Simply Sunday "Frida Kahlo"

Frida Kahlo 1907-1954
These are some progression photos to show some of the changes made to the end result *Click on image to
enlarge

With working on my Dia De Los Muertos paintings and thinking of Mexico from Inspiration Avenue's Challenge. I decided to create a painting that was a tribute to Frida Kahlo. I am so inspired by Frida Kahlo, her art & her inspiration through other artists . How despite her many medical challenges she was able to work through her pain and create such amazing works of art filled with passion and color. Out of 143 paintings 55 were self portraits. If you live or visit Las Vegas, Nevada the Barrick Museum is having an exhibit of her works Oct.29- Dec. 10,2010

Today's journal prompt* is to paint, draw or write a tribute to someone who inspires you creatively.

Who inspires your creativity? Who are your favorite artists? I would love to know~

Painting completed my life ~ Frida Kahlo

The only thing I know is I paint because I need to, and I paint what passes through my head without any other consideration.~ Frida Kahlo

Tight Rope Walker - Circus Series

I created the Tight Rope Walker not too long after the Juggler. It is part of my Circus series. I am trying to create them with more of a vintage feel~ I have another one done and can't wait to share it with you. The next circus painting might be my favorite so far. And prior to my spark of creativity fizzling out I managed to sketch out a rough draft for a new one. This week has been a challenge for me, whether it is the end of summer blues or just the settling back to a routine from seeing all my lovely family whom I miss dearly. I have felt a little off track. I think it's very interesting that I came to posting my Tight Rope Walker today as she seems to be challenged by juggling too many things while on the high wire. I can relate to trying to balance on a high wire, but it is balancing life for me and my feelings~ Does that ever happen to you? What things do you do to get your mind to slow down and keep your feelings in check? Does it ever affect your creativity? What do you do to re-spark your creativity when you begin to feel down?
I would love to hear your thoughts~
Today with a slow start and feeling a bit like the Tight Rope Walker I will walk that fine line, keep my head up, feelings in check and look for my spark.
The word "happiness" would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.--Carl Jung

Circus Juggler

My Circus Juggler is made with acrylic paint on paper. I used a little led pencil for some detailing. I tried to use a looser style for the background.When creating him I did not draw first but used painting then outlining the detail in certain areas. I wanted to keep the color pallet simple. This is what I came up with for my Circus Juggler. I wanted him to have a vintage feel. I also wanted to have the color show the movement. Well I have more coming in this series. I also did a set of 4 on canvas with a carnival, circus theme which I will show you at a later date. Its very hot here right now, and not my favorite weather 106* and hotter! So I will be juggling all I have to do in the cool of the morning and evenings~ I hope you are having a wonderful summer so far. What things are you working on? Are you managing to make time for creating art? Have you worked on a series lately? Let me know what Circus Juggling you are doing~
Keep the circus going inside you, keep it going, don’t take anything too seriously, it’ll all work out in the end.~ David Niven