Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Thoughts on Writers Groups and the Creative Process

When I moved to the Seattle burbs this May, I brought with me hopes of meeting a few working writers and illustrators who I could share my latest work with.  I met some hard working and talented folks at the SCBWI conference in L.A., and that kick started me to join a local critique group.  The following paintings were created for my Children's Illustration portfolio that I exhibited at the conference.  

  "Grandma's Kitchen"
watercolor on paper, 13" x 10"














Shortly after joining the SCBWI children's writers group, I received an open call for participants for a fiction group meeting in downtown Seattle.  I jumped in head first in to both groups and am now writing two new stories.  We gather once every couple of weeks to review each other's writings allowing honest feedback to flow freely.  It is tremendously helpful in creating momentum for projects, old or new.

Writing and illustrating are similar disciplines, and I feel a similar reach towards what is important.  I have to make decisions about what to keep and what to discard.  Some things look better in my head than they do on paper, but the thing that matters the most is getting the work out so that I can move on to the next...

                                                                         
"Owl Flight"
watercolor on paper, 14"x13"
original painting SOLD












"Yellow Cat Club"
watercolor on paper, 11" x 10 1/2" 








There may be times that other people feel I am hiding away, and I have to be careful to not get too lost in my own world.  The discipline of painting and writing requires as much personal space to breathe as possible.  The more time I spend alone, the more I find authenticity in my work.  It is the feeling of creating "new ideas" that is exhilarating and extremely rewarding.  Spending time with people can be very inspiring and is most necessary for a healthy sense of humor.

Singing in the Rain
watercolor on paper, 7" x 8" 








 


The Naturalist
7" x 8"








I find that the main reason why I create art is to try and better understand myself and all that surrounds me in the world.  Joining groups of other creatives teaches me new things and helps me to carefully consider what is important for my vision.  It was daunting to begin the process but its was worth it.  I'm getting constructive criticism that is hopefully steering me into becoming the best writer that I can be.

 
































                                                        









                                                          






















Saturday, November 12, 2016

My Society6!


 I've just opened a Society6 shop and could not be happier with the results!  I now have a unique line of original designs on demand for your many decorative and expressive needs.  Frolick through a selection of throw pillows, wall clocks, mugs and more! here!

You are indeed supporting me directly if you buy through this site.  Society6 allows me to spend all my time designing in my studio, and zero time spent on printing and shipping.  True I take a price cut that way, but I feel that my time might be better spent sketching the next idea.  Plus its super awesome to see these designs materializing in so many forms.  

Please have a look Kelly Patton Art

Happy Frolicking!  

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Wonderella and Fiddler's Green

   
    One of my favorite publishers, Wonderella Printed, has kindly featured my snap shot of their latest zine on the main page of their website.  Fiddler's Green is a beautifully printed pamphlet revealing "Art & magic for tea-drinking anarchists, convivial conjurors, and closeted optimists."  Their publication includes esoteric articles, essays and artwork by friends of the creator of the peculiar parish, Clint Marsh.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading the latest issue, and cannot wait for the next!
     I have been following their publications for nearly a decade, and have gleaned an immeasurable amount of inspiration from such books as The Museum of Lost Wonder by Jeff Hoke, and The Mentalists Handbook, An Explorer's Guide to Astral, Psychic and Spirit Worlds, by Clint Marsh.  So needless to say I was excited to meet Clint at the Esoteric Book Conference in Seattle, and am now truly honored to call him a friend.  

Explore these vast otherworlds at www.wonderella.org

 





 

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

SCBWI 2016 Los Angeles!

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is having their annual conference in Los Angeles this year and I am so psyched to attend!  For the last 2 1/2 months I have been painting new watercolors to add to my children's portfolio.  I researched other illustrators and society member's blogs to get a better understanding of what to include in a portfolio at this conference.  Many years of practicing drawing from life, drawing from imagination, studying watercolor palettes, researching popular images, getting feedback from respected professionals and selling my fine art are giving me a bit more of a feeling of being prepared as a skilled illustrator.  But honestly, this conference will provide me with so much more information on how to improve my art, introduce me to people who can point me in the right direction, and their much needed advice and criticism. 
I can't wait to report back how it all went! And get ready to paint my @$$ off again!




Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Yurt, the Meadow and The Harp Tree


     I begin up the road, a narrow rocky windiness and with each step up hill I feel more ready to walk for hours if needed.  The buzzing sound of wings surrounds me and numerous birds chirp and tweet from the highest tree.  Spring is in full pop and the air is still cool enough to want to fall asleep in the sun.  My hair warms up, and I can smell its earthiness, I dream of it being long and draping around my neck and shoulders.  Walking past the flower bush I sniff the air to catch its fragrant greeting and remember to take a deep breath.  I go 20 steps looking around at the shimmering green and candy blues and remind myself to breathe deeply again.  Fresh ideas rush through my head, ones of writing and painting, playing music and eating picnics.  Yerba Santa sprouts her waxy leaves dripping with medicine, and the purple ceonothus houses thousands of cheerful bees. 

     When I walk downhill I notice how my legs have to use different muscles and I point my toe, rolling my heel to walk cat like.  As I turn the bend toward the meadow I smile at the thought of approaching my favorite spot.  Fairy worlds and wisdom pop into my head while I am surrounded by clover growing under a grand madrone in a lush and dewy sweet spot.  Here I ask them for advice, and when I don’t know the answer to the toughest questions they simplify and help me make sense of it all. 

     My head swirls with gold leaf as I take in the sight of the harp tree.  It is a king standing alone in the meadow, his trunk splits at the center and two strong arms reach up forming the shape of a lyre.  He is to become a painting so I see his scaly bark, twisted needles roundly shapes bursting with color, vibration and sound.  Whilst intermingling this world of fantasy and reality, I am interrupted by the discomfort and squirming feeling of spider webs wrapping themselves around my ankles.  They build in the low grass and my mind shifts from itching and scratching to a feeling of tickling and invigoration.  I read somewhere that women used to gather spider webs in their homes to use in their medicines, and perhaps their is something useful in that sinew coming out of the insect.  The dew from the leaves brush them off as I walk in the tall grass, conveniently cleansing the blanket of lacy sticky spiders. 

     My mind settles back into the space of the yurt as I begin to walk uphill through the tunnel of manzanitas.  I’ve seen more foxes on this road than anywhere in my life.  They live in the thickets of dense low growing trees and burrow in holes in the soft soil near rocks in the meadow.  The ghost of my cat always runs at my heals on this path, as we used to walk it together a few years back.  The yurt appears in view, the turreted bedroom on stilts and golden cedar porch glitter from the dancing shade of the oak trees.  Little memories live everywhere and my heart pounds at a healthy pace.  Back up on the porch I look out across the forest where I can see past several hundred feet of trees, and am ready to get back to my hibiscus tea, painting ermines and listening to cello music. 

Thursday, February 18, 2016

E - Art Sale

The time has come for my E-Art Sale, a wondrous thing!  Scroll down to see my latest body of work available to purchase.  Here you will find a diverse range of Kelly Patton original paintings (and one enhanced giclee).  To inquire about purchasing please email me at pattonillustration@gmail.com
I am happy to ship anywhere and would love to answer all of your questions.  And as always, thank you for your patronage and for keeping the magic happening.

  Stag Beetle Harp
Oil on Wood, 7"x10"
SOLD



Celestial Owl
Watercolor and Gold Leaf, 12"x18"
$800





Jabberwocky Hunter
Watercolor,  4"x6"
$150




Cheetah Shrine
Watercolor and Gold Leaf,  5"x5"
SOLD




Days' Eye
Watercolor, 4"x6"
$150





Mirror Passage
Oil on Canvas, 18"x 24"
SOLD




Star Oracle (Enhanced Giclee)
Enhanced Giclee, 3 paintings (2 @ 16" x 20" and one @ 48"x36")
SOLD








Prunella 
Oil on Canvas,  18"x24"
$2000


 





River Memory
Oil on Wood,  7"x10"
SOLD




Auburn
Watercolor,  4"x6"
SOLD




Pinecone Spirit
Watercolor,  4"x6"
$150





Artemis
Watercolor, 11"x14"
$400