Artistic Endeavors Archives | Page 15 of 54

Artistic Endeavors

Art

sketchbook tour | August 2022

The purpose of drawing and painting in a sketchbook is for practice, exploration, and experimentation. It’s really not meant for public consumption, but it is a personal endeavor. But, I admit that I find studying the sketchbooks of others to be more beneficial and interesting than studying the finished works. The sketches show the thought process, the approach, and how a highly refined painting starts with the roughest of ideas. It makes fine art, good art, feel more attainable. For this reason, I like sharing a sketchbook tour each time I complete one. There has been a lull between my last sketchbook tour for a few reasons. Of course, the move, being sick, breaking my foot, travel, and lots of other things which ate into the time I might steal away to complete a page or two. But, I ended up having more time on my hands when the first

August 23, 2022 9 Comments

Crochet & Knitting Patterns

Selbu mitten knitting tutorial | part two | colorwork

Is anyone knitting selbu mittens along with me? I spent the weekend working on the mitten I’m filming for the tutorial, which was a nice activity given that I’ve been ordered to stay off my foot. I gave several pairs as gifts to friends and family this year, but I still have a few more pairs to make, which is why I’m getting a head start as we start heading into fall. (I wish the weather felt more like fall. I am over the humidity.) Anyway, this post and video are part two of the selbu/nordic mitten knitting tutorial. In this video, we’ll get into colorwork knitting. I’ll show how to start the pattern and how to make increases for the thumb. You can find the selbu mitten knitting tutorial part one HERE. In that post and video, we review the materials, cast on, learn how to work on double-pointed

August 9, 2022 13 Comments

Crochet & Knitting Patterns

Selbu Mitten Knitting Tutorial | Part One

I started making Selbu mittens last year and several people asked if I could make a comprehensive selbu mitten knitting tutorial, so here it is! It’s still in the 90s outside, but if you want to make these for yourself or to give as gifts, it’s nice to get a headstart. Since it’s a process with several steps, I will break this tutorial up into a series of videos and blog posts. These mittens take me about 6-8 hours to make, but I am not a very fast knitter. People who have more streamlined mechanics can probably crank these out faster! If you’re new to knitting Selbu (Norweigian/Scandinavian) Mittens, I would suggest checking out this post as a resource before you get started – Making Selbu Mittens |Tips for Beginners. I’ll reiterate some tips and encouragement here, though. First of all, making mittens might seem intimidating and these selbu mittens

August 4, 2022 11 Comments

Art Supplies

creativity is calling

As you may have guessed, I really miss my studio. It’s not so much that I miss that specific physical space, but I miss having a dedicated place for creative work. As well as a dedicated space to keep all of my creative tools and supplies. But, as they say, missing makes the heart grow fonder. I will enjoy having my own studio space all the more when we close on a new home. Until then, I am making the best of setting up at dining tables and drop-leaf occasional tables and outside. All of my hosts have been supportive and encouraging ever as paintings are drying in their garage, balanced precariously on available surfaces. I have also been trying to focus this time on research, learning, and practice. When you’re in flux, it’s a good time to nurture your creative soul with playtime and refill a depleted well by

July 26, 2022 11 Comments

Artistic Endeavors

Lucy Gwyn Estes Vaughan

One of the best things about sharing parts of my work and life here on this blog is connecting with people of similar interests, kindred spirits, and even extended family. When I was going through my family photos in early 2021 as a part of organizing the house, I came across an article about my third-great-grandmother, Lucy Gwyn Estes Vaughan. I shared that article along with other family photos here on the blog in THIS POST and I received a wonderful e-mail in response. Before I get to the e-mail, Alice J Kyle is really a lovely writer. I love how she closed the 101st birthday tribute with the quote, “She is ‘nearing the journey’s end, where time and eternity blend. Soon she will be stepping ashore and finding it Heaven, be taking a hand and finding it God’s, be waking and finding it Home.’” This was the e-mail I

July 19, 2022 21 Comments

Art

ten days of art | creative play

As I shared in THIS POST, I want to make the most of this season of waiting. One of the things I want to do is take some art classes that had to be set on the back burner when I needed to focus my attention on packing. Now, I am able to find some time to learn, read, and practice. If you know me at all, you know that I am a multi-tasker when it comes to just about everything! I’m usually not reading one book, but several…listening to an audiobook, reading another, and looking at another picture-heavy book for inspiration. I don’t just sit and watch TV, but I watch TV and knit or sketch or sew or get on the floor and stretch. And, when I’m taking an art class, I don’t just take one, but bounce between a few. The class that I’m focusing on the

July 14, 2022 7 Comments

Art Supplies

EdgePro PaintBook easel review | art supplies

A few people have asked me about the easel I have been using in my temporary studio, so I thought I would share a review of it now that I’ve been using it for about a month. EdgePro PaintBook Easel in the large size, walnut finish. I’ve been looking at this easel for a long time, but felt like the one I had was sufficient to bring with me on trips. I paint mostly in my studio, so I didn’t need anything too fancy. (As an FYI, I bought this easel and this review is not sponsored.) For a few years, I’ve been using the , which is a great palette/easel combination for the price ($130.) It adjusts to hold small and large panels, the palette is a nice size, and it has side tables for brushes and accessories. After a few years of use, though, the easel started slipping when

June 29, 2022 12 Comments

Art

pet portraits | creative play

After painting a study of Maud Earl’s American Pointer, I felt confident to tiptoe in the world of pet portraits. I suppose I had to because my mom told me that Sebastian was feeling a little jealous that I was painting other dogs. Then, of course, the kitties also felt a little miffed that I was painting dogs and not their beautiful fluffy faces. I had no idea painting would get me in such hot water. In all seriousness, I’ve wanted to paint our animals for a while and I have taken so many pictures of them that I thought would make good paintings. But there are so many elements of pet portraits that I find intimidating. First of all, there is all of the fur, hair, and whiskers. The coloring can be a challenge to capture as well since there can be so many colors mixed together, as in

June 23, 2022 44 Comments

I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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