Arting for 365 Day 97: Lines

Posted on August 4, 2012 by Micah

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

I have come to realize that repeating a pattern or shape when creating art is as close to a meditative practice as I get. The act seems to allow me to immediately relax.

Perhaps this is why, when I am most high strung or have a broad idea that I am thinking about and can’t quite get my head wrapped around, I tend to turn to repetition in my work. I am able to slow down and think through the issue at hand. I don’t always come up with a brilliant solution, but I feel a heck of a lot better when I’m done.

Day 97: Lines Detail Original and print available for purchase

Arting for 365 Day 96: Pigeon Penthouse

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Micah

8 x 10″ watercolor and ink on paper

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

I needed a bit of fresh air yesterday so decided to take a little stroll. After wandering around the alleys of downtown Ft. Collins – which I must say are lovely – I made my way back to the studio. Right before going inside, I noticed some pigeons that had made a living space for themselves in a metal pipe thing on the side of the neighboring building.

The birds had chosen a home wallpapered with an old, retro vacuum ad. I loved the choice and wondered if the pigeon’s friends often complimented them on their bold and graphic taste in home décor. Was this space coveted among the fowl? Did they know that a pigeon against a red back drop always looks good? More importantly, are there hipsters in the bird world?

Arting for 365 Day 95: Residual Marks From Cut Paper

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Micah

Day 95 (8/1/12): Residual Marks from Cut Paper

12 x 12″

In order to not completely ruin my old work table, I have been putting scraps of canvas under my cut paper work. The other day I noticed an incredible design that was being created as the x-acto blade marked one of my pieces of gessoed canvas. The pattern was fantastic. I liked it so much, I hoped I could simply stretch the marked up canvas around a frame and call it done. But because I had also cut through it in some areas, this was not possible. So I hung on to the tattered piece, waiting to use it in something else.

Yesterday I pulled out the canvas and created this non-representational piece. The work feels quite different from my typical approach with its geometric, bold red areas, but it has grown on me. I’d like to say I hope to create more of these, but strangely, I haven’t been able to get the marks to show up again.

Original piece available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 94: Colloquial Uses of the Word Chicken

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Micah

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

For some reason I felt like drawing a chicken yesterday. As I started in on the guy, I began thinking about the many, many ways we use “chicken” in our everyday language.

Other animals are not completely forgotten in colloquial English. I have thrown out a “holy cow” from time to time and may have even used the term “horse’s ass” once or twice – but such sayings are a drop in the bucket when compared to the chicken.

Shoot. I think the earliest joke I ever learned was, “Why did the chicken cross the road?”

This leaves me to wonder. How in the heck did the chicken become so popular?

Original and prints available for purchase

Arting for 365 Day 93: Paths

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Micah

20 x 36 (I think. Need to double check the height when I get back to the studio). Acrylic on canvas

It’s interesting to look back on life and all the things we’ve experienced and chosen to do. Sometimes the direction we take is well thought out and planned. Other times it is spontaneous as we roll with the punches and perks of life. In one step we move left, and in the next right. Some of us know where we are headed. Others of us are simply there to enjoy the ride.

Of the thousands of paths to choose from, somehow we all make our way.

: Sold: Paths, 18 x 36, Acrylic on canvas, 2012

Original work available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 92: Bell Pepper Innards

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Micah

4.75 x 4.75″ Ink on paper

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

Oh sweet bell pepper. Your smooth and shiny outside is a fine sight to see. Your real beauty, however, is found upon slicing you open.

Long, structural ribs form your walls. And your heart, a mass of seeds stemming from – well, your stem – is the poster child for texture.

You, delicious bell pepper, are stunning.

Original piece and prints available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 89: Cut Paper Abstraction 4 aka: First Official Project in New Studio Space

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Micah

Goal: To create one piece of work each day for 365 consecutive days

It is official. I am lucky enough to have landed some studio space at Rendition Gallery, a local joint here in Ft. Collins! I got all moved in yesterday and am super excited and a wee bit nervous for the opportunity to work and show there.

The downside to this big move is that my time spent working alongside Box (the cat) will be greatly diminished. I do, however, gain significantly more human interaction – with really great artists, no less.

My first official, completed project in the new space was this cut paper design. I feel like choosing to do a cut paper piece was a great decision for yesterday. With nerves being a bit high, it was a good way for me to relax and just enjoy the process of creating.

As for Box; his crying upon us getting home leads me to believe he is not as happy with the situation as I am.

Oh – If you’re in Ft. Collins, CO, over the next six months, stop on in. I’d love to see you!

Original piece available for purchase.

Arting for 365 Day 88: Off Target

Posted on July 26, 2012 by Micah

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

The attempt was a valiant one, but her aim was off. -Or perhaps it was her focus that was awry. Distracted, all efforts were slightly misplaced, and now ran down the side of her cup.

Better luck tomorrow, she thought.

Arting for 365 Day 87: Elephant in the Room

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Micah

Goal: To create a piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

The elephant wasn’t as big as she’d imagined he’d be. She wasn’t sure if this was due to the elephant actually being somewhat small for a pachyderm, or if the room was overly large. Either way, it was a pleasant surprise. A small elephant in the room seemed much more manageable than a large one.