joyful studio

art bullsh*t

2012-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have struggled with the fact that art school seems to be a good 50%-85% lessons in bull-shittery. But this web site is GENIUS!

artybollocks generator

abstract art

2012-02-05T13:27:00.000-08:00

Even though I LOVE painting people (because, well, I LOVE people!), I occasionally like to let go about make abstract art. Here is an example:

I have a few others in my etsy shop, too. I feel like they would make a great little instant collection, if displayed together.

texture

2012-02-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

it really DOES snow in Portland!

2012-02-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

(Just not very much, and not very often... Just the way I like it!)

West Coast Beard and Mustache Competition

2012-02-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

So a couple of weeks ago I had the extreme pleasure of attending the West Coast Beard and Mustache Competition at the Crystal Ballroom here in Portland, OR! It was my first time attending, and SO MUCH FUN! Although it started a little late, all of the contestants put on a great show!

We got there early and waited in line. Thank goodness it wasn't raining. :)

In fact, the sun was *really* shining on Raul!

We got seats upstairs at first, and watched the crowds pour in...

My friend Summer got mustaches for us to wear so we wouldn't feel left out!

Here I am, sporting mine:

Raul is always sporting his:

And THIS guy was sporting quite the outfit!

The contestants were working the crowd for support:

And if you haven't been to the Crystal Ballroom, you should really try to go. It's one of my favorite venues in Portland...

The man next to me won 3rd place in his category:

And, of course, Raul got some swag while we were there:

We had such a great time, and definitely plan on going again next year. In fact, I found out they have a competition for the women, too, and I'm already planning my beard design!

notes to self

2012-02-03T11:51:00.001-08:00

new custom portrait

2012-01-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

So before Christmas I got another request for a custom portrait... Which is something I LOVE doing. But this one was a little different. It was a gift. For a teenage girl. Who is also an artist. These three facts put additional stress on me!

Because:
a). It was a gift.
People typically buy art they love, they they are drawn to... sometimes compelled to own! But giving art as a gift can be tricky. Art you may love, someone else might detest, and vice versa.

b). It was for a teenage girl.
Teenage girls are probably harder on themselves than any other group of people! I would only want to improve her self-esteem with the painting. I'd have to make SURE it was really, really good...and flattering. ;)

c). She is an artist herself.
She will have her own sensibilities and... (now I'M the one being insecure!) what if she doesnt' like it?!

Her father sent several reference photos to choose from, from the are of 4 until about 15. I hemmed and hawed (the four year old picture was DARLING!), but finally chose one from when she was 12-13. I worked very conscientiously and this is how it turned out:

I thought it was soo sweet! And I mailed it off to her dad a couple of weeks before Christmas. So I waited, on pins and needles, until after she opened it on Christmas morning, to hear her response. Here is a just a bit from the note I received from her dad:

"Thanks again Julie, she was ALL LIT UP when she got this : )"

And THAT made my day!

p.s. Get your own custom watercolor and ink portrait in my etsy shop. (And of course, it makes a great gift, too!)

a sneak peek into my painting process.

2011-12-15T16:45:00.000-08:00

I remember being in my early twenties when I asked my friend Brian - a singer, guitar player, and song writer, with awe, admiration and wonder, how he created a song. He just laughed at me and blew me off. He wasn't a jerk (well, most of the time!), but now that I am making art full time, I think I know why he didn't answer: it's not easy to explain the creative process.

It's one part inspiration, one part skill, and one part mystery. There's also tenacity (many extraordinarily talented people simply don't make anything.)

But the other day a friend of mine said to me, "I don't know how you do it: the way you catch the expression in people's eyes... It's just...amazing!"

It was so sweet! And, of course, made me feel great. But I thought I'd share with all of you some of my "process." These photos are taken of a custom portrait I did of my oldest daughter. She has a great sense of humor, and so I took the first photo of the painting to text to her (she goes to college in CA), because it looked a little... well... funny! But then I decided to document the process. Here goes!

The photo I used as a reference:

And this is the first photo I took to send to her to make her laugh (I was tempted to tell her this was the finished product!):

As you can see, I've started with some undertones in her skin.

Here I've added undertones in her hair -- which is really curly:

This next one is a pretty big jump -- I've filled in her shirt, and more of her skin and hair:

She loves makeup, so I had to add more to the eyes:

But she is an olive-skinned, dark-haired beauty, so I darkened up her eyebrows and hair a bit:

And when it was all dry, it looked like this:

The colors do dry a bit more muted, so remember that while you're mixing colors and during the painting process. As you may have noticed, I used the inside page of a vintage book cover. I typically use these for my portraits. It not only pays homage to my love of books, but I think it also adds an extra level of interest and depth.

I can paint your portrait (or someone you love) any time. Just come to my etsy store for all the details. I'll have another set of photos showing my process again later this week. Thanks for looking!

because I'm in love...

2011-12-14T09:56:00.000-08:00

my favorite advice, to artists young and old:

2011-12-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

my favorite song, right now...

2011-12-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

all hands on deck!

2011-11-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

I found my first sketchbook from college the other day, and was surprised, delighted, and at times a little embarrassed about what I found inside. But mostly it just brought back so many wonderful memories. The only sweeter might be if I found my middle school diary. ;)

In my first ever drawing class we had to draw hands, over and over and over and... well, you get the idea. But my teacher really liked "my hands" and used them as an example to everyone else in the class. Being the kind of girl who always likes to get A's, I kind of (okay, REALLY) liked that.

So here they are, for those of you who like drawings of hands... (and who...doesn't?!)

custom art portraits

2011-11-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

Why, hello there, world!

I am so excited to announce that I am now offering custom, unique portraits -- of you and/or your furry pets! People have been commissioning portraits from me for quite some time, and now you can easily get yours:

custom portraits by julie tillman

custom fine art portraits

Click here for Custom Pet Portraits

As I love to do, these portraits are made on the inside covers of discarded, upcycled vintage library book covers. They are unique, and 100% one-of-a-kind.

new art for sale

2011-11-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

I've got quite a few new listings over in my etsy shop. If you haven't stopped by in a while, these are some of the things you might find...

I'm calling her Jenna, and I love her so much she'll be hanging on my wall until she goes to her new home.

Portrait of a Lady, on the Prince and the Pauper

Creepy dangling doll feet, anyone? Yes, yes please.

The girl with the red balloons.

Oh, and there's more. Much more. Of course, sometimes these things sell within 24 hours of me listing them. So if you like something, I might suggest you get it while you can. :)

my friday...

2011-10-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

pretty much consisted of two things:

http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6809414-julie-tillman

and

http://pinterest.com/joyfulstudio/

Wowza.

Way.
Too.
Much.
FUN!!

Check 'em out... and follow or friend me if you do!? Pretty please? See you there...

a xerox of my face. (yes, really!)

2011-10-28T14:33:00.003-07:00

My Answers to the Proust Questionnaire

2011-10-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

I posted this on my facebook page and asked others to fill it out, too. I'm looking forward to their answers... And yours! If you post/blog/share your answers somewhere, please comment here and I will take a look.

I did this back in 2008, and thought I should update my answers because A LOT has changed in my life; but most answers (surprisingly? probably not) stayed the same/similar...

---

Your favorite virtue:

Hope.

Your favorite qualities in a man:

Honesty. Loyalty. Humor. Drive. Passion. Talent.

Your favorite qualities in a woman:

Tenacity. Loyalty. Humor. A big heart. The ability to laugh at oneself and the world. Confidence. Trustworthiness. Verve. Passion. Talent.

Your chief characteristic:

Optimism.

What you appreciate the most in your friends:

Reliability. Kindness. Laughter. A good hugger.

Your main fault:

Michael Scott said it best: "Guess what. I have faults. What are they? Oh I don't know. I sing in the shower? Sometimes I volunteer too much time? Occasionally, I'll hit somebody with my car. So sue me. No, wait - don't sue me. That's the opposite of the point that I'm trying to make."

But seriously... at times: insecurity. I hate that and thought I'd grown out of it. Life circumstances seem to want to test me, however. And sensitivity -- But it can also be an asset at times.

Your favourite occupation:

Laughing with my daughters or making art or holding hands with my man. They all=pure joy.

Your idea of happiness:

Being the best mom I can possibly be. Making a (at least a comfortable) living doing what I love. Making art. Laughing. Loving. Great friends. Traveling. New experiences. Becoming a better person. Growing. Thinking. Learning!

Your idea of misery:

To be without my children, my loved ones. Loneliness.

If not yourself, who would you be?

Louise Bourgeois in 1930.

Where would you like to live?

I live EXACTLY where I want to live (it just took me 30+ years to find it/figure it out!): Portland, OR. Close behind: San Francisco, CA. Los Angeles, CA. Austin, TX.

Your favourite colour and flower:

I hate picking favorites, but if forced, I'd say the color red, and pretty much any white flower (though the more fragrant and large, the better! Gardenia, magnolia, peonies.)

Your favorite prose authors:

Anne Lamott. Laurie Notaro. Wally Lamb. I admit a preference for nonfiction.

Your favorite poets:

Mike Meraz.

Your favorite heroes in fiction:

Inman.

Your favorite heroines in fiction:

Dolores Price. Elinor and Marianne Dashwood.

Your favorite painters and composers:

Amedeo Mogiliani. Lucian Freud. Walton Ford.

Rachael Yamagata. Sam Cooke. Eddie Vedder.

Your heroes in real life:

My teachers. My man.

Your favorite heroines in real life:

My daughters. Myself. My Aunt Rita.

What characters in history do you most dislike:

Hitler. Duh.

Your heroines in World history:

Eleanor Roosevelt. Kathe Kolwitz. Tina Fey. Any strong woman taking charge of her life and living on her own terms, contributing positively to the world.

Your favorite food and drink:

Carne Asada Tacos. Sushi. Wild Strawberry Crystal Light, water, or wine.

Your favorite names:

What a strange question? Benjamin and Lily? Jefferson and Ellie.

What I hate the most:

Racism. Classism. Elitism. All the bad ism's. Homophobia. Pretentiousness.

The military event I admire the most:

Osama Bin Ladden's death.

The reform I admire the most:

Umm... environmental conservation/preservation?

The natural talent I'd like to be gifted with:

Sharp wit. Drive.

How I wish to die:

Surrounded by the people I love most. And old. Very, VERY Old! ;)

What is your present state of mind:

Happiness. Gratitude. And some worry.

For what fault have you most toleration?

Forgetfulness.

Your favorite motto:

Live with joy.

Play in the puddles.

Chase rainbows.

Expect the best.

searching for the searchers...

2011-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

I read this years ago and it has had this sort of haunting, continued effect on my life. It's powerful and truthful. I wish I had written it. I hope you enjoy it.

"Some people do not have to search -
they find their niche early in life and rest there, seemingly contented and resigned.
They do not seem to ask much of life,
sometimes they do not seem to take it seriously.
At times I envy them,
but usually I do not understand them -
seldom do they understand me.

I am one of the searchers.
There are, I believe, millions of us.
We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life,
hoping to uncover its ultimate secret.
We continue to explore ourselves,
hoping to understand.

We like to walk along the beach -
we are drawn by the ocean,
taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty.
We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well.

Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter.
To share our sadness with the one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know -
unless it is to share our laughter.

We searchers are ambitious only for life itself,
for everything beautiful it can provide.
Most of all we want to love and be loved.
We want to live in a relationship that will not impede
our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls.

We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love.
We are wanderers, dreamers and lovers,
lonely souls who dare ask of life everything good and
beautiful."

-- James Kavanaugh

24 Hour Church of Elvis

2011-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

I love living in Portland for many reasons, but one is the fact that if you venture outside and do things, you will likely come across something that surprises you (like 5000 people on a naked bike ride, a guy on a unicycle playing the Star Wars theme song on the bagpipes, or a view of Mt. Saint Helens you forgot was so close because most days are so cloudy!).

But the other day, the man and I were going to Hamburger Mary's for lunch, and we happened upon a place that I'd heard rumors about, but was never really sure it existed:

The 24 Hour Church of Elvis!

As soon as we saw it we started gawking and taking pictures like tourists (that's another thing I find Portland will do to you -- turn you into a tourist in your own town! There is always so much to see and explore! Okay. I'll try to stop using exclamation points. But, damn, I love this city!) And of course, when we came home I looked up more info on this special little spot (that you can see for yourself at 408 N.W. Couch in downtown PDX). What a wonderful little labor of love.

And it's artsy and quirky and made with love. And that is what this city is made of.

I heart you, Portland. Por Vida.

I wish I could get paid to shop on Etsy...

2011-10-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

I wish I could get paid to shop on Etsy, but as far as I know, that's not a profession. Not a profession that pays, anyway. ;) But I have had a lot of fun making Treasuries on Etsy. They are small collections of things I like, want, admire, etc.

I'm encouraging everyone I know to shop handmade and/or recycled, and Etsy is a great place to begin. Here are a few of the things I love; maybe you'll find some inspiration, too...

Beasts of Beauty

These are a few of my favorite things...

On Paper

Good Things Come in Pairs

Vintage Love, and a Little Bit More...

Green Noise Records

2011-09-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite record store in Portland, OR, Green Noise Records, moved recently from SE Clinton to 3840 SE Gladstone (near the corner of Gladstone and Cesar Chavez Blvd. Saturday night they had a grand re-opening party (with free pizza and free beer!). While my boyfriend bought a Tim Armstrong CD/DVD and a Drifters 45.

The vibe in the store is so cool. The owner, Ken, is a super nice, approachable guy who LOVES music. He also owns a punk rock record label called Dirt Nap Records.

Anyway, the most exciting part of MY night was winning this awesome Green Noise / Dirt Nap bag!

two new listings in my shop...

2011-09-19T00:26:00.000-07:00

I recently added two new pieces of art in my Etsy Shop:

This original illustration on recycled / repurposed cardboard is $40

This little Frida Kahlo print of my original painting / illustration is $50.

I sure hope you'll stop by and take a look at these, and all of my art for sale!

Hello Etsy Portland!

2011-09-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the Hello Etsy Portland and it was amazing! So inspirational and informative. We started the day with some helpful breathing exercises, and a reminder that the happiest people tend to:

Be Grateful.
Have a Sense of Being Loved/Belonging.
Have a Sense of Purpose.

For my first session of the day, I went to a DIY web site building workshop with Isaac Watson (http://www.ibwatson.com). He was incredibly personable, smart, and helpful.

After that we attended the Keynote Address with Duane Sorenson (@stumptowncoffee) and Rebecca Pearcy (@QueenBeeInc). Duane is so funny! And smart and passionate about coffee (I think I heard the word "coffee" more times in that one hour than I have in the entire last year! But in a good way.). My favorite quote from Duane was "Treat people not as you want to be treated, but better." So true! And Rebecca reminded us to "make sure you're still enjoying what you're doing" and "What do you want out of your business or your craft?...That will inform a lot about what you do."

Rebecca Pearcy (@QueenBeeInc) Duane Sorenson (@stumptowncoffee) and Diane Gilleland (@SisterDiane)

After lunch we came back to Session 3, where I went to Kim Werker's "Ugly Can Be Mighty" (www.mightyugly.com) workshop. This woman is so awesome. Her passion for what she does was so contagious. She asked us to write down what we think is holding us back. After we did, she asked us how we would feel if those things didn't exist. I wrote down:

Legit!
Successful.
Happier.
Accomplished!

That's powerful stuff.

The session of the day I went to Bloom Where You Are Planted, which was presented by husband and wife team, Betsy Cross and William Cervarich (from http://www.betsyandiya.com/blog/ -- follow them on Twitter @BetsyandIya) These two people are truly an inspiration. It's obvious they work hard every day for their success, but some of the most important keys to their success (based on what they shared with our workshop), are:

1. Enthusiasm: It's about heart. You have to believe in your work more than anyone else. Be genuine. Be committed. Become what you want to be. Work your ass off.
2. Personal Relationships. It's about building genuine personal relationships with other people.
3. Planning & Scrapping the Plan. This is something I learned on my road trip this summer: Make Plans, But Be Flexible.
4. Roadblocks. Sometimes you'll hit them, but if you go with the flow, you might be surprised by the fact that they can lead you in a better direction.
5. Taking the Leap! At the end of the day, you just have to jump. It never feels safe.

One little tidbit I learned about (that feels like insider information for Etsy sellers) can be found at http://www.etsy.com/surprise -- Check it out!

And as one last bonus:
You can watch videos from the event here: http://www.livestream.com/etsy

I will definitely attend every Hello Etsy event I possibly can, and recommend you do the same. :)

Band Of Horses

2011-09-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

So I got to see Band of Horses last Sunday at the Pioneer Courthouse Square! It was definitely one of the best shows I've ever been too. I've seen video of them live, but they are way better actually live. I don't know how that can be true, but it is.

They looked great, too!

My awesome boyfriend got a setlist at the end of the show! Yay!

He had a great time, I swear. He just doesn't like having his picture taken (and I'm constantly making him do it!)

I can't wait...

2011-09-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

So these last few days I've been thinking... I can't wait for the day when I finish my degree and can start teaching kids. Kids who need someone like me in their lives. Someone who cares. And is happy. And wants to make a difference.

And then I started thinking about it: Why wait? So I've been looking for a new job -- one where I can make a difference, and not just serve someone fried food and booze. There are plenty of worse jobs than waiting tables, that's for sure! But life is too short. I won't be done with school for another two years or so, and I want to start making a difference NOW.

So I'm shining up my resume, and doing some research. I've found one company in particular that I REALLY want to work for, so please... wish me luck!

p.s.

2011-08-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I'm trying to clean out my studio before school starts (in just 8 days! Yipes!)

So for 4 days: FREE Shipping on my Etsy items (only)! Use Code FREESHIP

guy in glasses and a hat on awesomely nerdy science paper!

2011-08-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

I've got one of my prints up for auction on eBay today. He's a cute guy in glasses and a hat, printed on a super nerdy/awesome science book page. I'm trying to clear out my studio, so the bidding starts at just $7!

new! one of a kind prints of my art now available

2011-08-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

More and more people have been asking for prints of my work. I wanted to make them available, but I also wanted the work to continue to offer truly unique, one of a kind art. Many of the portraits I create are on the inside covers of discarded library books, and/or just old books in general.

So one morning the idea came to me; make prints (with high quality, 100 year inks/pigments) on the inside *pages* of these same books!

Edges may be torn. And there will almost certainly be marks left previous to my printing on the pages. Sometimes there will be text. Or illustrations. Or stickers. Or other surprises. I feel these things add to the beauty of my original artwork, as well as add an extra layer of interest in each individual print. I hope you agree. :) Look closely, and you will discover more each time!

Here are just a few examples...

The Girl With Sadness in Her Eyes

I sure hope you"ll stop by my Etsy Shop and see them all!

even more etsy goodness!

2011-08-19T09:34:00.000-07:00

So I had so much fun creating my first Treasury on Etsy, I decided to make another one! This one is called "good things come in pairs: a treasury of twins" It's really sweet, quirky, and delightful! I hope you'll stop by and check it out.

I was also so very pleased to be included in another Etsy Treasury: "The Lines that Define Us." It was my illustration, Thomas G.

(Which is now also available as a print!)

Also, if you enjoy my art, please stop by and "like" JoyfulStudio on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/JoyfulStudio/114895178551861

And "follow" me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/joyfulstudio

Happy Friday, everyone! Have a GREAT weekend!

etsy goodness!

2011-08-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I had way too much fun creating my first ever Etsy Treasury! I do hope that you will go check it out. It's inspired by my love of art and animals (and likely stemming from the fact that I can't have pets in my current place - but I MISS having a dog sooo much!)

Also, I've listed a few new items in my shop, and I am now shipping to Australia, as well! Please stop by, and if you can't buy today, please <3 your favorites!

I found this in one of my sketchbooks...

2011-07-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

I found this in one of my sketchbooks this morning, and I immediately wanted to share it with you...

"When you look at the history of art, you see a history of mavericks -- people doing the wrong thing. I wish that I saw more artists doing the wrong thing. That's really more in the spirit of the art that I love." -- Fred Tomaselli

I hope this touches something in you, as it did for me... xo

my advice for today...

2011-07-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

never apologize for being an artist.

esty treasuries

2011-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am sooo excited! This morning I woke up to discover that two of my pieces have been included in two separate Etsy Treasuries. Today is a good day!

This first, "Guy in Glasses, I," was included in a treasury called "Portlandia Rocks: A collection of highly creative Portland Oregon Etsy Member's shops featuring delightful items for your paroozing and purchase!" by cre8ive1:

(Check out the treasury here.)

The second, called "Girl in Glasses with a Skinny Tie," was included in a treasury put together by nonsenseandstuff called "pdx pazzaz: A collection of rainy day inspired portland designs."

(See this treasury here.)

I'm not only excited to be included, but I'm even happier to be included with so many other talented Portland-based artists. I <3 PDX!

new art for sale

2011-07-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am trying to reduce my inventory, so I'm listing a few pieces on eBay... I'm starting with this one:

Click here for more info, or to bid! :)

show at FAB PDX

2011-07-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

The show I am in at FAB PDX looks great! Mercy McNab did an amazing job of curating and hanging the show. We had a very exciting and well-attended opening night, and the show will be hanging for the next few weeks. So stop by and take a look at all the amazing art.

(Can you tell I was having fun? And no -- it wasn't just the wine!) ;)

All Female Artist's Showcase

2011-07-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

I am super excited and proud to be included in a new art show at FAB PDX (see details at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198341916884002). I submitted a Frida Khalo portrait to be included in the show (photos to follow), but with 20 or so other women artists, and several woman-owned businesses showing up, this will be an art opening not to be missed! I hope you can make it.

what? me? twitter?

2011-06-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

yep. it was bound to happen. so come on, let's follow each other: http://twitter.com/joyfulstudio

summer painting series

2011-06-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have some extra time on my hands this summer, so I decided to create a series of portraits on discarded library book covers (not something that's new for me) of famous people (artists, actors, musicians, etc.) who have influenced my life and my art.

I started with Louise Bourgeois...

(available in my etsy shop)

Below is a list of the people I plan to draw this summer. As each one becomes available for sale (a summer art bargain for $50-$150 each!) I will link their names to the shop where they are located. I am definitely open to other suggestions, too.

Buddy Holly
Amedeo Modigliani
Frida Kahlo - (currently in a show, but can be purchased at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198341916884002)
Ira Glass
Louise Bourgeois
Wilhelmina Cooper
Kathe Kollwtiz
Diane Arbus
Rivers Cuomo
Beck
Corinne Bailey Rae
Dolly Parton
Marilyn Monroe
Joe Purdy
Lee Dorsey
Andy Cohen
Nina Simone
Regina Spektor - (currently in a show, but can be purchased at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198341916884002)
Elvis
Richie Valens
Otis Redding
Sam Cooke
Hank Williams
Oscar Wilde
Patsy Cline
W.B. Yeats
Shakespeare
Loretta Lynn
Virginia Woolf
Nat King Cole
Sylvia Plath
Johnny Cash
Tina Fey
Carl Perkins
Lucille Ball
Ella Fitzgerald
Bethenny Frankel
Billie Holiday
Woody Guthrie
Edgar Allen Poe
Anias Nin
Khalil Gibran
Jane Austen
Eleanor Roosevelt
Helen Keller
e.e. cummings
Langston Hughes
Chris Martin

So please stay tuned! :)

mixed-media book cover

2011-06-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

For sale on Etsy.

another large painting for sale on etsy

2011-06-10T05:09:00.000-07:00

I added another painting ~~for sale on etsy.~~ Sold!

new painting for sale on etsy

2011-06-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

See more pictures and get all the info here.

from a night of fun and tomfoolery!

2011-06-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

another photograph from above.

2011-06-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

from my trip to the Portland Zoo.

2011-06-07T05:33:00.000-07:00

a goodnight moon, goodnight stars view from my dining room window.

2011-06-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

VooDoo Doughnuts are arguably the best doughnuts on the planet.

2011-06-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Portland Japanese Gardens

2011-06-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

a scene from an upstairs window...

2011-06-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

pen sketch for future watercolor painting

2011-06-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

3 new paintings/illustrations/mixed-media pieces for sale. :)

2011-06-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

Find them all, and more!, at joyfulstudio.etsy.com

lady in purple

2011-06-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

This sketch eventually became my first Egg Tempera painting... I'll post it as soon as I get it back from the show it's hanging in.

pen and ink illustration

2011-05-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

four children's book inspired sketches

2011-05-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

watercolor / drawing of Portland's Fremont Bridge

2011-05-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

more sketchbook goodies

2011-05-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

I found my sketchbook from last fall, and decided to share a few more...

sketchbook squiggles 7

2011-05-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

my morning inspiration, x2.

2011-05-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 6

2011-05-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 5

2011-05-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 4

2011-05-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 3

2011-05-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 2

2011-05-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

sketchbook squiggles 1

2011-05-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

sketchbook collage 5

2011-05-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

nude illustration collage

2011-05-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

sketchbook collage 4

2011-05-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

sketchbook collage 3

2011-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

sketchbook collage 2

2011-05-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

sketchbook collage from spring 2011

2011-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

So over the next few days I'm going to be sharing a few of my favorite items from my sketchbook from the spring semester 2011. I hope you enjoy them!

it's good to be in love.

2011-05-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

anti-smoking PSA

2011-05-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

We were asked to create an anti-smoking PSA for one of my illustration finals this spring. This is mine.

i LOVE portland

2011-04-23T01:28:00.000-07:00

My camera is not the greatest, but the view walking over the Burnside Bridge is!

Printed matter show at PNCA.

2011-04-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

PNCA currently has an exhibition up that is definitely worth seeing: Learn to Read Art: A History of Printed Matter. It closes June 17th, so come by and check it out!

Some things look better sideways.

2011-04-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

More art for sale on eBay

2011-03-31T10:49:00.000-07:00

The last auctions went so well, I've added a couple more pieces today with more to come!

new listings on ebay today...

2011-03-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

#'s1-7 in my Series of Semi-Important Men were all listed on eBay today. Please take a look... and buy one (or more!) if they tickle your fancy! :)

Guest Article - A Letter to the Student of Painting

2011-03-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

The following was written in 2002 by a talented painter and teacher, Charles Philips Brooks -- someone I am proud to call my friend. His message is kind and poignant and much needed to most every student of painting (and/or the arts.) I am grateful to share it with you here...

A Letter to the Student of Painting

Your day contains a great measure of freedom. Your responsibility as a painter is here within the walls of the studio and in the setting of the landscape. You have the opportunity to exercise genuine mastery at every step, and it is in this spirit of grand possibility that I hope you will reflect on the advice made plain here.

Do not grieve too long for the troubles of the outside world. There is important work to be done here. We can best express our care for all others by attending to our work well.

Allow yourself the peace of purpose and the knowledge that to make another attempt with the brush is a noble thing. If you accept the discipline of the truest principles of art, then yours is the reward of an unbroken line of tradition.

Therefore, you may earnestly free your mind of all heartaches, sadness, and transitory despairs. Creation is above these things.

Your vocation is as real and as true as any other. Those who denounce the artist as idle manifest a deep ignorance of the nature of art. Have faith that the civilized will somewhere, at some time, value your well-wrought works. It is a miracle that the world keeps its havens for art and yet it does. Know that to create art is to do a necessary piece of work. The most noble pleasures and measureless joys result from such endeavors. True art is undeniable and it is a gift for all humanity.

The threefold responsibility of the artist is: to creation, the individual talent, and to humanity. For creation, the whole of nature, we must cultivate prayerful awe. This is our source of work and our refuge as well. We should seek harmony with nature. For the individual talent, long hours and years of steady industry hope to find our abilities fulfilled, our minds, hearts, and hands put to valuable service. In this way, we maintain the sanctity of art. Lastly, we make to humanity a willing gift of all we do. Our control over the material world lasts only a lingering moment and it takes a generous soul to build the ambition of a lifetime and then to hand it over in trust to the future.

Painting requires the bravery of solitude. Painting requires disciplined labor. To be a painter is to search the world with a benevolent eye for every subtle beauty that the infinite world offers.

Here is the opportunity to give your honest effort and to add in any small way to the legacy of art. Cultivate patience in your heart and you will improve. Learn to see well and your hand will become sure.

No pain or doubt can invade the honest soul engaged in the communion of creation. We artists must love the world with our deepest selves and forgive it at every turn.

To paint even a little passage with a measure of quality is to achieve a life’s triumph.

Spend your days wisely with the best thoughts and works of those who have walked the road before you. Search their paths, their timeless inspirations, and the lineage of their genius. Learn your craft well and your talent will mature into its full possibility. Keep an obedient heart before nature. She is the master above all other masters. Nature is the concrete manifestation of all that remains true and sublime. Let us always be thankful for her abundance and hopeful that we might approach her in our art. Nature will renew every generation of painters, ready to illuminate the minds of those who practice the art with what is calm, rational, beautiful, sublime, and eternal.

Such is the purity of your vocation. Treat every moment before the easel as a quick and tender opportunity. Invest your most noble self. Give your most noble self. To be a painter is to enjoy a precious state of life. - 2002

For more information, see:

charlesphilipbrooks.com

And/or:

Imperial Centre Painting Studio

5 minute sketch

2011-03-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

Proof it doesn't rain ALL winter long in Portland

2010-12-23T22:01:00.000-08:00

I <3 Portland.

2010-12-23T15:04:00.000-08:00

sprinkles and twinkles

2010-12-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

and a self-portrait

2010-12-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

for a book project I'm working on over break...

2010-12-21T14:46:00.000-08:00

I'm making a parody/satire of the children's book "Everyone Poops" called "Everyone Masturbates." Mine, obviously, is NOT a children's book. I hope to have it ready for purchase by 01.17.11

more family portraits...

2010-12-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

because sometimes you just have to get out and have some FUN!

2010-12-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

In the midst of finals, and making myself a little crazy making 13 paintings, 13 illustrations, writing an 8 page paper, and creating a self-portrait map (not to mention working and trying to be a good mom and trying to keep the laundry and dishes clean! Oh, and selling my car via craigslist! Not the brightest idea I've had. It sold for full price, but the timing was all wrong) I decided to take my amazing boyfriend to my friend Cat's birthday party. We had a GREAT time, and the festivities were sooo good for my soul.

a nude from my painting for illustrators class...

2010-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Family Portraits...

2010-12-20T12:11:00.000-08:00

I did a series of 13 family portraits for my painting class last semester. Here are just a few (with more to come later!) ...

my favorite line from cormac mccarthy's "the road"

2010-12-06T12:19:00.001-08:00

"Freeze this frame. Now call down your dark and your cold and be damned."

shop small with a BIG heart.

2010-11-27T07:34:00.000-08:00

(this includes local artists, too!) :)

my dad

2010-11-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

This is a postcard-sized painting I did of my dad when he was a boy. It's for a series I started 11/15/10 called "family portraits." More to come...

bohemian rhapsody

2010-11-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

I've called myself an adventurer, a pioneer, a hobo, and a gypsy. But I think I've finally discovered what I truly am: A Bohemian.

"To take the world as one finds it, the bad with the good, making the best of the present moment—to laugh at Fortune alike whether she be generous or unkind—to spend freely when one has money, and to hope gaily when one has none—to fleet the time carelessly, living for love and art—this is the temper and spirit of the modern Bohemian in his outward and visible aspect. It is a light and graceful philosophy, but it is the Gospel of the Moment, this exoteric phase of the Bohemian religion; and if, in some noble natures, it rises to a bold simplicity and naturalness, it may also lend its butterfly precepts to some very pretty vices and lovable faults, for in Bohemia one may find almost every sin save that of Hypocrisy. ...

His faults are more commonly those of self-indulgence, thoughtlessness, vanity and procrastination, and these usually go hand-in-hand with generosity, love and charity; for it is not enough to be one’s self in Bohemia, one must allow others to be themselves, as well. ...

What, then, is it that makes this mystical empire of Bohemia unique, and what is the charm of its mental fairyland? It is this: there are no roads in all Bohemia! One must choose and find one’s own path, be one’s own self, live one’s own life."
-- Gelett Burgess

Or, as defined in The American College Dictionary as "a person with artistic or intellectual tendencies, who lives and acts with no regard for conventional rules of behavior."

Yep. I like that. That fits me.

3 new works

2010-10-26T08:29:00.001-07:00

Amedeo Modigliani

2010-10-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

it's official!

2010-09-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am now officially a student at pnca! I am soooo happy and I LOVE my new school. Here is a quick drawing I did today in my Illustration: Word & Image class...

qotd

2010-09-08T21:36:00.001-07:00

‎"I am standing at the edge of a precipice, but it's a wonderful view." -- Tracey Emin

new place

2010-08-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

I moved into a new place about 3 months ago, and I LOVE it. I feel like the luckiest girl in Portland for snatching up my cute little apt. It's cheap, it's got a fireplace, a washer and drier, a balcony I can bbq on, and views to die for. Plus it's closer to my school (PNCA) where I'll be starting in 10 DAYS! I am really excited.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my views with you today...

My camera is NOT great, but that is the Willamatte River and Ross Island Bridge you see there. Happy. Happy. Happy!

new work listed on etsy

2010-06-17T22:17:00.000-07:00

I have 7 new portraits listed on Esty today. Please take a look. :)

And here are a few examples...

the little things... (a.k.a. kind words go a long way!)

2010-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am an artist. I love to draw and paint and collage. It's cathartic and brings me joy (hence the name!) But as my day job, while I am in school, I wait tables. I enjoy my job, because I love people so much. But like anything else, it's not always easy. A couple of weeks ago, I was have having a tough night, but (as always) I tried not to let my customers know it. And then... I got this:

It made my night. It made my week! Yeah, they left me a nice tip, too... But this meant even more. Thanks Don & Helena. :)

if i could be reincarnated into any animal, i would be a sloth!

2010-05-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

i <3 sloths!

Meet the sloths from Amphibian Avenger on Vimeo.

13+13

2010-04-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

In my watercolor class I am working on two simultaneous projects: 13 more portraits on book covers...

And a series of 13 miniature portraits I'm calling "Semi-important Men in History."...

These are just 2.5"x3.5".

There are 13 weeks in my semester, so one portrait for each series per week. I am having so much fun with these... I hope you enjoy them, as well!