Of Paints and Brushes and Owls and Stuff

This post was also published on Another Kick at the [Paint] Can.  Why?  Because I'm a mom, and I like to multitask.... a lot!
When I started painting, it was for myself.  I wanted to try to capture the images that floated through my mind; and I wanted to play with acrylics, and learn how to use that medium.  When I looked at works of art by illustrators like Rose Cowles,  something in my heart would long to do that too.


So, I bought my first paint set with my Christmas money.  I've probably already mentioned that in an earlier post, but it really was a pivotal moment for me.  I'd been aching to get my hands on the paint, the canvas, the brushes, the ideas, for over a year.  When the time came to jump in, I was ready. 



Then came another pivotal moment: when I realized that I could make my paintings into cards and sell them to help raise awareness and funds for our local Down syndrome society.  I approached the Board, and asked if I could. The Board was on board (awful pun intended), and so The Little Gull Project began. 

To say I am very proud of The Little Gull is an understatement. 

I'm very proud.  But, I'm also quite aware that my paintings are at the experimental stage.  There are a lot of wonderful artists out there, like Diane Duda, and I'm happy to learn from their creations.  Dianne uses text in many of her paintings, and that inspired me to try it too.  Take this little guy, for example:



This painting is an experimental project on paper. What do I like about this painting?  I'm pretty happy with the text collaged onto the owl's belly.  I think I could have done better with the bleeding hearts.  I should have used canvas instead of paper, as the paper buckled from the thickness of the paint.  I'm not happy with the background because of that buckling.  I'm thinking a different colour for the sky might be a better plan.  I'm tempted to cut the owl and tree out, and collage it onto a canvas, or wooden block (something I have yet to try).

If you have any advice on how to make this owl better - please leave a message.  I'm happy to learn! I'm in need of a mentor, or two, or ten....

The Little Gull has a lot of room to grow, and I'm okay with that.

The Little Gull Project

This has been my crazy calling over the last few months.  Painting, making art cards, approaching business to sell art cards, starting The Little Gull blog, working with an amazing art printer - Scott at Art Ink Print,  planning with the local Down Syndrome Society, signing up for an ETSY account, making signage for stores.

I couldn't be happier.  Really.  The Little Gull feeds my soul and makes me feel I am a part of something bigger than just me.  It's a good feeling. 

I still get nervous approaching businesses, but so far they have been very kind.  One bookstore owner told me she was going out of art cards, that they simply didn't have room for them.  But, with regards to The Little Gull Project she said, "But this is different.  Let's go for it."