I feel like I have been running in place this week. We have been painting behind all week long. Everyday we get a project done only to have the next project due the next afternoon. Which wouldn't be bad if we weren't starting the same morning. I have been ready for this painting for ages. I have been working out the kinks in the sketch for about a week now. And I really tried to get this painting done, but I just can't move forward any longer. I promise two paintings next week…since I was planning on two versions of this girl anyway…going home now.

my moment::
I walk out to relief…the cold breeze blows mist onto my face and like miniature bells ring away the day, as my steps slow and my mind unclenches
::

Again with the carousel…got to say again that I love them.  This time it was the carousel in Bryant park & again with abee. 

This is probably the last time meeting up before I go west.  I figured another carousel would be a great trifecta for us. 

I have both a lot and not so much to do to get ready.  I think a lot of it is in my brain.  I am excited about the move thought. 

I did a late apply for the bazaar bizarre in los angeles. So if you are in la on the 16th of December, I'll be there with some birds. It means the last go around for the penguins. I wanted to make it to 50, but the fabric ended at 44.  So that is it.  All the penguins I have are in boxes getting ready to wing their way across the country.  Soon after followed by me.

on a stroll
20" x 20"

Still working on the circus…the painting above happened sort of fast and furious. Well not so much, it was just that as I was painting the trees…the man on stilts somehow made his way onto the canvas. I usually work with more of a plan, so this painting still feels a bit unsettled to me. I think because I wasn't ready for it. 

I am painting on top of old paintings, because I am going to be clearing out all my stuff in the studio before the move. I really don't want to bring just anything home with me because I have so many paintings now. I want to really love it. I wasn't really feeling the love for the painting underneath this one…(actually last weeks painting was recycled fabric too)

just for fun, a photo of the painting stapled to the wall…

Here are some lovely things I got from a trade with leya…a beautiful obi and leaf zipper bag. Thank you again!

::a moment
a teenage girl with swirly curls on the crown of her head with the rest of her hair falling in soft waves down her back. Her face tilted up to a kiss as he reached down with his lips…it was hard to miss as the kept loosing their footing each time the train would come to a stop. They just had to stay together…those moments when all you can do is hold on, to feel, because everything is so life and death in high school…
::

…on Wednesday

holga shot from photocrawl

liza’s illustrations….I love her style, they are so witty & beautiful to boot, she has such a strong individual voice

Dinner with daphne…yummy lasagna, a cute kitten, and talking…about art, life, and the best - just girl stuff…

elizabeth mitchell’s you are my little bird album. Johanna this is how I picture your family becoming…a little girl playing a ukey?!  Too perfect. When storey sings it slays me, especially on three birds.

I was sketching a page of robots. It is what I do when things aren't flowing, and these girls just popped onto the page. They came totally out of left field and those bunnies got waylaid. (I will come back to them later) I made a couple larger sketches…to become a mock pattern (I say mock because anyone that uses real pattern would laugh in the face of my patterns!)
The first two dolls went off to some friends so I could get initial feedback. I am going to send out another doll to get some sewing feedback from a blogger I admire. But so you don't have to wait any longer to really see them…

I wait for this light, the warm strong light, that gives these lovely shadows. I have trouble making my softies stand, so these girls have a bit of sand.  Some of my feedback was to make the buns larger on the little pink girl (you can't see them in this photo) & machine sew the bottom. I may change up the face a bit, make the eyes a little stronger, but keep the mouth small. I was going for a kokeshi type doll. I love the simple lines on the wooden japanese dolls. Whatdoyathink?

Thank you again to everyone that gave me a word…I have some really fantastic imagery to work with!

I have contacted the three winners: ky, the dad, & maria

I have also contacted four more people to send the a little something: louise, stephanie, jessica, & jenifer because I am that excited. Less than a month until I make my way west.