Monday, January 19, 2009

MLK, Obama and New Works

Hello Friends,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. It's snowing here today but much warmer so the snow isn't sticking. Everyone is home today thanks to Dr. King...Happy Birthday MLK!! Speaking of amazing men, are you excited about the inauguration tomorrow? Even if you didn't vote for Obama, you have to be a little excited about the change he represents. Just the fact that we have our first African American president gives me chills. It's something I was sure I would see in my lifetime but it happened much quicker. Now we just need a woman president and then I'll be a happy girl!

One of my goals this year is to grow as an artist and revisit my past at the same time. My style of late has been mostly portraits and polka dotted haired girls. But in my past, I was headed more towards a career in Illustration. In fact, that's what I have a degree in. So I started doing some sketches elaborating on the "skinny people" theme and I came up with an idea for a couple. As the sketch progressed, they turned into a bride and groom. Why? I have no idea. I love the idea of the guy in a pinstriped suit so I guess that's where my mind took me. So here it is...

His heart says "My wife" and hers "My Husband."


I had to laugh because the book I cut the fence text from was "War of the Worlds" and after I glued down some pieces I saw the word martian a few times. Oh well, I hope people don't read it too closely:)


I have had this vintage book on the circus for years and I was browsing through it last night for inspiration and this is where I am so far...


I'm painting on recycled wood so that's what the weird green color is and yes, he's juggling fish:)


Lastly I leave you a little picture to make you smile...




Have a great week!!!

15 comments:

Pam Mattick Art and Stuff said...

I LOVE the print I received from you!!!! Have you seen the One World One Heart Give-Away yet? Stop over at my blog.
Hugs,
Pam

Artfulife said...

So great! I love the circus man. Can't wait to see all your new illustrative work. This is one of my goals this year also. I would like to have a strong portfolio together by the end of the year. You have inspired me to keep on track. Thanks. P.S. Did you ever see your little skinny couple on the front page of etsy? I think it's still there.

Anonymous said...

WOW these pieces are just super! I love all your work! Of course my favorite is the piece of my boys! Hope you have a wonderful week!

Micki Wilde said...

Love the idea of juggling fish!

Micki x

Diane Duda said...

I did smile...at all of the pictures. :)
Lovin' the skinny people.

xo
Di

Anonymous said...

oh my goodness, tracy! this is so funny- i think we live on the same wavelength. just this morning i decided to return to my sketches. i have soooo many of them waiting to be brought to life. i had this urge to go back to them. we'll see what happens. i can't tell you how many times lately that God has confirmed my "gut" through blogs. thank you for sharing this, and your paintings are absolutely awesome- always! love ya!

Cris said...

I love the skinny people! That is so funny about the War of the Worlds paper on the bridal couple fence. Ha Ha--Should have used War and Peace. tee hee So you have a degree in Illustration work? My daughter, Laura is pursuing an art degree, but hasn't decided on a specific area as yet...maybe graphic design. Any suggestions? Have a wonderful week!
Cris

CourtneyP said...

That is so funny, I often use text from books randomly and later find things I wish were not there!! I love the circus fellow with the fish!

Kaili Ittensohn said...

I really love your latest paintings, you have a great style, lots of fun! Ive been visiting your blog for a little while now and just wanted to say HI! Kaili xx

sMacThoughts said...

Awww...he's a special lion! Bless that cutie! I love your polka dotted hairdos and I love the juggling of fish. Why not!? Tomorrow big change comes. Anything can happen.

Michelle said...

Love the new art! And it worked that last picture made me smile!

Renee said...

I absolutely love the new art. Fantastic.

Your men look great.

xoxo

Renee

Marie Patterson Studio said...

Love the bride and groom.....and the circus man juggling fish....very imaginative!

noodle and lou said...

OOOOH love the new pieces! The circus man is way cool!!! I always do that with my vintage book pages too...find a funny (or not so funny!) word stuck in there. Makes it more interesting;)

xox..jenn

Melissa said...

Love the skinny people!