ereisa wells gentile

WIP - stream of consciousness paper cuts

Awhile back, I posted some images of my sketch book in which I was using small shapes to create larger organic ones. I had it in mind to translate them into paper cuts and to try to do them pretty large. This is my first (work in progress) attempt at it which I actually started many months ago. It's really time consuming and, because I am doing them without more than a vague idea of a final shape, it's both fun and challenging. There are some things I wish I had done differently here but I'm looking at it (like I do all artwork) as a learning experience.

I am definitely having to rely on the drugstore granny glasses to do these. Apparently, I am in need of bifocals (BIFOCALS!) which I have yet to pull the trigger on. I. just. can't. yet.

This paper cut is about 18" x 27". Here is a detail:

- and a detail from the reverse side - which I also like:

 

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Wip 3

Wip 2

sketchbook

Recently I've been trying to utilize my long subway commute to draw a bit in my sketchbook. I'm working on something for some papercuts I'm planning on doing. Putting together these tiny shapes has been relaxing. 

I also started to try a little on paper to see how it will translate. I'm envisioning doing some pretty large pieces but the thought of zillions of these tinycuts is a little daunting!

Still, it feels great to be working again. Happy New Year!

-Ereisa

WIP 3

This week I had to do a little demolition on the triptych I've been chipping away at. The trees weren't working for me. I tried salvaging some of it but they look like they're in a wind storm which bothered me. Sometimes, you just have to accept that you have to undo what you've done to make a piece better - even though you've spent a lot of time on something. It's a little painful but it has to be done. I need to spend some time thinking about what I want to do with the doors. 

I also spent more time on the flowers - still so much to do but I've really been enjoying it. Feels good to be painting again.

In other news, my favorite former painting professor, Meri Bourgard is having an open studio this September in Brooklyn. She is an amazing teacher and a wonderful artist. You can see her work at her site: www.meribourgard.com.

Happy Independence Day!
- Ereisa 

 

WIP 2

SO. Last week I challenged myself to work at least 10 minutes a day to try to finally get a painting done (well, to start to). For the most part I did pretty well - although there were a couple of nights I was too tired to do it. I know it's hard to believe I could be too tired for a measley 10 minutes but between work and our toddler it's true. I doubled up my time on other days to make up for it though. I discovered two things from my little experiment. One is that 10 minutes a day doesn't produce much in the way of results. And two, 10 minutes a day DOES produce SOME results and that's a good thing. I was able to start the underpainting of the Magnolias. 

In other news, my 19 month old and I did this little collaboration. Of course, all the most interesting stuff is by her. 

Can't wait for the weekend and hopefully more painting.

-Ereisa

 

WIP - Work In Progress

I have been lamenting the fact that I have had such a difficult time getting into the studio to work and that I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. Having an 18 month old is more wonderful and tougher than I ever could have imagined... tough in the sense that finding a minute to myself is nearly impossible. Recently, a friend asked me how the blog was coming along. I had to confess that it had been months and months since I had worked on anything or written a post. To which she responded, "Well, there's a season for everything." Such a simple statement yet the reality of what she said was a comfort. There IS a season for everything and now is the time in my life that most of my energy and creativity is and should be going to my daughter. That being said, I still have a desire to work so I am beginning an experiment this week - I am challenging myself to work at least 10 minutes a day - meaning that at the end of the week I will have tallied up over an hour! I know, I know - it sounds a little pathetic but I need to start somewhere. And rather than begin something new, I am committing myself to working on things that have gone unfinished for too long. I mentioned this piece ages ago and now I am going to try to tackle it and finally finish it. Here it is again just waiting for a little attention.  Ok, well maybe a LOT of attention.     

 

    

I still have a lot to do on the doors... script on the banner and I'm not happy with the trees so I will be repainting them.

The inside is bare - except for the beginning drawings for the Magnolias...

I start Monday and will post what I've done in a week. 

Have a great weekend!

- Ereisa :)