Moss Hill Studio

Changes

My favorite season has always been the Fall.  How about you?   Having lived in California and now Arizona, the West does no have drastic changes affected by  weather but I always observe the position of the sun this time of year.  It creates a new mood within me.  Living in Arizona now for two years, I have found the opposite of when I hibernate due to the weather.  Summers here are very hot and this year it lasted a good six months.  For the first time this week,  we finally shut down the air conditioner in the morning and evenings.  Love when we can open up the windows and doors and allow some fresh air to flow through the house. Life outdoors begins now here in the Southwest.  It's time to move my studio outdoors!

I found myself  the other day rearranging my clothes in my closet by color, fabric and texture now that Fall is upon us.  I rearrange by moving the "summer" clothes to a new space.  Though I don't have to put the sandals away quite yet, I've pulled out my boots, coats, scarfs, and hats all  beckoning me to wear them.  Same is happening with my art supplies.

Summer seems to entertain my creative muse with breezy fibers, using a soft color palette.  Feeling the urge now to express the more rustic side of me when creating  by using heavier fibers, such as leather and rusty materials.  Blue hues, browns and cream and  sometimes a little dash of rust and red call my name.

Because I offer my works up for sale, and understanding not everyone opperates like me due to seasonal affects, I will continue creating my dolls and such using my "softer side".

If you would like, you can also visit my new Facebook page HERE.  I have been sharing some of my past works, the "rustic side".

Thank you for stopping by.  Happy Fall!

Textured Plaster and Paint

Some little glimpses from my recent creative play.

If you have ever been to one of the many art retreats offered,  you may come back home feeling very inspired by all the various beautiful art your eyes behold, fingers touch and heart strings pulled.  For me, this time around, I was stimulated by all the color and texture I saw.  I just had to get to work right away once home to allow all that was inside to free itself.


The East My West

I purchased some wonderful vintage heavy Belgian Linen when I got home.  I was with my friend Barb at this really cool vintage artsy store the other day, and one of the working artists showed us many of his amazing techniques.  I tried some on these pieces.

I am finding that I get a high satisfaction level using water colors verses acrylic paint.  I don't care for the plastic look and feel acrylic paint leaves.  That's just me.

I listened to my favorite play-list  while moving my brush with paint, letting the various levels of plaster guide me.  So many emotions flowed through me while working on these the last couple of days.  It was very therapeutic and healing.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, even while in the sky.  For many miles while flying across country, so much of the American land looks like a huge quilt.  You can't see from this photo, but the detail within each of those spaces is amazing.  I had wished I had my sketch book handy to draw what I saw. Next time, indeed.  Meanwhile, I will use my memory.

Spellbound - PAMPER YOURSELF

Is your life hectic and you are feeling overwhelmed by so many pulling you in various directions?  Why not treat yourself to a pampered weekend with us at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, California, November 8th through the 11th.  I think this will be unlike any art retreat I've attended because it will cater to each person in a special way,  making them feel very special and valued.   Recently speaking with the lovely hosts, Debbie and Shea, a mother/daughter team, I know I am in for a pleasant experience, and everyone else who will be attending.

 DAY PASSES NOW AVAILABLE

INFO HERE

 

Choose from a wonderful variety of workshops.  I will be teaching two different classes, two days.

See ALL workshops offered HERE - Lots of fun and whimsical choices.

Last, but not least, Sunday we will be taking a luxury charter to the world-famous Rose Bowl flea market.  For the 40 years I lived in California, I've never been to this flea market.  I will be so excited to spend the day searching for new treasures to incorporate into my work.

Will I see you there?  Remember, you deserve to take the time for you!!!

♥♥♥

Weird Wonderful and Wild - Art Is You 2012

What a journey it has been this past month with Art Is You and in so many ways, encompassed this years theme: Weird, Wonderful and Wild.  From California to Connecticut, my eyes are still puffy and red, and my head twirling with so many thoughts and images of all that I experienced.  A huge thank you filled with gratitude to Sal and Ellen for making dreams come true for so many.

PETALUMA, CALIFORNIA

Ron and I drove twelve plus hours with our little Willow from Arizona to our beloved home-state of California.  On our way to Petaluma,  I had to pull off the highway in Ventura and just sit on the beach for an hour and let my toes touch the Pacific Ocean.  It was refreshing for my soul.

I taught two classes in Petaluma.   When I have larger classes, I forget to pull out my camera, so please forgive me if you were not captured in my images here.

  I love all the bottles that were created from "Captured Wishes".

Aren't they beautiful!  Each student hand wrote their dreams, wishes or prayers and tucked them inside before sealing them with solder.

 

I love when we all vend and get a little silly.  If Tom is around, you will be guaranteed lots of laughs, my favorite thing to do.

STAMFORD, CT

It is always sweet meeting up with artful souls.  I come away from these retreats with so many emotions, inspiration, and mind renewal.

I taught three classes in Stamford.  Again, forgetting to pull out my camera for class photos but remembered for this small fun class.

I find that these retreats are all about the connections we make and life long friends we discover.  I wish it were possible to have more intimate time with so many, but time gets away quickly.  That is why I smile, knowing we will met up again, be it at one of these wonderful retreats, or for dinner.

Thank you to those who made my time special and memorable - Lori and Pamela, Irene,  Ann and Carol, Scott and Taryn, Tom and Lesley, Jane, Diana, Seth, Andrea, Aleta, Francine, Denise, Betti, MaryBeth and Pam, Joanne, Ruthy, Tamera, Di, Kecia, Richard and Jessica, Carol and all my students.

♥ Love and hugs ♥

Now I'm off to prepare for the "next one" in Pasadena, California next month - SPELLBOUND.  Hope to see you there!