Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Creatingwithoutcrayons-JackiePNeal
Creatingwithoutcrayons-JackiePNeal Good for you, JackieP. Love the use of junk mail...am so impressed that you are able to create and keep up with the supplies you use all at the same time!
Friday, February 28, 2014
MB Challenge 2014
All good things must come to an end. After much discussion (and none of us wanting to say 'yes' first) we decided to stop the Moses Botkin Challenge. Four years? maybe. A long time.
I've also decided to move my blog posting to www.Axully.com where I keep two blogs right now:
One, "Over and Over Again: Repetition with Variations" is about the journey of creating 100 7.5" square paintings. Each is the same size, and starts with the same four loose compositional shapes. From there, color, style, medium, can all morph. Three dimension, acrylic mediums, pastel, oil, watercolor...whatever is close at hand. This project was a successfully funded campaign on Hatchfund.org, a crowd-funding just for artists.
The other blog is more general, and has some guest blogs...many different topics, but generally speaking on how creative outlets can heal...improve...make happy...something in all of us. From stitchery to encaustic...knit booties to watercolor.
I may start a more personal blog after I complete the 100 variations, but it will be under the Axully umbrella...too many social media demands, and we all need some centralization.
My newest favorite is Flipboard. I read all the time anyway and am always asked "how did you know that?". FB is a news aggregator where you can pick the topics that interest you. News, technolology, People magazine, Lifestyle, sports, on and on. AND, you can have all your social media feeds there...live. Now everything you enjoy is in one spot. Just a few months ago they added the ability to have your own magazine. When I read something I like, I flip it into my magazine, "Axully?" and it can be read by anyone.
Would love your subscription and support. I can be reached here:
I've also decided to move my blog posting to www.Axully.com where I keep two blogs right now:
One, "Over and Over Again: Repetition with Variations" is about the journey of creating 100 7.5" square paintings. Each is the same size, and starts with the same four loose compositional shapes. From there, color, style, medium, can all morph. Three dimension, acrylic mediums, pastel, oil, watercolor...whatever is close at hand. This project was a successfully funded campaign on Hatchfund.org, a crowd-funding just for artists.
The other blog is more general, and has some guest blogs...many different topics, but generally speaking on how creative outlets can heal...improve...make happy...something in all of us. From stitchery to encaustic...knit booties to watercolor.
I may start a more personal blog after I complete the 100 variations, but it will be under the Axully umbrella...too many social media demands, and we all need some centralization.
My newest favorite is Flipboard. I read all the time anyway and am always asked "how did you know that?". FB is a news aggregator where you can pick the topics that interest you. News, technolology, People magazine, Lifestyle, sports, on and on. AND, you can have all your social media feeds there...live. Now everything you enjoy is in one spot. Just a few months ago they added the ability to have your own magazine. When I read something I like, I flip it into my magazine, "Axully?" and it can be read by anyone.
Would love your subscription and support. I can be reached here:
- Twitter: vickilou92
- Google+: google.com/
+vickiross - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vickilou92 (Vicki Louise Neil Ross)
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/vickiartist
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/vicki-ross/12/2a5/210/
- Flipboard: https://flipboard.com/profile/vickilou
Axully has accounts too:
Sunday, December 22, 2013
MB Challenge: December, the twelfth year
Diana chose the theme for this month, "Christmas Dress". Both she and Suzanne offered to do another theme if this one bothered me. Suzanne, in particular, has given me the courage to 'come out' a bit. She has done much of her healing process verbally, through her blog. She's been so brave!
We were all three running late this month, but decided to give it our best shot anyway...part of the challenge. I will continue to work on mine.
While not exactly a Christmas Dress, my choice is definitely a Party Dress. And Sarah was a beautiful three year old in the picture. She'll be gone 12 years this xmas day. bummer. A few days before her time, she asked several times if she was a pretty baby.
Duh.
"Sarah"
20 x 16" oil on linen
© V.N.Ross
I want to announce that I was chosen to participate in a Hatchfund.org project, and mine was approved! Please click to go see the video and all the perks I designed. AND share, please!
"Dressing Up"
Mixed media, 20"x16”
©2013 Suzanne Berry
"Decked Out"
Original oil on hardboard
unframed, 7"x5"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
We were all three running late this month, but decided to give it our best shot anyway...part of the challenge. I will continue to work on mine.
While not exactly a Christmas Dress, my choice is definitely a Party Dress. And Sarah was a beautiful three year old in the picture. She'll be gone 12 years this xmas day. bummer. A few days before her time, she asked several times if she was a pretty baby.
Duh.
"Sarah"
20 x 16" oil on linen
© V.N.Ross
I want to announce that I was chosen to participate in a Hatchfund.org project, and mine was approved! Please click to go see the video and all the perks I designed. AND share, please!
"Dressing Up"
Mixed media, 20"x16”
©2013 Suzanne Berry
"Decked Out"
Original oil on hardboard
unframed, 7"x5"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Friday, November 15, 2013
Selfish...oops, SHELLFISH MB challenge Nov 2013
hahaha! Wicki is acting up again.
Axully, my lobster might be better this way! My first crack at encaustics. Man, it is harder than it sounds like it would be...wax is all melted nice and fluid, made up in my double primary palette...but the second you lift the brush it starts to harden. I think it will be easier to pre-mix my colors, then mix with the wax/damar.
Kudos to the artists who manage to achieve a glass-like surface. I'll keep up with the experiment for awhile.
Suzanne chose this month's theme, and as usual she and Diana nailed theirs!
Axully, my lobster might be better this way! My first crack at encaustics. Man, it is harder than it sounds like it would be...wax is all melted nice and fluid, made up in my double primary palette...but the second you lift the brush it starts to harden. I think it will be easier to pre-mix my colors, then mix with the wax/damar.
Kudos to the artists who manage to achieve a glass-like surface. I'll keep up with the experiment for awhile.
Just Kiddin!
Suzanne chose this month's theme, and as usual she and Diana nailed theirs!
"Pick Me...Not!"
7.5" x 7.5", Encaustic
© V.N.Ross
www.vickiandrandyrossart.blogspot.com
"Morsel"
Oil on hardboard, 4"x6"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Paint with a Palette Knife-Moses Botkin Challenge Oct. 2013
I love to hear Suzanne (Berry) howl! Her work is typically so precise, I felt this one would flip her out. she nailed it, as usual. All kidding aside, a good friend of mine, Urania Christy Tarbet never uses brushes with her oil paints. Says cleanup is almost instantaneous with a knife.
I started using one when I had a large space to get pigment onto. Mix a big pile very loosely, and then load the knife to transport it to the canvas. I love the texture AND evidence of the colors used in the mixture.
Mine is on watercolor paper that had been thickly covered with metallic gold acrylic underpainting.
Mine is on watercolor paper that had been thickly covered with metallic gold acrylic underpainting.
#17
7.5" x 7.5" Oil on paper
© V.N.Ross
"Puff Top"
Oil on hardboard, 6"x8"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Sunday, September 15, 2013
"Black" 9-15-2013 Moses Botkin Challenge
My teammates are twisted :) First, "White", then "Black". One of the things I love about this challenge is that it makes me think out of the box. Axully, I typically LIVE out of the box!
This is a first...to see all the color appearing in black subjects. I set up the black bottle against a black background, black easel with black swarovski crystal purchased in Prague. Then, in order to see anything, a carefully placed, shadow causing spotlight. Ahhh. Ochres, purples, green...all seemed to jump out. Warm colors and cool colors.
Another bit of enjoyment beyond the actual challenge is the friendship we 'sista's' have developed. When I told Diana about my sleep marathon, I got this back in return:
"Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleeve of care,
The death of each day's life, sore labour's bath,
Balm of hurt minds, great nature's second course,
Chief nourisher in life's feast"
from Shakespeare's Macbeth
"Black...a Study"
12x16" oil on linen
"Shades of Black" Original oil 6"x6"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Thursday, August 15, 2013
WHITE. yes, a challenge (MB July 2013)
People ask me frequently why I feel compelled to stay active in this Moses Botkin Challenge. Beyond the "determined to do it" phase because Diana invited me to the first month, the "what in the world am I going to for this one" phase comes into play occasionally. Sometimes they are easy...
WHITE? Suzanne, 'lil Suz was obviously responsible for this topic!
I jokingly told Diana and Suzanne yesterday when we shared our paintings with each other that I considered sending a blank white square for mine. Diana DID just get a white square from me because I accidentally sent a .tif file instead of a .jpg.
As most artists are aware, a "white object" is anything BUT white. Once you start seeing with an artist's eye, you find purple, pink, rich greys...and whatever else color might be reflecting onto your white item. Look at clouds...beyond grey. You'll see peach, pink, purple...sometimes greenish casts and very little white. One of my mentors, the late Ann Templeton, told me that white with a bit of yellow in it reads whiter than straight white in a painting. Joaquin Sorolla was a master of painting white.
And a master of making it look obvious and easy :)
©Suzanne Berry
http://suzanneberry.blogspot.com/
WHITE? Suzanne, 'lil Suz was obviously responsible for this topic!
I jokingly told Diana and Suzanne yesterday when we shared our paintings with each other that I considered sending a blank white square for mine. Diana DID just get a white square from me because I accidentally sent a .tif file instead of a .jpg.
As most artists are aware, a "white object" is anything BUT white. Once you start seeing with an artist's eye, you find purple, pink, rich greys...and whatever else color might be reflecting onto your white item. Look at clouds...beyond grey. You'll see peach, pink, purple...sometimes greenish casts and very little white. One of my mentors, the late Ann Templeton, told me that white with a bit of yellow in it reads whiter than straight white in a painting. Joaquin Sorolla was a master of painting white.
And a master of making it look obvious and easy :)
"White Study"
16" x 12" Pastel
© V.N.Ross
Eggs 2
48x36" oil on heavyweight canvas©Suzanne Berry
http://suzanneberry.blogspot.com/
"Basic White"
Oil, 8"x6"
©2013 Diana Moses BotkinOil, 8"x6"
Monday, July 15, 2013
"Dusk Flip" #4 in drink series. MB Challenge July 2013
Challenge topic was mine this month. I chose "Egg". Since I'm having so much fun with these obscure cocktail recipes...why not?
I learn so much! Did you know a "Flip" is a cocktail with a whole egg, while a "Fizz" uses only an egg white? Both were more common in days of ore...some even made by inserting a hot fireplace poker into the drink just before serving.
Diane did an amazing pencil drawing of some eggs, while Suzanne blew me away with her huge painting. Great work, team!
The recipe:
I learn so much! Did you know a "Flip" is a cocktail with a whole egg, while a "Fizz" uses only an egg white? Both were more common in days of ore...some even made by inserting a hot fireplace poker into the drink just before serving.
Diane did an amazing pencil drawing of some eggs, while Suzanne blew me away with her huge painting. Great work, team!
The recipe:
- 1 large egg
- Small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish
- Ice
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream
- 2 ounces Irish whiskey
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- 3 blackberries, plus 1 blackberry skewered on a pick for garnish
"Dusk Flip"
12" x 16" pastel and gold leaf
© V.N.Ross
Saturday, June 15, 2013
June 2013 MB Challenge
WOW, another month. I'm so proud of me and Diana and Suzanne for sticking with this for so long. It has become an anchor for my painting and I look forward to it!
This month's challenge was from a guest artist, Julie Ford Oliver. "Vintage" played so well into my drink series...
Absinthe was a reputed 'drug' that caused insanity, all the rage in the late 1800s in Paris and in New Orleans. A greenish clear liquid was poured into a special glass, then a slotted flat spoon...silver of course...was laid carefully over the top of the glass. Two sugar cubes next, then water was slowly drizzled over the sugar until the liquid started to turn cloudy. These utensils were very ornate, and I happened on one in the shape of the Eiffel Tower.
so without further ado...
This month's challenge was from a guest artist, Julie Ford Oliver. "Vintage" played so well into my drink series...
Absinthe was a reputed 'drug' that caused insanity, all the rage in the late 1800s in Paris and in New Orleans. A greenish clear liquid was poured into a special glass, then a slotted flat spoon...silver of course...was laid carefully over the top of the glass. Two sugar cubes next, then water was slowly drizzled over the sugar until the liquid started to turn cloudy. These utensils were very ornate, and I happened on one in the shape of the Eiffel Tower.
so without further ado...
"Absinthe"
20" x 16" pastel
© V.N.Ross
“Old Hotness”
Oil on Canvas Board 8"x6"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
"Brown Betty"
Oil
©2013 Julie Ford Oliver
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
MB challenge May 2013 "Rodent"
Well, I can't whine too much about Rodent (this month's challenge creatively supplied by Diana Moses Botkin) after my March idea of "Ides of March".
I decided to do another in my drink series, and searched high and low for a drink with 'mouse' in it...finally did a wikipedia search for rodent and learned there are all manner of members of the rodent family. Beavers, squirrels, and I stopped there. Found a drink called the "Pink Squirrel" and I was on my way.
cocktail paintings
Recipe:
©2013 Julie Ford Oliver
"Really?"
12"x16" Oil on linen
©2013 Suzanne Berry
“Of Mice and Lego Men"
Oil on hardboard, 5"x7"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
I decided to do another in my drink series, and searched high and low for a drink with 'mouse' in it...finally did a wikipedia search for rodent and learned there are all manner of members of the rodent family. Beavers, squirrels, and I stopped there. Found a drink called the "Pink Squirrel" and I was on my way.
cocktail paintings
Recipe:
- 3/4 oz creme de noyaux (almond base)
- 3/4 oz white creme de cacao (chocolate base)
- 1 1/2 oz heavy cream
don't substitute Amaretto because it doesn't have the red color...and you need that for the pink.
The only other issue I had was a business meeting the entire week of the challenge, and the little fact that I have a 300 page 8.5x11" full color book deadline two days ago :) I'm proud of Wicki that she was able to manage everything.
Welcome, Julie, to our merry band of humorous artists!
"Pink Squirrel"
16" x 12", Pastel
© V.N.Ross
"Mr Beaver at Home"
6"x8" Oil on RayMar canvas board©2013 Julie Ford Oliver
"Really?"
12"x16" Oil on linen
©2013 Suzanne Berry
Oil on hardboard, 5"x7"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Suzanne Twins update
After 6 weeks, 24/7 (well not quite) of working on Urania Christy Tarbet's book, Dare to Dream, I took an afternoon off to paint. WOW, was afraid it would take longer to get in the groove, but surprisingly it all came back. All I had to do was change my hat!
This painting has a solid grisaille in raw umber. I've pretty much taught myself this process...I think the old masters used more glazing, where I got more opaque around layer 2. This is layer 3...and I was amazed at the difference! I tend to fall in love with each stage and am reluctant to keep working, and THAT is why it has taken so long to complete this painting. Other than a major downsize move that took 3 months and this book project.
WOULD YOU JUST LOOK at the difference? And I was in love with the under version! I can do alla prima skin tones, but sometimes I like the 'slowdown' of doing the grasaille (grey) so I can really enjoy the process of bringing it to life.
The book will be available for sale at IAPS 2013, June 5. It is a compendium of Urania's colorful life as a child, through her art studies as a young mother, her famous ancestors, to her founding of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) in 1995. Over 50 pastel artists from all over the world have contributed pictures of their art and stories about their personal journey to pastels and memories about IAPS conventions. The art is portrayed full page size so you can really 'see' the methods that are as diverse as the artists' locations and styles. 8 1/2" x 11", full color, 250+ pages. Soft Cover. Will be available through Amazon. Watch for date!
PS: don't tell Urania I leaked the news :)
This painting has a solid grisaille in raw umber. I've pretty much taught myself this process...I think the old masters used more glazing, where I got more opaque around layer 2. This is layer 3...and I was amazed at the difference! I tend to fall in love with each stage and am reluctant to keep working, and THAT is why it has taken so long to complete this painting. Other than a major downsize move that took 3 months and this book project.
WOULD YOU JUST LOOK at the difference? And I was in love with the under version! I can do alla prima skin tones, but sometimes I like the 'slowdown' of doing the grasaille (grey) so I can really enjoy the process of bringing it to life.
The book will be available for sale at IAPS 2013, June 5. It is a compendium of Urania's colorful life as a child, through her art studies as a young mother, her famous ancestors, to her founding of the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS) in 1995. Over 50 pastel artists from all over the world have contributed pictures of their art and stories about their personal journey to pastels and memories about IAPS conventions. The art is portrayed full page size so you can really 'see' the methods that are as diverse as the artists' locations and styles. 8 1/2" x 11", full color, 250+ pages. Soft Cover. Will be available through Amazon. Watch for date!
PS: don't tell Urania I leaked the news :)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
April 2013 MB Challenge
We were all running a bit late this month! Looks like the results were worth waiting for...
Suzanne chose the theme this month "Trompe l'Oeil", which is Wicki means "Fool the Eye". I've worked several paintings in this theme. It is really a fun genre. You've probably seen this process in large buildings (like casinos and restaurants) where it looks like you can walk down a hallway, or look through a window at the Tuscan hillside...only to find out it is an illusion.
I loved this little charmer. This is a tumbled marble tile found in kitchen backsplashes. They have such interesting vein effects. I even like the ones with broken and chipped areas because it lends to the antiquity appeal.
©2013 V.N.Ross
"To Do"
10.5"x13", unframed
Oil on Canvas
with painted edges
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Suzanne chose the theme this month "Trompe l'Oeil", which is Wicki means "Fool the Eye". I've worked several paintings in this theme. It is really a fun genre. You've probably seen this process in large buildings (like casinos and restaurants) where it looks like you can walk down a hallway, or look through a window at the Tuscan hillside...only to find out it is an illusion.
I loved this little charmer. This is a tumbled marble tile found in kitchen backsplashes. They have such interesting vein effects. I even like the ones with broken and chipped areas because it lends to the antiquity appeal.
"Red Vase in Niche"
4" x 4" oil on marble©2013 V.N.Ross
"To Do"
Oil on Canvas
with painted edges
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Friday, March 15, 2013
March 2013 ALREADY MB Challenge
Note to self: Do NOT choose challenge for the month after an adult beverage of choice!!!!!
Or at least, take more than a few minutes to spout whatever comes into your brain...if you have a WickiBrain, that is. I chose "Ides of March" since it is for March 15. Sounds easy, doesn't it? Well, it wasn't. Our chief Poo-Bah, Diana jumped right in and got hers done early so she could go to Italy...bummer, right?
SO, here it is. A Caesar or Bloody Caesar is a cocktail created and primarily consumed in Canada. It typically contains vodka, Clamato (a proprietary blend of tomato juice and clam broth), hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, and is served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass, typically garnished with a stalk of celery and wedge of lime.
It was invented in Calgary, Alberta in 1969 by restaurateur Walter Chell to celebrate the opening of a new Italian restaurant in the city. It quickly became a popular mixed drink within Canada where over 350 million Caesars are consumed annually and it has inspired numerous variants. However, the drink remains virtually unknown outside the country. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
"Bloody Caesar"
16 x 12" Pastel on sanded board
© V.N.Ross
"Ides of March of the Penguins"
Pastel on Canson 9"x12"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Storm's Comin'
18x18" oil on canvas
©Suzanne Berry
Saturday, February 16, 2013
February 15, 2013 MB Challenge 'Hat'
Wow! Once a month blog...tearing up the cloud sphere, for sure! Actually I've been acclimating to Twitter. Still haven't 'gotten' it yet.
This month's theme was 'Hat', chosen by Diana Moses Botkin. This little photo came to mind, and I thought I could whip it out. THAT's what I get for thinking...took 3 times longer than anticipated, and after it dries it may get another session. Don't ever think that just because a piece of art is small that it takes much less time. You'd be very wa-wrong.
Suzanne is taking a short break this month, so it is just Diana and me. We've all gotten so much benefit from the once-a-month schedule that we're reluctant to quit. Some months we've all experienced the challenge being what gets us back in the painting groove...and that, my friends, is the name of the game!
ps: if anyone is interested in a very low key challenge that is always very fresh and fun, get in touch with Diana
"Mimi in the Red Hat"
12x6" Oil on Panel
© V.N.Ross
"Sound in the Ravine"
Oil sketch 12"x9"
©2013 Diana Moses Botkin
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
January 15, 2013! MB challenge
I can hardly believe it is halfway through January already. Our challenge group started by Diana Moses Botkin still keeps chugging along. The current 3 of us are reluctant to give it up because it provides some semblance of structure to our studio time...and in many cases over the past few years has given us reason to even go into our studio!
This month was my choice, and it is...ta-daaa...Sunlit Space. Thought that sounded bright and happy for good thoughts in the middle of winter.
This month was my choice, and it is...ta-daaa...Sunlit Space. Thought that sounded bright and happy for good thoughts in the middle of winter.
"Exhibition Hallway Late Afternoon"
12x6" Oil on Panel
© V.N.Ross
Sunday, December 16, 2012
MB Challenge December 2012 'Old Age'
What better way to celebrate old age than with two spry 80+ year olds who still have the energy to join a Charles Reid Workshop in Prague and Salzberg? Mary from Canada, and Delys from Australia put me to shame with their 'game on' attitude. I swear, Mary could out 'go' me easily! Those are hiking shoes, folks...and I think they were used often :)
I fell in love with the red umbrella, even though you can see from its reflection on Mary's paper why a colored rain catcher is not such a good idea! Look how the sun rakes across her body! Super!
I fell in love with the red umbrella, even though you can see from its reflection on Mary's paper why a colored rain catcher is not such a good idea! Look how the sun rakes across her body! Super!
"Mary and Delys in Salzberg"
20x16" Pastel on sanded paper
© V.N.Ross
Diana, our fearless leader, came through with flying colors as usual.
Mark Adams is going to take a sabbatical for a few months, but his December submission is awesome...
Mark Adams is going to take a sabbatical for a few months, but his December submission is awesome...
"Self portrait with Sammy"
oil on panel 6" x 8"
Suzanne was swamped with end of year commissions, so if she gets something to me, I'll post it later :)
Monday, October 15, 2012
Adolescence: Monthly MB Challenge 10-15-12
Whew! After missing last month due to a complete misunderstanding of the subject...duh...and coupled with moving to a new 'smaller' place, here is this month's painting. Studio is in boxes, and the new space is almost ready!
Of course, we all have our life challenges from time to time :) Welcome back, Suzanne!
Of course, we all have our life challenges from time to time :) Welcome back, Suzanne!
"Tyler the Teenager"
14" x18" Pastel
©2012 Vicki Ross
"Adolescence"
Oil on canvas
6"x8"
©2012 Suzanne Berry
"Self portrait 1968"
Oil on canvas
27" x 18"
©1968 Mark Adams
"Soothing Break"
Oil on hardboard 6"x9"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
"Statue" MB Challenge for August 2012
I was responsible for the Moses Botkin Challenge theme this month...paint a statue. Kind of hard to mess up? Nope :) For some reason the deadline snuck up on me, big time! I might do some additional work after she faces the wall for a few days. Process slideshow below Diana and Mark's interpretation of the statue theme. It is always SO much fun to see how we independently arrive at a solution!
"Love"
16x12" Oil on Panel
© V.N.Ross
"Tale of Woe"
Original oil on hardboard, 8"x8"
©2012 Diana Moses Botkin
"Nymphs and Satyr"
22" x 28", Oil on Canvas
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