"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

3.30.2010

words, splats, and drips....


I am having a blast painting in this style.

I have been heading in this direction, playing with a more graffiti, edgy, messy style.

I am so drawn to this style.

I purchased Alisa Burke's book Canvas Remix last year. While my daughter did a few of the canvas bags, I kept looking at the pictures and drooling over them but never really did any of it.

Much later I did my graffiti like heart pictures. Then I began playing with spray paint on the canvas too.

Last month I signed up for Alisa's Graffiti Chic class. As I do in a lot of classes, I did not follow it week by week, but I watched all the videos. I kind of take in all the information and then let it swirl in my brain and mix up with what I already know. Then I will paint something. I will refer back to the videos often to refresh myself with a technique or something that I want to see again. Since I had Alisa's book and had experimented with the graffiti style, all of it was not new to me, but seeing her actually paint helped me pull it all together. Now I need to go back and work on my graffiti lettering. I like how she mixes up her lettering, how she uses lots of free writing. Since I love words on my paintings this was perfect for me.

She offers a Graffiti Chic 2 class, I think I will sign up for that too!!!
If you have not visited her blog you really need to do so. She offers so many tutorials on her blog, and her posts are always so creative, and so fun to see.

Oh, this painting is 24x36. I love painting big! :)

30 comments:

Just Be Real said...

Mary how exciting. Go for it girl. Blessings.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

I think you are a natural with this style.

Martha Lever said...

Hey Mar! We re on the same wave length. I just ordered Alisa's DVD from Interweave because I love this style also and I hope I will be able to do some paintings like this. I love this one you did!!!!!!! I will post some if mine turn out. I love this graffiti style!! Woo hoo---looks like fun!!!

Unknown said...

Sweet sister I love this one the best...it's awesome and I see your heart has wings, as if I didn't know that already..ehehehhe!!! Love it..that's my take on it..eheheh!!!
Beautiful!!! lv u!

Mechelle said...

It is so much fun when you figure out your own style. You start to develop your own rhythm, then go on to continue to explore with each new painting. How exciting!

Janet said...

This is fantastic! I took Alisa's Graffiti Chic class and loved it. She has such freedom when she paints. Working big is a dream of mine but I don't have the space to get big and messy! I love this style of painting though.

RCUBEs said...

Sister Mary, it's so beautiful. I love the heart..and the words..."light shining in the darkness..." Simply amazing! Keep painting. God bless you.

S. Etole said...

Thanks for sharing these links with us.

Denise said...

I love that picture.

Sandra Hall said...

Oh I love love love it MAry! That drippy background is fab!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Talk about a big impact! This must be incredible to see life size. It's amazing to me to see how we pick up elements here and there, exploring and expanding until we find a combination that just feels right for us. You encourage me so seeing how you have found yours because I'm only now just a year into art journaling and mixed media. Love what your doing

Buffy said...

Wow that is big! Its beautiful,love it,sounds like a fun class.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I think it's so neat you love doing this...that you found something that gives you freedom...I look at your paintings and think...you really are having fun with this. Awesome.

Erin Butson said...

Wow, I love this one. I love the big. I do the same with classes. I can never seem to keep up, but I usually end up using the information. this class sounds really fun. Your fun comes through the painting. Shine on, my friend...

jgr said...

Mary I love your painting!! Gorgeous and yes, very edgy -

mariamarooska said...

i love your bold colours and style!

thekathrynwheel said...

Wow Mary, this rocks! It's bold and beautiful. Kate

Unknown said...

Incredibly beautiful!!!!!!!!!

Wanda's Wings said...

There is freedom in art!

My Journey to Hope said...

Oh, I love this newest one! The bold lines and color really draws you in. Your art is always inspiring!

:) Michelle

Teri Leigh said...

This is gorgeous, I really love it. Alisa Burke is coming to Portland and I am signed up to take her Graffiti Chic class this month. I can't wait.

Poetic Artist said...

Mary,
How I love your style and color..I love this..
It is so you my friend. Bright and cheerful and beautiful.
Have a Blessed Easter.
Katelen

Carissa Paige said...

!!! Mary, I just watched this documentary this weekend. It's called Rock Fresh and it's all about Graffiti artists. I think you would love it! These guys make insanely beautiful art! Very inspiring!

copy and paste this link:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/136896/rock-fresh?c=News-and-Information/Documentary-and-Biography

Christina Colwell said...

great works. Funness shows. Light hearted too. Good place to be.

caryjo said...

I'm not a painter... wish I was, but, oh well. However, one of your statements made me know we're alike, even though our skills/gifts come out differently ... "I kind of take in all the information and then let it swirl in my brain and mix up with what I already know. Then I will paint something." In my case, we can change "paint" to "write." Love your bright colors, though... I am big on bright.

lori vliegen said...

it looks like you've settled into your own wonderful, colorful style, mary!! keep on paintin', gal!!! many Easter blessings to you and your sweet family!!! xox, :))

Paula Phillips said...

WONDERFUL Mary! I also love the graffiti style.
Thanks so much for the link, great stuff over there.
Much Love

Theresa said...

I think I am the same way with classes. It is nice to know that Alisa's class was good. I haven't taken it, something to consider.
I have watched her painting in video's before it is always great to see artist's in action and catch technique and inspiration! Happy Creating~
All my best, Theresa

Say It In Color said...

I LOVE THIS....and how exciting that it is sooo big....bigger than life!!!...love the words....this is SOOO you!!! Happy Easter!!!

Peggy said...

Bold, messy and colorful, I just love it.