Creative

Back to the Garden

/ Tamara Brown / 4 Comments

It’s been two years since I completed the final art grant and posted Paints in the Parks’ last event. In that time eye surgeries, complications from those procedures, and the pandemic shut down my interactions with the public and my plein air painting. But not my creative spirit.

What follows is a brief overview of the small, fanciful and infinitely rewarding art projects that have enriched the creative spark that would not die despite days in bed, foggy vision, scarce resources and my daily anxiety caused by an uncertain future.

Primrose
Tradescantia zebrina
Bluebells
My first attempts after adjusting to my new eye vision in 2020 used mixed media with tissue paper, iridescent watercolors, and watercolor pencils outlined in ink based on houseplants and photos.
In the winter of 2021 I utilized items found in my yard and on neighborhood walks such as leaves, acorns and pinecones (even a pole bean) to create a wall hanging and nature mandalas.
Last summer I used a variety of supplies and found objects to create art for the yard, including iron spikes (mushroom stems) that may be from a circus that wintered over in our neighborhood in the early 1900s! My family helped paint the mushroom tops molded from air-dry clay. Unfortunately someone found them tasty because they were gradually nibbled away by the fall.

In 2022 I’m looking forward to new projects with garden art, including an old set of windows that I can’t wait to paint, outdoor mandalas, art journaling and some landscape design. I’ll take you along with me, and hope that my adventures (or misadventures) give you a few ideas inspired by nature. Until next month, happy creating!

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The First House Call

/ Tamara Brown / 2 Comments

Here's a happy group of new friends with their unique masterpieces.

Here’s a happy group of new friends with their unique masterpieces.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of helping a friend launch her first “Art Party” complete with delicious appetizers and festive drinks, and a sunny theme to light up the dark winter days of January. Between the two of us, we gathered together canvases, paints, paper, pens and possibilities. My friend printed out various depictions of the sun, and I provided examples and encouragement.

Many of the ladies invited had never met, and only had my friend in common, but quickly became acquainted as they sipped, snacked and created throughout the evening. There is something reassuring and convivial about working in a group, especially when you can do your own thing as opposed to following the instructor to produce the same picture. I enjoyed watching each guest pick their own supplies and colors, and express themselves in a unique way.

All in all, my friend and I considered the evening a great success, with many leaving with their artworks vowing to continue creating art on their own. I hope to make more of these house calls in the future, especially during the cold months when we all need some cheer and camaraderie while exploring our creativity.