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​"Something That Wasn't There Before" - mixed media on deep cradled aquabord, 22" x 30" x 2".  Ready to hang.  Available here and at Artfinder.

The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before.  - NEIL GAIMAN

Holy mackerel, this quote smacked me in the forehead like the flopping fish of joy! YES!  I don't care if you made a pie, a painting, a pile of freshly folded clothing or a new friend at the library - the world seems brighter with that pie, wafting its amazing smell and giving you the satisfaction of having made something.  

Wait - could we make the world better by making things?
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Something That Wasn't There Before

Well, for sure!  We could...make friends, make an effort, make a joyful noise, make hay while the sun is shining, make up after a disagreement, make love, make amends,  make room, make the best of a bad day, make nice, make do, make an entrance, make believe...it seems that "making" is a powerful thing, and not just when baking a pie (though I do now truly want a slice).  

Let's go make the world brighter today.  And if you're making pie, well, you know who wants the first piece. :)
Here's a little something that just might make your day!  The shenanigans of artists Jacki Rosen and Jill Lefkowitz on YouTube!  This episode is an interview with yours truly.  There are hats, give-aways and a bit of conversation about the business of art.  Take a peek!
About the art:  beginning with water-based inks and creating a deeply pigmented underpainting, layers of acrylic paint and acrylic glaze mixes were added.  Dry brushing alternating with a spray bottle and rubber wedge or squeegee.  Paper towel painted sky.   Gratitude to Mary Murphy of Dingle, Ireland for usage of her inspirational photographs to create this painting!
11 Comments
Carol Edan - 5 years ago
Oh the miracle of creativity in its widest interpretation. We as artists have the privilege of taking a blank paper/canvas/ board and with one mark making something that was not there before. Even this humble post, reaching across oceans to connect with a friend!
Love the divisions of your piece, the diagonal, darks and lights and the luminous sky!
jen - 5 years ago
Carol! YES! With one mark...something that wasn't there before. Creating connections across continents! WHOA! Isn't that magical??
Susan McClellan - 5 years ago
Love this piece....beautiful colors and composition....oh the joy seeing this making!!
jen - 5 years ago
Susan! Thank you, lovely friend! These large pieces can be intimidating...but this one? Nah. It longed to be birthed. xo
Carolyn Laudati - 5 years ago
Like, WOWZERS!!!! This one really captured my attentions this morning! I just love these colors and the compostition, and the references to Ireland!!! Just love this! xoxo
jen - 5 years ago
Carolyn! We have a thing for Ireland, don't we? Let's hurry back as soon as we can....and thank you SO MUCH for your support and feedback! xoxoxxoxxo
Dotty Seiter - 5 years ago
Jen, earlier today I listened to the part of Amy Cuddy's book PRESENT in audio format in which she discussed Neil Gaiman. Then—BAM!—in walks Neil Gaiman on your blog to say hello to me again, TWICE in one day, to say words that reflect that incomparable magic of having made something that wasn't there before, magic near and dear to my heart. THEN, you expanded his words in ways that lifted my heart up even higher—yes, yes, YES!, to making. SHINING over all of the above wild uncontrolled ebullient joy: a STUNNING painting. Its composition leaves me feeling utterly composed in the best of ways.

You done GOOD, girl!
jen - 5 years ago
WOOOHOOOO! Thank you, Dotty! YAY! And for the book info...adding that to my list. MAKING a pile of books to read. Glorious!
Dotty Seiter - 5 years ago
p.s. correction: Amy Cuddy, PRESENCE.
Candis Ladenburg - 5 years ago
Jen, you are such a light! I listened to the podcast yesterday, then just watched this video today, and what a treat! You have so much wisdom that I appreciate and you know I LOVE your work, but getting to hear your voice, and see your face makes me adore you even more. Now I'm inspired to get back to creating again, so thank you!!
jen - 5 years ago
Awwwww Candis! YAY! Get back to MAKING! The world needs your bright, colorful, exuberant art! As I type this, I am writing a note on one of your cards to a friend who needs cheering. :) The things you make, sweet artist, shine a light of cheer wherever they go. xo

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