Cool Blue Studio

I'm thinking 275-3

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sun, 27 May 2012 08:31:00 +0000

Pantone color swatches always
coming in hand

I'm thinking Sp 275-3. Thats the color that came to mind when I found this spider hanging around on my front door. Despite his goreiness, there was beauty there in the form of color around his head. Im sad to say, he did not get drawn. We are not talking about him any further, but his green color is now in my head. It was a very pretty green. lol

Vistor with pretty colors

He even had a heart on him.

Graphite, Watercolor, and acrylics on
watercolor paper.

Fresh Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Color, glorious color!

If I had more room on this messy desk
I'd pick myself flowers every day and keep them here.

Some small adventures outside the studio found me purchasing some flowers for the front of my house this morning. Without a doubt, the orange colored flowers attracted me. That color has been very intriguing to me as of late. It has infiltrated into my model horse work by way of a tube of Cadmium Red Light and now it has found it's way into my flat work.

I wish the end result of this piece turned out better. It was a complete failure and after a while I just wasn't feeling happy about adding more paint. The shape of the flowers proved to be a serious challenge for me. I'm still rather baffled by this. In instances like this, where pieces are complete failures, I need to look at other artist's work. In this case I need to see how it was drawn at the very start to understand where I went wrong. Of course, the pieces seemed to start out ok. In the end I bagged it completely and just drew a sparrow.

Pencil drawing on watercolor paper

Adding watercolor to the shapes.

Photo taken very far away
cause I hated it at this point.

A little drawing of a sparrow
saved my creative sanity.

Random

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Quick shot of the work desk

My thoughts and creativity is off in many directions today. As I was going about my day I was noticing a ton of stuff Ive been meaning to incorporate into various posts but never got around to it. So this post will be random. Random pictures and random thoughts….oh and a quick shot of the work desk.

The mice play everywhere about
my studio. They keep me entertained.

There are the tiniest clovers
growing in my front yard. I've been
meaning to capture them.

I hear the babies and their parents
all day long from my studio window.
The babies seem to be ready to fly soon. Hope they all make it....

Isn't he delicious!!!??
I've been busting to draw this thing since January! Soon!

I love my rock wall.

Lastly, because I just love to blog and read other people's blogs I wanted to share this little lady's blog. She's doing a great job and it was fun to read. Never Seconds Blog.

Read

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:16:00 +0000

Decoupage, Graphite, Watercolor and
Acrylics on watercolor paper.

I love reading books. After finding a nice little lounger at a local store this past weekend I've decided to seriously finish two of the four books I started. I promised myself I would make time this summer and just lounge and read. I miss reading. Funny how this was my fortune in my fortune cookie tonight. I guess it tops off the theme of part of my weekend.

Saved

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:29:00 +0000

"In the Nest."
Graphite, watercolor and acrylics on watercolor paper.

During breakfast the other morning my son asked me, "Mommy does the little girl mouse get saved?" He remembered that I never brought that story to a close. He had a smile on his face and I could tell he was hopeful in being the first person to see the final images once they evolved. In a way I think he was making sure I didn't forget to show him what happens in the end. I think he likes the fact that he is usually the first person to see my art and my images once they are created.

"No", I said, "She did not get saved." I told him I had not yet finished the story and he seemed satisfied that he didn't miss out on any part of the ending. He went on to finish his breakfast while I sat there with my coffee contemplating the story.

The plan WAS to have the little male mouse save the little female mouse old fashioned style with a dramatic climb up the owl nest and a flick of the fancy ribbon would seal the life saving deal. Then, they would run off into a beautiful sunset together.

But is that truly how it works any more? I don't really think so. There would be no one there climbing the nest successfully to the top, no ribbon to grab, and nothing to save her but her own self. And if she couldn't save herself she would just have to succumb to whatever was bearing down on her.

Release, surrender and accept the situation and in that release somehow it all becomes right in the end. It ends as it's suppose to end. And with that thought I wonder, how can she save herself?
Perhaps another cup of coffee will help reveal that answer.

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:25:00 +0000

Broken (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:57:00 +0000

Sometimes pieces break and in the first part of "Broken" I documented the repair of a Lil Pumpkin resin who took a huge fall off a shelf onto the floor. Her leg broke and was never found again. A new leg had to be constructed from scratch. This is the second part of that repair. In the end she looks good as new.

Epoxy leg pieces are attached to stump
using Zap a Gap and ordinary baking soda.
(The baking soda helps the glue dry instantly.)

Glue is allowed to set and dry for a few minutes
then the entire area is sanded.

Once the area is sanded I like to
buff the entire repair.

Repair and stump meet perfectly
and are sanded clean leaving no bumps or lines.

New leg is painted to blend in
with the rest of the piece.

More Faux Marble

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Dresser taken from a dumpster.

I've been on a roll since this past weekend working on faux marble. I'm enjoying the process of painting this faux finish very much. The other piece to this bedroom set (that was also in the dumpster) was definitely in need of painting and painting just the top changed it dramatically. Both faux finished pieces have become my favorite to date.

Prepping the top.

Adding marble design.

Finish with high gloss.

Another view of the finished dresser.

Dumpster Diving Take....?

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:08:00 +0000

Old nightstand taken from a dumpster.

I love dumpster diving. At this point I've completely lost count of the amount of times I've dove into other people's garbage to retrieve choice items that could be restored. Believe it or not, this cherry wood nightstand was retrieved from a huge metal dumpster last fall and it's been shoved in the corner of my living room since then just waiting for a vision.

Sometimes I get a vision for a piece immediately, other times it takes a while for thoughts about a piece to surface. The purchase of a new
lamp that would eventually sit on this table prompted me to finish the piece. Almost immediately I saw a black high glossy marble top.

View of the top.

Entire piece was cleaned with soap and water
and then further cleaned with tung oil. Top is painted black.

Marble details painted on and gloss finish added.

Painted Stones

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Nice flat stones
perfect for paint.

Stones along the trail today were inspiration for an entire painting session of fish, bugs and other animals. My son and I had a blast finding the stones and then bringing out the animals in them. My favorite rock of the day was the cat. As soon as I picked that rock up I noticed a cat inside. All the stones looks sweet in the garden too.

The grooves in this one
just came together to resemble the face of a cat to me.

Adding color and bringing out the face.

See, a cat!

Painted stones from the day.

They look cute in the planter boxes.

No Chance

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:15:00 +0000

Broken window frame which revealed
a special gift.

Mechanical things that cut grass or weeds seem to stand no chance against my wrath. Today, I killed another weed wacker. To date that makes two weed wackers down and a lawn mower. Thankfully, the powers that be have magically brought more mechanical things into my life to replace what I've destroyed and the powers that be have even went beyond the call of duty and supplied me with extras. I guess they just know I'm going to need them. As of today I am the proud owner of another push mower. This one in a luscious champagne color. So I have my choice when cutting grass now....the red, the green or the champagne. Oooh.

There is always a domino effect when things get destroyed in my presence though. For example today was a shinning display of the domino effect. The grass cutter got away on me a bit (oops), it knocked into part of the cellar window breaking the frame and the glass which forced me to inspect the damage. Unfortunately, I couldn't inspect a single thing since the weeds around this area had grown so thick and high that I needed to pull out the weed wacker which slipped and fell out of my hands on the hard concrete floor and well....you know the rest of that story.

So, manual pulling of weeds commenced and in my aggravation I noticed a tiny skull in the basement window hole. A beautifully shaped little sparrow head sticking out from a dried body. It was the most beautiful decayed bird I had found to date. A special little gift at the end of all that aggravation. A special gift only I could probably enjoy. I couldn't wait to draw it.

Found bird.
The skull is so transparent it was perfect for watercolors.

Penciling out the
basic shape.

More layering with watercolor

Graphite, watercolor and acrylics
on watercolor paper.

Tail Extension: Mini Cromwell

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:11:00 +0000

Use Aves Apoxie to lengthen the tail.

There have been a million articles both online and in print about changing a mane and tail. I'm going to add one more to that list. Sometimes seeing someone else work on a piece helps especially if you are stuck on the technical aspects.

Technically, it is rather simple. Mix Part A and Part B together, put a lump on the horse, and then sculpt. We all know that, but sometimes seeing it being done helps. So, Ive gone ahead and documented the tail extension on this Mini Cromwell. As you can see, it's a fairly easy process.

Mix Part A and Part B together
then add the "basic" shape of the extension to the existing tail.

Use a sculpting tool to carve out hair detail.
I prefer a sharpened pencil.

Finished. Let dry over night.

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:05:00 +0000

"Sleep"
Graphite, Watercolor and Acrylics on watercolor paper

"Anyone can escape into sleep, we are all geniuses when we dream, the butcher's the poet's equal there."

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Tue, 08 May 2012 08:22:00 +0000

Two Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:44:00 +0000

Shell found while out running today.

Did you know that the inside of this nut looked like this? Neither did I. The heart shape just jumped out at me on the side walk during my run this morning. I was pleased to find not just one, but two heart shaped objects today. Of course, I couldn't resist letting the mice come out and play a bit.

"The Shell"
Graphite, watercolor and acrylics on watercolor paper.

In other news....a year ago today I purchased my house in PA and I can happily say I am so glad to be home again.

Ummm

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:55:00 +0000

Graphite, decoupage and watercolor on watercolor paper

Hmmm....umm...LOL
If you can figure this one out, definitely drop me a note.

Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sun, 06 May 2012 00:11:00 +0000

My favorite shell.

Attended another craft/flea fair, but this time the only good thing about this affair was having an extended period of time to sit and talk with my mother. It was the first time since attending such sales events that I just barely made my table. The venue itself was completely inappropriate for me, but still there was much to take away and learn from as the day rolled by. Thankfully, by mid morning it warmed up. Sitting and not selling is better when the sun is out.

The worst part about such a day is reloading stuff into the car you didn't think you'd have to touch again cause it would be in the hands of another person. Needless to say, I unloaded the boxes and crates once home and just left them in the living room. I'll deal with them tomorrow.

Of course there is always a huge amount of reflection when art isn't sold or isn't accepted readily. This had nothing to do with my art. It was just a different type of venue and as I purged negative thoughts about my work (cause that is what happens to artists when things like this occur) my book of poems by Tennyson caught my eye. I said to myself that I would illustrate the first paragraph I saw when I opened the book. How fitting it landed to a paragraph about a shell and I immediately felt the need to pick up and study the most beautiful shell I have ever found on a beach. It's just one of those things I can't explain, cause it doesn't look like much, but it is a permanent piece in my studio and is always near where I can view it. I've drawn it so many times and I have yet to come close in capturing its beauty. I've come to the conclusion I probably never will capture it but it is always a challenge to try.

"The Shell"
Graphite and watercolor on watercolor paper.

"See what a lovely shell,
Small and pure as a pearl,
Lying close to my foot,
Frail, but a work divine,
Made so fairly well
With delicate spire and whorl,
How exquisitely minute,
A miracle of design!

~Tennyson

Chair Restoration

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sat, 05 May 2012 03:31:00 +0000

Chair taken from a dumpster.

More diversions from work in the studio. I happily welcome such diversions because they seem to keep my creative excitement flowing and they expand my imagination and skills. This chair was pulled from a dumpster, cleaned and then painted and given a xylene transfer.

White paint placed on chair.
I try to follow the grain of the wood when applying paint

Chair painted white.
Adding some dark patches in the crevices.

Oreo can't resist hanging
out under the chair. I couldn't resist snapping a shot
of his cute feeties...

Chair complete with Xylene transfers

Another shot of the chair

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:28:00 +0000

"Sweet Dreams"
Graphite, watercolor and acrylics on watercolor paper.

Hey Jude

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:46:00 +0000

Dude, that mustard yellow shirt...
its gotta go.

Hay Jude....
You need a beauty day!

So it was only a matter of time when someone would ask, "Hay, do you paint statues? My statue needs painting." This guy was in pretty bad shape. I believe the last time he was painted was before I left PA for college...which was (cough) many years (cough) ago. As far back as I can remember into childhood this statue graced our neighbor's lawn. It's safe to say he's probably older than I am.

Scraping, priming and painting fabric green...or blue...or red (traditional colors on such statues) was pretty ho hum but that medallion? Ohhh.....painting that in gold was my favorite part! I like using that gold paint. I must find more projects to use it on.

Ahh...I love when they are
all primed in white.

Yeah, work that medallion.

Earlier in the day I found a bird egg and of course needed to sketch it. No blue in this world comes close to the beauty found in a Robin's egg. I couldn't even reproduce it with my paints.

I love finding eggs.
I have a small collection which is now growing!

A decent attempt

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:48:00 +0000

More...

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Quick sketch of the baby bird.

I woke with much anticipation of drawing and painting another baby bird I found yesterday while mowing the lawn. It was yet another beautiful example of beauty in decay and I was most intrigued by the tiny feathers that had started to grow on it's body already. The way they grew and the colors within the white of those feathers would offer a great challenge artistically.

I placed it on the side, in what I thought would be a safe place, but in the morning it was gone. Vanished. All I could recall from my memory was it's overall shape and a little bit of color.

Bistro section

Broken (Part I)

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Broken model with lost leg.

Once and a while a piece comes in that requires a lot of energy, thought and cunning to fix. A "Lil' Pumpkin" resin came in recently that lost it's leg...literally. Yes, she lost her leg and LOST her leg somewhere in her owner's house. She apparently took a tumble and broke her leg and the leg was never found. I felt it might be fun to document how such a break can be handled.

Keep in mind that if you don't have the exact same mold or model you can search other models for legs or body parts that are similar. It's probably best to stick with looking for a plastic body part as casting resin from another artist's resin without permission would be breaking copy right law. Because Lil Pumpkin is my own original sculpture no laws are being broken.

Will recast an entirely new leg using "Alley Goop" which is a 2 part silicone molding clay. It dries in 6-10 minutes.

Alley Goop can be found at clayalley.com

Mix equal parts molding clay together
till they form a light blue color.

Apply to the area you wish to cast.

In approx 10 minutes cut open the casting using an exact knife.

Push air drying epoxy into each half and let dry over night.

More fun with fortune cookie fortunes!

Bistro (Take 2)

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Making progress on the bistro area.

I'm happy to say that my trip home from the Breyer event was uneventful. A smooth, uninterrupted ride home was actually very inspiring. In my head I began to organize and catalog all that needed to be accomplished this coming week in the studio. There is much to do but upon arriving home I realized my yard needed tending to. The grass was beyond overgrown and the bistro project I was so diligently working on (and left) greeted me with a groan.

Before any lawn work I'd have to move the boards, bricks, slate, pulled up grass and wheel barrel out of the way. At that moment I felt it best to just get the bistro project as close to completion as possible. I wasn't thrilled about it, but in the end I wound up further expanding artistic ideas in my head as I worked slate and brick into place. I have some brand new ideas I'm dying to try this week. You never know where inspiration will come from.

Oh no! The famous shovel head just chucked in the barrel?

No worries...it's back in it's spot. (My neighbor got worried when she didn't see it in it's proper place. LOL

....and I've added a little something to the sculpture.
LOL I couldn't resist.

"Switch"
Graphite and watercolor on watercolor paper

Amazing Day

noreply@blogger.com (~Jenn Danza~) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 02:42:00 +0000

Welcome to Breyer Headquarters!

What an amazing day!

Ive been collecting and repainting Breyer model horses since I was about 9 years old. I became an editorial contributor for their publication "Just About Horses" in 2001 and wrote consistently for years for them but today was the very first time I ever got to visit the offices and warehouse at Breyer during their "Kids Only" event.

There is only one word: Amazing.

I had an amazing time. From being given a private tour of the famous archive room (no pictures allowed...at ALL...sorry...there WERE INCREDIBLE samples in that room...Im still drooling over the black copenhagen dappled...pieces) to the private factory tour where they paint the small collector runs to meeting the very dedicated and horse loving staff, I was intrigued. I felt right at home and enjoyed every minute teaching the children (and, believe it or not, their parents) how to use the "Painting" set. It's hours later and I'm still on cloud nine.

It was an incredibly memorable day for me. An extremely happy day.

No pictures allowed! Was told after I took this shot. Beautiful reception area and office space. Its a converted warehouse VERY well designed to suit their needs!

HUGE box of unpainteds which were distributed to visitors during my painting tutorial.

A heart shows up during the tutorial....of course.

"Flying"

Graphite and watercolor on watercolor paper