make it pop

From this

To this

Make your artwork "pop" by changing the background. Click here or here or for a tutorial.

layers of lilies

Title: Layered Lilies
Size: 15x22
Transparent watercolor

After incubating forever it seems, I finally pulled out the unfinished painting and gave it some finishing touches. Paintings that incubate seem to know when it is their time to become a work of art.

rose bud bangle

New bangles will be featured on Etsy along with other new bracelets. I just delivered some bags and jewelry to The Purple Lizard Boutique. It is located at 15th Ave. and Thomas Rd. A must see boutique full of great art, clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

no model no problem

Title: Our Lady of the Roses
5x5 collage

Sometimes you find yourself without a live model, that's when I go to my photos or in this case an image from a magazine. Use the image to inspire your drawing...be mindful of copyrights. Do not draw an identical image. This 5x5 painting is enhanced with collage and stamping. The background is an altered watercolor, stamped with parts of a rubber stamp image from my own line. My stamps are available here. The veil is collage from handmade parchment paper.

tire yard

As you probably heard on the news, Arizona, the valley of the sun, had lots of rain, hail the size of golf balls that caused major damage, and two tornadoes in one day. I was about 20 minutes from my house when it hit, and what normally would have been a quick trip, took me three hours and fifteen minutes through flooded roads, heavy traffic, and no street lights. Pretty scary!
What does this have to do with the above photo? Well, the next day I had to replace a tire and this is part of the tire yard. Composition found it's way into the photo and I could not have designed it better. The white area is a great lead in to the bits of color on the upper third of the composition. Subject does not matter when the design works.

out of the box

Title: THE ALLURE OF THE BEAST
11X15 MIXED MEDIA

Title: DAYDREAMS AND NIGHTMARES

11x15 MIXED MEDIA

Yes... I have gone way out of the box and am enjoying every minute. I am using a very limited palette and doodle art. The hardest thing was allowing the human face to morph into an animal like figure.

work in progress

This piece has been incubating forever...I pull it out once in a while and add more layers of paint and stamps. It has been turned so much that I'm not sure where that first layer is any more. I am starting to like it...maybe one day it will be a finished painting...maybe.

this is not ordinary art

I make hand painted canvas and denim purses, yes... they have a copyright. Some are as large as a messenger bag. Seven year old Kayla walked in one day and went directly to this bag. Oh grandma she said "did you make this book bag for my birthday?" Of course I said yes. Little does she know that she is probably the only second grader with an original, expensive book bag. She loves it...

20 minute watercolors

Title: El Guapo
2o minute 5x5 watercolor collage

Watercolor paper, stamped and collaged tissue paper, drawing done with a sharpie marker, layers of transparent watercolor and other collage papers.

Title: Mari Elena
20 minute 5x5 watercolor collage

Watercolor paper, stamped and collaged tissue paper, drawing done with a regular black ink pen, layers of transparent watercolor, facial highlights emphasized with white acrylic and layered with watercolor washes.

Title: Don Sergio
20 minute 5x5 watercolor collage

Watercolor paper, stamped and collaged tissue paper, the image was drawn with a black sharpie pen, and layers of transparent watercolor were applied.

As you know...except for a few teaching collages and small ones at that, I have not painted for at least 18 months. That's how long it has been since my granddaughter Nicole passed and since I lost the lease to my studio. I have mainly dedicated my time to making art jewelry for teaching and for my ETSY store.
This morning I had the pleasure of looking at a blog by an awesome artist. Her portraits are such an inspiration that I had paint something immediately. The above paintings are the result. Thank you Myrna for inspiring me. I invite you to view her work here...you too will love what she is doing.

moxified eco cuffs

While I made this ...

My great granddaughter Kayla made this....
Kayla will be seven on July 17, 2010. She picked out the components, watched what I did and followed my lead... it was her turn to create.

Kayla wearing her awesome wrist cuff...good job Kayla.

moxie mona

The fourth of July is just around the corner.....Mona and I want to wish everyone a happy fourth. Hope everyone has good weather on that day. I'm in sunny Arizona...110 degrees tomorrow.

purse pileup

Hello...long time no see. I have been busy recycling jeans making functional art. My fingers are sore and am caught beneath a pile of finished and unfinished purses, some large enough to carry your journal and other fun stuff. Getting ready for AU. Hope to see you there.

more journals

Getting ready for AU vendor day. Want to see? Click here and here.

teresa's journal

After returning from a very successful art gathering, Artiscape in Columbus, Ohio...I took a wonderful one line class with Mary Ann Moss on making a journal from fabric and papers that have been incubating forever....this is the first attempt, a gift for my cousin Teresa who was kind enough to house me and taxi me around Columbus. Thank you Teresa.

The cover of the journal is a scrap of upholstery fabric and the inside of the cover is a place mat, and yes, that's me in the photo.....

The white on white embossed paper pocket is made from off the wall materials...will put up a tutorial on my other blog soon.

Junk mail, lotto ticket, collage papers, doilies, photocopies, and the never ending number 13.
Other pages contain old airline tickets, photos, receipts, my own photocopied art, encaustic scrap paper pieces, and lots of pockets and writing space.

Two sets of 12 page signatures and the pencil being held by painted scrap canvas.

grasshopper

Title: GRASSHOPPER
Size: 15x22
Mixed Media SOLD

This painting started out as a demonstration on texture and ended up unfinished in the incubation bin. Months later it was retrieved and the process continued. The unfinished piece had the feel of standing pools of water and weeds...just the place for some kind of bug or insect.
The grasshopper was drawn on a separate paper, painted, and collaged. Adjusted the overall values and ta daaa a new painting was created.

personal symbols

Title: Personal Symbols
Mixed Media Collage

This is my favorite way to work... a blank canvas, a variety of painting tools, absolute quiet, and no preconceived idea of what may or may not turn out. After about three days of free play, the symbols began to appear, each one silently whispering to me, I continue to glue and paint, add and subtract until the shapes and symbols take a life of there own. Sometimes an emotional healing will take place, or a message is conveyed to me or the viewer. At this time I know that it's time to move on...to create something new.

Personal Symbols...detail of work in progress

the winners are...

First I would like to thank each person who so kindly left a comment for the OWOH Giveaway.
Please stay tuned for a personal giveaway that I will be posting in April 2010.

The winner of the turquoise bracelet is KRYSTAL RUSSELL from Omaha, Neb.
The winner of the black bracelet is SUSAN HARTLEY HIMMEL from Massachusetts.

Please send your mailing address to artwithmoxie (at)cox (dot) net. Thank you so much for participating.
If I don't hear from you within two weeks, I will draw another name.

new on etsy

A new spring line of jewelry is being added to Moxie Gallery on Etsy. Mini statement necklaces that have no need to shout in order to be noticed. And, they will not break the bank....most start at just $20.00 plus shipping. Lightweight and fabulous, Creative, Original, Recycled, just for You.

second one world one heart giveaway

Second One World One Heart Giveaway
Deadline February 15, 2010

Due to the high volume of comments for the One World One Heart giveaway, see photo here, I am adding a second giveaway. The winners name will be posted on both blogs on February 15, 2010. I will also be posting the dates for a new Moxie Giveaway coming up soon.

one world one heart 2010 giveaway

One World One Heart 2010 Giveaway event is in progress. I will be giving away a fabulous bracelet. Click Here to participate and to see a photo of the bracelet. Good luck to you.

new arrivals

Title: NEW ARRIVALS
Size: 4x6
Mixed Media Collage

Took a break from making jewelry to make some small collages. This one is only 4x6 but packs a very colorful punch. Great for embellishing tiny spaces. Includes faux parchment and encaustic monotype. This collage is available for purchase.

no torch bezel

These two bracelets are samples of one of three classes which I will be teaching in Columbus, Ohio for Artiscape-an artist's gathering. The retreat is being held on April 16 - 18, 2010. I will also be teaching a drawing class and a collage class. Plus, I will have a vendors booth where you can stop by and view/purchase other pieces of jewelry. Hope to see you there. More information can be found here then click Artiscape on the left.

collage workshop

ENCAUSTIC MONOPRINT COLLAGE WORKSHOP

December 12, 2009
Rainbow Stained Glass
Prescott Valley, Arizona

Hot colored wax, shimmering foils, images, bits of text, ephemera, and layers of transparent glazes are what make these mini collages fabulous. Small enough (3x3.5) to display on tiny spaces, adorn an altered journal cover, or as an artful hanging ornament. The first part of the class will be dedicated to the basics of painting with hot colored wax. I will show you how you can paint a landscape in 60 seconds and how to make monoprints of your work. The second part of the class will be dedicated to designing three or more mini collages using the monoprints. I will furnish the wax, the thermal tools and paper. Other samples of my work will be available for inspiration. Please join us for a day of fun and artful explorations.
For questions and information, Contact Rebecca thebrooksgirls@yahoo.com or Cory artwithmoxie@cox.net

new class

NEW CLASS soon to be available. Learn to assemble a STATEMENT NECKLACE using all the treasures you have collected and then some. Emphasis on design and the different ways to attach the components. This sample photo is just one of many designs to be inspired by. Each will be original ....each will be fabulous. Contact artwithmoxie@cox.net if you would like to be part of the class. Limited seating, register early.
CLASS IS FULL...CONTACT artwithmoxie@cox.net TO BE PLACED ON THE SECOND WAIT LIST AND FOR THE NEW DATE LISTING.

new collages

Title: Deer Crossing

This 5x5 collage is available for purchase

Title: Seasonal Color

This 5x5 collage is available for purchase

in memory of mario

Many years ago before I became a painter, I was a hairstylist. I had a friend, teacher, mentor, and trainer named Mario Olivarez. He was an innovative award winning stylist who mentored many. I was one of the lucky ones who did not mind getting pushed into entering hair styling and haircutting competitions. Because of him I won seventy some awards competing throughout the country and made the USA Hairstyling Team Competition. Much later, before he passed, he gave me a little bag filled with turquoise. I recently made this necklace in his honor. Thank you Mario for believing in me...we all miss you.

recycle reuse redesign

No....I did not do a painting of jeans. But, for almost three months, as I stayed home with a horrible cough, bug, who knows...I would look at the pile of jeans thinking I must get rid of them. Then I would think of my mother who could create anything from nothing, say to me, "use them to make something". So, with scissors in hand, I started cutting them up... along with scraps of painted canvas, buttons, thread, and who knows what. I started to create what is now a new line of Western Chic accessories, hand bags and jewelry that include denim and hand painted canvas. These are being well received....let's see what happens. Let's see how long my muse sticks around. You can view a few of these addictive items here on my Etsy Gallery....enjoy, feedback is always appreciated.

fragancia

Sorry...have not been around for a while. Been fighting a "bad bug" for almost two months. I was able to work on some small collages and am trying to get my teaching samples out .

I will be teaching at After Midnight Art Ranch in October.

and Fort Collins CO. in November. For more information contact artwithmoxie@cox.net

The collage pictured here will be leaving for Norway soon to be part of a collaborative journal.

the empty nest

Title: THE EMPTY NEST
Size: 7 x 11
Mixed media

Lately, empty nests have become a big part of my work. This piece is very textural with many layers of color.

the first blossoms

Title: THE FIRST BLOSSOMS

Size 5 x 5 Collage

Just returned from teaching in Fort Collins, Co. This little collage is one of the workshop demo pieces.

It includes acrylics, handmade papers, texturizing, and stenciling.

The painting is ready for purchase. Contact artrwithmoxie@cox.net for more information.

The next workshop in Fort Collins will be the first weekend of November 2009. Everyone is invited.

Click here to view another demo piece, and here for updates on the workshops.

Figs in Mixed Media

Even if you don't like figs, I think you might like the ones I just painted in Mixed Media. You can see the painting at http://createwithmoxie.blogspot.com/

man's credit score dips

Title: MAN'S CREDIT SCORE DIPS

Size: 11 x 14

Mixed Media Collage

This piece was started as a collage demonstration during the March workshop session in Fort Collins, Colorado. Life got in the way and it went into the incubation bin. This week it came back to life. I treated part of the surface with paint, added more collage, stenciling, scaffito, and a few swipes of metallic wax. It will now be available for purchase here. The next Create With Moxie Workshop session in Fort Collins will be July 10 thru 12, 2009. Registration is now open. Contact artwithmoxie@cox.net for workshop information.

texas gold

Title: TEXAS GOLD

Mixed Media Necklace

This item is available for purchase by contacting artwithmoxie@cox.net .

As some of you already know, I suffered the loss of my granddaughter Nicole three months ago. and if that were not enough I lost the lease to my studio a week later. I have not had the energy to look for a new space or even to post on my blogs as often as I would like...I know you will understand. I am working on my jewelry line and a few small art projects from my in home studio. I will keep you posted on the new works and give you information on up coming workshops on this site and on http://createwithmoxie.blogspot.com . Items for sale can also be found on http://moxiegallery.etsy.com/ .

The necklace on this post has an element from a charm exchange and a piece of sea glass embraced with fantasy film.

watercolor portrait

This is a sample of what I do with left over demo pieces. The demonstration was about reverse printing, collage and over spraying. Months later, I used the demo piece to teach a beginner watercolor portrait class. I love the marks where the reverse printing became part of her hair, some will see the marks on her face as mistakes...I see them as creative opportunities. I will be teaching these techniques this fall in Fort Collins , Colorado. Check this site and here also for workshop information.

art jewelry trunk show

If you are going to be in the Denver area March 11 thru 15, you may want to make a side trip to Fort Collins to attend a fabulous Art Jewelry Trunk Show presented by Cory Celaya and sponsored by The Creative Underground at At Timeless Creations. Cory uses skills from all areas of her art studies to create unique handcrafted art jewelry. New and recycled materials, combined with miniature art pieces and married metals make each piece a one of a kind work of art. Stop by The Creative Underground at Timeless Creations 1636 S. College Ave. Fort Collins, Co. 80525. Hours: 10 -6 Monday thru Saturday. You can see more of Cory's art jewelry designs at http://www.moxiegallery.etsy.com/

cigar box shrine auction

An auction to benefit the street children of Oaxaca will open online March1, 2009. Please visit Create With Moxie for information and view photos of the shrines. Please join a wonderful artist and friend, Rebecca Brooks in her effort to help the street children of Qaxaca.

star fish

A bit of eye candy for those of you that like jewelry. I have been busy creating a line of jewelry for an upcoming Trunk Show in Fort Collins, Colorado. Some will soon be featured on my Etsy gallery. Visit the gallery here.

OWOH 2009 WINNER

Congratulations to the winner of OWOH 2009 event.
The winner is KATHY...the artchic from Colorado.
Please email me your address so I can send you the necklace.
Kathy has till Feb. 15 to respond before another number is drawn.

new mixed media workshop series

Students of all levels are invited to attend a NEW CREATE WITH MOXIE MIXED MEDIA WORKSHOP SERIES starting in March 2009 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Cory will also be teaching a BEAD AND FIBER NECKLACE class along with a TRUNK SHOWING of her jewelry designs. More information here and here.