#jensimaginings

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! 

 

 

 

The art of an exhibit

| jennifer barrile

 

My paintings, art jewelry and prints are currently on display at the William G. Rohrer Memorial Library, Haddon Twp. Branch, New Jersey.  This wonderful library allows a different artist each month to showcase their art.

 

Preparation for this month long exhibit was the motivating force to frame my favorite paintings on paper, a collection of cityscapes and landscapes .

 

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My art desk, a glorious creative mess! It was a whirlwind week of creative inspiration. Painting new art for the show and re-working older art to make something new.

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Dream * Explore * Imagine 

(the inspiring words written around the library)

 

 

Display case filled with hand painted art jewelry and prints.

The Frida Kahlo collection

One-of-a-kind, mixed media art, hand painted with decorative paper accents layered and sealed within a metal pendant.

 

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Landscape necklaces

Each unique pendant is hand painted and sealed with a gloss varnish

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A mix of canvas art and framed paintings.

 

The inspiration for my landscape paintings are from places in around Philadelphia and New Jersey.

 

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This was a wonderful experience!

I have to give thanks to the library for hosting my work and to my fabulous sister for helping me with the installation.

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All work in the show including jewelry and prints available for purchase.

For inquiries email:  Jenniferbarrile@gmail.com

Etsy shop @JensImaginings

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My art will be on display at the library until February 28, 2020

For more information about the library:

William G. Rohrer Memorial Library
Haddon Township Branch
15 MacArthur Boulevard
Phone: (856) 854-2752
Monday-Thursday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday & Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Closed Sunday

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! 

Let’s connect exhibit

| jennifer barrile

A community of local artists invited to create art that is based on a specific artwork in the Barnes collection located in Philadelphia, PA.

Excited for the opportunity to exhibit at the Barnes and the chance to win a residency with the help of votes from the public. Anyone who wants to participate to be a voter will be able to visit the museum for FREE!  To register follow this link  LetsConnect  once registered you can vote in person and attend the museum for free until June 4th.

If you are not familiar with the Barnes foundation and the special art collection you can read about it here: Barnesfoundation.org

My inspiration was Cézanne’s painting Girl with birdcage.

My painting, Girl With Cat, plays up to the animal theme of Cézanne’s work, I based it on my own daughter and family cat. Studying the colors of Cézanne’s painting and the surrounding art in the room, I created this artwork as if it would be a companion piece to the other paintings.  (medium: acrylic paint on 8×10″ canvas)

*If you have any questions about the art or event feel free to send me a message. Thank you!

Facebook event page

100 days

| jennifer barrile

So it begins again…

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.

 

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“Traveling through the graveyard with a suitcase full of sparks honey, Im just trying to find my way to you.”

 

 

 

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.

100 days

| jennifer barrile

This week was the start of the 100 day project on Instagram . The challenge is the process of creating something everyday for 100 days, any style, shape, medium of your own choosing..  If you are interested in joining the challenge visit Elle Luna  for all the details.

Many moons ago I attempted a challenge, creating mixed media art everyday for 100 days but unfortunately I fell short. This year my goal is to accomplish 100 artworks of my cat Cookie #100DaysOfCookieCat .  I will be working on 5×5″ watercolor cold press paper utilizing any medium.

1/100  watercolor markers

2/100  The watering hole… watercolor & graphite

3/100 Rainy days…. Watercolor and graphite

If you would like to view more of my cat art, follow me on Instagram

A little backstory.. We adopted Cookie 2 yrs ago from Spay and Save, Inc.  The moment my daughter met Cookie, she knew the cat would be perfect for our family. My daughter was correct, Cookie is a wonderful cat, quirky, boisterous, loving, sweet natured, and a great cuddle buddy.. When anyone is visibly sad or cries Cookie will appear to comfort that person and sometimes she will run over to the person to give a kiss on the cheek.. true story! 

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