My Crazy Whoa! Summer

Let me say that it's been a minute since my last post...so I'm super glad to have you here reading this.  Thank you for joining me here.

From the beginning of the summer until about three weeks ago, I was on a magical ride.  I partnered with the Oak Forest Park District to start an art program called the “Art House” in Oak Forest, IL for young artists.  Our focus was learning art techniques while doing work in the community.  You can see a video and read an article about the Art House via the Oak Forest Patch.

Art House student, ©Toni Ruppert

 Half-way through the summer, I took on another program in Tinley Park, IL--teaching young people via the Tinley Park Park District Summer Art Camp.  We taught 4 weeks of non-stop action packed classes.  And we had an art show at the end of each week for parents and students.

Proud parent, ©Toni Ruppert

Student Show, ©Toni Ruppert

Well, the summer was Crazy Whoa! - borrowing a term from my teenage daughter.  We face painted at the Relay for Life(American Cancer Society).  We participated in the community kite fly in Oak Forest as well as the Oak Fest--a fun fair for families. 

Looking back, I'm like Wow! - I learned 3 things from my experience at the Art House and the Tinley Park Summer Art Camp: 

• Young people have a lot to offer the world with their artistry and are genuinely interested in the world.
• Many of my students needed a tiny bit of encouragement and once they got it--they were off running and creating. 
• Flexibility was a must.  I learned to be absolutely adaptable in my plans.  One of my students, Maddie made sure I never got too stiff. Thanks Maddie!

With our last art show, my students decided to raise money to supply a huge dog bone for Orry, the Oak Forest K-9.  By selling their art, they raised not only that amount, but also enough for one month supply of food.  I was blown away by their generosity. 
 

Art House students with K-9 Orry

After teaching this summer, the magical ride concluded.  Last week, I realized that I had not painted in a month. NO PAINTINGS=NO EXPRESSION + NO EXPOSURE.  I'd been teaching young people art for several months.  Though I loved that part of my life too, much of my creativity went to the kids as I teach.  I knew it was time to get back in the studio. 

So last week, I started painting little landscapes near where I live.  Then we went for a little getaway this weekend.  And I painted three more little landscape paintings near the Fox River in Ottawa and Norway, IL.  It was like me and God time.  After not painting for a while, it’s like He whispered to me--”Just Do It.”

Painting on the Fox River, ©Toni Ruppert

Painting in Norway, IL, ©Toni Ruppert

So what’s next?  More teaching in the fall via the Art House in Oak Forest.  And more painting.  Definitely more painting.

New Mixed Media Collage: After the Storm

"After the Storm" ©Toni Ruppert, 5x7 in, Mixed Media Collage on paper
$140

Do you remember learning to ride a bike?  

Recently, my youngest daughter, Imani, could not stop falling as she learned to ride her new bike.  Unsure of how to steer the bike, she kept riding and falling.  The only thing I could teach her to do is to get back up right away.

After watching Imani fall and get back up, I reflected on some life challenges of my own. 
 
The result was this painting, “After the Storm.”  It is a mixed media piece--which means it was created with multiple kinds of media or materials.   

I chose strong colors red, umber and orange simply because I absolutely loved them.  They represent power and strength to me.  I tore paper and added them to the piece - not due to a plan, but due to my desire to explore collage with jagged edges.  And the hearts that are in this piece are my way of representing friendship and intimacy.   

Regardless of how many times I’ve fallen, I’ve managed to get back up with the help of God’s power and my family and friends. 
 
In the bible, Psalm 145:14 says, "The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."

May my new creation remind you of this.

Be Willing to Start

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011 Vision Board, ©Toni Ruppert

I'm starting 2011 with a bunch of written goals. Since my girls went back to school, I've been spending my mornings reading, thinking and writing. 

I'm starting this year journey without seeing the whole path.  After my birthday, Christmas Eve, I had the urge to start anew. To begin again.  Hence, my word for this year is reinvention.

I made another vision board which is pictured here.  I admit, I don’t have a clear path.
But, I’m willing to start.

to lead.
to see.
to voice.
to dance.
and make waves
with my art and with my life.

In his January 12th eulogy at the Tucson Memorial for the Tucson, Arizona shooting victims,  President Obama said, “We should do everything we can do to make sure this country lives up to its  children’s expectations.”

Chaos.  Domestic uncertainty. Poverty. Violence.  That’s what many youth have come to expect. On another twist, my 17 year old told me she expects nothing.  She doesn’t really know what to expect except Jesus’ return and death.

Should any of us just sit around waiting for death?

Just before my birthday Christmas Eve, my brother-in-law lost his mother, due to an unexpected illness.  As I joined my family and others in serving the repast dinner after the funeral, a thought occurred to me.  I thought I had never seen such love and togetherness as I’d seen that day.

I don’t want to have another death occur to experience that love and unity again.

Scripture tells us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
My days are numbered.  In the end, I hope I will be found:

trusting.
serving.
loving.
creating.

With my brush, pen, palette, pencil and camera in hand I am willing to start.  Though I can’t see the whole 2011 path, I am willing to start.

Are you?

Taking Care of What Santa Brought (Your Original Oil Painting)

Christmas Remains, Photo © Toni Ruppert

Santa did good.  Your new original oil painting arrived in time for Christmas.  It was created on quality, fine-art canvas.  Your painting should last for generations with it's original craftsmanship.  To assure this, reasonable care should be taken to protect it as you would any article of value.  Here are my 5 Top Care Recommendations:


1. Protect your oil painting.
Protect your painting from environmental damage like smoke and air pollution. You may have seen before and after images of oil paintings that have been cleaned.  Eliminate any smoking near your oil painting, and limit the use of candles and incense near it. You may prefer to hang it outside of direct sunlight and ultra-violet exposure.

2. Dusting is OK.
Dust your painting regularly. Do not spray anything (like Pledge) on the work. A soft brush, like a paintbrush, may be used to dust paintings. You can also dust with a soft, dry cloth. Additionally, you can keep artwork dust free by using a low power vacuum with a hose and brush attached.

3. Take care when transporting.
When transporting your painting, lay a flat piece of cardboard, mat board or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces.  For extra protection, wrap it in bubble wrap or styrofoam wrap.  Try not to keep it wrapped up for too long because might cause damaging moisture buildup.  Fedex Office carries a medium and large box especially made for shipping/ transporting art.

4. Beware of sharp objects.
Never lean the front or back of a stretched canvas on a pointed or sharp object, no matter how small. This will leave a dent that will mar your work. If you want to lean it against something, lean it on the wood of its stretcher bars so that nothing presses against the actual canvas.

5. Properly frame your oil painting. 
Be sure your oil painting is properly framed.  Oil paintings must be framed without glass. The framing serves to accent and complete the painting and cover the edges of the canvas.  You might need a frame with a large rabbet depth to accommodate large canvas stretchers.  I recommend the online store-- pictureframes.com for their excellent selection and customer service.

Framing Art, Photo © Toni Ruppert

These 5 recommendations are essential when caring for your new original oil painting.

Finally, if the work must change owners, the artist who created the work would probably appreciate being contacted.  She would love knowing of the painting’s whereabouts so she can update the work's provenance records.

Feel free to leave any further questions in the comments. 

The holidays are almost over here, yet with the proper care of your original oil painting--your purchase will last for generations to come. 

Dance! (Like an Artist)

"The Children's Library", Oil, 24x36,  © Toni Ruppert

We were all dancing to music from the 90’s.  My husband and my girls and I.  This was music at least two of us were familiar with.  Whatever we did, my littlest one would mimic us.

We were dancing and laughing hysterically.  The scene made me think how much music has helped me lately. 

Music has helped me during my long hours at the painting easel.  I have been completing a year-long project for the Markham Public Library(IL) which includes several paintings.

Music from 80‘s R&B singer Chaka Khan, legends The Isley Brothers and contemporary Gospel musicians like The Winans and J. Moss--have me literally dancing at the easel and cause my paint to flow just right. With music like this, my mistakes in my paintings(I do make many) don't seem as gargantuan.

"Drawing/Children's Library", ink, 9x12, ©Toni Ruppert

For example, in my haste to finish my painting, I realized after doing the drawing (shown on this post) that I had no guys represented.  I had no models either.  Oops!

I quickly added some figures into the painting as placeholders.

Luckily, I was using oil for this piece and could easily add figures like this.  I have posted how it looked here.  I quickly called some dear friends who modeled for me that night and I was able to add in the figures.



"Progress/Children's Library", Oil, 24x36, ©Toni Ruppert

With a little help from iTunes -my music player on my computer--and a few extra painting hours, the piece was done.  

Music is an essential addition to my painting routine. 

 Put the music on and start the day is my advice. 

Do you use music in your work?  Has it helped with oopsies?  What are you swaying, twirling, pirouetting or bopping to?  I’d love to hear from you.

Art and Death: How One Artist Responds

"Laura's Dad", Pastel, 20x24, ©Toni Ruppert

What is it like to do a portrait of a dying man?  Do you see him as dying?  I’d like to respond to a comment left on a recent blog post.  I recently painted my friend Laura’s Dad not knowing he was THAT close.  It’s the not knowing that I want to discuss with you. 

Didn’t I see his frailty?   Not exactly.

I looked for beauty
I went in with high expectations and because I had no frame of reference--I expected beauty.  He was surrounded by decor that included African masks, a giraffe statue and a painting or two that he had collected over the years.  Greenery was everywhere and his home included a garden and water out back.   

There was light everywhere coming from the big windows and door to the back porch.  The light was hitting the fluffs of his white hair in such a way--they begged to be painted.  His hunter green polo sweat shirt somewhat matched the greenery I saw all around.  Finally, there was an eclectic mix of tunes coming from his CD player.

All of this put me in the painting mood.

I focused on my craft
When I set up my pastels on the table, I anticipated a good painting session.  I grabbed several colors -- some greens, burnt sienna, orange and lavender were among them.  He was very patient with me and even picked up a book to “read” at my request.

And I started to create what I saw.

I looked for the light and tried to express that in his skin tone.  I was in love with the pigments and seeing how I could use them to say what was before me.  I let the pastel sticks do the talking.

I modified my marks
Hence, I was never conscious of anything.  I modified my marks, not because I knew anything but because I was creating and did not know how much to show.  Do I show that crevice with a darker blue or a softer pale orange.  Do I render the thin cheek bones quite that thin?  His slight nose.  I went over certain parts over and over.   The pastels were lovely for this. 

It felt so good capturing his essence.  That he would pass away almost a month later was a shock to me.  My friend(Laura) talks extensively about this experience in her blog--No Safe Distance.

In hindsight, I saw the wrinkles --his large hands.  I noticed that he was quiet.  But in this beautiful moment, I noticed what my eyes told me.  And responded with artistry.  I did not realize that Laura’s Dad was fading.  That may just be a good thing.

Other creative folk can help in responses to death too.
For those of you who might want to create a tribute to your loved one; check out my friend Melanie Jongsma who is a writer who has utilized her craft in this way. 

Beth Lamie is another personal historian who helps people preserve their legacies in story.  Her projects vary from one-page vignettes, short stories and full life memoirs.

Have a loved one you wish to pay homage to? Email me to see if I can help you with a portrait.  I’ll take pictures or take a look at your pictures, and recommend something beautiful. 

7 Ideas to Stay Balanced

"Late Night Sketch" ©Toni Ruppert

 My creative life is so (I’m going to use the B word) -  busy, but I’ve gathered 7 ideas that might help keep me balanced.  The trick is to use them.  I know you’re active too, so maybe we can talk about this.  I just finished my first podcast for my blog, so feel free to listen to the 4-minute audio version here.



I really appreciate all the great feedback I’ve already gotten from folks about the topic of balancing.  Hence, I’m doubly determined to balance my art career and motherhood.

Prime example. This week, I took a trip to the art supply store with my little one, Imani--who is also creative.  Wanting to help me, she decided to place every colorful thing in our cart.  EVERY colorful thing.

I spent the next 30 minutes grabbing paint, paint mediums, oil paint sticks and other stuff she wanted to put in the cart.  The only thing that stopped it all was my consent to purchase a wooden ready-to-paint car. 

I eventually ended our shopping trip with new canvas, brushes, that wooden car and my child in hand.  I was able to do a quick figure study in watercolor(pictured) after she fell asleep.  I spent time with my husband talking about the election while painting him(I've included that sketch in this post).

Since this scene may be typical for some other readers, here are my 7 ideas:

1. Pray.  I believe that one needs divine inspiration to manage it all.
2. Allow children to join you on the journey--show them what you’re doing. They’ll love it.
3. Grab a buddy--a good girlfriend, spouse, etc, will help keep you sane and accountable.  My art buddy Pamela Casey http://artisticimagesbypc.com/ helps keep me sane during our weekly talks.
4. Get use to some loss of sleep--my day begins before they awake and I also stay up after they are sleep.
5. Commit to your creativity--it helps to say, “I am (an artist, writer, sculptor, etc. )” to all you meet.”  In his book The Power of Positive Thinking, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Throw your heart over the wall, and your body will follow.”  Once you say it, that’s throwing your head over that wall.
6. Get use to the edge--your creative breakthrough lies on the other side of your comfort zone.
7. Say No--get use to saying it A LOT.

I’m creatively busy doing a balancing act.  How do you find ways to make it all work?  Do you have any ideas to share?  Please share in the comments below.