Crazy Days

What a busy week! First off, I have finally received the correct paper for my commissioned portrait of Michael Jackson’s family and it shouldn’t be long before I have a little something from that to share!

Now, balancing multiple projects is an entirely new thing for me. A year ago I never would have attempted to work on more than one drawing at a time, much less 6 portraits in total and my first landscape! (not to mention my endeavor in creating jewelry out of paper beads…and writing a novel. Have I mentioned that yet?) So I learn a little every day. Some days more than I can put to rest at night.

But…against what I would have thought a year ago, I find it exhilarating! I work on whatever project I feel most drawn to that day, float between drawing and rolling beads and typing out a few revisions to my novel. I’m never bored…simply because there is not time to be.

And I love every second of it.

I’ll leave you off with my creations (and updates) for the week. Have a happy Memorial Day!

Day's end WIP #2



Bracelets created for friends of mine.

For the love of Color

Sunsets and flowers are two of the greatest displays of color and this past week, I’ve had a healthy dose of each! This is the first WIP of my latest work (as I wait for the right paper to come so I can start on my commissioned portrait) I normally do not work with so many colors so this has been a great learning experience so far and I can’t wait to share another WIP.

And on the flower side of things, here are a few pics of my favorites this year. Ahh! Spring is here!

As Promised!

Here are my two latest pieces of paper bead jewelry! And these two are for sale if you happen to love them!
Etsy
Bonanzle


Anyway, I've finally got the paper situation all smoothed out. Odd how a single stray number can set a mess to everything. All I have to do is wait for it to arrive. In the mean time, I will be starting another Chalk and Charcoal piece to add to my ever-growing (and brand new) portfolio. It's a bit of a sunset landscape, with a lady viewing the colorful spectacle from her bricked castle wall. Yes. I may have spent a little too much time in the land of tales lately, but they do make for lovely scenes!

Also, a bracelet is on the way for a good friend of mine and my "top secret" portrait gift in graphite...which I'll share just as soon as it is given!

Off to get started!

A First!

My first commission! Somehow it makes everything I've been working for seem a little more...official?

It will be a 18"x24" charcoal portrait of five! MJ's family, to be specific. It's bigger than any portrait work I've ever done before, so the challenge is something I'm really looking forward to. I live in a small town, so it is often hard to get the supplies I need from local stores so I am having to get it shipped in. Needless to say, the second that 'storm gray' charcoal paper arrives on my doorstep, I'll be diving in!

And even though it is sometimes understocked, the local Hobby Lobby can hold my attention for HOURS. New supplies! Mostly for my new addiction to paper bead and jewelry making. I'll have a couple new pieces up for you to see later this week. Until then, have a happy Sunday.

Paper Bead Creations

Life is full of walls. Places you cannot go and rules that cannot be set aside. But I promise you there is an escape. There are avenues of chance and release that exist in this rope-bound world.

For example: I create portraits that capture the essence of who people are. Chalk and charcoal blend together to form something that can last. Perhaps defy the rules of time. Just for a while?

But I like to do a little more than defy. I like to move the walls. . . So I venture out of them, just to see what lies beyond and know just how far the walls that surround me can be pushed. This past week I found a new alleyway of creation. Something small, simple, and

…shiny!!

Paper beads! Who knew recycling could make something so lovely?

(Pics are huge so *click* to take a closer look!)

The Life of a Starving Artist

<<"Magic" My latest Portrait

I’m obviously new to blogs but I suppose the best way to start is with a ‘hello’. I sign all my artwork with A.Ferguson, but you can call me Lainy.

I am what society considers a young ‘Starving Artist’. You’d think I would despise that particular title, especially in today’s wavering economy but it isn’t the title that matters or wages that go with it. It is the artist part that overshadows anything I might shy from.

I live to do what I love.

It is a dream within a confusing reality, but a dream I can never see myself let go. It defines who I am. When I forget, even the smallest piece of my heart is easily knit back into place with a careful line across a once blank canvas. Gift, talent, passion…I’ve never known a word to contain it…of course, creativity can never truly be boxed and neither can I.

After all, I am here to share it all with you. Hopes and dreams, tips and tricks, my latest work and projects. Tools of the trade and everything else that fills my fancy. And maybe a little of yours, too?