New Work - "Special Delivery"

  Special Delivery  © Barbara A. Freeman

 Graphite and Mixed Media on Film 9 3/4" x 7 5/8"

 

This is the VERY beginning of the new piece, whereas I have the reference photos and a vague idea of how I want to use them.  The setting was inspired by the wonderful tree (aren't they all wonderful?) that's near the trailhead at one of our favorite hiking spots.  I'll be presenting this as a work in progress to show the progression of it. 

The drawing was done on the frosted film, Dura-lar Matte, using a range of graphite pencils with a bit of colored pencil work on the back side of the film.

 

Some of the forest background completed, you can see the detail in the magnifier below.  I use magnification to mostly only check the work at this point, but do use it for adding the fine details near the end.

Below you can also see where I've placed the beginnings of a tiny door.  It seemed a perfect spot with the dark arm above to shelter it.

I've moved further down the tree drawing the bark, mostly from my imagination.  I use the photo reference which I have up on my computer screen, for placement of form, light and shadow.  Sorry about the yellow glow to this one.  I tend to photograph these before I end an evening which can be rather late when my brain has ceased to function! 

I've placed the crow, and two more openings in the tree. Crows are amazing birds and fun to watch.  I can imagine them being messengers for the forest spirits and have used them in my work many times.

There is much more progress here with details of the rocks and twisting roots.   I've also added the scroll for the message delivered by the crow.

 

Now the crow has form and feathers!  I've created the very dark areas of the crow by working on the underside of the film.  As you can see, more work has been done on the bottom of the tree and rock.

More progress on the right side forming the plants and ferns.  I also added folds to the scroll and more detail to the crow.

Almost finished, this time adding subtle color on the underside, to the passageway in the opening of the tree, the upper door and the window. I'm not sure it shows up well in the photos.

 

At last, finishing up with the runes on the scroll and all the last minute details.  I had fun with this, looking up the rune alphabet and making the letter shapes curve with the folds of the scroll.  I really enjoyed watching this one come alive with each session.  These pieces become a meditation for me.  I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progression of Special Delivery! As usual, I'll announce here when this work is in a show.  

I know it has been a long time since my last blog post.  Rest assured, I haven't fallen off the edges of the earth, even though it often feels as though I have.  Taking care of family responsibilities has to take priority.   Wayne and I still have a lot more work to do regarding family, so new artwork will be slower in coming.  I will have work in three miniature art shows coming up.  One show is invitational and a new venue for me, which is exciting.  I will be blogging about them soon with links.  I also have two new miniatures and hope to share them soon!

Until next time, thank you for taking the time to read about my work.  Enjoy this crazy spring!

WIP Fantasy Tree with Nude, "Keeper of the Sphere"

Keeper of the Sphere  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film  7" x 7"

I can't believe I've finally gotten this work finished! I really enjoyed all the aspects in creating this work, but for whatever reason it just seemed to take forever to finish!   As I said in my last post, I am happy with the way the graphite forest, tree and figure turned out.

The above image is from the back side of the film where I've decided to add the Triquetra symbol to the corners to repeat the theme of the central sphere.  The color is done with colored pencil.

After coloring the back of the film, I returned to the front side and added acrylic paint to the sphere and trinity knot symbols.  I've also added highlights on the sphere and her eyes.  I used interference violet on the knots, the circle's outer ring, and the Triquetra in the sphere.  It was not a sunny day yesterday so the first photo above is quite dark.  I was so unhappy with the results that I decided not to publish this yet and instead hope for better light the next day.

Keeper of the Sphere  © Barbara A. Freeman

Graphite and Mixed Media on Film  7" x 7"

Well, I'm happy to say even though it still wasn't very bright this morning, I had much better results in taking the above photo.  There was such a difference between the two I decided to show both to compare. 

I am still thinking of a title.  Some times the work needs to rest and with any luck, it will manifest it's own name.  I want to go with the Neopagan meaning of Triquetra as the three stages of the goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone) or the interconnected parts of our existence (Mind, Body, and Soul).  I like the spiritual, mystical feel of this work which is intentional.  I plan on entering it in a show with the title/theme, ICON.  I think the show will have a very open interpretation with many interesting submissions.  I'm not sure if this work will fit, however, I still want to take a chance on submitting.  Besides, using the show as a challenge gave me an excuse to continue doing work with the female figure in the forest series which I am having so much fun with!  The show isn't until September so it will be a while before I find out anything.  When I do, I'll be sure to announce it here!  In the meantime, it's time to get busy creating miniatures for all the fall deadlines!!

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer and are staying cool! Thanks for taking the time to read about my work.

LiveARTS Bothell Reception Photos and New Work in Progress (WIP)

Here are a few photos of the Artists' Reception and Preview Party from last weekend at LiveARTS Bothell.   There was quite a crowd in the lobby. 

Wayne snapped this shot of me getting my award for First Place in Miniature for my work, Mister Pelican.  When I came back on Sunday after the show to pick up my work, I found out that it had sold!

Above, artists Eden Hopkins and Susan Jones in deep conversation. 

 

This fun photo was being taken at the same time by both Wayne Freeman and Ron Stocke, so we are all directing our eyes at two different cameras!  Starting left, Ursula Stocke, Josey Wise, Barbara Freeman, Janie Olsen and Eden Hopkins.  It was fun meeting up with everyone, all in the same place at the same time.  These talented artists all had work in the show.

What I'm Working on Now...
 
is another graphite and mixed media on film.  It has a female figure in the foreground with one of my fantasy trees behind her.  I have enclosed the image in a circle and will be adding color on the back side of the film, the border of the circle, her body color and the sphere.

I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do with the central sphere she is holding.  I have a lot of ideas but I'll wait to see what she wants to do with it.  This drawing has taken a lot longer than I thought it would.  The tree is always the easiest part, the figure, not so easy for me.   Right now I am making some corrections to the arm and hand.  I may add something to the four corners, I haven't decided yet.  I like the vision so far.  I do have a competition in mind to enter it into if it's finished in time.  It may be a long shot as you never know if your work will fit the theme or if the juror will like it.  However, when I head about this show, I was inspired to create this new work with that goal in mind. To me the inspiration and creation of the work are what's important!  Until next time, thanks for taking the time to read about my work.  Enjoy your summer!

April - Mystical Realm Art Show - Renton WA

Our Neck of the Woods © Barbara A. Freeman

Colored Pencil on Acid-free Film, 11" x 8"

The Mystical Realm Art Show at Happy Delusions in Renton, WA opens this week and will feature over 20 local artists. My fantasy tree, Our Neck of the Woods will be included! The theme of the show is

"based on the magical land where Unicorns roam free on the grassy plains with the Jackalope's. Fairies and Gnomes tend to the wild flowers and mushrooms of the forest where witches live in bone and candy houses. Trolls hide under bridges to torment travelers, troublesome spirits haunt rivers and lakes to lure passersby to a watery grave. Narwhals fight epic battles with ancient creatures in the deeps of the oceans and the castles in the sky float by without taking notice."

I think this work is a perfect fit! The show will be hung at Happy Delusions, 924 South 3rd Street in Renton, (map), from April 1st through April 29th. The Artists' Reception is Friday, April 1st, from 5-9 PM. It's sounds like a great time and a very interesting, fun show! I'm looking forward to it and hope to see you there! Remember to support your local artist!