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A Week in Art-making and Writing

This has been an interesting week. My art and writing came together more than usual. I headed out to a forest preserve and felt as though I could feel my character Yolanda lurking about there. The forest is her element. I was sucked in, wanting to learn how to enrich her story. While there, I drew this:


Thatcher Woods, River Forest #1 c. 2015, Stephanie Rose Bird



Many of Yolanda's Magical Realism scenes take place in the wood and since I grew up among them as well, I felt very drawn to this place. This piece is in chalk pastels. Upon returning to my studio I wanted to revisit my story of Yolanda in "No Barren Life." Quickly enough, I began revising some of the environmental settings for her.


 "Larkspur Quartet," oil pastel, c. 2015, Stephanie Bird


                                               

Our weather has been iffy this week. Rainy, windy, cool and today very hot. My larkspur are starting to get beaten up and are losing their flowers from the stormy weather. This oil pastel was done before much of that happened. Hopefully, another larkspur plant will surprise me and bloom. I realize this is doubtful but it doesn't hurt to be optimistic.

As for today, I'm going to head outside and work up some echinacea on black pastel paper and then onto more writing and revisions, revisions, revisions and reading which inevitably leads to more revisions. Then the opening reception for the exhibition "Drawn to Nature" at Gallery 2506 in Chicago.
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Comments

  1. Gillena CoxJuly 17, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    Lovely lovely, have a good weekend

    Much love...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Clare LloydJuly 17, 2015 at 11:02 AM

    super art work, love the movement in the marks. happy PPF

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 18, 2015 at 6:57 AM

      Clare thanks for stopping by from our Paint Party Friday. I do quite love mark making. Glad you enjoyed too!

      Delete
  3. JoJuly 17, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    I would find writing and painting way too much so I admire that you can cope with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 18, 2015 at 6:59 AM

      Thanks Jo. Sometimes it is too much but I'm working hard at striking balance in my life and work.

      Delete
  4. UnknownJuly 17, 2015 at 2:39 PM

    So much to see in your work. Glad it's been a great week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 18, 2015 at 7:00 AM

      Lynn there's so much life in nature. I just try to record some of it.

      Delete
  5. Linda KunsmanJuly 17, 2015 at 4:41 PM

    what a colorful forest-love it! Happy PPF!

    ReplyDelete
  6. ChristineJuly 17, 2015 at 6:38 PM

    Nice pages!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hilary Melton-ButcherJuly 18, 2015 at 12:30 AM

    So talented ... love the colours and the thoughts ... gorgeous - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 18, 2015 at 7:01 AM

      Thanks Hillary. Glad you're responding to the art and thoughts. :)

      Delete
  8. AnonymousJuly 18, 2015 at 4:37 AM

    I so love the colors you choose. Your art is the kind I would sit with and just look at, letting my mind wander through each stroke and each shade. They're very beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 18, 2015 at 7:03 AM

      That means a lot coming from you Renata. I'll keep it coming and so appreciate your feedback!

      Delete
  9. GinnyJuly 18, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    I love how your combine your love of nature, your art, and your writing. It is all very inspirational.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lisabella RussoJuly 20, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    How wonderful to derive inspiration from nature, I do too sometimes. Beautiful pieces!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie BirdJuly 20, 2015 at 1:20 PM

      It is wonderful! About to head outside soon for more...

      Delete
  11. UnknownJuly 31, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    Great post. I enjoyed a lot checking out this beautiful coverage of piece! Thanks for stopping by. Keep sharing such a great posts.

    personal statement writing service

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sherry EllisAugust 2, 2015 at 2:27 PM

    Both are very nice pieces of art.

    ReplyDelete

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