Celebrating Spring with Creative Collage Art

 "The busy bee has no time for sorrow." 

- William Blake

 

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."

- English Proverb

Every spring small piles of dirt would appear in my side lawn. Soon after, bees hovered and darted above in a busy cloud.  Their arrival was one of the first signs of the change of seasons in my yard.  They were visibly active for several weeks before disappearing from sight.  I walked through them unharmed to mow the grass.  

My neighbor urged me to spray pesticide, so I consulted the internet for information.  According to an article from the NC State Extension, these ground bees are important pollinators. The site urges NC residents to let these insects be(e), explaining that "protecting their nests is more beneficial than planting flowers". Sure enough, looking out my kitchen window the following day, I noticed the buds on the branch of my maple were positively humming with masses of my bees.

Somehow seeing this reminder of nature at work gives me a subtle sense of satisfaction and a warm feeling that I can best describe as hope.  After the cold winds and short days of winter, along comes spring with its new life and abundant growth.  I can't help but feel a surge of creative energy.  Ineveitably, I want to try something new and share it with all of you. 

So while the birds are out gathering twigs and moss for their nests, I'm collecting small scraps of paper for a collage.  Anything will do - pages from children's books, handwritten notes on lined paper, glossy images of the sky from a magazine, and torn pieces of floral scrapbook paper.

My mom said I left a trail of paper scraps and drops of glue behind me wherever I went as a child.  I was always cobbling things together to make art.  This project feels just as carefree.  My plan is to make a home portrait collage with mixed media.

I run out to the street in bare feet to snap a quick photo of the house, print it in black and white, and trim out the background with scissors. 

Then I rummage in my drawer of artist's treasure to select tools from a variety of mediums.

I grab a canvas and paint primer over a previous work of art.  Waste not, want not.

I start by assembling the torn scraps of paper and my home image in various ways until I'm satisfied with the layout.  Now it's Mod Podge time!  It's essential to cover every tiny bit of the paper with adhesive. Then press the paper carefully onto the board spreading out with your palms (or a roller if you have one) from center to outer edges.  If you accidentally end up with an air bubble under the paper, c'est la vie!  There is no perfection in collage work nor in life.  There will be wrinkles, and we will work with them.

Now that the scraps have been assembled to form a lovely background for my home, I can break out my watercolors, pencils, and markers to create a more cohesive scene with a bit of artist's magic.

You can watch my YouTube video to see the creation from start to finish.  Imitate the spring birds and start gathering your scraps to create something beautiful. 

Happy creating,

Arianne

www.sociableart.com

 

The Story Behind the Painting - Crystal Springs, FL

 
“A prosthetic leg with a Willie Nelson bumper sticker washed ashore on the beach, which meant it was Florida.
Then it got weird.”

― Tim Dorsey, Pineapple Grenade

"The Florida peninsula is, in fact, an emerging plateau, honeycombed with voids and vents, caves and underground waterways. Travelers on Interstate Highway I-75 have no idea that, beneath them, are cave labyrinths still being mapped by speleologists - 'cavers,' they prefer to be called." - Randy Wayne White

I saw a sign that said "MASSAGE, ICE CREAM" in bold caps.  It was a bicycle shop.  I was definitely in Florida. I had skipped the sunshine state during my 2023 cross-country travel adventure (read about that here). I wasn't in the mood at the time for more heat and humidity after a North Carolina summer. In January when the temperatures began to drop at home, it seemed like a good time to steer my car toward the land of alligators on a mission to see the wintering manatees in the crystal clear springs of the central gulf coast.  

My first destination was Three Sisters Spring in Crystal Springs, FL. Since I am one of three sisters in my family, it seemed like a fortuitous destination.  Once there, I was rewarded with a vision of other-worldly aqua blue pools bordered by vivid green palms, but no manatees.  I was informed by the helpful volunteers that the manatees head out to the bay during the day to feed, returning to the springs at high tide to rest and warm up.  

To while away the time before high tide, I decided to drive down the coast to see the Ringling (of circus fame) mansion and museum and Homosassa Springs.  All along the central gulf coast you can see relics of a bygone era of roadside attractions and gimmicky marketing.  In the forties, Homosassa Springs was a tourist attraction filled with exotic animals including monkeys and a hippopotamus.  I took the $3 riverboat ride complete with tour guide to learn about the history of the park.  Though the monkeys were no longer swinging from the vines, I still felt like I was going back in time to the Florida of the past.  I saw manatees here, but not in abundance, possibly because it was still not yet high tide. 

When I returned to Three Sisters later in the afternoon, over a hundred manatees were

making their way slowly from bay to canal to the springs past curious onlookers on the boardwalk and in kayaks and scuba gear.  Seeing the massive animals floating around in the clear water was just as magical as I imagined.  The sea cows, as they are nicknamed, are completely docile, curious, and peaceful - definitely "Type B" personalities.  Thank goodness for the volunteers and financial supporters for making sure the manatees always have a suitable winter refuge.  

On the following day, a fierce storm raged, shaking my tiny Airbnb house on its footers.  Due to tornado warnings, I was forced to stay in and hunker down. What better time to get out my paints?   Here's the painting I created that afternoon inspired by the magical mood of the springs.   I also included some of my Florida impressions below which I jotted down in my notebook along the way.  

In Florida...
I saw manatees lounging lazily in crystal blue springs, with no jobs;)  I saw a snowy white egret aloft above the highway, a flat round fish

shining silver clamped in his beak like an ad for seafood.

I saw banyan trees absurdly sending branches back down into the ground forming fortresses and jails with bough bars and strangler figs hugging palm trees slowly to death in overzealous protection.
I saw the costume worn by a Wallenda as he flew through the air with the greatest of ease.  It was in a glass case, moth-eaten, dusty and stationary.

The air smelled alternately of sulphur, marijuana, a sewer, the sea, and then a sweet tropical flower. 

Spanish moss hung everywhere.  Shells, wet and whole, washed ashore.  Feral pigs congregated.  There were roadside trailers, pain management clinics, and conspicuous wealth.  The skies were rounder, the clouds more contrasted. The palms rattled their dry fronds and the seagulls screeched.

I drove down a silent empty dirt road bordered by black swamp water, palmettos, and pines looking for an ancient cyprus which did not appear before my fear of the untamed wilderness made me turn back.

I gazed out at the ocean buoyed by the waves and calmed by the tide. 

- Arianne, January 2024

The Cost and Pricing of a Mural - 8 Factors to Consider

 

“Creativity is magic. Don’t examine it too closely.” – Edward Albee

Let me start by saying there is not a standard, set method for pricing a mural.  Some artists charge by the square foot, but this approach does not consider the complexity of the design among other things. I start with an hourly rate based on an estimate of the time required to complete the work.  Formulating the final quote also involves  taking into account eight additional factors listed below.  

To begin, my hourly rate is based on my years of experience, portfolio of work, and cost of living in the area in which I am working. Very generally speaking, muralists might charge anywhere from $50-$125/hr.  In addition to my hourly rate, I consider the following...

1. Condition of the Wall - What kind of preparation will the surface require to be paint-ready? How much time will it take to achieve?  If it is an exterior wall, will power washing, crack repair, etc. be handled by the client in advance?
2. Working Conditions - Is this a rush job with a tight deadline?  Will I be climbing up and down ladders and scaffolding or driving a motorized lift? Will I be working at night, outside in difficult weather conditions, in a crowded area with numerous distractions? Will there be a crowd watching my every move?  If so, then I am providing a form of performance art which requires an additional fee.
3. Location - How far will I have to travel each day?  Will I have to arrange for lodging? 
4. Materials Cost - Is this mural expected to last for centuries or just a few years?  Is it outside?  I have to consider these factors when choosing the quality and related cost of my paints and protective finishes.  Do I already have the necessary supplies on hand, or will I need to purchase additional materials? 
5. Equipment Cost - Will scaffolding, ladders, lights and other specialized equipment be required?  Will I have to supply them or will my client?
6. Design Work and Sketches - Time spent on sketches, design, revisions, and meetings are included in my mural quote at a lesser hourly rate.
7. Level of Experience - My years of experience, body of work, references, unique ideas, and reliability figure into my hourly rate.
8. Time-Lapse Videos of Work and Promotion - I often provide time-lapse videos and limited promotion of my work on social media, tagging the client if they agree.  There is an additional value for these services though I usually provide them at no additional charge.   

To sum up, I determine the cost of a mural project by estimating how long the project will take including design time.  I multiply my hourly rate by the number of hours.  Keep in mind that this is an estimate.  I do not relate the number of hours I expect to work along with my hourly rate to my clients.  I simply give them a set quote which either will meet their expectations/budget or not. This number will not change due to the amount of time the job actually takes to complete if that differs from my estimate though any deadlines must be met.  I do not punch in to a time clock.  My errors in estimating time more often benefit the client than the other way around. Then I add in supply cost, travel and lodging costs, working conditions fee (if it seems necessary for difficult conditions or performance art), and promotional fee (if I am asked to do anything beyond my typical social media promotions which are at no cost). I ask for a percentage of the payment up front to cover my supply cost at least.  I ask for the remainder of the payment on the day I finish the job.  

There are a lot of variables in this formula.  In my case, one benefit to my clients is that I work very quickly thus reducing the overall cost of the mural.  I work steadily with few breaks in order to get the work done quickly and with the least disruption for my client.  I show up on time and work long hours.  If my client has budget constraints and my quote is higher than they expected, we discuss alternate design options which might work for them and consider other ways of reducing the expense.

If you have any questions, please feel free comment.  

Four Steps to Finding Inspiration

 

"Do what you can with what you have where you are." 

- Theodore Roosevelt

Do you know what it feels like to be inspired?  You are filled with divine ideas which seem to arrive from somewhere outside of your humble brain.  It's like the great force of creativity has deigned to lean down and whisper in your ear. Isn't it wonderful?  You're filled with energy and enthusiasm.  One creative idea leads to another.  Compared to our normal state, being inspired is like life on steroids. 

Instinctually, you hang on tight, committing to riding this train as long as you can.  You understand the ride will end.  You'll be left at the station desolately waiting for the next inspiration train to sound its whistle in your ear arriving from who knows where. 

Is there a way to bottle it up for later?  Sadly not.  Perhaps the best we can do is keep a roadmap to getting to the source.  Put ourselves in the right place at the right time.  How?  By doing the work.  Consistently. I certainly haven't found the unlimited pass to Inspirationland, but I have experienced the short ride and have also found myself waiting for a train that never came.  These four steps help me.  Maybe they'll work for you.

1. Put Yourself in the Seat of Inspiration 

Nothing is created in a vacuum. Seek beauty all around you. Worship at your particular altar, whether that be a park, library or a church. Surround yourself with objects, people, and songs that stimulate ideas.  

2. Eliminate Distraction  

Once you have soaked up an inspiring environment, I suggest getting quiet to clear the mind. Meditate if that works for you.  At least temporarily avoid distractions like the news, irritating sounds, bothersome people unless you are that rare individual who is stimulated by chaos. Physically clear the clutter. Clean up your work space or studio.  Create an empty space, a pause where ideas can take root and flourish.

3. Deal with Blockages 

It's hard to open to ideas when your mind is filled with self-doubt.  Perfectionism has stopped many a talented artist and writer from simply beginning.  Is there anything weighing on your mind? Talk or write it out to fully explore the roadblocks you might put in your way.  Consider online talk therapy or coaching.  You might also try to walk it out. Something about moving your body forward through nature does wonders for clearing the mind.  It begins within.

4. Take Action 

Newton's first law states that an object in motion stays in motion.  Do something - even something inept, silly, or worthless.  Start that ball rolling.   You can still look for magic wands, say the affirming words, honor your superstitions, pray to whatever god you worship all while doing the work. Go through the motions.  Don't wait for inspiration to strike.  It might be sitting on your shoulder just waiting for you to begin.  

Here's the secret: sparks of inspiration are everywhere.  You just have to open your eyes, your heart, your mind.  Be ready.  Be available to catch that spark, and then fan it for all you are worth to create a blazing fire of possibility.  You can do it.  

Signs of Spring to Brighten Your Day

 This is a partial repost of a post I published back in 2018  

“Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'” Robin Williams

“Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.” Robert H. Schuller

The weather has been pretty crummy lately, for want of a better word.  We’re pretty spoiled for sunshine here in North Carolina, so several consecutive overcast days leave me feeling a little gray inside.  When I feel the winter blahs, I start looking for signs of spring to lift my spirits.  I urge you to take a walk and look, listen, and smell for these…

Birds singing more than usual

Birds can sense the change in season by the increased amount of daylight. It apparently makes them happy, because there is an absolutely riotous bird chorus happening outside my house every morning.  I like to open the window for a few minutes just to listen to their joyous songs.  

Spring Peepers peeping away

I first heard them on a walk along a quiet trail by an abandoned swimming hole a week ago, chirping loud and proud. You’ve probably heard their song announcing the coming of spring, but may have been unaware of the origin.  These little frogs can be found from coast to coast in all sorts of wetlands.

Buds and blooms emerging

I always feel a little bit of happiness and hope when I see the fresh green tips of my bulbs emerging through the soil each and every year.  Little bitty blooms decorate the tips of budding branches. Look for them! These early spring flowers are a reminder of the faithful cycle of nature as their scents fill the air.

The smell of spring

Surely, you know the smell.  It is a scent of dampness, worms, rain, and moist soil.  It holds the promise of new growth and fertility.  One day you step outside and there it is.  Then you know warm days and green growth are right around the corner.  Interestingly, I just learned in an article, that warring bacteria are responsible for the smell.  If you are at all interested in the science it’s worth a read.  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/25/science/spring-science.html

In many cultures and traditions, spring is welcomed as an opportunity for regeneration after a period of dormancy.  I can’t help but feel energized when I see the signs of seasonal change.  I think of it as a great time to reevaluate, discard the old, and move on to new challenges - a time to look at my world with fresh eyes.  I hope you’ll notice the signs of spring, and they will give you hope and renewed energy to create.  

Meanwhile, while the days are still short and gray, I’m going to paint as brightly as I can.  This explains all of the colorful new paint subjects in the spring paint kit collection just released.  You can check out all of the flamingos, palm trees, flowers, and more here.  I did throw in one tribute to winter.  The “Winter Barn” paint kit is a more serious landscape subject for those who like the beauty of snow and crisp morning air.  

Happy Painting,

Arianne 

Creating Opportunities for Artists by Turning the Walls of your Business into an Art Gallery

"Art is too important not to share." - Romero Brito

Prior to the pandemic, once a month, I loaded my car with brightly painted canvases, art supplies, and a festival tent, and set up shop at an outdoor arts and crafts festival in the center of my town. This wonderful community event allowed me to interact with potential customers, create art with kids, and sell my own art. Sadly, since March, all of my artwork was gathering dust in a storage area, until I was contacted by the office manager at Holman Family Dental in Chapel Hill.  A month later, my paintings were on display and available for sale on their walls.  

The dentists and staff came up with the idea of displaying the work of a rotating group of local artists even before Covid-19.  This is a solution that benefits both the artist, the employees who have to spend 8 hours a day looking at the walls in this space, and the patients who need a bit of visual entertainment to distract them.  

It’s a different story at the dental office I’ve been visiting for over twenty years.  While having my teeth cleaned, I have stared at the same art prints for every single one of those 40+ visits. The prints are very nice, but it would be nice to see something new.

Artists rely on community festivals, public events, and temporary art displays in public locations to sell their artwork.  With the cancellation of large events, they have lost an important source of income.  Do you have a wall in your business that could be transformed into a temporary art gallery?  By simply making display space available, not only will you directly assist artists in your community, but you will also create a more aesthetically pleasing environment for your customers/clients and employees.

It might seem like a lot of work to line up artists and arrange for then to come in the hang their work up to four times a year.  It’s not as hard as you’d think.  Once you contact one artist, chances are they can connect you to a number of other artists.  Once the nails are in the wall for the first showing, each consecutive artist just uses the same spots without adding more hardware.  Recently, I hung fifty paintings in less than an hour.  Small notecards are attached to the wall with two-sided tape (Scotch Wall-Safe Tape) listing the artist’s name, contact information, price of the painting, and title.  This way, anyone interested in buying the art can contact the artist directly.  

As an artist, it is very fulfilling and exciting to think that my artwork is being viewed by a variety of new eyes each day. I’ve sold quite a few as well.  The dental hygienists have told me they love seeing their workspace transformed with new artwork every quarter, and the dentists can feel proud of their support of artists in their community.  I, for one, am extremely grateful for the generosity during these times.  

THE DREADED BLANK CANVAS

 "It's so fine and yet so terrible to stand in front of a blank canvas." - Paul Cezanne

Oh, the sheer terror!  There it is lurking like an evil presence on an easel in your studio, glaring at you accusingly with sheer malice - THE BLANK CANVAS! It is a blinding white void of creativity, harassing you on a daily basis.  How to overcome your inertia and dive into the abyss?  I have some easy tips to make the encounter with the blank canvas more enjoyable - to make it a happy little challenge rather than an avoidance freak's nightmare. So here we go...

1. Set your work area up for success.  Does your studio space double as a sewing area, kids' play room, kitchen?  Picture a corner of a crowded dining room turned art space which often spills out into adjacent rooms in my case. If possible, dedicate an area to creating art alone.  I mean dedicate.  Clear out the other crap, have all your tools out and at the ready, arrange adequate lighting.  Create a space where creativity can sprout and grow.  
2. Load your work area with inspiration in advance.  You know what paralyzes me?  The what.  What the heck am I going to paint on there?  That's because I scheduled painting time into my busy calendar, rather than waiting for the right moment. I understand the need to schedule creative time, even though it is not idea. The trick is to allow the inspiration to flow whenever it occurs while telling it to be patient. How do you do this practically?  Let's saying you're taking a lovely walk in nature when you are inspired with a fabulous idea for a painting.  When you get home, create a super quick sketch and tape it to the easel.  Same thing if you are inspired by an image in a magazine, take an interesting photo, or are inspired by a quote - tape them to the easel.  Ideally, the next time you sit down to paint at the scheduled time, there are five or six fabulous ideas sitting there just waiting to take shape.
3. Erase the nothingness.  What else is terrifying about a blank canvas? The sheer lack of anything - the nothingness, the void.  So make it un-blank - in whatever way you can as soon as you can.  Even if that means simply painting it yellow - at least you have started and taken away the absolute nothingness. Put a sketch on it or lay in some basic values with a few careless and fun strokes of the brush.
4. Embrace immaturity.  Maybe you are being assailed by self doubt.  Your inner critic shouts, "What makes you think you can do this?  Who are you to pretend to be an artist?"  My solution: pretend to be a child.  A young child is never crippled with self doubt, burdened with self-criticism, and hesitant! Pick up that paint brush and start slapping some paint on that canvas with wild abandon, because, you know what?  You can paint over it if you don't like it, but chances are that trusting your instincts and letting your creativity flow youthfully are the best things that will happen to your art.
5. If all else fails, and you find yourself unable to approach the canvas just yet, turn to your sketchbook.  That 8x10" sheet of paper is somehow less intimidating than your blank canvas.  Slap some ideas in there in a low-pressure pencil to paper way.  Next thing you know, you'll have something to sketch out on that canvas with excitement.  Tear out your sketch, tape it to the wall by your easel, and return to step one.  

Remember, every masterpiece began as a blank canvas.  An now, I'm going to go and try to follow my own advice...

Happy Painting, 

Arianne