March 31, 2006
painting for friday #20...
"flock" (name idea from ky)
wow, I made it to twenty.
I have been painting with clear gesso. I love it. I love the tooth it gives, but then it has this great effect.
Light from behind.
Another shot from behind. (too bad the stretcher bars aren't transparent)
Kind of fun.
Does anyone else do an even or odd number thing when they create?
I have to do odd...there are nine birds for #20.
Five last week for #19.
Three blue & one yellow for #18....it continues, it is a bit of a compulsion. But I like it!
And for a little fun on your friday!
Sending a HUGE birthday wish to the writing half of the la power couple! Have an amazing day. Wish we could be there!
Posted by wendy at 07:47 AM | Comments (11)
March 24, 2006
painting for friday #19...
I have a little problem.
I just realized that the last six paintings (including this one are nameless).
When I try, I completely draw a blank. It happens with the softies too. There is a whole lotta white there. That is all I see white, when I search for the name.
The Boy is amazing, he looks at something and the name just leaps from his mouth.
I am constantly in awe.
My other problem is that I love things with titles and names.
I like to figure out how the title of a painting goes with the painting - if it means something or not.
If it means something to me or not.
The Boy is going to have to stop by and see what can be done about all my little nameless paintings. (pretty please)
Unless anyone wants to throw some names out and take a little heat off him...
Here is a close up of the girl.
The sketches for the next couple of paintings are pretty much the same girl with birds...on a bit of a series now...we'll see what happens.
Posted by wendy at 06:17 AM | Comments (15)
March 17, 2006
painting for friday #18...
Why do I always wait until friday to get my painting done.
After a long day I thought the last thing I would want to do was work on this, but as soon as I started my blood pressure lowered, my anger ebbed and I just sunk into a calm little state.
Here is a close-up of the girl.
As always would love to know what you think.
Posted by wendy at 08:46 PM | Comments (13)
March 14, 2006
tiny treats...
I finished my painting for friday yesterday and I wanted to post it because I am pretty happy with it. I am doing a more graphic version and submiting it to threadless. (I can win prizes and everything - more on that later)
I have been ordering amazing little things from around the internet:
these amazing felted acorns from jenn (her new site is up and running!)
and this sweet and tiny little charm from another jenny
this is making its way as a birthday present, and I have already ordered another piece!
Oh and my little blog is one years old today.
Posted by wendy at 06:28 AM | Comments (13)
March 10, 2006
...painting for friday #17...
Not quite done with the painting, still have to paint in the robot with wings, you might be able to see the sketch. We are doing a major cleaning at the studio. I am dusting areas that I don't think have ever seen a dust rag. So nasty. Here is a little dust monster that I created.
Also is a new creation.
a girl that turned into a sea creature.
the Boy has named her Azriel.
She is made from recycled painted fabric. (I wash the fabric tons - to make it soft, and then I know that paint isn't going anywhere.) We cut down larger backdrops to fit in our space better and sometimes we are left with these amazing pieces. I'll make as many creatures as possible and then once the fabric is gone...well then I'll try and scavange more from the next beautiful backdrop we make.
Posted by wendy at 01:15 AM | Comments (6)
March 03, 2006
...painting for friday #16 (a challenge)...
I know this site is called greengirlart but I never really paid attention to how attracted I am to the color green until I named myself. The name actually comes from a Scottish fairytale I read as a child called "the greyhound and the green girl" (I guess that is when the green started - when I was little sprout). I think I know I read it in a book at my grandparents. I thought it was from one of Andrew Lang's books. But no luck. If anyone knows....
Therefore when I was walking home the other night the Empire State Building was blue and green (lovely corporate philanthropy day). I thought "that would be a great color for the painting I am working on".
And then two seconds later it hit me.
I am totally addicted to green.
Can you be addicted to color?
All of the first paintings I have green. Whenever I am choosing paint colors I always grab green. Always. Now don't think I like all green because I don't. I really don't prefer the yellow ones - I like my green on the blue end of the scale. This constantly surprises me.
This painting is a little different from the others in that is was a challenge.
A challenge laid upon me by someone else.
The writer half of the power couple sent an email challenge to the Boy and I. I was to paint something and the Boy was to write and record a song (he isn't quite done yet). All we got was these lines - aren't they beautiful!
"I love you, she said
Like pigeon's breath
Barely there."
Posted by wendy at 02:47 AM | Comments (5)
February 24, 2006
...painting for friday #15...
I feel a bit like I have two different painters in me.
One like last weeks painting, and this sort of 'cute' style.
I guess it is the gemini in me.
Any thoughts?
One of my favorite things about the N/R 23rd street stop is a different hat representing a famous and iconic person. I wait by Eleanor Roosevelt’s hat when I am headed home. But I love the moments like the one above...
Posted by wendy at 07:40 AM | Comments (8)
February 17, 2006
...painting for friday #14...
(this was an accidental collaboration with Johanna - she left some partial canvas behind and I painted this lady over it.)
The paintings for friday are back.
I know that you have missed them terribly.
I took some time off for the holidays, not like Lisa who has been amazing at getting her drawing-a-day's done. They are so lovely if you haven't seen them yet. After I took time off, I changed positions at work, got slammed with Fashion Week and tried to sew my little hands out for the Love4Sale event last weekend.
Which couldn't have been a better introduction to fairs. The women that surrounded me where amazing.
Across from me was Jane (one of my trade friends) and Karla of Slope Suds. Delicious products. Really tasty items.
On my right was two wonderful ladies - Alice & Kristin- with jewelry (only Kristin has a website that is up).
On my left was the lovely Kristen Aronsson.
Her shoes.
Amazing.
Plus she had these amazing bags that felt like butter.
And the equally lovely Angie with her simple and bold jewelry, whom I traded with but she doesn't have a website. (hopefully yet)
I was lucky enough to make a couple of trades.
I LOVE trades.
I am able to get things for myself that I would normally never buy.
I would love, but not ever allow myself to buy.
Firstly I got an amazing skirt from Kathy the brains behind the event. Her son picked out one of the inside out penguins and I got this lovely skirt.
People started showing up late in the afternoon and the wonderfuly talented Aurora put me into the black. What a truely amazing and talented countess.
Then as the sale winded down (it never really winded up - threat of a blizzard can do that).
The trades started to fly. And I snapped up two more.
First was with the hilarious Jane of Foxy & Winston. She got one of the sad-eyed little penguins (she named him Percival) and I got some great notecards. Lovely lovely.
Then I traded with Angie a beautiful coral necklace from her new line.
Oh goodness. She doesn't have a website but I think she'll be at Renegade in Brooklyn this year. Angie brought home Gordon & Sid (see the previous post).
I have quite a few left and wondered if people were interested in buying them. I'll put up photos up soon. Send me an email if you'd like to be notified when that happens. wendyATgreengirlartDOTcom.
Have a great weekend.
Posted by wendy at 10:35 AM | Comments (9)
December 02, 2005
...a painting & a peep #2...
Camilla's Peeping Friday again. This time we were supposed to take a look at our bathroom and it looks like lately I can't take a photo without Trixie.
It is one of her favorite rooms in the apartment (not that she has many rooms to choose from). Since I was in the bathroom for a while she came to investigate. Then she realized that she could investigate the cabinet. A place that is normally closed off to her.
Trixie trying to decide where to start.
I am still doing a painting a week. And I revisited cardboard again. For anyone that is wondering what ever happened to the other half of painting 11 1/2, it is on hold. My favorite power couple from LA thinks they may want to take it off my hands and they are visiting this weekend.
My first piece headed to another home (well maybe). So I'll do a little happy dance. I'll do a little happy dance anyway because the Boy and I have plans to hang out with them this weekend.
***a couple of additions...
I thought my little ice girl would work for Illustration's Friday this week, the theme of blue.
I have been in love with these rain boots since I saw my friend from Spain sporting them a couple weeks ago. Need to save my pennies!!****
Posted by wendy at 07:59 AM | Comments (9)
November 25, 2005
...a painting & a peep...
Camilla started Peeping Friday and I wanted to play. This week you were supposed to take a peep into your fridge.
One good thing is that my fridge is full since yesterday was Thanksgiving. The Boy and I usually look more like bachelors. But check out the reachable-ness of
A quick little painting on some cardboard from the studio. It was fun just to slap the paint down. I think it needs something else. Maybe another color?
**the boy thinks she looks a little like a street urchin**
Posted by wendy at 10:31 AM | Comments (6)
November 18, 2005
...painting for friday #11 1/2...
I am going for a more elaborate painting this week, so it will be a two parter. I have a rough base down and my charcoal drawing to lay in the groundwork. (lisa will this work for the group if I don't get another charcoal drawing done?)
Advice? Comments? Can you see the charcoal?
On a completely different note, anyone know how I can get really really rich so I can stay at the Ice Hotel?
It is so BEAUTIFUL.
I love the idea of building a hotel that goes back to the earth - or rather the ice. Building it every year. Bringing in artists to do amazing art in the rooms. Having to sleep in special sleeping bags. Getting off the plane and getting a taxi of sled dogs. I love sled dogs. I know totally horrible movie, but you know I am going to see it, probably on netflix but it looks like something right up my alley. I have a soft spot for sappy girly movies and feel good animal movies. I don't know what it is and the Boy wishes he knew so he could put a stop to it. Actually he is a great sport about it, but we have to have two different netflix queues!!
How many people are going to see Harry Potter this weekend?
But really any ideas on how I can get the cash to stay at the hotel?
SO So beautiful.
Posted by wendy at 06:12 AM | Comments (10)
November 11, 2005
...painting for friday #10...
Here is my newest painting for friday. I can't believe that I have done 10 already.
(Although this is painted over #8). I will definitely revisit the wings.
I need a name again (mav) and any feedback it totally welcomed and loved.
I am treating you all like my informal crit group until I form one myself. (hope you don't mind)
Posted by wendy at 07:38 AM | Comments (7)
November 04, 2005
...painting for friday #9...
So I feel like I am turning a corner in my painting. I think this one is a bit too rough, but definitely on the way to what I felt was missing. I can't believe I didn't think of using the little sculptures before. I am going to do a sculpture of last weeks painting, so I can work it out and try again.
I would love to get feedback. Thanks.
Posted by wendy at 08:06 AM | Comments (7)
October 28, 2005
...painting for friday #8...
This is the first the paintings that I am really not so happy with. There are some elements I like. I love the wings, with the feather thing happening. I don't love the face, but the eye is working for me. I think I am going to try a face detail and see how that works. The background is too much. I also feel like I am changing up my style a bit and it is coming in fits and starts. Advice?
I will leave you with an embarrasing story.
After work I put the base down for the painting and finally walked myself over to the pool and signed up. It was Adult Rec so there were no lanes and people were swimming the width instead of the length of the pool. I was glad, because even though the pool is only a junior Olympic sized pool I am going to really need to work on my breathing. There were a variety of people swimming. In the shallow end there were the cutest ladies practicing their strokes while standing and in the deep end there was a mermaid. Well really a lady with a really great tail, literally, a tail.
It’s about the end and I am getting tired (totally out of shape) so I climb out of the pool and grab my towel. Walking to the locker rooms. I walk in and notice naked bodies in the shower stalls and keep walking, until they turn around and I realize that I have walked into the men's locker room.
I am sure I squealed.
Held my towel in front of my face and then spun around back out to the pool.
I am sure someone saw me come out looking mortified, because someone always sees you at those moments. But I hurriedly walked into the ladies locker room and made a mental note to always rinse off in the shower stalls that are further in the locker room.
Posted by wendy at 10:54 PM | Comments (2)
October 21, 2005
...painting for friday #7...
I am really happy with this one. I think crunchy time limits are good for me. I can sort of let go of my ideas and allow the painting to come through. Let the paint work for me, instead of against me. Also the time crunch lets me think about it less. Or rather not to over analyze what I am creating. Shut done that side of my brain. Rushing also shuts up the mean voice because I am not even really sure what is happening, so I cannot judge myself.
Thank you everyone who commented on my last post. It is because of you all I am still excited about this blog thing. Excited to see what is happening and what you all are up to. How your lives are. Mostly grateful to have you in my corner.
Thank you.
(as always any comments, thoughts or ideas on the paintings are totally appreciated)
***I posted another photo of the painting - there was a strange splotch on her eye***
Posted by wendy at 09:31 PM | Comments (5)
October 07, 2005
...painting for friday #5...
So I did my painting although I am in the city of angels. The Boy and I are going to a wedding. We are getting all dolled up. I am really excited. The people that are getting married are GOOD people. The Boy picks really good friends. I love them all. I have a stack of comics from the groom that I have been saving for him, hope he likes them. I almost wish we were coiming out just for a visit because I love to hang out with them so much. But it is painting friday and I did a painting. This actually wasn't what I had planned on painting, but its been that sort of week. Have a great weekend.
Posted by wendy at 10:51 AM | Comments (6)
September 30, 2005
...painting for friday #4...
I almost thought I wasn't going to be able to make my goal of a painting a week. It is turning into a painting every Friday. Instead of giving myself a week, I am giving myself a day. But I like the way this one turned out. I also realized that I like very monochromatic things. The paintings I have been doing lately have been in one color family. Wonder where that comes from? As always I would love to hear what you think...
Also I don't have a name for this one, any ideas just throw them out there (or write them in the comments).
Posted by wendy at 05:37 PM | Comments (6)
September 23, 2005
...painting for friday #3...
I am flying down to Florida today to see the Boy’s family. It should be really relaxing. I get to eat tons of roti (an indian flat bread) and laz around the house.
On the other hand it will be surreal because they live on the gulf coast side of Florida and are feeling the side effects of Rita. Mother nature is really mad at us.
My friday painting plays a bit with that theme, I feel like she is sort of a child of earth and not quite sure what mother nature is up to. As always I would love to get feedback.
I just saw this on the news. It is amazing because when I first moved to the city I loved (still do) the musicans in the subway station. It is one of my favorite things. I took photos of tons of them (at my parents house - I'll get them this winter) all of these grainy photos of people playing their hearts out. Whenever I would see Theo I would let trains pass because I thought he was amazing. I haven't seen him in ages. But I used to see him about once a week. The music lets you imagine that you have your own soundtrack going.
***I know that I have tons of emails, but I will get to them probally next monday or tuesday when I return***
Posted by wendy at 07:13 AM | Comments (4)
September 16, 2005
...painting for friday #2...
So a little disclaimer before the painting.
I have had insomnia for the past week. And I get it on and off when I am stressed or worried which is weird because when I was younger I could sleep anywhere. At all day track meets I would curl up in the outside lane of the track and take little catnaps (when there was no one running in that lane of course - what do you think I'm crazy!). Those were great naps. The track was warm and spongy and the announcer's voice would just float off in my dreams.
Now that I am older I get insomnia. Not so sure I like the trade. Last night I had some valerian in my sleep tea and was restless but at least sleep stayed with my instead of not visiting at all. I missed him these last couple of weeks.
So my new goal for a painting a week was somewhat skewed by the lack of sleep. And hence a dark painting.
So what are your thoughts?
Does she scare you?
Do you hate her?
Is she sad (or just a bit tired)?
***oh yeah I have been getting commenting spam, so the comments wont show up right away***
Posted by wendy at 11:16 AM | Comments (7)
September 09, 2005
...can't let go...
This new girl is pushing her way out of my head. I have never experienced anything quite like it. I have been searching for her - my girl, my alter ego I guess, but now I find her everywhere.
I sculpt her, I paint her, I sketch her like crazy and it comes relatively easy. Like this girl is helping me, but I don't know the catalyst. Well I sort of do, she is basically the childhood version of me. The fragile sad girl that needed wings to get away. And now she is, getting out I mean. I am not squashing her voice and it is ringing in my head like a beautiful sad song.
I would love to know what you think....
Posted by wendy at 12:00 PM | Comments (6)
July 26, 2005
...new painting...
I am starting to take a turn in my art. My girl's face is changing. Her face is getting wider and her eyes sadder. I am trying to push myself, push my ideas. The original sketch was simple, more like my older paintings.
Then I started this painting. My painting process is really quick. I like to get down and dirty and then be done. It is the same way that I approach the camera. Well it is a little different. Now that I am thinking about it, my new painting style is how I best use the camera. When I did photo shoots in school I planned a little and then I would just see what bubbled up. I would see what would happen with the model and the camera. Every time I would be developing the film hoping that something would be on the film. It was always like a prize when I would begin to unroll the spool to see if there was anything there. I would do a little inside dance, literally every time!
My new painting style is similar. I am starting from one point and seeing where it takes me. I love it. I love not allowing myself a plan, scary but exciting. So for this one I started with a sketch and then consciously tried not to use colors that I am comfortable with. I realized that I am so attracted to green (hence the website name). So I used blue, which I also love, but red makes me nervous. I never really thought about it. At least not consciously. I would just gravitate towards the green. But by using the different colors, different things bubbled up. Like the lights, and the whale.
Chime in on what you think. Positive or negative.
Posted by wendy at 07:29 AM | Comments (3)
June 21, 2005
...dreaming of eating...
Aiko came into town and I can't believe how much we ate. I even had a dream about it!! (We were trying to escape from these soldiers and we stopped in a village and ate. Then the soldiers caught up and we had to escape again.) It totally had to do with the day before when we began eating at 2pm and then pretty much kept eating until 10pm that night. We met up with another friend J. Aiko and J were planning the next place we would eat while we were still eating!! Aiko and I started with hamburgers and fries. Then we went to Cafe Habana on Elizabeth and J got some really yummy corn on the cob. Then we got pizza, and went to Economy Candy right before it closed. We got some take away from Whole Foods. I couldn't even keep up with them. They ended the day with three hot dogs each at Gray's Papaya. I could only do one. Hence the dream including stopping to eat...
It has been pretty quite at work. So I have been working on some paintings that have been on my mind. The Boy is letting me borrow his ipod and I love it. It totally creates great images. I am sketching like crazy. The one below doesn't really come from any songs, but rather with my infatuation with garden labyrinths. I love them, the secrets they can hold. I feel like she is of both the earth and the sky and they are competing for her. I don't really know, but I love her crown of vines.
My favorite bands is Over the Rhine. They have amazing songs, and a new album Drunkard’s Prayer. Linford's lyrics are marvelous! Karin's voice has so much emotion, it hurts. I first their song "Latter Days" (from Good Dog Bad Dog) on Felicity. The first lines of the song are:
"what a beautiful piece of heartache, this has all turned out to be..."
It's hits me like an arrow.
J.J. Abrams has some really amazing taste in music. You can hear it in all of his shows - Felicity, Alias, and now Lost.
Posted by wendy at 08:41 PM | Comments (3)
April 01, 2005
...traveling with your goat...
The days when traveling meant just you and your goat going to the next village.
Actually this is something I painted a while ago (obviously since I am posting so fast). I haven't participated in Illustration Friday in a couple of weeks, so I thought I'd post this while my computer is down during the move.
I really love the idea of bonding with animals. I guess it goes back to my days of imagining as a child, that some magical animal would come and take me away from it all. Let me know what you think...
Posted by wendy at 10:42 AM | Comments (16)
March 23, 2005
...bloomers...
An "Alice in Wonderland" version of bloomers. I am not very good at flowers. I did a quick watercolor before the next topic for Illustration Friday.
Posted by wendy at 04:01 PM | Comments (3)