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..
This is my second year participating in the 100 day project, hosted by Elle Luna . If you are not familiar with this project, it is open to anyone, the goal of project is to create or do anything you want for 100 days. You can share your progress on Instagram using the special hashtag #The100dayproject. ( it is never too late to join in)
This year I will create an illustration for 100 songs, my only limit is color. You can follow my 100 day journey on Instagram @ Jensimaginings #100DaysOfSongsIllustrated
The reason behind my theme choice, I wanted the challenge of telling a story through my art..
My first song inspiration: Suitcase Full of Sparks, by Gregory Alan Isakov
Materials: Recycled cardboard, chipboard, cut paper, graphite, charcoal and one color.
1/100
“Traveling through the graveyard with a suitcase full of sparks honey, Im just trying to find my way to you.”
The East Coast experienced many mild weather days this winter, which drew me out of my studio hibernation to paint in nature. Once upon a time my outdoor painting would consist of small watercolor sketches or pencil drawings. This time around I decided to try quick paintings using acrylic paint and graphite on paper, spending about 45 min to an hour on each painting.
A recent purchase and a new love, the Sta-Wet handy palette, helped make outdoor painting easier. This palette box preserves paints for an extended period of time.. The smaller version was easy to transport and keep paint fresh. My preference of paint brush is more scrubby in texture, short bristle brushes.. Sometimes you just have to make adjustments, when you can’t find what you need, I gave my brushes a hair cut..
Since I am painting on paper, I don’t need an easel, just a hard surface to paint on.. Most of the time I use picnic tables in parks, and or invert the lid to my sat-wet palette to place my paper on. Working small 8″x 10″ or smaller means less paint needed.
Reserve your time in nature……
Supplies I bring for outdoor painting: Reusable bag to transport my supplies, water bottle, water cup (I use an empty yogurt container) brushes, pencil, pre-cut watercolor paper (small various sizes) rag, clips (to hold paper together) Palette fully loaded with paint colors (I try not to bring extra tubes of paint) large ziplock bags to package up my palette and any loose materials. I use a rubber band to wrap around my palette to keep it from accidentally opening in transport.
Yes I have been neglecting you old buddy, missed out on your ever changing landscape, your colorful words, exquisite taste of imagery, and inspiring ways.. You always had something new to say and I can always find an adventure or two at my fingertips…
Forgive me darling, my attention played on other playgrounds, it kept me away from hanging out with you.. I couldn’t resist your algorithm charm, I knew one day this gal would return to you with a spark of enthusiasm…
Have you missed me..WordPress? … huh?
Oh your silence is cruel..
My choice of play has been Instagram, and Facebook but I did miss writing… My goal this year is to get back to writing and posting regularly.. I really did miss reading my favorite bloggers posts, such a great community of talented inspirational people on WordPress.
Go do that thing that is always on your mind and in your heart!
Just going with the flow, I let the watercolor paint form and take shape on paper until I found the image, The idea for a haunting formed during the process. – watercolor, pen on Canson 140lb paper
As I sit in front of a white blank page, wondering what to create next. I will just draw myself questioning myself, while I create myself….. My head hurts just thinking about it.
jennifer barrile 