One with art

| jennifer barrile

An art play date….

On a sunny November afternoon,  I was gathering with friends for brunch and an excursion to Old City , Philadelphia to visit art galleries. It is always an adventure spending time with a creative bunch of woman, and talented artists.  Inspired by the day, I created art around my observations.

 

One with art. 5×7″ (Ink, graphite, watercolor on cold press paper) Inspired by the Stanek gallery, exhibition Disrupted Realism

 

 

Creative conversations  (watercolor, graphite on cold press paper)

Inspired by the Muse gallery exhibition; Look Me In The Eye, portraits of homelessness

 

 

 

 

Caught my eye. 5×7″ ( acrylic paint, watercolor, graphite on cold press paper)

Outdoor view from inside gallery of The Center for Art in Wood  looking out the window.

 

Don’t forget to check out the wonderful art exhibitions currently on view at the galleries, visit the websites:

A guide to galleries in Old City

The Center for Art in Wood

Muse gallery exhibition;

Stanek gallery, exhibition

Mini adventures

| jennifer barrile

A Saturday afternoon excursion.

I just love mini adventures, a day trip to someplace new.  While visiting a farm with the family in New Jersey, I discovered a wildlife refuge a short distance away. The Edwin B. Forysthe National Wildlife Refuge was a great discovery and well worth the time to stop and check it out.

My family and I spent time walking through the marsh area, we traveled along the boardwalk, observed wildlife and we drove along an 8 mile loop through the wetland.

I created a few small paintings from the photographs I captured on our visit.. Let me take you on a little journey…….

 

 

A walk along the gravel pathway I stopped to observe the lone trees.  I enjoyed the slender shape trunks and bushy foliage of the tree tops. The October sun smiled warmly on us, surrounded by the quiet of nature, while the air danced softly with the tall grass.

(tall grass tall trees. 5×7″ painting on paper: watercolor, acrylic paint on 140 lb coldpress paper)

 

We walked along a gravel pathway that led to a long stretch of boardwalk over the wetland. All was still, the sun sparkled on the water, you could hear the soft chatter of birds and the buzz of insects flying around. Across the the marsh, there was a glimpse of the Atlantic City skyline in the distance.

(My husband & daughter observing the water. painting on paper, acrylic on 140 lb coldpress paper)

 

The best part of this wildlife refuge was an 8 mile loop car ride around the marsh area. The views were stunning, we stopped a few times along the way to take in the sights and climb a look out tower.

(The 8 mile loop, 5×7″ painting on paper: acrylic paint on 140 lb coldpress paper)

 

Photograph: wetlands with Atlantic City skyline in the distance.

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The look out tower with a telescope, magnificent views!

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This was beautiful and peaceful place, I didn’t want to leave!..

 

For more information visit the website:

Edwin B. Forysthe National Wildlife Refuge

800 Great Creek Road
Galloway, New Jersey 08205

Visit anytime of the year, sunrise to sunset:

The seasons of wildlife at the refuge  

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Old items are new again

| jennifer barrile

In search of….

I love to haunt my local thrift store and flea market for odd or unique items to use with my art.  A recent trip to an outdoor flea market led me to purchase an unusual shaped frame that housed a mirror. I was intrigued by the mystery of the narrow rectangular shape, I knew it deserved a moody painting to adorn it…

This was my process:

 

The mirror

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Mirror deconstructed

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My first attempt to paint was a FAIL, so I began a second painting.

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Second painting,  I used acrylic paint, with iridescent silver, and ink with gesso on chip board

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Cleaned frame, added a new hanger before adding the artwork. (see full image below)

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Haven

Refuge from this wild life

I reserve a place in the hearth of the soul

The place I haunt only in dreams

Dark of night

Silver shadows take flight

Feel the moment

Quiet..

whispers all around

just the sounds of wildlife

 

-Jennifer Barrile

 

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

 

Begin again

| jennifer barrile

It has been almost a year since I wrote my last blog post.  Writing, I realized is something I’ve been missing, and now I decided to begin again with a weekly post, sharing my art, process, creativity or inspiration. My goal in this process of writing blog posts, is to hopefully add a little something special to someone else’s day… even if just for amusement.

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self portrait, watercolor, ink and graphite 

 

Once upon a time there was a creative soul who could not pick up a brush to paint or a pencil to draw.  The lady was distraught and thought a curse was put upon her heart to never create again.  A mini temper tantrum ensued after weeks of not making, but a little spark of inspiration guided her to just play. So the child came out to play, she played games, she played with art supplies, she doodled, she painted and made a big mess. Feelings of joy emerged which included a better outlook for her days.  Slowly breaking free from the curse of the creative slump. This creative soul realized it was alright to take a break from making art, and to refresh your mind by trying new things.  Something most important,  always be kind to yourself..

 

 

Thank you taking the time to read my post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Pop Up Shop

| jennifer barrile

Excited to announce that I have been invited to participate in a holiday market this December at Bernard Katz glass studio   in Bridgeport, PA.  I will be showcasing my new paintings, prints and art jewelry along side Bernard Katz beautiful contemporary glass art. Plenty of wonderful one of a kind, handmade items (big & small) for your holiday shopping.  Come out and meet the artists, learn about their art process and enjoy some light refreshments.

Join us on Saturday, December 1  – 11am-4pm

and Sunday December 2 – 11am – 3pm

1010 Dekalb Street (rear) Bridgeport, PA 19405 – Free parking lot

Visit Bernard Katz Glass Design    

 

Video process creating my landscape painting, mixed media on paper

Watercolor, acrylic paint, and graphite on paper, set on wood.

(song: Lost In The Light by: Bahamas)

 

 

Trimming the artwork, and placing it within the wood frame

Finished 6″x6″ mixed media art – Jennifer Barrile @JensImaginings

Thank you for stopping by! 

Left Handed Kisses

| jennifer barrile

The music video for my song choice, Left Handed Kisses, by Andrew Bird & Fiona Apple was the inspiration for day 40 of The 100 Day Project.   Not only was I captivated by the sound but I was also mesmerized by the dynamic between Andrew and Fiona in the music video. The idea to create a quirky portrait of the singers played on repeat in my mind until I drew it out…..

 

40/100

Watercolor and ink on 140 lb coldpress paper with wood frame..

 

Pencil sketch

 

 

To view more of my 100 day project visit #100DaysOfSongsIllustrated  on Instagram.

Music Video:  Left Handed Kisses

 

(Artwork created by me,  music by Andrew Bird & Fionna Apple)

 

 

Going to California

| jennifer barrile

Well I’m not going to California but I was encouraged to use the song Going to California by Led Zeppelin as part of my 100 day project..

The song was a recommendation by a fellow Instagram connection. I was inspired by the music and soulful lyrics so I decided to illustrate it.. Thankful for the special song request and the curiosity to give it a try, because this art became one of my favorites on my 100 day journey.

62/100

Mixed media artwork: The figure created with watercolor, pencil, cut paper, (map of California) layered on top of a 5×7″ chip board with acrylic paint

 

You can view my entire collection of 100 Days Of Songs Illustrated on Instagram..

Blog post about my 100 day project

 

(Video & art created by me, song is by Led Zeppelin. )

Yellow

| jennifer barrile

Song inspiration: Yellow, Coldplay  – ” Look at the stars Look how they shine for you  And all the things you do..Yeah they were all yellow..”

 

#56 / 100 Days of Songs Illustrated

(Watercolor with cut pieces of art layered on top,  140lb cold press paper)

 

Original Blog post about the 100 day project

You can find all 100 daily postings of the 100 day project on Instagram @JensImaginings #100DaysOfSongsIllustrated

 

Thank you for stopping by…