Dirty Laundry - Day 4 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Dirty Laundry"
Acrylic and charcoal on canvas
10" x 8"
$65

Secrets in the Wind - Day 3 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Secrets in the Wind"
Acrylic & charcoal on canvas
10" x 8"
$65

Violet Notes - Day 2 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

"Violet Notes"
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 8"
$65

Mystic Sea - Day 1 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge

"Mystic Sea"
Acrylic on canvas
10" x 8"
$65

Sleep?

Here's a favorite quote that describes how I feel about 2013:  

"I'm so optimistic I'd go after Moby Dick in a rowboat and take the tartar sauce with me." 

- Zig Ziglar

Out with 2012 and in with 2013!  A new year is upon us and so is the excitement that sparkles like a newly minted copper penny.  And in my gut, I feel that this will be a breakthrough year for me personally, as well as  a year of new beginnings.  How are you feeling about the New Year??  Is your intuition giving you a big thumb's up too?

I'm continuing to move full steam ahead with my art businesses and have promised myself at least two art-related "vacations" to further expand my art knowledge and learn new techniques.  And this morning I  agreed to participate in a "30 Paintings in 30 Days" challenge by the uber-talented artist, talk-show host and marketing expert, Leslie Saeta.  Really!

There's nothing like starting the New Year with a bang - I'm finishing a very fun commission for a cherished client of mine; getting ready for a 25-piece show at a hospital in two weeks; and prepping for a shared show with the amazing Taylor Gutermute in February at ArtHouse in Sacramento, CA.  

So of course I figured I'd have time to squeeze in a 30-Paintings in 30-Days challenge.....apparently the sleep gene isn't in my DNA!  There will be lots of new JJ art coming your way in the first quarter of 2013 -- stay tuned.  

ART

In placid hours well-pleased we dream

Of many a brave unbodied scheme.

But form to lend, pulsed life create,

What unlike things must meet and mate:

A flame to melt—a wind to freeze;

Sad patience—joyous energies;

Humility—yet pride and scorn;

Instinct and study; love and hate;

Audacity—reverence. These must mate,

And fuse with Jacob’s mystic heart,

To wrestle with the angel—Art.

-- Herman Melville

Some Favorite Things for Artists

The holidays have changed so much from when I was a kid - and to be honest, my anticipation of the season has shifted to a bit of anxiety and overwhelm.  So this year, my friends and family have agreed to simplify (or forego gifting altogether!) and do things that embrace the holiday spirit instead of lining the retailer's pockets.

Since a lot of my readers are artists, I wanted to "gift" all of you with a dozen of my favorite freebies, tutorials and articles.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all!!

Virtual Paint Mixing application by Golden Paints - a FUN application on what color(s) you wind up with if you mix certain colors of paint

Making your Art Biz Legit - links and info on turning your art hobby into a legitimate business

How to Stay Inspired during those Artistic Lulls - fabulous article by the talented Joanie Springer

Wonderful How-to on making wood-burned kitchen spoons - easy tutorial on making some artsy kitchen utensils for your favorite chef by Alisa Burke

25 Handmade Christmas Decorations - make your own decorations for the Holidays by 36th Avenue

Gingerbread Caramel Corn recipe - YUM!

101 Healthy Soup Recipes - by Cooking Light

How-To Make a Distressed-Look Painting - by Little Blue Boo

How-To Draw Video - a 2-hour video from Betty Edwards, author of "Drawing from the Right Side of Your Brain"

A Random Tutorial Generator -- for artists, jewelers and anyone who wants to make things -- watch out, it's addictive!

101 Simple Hand-Made Gifts Tutorial - an amazing variety of hand-made gifts and how to make them!

Tutorials for Photoshop Newbies - how-to's for getting started with Photoshop

"Into the Light"
Mixed Media on paper

Some New Work

  There's something about painting multiple works at a time that inspires and excites me.  I recently

opened a package of ten 10"x8" canvases; laid them out on my dining room table; grabbed some 

supplies and started painting with wild abandon.  Here are some photos of how I started out:  

Supplies:  Acrylic paints, graphite, willow charcoal, Sharpie oil markers and India Ink

Mid-way point:  light gray and buff acrylic with charcoal, graphite and India Ink 

Added some Nickel Azo Gold with dots & lines made with the Sharpie Oil marker

Put down some Lukas Fern acrylic paint for some finish accent color

I liked the composition and designs in several of these "finished" paintings, but felt there was more I could do (plus I wasn't ready to stop painting then!) so one by one, I took these little guys into my "finish studio" aka my home office, and began the adventure I call "search and destroy."  I grabbed some thick white paint and started working with the negative space; added some glazes and introduced some more color.  Here are photos of the finished works:

"A Peaceful Wind"

"A Time to Dream"

10 Finished Paintings

To see more photos of the finished paintings, check out my website  

For purchase information, contact me at:  jjjacobs@comingabstractions.com 

Time flies

It's hard to believe over a month has passed since my last posting.....and this after swearing I'd be more diligent in keeping up with my blog postings!  With one large commission behind me, and another exciting one that I'm about 75% completed with, I've been busy getting 3 new shows hung and my fused glass ornaments designed and fired for five local galleries.  

Below are 5 new paintings that I created for the shows - two of them are hanging at my solo show in 1075 Gallery in West Sacramento, and 3 are in my own new studio in Midtown, Sacramento.  The other show that I hung is going on at Synapse Winery in Placerville -- a wonderful and inviting boutique winery on Main Street.

"Searching for Something"
40" x 30" acrylic on canvas

"Day's End"
36" x 24" acrylic on canvas

"Time to Grow"
Acrylic on 36" x 24" canvas

"Waiting for the Fall"
Acrylics on unstretched canvas - 72" x 54"

"Dream"
Acrylics on 48" x 36" canvas

These are just a few of the works I completed for the new shows - I actually painted 11.  I didn't have time to photograph all of them but after posting these, I noticed some common themes and colors that I really hadn't paid much attention to before:  (1)  The color palettes are very similar;  (2)  They're all larger works; and (3) They are a far cry from my normally bright and vibrant colors.  

As an abstract expressive artist, I generally paint what I'm feeling......and when I stop and look at these newest works, I have to ask myself "what is going on inside of me?"  The overflowing bowl in the first painting; the bird inside the house in the second one; the ghost-like dress on a hanger scratched into the third; the title of the fourth; and the word "DREAM" stenciled onto the last one makes me wonder what changes are ahead for me?  I don't feel depressed, sad or lonely, but I've been finding myself doing more meditation, yoga and sketching and actually feel excited about some projects I've got coming up.  

11-1-12 marked my first year of being on my own after leaving the corporate world to pursue my art, and as I was happily painting away, I was reflecting on what this past year had brought me.  There was the interview by MORE Magazine; my recent interview with ArtsyShark Blog; some of my images were licensed by All My Walls; the closing of Bell'Arte Studios in June and the Grand Opening of my new studio at The ArtHouse in October; plus the Honorable Mention in the international Abstract Artist competition were just a few achievements I managed to have in my first year on my own.

There are more landmark events and accomplishments that happened this past year, but overall I'm filled with so much gratitude and appreciation -- and a tremendous amount of thankfulness.  The Universe supported my decision to escape my comfort zone and gently guided me along the way as I gingerly stepped into a new world that I've longed to be part of my entire life.  

While I'm not in the Fortune 500 or the Louvre just yet, I've managed to survive and thrive and am finally living my dream.  So the latest neutral colored, somewhat somber paintings were not created with feeling of sadness -- they're actually created with tears of joy and gratitude.  I had to let go of my safety net to move ahead, but I'm here to tell you the journey has been nothing short of amazing and I can't wait to see what's in store for me this next year!

 

New Studio for JJ!

Since the CAST Open Studio tours in September, I've been buried with getting a large commission completed; collecting rents for my property management and leasing business;  and organizing things to get ready to move into my new studio.  I started paying rent for the new place on the 1st, but found the inside needed to be completely repainted which delayed the process a week as I managed to talk my wonderful brother (a professional painting contractor) and adorable niece to paint it for me.

I'd have done the painting myself but had somehow managed to develop some painful muscle spasms in my back, neck and shoulder (stress maybe??) and was barely able to lift my right arm.  After a couple of visits to my fabulous chiropractor, I carefully made the move into my new digs and was officially open for business yesterday just in time for the 2nd Saturday Art Walk.

Here are some photos of the new space, which is located at the new ArtHouse (which is the same building I was in when I shared a space with the spiritual painter, Brenda Boles).  A special thanks to my former studio mate, Dianne Poinski, for letting me know this space was becoming available.  I hadn't planned on moving into a studio again, but when Dianne told me the news about the upcoming vacancy, something inside said "DO IT!" and I'm glad I did.

The new space is upstairs in a large industrial building, and has 18 wonderful artists including Dianne, Brenda and myself.  My new space has a beautiful window; 2 painted brick walls; high ceilings; lots of natural light; and a fabulous location near the stairwell.  The building is in a wonderful location in downtown Sacramento's industrial area, and downstairs has some fun tiny shops and a great restaurant that are a big draw to our space.  

While I'm physically and mentally exhausted from everything that's taken place over the last few weeks, I'm  thrilled to be back in an artistic atmosphere.  Tomorrow I am starting a very unique commission for a friend in addition to 2 solo shows coming up in November......so you can guess how the next few weeks will be for this busy girl.  I fully intend to avoid the muscle spasm incident again, so am having a nice, long massage on Tuesday.  

Ahhhhhh.......life is good :-)

Capital Artists Studio Tours - Please Join Us!!!

Mark your calendars -- it's time for Sacramento's annual Capital Artists Studio Tours again and they're taking place over two weekends for the first time ever!!  Beginning Saturday, 9/8 and 9/9, you will be able to tour dozens of artist studios in the midtown/downtown/western Sacramento area from 11-5.  And on the following weekend (9/15 & 9/16 from 11-5), you'll be able to see even more artist studios in Sacramento's "East Side" (including my home studio with fused glass, lampworking, jewelry, abstract paintings and special guest artist, Joanie Springer from Santa Rosa!).

"Angel with Gold Earrings" by Joanie Springer

Joanie is a self-taught artist who paints endearing faces, still life's and animals full of color and personality.  She is a huge believer in working with natural and recycled materials, and works on a variety of supports including cardboard, wood panels and junk mail.  After a recent visit to her Santa Rosa studio and spending a few minutes soaking in some of her genius, I knew I had to invite her to join me for the CAST tours on Saturday and Sunday, September 15th & 16th.  I think once you look at her website you will see what I mean and will join us both for the big show.

The uber-talented Ms. Springer even put together this fabulous YouTube video about the upcoming CAST tours with specific details (times, dates, and location) and lots of photos of her work and mine.  Please be sure to check it out even if you can't make the tour!

One of my favorite things to do in life is visit other artists' studios to see how they make their art and what tools they use to work their magic.  I drool over their work spaces as much as I do their artistic offerings and generally come home with a desire to totally redo my own studio from top to bottom so that I too might improve my work by osmosis!  But for now, I'm going to be satisfied with what I've got and promise to have it cleaned and ready for demonstrations for the CAST Open Studio tour on 9/15 and 9/16 from 11-5.

This will be my 4th year participating in the tour and let me tell you, it's a lot of fun.  It will also be the first time I'm opening my home studio to the public and I've got to invest a little time getting things ready to make room for Joanie's display area and show my newest works including lots of glass jewelry, new beads and fused glass (and debuting my latest XMAS ornament!) plus of course, my abstract paintings.  Here's a photo of a portion of my messy glass studio (formerly known as a garage).

Interior shot of a MESSY glass studio that will be cleaned for the 9/15-9/16 show!

So please join Joanie and myself for the CAST Tours on 9/15 & 9/16 in Sacramento, CA.  We'll have lots of art, cool drinks and will be doing demonstrations.  If you'd like more details (like the address and times) please watch this video or send an email to me at jjjacobs@comingabstractions.com   Bring the family and your friends and see how we do what we do best.  Hope to see you there!!!

The Dictionary

I have always been drawn to the written word and the often brilliant people who are able to put them together so eloquently.  One of my favorite books that I own today is "The New College Edition of The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language." 

My Dad gave it to me for Christmas in 1981, and for months I would read it before I went to sleep.  Yes - I mean "read!"  I'd pick a random page and read the meaning of the words and would try to commit them to memory.  I loved the tiny print and the black & white photographs of some of the words that were printed at the edge of the translucent, crispy thin paper.   

At an early age my parents taught me how to use a dictionary when I didn't know the meaning of a word.  To be honest, I was one of those kids who constantly asked "why?" and I think they got tired of having to answer me, so directing me to the dictionary whenever I came across an unfamiliar word was probably a major time saver for them!  

30+ years later, I still keep my dictionary close by in my office, and probably use it at least once a week if not more.  The bottom corners are discolored from the constant fanning of the pages and the paper cover is torn and ragged.  I know I can use an on-line dictionary when I need one, but my number one choice is always and will always be opening my own book and finding the word myself.....and after I read the definition, you can bet I'll take a few moments to read a few more,

  

Pretty in Pink - Bead Soup Reveal #2

It's time for Bead Soup Reveal #2 and I'm really excited about my humble offerings today.  My exchange partner was the amazingly talented Dot Lewallen.  Dot makes exquisite chokers and dolls out of seed beads, and you can see more of her work here including the two beautiful pieces she made from my ancient seaglass beads for this Bead Soup exchange!

Here are the shots I took of my finished works -- they're photographed on top of one of my big canvas paintings which I hope do not distract from the finished pieces too much.  I tried a variety of backgrounds and lights and finally settled on the almost neutral background of "Autumn Leaves are Falling."

Dot supplied me with an exquisite Raku owl pendant and some
creamy pink jasper beads along with some gold pearls and pink
beads.  The clasp on the bracelet is absolutely beautiful - gold
pearls are inside the silver roses.  I used one of my own lampworked
beads on the bracelet -- it's the free-form pink/black one on the left and
matches the other free-form pink bead on the pendant.

Isn't the silver flower clasp unique?  I wasn't sure how to use it and hope
I did it right......I truly love the combo of the soft pink with the golds and
silver metals.  I had to throw in some crystals for good measure!

Of course I had to add a pair of my asymmetrical
earrings.....these stone beads from Dot are beautiful!

Here's a closeup of the Raku owl pendant.  I used a bronze necklace
that I had lying around and added 4 strands of mixed beads with pinks,
golds, bronze and ivory to go with the pretty little iridized shells.  The
lampworked bead at the top is one of mine and is etched to give
it the creamy look that I love so much.  I couldn't get the camera
to show off the lovely iridized glazing on the owl - but it's there!

I had a lot of little beads left over and wanted to make another pendant with
a bunch of "hangy-dangys" on the end.  I used a sterling pounded metal
circle as a holder and added 4 charms that included 2 of my lampworked beads.

I'm so grateful to Lori Anderson for her continued patience and incredible creativity.  I partake in several exchanges throughout the year, but Bead Soup will always be my #1 favorite.  I am eternally indebted to Dot for opting to be my exchange partner after my first candidate had to back out; and want to thank my very first Bead Soup partner, Karen Williams for surprising me with another set of beads too.  Doing
two Bead Soups this year is truly a treat, and I'm looking forward to learning some more techniques between
now and the next exchange!

Check out the links below to see more eye candy from this week's Bead Soup participants:

Hostess, Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

Adlinah Kamsir, Dream Struck Designs

Adrienn Lukacs, Raszputyin Designs

Agata Grygiel, Cytherea Bijoux

Alenka Obid, Pepita Handmade

Amy Dickerson, Damyjo Designs

Amy Schmidt, Amy's Treasure

Amy Severino, Amy Beads

Ana Krepel, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

Andra Weber, Andra's Joyful Journey

Andrea Trank, Heaven Lane Creations

Anke Humpert, Anart Island Studios

Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

April Grinaway, Brooklyn Bead Goddess

Ashley Bunting, Miss Ashely Kate

Astrid Boyce, Astrid Boyce Beads

B.R. Kuhlman, Mixed Mayhem Studios

Barb Fernald, Barbara S. Fernald Jewelry

Barbe Saint John, Saints and Sinners

Beata Benkone Meggyesi, Beahobbi

Brandy McNair, Bella Vita Handmade Jewelry

Bryna Lumb, Bryna's Bead Box

Carmen Lau, Little Maketto

Cate van Alphen, Fulgorine

Cathie Carroll, Cathie Carroll's Studio

Cathy Khoury, Touch Jewelry

Christina Stofmeel, Feng Beads

Collette Collins, Fire Fly Myst Artisan Jewelry

Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

Crystal Thain, Here Bead Dragons

Cynthia Abner, Created Treasures

Deana Hager, Just Deez'Art & Life

Debbie Davis, Natural Treasures by Deb

Debbie Phenes, Deb Joy Sing

Debbie Rasmussen, A Little of This, A Little of That

Dhea Powers, Java Bead

Diana Welte, Lilyweeds

Dita Basu, alankarshilpa

Dorota Zeranska, gdymamczas

Dot Lewallwn, Speedie Beadie

Eleanor Snare, The Magic Square Foundation

Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

Emma Todd, A Polymer Penchant

Eva Sherman, Eva Sherman Designs

Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead and Metal Works

Francy Inman, Francy's Studio

Ginger Bishop, lilmummy likes...

Giorgia Rossini, Jo in Wonderland

Ine Vande Cappelle, Jewels by Ine

Iveth Caruso, Creative Atelier

JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

Jackie Ryan, Kydo Jewellery

Jeannie Dukic, Jeannie's Blog

Jelveh Jaferian, Jelveh Designs

Jenna Tomalka, Twin Birch Studio

Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Beads

Jennifer Van Horn, Jennifers Jewels and Junk

Jo-Ann Woolverton, It's a Beadiful Creation

Johanna Rhodes-Nash, Fire Phoenix Creations

Joyce Blair, Bent Wire West Coast

JuLee Wolfe, The Polymer Penguin

Karen Vincent, Swallow Tail Jewellery

Karin Slaton, Backstory Beads

Kayla Potega, The Eclectic Element

Kim Dworak, CianciBlue

Krafty Max, Krafty Max Originals

Kris Lanae Binsfeld, Cherish Designs by Kris Lanae

Kristen Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

Kumi Fisher, Malie Kai Designs

Kym Hunter, Kym Hunter Designs

Lennis Carrier, Windbent

Leslie Wayment, AA Beads & More

Linda Florian, Lilys of the Valley Jewelry Creations

Linda Murphy, Bonita Bead

Lisa Johnson, Whimsey Wonders

Lisa Lodge, Pine Ridge Treasures

Lisa Sittniewski, Love, Yesterdays

Lois Moon, Que Onda, Q'Town?

Lola Surwillo, Bead Lola Bead

Lorelei Eurto, Lorelei's Blog

Lori Bowring Michaud, Artfully Ornamental

Lori Callahan, Dancing Wire and Beads by Lori

Lori Finney, Using My Beads

Marcia Dunne, The Alternative Foundry

Margareta Saari, Mags-koruja

Maria Horvath, Horimarika Beads

Marian Hertzog, M's Place

Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Mary K McGraw, MK's Creative Musings

MaryLou Holvenstot, time2cre8

Martha Aleo, Ornamento

Maybeline Tay, The Jewelry Larder

Megan Collins, Churchy & Her Sailor

Melissa Meman, Art. Life. Love.

Melissa Mesara, One-Eared Pig Beads

Melissa Muir, Kelsi's Closet Jewelbox

Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

Pam DeBoer, Purple Notes from the Studio

Pam Farren, re-maker

Pam Hurst, Pam Hurst Designs

Patricia Handschuh, The Color of Dreams

Patty Miller, CabariBeads

Penney Klapoth, Faerie Acres

Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

Rhea Freitag, starrgazer creates

Rochelle Brisson, A Creative Chelle

Sabine Dittrich, PerlenDschungel

Sandra McGriff, Creative Chaos

Sandra Neights, Petalo Azul

Sandra Young, It's a Bead Life!

Sara Oehler, SoftFlex Girl

Saturday Sequins, Saturday Sequins

Shanti Johnson, Sunshine Bliss

Shari Replogle, Plays With Paper

Sonya Stille, Dreamin' of Beads

Stefanie Teufel, Stefanies Sammelsurium

Tammie Everly, TTE Designs

Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

Tanya Wiles, Tenebrous Hollow Studio

Therese Frank, Therese's Treasures

Tina Holden, Polymer Clay Bytes!

Toltec Jewels, Jewel School Friends

Tracey Nanstad, A Beadiful Mess

Tracy Choy, BumbleBeads Designs

Valerie Norton, Hot Art

Drift Away

"Faraway Land"

9" x 12"

Acrylic on canvas

When I need to think or just get away from the heat, I head to the beach.  There's just something about having my feet in the sand and listening to the waves that brings me back to my center, and feeds my soul.  

As many of you know from previous posts, I've been on a bit of a painting drought since before the studio closed.  For the past couple of months, I've been longing to take a little seaside excursion and it seems every time I get a few days to myself, something comes up that keeps me home.  

So instead of pouting because I'm not able to get away, I decided to bring the beach to me.  Here's the first of several new paintings that I made this week - I can almost hear those seagulls screeching as the waves crash into the sand!