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!!

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 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

Daily Photo 7.8.10 (Abstract Painting)

Posted on July 8, 2010 by golivas

I have not posted anything on here for quite a few days. It’s been raining quite a bit (not a good excuse). I have been tired (not a good excuse). And I have been painting (ok, that’s an ok excuse!). I love abstract painting, and it does not come naturally to me, but I got a book that a friend was using to help her with abstracts and I really like it! “Painting Abstracts- ideas, projects and techniques” by Rolina van Vliet (got it on Amazon if you are interested in buying it for yourself). Here are 4 of the 5 I have been working on. But now I am finding out that I don’t know how to come up with names for them!!!! I may have come up with names for 3 of the 4. The last one I did not think I was finished with, but when I looked at it today I really think I am done! Do you have ideas for a name? I would love to hear what you think!

By the way, I usually post photos on this blog, but this is what has kept me from photographing! Also these are not the best photos of my art, but I will do that later…

**Update** I think I named the last one!!! See below!

***Updated photo and names!***

Between Earth & Sky

Magma

Of the Earth

Abyss

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