It is Just Paper!

My classic line when I work with people creating art who are critical of their artwork is, "It is just paper, not to worry."

Well this line takes on a new dimension after viewing paper sculptures by Canadian artist Calvin Nicholls.
My good friend and artist, Judi Colwell, introduced me to him.

I use the expression this time as.....
"Oh my gosh, it is just paper!"

There is nothing simple or ordinary about his paper art. Where we would use a piece of paper and a pair of scissors, Calvin uses everything you could possibly think of to carve, cut and rip perfect details onto his creations. The motifs are mostly wildlife and the details are truly amazing. One can not even fathom the time it must have taken to create these masterpieces of art.

Here are two of my favorites:




Be sure to visit his website to see more ASTONISHING JUST PAPER creations.

Spring Fling

Today I participated in the "Spring Fling" at the Olympia Country and Golf Club in Olympia, Washington. It actually was springy today.......sunshine, with beautiful views of Budd Bay and several sailboats were on the water.

I showed an array of art including original watercolor paintings, pastel paintings, acrylic miniatures paintings, card sets, ceramic tiles, and watercolor prints.

This is the lovely view I enjoyed all day from my table.


Here I am.....


This is Judi Colwell, my good friend and artist, who encouraged me to enter this show. Her art is called "fluid Painting" and is quite spectacular.


It was the third year for "Spring Fling" and it had a good variety of artists and entrepreneurs. If you missed out on this fun shopping experience, watch for it next year.

Does Size Make a Difference?

A question to ponder.....

I remember enjoying painting on huge canvases because it was like a dance. Not only did you move your arm as you painted, but also your body.

When I began painting in watercolors, a half sheet of watercolor paper seemed essential to capture all that I wanted to paint.

Recently while traveling in Greece, I created small watercolor and ink sketches because I was traveling light.

Today as I painted with watercolors, I wondered about the significance of size.

In the third watercolor painting of sand orchids of Greece, I finally loosened up. Yet as I painted today, I became mesmerized by shapes and colors as I worked a small area of the painting. The thought occurred to me to cut out the section of the painting as the final product.

It reminded me of a story my artist friend, Judi Colwell, told of tearing off a section of one of her paintings because the art patron liked that part. It really shocked the customer!

Here is the watercolor painting so far......


And the detail....


Who knows where this might go?

Third in the Series

My friend and artist, Judi Colwell, believes in doing series of art. Not only do they show well when hung together, but when you get into the flow of painting them, magic happens.

I took her advice when I became enthralled by the fabulous Irises in my neighbor's garden. I created three watercolor paintings while in the enchantment.

Here is the third in the series:

Number 3
Joanne Osband
Watercolor

If you missed the other two, I will save you time trying to find them searching the older blogs:

Single
Joanne Osband
Watercolor
Royal Purple
Joanne Osband
Watercolor

Art In The Garden Recap

Arts Alive,a non-profitable charitable organization, sponsored the 6th Annual Art in the Garden Juried Art Show this past weekend. The show took place at the County Garden Bouquets which is a beautiful rural setting just 1.2 miles off the main road of 244th Ave SE in Enumclaw, Washington.

It was a well attended event despite the over 90 degree temperature. As one of the artists who participated I received an e-mail from the organizers saying that Art in the Garden exceeded its revenue expectations once again. It was an incredible amount for an outdoor show! Twenty percent of the revenue returns to Arts Alive. Apparently, people have already inquired if it will be back.

I came home with several art pieces for my garden and house.

This was my first experience and aside from trying to keep cool, it was wonderful. The artists were outstanding and very helpful. I borrowed a tent from my good friend Judi Colwell. I must admit even though it says "easy up," I needed some assistance in setting it up and taking it down.

Here I am....



I had a fabulous response to my art and several purchases. One woman fell in love with my watercolor painting "Another Find" and added it to her home environment.