Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Getting Big

Unlike all the other artists I know, when I found out that I'd have loads of wall space to fill at the Laveen Art League Gallery Opening on Friday night, I panicked. All of my art is small. Like 12x12 is the biggest I've ever done. How could I possibly fill feet of space with my little minis? I decided that it was time that I got bigger. I pulled out the 16x20 in. canvases and got cracking.

Initially I attacked these big guys like I do my minis, but I quickly learned this wasn't the best idea. Working big requires a whole new approach. Once I got that in my head, I felt more at ease with all the space. Now that I've got a little bit of experience, I've got loads of ideas swarming like little bees in my brain. I can't wait to get them all on canvas.

Here are my first two.

The first is Spring Sky. It is going to be on display at the Laveen Art League Gallery opening on Friday. If you live in the Phoenix area, the gallery is located on the corner of 51st ave and Dobbins in Laveen. Our gala event begins at 6 and I'll be there walking around with the kiddos. I'd love to see you.

Here are a few close-ups.






The second one is However Long the Night. As of this moment, I haven't decided whether or not it will be at the gallery. I'm still going back and forth. Thoughts?






I'm quite excited about the possibilities that working big offer. I find it creatively stimulating to try something new. But, don't you worry, I'm still loving the littles. Like this Orange Elephant (6x6 in) that I finally finished. I made this background at least 3 months ago and finally settled on a subject. I think this guy is just adorable. He'll be in my booth too. I think he is the perfect addition to the loose jungle theme that I've got buzzing about.




 Along the same theme is Jerry Giraffe (appearing on Friday night too). He's exactly what I love about sculpting. He measures about 11 inches tall.





While I was taking his pictures, he insisted in going outside for an extended photoshoot. I tried to convince him otherwise, I mean, it's like 120 degrees right now, but he wouldn't be swayed. Once I took this picture though, I thanked him for his stubborness.


He looks like he's really in the jungle. He felt so tough until a little ant crawled up his horns and freaked him out completely.


The final piece in my jungle theme is Wild Thing. This is another one that took me months to finish. I sculpted the lion forever ago and could never figure out where to put him. This piece will not be at the show, but it will appear in my etsy store next week. I'll update you. I've got a massive update planned as soon as this show is over. This piece is 8x10 inches not including the wire hanger.


I think this is perfect for the busy little boy.


As you can see, the lion face is 3D. I love combining 3D elements on 2D pieces. It just seems so contradictory and I like that.


I'll catch up with you again next week!

xoxo
B

4 comments:

Rita Barakat said...

Dang girl you have been busy! Love it all but the elephant is my fa! Good luck!

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Ohhhhhhh these are ALL AWESOME Bethany!! I loveeeeeeeee that giraffe!!! And good luck with the show... I wish I could come.. but I have to teach class again! :):):):):):):):):):):)

Marit said...

HI Bethany! Haven't been around for a long time, but I had to let you know that I saw your name pop up... did you see it here?

http://artjournaling.tumblr.com/

Congrats on being featured, it's a gorgeous page!

Daniele Valois said...

oh love love love love love!!! I would absolutely add the second one, and big congrats to you!!! I have a huge piece I have been working on forever, and it is my most challenging, and my favorite. Just today I was eyeing large canvases and wondering if I should. Not sure I am there yet though.

I haven't been here in so long. I also took the summer off of blogging, except for one summer art event, and I didn't check in at all. I can't wait to catch up and read your posts below!