All Dressed Up and No Place to Go

Well, I'm back from my final portfolio review (it went very well!) And so it's really the end of my freshman year! Wow. Funny how that works. You look forward to something for so long then it happens, then it's over. Elation and let down all at once. So here I sit, alone in my studio, all dressed up and no place to go!! I have a lot of work to dive into. Cleaning my office and house and then digging in my heels and getting ready for my videos, new artwork etc.

I think I may just take the rest of today off though....

Well, look for this semesters art and design assignments- I will post them on www.iammyart.com on or by this coming weekend!

Whew!! It's been a great semester. Tough but still great!

:)2u,

Kristen

2 for 1

This time you get a 2 for 1....meaning  I sort of missed a day!! But it is one in the morning so I'm not too far off!  So today was crazy. I had my Art History final. I'm 99.9 % sure I aced it :)

Oh Yeah...Whoo Hoo!! LOL  Okay, so anyway today (yes, today) at 11 .a.m. I have my portfolio review. Then that's it. Stick a fork in me 'cause I'm done!  (At least for the summer.) Ahhhhhh.

But ever since I finished with my test this afternoon I have been working on my final for my Design II class. About 10 hours worth of stage design for Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan.

Not my all time favorite assignment in design. Oh well it's as done as it's gonna be. I'm going to sleep now!

Goodnight. 

:)2u

Kristen

Sunday not Funday

This Sunday is not Funday. It's my last day before my Art History Final and then my portfolio review. So as you can imagine I am a teensy bit busy. Therefore I must go. 2 more days and I will be....ahhhh....so relieved! And don't worry, I will keep you posted! LOL

:) 2 u

Kristen

Where am I coming from? Who am I?Where is this going?

Ha Ha...It's supposed to be a take on Gauguin's masterpiece! But it seemed so appropriate and fitting of the way I feel about this blog. I guess I am still trying to define it and create something that is interesting to read and informative. At least that is what I am aiming for-I am not saying it is there yet. Sometimes I think I want it to be about school and the being a non traditional student. Sometimes I want it to be about arts and crafts. And sometimes I want it to be like an art history lesson or introduction to different creative people and places. Just about ALL the things I am doing and enjoying. Then I worry and think I should have more of a focus, then I worry and think it'll get too boring....I know  there must be a happy medium. Anyway, I suppose I have time to find my niche, as I don't have any complaints so far! (I'd have to have readers for that! LOL)

oh well, I'm going to continue blogging-I figure it still beats actually talking to myself!

And for anyone slightly interested...photos 2 b posted next weekend of this semesters art projects and some samples of my work for the upcoming technique/how-to videos. 

a :) day 2u...

Kristen

Lookie Here

Today I just want to say look at this great websites I found...

Alijart.com ...her artwork is lovely (I love it I think you will too)

I will share a few more cool people/websites soon- for now I gotta run.

:)2u

Kristen

Wrapping It Up

It's Thursday, April 24. Today is officially my last day of classes for the year! Happy? Yeah. Sorta sad though too :( Never get to be a freshman again. And I'll miss some of the people I met too. Don't really know if I'll see them again next semester of not. Also my Drawing, Design and Art History classes are finished and I really enjoyed those. So yes, I'm happy and a bit relieved that this semester is coming to a close but there is always a flip side to everything. 

And time just continues to fly by.

Looking ahead, here is a brief list of the projects that I will be doing for my instructional videos (coming soon!!!): 

1. Papier Fleurs- flowers made from paper...make  frames, gift toppers and wearable art!

2. Ode to Whatever- create both 2-d and 3-d shrines...funky art to use as greetings & gifts.

3. Light it Up- create a functional lamp that is a work of art.

4. Bodacious Boxes- 5 ways to turn a cigar box into super cool stuff. 

(that's just for starters!)

Look for photos of these finished projects in about 2 weeks :)

Thanks and :)2u

Kristen

black and blue

Today my title DOES have something to do with the way I feel! I have to say, it's been a rough semester and I'm feeling a little beat up! I usually don't like to wish my time away-but I can't help but count days until I'm finished for the year! I am welcoming summer break with open arms...

I got my date for my portfolio review. It is Tuesday, April 23rd at 11 a.m. After that I'm out and officially 1/4 of the way through. I'll be a sophomore. (but hopefully not sophomoric!) Whoo-Hoo! Yeah, so I'm happy about all of that. It's just been a difficult semester and I am tired. I need a bit of a break so that I can refocus and get reenergized. A change will do me good and not having a million things going on at once will be helpful. I've been going, going, going and somethings gotta give-at least for a little while...So like I said, Tuesday and I'm outta there for a few months (no I'm NOT taking any summer courses!) But I will take this opportunity to give myself a pat on the back...I'm in finals with all A's! Oh Yeah. Not to say I will end up with straight A's, because I'm not done with finals-but either way my grades are lookin' pretty good. So that is something I really feel good about. And you know, we need to find all we can in our lives that makes us feel good. So, I'm going to color something today, how about you? 

:)2U

Kristen

pink polka dots

My title today has absolutely nothing to do with anything...I just thought it was a cute heading!

Seriously, i know those of you who may be reading this may be a little bored (yawn) as I've not said, done or posted anything to exciting...only my thoughts (yawn again) and ideas for what is to come. That's okay though, because very soon I'm gonna be busting out the creative juice!! LOL :) 

So, it may seem like a slow start but I'm just getting ready. Hope you are too. I believe we're gonna have a lively little blog and my site(s) will be a great source of information for those of you who enjoy making stuff. 

Off to school today-1 more week and then summertime freedom is mine!!

:)2U

Kristen

P.S. color something today.

Designer Hell

 I never got that doughnut. But that's alright, the craving passed. More pressing matters at hand! I finished my research paper (on Dr. Seuss) and now I'm just faced with 2 more hurdles. 1.) Art History test a week from today. 2.) Design project from Hell!!! Yeah, we are doing a set design from a play. Whatever play we chose, we must do all scenes involved. So I chose Lady Windermere's Fan by Oscar Wilde. It really shouldn't be too difficult, as it only has 3 scenes. However, I only have 1 week to get it done and no experience and no clue...so between the Art History Final and this project I am a little stressed and busy and really looking forward to being done!!! Whew. 

This summer will still be busy, of course. But I am looking forward to devoting all my time to drawing and creating my craft books and videos and hanging out with the kids doing summery stuff. I hope to work out in the yard some, as it has been very neglected! 

For anyone who may be local-I am doing a 'boutique' at JuJu B's Salon and Spa (olive and woodsmill) on Friday May 9th. I will have a lot of my Bee You Collection artwork on t-shirts and gift items as well as some of my hand painted charms and such. So come by if you get a chance! 

TTFN :)

Kristen 

Rainbow Sprinkles

I'm having coffee now and writing this blog. I sure wish I had a doughnut. I'm not even picky about what kind of doughnut. I'd take glazed, plain cake or chocolate iced. Any kind. It just sounds good right now. Problem is, I don't feel like getting out and driving anywhere. It seems like once I do that, it sort of breaks up my thoughts and my momentum of getting stuff done in my studio. Besides I certainly don't NEED a doughnut. Why is it that I am always thinking of losing weight while simultaneously thinking of things like doughnuts and apple pie?

Hmmm. I think I'll start a new line of foodstuff art work. I could paint cakes and doughnuts with rainbow sprinkles!! Yeah, my a.d.d. mind works like that! LOL. But really it's not a bad idea...after all, Wayne Thiebaud did it. So when you see my stuff you can say you heard about it here first!! :)

H.D. (happy day)

Kristen

It's gonna get crafty around here

Just a quick note today (it'll be a B.L. instead of a B.L.O.G.) June 1st my videos will be up on my kristenpowersart site...along with that will be my new craft and coloring book. It's the stuff that I'm working on now-so if anyone is reading this and has ANY thoughts or ideas please share them with me. You can email me through my site or post a comment (either way...) I am not going to be blogging much (awww I know you'll miss me!!LOL) 'cause I have finals and portfolio reviews coming up over the next 2 weeks. Once the videos and the projects i am creating come out- we'll get to discussing techniques and ideas rather just my random thoughts about school etc! So just hang with me another couple weeks!

It's gonna get crafty around here soon! If you are interested in stamping, card and gift making, scrap booking, coloring and making cool stuff in general....keep (or start) hanging around!

TTFN :)

Kristen

Object Transformation

Today is Thursday, which is "my Friday"!  This only means that I don't actually have classes on Fridays. So today (Thursdays) my first class is 3-D design. I love this class. But I still have two projects due (and only two weeks of class time!) both of which are giving me stress! The first, is "object transformation". The assignment is to take an object (either many of the same object or multiple, different, found objects) and transform them into something else. Sounds easy. And maybe for some, it is. Not for me. I tried to make a pig out of pennies and coins. Yeah. actually it could've probably worked out, if I had about 40 hours to devote. Which I don't. On to Plan B.

Just that I don't really have plan B!  I am not sure if I am just plain tired out from the workload this semester, if I am having 'artist's block' or if I just suck at object transformation!? I mean it really doesn't seem like it should be that difficult-some people in my class are already done and I don't even have an idea yet.

Well I know my blog isn't exactly being read by the masses (yet!!) but if anyone out there reads this and has a brilliant idea for me-please feel free to suggest away!! LOL

It's about 4 a.m. now, so I am going to sign off and go look at 'objects'!)

happy :) day

Kristen

Still Life

It's taken me so long to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. And actually I still don't know for sure. I decided to get my BFA in graphic design for a few different reasons and I really do like the program so far. I am just not 100% sure that I wouldn't rather go after my Studio Art degree instead. It just seems like the Graphic route may be a little more 'practical' and marketable and give me the computer skills I am after too. I wish that I could be more of a self learner on the computer stuff....I mean, I know that I don't have to go to school or get a degree to be really good on the computer-I just don't have the natural ability or knack for it that a lot of people have. I am not saying that I am questioning my decision, it is just hard because there is so much I am interested in. I really want to take more studio classes, like painting and metal smithing (again), I love english and writing (want to take creative writing soon) I love art history. There is just SO MUCH that interests me and not enough time!!! Studio classes are such long classes (about 6 hours  IN class time and about 4-10 hours on projects OUT of class per week). So that means that between the classes that i am required to take for my degree, it is very difficult to squeeze in any extras-especially studio classes. So I am not sure what I want to do? I have thought of a minor in English or in Studio Art but it is hard to minor in something when I am going after my BFA. My advisor probably thinks I am crazy because I have already talked to her about minoring and then about possibly switching my major all together (to interactive design) Oh well...honestly when I graduate in 3 years with ANY degree I will be thrilled. I just want to enjoy what I am doing and really try to make sure that I am making the best decision-'cause it's not like this opportunity is going to be knocking again!!

Okay, wow, that was long winded! More later...

TTFN & happy :) day.

Kristen

Artwork from the Fall

Just a quick blah,blah, blog today/night to let you all know that iammyart.com now has all the photos of my student artwork from the fall 2007 semester posted. As soon as this semester is finished and my portfolio review is complete, I will put all this semesters work up too!  

The Fall was mostly working all in black and white, so the new stuff will be a lot more colorful!

TTFN

:)

Kristen

The Color of a Mood

It's interesting....I was thinking of my post yesterday titled 'Blue'. I was thinking how much color affects our mood or how our moods can be described by a color.  Even mood rings change color according to the mood you're in (oh I know it's body temperature, but still...) 

The reason I started thinking about this is I woke up feeling really good and happy about life in general and I wondered what color I would name it? Maybe, pink hearts or of course the old standby, sunshine yellow? Probably I would call it, "Rainbow." That's my favorite color!!!

Anyway, today is starting out well and I hope that it will continue. It looks like the sun might even come out! I only have fourteen days of school left-Whoo Hoo!!!!

I do have to say I am running a little behind on getting the photos up on the iammyart site. So I am sorry about that. They will be up tonight for sure. 

Please believe me, I am working away on lots of projects so that this blog and my sites will be a source of information and inspiration to you! So I hope you will hang in there, keep reading my blog and visiting my sites and GROW WITH ME!

Gotta run for now-plenty of multi tasking to do today! LOL

have a :) day

Kristen

Blue

Today is soooo gray. I feel a little blue. Yesterday was much of the same. It is hard to feel creative and inspired when it is so drizzly, cold and void of sunshine outside. A day or two of it I can handle, but twelve days straight is just a little too much. A warmer climate is most definitely in my future!! Well, even though I'm complaining about it all, it's still good just to be alive and able to complain!!! On a cheerier note, all my artwork will be posted on iammyart.com (tonight) it will be all the projects and assignments from my drawing and design classes from last semester (and possibly up to this point). I hope you will take a look and give me your comments/feedback. It would be great to hear from other art & design students too. I would love to compare and contrast what kind of assignments you are given and discuss techniques and ideas etc. 

Well, it's Sunday, which means, it's almost Monday....got a million things to do with only  enough time for 999,999! LOL

happy day.

:) Kristen

p.s. 

What Color?

You know how some people get writer's block? Well, I get color block. It's where I am working on an illustration or design and I get to the point of adding color and I am stumped. The other night I was working on a project. It took me almost as long to decide on what color to paint the background as it did to design and put together the entire composition! When this happens, I usually break out my color  wheel and contemplate color choices by deciding if I want to lean more towards complimentary, analogous or monochromatic. Often this be will be helpful and give me a better idea of where I want to start. Other times I just pick a hue as a "for sure I want to use this one" and  then I will choose some other that i might want to use with it. On scratch paper, I will block the colors next to each other to see what I like (making sure to number each color so I don't forget which is which!) When I see them all next to one another it is much easier to make my decisions. Usually it seems to work itself out and when my image is complete I wonder how it ever seemed difficult at all!!

That is my thought for the day! 

TTFN.

Kristen

ps-have a :) happy day!

The More Colors the Better

I've had this beautiful tin of pastel sticks for about ten years. Every now and then, I'd open them and look at them and think, "oooh pretty". Then I would put the tin back up on the shelf for another year or so (or when ever I moved, cleaned or re-arranged!) Well, a couple weeks ago, as I began (another) self portrait, I wanted to try something different-a new medium. Amazingly, I new exactly where that tin was and I pulled them out. I really debated whether I should try them or not. I mean, I had no experience using these chalky sticks. I was a bit intimidated. I didn't want to 'mess up' and have to start over. I wanted a different look than that of colored pencils. I thought about using acrylic paint or markers but those would not suit the type of paper I was working on...Well, I decided to throw caution to the wind. I was going to try something new, even if it meant messing up or having to start over.
If you're thinking this had a happy ending, you're right!! Now I don't want to say that my portrait is fabulous, but that's not the point. The point is, that it was fun! I loved the pastels! They were fun to work with, easy to blend and very forgiving! So the actual portrait is alright (you can see for yourself real soon!) but the pastels were great.
I know that every time I try something new it may not have the same positive outcome, but it did remind me to at least give things a chance. And now, I have more colors to play with!!! That is a very good thing :)
Happy day to you and yours,
Kristen
P.S. Color something today.

New Site

We (my husband and I) have been busy,busy, busy around here. I know a lot of you have seen my sites (kristenpowersart.com and luckynumbercombos.com) but we just finished another one!

It is iammyart.com    This site is not finished as it is going to be the place where I post photos of ALL my school related projects and designs! I will title and number each one so that they will be simple to refer to for questions or discussion! So check the site after the weekend and let me know what you think. Like I have said, portfolio reviews are coming up soon and I will have photos of everything....in the meantime pictures from the stuff I did last semester will go up first.

TTFN

Kristen

p.s. for any of you wondering what luckynumbercombos is....it is just a simple site we did for fun-

although we did end up incorporating my zodiac signs into it.  :) happy day.

Missed a Day

Tuesday went by so fast, I practically missed it! I was so busy working on projects and papers and updating my shop-I didn't get a chance to post. Still didn't get everything done that I needed to. 

I'm not gonna stress about it though. I did get a "micro-still life" done....It's very cool. It had to be small (6x5x4) and include, something spherical, something rectilinear, something with written text, and a photo of ourself at any age. Now were gonna draw it HUGE! It's pretty much our final in drawing. 

Anyway for ANYONE reading my blah, blah, blog.....check back next week. I'm going to post some pictures. Also Check out my shop (through my website) I'm so happy with my "Bee You" products! I want your feedback too!

Thanks gotta go- this morning is getting away from me already!

Happy day.

Kristen

I Like blue and yellow and not gray...

Oh yeah it's about time. Finally it feels like Spring may actually have arrived.  I have been impatiently waiting for blue skies and some warm sunny days! It sure will be nice to throw open the windows (clean my messy house!) and work in my studio with the sunshine coming in. I am not a cold weather person. I could actually take the coldness if I have to, it's the lack of sunlight that drives me crazy. I don't want to get too excited just yet. This is Missouri, after all.  You know what they say, "If you don't like the weather-just wait a minute." 

Oh well, I guess I'll just be thankful for today...it was beautiful!  Hope wherever YOU are, it was beautiful too.

TTFN (tah tah for now)& have a happy day :)

Kristen

Blank Canvas....

That's what my mind feels like this morning...a blank canvas!!! It's crazy how I can have so many ideas floating through my head, but when I sit down in front of the computer.....they suddenly disappear! Is it "writers block" or some form of anxiety? Hmmm, I wonder...either way I figure if I just dig in and ramble for a few lines, something will begin to form. And actually that does remind me, I was thinking about my English class and the paper I need to write. I like to write. I like it almost as much as I like design and illustration, but for some reason I have a really difficult time writing even the smallest (3-4 page papers) for this class. Like I said, blank canvas. I did write a poem in class a few weeks ago. I'll share it with you-here it is:

Ode to Robert Frost

I have read the words
Unwrapped each one
Like a treasured gift
Whispered through the years
My heart and head and soul
received it's touch
As if I had time traveled
That is what words can do
He knew this
Long before me
And others have known too
Some needed much ink
and paper going out like ribbons
But not he
His may be on a torn corner
or the book of a match
Just right for tucking
into a secret place
Maybe under the ballerina
where the pink felt
is still like new


Well, there is my contribution to the world of poetry! Or maybe not....I WOULD love to do a children's book with illustrations and poetry (like a Shel Silverstein thing) So who knows?
It's possible that I'm just getting started! I am, after all, a late bloomer!
Have a happy day.
Kristen

Self Portraits and Other Stuff

Thanks for your post "Anonymous Bridgette" LOL! I am so happy when I get posts! I certainly don't know how much "elderly wisdom" I have-but I suppose it's more than when I was 20 or 30! For anyone out there who may be reading my blog.....i hope you will feel comfortable about giving your perspective no matter how old (or young) you are. Anyway, as for me, I'm just posting my own thoughts which consist mainly (at this point) of school, kids and art. 

Speaking of art, does anyone have any hints, tips or techniques about doing self portraits? I am now working on a 2ft.x2ft. self portrait. Wow, it's hard. We have had to do 3 self portraits already (2 are 'symbolic') It's actually been kind of fun, one person in my drawing class said, "I should be pretty good at this, I've seen this face more than any other face, every single day when I look in the mirror!" Funny, it's so true, but I never thought of that!! SO if you have any suggestions or books to recommend on the subject-Please do. 

Remember, I am going to be putting up pictures of ALL my course work from this semester, here on my blog,  very soon. If anyone has any pix they'd like to share, please e-mail me :)

And now I'm gonna plug my website again...just got it updated again yesterday! Still working on a few things, but it's looking better than ever- so please check it out...and make sure you click on the advertisements too, it helps keep my site running.  Thank you and have a happy day :) I'm off to draw a gigantic me.

Kristen

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yeah so today is the Big Day! Well, nothing too exciting about turning 42 though (well other than HAVING a birthday, which is better than the alternative!!LOL) I don't really know if our 40's 
are the "new 30's " or not (I think some one in their 40's made that up) 
but I do know that I feel great and am morefocused, centered and productive than I have 
ever been and that is a good thing !
Speaking of creative...Somehow my 7 year old daughter, Marin and I managed to find time to come up with the cutest pot of  paper flowers ...I'm going to teach this project on
my first arts & crafts video (coming soon to my website!) I hope you will watch for it- it is a really fun thing to make
(with or without your kids!)
Well, I am off to celebrate my birthday.
Peace and :)
Kristen

Is it Summer Yet?

Well, finals are upon me. These next 3+ weeks are going to be crazy. I've heard what doesn't kill you will make you stronger...hopefully come May 1st I'll be stronger! So many projects still to do and papers to write and all I can do is dream of having a vacation! Vacation for me will consist of not having to rush around and working more without the school load, NOT going anywhere!!! LOL! That's okay, I'm not complaining, I'm perfectly happy with the thought of that and a little warm weather! 

Needless to say, I'm ready for a break and to be a Sophmore!!

Happy day :)

Kristen

Freshman at Forty

Okay okay, so I'll be turning forty-TWO (this coming Friday) but 'Freshman at forty-two' just doesn't have the same ring to it!! Anyway, it certainly is challenging to dive into 18 credit hours of college classes after not having been in school for almost 25 years. 
And yes, it's different to be surrounded by people that are the same age 
(or younger) than my oldest daughter...when I get home and I still have chapters to read and papers to write and projects to finish (or start!)  and still have to get dinner on the table and get the young ones off to bed, sometimes, I admit, I think"what was I thinking?!"
But those moments really are fleeting and I have no regrets.
School, for me, at this point is SO different than when I was younger (you know it's the maturity factor!!) 
Seriously, when I was 18, I did not only NOT appreciate what I was learning, I really didn't 
want to be there (and most of the time I wasn't! )
I've talked to many people about returning to school, most are really supportive and encouraging. A lot of people say things like,"I admire you" and stuff like that. It's so nice to hear,because I'm not gonna lie, it's a difficult decision to take that plunge. When you are older, you know what 
you're getting into and the sacrifices you will be making (and the money you'll be spending.)
Others I have talked to, the ones who did it "the right way" and got there education when they
were right out of high school have told me things like they didin't get all they could (or should've) from college because they were busy partying or just slacking off. I definitely notice that with a lot of the kids I go to school with now (not to infer that they are all goofing off) it's just they don't seem as participitory and a lot of them really don't seem to enjoy it! That's where we
differ for sure, I'm paying a lot of $$ to be there...I'm gonna enjoy it and suck all the knowledge I can from every instructor!! haha
If I had a point, I guess it would be that your never to old, and it's not too late to DO IT! (whatever IT may be for you ). 
That's my blah, blah, blog for today!!
peace :)
Kristen
 

Sharing is Good

Hello, Hello! This is only my third post and I must admit, I wasn't expecting much. Which just proves the theory that good things happen when you least expect them!! Because already I have received comments from two really talented women who were nice enough to take time to share a bit about themselves and encourage me in my endeavors! I think that is really cool. Thank you Luanne and Brenda! I hope you'll be visiting again soon. I'd love to hear stories about YOUR college experience and see more of your art too.

Speaking of sharing, it is really fantastic how things happen....Brenda posted a comment on my first day, so I went on her website (brendapinnick.com). Through her website I found another artist that is also so very talented and inspiring. You may want to check out her extremely colorful world at www.violette.ca and while you're surfing, look up Luanne's great children's illustrations too, at www.luanne-marten.com 

I always enjoy learning new things, meeting new people, being inspired, and of course, sharing!

Have a happy day :) Kristen

P.S. My final portfolio review for the semester is in four weeks. I'll take pix of all the projects I've done for the semester, and post them here!!