Kelly Jeanette Swift

For the first time in a long time I have today off. I thought about actually getting out to shop, but after seeing something like this online I decided to stay in and make art. I hope those of you venturing out have a good and safe day.

So, here is the finished painting That Lingering Melody.  I also wanted to show some close ups so you can see the textures in the painting. They are not really visible in the photo. You would have to see this painting in person to really get a feel for it. It is a mixed media piece using heavy body and fluid acrylic paint, Valspar paint, molding paste for the texture, silver ink, gold and orange spray craft paint (the good kind). As I said I used molding paste for the texture. I also used a square stamp, Color Shine glitter spray paint, sponge painting, and my fingers, using traditional paint brushes, sponges, and throwing paint onto the canvas. I am really pleased with this painting. It has become one of my favorites because of the colors and textures, as well as the techniques I used to create it. I had a lot of fun with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EncR_T0faKM&list=WL0A3117ED5606BEB7  I tried this once. Placing my canvas on the floor and moving around it dipping and splashing paint like Pollack did. I found it fun and freeing, but also frustrating because the paint wanted to pool too much. I guess that had to do with the way the canvas was produced. Paper is much better to use. But not just any paper. Water color paper buckles too much, so I recommend Arches cover paper.  http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-G-159-370 (For some reason the video will not load, so just click on the link.)

My newest attempt. I really loved the process in creating this painting. So, I am starting another one and hope for similar results. Beginning a new painting is always a scary but exciting event. At first there is a image in the head of what you want. Then it takes on a life of it's own and does what it wants. Sometimes you fight it and the end result is unsatisfying if not downright ugly. Sometimes, I go with the flow and turn out something awesome. Sometimes neither works out well and it's time to re purpose the canvas. One can only take a deep breath and hope for the best .

A guest post about measuring success by Victoria Rose Martin What is your measure of success and how will you know if and when you’ve achieved it?  Have you actually thought about what being a successful artist means specifically to you? We always hear about people “making it” in the art world, but what does that even mean? And more importantly, what does that statement mean to you? Whether you’re on an artistic path or not knowing your measure of success is a really important question to address. Read the rest here  http://www.createmixedmedia.com/blogs/measuring-success-for-artists

Here is a great article about artists seeing patterns. Just click on the image or the link to read the it. http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissorstoday/archive/2013/08/14/where-the-art-is-finding-imagery-for-collage-and-more.aspx I find myself watching for patterns all the time. In the trees, pathways, shape of rocks and horizons. How about you? Do you see patterns?