Work in Progress

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GenevieveKeller

A few days ago I read about an artist who scans their sketches into a computer, and then adds color digitally. It apparently takes them a couple of hours to fully add color. The artist learned this technique in art school (college). I know this method is commonplace nowadays, and I was actually jealous... for a few moments. 

My process starts with wetting and stretching Arches hot press watercolor paper (140 lb.) onto a board, one of several boards that I have used too many times to count. This beginning is almost spiritual, like I am communing with the paper and the possibilities that lay before us both. (In case you are wondering, I too learned my method in art college.) On drawing paper, I sketch my ideas in graphite pencil and then transfer the drawing onto the (now dry) Arches paper. My 'adding color' involves days... even weeks of painting in watercolor.  My process slowly takes form through the layering of paint in a 'dry brush' fashion. Along the way this can be a give and take, sometimes removing paint to the extent it's possible with watercolor. Ideally, I have a few paintings to work on simultaneously. I find my paintings need to sit and have 'a peaceful time out' while I contemplate another painting. I can then return to each in turn with 'fresh eyes'. It works. It takes a long time. I listen to classical music and books on my phone. It's a good life. What pulls me from my work? My dog. 
 

View from my studio, February 2021

New Greeting Card Design

Here is my latest greeting card! It is adorned with this Jane Austen quote: "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." 

I see this as a multi-use greeting card. It could be used for an Anniversary, Birthday, Valentine, Encouragement or Friendship.

I've enjoyed hibernating in my studio while working on this card. It is truly a dark time in our nation's history.  I wish you all the best. 

Blue Snow and Custom Mitten Orders

I love the blues of winter. Not to be confused with the 'winter blues'. It's the range of blue shadows on snow I love.

I've been busy with custom mitten orders going out to New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 

I'm laying low for the holidays. Just walking dogs, painting, knitting, and Zooming with family around the world. These are cozy, creative, and curious times for me here in rural Maine. 

I wish you and your family the best of health! 

(¯`v´¯)
.`•.¸.•´ ★
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(¸.•´(¸.•´ (¸.•¨¯`* ♥

Sheepscot General Holiday Pop-up Shop

 

Sheepscot General is having a Holiday Pop-up Shop this year due to Covid-19 and I'm one of the artists on display!  My artwork, cards, prints and mittens are available there thru December.  Note: I've pulled just about all of my mittens from Etsy for this Shop, so head on over to have a look.  I also have two new greeting cards, both of which are multi-Holiday appropriate and inspirational!

 

Here's a few of my new striped baby mittens (1-2 year old) now at Sheepscot General.       

Currently I'm working on several custom mitten orders.  These little red owls went to a kiddo who's favorite color is red!

 

Lastly, here's a sunrise view from  my studio. ~Peace~

Some Birthdays Never End, Thankfully

I just received these amazing flowers for my birthday. Every year a very good friend brings me a bouquet from her organic garden. This year she surprised me with a whole new range of colors as it is now a month past my birthday. I can't take my eyes off these deep rich reds and pinks. Thank you, R.G.♥

My veggie garden has really come through with the tomatoes this year. We've been eating tomatoes three meals a day! I made tomato bread and froze bags of tomatoes for the winter. My flower gardens continue to produce poppies and the fields are full of Queen Anne's Lace. This wildflower makes me think of snow, summer-time snow in the fields.

  I've been doing some housekeeping in my studio this past month. A little rearranging of tables for my painting supplies, and much recycling for 16 years worth of teaching materials. I'm so glad my little town has a good recycling program! ~Happy Autumn!