Today came on cool and overcast, reminding us that the warm days are numbered.
Bought some striped linen and made one of those cross-back aprons from a pattern I made up myself. Put some big old pockets on it and there you go! Always wanted one of these. It didn't take long at all.
It was a huge year for figs so I decided to make Fig Newton cookies off a recipe I found online.
First you mash up ripe figs.
They turned out awesomely and tasted just like the ones in the store. Well, better. They didn't even last a day.
Up in the right hand corner you'll see the book Encaustic Revelation. It was written by all the teachers from EncaustiCamp (Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch is the listed author). I photographed some of the pages from my section. I think it's a pretty good reference book for encaustic artists and will show you some techniques you won't find anywhere else.
Journal pages. Every day. I love my journal.
This is what I've been doing more of.
Exploring non-representational painting.
Searching.
Even my DH thinks that I'm cracked and that these paintings look like the work of a monkey.
But getting them to satisfy me is the biggest challenge I've ever faced. There is no standard to guide you. No one to tell you if it's brilliant or ridiculous.
Gosh but it's fun when it isn't infuriating.
Anyway, here they are.
I think if I do enough of them they'll show me what I'm trying to discover.
It's like a treasure hunt.
For the second time this year I'm packing my bags for Oaxaca. I'll try to get back one more time before I go. Thank you for stopping by.
xo
17 comments:
I am happy to tell you that your paintings are ridiculously brilliant!
as always, this makes me miss you more….all of it….just love~ xo have a beautiful trip
I am very interested in exploring abstract painting...maybe a bit in Mexico City when I join you there next March? I've never tried it.
I think you are right...the paintings will show you what it is you need to discover. Your DH has a sense of humor I see!
LOVE
Packing has begun at my house, too. Well, more accurately, piling has begun at my house. A big ol' stack here, a maybe assortment there....journal and supplies over here. It's fun, it's exciting and I can't believe I leave in EIGHT DAYS. (Not that I"m counting....)
I have to say I love the new work. There is joy in there and quiet and some mysterious symbols that speak a language I don't know (but would love to be able to speak). The colors are lovely. A couple of them I could look at for a VERY long time and never tire of them. Thanks for sharing your painting journey with us. It's always good to see what others are up to!
Bear hugs coming your way.....soon!
XO
Could you plse explain more about the making of the pattern for your apron plse? Its such a lovely shape and fit. Thanks
Yes, packing too! So excited! I love your paintings and the fig newtons looked delicious. See you soon! dorylyn
Love love love the paintings! My favorite (well, besides those homemade fig newtons) is the second one. Just wow!
I adore that your art is a treasure hunt of discovery!
Honestly, I'm not sure about these paintings, but I keep coming back to them. I know nothing about abstract painting! Nada! I think if my brain , my eyes, want to keep looking at them something is grabbing my fancy!
Your journal pages style is so you! I will always love them!
I am sure there must be a vegan recipe for me to make a delicious desert from all my figs. But truly, I love eating them right off the tree. They are my candy!
I admire that your brain could visualize that apron pattern and create it. My brain won't work that way! It's so practical for the kind of aer you do, and baking too!
Wishing you fun and creativity in Oaxaca !
Are you stii Lin SBS?
Hugs!!
I LOVE those paintings!!!! Have a wonderful time in Oaxaca with the lovelies Katie and Kathie. I'd be bummed about not going if I wasn't so looking forward to seeing you all in Mexico City! xo
OH Judy Judy Judy ... I miss you SOOO! Your treasure hunt of discovery is refreshing. I had a tiny chuckle ... as this very abstract space, is how I 'started' to paint:)). What you have infused into these is brilliantly free! Big hugs to you, Katie & Kathie ... I wish I were there with you all too!!
I just googled a bunch of sites under the word crisscross apron and cross back apron and found a site that showed another woman who made her own pattern. I'm sorry but I can't figure out the site I used, but you can probably find it. I just held the paper pieces up to my body sort of figured it would work. I hope this helps.
Love love your non representational paintings - they're awesome .....and the Fig Newton cookies - well very yum looking and would love the recipe or a link to it Judy...
FIG NEWTONS
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped fresh figs, stems removed
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
dash of salt
orange zest (or lemon)
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Puree figs.
3. Blend them to get them to a paste. Mash until smooth and spreadable.
4. Cream together the butter and sugar for 2 minutes, or until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla and orange zest and mix until incorporated.
5. Add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll dough between two pieces of parchment paper into two 12 x 4 inch rectangles. (I do this one at a time by dividing the dough in half.)
7. Spread the fig mixture on one half of each rectangle - spreading up the 12-inch side and leaving a 1/4-1/2 inch border.
8. Fold the dough over on top of itself and gently press the dough together at the edges.
9. Cut each log into 10 cookies and transfer to a silpat or parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
judy,I am entranced by your new work , please keep showing us! happy autumn. lyle
LOVE this work - exactly as they are. They are representing …nothing and everything. they just…are. and they are beautiful!
miss you! Linda Esterley
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