Beauty & Grace - Mixed Media

I have completed my first mixed media project.  A mixture of acrylic paint on canvas, including fabric and a old photograph of my great-grandmother.  I really enjoyed this creative outlet, this is a great way for me to be creative with my old family photos.  I will note that I don't use originals of the photo's, I actually make scans and make a print, as to not ruin the original.

Now the wheels are turning to create more.  In Topeka, the city has a new art district and once I have a few more I plan to take these down to the local galleries.  I would be interested in entertaining commissions as well.

Happy creating!

Operation Closet. Phase One Complete.

When I moved into my new apartment, I was blessed with a beautiful walk in closet.  I have been spinning my wheels trying to think of a way to take full advantage of this space.  A couple of weeks ago, I began to think that if organized properly I could make the back of the closet into a little work space.  So that is what I have been doing for the past few weekends.

Closet Before / After (work still needs to be done)

Work table

I am really happy that phase one is done.  Basically this means it is "organized" enough so that I can use it creatively, I have already begun to use it.  I have been exploring other artistic mediums, currently mixed media and collage.

There is still work that needs to be done.  That will require extra shelving and a couple of bookcases though. 

Time to let the creative juices flow.

Just Keep Chugging Along

This week has been a good personal week for me.  Regarding the "list" I have been trying to take baby steps and not just take on everything at once.  This week I got back in the gym and began to work on my goal of hitting 500 miles this year.  So far I can knock off 10 miles, and bonus I am preparing for another goal which is to take part in the 5K / Eisenhower Marathon in April.

My favorite thing about this week would be really using my new Rachel Ray pots and pans.  They were an awesome and unexpected Christmas present.

The first meal I cooked was blackened chicken, steamed green beans with almonds, and a little bit of potatoes.  The green beans were amazing.

I have also begun a new project this week, to turn the back portion of my closet into a workspace.  It's about a 5'x4.5' section, if I organize correctly it should be perfect.  Pics to come.  A good indoor project since it has become so cold out side.

 

On Course. Productivity is a Good Thing.

Today was a pretty productive day.  I am continuing to work on my goals for this year.   Went down into the NOTO (North Topeka) Art District, the District is in it infancy, it has only been officially open since last spring.  They have a few great shops, with opportunities for expansion.

I made contact with three galleries and each are accepting new artist.  Exchanged information, now just have to dig out my portfolio and get some new work printed and framed.  Something that I am in dire need of is workspace, I actually have room but I need to get organized.  Guess that will be what is in store for me on Sunday.

Lavender Tea Time

2012 Plan. So Far. So Good.

Unfortunately, I am not very good with resolutions.  I am much better with goals, something I can acknowledge, define and most importantly track.  Hopefully, I will do a good job of maintaining everything I want to get done.  I have mixed fun with not-so fun.  Four days into the New Year, I have stuck to it.

At least if I don't get anything else done, I was able to check one thing off my list!

On the Homefront Series

On the Home Front, Series #1 - Andrea LaRayne Etzel, 2010

 

These images were shot in 2010 at the Mansion on Forsyth Park, a beautiful hotel in Savannah, GA, while I was a Photography student at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Give Me Time and Books

Beauty of the Peacock

Hello 2012. Goodbye 2011

2011, was a pretty good year for me.  I graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design and had a job waiting for me in my field at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center.  That I am very thankful for, also since the job was back in my hometown, I now get to see my family.  This holiday season was first in three years that I was able to spend with them.

2012, will be what I make of it.  There are no resolutions or ultimate promises, just be happy!  Sure I have set goals for the year, like..
 - To blog more
 - Spend less time on Pinterest and more time creating
 - Get back to my photography work, scope out local galleries
 - To use all the art supplies I have now, before I buy more
 - and to eat more vegetables

Everyone have a wonderful 2012. If you made a wish I hope it comes true, if you made a resolution I hope you stick to it.  Remember to be inspired, by where you are and to cherish what you have.