Sandra Bradshaw

#3 You've Got My Number

Well, I must say that I had a hard time bonding with this assignment. The point it’s at right now is where I would normally start “mess it up” and play; but the rule was to paint flat with no gradations so I felt restricted. It was more fun when I began to use the black ink. At the best of times I’m not a big fan of geometric shapes and numbers but perhaps if I did a series of pieces the ideas would morph into something more interesting for me. On to bigger and better things in our next art challenge.

LeEtta LaFontaine

#3 Frazzled DNA

The criteria this time was definitely an elementary challenge. A basic form that has to stay a form; not a ball; not a hole; nothing more…nothing less…except the circle (my choice) it is seemed to test my creative imagination more than usual. These criteria also brought out a ‘childish’ feeling in this process which isn’t something I’m very comfortable with. And yet, learning to allow innocence to play with wisdom is a goal of mine.   

3rd Criteria for the Mid February Painting

Criteria for the mid February painting are:

1) Paint using a triad from the color wheel
2) Do a totally nonobjective painting using only geometric shapes. If you wish, add numbers.
3) Paint your subject flatly, with no gradation.

Sandra Bradshaw

#2 Boxed In

“OMG cadmium orange and black—Halloween colors! What am I going to do with that?” I thought when I saw the criteria for this posting. I decided to start with drawing the self portrait and art materials as I didn’t have to think too hard to do that bit. From there I reckoned that even though I was limited in my palette I could keep some of the white ground for contrast. From there I started mixing some black into the orange along with gel medium to tone it down. Funny enough, as I got going I became intrigued with the process and textures and tones began to mingle and flow. It was coming along quite well but I felt that something was needed to give it some extra punch; a grid might be the thing to bring it all together and voilà it was done. Phew! Now on to the next challenge.

LeEtta LaFontaine

#2 Through the Lens
January 30th, 2011

Orange and black. Ugh. This part of the criteria certainly didn’t help to bring forward a desire to jump right into this bi-weekly painting with all sorts of creative ideas. Instead, faithful procrastination was readily available to help out. Interestingly enough, for me, when a deadline is looming adrenaline and creative ideas become readily available. Today is that day. Why is the issue of pushing an interesting challenge right to the end of a time frame so common among creative people?

Mid January Criteria for 2nd painting

Criteria for the end of January painting are:

1) Bring into play a pattern base to create your painting within
2) Use only a middle orange and black
3) Produce an image with yourself (in some form) and the tools you use as subjects of the painting.

Sandra Bradshaw

#1 What's the Key?
January 17, 2011
Every time I’m faced with a blank canvas I ask myself if I will be able to connect with that part of me that will allow a painting to emerge. Where is that ephemeral, illusive something called creativity that’s hidden deep within my being? The key is to make myself vulnerable, lay myself wide open. It takes courage because when I do I wonder if there will be anything there; if I’m persistent and stick around long enough it does emerge and I’m once again awed by the results.