Blog Post 12.21.11(Painting Progress- 2nd layer)

Posted on December 21, 2011 by golivas

It was a bit chilly at the studio this afternoon, and I almost didn’t go. But thanks to a friend needing to borrow something I had there, I had to go anyway. I was not feeling very inspired when I first got there, but as I stared at unfinished paintings I felt I had to add more paint!

This is my second layer (1st layer photo here). I added some more blue with some black, to add the darkness, then added some “texture” spraying water and dripping alcohol. I LOVE the effect the alcohol gives! It has taken a little practice to learn when the paint is at the right consistency to get it to do what I want. Oh, also added some gold drops! By the way, I use mostly acrylic paints.

2nd Layer

Blog Post 12.18.11 (New Painting Series)

Posted on December 18, 2011 by golivas

I have been working on a new series of abstract paintings. I have not decided on a name yet, but some of the choices coming to mind are “Universe”, “Constellation” or “Cosmos”. This is the 1st big series I am doing from my new studio space. My favorite part about doing my abstract paintings is playing and discovering what develops from the painting. There is such freedom in starting with no preconceived idea, even-though it is scary. Well, the first piece in the series just happened, it was actually a combination of the beginning of the painting, and some small exercises on paper that I really liked. When I put it together it just spoke to me. Then the rest of them is just running with the basic idea and playing with different techniques until I am happy with the results. A friend suggested I take pictures of one of my pieces at different stages, which would be quite interesting, so I thought I would post the 1st photo tonight.

Below I have the first few pieces of my series. The top 2 paintings in the photo are finished, and the ones below them are getting close. (Not a good photo, but you get the idea).

Below is the first layer in one of my next pieces for this series. I also have a couple of close-up shots of the cool details that inspire me to do more!

First layer

Close up detail

The sad part is that quite a bit of this cool detail will probably get covered up, but the end result will hopefully be awesome! (That’s the goal anyway!)

Keep posted for the next layer…

Blog Post 11.5.11 (My Pursuit of an Art Dream…)

Posted on November 5, 2011 by golivas

Well, some of you might have seen that I just recently got an art studio space. Since I have been in a small apartment, it’s been difficult to make myself paint. As us artists know, if you have to take all your supplies out, then put them up when you are done, you will talk yourself out of doing it. I was painting outside most of the time, which it was either 100+ degrees, or I was being chased inside by bees.

Old "Studio" (balcony)

I had several things happen this summer that made me determined to find a way to get a studio space. First, I attended an Abstract Painting and Collage workshop with California Artist Robert Burridge. I kept hearing my friends that had attended his workshops in the past say that he was amazing and they have attended his workshops numerous times. Well, I saw why! I was extremely inspired and felt that whatever it takes- I must paint every day!! (By the way, I highly recommend his workshops, his enthusiasm is contagious, and yes, you WILL want to paint!)

Then I read the book “The Secret”, recommended by my friend & my sister. A few little things happened that really made me believe in the book, and that what I want I can achieve. I could not afford to rent a studio space, but I knew I just HAD to find a space. So I posted a comment on Facebook asking if anyone had or knew of a space I could use. Well, the Universe sent me a space! It just happened to be a friend that I met through an “Artist’s Way” book group. Talk about Serendipity!!! It’s a garage that she needed help fixing up, and so in exchange I use it as a studio!

My New Art Studio

I have not gotten into a routine yet. Several weeks of working on the space, organizing, a bit of painting and celebrating (I threw a big Opening Celebration party), but I think now I am to the point that I can plan on going daily. It is hard to do when you work full time at a very “non-artistic” job, but I have to make myself do it. Part of my plan to make myself “accountable” is getting the word out, I feel that if I let everyone know I am an artist and I have a studio, I am now expected to paint!! So there it is…

Inside the Studio

I plan to post some of my progress in the studio, my thoughts on being an artist, and a bit of my work on this blog as well, so I hope you will follow my pursuit of my Art Dream!

Painting Post 9.4.11 (New Abstracts- Done?)

Posted on September 4, 2011 by golivas

Here are a few of my latest abstract paintings. Not sure if they are done, so I thought I would post them and get some feedback. I have been trying to paint everyday, since I attended Robert Burridge’s workshop last week, and he said I MUST paint every day! (Yes, he’s right! And I highly recommend his workshop!!) It’s hard, working full-time, then coming home without a good studio space to paint in, but I am trying my hardest to do at least a little bit every day. I am trying to play, and discover myself and my style in painting. I know I have to do a lot of it before I find it!!

Photo Post 7.27.11 (Cow Parade Austin)

Posted on July 27, 2011 by golivas

I got to check out the amazing cows done by some local Austin artists for Cow Parade Austin. CowParade Austin is proud to partner with the City of Austin and the Children’s Medical Center Foundation to benefit Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and Superhero Kids Fund. You can go see them right now at the Long Center (not sure how long they will be there). I got to photograph almost all the cows, but I realized I missed one of my friends cows! I have them all posted on my Facebook page (and will add my friends cow when I get the photo! )

Here’s a few of them!

Cow Parade

Daily Photo 2.23.11 (Photos from East Austin)

Posted on February 24, 2011 by golivas

My daughter, a friend and I headed over to East Austin this afternoon to photograph interesting things we came across, “urban” photos. We found some interesting graffiti, it amazes me the talent some of these artists have! Also I went to visit my Twitter friend at Blue Dog Printing ( @bluedogprinting on twitter) and got to meet her in person! Lots of funky photo ops around their place.

Graffiti in East Austin

Metro Rail

Broken Glass and Mirror

Cupcake Graffiti

Need a Hug?

Peeling Poster

Tin Roof

Daily Photo 10.10.10 (New Abstract Painting)

Posted on October 10, 2010 by golivas

Here’s my latest abstract painting. The problem again, what to name it??? Let me know your thoughts!

new abstract without a name

Daily Photo 10.9.10 (A Candle for John Lennon)

Posted on October 9, 2010 by golivas

I lit my John Lennon candle in honor of what would have been his 70th Birthday today. Yes, I have a John Lennon candle! Thanks to my artist friend Bill Stidham. Check out his fabulous artwork (specially his “Sacred Heart” Series) on his website, or go see him if you are at ACL!

My John Lennon candle

Daily Photo 8.18.10 (My Outdoor Art Studio)

Posted on August 18, 2010 by golivas

Well, this is my “Art Studio”. My balcony is the best space I have found lately to paint at home. Yes, it has been over 100 degrees, but it’s amazing how I don’t notice it while I am painting. I guess that’s a good and bad thing. The painting I am working on here is my latest abstract piece. It’s not finished yet, it may evolve some more, but this is the 1st stage I am happy with so far. I am reading “Painting Abstracts” by Rolina van Vliet, and exercise 19 (painting in low-key) has been a tough one for me! But I think I like the challenge! I feel it makes it worth the work! Once I officially finish the piece I will post a photo.

My Oudoor Studio

Daily Photos 7.15.10 (Corridor of Art)

Posted on July 16, 2010 by golivas

Some spaces are pretty hard to photograph, and this is probably one of them. I think most of it is good, but the lights shining on the art work gave me a really hard time! I was able to fix some of it in photoshop, but I think this is when HDR would probably come in handy, who knows.

This is the Corridor of Art, at 700 Lavaca in Austin, Tx. They fixed it up and its a very nice space for artwork. This is the Creative Arts Society’s work that will be up on exhibit till September 12, 2010. I have 2 of my new abstract pieces here, Magma and Abyss. One piece of art already sold (no, not mine), so if you get a chance go by and check it out!!

Creative Arts Society Membership Show 2010

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My Photos, Paintings and Thoughts

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