I went to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens last Friday. A LOVELY place to visit, I'll be back. I did a pastel, though I ended up with MUCH on myself! Washing myself in the basin of the restroom afterwards. I was pleased with the result. I sat on the wall in the rose garden in sunshine, so it was really pleasant. It was the first time I've ever done a pastel 'plein air' (outdoors).
Hope you enjoy this photo of where I sat, and the resulting work.
I got a shock when I went to the loo, and looked in the mirror, I had pastel all over my face. I call myself 'smudge' when I work in pastels. HA!
I think you can click on the image for a larger view.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Today's art effort was this watercolor of 2 kittens. A 'tuxedo' and a 'tabby'. I've just listed it on ebay - item 3639449536.
I did a watercolor nude a few days ago that is also listed as well as a proven favourite of a Yorkshire Terrier.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
The final one of the 3 is actual also one that I had a different idea in mind, first, and even submitted it.
But as it was partially photographic, it was unsuitable.
This version then came to mind, and was accepted.
It's about a police woman, some shooting, and a pick-pocket. Pen and Ink.
Hope you like them all.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Another FMAM magazine illustration for a story that was about a woman that runs a boarding house, and she is always trying to save money to keep it afloat but there is also death associated with the people she deals with.
I found this one difficult to come up with something. I started off with totally different images to the final.
The editor really liked this one, so was worth it. I rather like it, too.
It wasn't an easy one to think of something to show for that particular story.
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Well, for quarterly publication 'Futures for Story Lovers' it's that time again...
I got asked to do 3 illustrations this time.
It's an interesting magazine - stories with twists.
http://www.futuresforstorylovers.com is the site - go look!
One story was about death and time travel.
It had the title something like Time Travel Death - I suggested renaming it 'Killing Time', and that was accepted. :)
Fun to do things like that.
Anyway, my illustration is shown above.
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Well, it was exciting to be asked to design some awards for the Atlanta Artists Center (AAC) a few weeks ago (you can get a tiny glimpse of them on their site, in photos when they were presented).
From there I was asked to design an invitation for up-coming art auction & show at Defoor Center.
I attacked it in a non-traditional manner, wanting lots of 'life' to it. But didn't want anything too abstract arty as so many of our artists at AAC are traditional realists.
Since then I have received a lot of compliments, but really made me believe it today when I was doing colour enlarged photocopies in Kinko's of a poster I did designed around the same style and a complete stranger couldn't stop looking at the poster, and instead of commenting on the event, he raved about how good the design was!
When I told him I designed it, he told me I should do it as a business. Being a stranger, I was quite amazed that it had such a reaction.
If you'd like to see the invitation it's at AACs website. And if you're in Atlanta, go into the site, to 'Defoors' and you can download a printable copy of the invitation to print for yourself and any friends you might think will be interested to attend.
AACs website:
http://www.atlantaartistscenter.org
Thanx.
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
My really exciting news is re the Atlanta Artists Center.
They have 2 events. First is their monthly show, which is juried. So I submitted 2 works for that.
Second is the 'Defoors' Auction and exhibition. This is a major fundraiser, and the artists are required to donate a painting, and then they can submit more for juried entry. I submitted 2 works for that, also (as well as the required donated piece).
I went last night to collect art work that had not been accepted after jury selection, only to find out that ALL pieces have been accepted. So I am really excited about that.
I'll let you know how all goes.
If anyone reads this, in Atlanta, the Defoors auction is at the Defoors Center on Friday 14th November from 6.30pm until 10pm. A great chance to get some original art!
The exhibition is open several days prior to the auction so you can view the work, and up until the 2nd December. Only a certain number of paintings will be for auction, the remainder will be as a 'regular' exhibition where sales can be made. Come see!
I may get to see you there!
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
Things have gotten a little busy, art-wise.
One local group (Arts Clayton) has a 'Mistletoe Market' the next 2 months, leading up to Xmas.
I took in some tin hearts container/baskets that I'd painted with roses a few weeks ago and the gallery manager said she loved them.
I recently received some small paintings from Australia, so took them and 10 of the hearts into the gallery on Saturday. I'm going to the reception for the opening tonight.
~Jillian
http://www.JillianCrider.com
A couple of weeks ago I went with a 'Plein Air' art group to old town Norcross, Georgia. It's a delightful place, and the weather was stunning.
I have long wanted to paint outdoors - I grew up thinking that was what artists DID do, anyway, when saw photos of them at canvases painting outdoors. I had made some solo attempts in the past, but not with a group.
I didn't have the right equipment but made do with a folding stool & tv table.
Straight away my eyes were drawn to the barber shop, and despite the temptation (and perhaps a little trepidation), I settled down to draw with pen & ink. I felt that paints were such a BIG step for me to take.
(UPDATE: This was later purchased by the shop owner. I was delighted.)
I dashed into it, and in hind-sight I should have taken more time to plan it, but it turned out quite well. All who saw it became smitten with the olde-world look I'd given it, and the owner actually ended up asking to buy it.
There was a lovely lunch with my new artist friends as it was the first time meeting with them, also.
Later I explored the shops. Loved the 'Best of British' shop and plan to go back, and the antique store next door to it yielded a host of treasures - it's one of the best antique shops I've been in since I've been in Georgia.
Stay tuned for more adventures (when I remember to write them).
Regards,
~Jillian
www.JillianCrider.com
