tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63037092393250005752024-02-01T21:49:00.633-08:00OFF THE WALL - Art by Cat InsleyCat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-27300573625689003402015-09-09T15:07:00.001-07:002015-09-09T15:18:49.361-07:00"Buy This House" - My Frustration!Ohhhhh...... I have been on the go - traveling between GA and FL this past two weeks. And believe me when I say, this 62-year-old body is tired!!!!!!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YCkzC5DElu8QJLx_AnVHABTtl3EysLwMzv5C4JR6z0zx37eK3fGAuT-bs9FN0qtyxlEdr8PYLOAKTzB_evV4bhiV-U-e-3oy3L6-vuTSPysj7qbwj6NPQotAicYx557IGofdUMxsMPw/s1600/date+stamper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YCkzC5DElu8QJLx_AnVHABTtl3EysLwMzv5C4JR6z0zx37eK3fGAuT-bs9FN0qtyxlEdr8PYLOAKTzB_evV4bhiV-U-e-3oy3L6-vuTSPysj7qbwj6NPQotAicYx557IGofdUMxsMPw/s200/date+stamper.jpg" width="130" /></a><br />
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When I got back from Savannah, I was thrilled to find all kinds of goodies in my mail box. One item was this awesome date stamper that I ordered directly from China. It arrived in less than 5 weeks which I think is great, especially since it cost less than anything I could buy in the states.<br />
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Now I can stamp the date on all of my journal pages!<br />
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Speaking of journal pages........<br />
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Here's one I have been playing with for a while. I have a home in Savannah that I need to sell, but it's not going particularly well. So, I thought I'd vent my frustration out in my journal. Well, sadly, the journal page isn't going the way I'd like either. Just shows that not every page is going to end up being a masterpiece. And that's not the point of art journaling anyway. So, I'm sharing my experiments with you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-vsRdtvRAfR8pLf3n264gJOpcW1Z8ax3MXCPfvpJQPj46c2BZYoXq65gIdJRN8fwSQ_iSYSjJITcphDJpR5AxffG_nyUKg27O0zBu-q-0SI3VvFTWlqQs2pIpm4D0mO6v7sz92U2X0w/s1600/Journal+Page+BEFORE+Buy+My+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-vsRdtvRAfR8pLf3n264gJOpcW1Z8ax3MXCPfvpJQPj46c2BZYoXq65gIdJRN8fwSQ_iSYSjJITcphDJpR5AxffG_nyUKg27O0zBu-q-0SI3VvFTWlqQs2pIpm4D0mO6v7sz92U2X0w/s320/Journal+Page+BEFORE+Buy+My+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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This is the "Before" page.<br />
I wanted to make the house more prominent, make it pop out and become the center of interest some how.<br />
<br />
Since the house had a lot of yellow in it, I thought that by surrounding it in its complimentary color: purple, the house would surely pop. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, it sort of did.....but not in a good way.<br />
<br />
Now I have a house with a purple border. Ugh!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagHqfbLMeTpxEkZJgDLrDwIhaZoSGdhf0vWIUagyNwh-yDACgHHPfptGcRtk9NhLAiIa6CVpDRw-T2V6O_SsO6YTGghZmmlqG5Iiw-sA3QHxN7ZhkcgddSfedW2SFcB6KIGFxhyphenhyphenl1ubo/s1600/Journal+Page+AFTER+Buy+My+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagHqfbLMeTpxEkZJgDLrDwIhaZoSGdhf0vWIUagyNwh-yDACgHHPfptGcRtk9NhLAiIa6CVpDRw-T2V6O_SsO6YTGghZmmlqG5Iiw-sA3QHxN7ZhkcgddSfedW2SFcB6KIGFxhyphenhyphenl1ubo/s400/Journal+Page+AFTER+Buy+My+House.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
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And once I posted these photos, I noticed that the sun was way too dominant! So, it's back to the drawing board.....so to speak.<br />
<br />
The great thing about journaling is that it's a layering process. I can layer more intense colors or I can knock it back with white gesso, stencils, or even collage. There is no limit. And it's not done until <i><b>I</b></i> say it's done!<br />
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I'll share the finished page with you .......when I finish. Till then, keep making art!Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-60054428041912437282015-09-01T19:23:00.001-07:002015-09-01T20:53:56.290-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aEiPAXVMnPN3RsjJf2ANshxWfCCKlqEVFz0CGOIVBAAHS_z5dsxS6RS8F9fc8o1zS2HKshyTQuQlPivW9abC9HAEGgE57YVwKRJ5FqeJA-XD3eYCEMSMtNQDJmbTlNrL4n7tsJ7NwiA/s1600/Journal+Page+Everything+Changes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aEiPAXVMnPN3RsjJf2ANshxWfCCKlqEVFz0CGOIVBAAHS_z5dsxS6RS8F9fc8o1zS2HKshyTQuQlPivW9abC9HAEGgE57YVwKRJ5FqeJA-XD3eYCEMSMtNQDJmbTlNrL4n7tsJ7NwiA/s320/Journal+Page+Everything+Changes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Everything Changes"</i>, Mixed Media Art Journal Page</td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;">Everything</span> <span style="color: blue;">Changes!</span></span><br />
<br />
....and so have I! Or rather my art interests have changed. Over the past several months, I have been inexplicably drawn to stencils, stamps, and mixed media - OH MY!<br />
<br />
Not only that, but my work has gone in the direction of Zetti, Steampunk, and Grunge ....although, I have not given up my passion for intense color. <br />
<br />
It began with my personal art journaling; trying to figure out where I belong in this world, now that I am a new bride of 2 years .....<br />
- at the age of 62 -<br />
- - to BOB. (I adore him!)<br />
And, moving, after 12 years, from my home in Savannah, GA, to a home in the country on Lake Lanier, in Cumming, GA. (It's so BEAUTIFUL HERE!!!)<br />
<br />
But you can believe me when I tell you that Cumming, GA is not the art center of the world.....or the US, ....... or even Georgia. If I was a landscape, or still life painter, I'd have it made. But I'm not.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Texture Play"</i>, Mixed Media Art Journal Page</td></tr>
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So, where does an artist go from here? Well, she follows her soul, of course! And my soul has been having the best time just "playing" lately.....with stencils, stamps, and mixed media!<br />
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So, I make no apologies.<br />
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I am what I am....yup, I'm not a <i>SERIOUS</i> artist.<br />
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(gasp) And I'm happy!<br />
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If you <i>like</i> "happy", please follow me on this adventure of mine. I say <b><i>adventure </i></b>because I have no idea what I'm doing!!!! As usual.....LOL!<br />
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But I'm going to learn as I go - I will! And so might you! On the other hand, if you have any advice for a 62-year-young, techno-preneur-wannabe, I welcome it.<br />
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First step: revvv up this blog. My goal is to post weekly - - not weakly!<br />
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Next: start filming my art journaling process with my (first ever) smart phone. I bought a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and I <i>LOVE</i> it!!!!! (Don't tell Bob - he knows I have the phone....but he doesn't know <i>I LOVE IT!!!!</i>)<br />
I have watched so many of you on YouTube and you inspire me every day! Now I want to share my art discoveries.<br />
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I'm stuck up here in the woods - not an ideal place to find other art journaling enthusiasts. My only hope is you! You, the internet. You, on YouTube. You, on Facebook. You, on Instagram (?) - ok, now out of my comfort zone.....but - - - I can-do-eeeeet! : ]<br />
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Seriously tho, y'know what my biggest hope is? I hope that someday I can share this post with my new grandkidz (today ages 2, 5, 7 & 9), and show them how far NanaCat has come in a world that is, today, <i>REeeeeeealy</i> foreign to me. Foreign, that is, except for the art. The art always speaks my language; always recognizes my soul; always makes me feel happy and totally at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIDNOEfaPFep7Wo_mQBC4j0RHz-dSaOiiVth4vdAdHFCYpVxnRIMwBrbMKIjcL5JIsi_yuaNCmiyoZdUtmWbDzYSnAOGh2sL96bhOZZUFPGsAej8-Q3KwGSL2o_TPiILTFiPw20XPgKw/s1600/Journal+Page+Time+Goes+Fast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIDNOEfaPFep7Wo_mQBC4j0RHz-dSaOiiVth4vdAdHFCYpVxnRIMwBrbMKIjcL5JIsi_yuaNCmiyoZdUtmWbDzYSnAOGh2sL96bhOZZUFPGsAej8-Q3KwGSL2o_TPiILTFiPw20XPgKw/s320/Journal+Page+Time+Goes+Fast.jpg" width="250" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Time Goes Fast", Mixed Media Art Journal Page</td></tr>
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<br />
oooooo h,<br />
<i> I'm sensing a theme for a journal page!!!!!!</i><br />
<br />
Catch me next week. I won't have the art done because<br />
I'm traveling over the Labor Day weekend to visit my<br />
dear Pop-in-law. But, I have 4 days off after that till I<br />
have to travel again. And baby - -<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">I AM MAKIN'</span> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ART!!!!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Please follow me.......</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">I'm very needy. : ] hahahaha!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-76827702497600399052014-08-20T10:29:00.000-07:002014-08-20T10:31:05.620-07:00Stepping Up - or - Has it Been 4 Years Already?!?! ...let's just say I got a little sidetracked since my last blog post!<br />
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I met and married a wonderful man - we have just celebrated our one-year anniversary. I've been incorporated into his wonderful family: two beautiful successful daughters, their equally impressive husbands, and 4 of the world's greatest grandchildren ages 22 months to 7 years. It's only taken me 61 years to get it right..... I could give thanks for my blessings the entire day!<br />
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But I can't.<br />
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We have also just purchased a home in N. Georgia on Lake Lanier. That means packing, unpacking, cleaning, painting walls, bringing our dock up to code, and various other tasks that new homeowners have to deal with. But what inspirational country for an artist! The hills, the trees, the lake and all it's wildlife....I could just sit on the back porch all day watching Mother Nature's dance.<br />
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But I can't.<br />
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Because in the past year, I have also had cataract surgery in both eyes.........<i>I know, so young!?! </i>; ) But what a spectacular stroke of luck! I landed in the hands of an angel in the form of Ophthalmologist, Mark Manocha, MD, In Savannah, GA. His skill has made it possible for me to now drive without the need for glasses! Because of severe astigmatism and nearsightedness, I have not been without glasses since the age of 5. I can now watch TV, drive, and recognize a robin on a wire 100 feet away....all without those cumbersome spectacles creasing the bridge of my nose. I am SO excited!!! "Thank you" just doesn't express my gratitude to Dr. Manocha and his wonderful team. <br />
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Life is truly GOOD!<br />
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But now it's time for me to step up. I am an artist. I began as a commercial artist 30 years ago. I've also been a successful fine artist selling my paintings in art shows and galleries. Sadly, however, I have not done any significant art in years. I could blame it on the economy, my eyesight, an exhausting divorce, earning a living as a substitute teacher, earning a masters, planning my wedding, or beginning a new life. (Whew! <i>All that in the past 6 years</i> - that could be part of the reason....) But the truth is not that simple. And looking back does nothing to change the past; I have always found the future much more exciting to think about anyway. Let's just say I've "stepped away" from my art for a few years. If you're like me and you've somehow misplaced that passion, that urge compelling you to create, you understand. Artistic talent is a precious blessing and it hurts to let it go. But don't fret!<br />
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The spark is always there. For <i>ever</i> and always.<br />
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My life is "in order" now; it's time to rekindle that fire - that passion.<br />
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My first big "step" up is writing this post. The minute it's published, I will be be accountable. (Trust me, I'm a product of Catholic school; guilt is in my DNA.) <br />
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If you've read this far, maybe you can identify with me, maybe I can inspire you; maybe together we can develop the thrust to do wonderful, exciting things with our lives, and our talents. For truly, your interest in my art is the only reason I create.<br />
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If no other creature could hear, would a bird have reason to sing?<br />
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It's an adventure. Let's see what happens!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
cat<br />
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PS: My <b>Goal</b> this week is to begin a new painting. Let's just jump in with both feet! Check back next week to see how it's going........we'll both be surprised! ; }<br />
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<br />Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-86679093349040204462010-01-10T08:29:00.000-08:002010-06-27T10:03:50.919-07:00Her name is Sylvia White and she posted this on her Facebook page. Pretty much sums up who I am ..... born an artist.<br /><br />"It's not something you can turn off. It bubbles up when you least expect it. If you would allow it, it would consume every waking minute of every day. You work hard to fit in to the normal world...family obligations, work, the challenges of everyday life. But, admit it, all you can think about is that unfinished painting, sculpture, poem, or whatever, fill in the blank. You know you are different.<br /><br />You may have suppressed the urge for years. Parental pressure, societal influences, may have forced you to conform temporarily, but eventually, it WILL emerge. "Normies" call it the creative impulse, or urge, the drive to create. For men, it's usually around retirement age or after they have achieved a level of financial success, when it becomes acceptable to make a career transition. For women, it's generally when they get close to 40, get divorced, or transition out of motherhood...the time when they realize the window of opportunity is closing.<br /><br />Lucky artists (usually with supportive parents) are able to embrace their creativity at a younger age, and acknowledge their life will never be normal.<br /><br />There are just not enough words in the English language. It is a popular urban legend that Eskimos have hundreds of ways of saying the word "snow." We just have one word for artist. And, it is one of the most misunderstood words in our vocabulary today. Imagine it's career day at your local high school and the counselor asks, "How many of you know what an artist does?" Seems like an easy question, your hand pops up, we can pretty much all agree artists create things, books, music, paintings. But, therein lies the problem. The question should not be what an artist does, but, rather what an artist is.<br /><br />Most of us, including artists themselves, harbor the misconceived notion that being an artist is a career, or a chosen profession. The natural (and sensible) conclusion to that assumption is being an artist, like any other chosen profession, should result in some monetary gain. Hence the development of the stereotype "starving artist" or struggling artist, both terms refer to the lack of income artists are notorious for. The two words starving and artist have been so inextricably woven together that our collective consciousness can no longer define the word artist, without including the connotation that artists will always be deprived financially. The myth also conveniently includes the artist finally achieving financial success, but only after death.<br /><br />But, what if we could separate the notion of artist as wage earner and artist as creator? What if it was in our power to change how people THINK about what it means to be an artist? It's a huge leap for most people. But, if you start the dialogue with everyone you know, it may be a beginning. We must get people to understand that "being an artist," is not a career or a profession or a way to make a living. Any more than you would expect the fact that you have blue eyes or red hair will enable you to make a living.<br /><br />Artists need to redefine themselves for themselves so they can educate the people around them to accept the fact that art making is an integral part of who they are as individuals, it is NOT a job, NOT a career, NOT a profession and NOT something you chose. It chooses YOU."Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-49621788114038420012008-01-16T18:37:00.000-08:002008-01-16T19:02:18.753-08:00First Clue on the Path to Finding My StyleSo I'm watching this documentary about Chuck Close, whom I enjoy immensely. And he says something that smacks me upside the head. When I get the exact quote off the tivo, I'll edit this. But it's something to the effect that, out of 8 or 9 photos that he takes of his subject, he knows the right photo to use for his painting when he sees it. He just "knows".<br /><br />He doesn't follow a rule of composition. He doesn't have the model sit for hours on end for the painting. He doesn't elaborate over the lighting, modeling, etc of his subject. He just snaps pictures that are quite similar and he "knows".<br /><br />Suddenly, a bolt of lightening hits me. I have to trust myself. I learned all the rules in art school, working in advertising design, studying the work of other artists, and learning when a piece works or why it doesn't work. And now I just "know" when the composition arrives at what I am after. I have to stop thinking and start feeling. And stop second-guessing myself.<br /><br />I did two little ATC's today. Tomorrow I will revisit them, add a touch here or there to finish them. And then I will post them here. Creating them was an act of joy. They are an example of the art that comes easily from my soul. When I paint in this way, my conscious mind leaves the physical plane and dances in the realm where creation resides.<br /><br />It comes so easily that I tend to reject it. I wonder what would happen if I embraced it? I'll let you know.Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6303709239325000575.post-15367825800722770172008-01-08T17:03:00.000-08:002008-01-08T15:18:56.453-08:00RECOGNIZING YOUR PERSONAL STYLEOne of my goals this year is to find something in my own artwork that I would consid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefX40ifDv0HTfMwPnxfoJPrPpskPOkb7zxp3aNmPx1-X3VmUubmTZwLqiXLatpasdqF7b_-h4duLzjfc0FuzuKB19Yuf-DGcPtMYxB2bK2s9EhivBy_h26qra_6fNaVJhOdPJwCbKUto/s1600-h/Lady+of+the+NR+Sun.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153238028353777154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefX40ifDv0HTfMwPnxfoJPrPpskPOkb7zxp3aNmPx1-X3VmUubmTZwLqiXLatpasdqF7b_-h4duLzjfc0FuzuKB19Yuf-DGcPtMYxB2bK2s9EhivBy_h26qra_6fNaVJhOdPJwCbKUto/s200/Lady+of+the+NR+Sun.jpg" border="0" /></a>er my <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlg1LHXciz2Ys8kW_lik7zl8rRXuiUYhn9sNVVymKZt0sGOFQTzJR3ER0Rkjf4TmkhOjD1fvj1954GKsU4DZQY1JEUNGA0Ab3lP7JEkGbjOF-Hk5Vnad6OijFbDucHdSDIFwkIXqOjKA/s1600-h/Lady+of+the+NR+Sun.jpg"></a>“style”. I tend to land all over the map when it comes to the area. I used to have a style. It was tight, rigid, and carefully executed. I was fascinated by circles and incorporated the<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh6EbEM9ijlUl0mAcRlOeVwDDlKN8VRXHN88P4PD8uXBGg-FE3unAkWKtCFJ24DsHzJu8IfJs7UQUPS39VF8zeJL4nn47ya1lKJv7QgzKDpOkrdnH5KwcGPt9ScmCZSJK5o_dWZxJmZe4/s1600-h/Lady+of+the+NR+Sun.jpg"></a>m into most every piece. For example, this piece titled, “Lady of the New Rising Sun”. She is from a one-person show I did based on the last works of Jimi Hendrix.<br /><br />Soon after that show, however I was financially forced to give up my gallery/studio in town. Funny how transitions like that create personal changes. One thing led to another, and pretty soon I found mysel<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5MZVnFM2KLMqEhyphenhyphenEwLjZ0iQcnOLdxQAOfOeIiZfqo5ZAl5Zyvse-PURImE7bm_iAtbERU0hGFc2z_A251SI2X0i2cdxeKTuXQWKg0fcOOWbFPV_v8Y_-YJzQVbmVJlIfknkh5E1zLEo/s1600-h/Strut.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153235752021110210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 125px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px" height="198" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5MZVnFM2KLMqEhyphenhyphenEwLjZ0iQcnOLdxQAOfOeIiZfqo5ZAl5Zyvse-PURImE7bm_iAtbERU0hGFc2z_A251SI2X0i2cdxeKTuXQWKg0fcOOWbFPV_v8Y_-YJzQVbmVJlIfknkh5E1zLEo/s320/Strut.jpg" width="129" border="0" /></a>f on the other end of the continuum, producing loose fluid work like, “Strut”.<br /><br />I became fascinated with creating figurative abstracts through arbitrary line and swatches of color. As I started applying paint in a more impasto manner, I became intrigued with texture. I played with fiber in an effort to employ light and shade as an element in my work. In, “Wild Iris”, one discovers not only the obvious figure posed in the center, but overall, the image<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjLFQ18WEmvea0f_ys6ElC_M21l4xJ0rkWOEhlX20f17OH_BYzpFdlRzmqhakcWMOTWhCUWTHn5z9f6DgGOcXuQ-IUDEsfE97bZgSgCwKkgMBswWogOulTC_MiHOlJzzKi9D1P7vGhlA/s1600-h/Wild+Iris.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153235928114769362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 175px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" height="176" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjLFQ18WEmvea0f_ys6ElC_M21l4xJ0rkWOEhlX20f17OH_BYzpFdlRzmqhakcWMOTWhCUWTHn5z9f6DgGOcXuQ-IUDEsfE97bZgSgCwKkgMBswWogOulTC_MiHOlJzzKi9D1P7vGhlA/s320/Wild+Iris.jpg" width="210" border="0" /></a> of a flower, the Iris, emerges. I used muslin and a gesso stiffener to sculpt the texture. I experimented with burlap, paper clay, yarns, silicone; anything that would provide an interesting texture to the canvas.<br /><br />In, “Mystic Journey”, I let the viewer create the image. The stark whiteness of the textured canvases allows the work to change depending on the time of day, colors reflected near the painting, direction of the sun as it moves through the sky. The open area in the center of the work allows the viewer a place to rest, reflect, meditate.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153248817311624722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uQ0kCyqVADhsTpztH12KolShgrSM_8VWDvi7kb00PPaPASdZ64JWttoIZzFA0c0vTrDKxiURM_IkQfV5AV0LkcgRJ_l2OcFDNw9EdHK_FdYjC5GZudyoCqVTCvAkzV5HbFkAzq1PsVY/s320/The+Mystical+Journey.jpg" border="0" />Unfortunately, my rather traditional local market wasn’t overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the concept. And since on-line art supply houses are reluctant to trade paints for artwork these days, I was faced with the practicality of having to make a sale now and then.<br /><br />Now I am back at square one. I have been “playing” in the Artist Trading Card world for the last year or so. It has given me the opportunity to stretch and experiment without the expenses and storage requirements associated with paintings on canvas. I have also had the great gift of meeting and networking with wonderful artists all over the world, who share my passion and challenges.<br /><br />But I feel the need to get back to painting. With the new year, I’ve become more organized and resolute about marketing myself as a fine artist. Baby steps have taken me from Etsy, to this, my first blog. I am researching web site providers. I’m even attempting to conquer accounting software as a record-keeping method.<br /><br />Still, all of that has no power to generate sales for me if I lack a defining style.<br /><br />It seems to me that the public needs to be able to identify, classify, categorize the body of an artist’s work in some way. It gives one comfort, maybe excitement to be able to group like objects together. And if one is drawn to the particular style, so much the better.<br /><br />Pity for me. I like to play. I am the mad scientist of art. But I also love to sell my work.<br /><br />Well, I’ll keep looking for my “style”. When I discover it, I’ll let you know!Cat Insleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739578816905872365noreply@blogger.com2