Deconstruct mode

| jennifer barrile

Let me take you on my journey, the process of creating this mixed media family portrait (caricature)   I began by using recycled material, in this case I used a composite board that was part of a frame, it is the base in which I build upon…

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Lately I have been experimenting with cut paper, and other materials to mix up my creations, thanks to my participation in the 100 artworks challenge,

Using my composite board as base, and a beach theme, my background consists of various patterns, colors and shapes. My art drug of choice Mod  Podge (matte medium and glossy) to adhere the paper to the board and also coat everything when completed.

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After the background is in place, rough sketches were made for the  portrait rendering.  Played around with the cut sketches to figure out my placement and size. When satisfied with the look, I transferred the drawing onto watercolor paper (Canson cold press 140lbs) painted with (Rowney) Watercolor and black marker was used to render the portraits.

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When the watercolor portraits were completed, I cut out each person to adhere individually to the board. Some finishing touches were added, cut paper birds, surf board and use of metallic marker. Final step, coating the entire board with matte medium Mod Podge including a coat of a glossy finish for the surf board and just the ocean area.

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The finished product

-watercolor, marker and cut paper on board

Treading too lightly

| jennifer barrile

The alarm clock sounded, to my dread, it was Monday. My morning began the same way, it was familiar.  The day felt like it was scripted from the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. I questioned my routine. Just before I bolted out the door to work, I received a text message from a good friend, it was a link to an article titled,  5 Ways to have a Ridiculously Amazing Life.  The article was exactly what I needed to read, and confirmed what I was feeling.

Though my day didn’t change much from any other work day, I came to the conclusion that I have been treading too lightly through my days. Should shake up old routines, stomp through obstacles and squash complacency. I came out of hibernation today not to predict the weather (although I sense an early spring) but to predict an amazing life daily!

** If you feel stuck, or complacent in your days, the above mentioned article might be a good place to start.

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Where the wind will take me

| jennifer barrile

It felt like I was adrift at sea too long, encountered many storms along the way, but the journey has been a thrill. The weather has changed, now my course is set,  I will hang on for a bit longer and enjoy the view.

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My illustrated life set up-  Background: acrylic on canvas. Small sailboat and my mini me: watercolor, pen on paper

What is old is new again

| jennifer barrile

Recently discovered a watercolor painting I created in my teens. The old photograph I referenced to paint this portrait is still in my possession.  The photo is my favorite because we looked like we were happy, and having good old fashion fun. Luckily my sister doesn’t read my blog or she might object to showcasing this painting.  Anyway,  I love how we looked and probably how we felt at this age ( 4 & 7?), we were goofy kids without a care in the world. Those days were magical, by that I mean, we lived without limitations, lived fully, lived without body issues, lived for play and loved fully (and fought fully).  Some days felt like time would stand still. Looking back helped me to realize what I need in the present day. My time should be spent living fully in the moment, do what I love daily, always keep a sense of wonder, love deeply and maybe dance silly wearing a swim float occasionally just to keep things real!  Oh the memories!

Dedicated to my lovely, talented bossy little sister, who will always be my best friend. The original singing and dancing Libra’s!

– Watercolor on paper.

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