I recently completed an art project. I haven't done anything really technically challenging in a long time. And I found myself a little rusty at first but after a while I got my groove back... I haven't had it in a while (like 4 yrs). I have lame excuses for not keeping up with it but the truth is I really need to be doing a little "arting" all the time. So I have committed to myself to make sure I always have a project in the works. The one I just finished was a sign for my parents that has been in my head for years and finally I just had to do it. It was a gift to them for being my wonderful parents yes...but also because they just bought their first home and I'm so proud and happy for them! It is going to hang from the front porch of their beautiful home. 
I made it from a cupboard door that used to be in my kitchen. Joe and I did a little demolition when we bought the place to make room for a refrigerator in the kitchen. Before that it was in an adjoining room (so silly we thought) any way but I asked him to save the doors so that I could art on them when I got a few free minutes. The door was perfect because it was kinda knotty old ply wood but the edges had been beveled so it gave it a little character and I wanted it to look old because it was going to hang on an old house. Below it says "Welcome Home" the picture doesn't quite do it justice.
And the colors were simple they were fall colors which my parents both love and they have recently become infatuated with copper so I decieded to showcase it a little in there name. It was really fun to personalize it to there specific taste. I haven't had so much fun in a long time with art. This felt like a little safer indeavor to dive in after an extended vacation from any serious art.
Some time soon I'll start drawing my favorite subject... people. But for now my new project is painting some of the furniture in my living room. I found this way cool article of a woman who decorated her home with all kinds of colors none of them really matched but the way she used them with eachother made the whole thing make sense. As soon as I saw it I was so excited. The article quoted her saying "For many designers there are rules, for me there are none." And I tell you she was speaking my language!I've got some tweaking to do on the little end table I painted but when I'm satified with it I'll post a picture.
9 comments:
Hey you... I found you on tara's blog. i feel like such a stalker and i love it. that is the coolest sign i have ever seen. I didn't know you were an artist. that was super good. You should do more stuff. have you painted your daughters room yet? you should
Love it! Rachel rocks!
PS- I showed this to James and he is of the same opinion as me. People would pay big bucks for that!
Rachel, I'm so glad that you're getting back into doing art. I was feeling the same about my photography, hence the new camera. Great job on the sign. All of us non-painters have to buy vinyl letters to pull off something that cool, but you're just awesome. I love the quote about the lady about her art not following "rules". I remember at college, while taking photography classes, a lot of people would get bogged down in all the technicalities, and so one of my professors shared a quote from a renouned photographer (whose name escapes me...he he) who said that he doesn't worry about all the rules of composition when taking photographs. "When it feels right, it usually is." So, I feel the same way you do. What was the article that you read? I'm always looking for funky ways to decorate, because I don't like things to be all matchy-matchy either. Love you Rache,
you're my hero!
PS Tell your parents congratulations! That is so exciting for them. I some day hope to be the proud owner of an old house, too. They have more character!
Rachel - that is beautiful! You have such a gift . . . I'm glad you're sharing it :)
Wow! You are good! Glad to have another blogging buddy!!
Baby Girl~
How could I pass up the chance to comment on this one? You already know how I feel about you, all your artistry, and our gorgeous sign you created for us. Mostly, I want to say how deeply moved I am by the love and time that went into it and most of all how relieved and ecstatic I feel that you are "arting" again. I'm so very happy for you, you NEED it so much and the world needs your gift. Lovin' that your friends agree that you could make a sweet living doing what you love but...yes, I know won't go into that. You are precious, thank you for allowing your art back in and for inspiring others with your extraordinary talents. I always think I could not love you more...but every day I do.
Heather, thank you so much and hope you will have your fabulous old house one day! We love ours so much. The rest of you, thanks for encouraging our baby girl, she's amazing!
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