creativity

Reflection of inspiration

| jennifer barrile

The pursuit.

My favorite pastime is browsing antique shops and thrift stores looking for unique items, especially frames that will inspire a new creation.  During one of my thrifting adventures, I discovered a small golden mirror. The mirror was in great condition and perfectly suited for experimenting. 

 

 

About a week later I finally decided to paint directly onto the mirror. 

 

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 A photograph captured during one of my visits to  Norristown Farm Park,  with family was the inspiration for the mirror. It is always a pleasure to be out in nature, walking the trails and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

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Photograph captured by my daughter using a Canon Rebel T7

My process:

I painted directly onto the lower portion of the mirror using acrylic paint and allowing for the top of mirror to be exposed. Short strokes with thin layers of acrylic paint was the key to painting on this surface.  When completed the artwork was sealed with a clear finish.  

I was pleased with the look and feel of artwork, it was as if this mirror was made for this image. 

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A painting feels that much more special when adorned with a unique frame.

 This little gem made a debut at my recent art exhibit for the month of February and excited to say it has recently sold!  Yay!  Glad the art will be heading off to a new home. 

 

Thank you 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the neighborhood

| jennifer barrile

I am everywhere and nowhere..

Creatively speaking I hit a rough patch recently,  I arrived at the point without a desire to create and my attempts to paint went awry.  Refraining from beating myself up over this dry spell (ok I admit to a small temper tantrum), I decided to make an effort to do other things. A brisk walk around the neighborhood is one of my favorite things to do to clear my head.  On occasions I would take time to observe, photographing interesting things  along the way.

One of the images I photographed was an old house in the neighborhood which I have passed many times. I always admired the structure and unique ornate features of the house. This image was the spark to start me off on my little painting adventure.

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Always fascinated with the stories behind the facade but alas the only information I could find on this old house was the date it was built, 1896.

 

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9″x12″  acrylic paint and graphite on wood panel

 

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I’ve been using a sta-wet palette, it helps keep my paints from drying out.

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Painting of the trees

Progression of painting

 

Thanks for stopping by and letting me take you on my little creative journey.

Hello

| jennifer barrile

Oh hello darling,  I miss you..

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..

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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.

Illustration: pencil on paper

Art of joy

| jennifer barrile

As a  creative, there is always the need to make something and if your not doing, making, creating what you love you can feel lost. Well for me that is how I felt during the past three years. It started out well, I was happy to have a new job, experiencing new people but eventually the work just wasn’t for me anymore. I needed to make a change for my own well being and purpose. Over the course of my work days, I realized the work was boring, non-stimulating it was dulling my senses, kinda sucking the life from my soul (dramatic I know but its how I felt).

Taking time to contemplate my situation, realizing my life goals I decided to take a leap of faith.  Now my goal is to go full throttle with my art and work with anything that promotes my creative and brings me joy. These days I am feeling happier and lighter in spirit which is carrying over into the art I create. I always had a love of watercolor, and recently have been working on small paintings on paper, inspired by nature.

I want to share a little joy with you. Because I enjoy giving and sharing my work, I am offering a giveaway this week. I am selecting three winners BUT the winners will have to gift the art away. (No spamming, or mailings etc.) You can visit my artist page on Facebook, like the giveaway post and comment with the name of person you would like to give art to if you won. (no tagging or sharing required) Just a little giveaway…  You can just stop by say hello if you don’t wish to participate.. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts and view my art!!

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Small works of art, 5×7″  watercolor and marker on canson 140 lb cold press paper

Visit my artist page on Facebook for giveaway details

My other works of art on paper now available on Etsy.

 

 

November, fall into creativity

| jennifer barrile

 

 

 

 

November brings a host to creative challenges, including the National Novel Writing Month to Art Everyday.  Currently Im taking on both challenges, this will  be my third year participating with art everyday month and my second go around for novel writing.

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Day 1.

Perfect timing, I randomly picked a creativity card of the day, from Julia Cameron’s, The Artist Way inspirational deck of cards. –  “Take one small daily action instead of indulging in the big questions.”DSCF4764

 

Visit Leah’s website to participate in the art everyday challenge.

National Novel Writing Month  Challenge

#aedm2014  #NaNoWriMo