Finding Your Way

Finding Your Way

6"x6" collage/mixed media

on 90 lb. watercolor paper

Some old topographical maps that I have wanted to experiment with came out of storage for this collage. The image of the trail near the center is from a photo I took up on the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park, printed on tissue paper, of all things! It was a little tricky to get the tissue to go through the printer. Had to cut it to 8.5"x11". I do like the somewhat transparent effect it has in the piece. The compass was done the same way, printed on tissue. (I also used some tissue images in the "Chill Factor" collage below.)

I still enjoy working with different typefaces/fonts. Collage explores that in different ways than simple calligraphy or signmaking.

Chill Factor

Chill Factor

5"x5" collage/mixed media

on 90 lb. watercolor paper

Guess I have ice on the brain today, getting in the mood for climbing next week. (Is that like having an ice cream headache? Not quite!)

The climber in the yellow jacket in the piece above is actually me, a few winters ago, climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Although I am not an overly bold climber, I still enjoy the physical activity as well as the form and beauty of the ice.

Cold, Cold Kitty!

January still has a frozen grip on us here in Colorado. It's cold, cold kitty out there! An overnight below zero Fahrenheit temperature is the price we have to pay for those clear, cloudless days. Thankfully we have winter sports! And down jackets! As I am fighting the typical run-down, post-holiday tiredness, I'm looking forward to an upcoming visit to Ouray, CO, to participate in the Chicks with Picks all-women ice climbing week.

Collage is on my mind today. I was contemplating my sluggishness in picking up the paintbrush and/or pencil this week. Often, cutting and pasting something together will ignite the creativity fuse. The huge stack of postcards I have in my art box could be a starting point. Check out the interesting blog, "A Collage a Day" by Randel Plowman. Interesting concept!