started; I checked on the baby climatis that was planted last year and saw that it was thriving; I noticed who was overcrowded, and who was dwindling... The bees are hovering, something has been nibbling my rose leaves, there are bird's nesting everywhere... I was trying to straighten a trellis, and I was mortified to find there was a bird's nest hidden in the climatis! Two baby birds fell out! The mama bird was beside herself, frantically bopping around a bush near my head! The birds fell in the English ivy, I could hear them chirping. I found one, and with my gloved hand tried to replace it in the nest. That was the best I could do, but when I checked on it later, it was gone again. I could still hear the babies and the mama chirping to each other- I'm hoping they live. I feel so bad about that! Later, my husband and I were sitting on the front porch swing and a hummingbird flew right in front of our faces, changed direction, and flew off! It really took us by surprise, we didn't know what it was- it happened so fast! We had quite a start! The hummingbirds love the front porch area. Then the swallows swooped right over our heads to a nest they built right on the porch! It's an ugly, muddy mess of a nest- but I guess it will stay until the babies fly! We decided the porch wasn't at all relaxing- and headed inside!
I love my garden. This is where I do a good deal of thinking. As I weed, trim, and putter around I collect my thoughts. I mull over my art ideas, I memorize colors, I trace petals and leaves in my mind, I think about bible verses, and I gather general concepts. For me, art and gardening go hand in hand. I watch the garden from a distance in the winter, but I think over and plan for the next year. In warmer weather I check on my garden up close and personal. When I am digging and physically working outside, I do my best painting in my mind!

wonderment: last few days

We are ending the school year earlier than was initially planned. Due to lack of funds, we are ending June 2nd! We are in the final days of school. Here is my wonderment; it doesn't seem to matter when the last day is- we still rise and fall to the occassion. There is a rhythm to the end, regardless of the date. Students and staff alike start getting rather excited when we are down to counting weeks not months, then even more excited and rather frenzied when we are down to days not weeks! We are trying to stuff the days so full they are busting at the seams. Our emotions are barely below surface with the dangerous recipe of staying up late and being more active with the longer daylight hours, testing students, packing our rooms up, preparing for summer and next year, and tear laden goodbyes to the classrooms of students we have grown to love! These last days are full of field trips, class picnics, plays and performances, field days... Anything that will corral all those wiggles and giggles while the anticipation builds! ...until we can set them free, and let them bust loose into Glorious summer Vacation!

tip #9- what inspires you?

 Inspiration is everywhere... in the repetition of colorful giftbags... rainbows in my backyard... children's artwork...

Do you need inspiration?

Look around you. Where do you choose to spend most of your time? What do you love? Who do you love? Where do you love to be? The people, places, and things that we love most are the easiest things to create artwork about. The more familiar, the deeper our understanding, the more extreme the attachment, the better the art! We have the most to say about the things we are most passionate about. Making artwork about what we know is almost mandatory. Then we can branch out from the places we are rooted.

Where does your curiosity lead you? What do you want to learn about? This is another area that I find I want to create artwork about. When I wonder about something, an idea starts forming. I let myself be led from there. I read about it, I hunt down visuals, I collect objects, I talk about it, and I mull it over.  Sometimes I come up with something good by going down this meandering path.

Watch what's going on around you. What are other people into? What are the popular shows on TV? What's on UTube? What are people talking about? What are current themes? What's in the news? What books are on the best seller list? These can all be great sources of inspiration.

Some artists keep idea boards, or binders. Some artists make lists. My daughter uses a 3 ring binder with the clear sleeves to keep picture that she looks through for inspiration. I use my sketchbook to develop ideas. I also use my camera to collect ideas. 

If you just need a place to start, start with something in the room you are in right now. What attracts your attention? What seems significant? What do you think you would like to focus on that you can see right now? What can you make, draw, or build that could tell about it? Just get started and do it. Sometimes starting is the hardest part.

Wordle your blog!

You can wordle your blog! or any collection of words. See my links on the right column.

Revelation: Artist Personality

There is a stereotype of the "artsy type". Maybe you think of someone who is a little spacey, or not grounded in the real world; maybe a little crazy comes to mind; maybe you think they are all creative and therefor not very logical or practical. It's interesting to me that being "artsy" can be somewhat of an excuse for being eccentric, or irresponsible. People almost expect that of you when they know you are an artist. You can take advantage of this and use it to your benefit, or conversely, you can be embarrassed about it and try to discredit the myth!
I find it a little humorous, and a little fun that art people are forgiven and accepted for things that other more academic people wouldn't necessarily tolerate otherwise. It's expected that artists are on the edge in looks and in actions! "Oh well, you're an artist, you can get away with that!" We hear about artists that explore the weirdest, wildest things in their art. We see artists who wear the craziest outfits, and have the strangest tattoos and piercings. I guess I really love this about the art world, social rules are regarded as mere suggestions or discarded altogether!
I used to teach reading, and the assumptions people had about me were completely different than what I perceive from them now that I teach art. I wonder, do we subconsciously live up to our label, whatever our label may be? As a reading teacher did I act more studious or more "readerish" than I do now? Do I act more artsy now, so I won't disappoint those who expect me to personify the term?! Perhaps the stereotypes came about because that truly is the basic persona of an artist. Which came first the personality or the label? Do I fit the label or does the label fit me?

Title: Jena's Heritage

This painting is one of 2 that I painted to depict our heritage as women- our genetic code is depicted by the quilt. This pattern is from a quilt that my great grandmother made. I wrapped my daughter in the quilt to show how her great grandmother is part of her, even though she never knew her. The love of her grandmother, and all of her traits are ingrained in her. This grandma must have been creative too, she did a lot of beautiful hand work!

tip #7- surround yourself with like-minded, positive people

If you want to be a creator of art it helps a lot if you are around other people who are creating. Choose people that inspire and encourage you. You will grow as an artist much faster when you allow yourself to be nurtured by positive, creative, productive people. It's easy to think that artists need to isolate themselves and spend endless hours working alone in their studios. There are times when I need to paint alone, but I have found that I actually get more done when I meet on a regular basis with other artists. I love seeing what they are making, and hearing about their work. Hearing others' ideas can really rev up my production. I really enjoy my artist friends, and look forward to the times when we can work together. I wish I could work in a group several times a week, I think I work best that way. I can only manage once a week, and for now, that will have to do...
This is photo is of a small section of a painting I worked on tonight- Tuesday nights I meet with my friend Mary.

I suggest you find a local art group that you can join. In Jackson we have the Jackson Civic Art Association, I just joined this year. They have a lot to offer. They organize workshops, critiques, and exhibits. There are also groups for specific media in many areas. Google your media such as pastels, watercolors, photography, etc. and your town; you just might find a great group that you can meet with!

tip #5- organization

Well, this is a tough one for me. I am somewhat organized, somewhat NOT. I have tried lots of different things to help myself. My biggest problem is that I think I need to keep everything! Over the years I have done so many different crafts and artwork that I have stockpiled a lifetime of materials. I have sewing supplies, beads and jewelry tools, soap making, every imaginable pencil and pen, sculpting, macrame, crocheting, etc. etc....  My husband has built me closets, shelves, cabinets... and I have the house and garage attics stuffed! It really is ridiculous. I have paintings in the dining room- where I organize them for framing and to go to shows. Cara has also added to the dilemna. Her sculptures are everywhere!
Anyway, here are some tips that I have figured out along the way. But, keep in mind, I am a long way from organized- but I am trying!

In this picture are Cara's tote and tackle box that she uses for her paper clay artwork. The wooden box contains grandma's pastels... There is a sketchbook on the left, and I have no idea why the fireworks are in the picture????? One of my latest paintings are in the background, daffodils.

• keep like supplies together- all brushes together, all pens together, all pencils together
• designate a cupboard or shelf for your art supplies
• use clear storage containers so you can easily see if what you need is in there before you even open it
• if possible, keep your supplies next to your workspace
• keep some supplies in a tote if you work away from your storage area, even if it's in another room

Here are some products that I have found helpful:

• portfolio
•  any clear shoebox size containers
• clear drawers on wheels
• plastic crates
• plastic totes with handles

tip #4: sketchbook/ journal

My art tip today is to keep a sketchbook or journal.
It takes a bit of using one to decide how you really want to use one:) I used to just use any scrap of paper that was near me to draw on, and I didn't keep them very often. I do still have some napkins, paper towels, book pages, etc. that I have tucked into a spiral pad of drawing paper- but a sketchbook is a great way to keep a record of your progress. I have tried different sizes and bindings, have made my own, have purchased them and have been given some.  I find that I like to tuck one in my purse, so I love the little moleskines with the pockets.  I also carry the little skinny brown moleskines sometimes. Cara and I are in love with moleskines, they are quite addictive. Last night Cara read a quote to me that said a moleskine was better that a little black dress! so true!
A sketchbook, for me, is just a collection of my ideas, drawings, and sketches. It's a place to play. I write down scattered thoughts and ideas, practice contour lines, work out designs, create thumbnails and predrawings, try new materials, collage, tuck momentos in pockets, etc. etc. Sketchbooks have no rules. If you make a mistake, oh well... if you don't use it everyday, oh well... The only boundaries or rules are self imposed.  So, be easy on yourself and give yourself lots of freedom to create pages any way you want in your sketchbook!
I was very dedicated to my sketchbook for awhile, but lately I have gotten away from it. I miss it, so I am giving myself a new challenge- a self imposed rule that I have to draw 3 flowers from my garden this week.  The lily of the valley is in bloom and I don't want my sketchbook to miss that!

Revelation: capture the moment

Even a driveway can be so beautiful. My front drive captures the sky at sunset, and can look quite astounding! I have never taken the time to learn about photography- but I sure wish I could capture moments like these better. I will have to leave that to the real photographers I guess, and just try to engrave these quiet, colorful stills in my memory. A photograph aids the memory, but I am working on "unframing" the snapshots I am storing in my brain. I have spent a lifetime learning to crop pictures in my "mind's eye". For the last few years I have been refocusing my mind's eye, and retraining myself to see without framing and cropping everything! I am freeing myself, and unframing my brain. I want to store these scenes further down in my soul- past the analytical cropping and framing part of my art brain. I want to emotionally store them, and get them deeper into my being- where there are no words, or static, tangible means of expression. I want to choose these treasured moments to be the pallette that reveals itself in brushstrokes of all my life's work, whether it is a painting, teaching, cooking dinner, or doing laundry.

Tip #2- Listen

In developing your artscape it's so important to listen to your heart. Follow your instincts, let your real self guide you. It's so easy to get distracted. You see someone else's creation that you love, and it's tempting to try to fit yourself into that mold. There's nothing wrong with trying your hand at other artists styles and materials, but it is necessary to come back to yourself. You can never find your own true voice if you are always swayed by others. Don't be afraid to be unique, to be yourself in your artwork. Take risks. Be prepared to fail. What's the worst that can happen? You waste some paper, paint, etc. ? Messing up is part of the process. It's ok to make something that doesn't turn out that great, you always learn something about yourself as an artist whether or not your piece was successful. I like to think of my whole body of work as an artwork in itself. It's all a part of a continuum telling a story about myself. The compilation of my work speaks my heart. Think about what you truly love, listen to yourself, and create something that describes this love.

Wonderment: daughters

This is Mother's Day. A day to wonder about, and enjoy all that motherhood means to me. These are paintings I did of my daughters about a year ago. Here they are hung at an art show Cara (my oldest daughter) and I did together last Mother's Day. I wanted to show their heritage, so I wrapped them in a quilt design that a great grandmother sewed- and I still have the quilt.

The girls truly are a blessing. I treasure the day each of them were born, and I am amazed how swiftly they have grown into beautiful young ladies. They are beautiful inside and out, as my Grandmother Mills used to say... I wish my mother, and my grandmothers were here to see them today. They would be so proud of them. These girls are a tribute to the mothers before them. I see so much of my mother in them- especially Cara. Cara has many of the same expressions, movements, and interests as my mom. I also see my husband's mom on them- especially Jena. She shares my mother-in-law's looks, and personality. The girls have certainly seemed to have inherited the best traits of all, they have been handed down a love of family and friends. They are lucky girls, and I am so very proud of them. I'm lucky to be their mother!

They are both artists themselves. Jena's major is Human Centered Design, and Cara's BFA is in sculpture, and her Masters is Art Admin. (she's currently looking for full time employment) Cara and grandma are working on artwork right now. Cara is making beautiful, and slightly quirky, little fashion sculptures, and Carolyn is making lovely, floral reliefs. What a great hobby to share!

Revelation: Magazines

I picked up two new magazines and browsed through them this Mother's Day. I found them inspiring, and can't wait to try a few new ideas. I want to try some mixed media pieces. I love old papers, materials, and what nots... I am a boderline hoader.... I love keeping little odds and ends of junk that I have some sort of emotional attachment to. I love tucking them away somewhere that makes no sense, and then rediscovering them later and reminiscing... does anyone else love finding that old ticket to the movie in the jacket you wore last Spring, or digging deep in your jewelry drawer and finding the soap bar from the hotel you stayed at in 1983! I just love that! Somehow I want to work that feeling into a mixed media piece. I have been mulling this idea over for years. Someday it will come together for me.

Magazines of the Day:

Somerset Studio: somersetstudio.com

cloth paper scissors: www.clothpaperscissors.com

tip #1- LOOK

My first tip is to LOOK!

Really open your mind to long, soaking-it-all-in looking.

Open your eyes, and enjoy the "artscape" all around you!

What do you enjoy looking at? Start there, and feast your eyes on it.

Savor what you see. Mull it over in your mind, don't rush, take your time and let it all sink in. Think about the tangibles.... the color, the texture, the lines, the shapes within your view.

What does your view remind you of? Let your mind take you there. Let your mind wander a bit, then come back to looking through your eyes to what you actually see before you.

Pick an object and slowly trace it with your eyes, trace every nook and cranny. Take your time. Try to memorize your lines.

See what you are seeing. Engage your brain in your seeing.

When you learn to really look at things you are never bored. I like to think that I am good at waiting because I am an intentionally practiced "looker". When I am waiting in line I often pick something to analyze or trace. I try to trace faces in my brain a lot. It's a little tricky, I don't like people to think I'm some kind of weirdo stalker- staring at people so intently, but it's great practice if you can get away with it!

Have fun LOOKING! really LOOKING!