September's Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st + work in progress photos

...had a wonderful time yesterday at the Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st fair!<br />We tried a different spot this time ( corner of Alberta and 23rd st )and did really well. Unfortunately we forgot our camera but a friend took some cell phone photos of the booth:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/5041399851/" title="Lucid Optic Lab art booth by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucid Optic Lab art booth" height="325" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5041399851_27b62069e4.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />We got to our spot around 1:00pm and set up next to our friend Shauna mama and her mother who makes the most AMAZING home made Tempeh in the world. Danny and I saved a spot for our etsy friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Musetypes">MuseTypes</a> also...so we had friendlies on either side of us. The location was great as well...on our side of the street there were about 5 booths that were very close together so in some way we made a super big booth for people to walk through and check out our wares. I was very happy to see lots of artists out this time( less imports and food carts) so that warmed me :)<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/5041399891/" title="Lucid Optic Lab art booth by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucid Optic Lab art booth" height="450" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5041399891_800df1190d.jpg" width="325" /></a><br />I brought some painting projects to work on since we were going to be in our booth from 1pm-10pm. But before i knew it, it was dark and the art walk came to life. I sold quite a few of my pen and ink paintings and a lil bit of everything else( prints, tie dye, silkscreen prints.) This was our most successful art fair so far this year so we were really excited. People seemed a lot more open this time, i had lots of great conversations with curious passer byes, artists and the like. I think this might end up being our last out door fair of the year since its probably going to start getting cold and rainy..so am glad it was an especially good one.<br /><br />and now a look into the art room and projects in the works:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/5037330199/" title="art room snap shot by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="art room snap shot" height="295" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5037330199_72789ed260.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />( check out the lovley headwrap- its a new one! I traded for it. I LOVE bartering. Got it from the lovley <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.flickr.com/photos/iolithie">Iolithie</a> )<br />you cant really tell from this photo since its only a snapshot of my easel area but last week the art room got a good cleaning and organizing. I got rid of a lot of stuff i didn't need that was clogging up the creative space + hung a bunch of art and pieces of inspiration that i had kept boxed up for too long. I finally feel like the art room is "broken in" and it feels great to work in there. Unfortunately we had to rip it all apart for last nights art fair so i will probably spend some time this evening putting everything back together again so it will be nice and inviting for weekend art exploits.<br />and the projects i have been working on:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/5037330191/" title="spirit walker- work in progress by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="spirit walker- work in progress" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5037330191_373bdf53ed.jpg" width="483" /></a><br />So far the biggest change made to this work in progress is the background. insitally i had painted it a dark blue/green/purple but it didn't seem to "pop"...so i am working on getting a pleasant warm and glowy aura around my creature instead. i still have lots of blending work to do on the background. I then need to work on the tree/staff/pen...especially to develop the upper branches + add leaves. Then more work on her form. This is so much smaller then i usually work so i have been a bit frustrated with it. The idea of working smaller was that i could offer them for more reasonable prices...but i love working big! Ah well....we shall see how it ends up.<br /><br />...and here's my other painting i am workin on right now:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/5037330185/" title="melting eye beam- work in progress by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="melting eye beam- work in progress" height="431" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5037330185_9429c34fac.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I don't think i am thrilled with this at all...but then again it isn't done. It was one of those spur of the moment, super random and unplanned spurt of creative outpouring. It felt really good to paint without thinking or planning....so i had a lot of fun with it. Still...not sure i like it but at least it felt good to paint. The pink is bothering me so that might be the next thing to go.<br /><br />I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend full of art room time.<br />...more updates soon.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />-Chelsea Rose

September's Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st + work in progress photos

...had a wonderful time yesterday at the Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st fair! We tried a different spot this time ( corner of Alberta a...

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Mega Update: New Watercolor paintings, Artwalk photos, henna dread details

So i have some catching up to do seeing that i have not posted anything since the 20th!<br />First off i wanted to share some watercolor painting i did over the weekend which are all now available for sale in our <a href="http://www.lucidopticlab.etsy.com/"><strong>etsy shop</strong></a> :<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939021431/" title="Faery ah Glow by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Faery ah Glow" height="242" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4939021431_c257906228.jpg" width="430" /></a><br />Faery ah Glow<br />4" x 6"<br />original watercolor painting by Chelsea Rose<br />On sale for $60. Check out the sale listing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55084034/faery-ah-glow-original-watercolor"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939606280/" title="Harpy at Full Moon by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Harpy at Full Moon" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4939606280_198327be6b.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />Harpy in Moonlight<br />4" x 6"<br />original watercolor painting by Chelsea Rose<br />On sale for $60. Check out the sale listing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55083553/harpy-in-moonlight-original-watercolor"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939606198/" title="Fish of Perception by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish of Perception" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4939606198_b66efbb6d6.jpg" width="331" /></a><br />Fish of Perception<br />4" x 6"<br />original watercolor painting by Chelsea Rose<br />On sale for $60. Check out the sale listing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55082954/fish-of-perception-original-watercolor?ref=v1_other_2"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939606142/" title="Conversation with a Pixie by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Conversation with a Pixie" height="336" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4939606142_6f8e5801e9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Conversation with a Pixie<br />4"x6"<br />Original watercolor painting by Chelsea Rose<br />On extra sale for $50. See the sale listing <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55082100/pixie-conversation-original-watercolor?ref=v1_other_2"><strong>HERE</strong></a>.<br /><br />And some snapshots danny took of me working on these:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939595602/" title="Playing with watercolor by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing with watercolor" height="379" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4939595602_ed3882b0d0.jpg" width="440" /></a><br />as you can see i took over the dining room table with my watercolor supplies!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4939595694/" title="Playing with watercolor by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing with watercolor" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4939595694_83d1345b47.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Honestly i had been itching to play with watercolor ever since i sold one of my originals- talk about inspiration and encouragement!<br /><br />In other news- we must now backtrack to Thursday the 26th which was the Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st for August:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4933097304/" title="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10" height="348" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4933097304_a3979838da.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />This was our booth set up. As always we were selling original art, silkscreen prints, tie dye and more.<br /><br />I painted my face up in hopes to entice some souls to have their own faces/bodies painted by me for a few bucks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4934096310/" title="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10" height="332" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4934096310_3ccee5bc41.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />(photo by Bert Steele )<br />...and so it did attract quite a few moms and their kids to have their faces painted:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4932504453/" title="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta st August '10" height="334" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4932504453_7b79b5fcd6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />and all was well and super fun until the unthinkable happened....Wells Fargo set up a table to "sign up accounts" right next to us!!! I was truly outraged by this and confronted them about it. I pretty much said that i was very uncomfortable with their presence at what is supposed to be a community based independent artwork festival. I hope i made my disgust known enough for them to think twice about setting up again. This may be a sign that its the beginning of the end for the Alberta arts festivals but i am determined to not be too disheartened. We will see how it goes for September's last Thursday art walk.<br /><br />...Oh and for those who are wondering why my dreads are suddenly red- i colored it with Henna( all natural plant based hair coloring!)<br />The process was pretty messy and looked something like this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4925380815/" title="Henna Bath by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Henna Bath" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4925380815_5a745465d2.jpg" width="334" /></a><br />but i had fun making the mess as always and the henna was so soothing and healing for my scalp.<br />The color change was pretty dramatic as you can see- but i love it! Change is good.<br /><br />Danny has been super busy finsing these huge screens for a Buddha silkscreen/marbling project he has in the works:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidopticlab/4942466536/" title="buddha screens by Lucid Optic Lab, on Flickr"><img alt="buddha screens" height="269" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4942466536_bd38bdf22d.jpg" width="440" /></a><br />As you can see- he is all done with the three screens needed to make up his 3 color Buddha print. Instead of using the photo emulsion method of creating these silkscreens he hand painted them with drawing fluid. The next step is getting all his supplies ready to begin marbling big sheets of paper that he will then print the buddha onto. i cant wait to see the outcome but we have to wait awhile and let the $$ come in so that he can purchase all the supplies.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4935036795/" title="us by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="us" height="345" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4935036795_471b3d0a4c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />a quick snap of Danny and I over the weekend. We spent a good amount of time hanging out on the patio, conversing and drinkin tea.<br />I hope every one's weekend went well.<br /><br />more updates coming soon.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />-Chelsea Rose

Mega Update: New Watercolor paintings, Artwalk photos, henna dread details

So i have some catching up to do seeing that i have not posted anything since the 20th! First off i wanted to share some watercolor painting...

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Vancouver Art in the Heart, mermaid painting in progress + more Wise Woman body painting photos

Had a wonderful weekend of art vending localized in Vancouver Washington- Oregon's close but often neglected neighbor who has quickly grown into a hub of the arts.<br />On Friday Danny and I drove over the bridge to Vancouver for "Craft in the Village" which happens each first Friday of the month.<br />Then on Saturday we made the drive over the bridge again and set up for "Art in the Heart" right outside of the Guerrilla Gallery where i am currently having 7 of my paintings on display:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4873434015/" title="Guerilla Gallery by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Guerilla Gallery" height="378" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4873434015_dded6680d1.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />My paintings will be up for viewing during this month of August.<br />Come check it out in person at <a href="http://guerrilla-media.ning.com/profile/GuerrillaGallery"><strong>Guerrilla Gallery</strong></a> -1001 Main St. (Upstairs)Vancouver, WA 98660<br /><br />It was my first time participating in the "Art in the Heart" festival but i had great fun rockin to the live music and chatting with the local artists.<br /><br />And here is a quick snapshot of our set up:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4873451509/" title="Art in the Heart-Vancouver WA by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Art in the Heart-Vancouver WA" height="293" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4873451509_2110174b95.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />It was an overcast day that managed to still be rather hot so i was again super happy to have my sunhat with me( this thing, as obviously huge as it is has saved me so many times this summer!)<br /><br />I also made use of my time by working on my mermaid painting:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4873480917/" title="Painting at Art in the Heart- Vancouver WA by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Painting at Art in the Heart- Vancouver WA" height="285" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4873480917_6856716e3b.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />I like this shot of Danny's because you can see a slice of Vancouver in it. I love it's super old red brick buildings and calm small town vibe. I wish i could move to Vancouver and rent out one of these wonderfully huge live/work studio spaces in these surrounding old warehouse redbrick buildings. Vancouver's cost of living is significantly better then Oregon however i have been told its almost impossible to find a job. Ah well...a girl can dream.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4874075534/" title="work in progress- mermaid by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="work in progress- mermaid" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4874075534_8cc109fda2.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />I got a lot of work done on my mermaid while i was there. I added side fins, as seen in this photo but later on in the day i also added a lot more on her upper/hip fin area. I will take some more "work in progress photos" soon to share. I plan on putting a brigade of bubbles in the distance to hopefully hint at some depth. It is always a lot of fun to do "live painting" at these art events- it always creates a lot of interest. I love the exchange of conversation to be had over a work in progress piece. I had a very young lil lady come over and ask me if i had named the mermaid yet. I had not yet named her so i asked what she would name her. She said "I would name her Amber after the beautiful colors of her scales!"<br /><br />So yes, "Art in the Heart" was a wonderful experience.<br /><br />Sunday I reserved for some much needed "home body" time. I did some patio gardening, some much needed TLC in the art room- straightened everything up so that i can work in it again! The summer wreaks havoc on the art room because it gets torn apart every time we have an art fair to attend. Also managed to take a trip downtown to the "Saturday market" to say bye bye to an amazing artist and friend <a href="http://annatodaro.com/home.html"><strong>Anna Tadaro</strong></a>. She is moving to Chicago and will be missed by many!<br /><br />Also, i wanted to share two more photos i posted recently from my body painting/photography session with Suzanne Owens-Duval:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4859521742/" title="Wise Woman by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Wise Woman" height="350" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4859521742_ed381209f2.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />(body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose<br />Model: Suzanne Owens-Duval)<br />I just love how strong and confident this pose is!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4859516962/" title="Wise Woman by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Wise Woman" height="350" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4859516962_dcab8dec99.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />(body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose<br />Model: Suzanne Owens-Duval)<br />....and this one thrills me with how happy and comfortable she is in her skin- loving herself for who and what she is, loving and living life to the fullest!<br /><br />A dear friend of mine recently suggested i pick up the book "Women Who Run With The Wolves” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PH.D and i have found it to be extremely inspiring and perfect fuel for the creative fires for the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/sets/72157623003286474/"><strong>women's study body painting project</strong></a> that i have been working on.<br /><br />I found this quote from the book to go perfectly with the two photos of mine above:<br /><br />“A healthy woman is much like a wolf: robust, chock-full, strong life force, life giving, territorially aware, inventive, loyal, roving. Yet separation from the wildish nature causes a woman’s personality to become meager, thin, ghostly, spectral. We are not meant to be puny with frail hair and inability to leap up, inability to chase, to birth, to create life. When Women’s lives are in stasis, ennui, it is always time for the wildish woman to emerge; it is time for the creating function of the psyche to flood the delta.”<br /> - Clarissa Pinkola Estes.<br /><br />Truth be told!<br /><br />....more updates soon.<br />Best wishes,<br />-Chelsea Rose

Vancouver Art in the Heart, mermaid painting in progress + more Wise Woman body painting photos

Had a wonderful weekend of art vending localized in Vancouver Washington- Oregon's close but often neglected neighbor who has quickly gr...

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July Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta Street + new corset

So its Friday morning and i am having a hard time keeping my eyes open and my legs and arms feel as if they were made of lead but emotionally i feel elevated and inspired- these are the true sings of a art walk that went well!<br /><br />Yesterday was Last Thursday Art walk on Alberta St ( a free art vending opportunity that occurs monthly in Portland Oregon.)<br />Unfortunately this was the first one of these i was able to attend so far this year because previous months it was either raining or i was out of town. So, i decided i was going to go this month and go enforce, thus i took the day off from work so that we could arrive<br />super early ( around 12:00pm) to stake out a good spot.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4843607407/" title="Last Thursday artwalk on alberta by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Last Thursday artwalk on alberta" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/4843607407_d42c91002d.jpg" width="341" /></a><br />This is a photo <a href="http://www.flickr.com/lucidopticlab"><strong>Danny</strong></a> took after i had finished getting ready by painting my face for the art walk.<br />It was a super bright day so we were very lucky to have grabbed a spot with ample shade and trees. Still...the brightness made it hard to snap photos of our booth setup during the day but Danny managed to grab some of my body painting exploits:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4843607735/" title="Face and Body painting! by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Face and Body painting!" height="298" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4843607735_5b3394fdc4.jpg" width="450" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4844224814/" title="Painting faces during Artwalk on Alberta by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Painting faces during Artwalk on Alberta" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4844224814_557eda649a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I painted several lil girls faces + a few young adult faces...but when i asked one person if i could paint their face they turned around and asked " can i paint you!?"<br />Of course i said yes! they painted a small vine starting from my numb up a lil past my hand that ended in a heart. It was a silly/fun/unexpected treasure.<br />As the day crept into night danny was able to get a shot of our booth setup:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidopticlab/4844195938/" title="last thursday by Lucid Optic Lab, on Flickr"><img alt="last thursday" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4844195938_48fdea5716.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />This photo was taken at a strange angle because what you dont see is the massive wall of moving people walking down the street in front of the booth. The turnout for this was just insane. After 8:00pm it was almost impossible to step out of the booth because the "river of flesh" was roaring!<br />We were setup facing the street with two tables on parallel sides .<br />One table with my my art:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidopticlab/4843578905/" title="last thursday by Lucid Optic Lab, on Flickr"><img alt="last thursday" height="285" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4843578905_96ef951bf7.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />the other table with Danny's art:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidopticlab/4844195764/" title="last thursday by Lucid Optic Lab, on Flickr"><img alt="last thursday" height="285" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4844195764_c6b77e2e7d.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />We used to always set up our artwork together but found that customers got confused as to "who's artwork was who's" which seemed to bother them a bit. Thus, we have found that now this separation seems to streamline customers experience making it less "modge podged" and more effective.<br />We did also have Danny's stencil records and a few silkscreen shirts on display laying on a sheet on the sidewalk:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidopticlab/4844195660/" title="last thursday by Lucid Optic Lab, on Flickr"><img alt="last thursday" height="258" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4844195660_aabdc56dc8.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />We had a lot of folks stop and hover over the records- seems a particular point of interest to many.<br />We did well in sales this time which is always encouraging. We sold two of my pen and ink on Masonite board illustrations, a few art prints, a couple tie dye, and several face/body paintings.<br />Also managed to luck out and have a bunch of familiar faces pop up out of the blue so there was lots of hugs and catching ups to do. Met a few new friends as well.<br />And, as allways...its left me really looking forward to the next art walk on Alberta!<br />If you are interested in seeing some wonderful documentive photos of the this months artwalk check out the amazing Anni Becker's photographs <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kermitlover/sets/72157624614501702/with/4843356976/"><strong>here</strong></a>- bosting photos of all the crazy splendors of the day such as fire dancers, roaming musicans, dance pits, free hugs, crazy costumes, cute puppies, cops, artwork and artists , jugglers and much much more!!!<br /><br />In other news, my new corsets arrived in the mail this week!<br />They were made by Danny's talented lil sis seamstress extraordinaire:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4839826112/" title="New Corset by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="New Corset" height="1024" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4839826112_d3fecb21b2_b.jpg" width="268" /></a><br />I am in love with it! I had picked out the fabric and sent it over awhile ago so i was delighted to have it in time to wear to the art walk last night.<br /><br />Tomorrow i am going to the <a href="http://www.faerieworlds.com/"><strong>FaerieWorlds summer celebration festival</strong></a> to check it out for the first time. I am mainly going to enjoy myself but partly going to scope out the art vendors to see if perhaps i should hold a booth of my own at the fair for next year. we shall see! Also very excited that i get to do some body painting while i am there: will be painting the Didgeridoo Man in the band <a href="http://www.telesmamusic.com/"><strong>Telesma</strong></a> for their musicale prefromance at the festival! Pictures from this outing will most probably be posted via blog update on Monday.<br /><br />Hope everyone has a lovely weekend filled with joy, relaxation and creation.<br /><br />Peace n Love,<br />-Chelsea Rose

July Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta Street + new corset

So its Friday morning and i am having a hard time keeping my eyes open and my legs and arms feel as if they were made of lead but emotionall...

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3 day weekend of art- body painting, art fairs and new acrylic on canvas!

Thank goodness for 3 day weekends! I got so much done and even had time to play and have some fun too.<br />....I have a lot of photos to share but i am going to start with what i am most excited to post: my new body painting photos:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765616983/" title="Wise Woman by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Wise Woman" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4765616983_6370b6d01a.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />Wise Woman<br />(body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose<br />Model:Suzanne Owens-Duval )<br /><br />I feel blessed to have been able to work with Suzanne and include her in this growing women's study art project of mine.<br />A few weeks back i realized that my body painting project had a lot going for it: a wide rang of body type, ethnicity and culture but was missing a nice range of age. With this realization in mind i posted a craigslist ad asking for elderly women who might be interested in participating in my project. I only got one response and that was from my model Suzanne who turned out to be a super vivacious and skilled professional actor for screen and stage!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4766258934/" title="Wise Woman by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Wise Woman" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4766258934_dd32cefe90.jpg" width="357" /></a><br />Wise Woman<br />(body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose<br />Model: Suzanne Owens-Duval)<br /><br />We did the body painting in the loft of <a href="http://www.truthartspace.com/">T.Ruth Artspace gallery</a> on Sunday- walking down the stairs to stand in front of the backdrop on the main floor of the gallery. As always it was wondrous getting to know my model and it was uncanny how much we had in common in thoughts, feelings and intention. She seemed to have a real love for life and was well equipped to roll with life's punches through the years. We both agreed that everything happens for a reason and there is little point in regretting things. We also seemed to think that the body is a person's temple and that as women age the beauty matures and changes anew- our bodies becoming road maps showing the signs of a life lived well and to the fullest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4766248732/" title="Wise Woman by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="Wise Woman" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4766248732_8bb392631e.jpg" width="335" /></a><br />Wise Woman<br />(body painting and photography by Chelsea Rose<br />Model: Suzanne Owens-Duval)<br /><br />I took over 500 photos of Suzanne in little over an hour and a half and i have been having a wonderful time in my spare moments this past weekend sifting through the shots and polishing the keepers. Needless to say, there will be more coming soon!<br /><br />Now, jumping back to Friday...i wanted to share a quick snapshot of our simple set up for Craft In the Village:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765797782/" title="July-Craft in the Village by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="July-Craft in the Village" height="276" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4765797782_576f648c32.jpg" width="450" /></a><br />Danny picked me up early from work so that we could drive on over to Vancouver Washington to participate for our second time in their "Craft in the Village" art vending event. It was predicted to rain but that sure didn't stop us! Our lil fair still went strong with live music and a dozen or more vendors braving the storm. It did rain buckets for an half an hour but we survived and were rewarded with blue sky and sun for the rest of the day. We did pretty well on sales considering! And as always it was wonderful fun to meet and hang out with all the other local artists.<br /><br />On Saturday Danny and I watched T.Ruth Artspace gallery ( since our dear friend and the gallery owner is re cooperating from surgery.) Of course we had a blast greeting the people who walked in to enjoy the art. While i was there i did a lot of painting- which Danny had fun documenting:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765189387/" title="faeWIP1 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="faeWIP1" height="485" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4765189387_9fa316466f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />The night before i had painted this basic background and inked a faery onto it using my fabercastell India ink pens. I brougth the canvas in and set up my tote easel and got to work.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765835660/" title="faeWIP2 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="faeWIP2" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4765835660_b7cb741596.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />I always start with the eyes!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765847866/" title="faeWIP3 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="faeWIP3" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4765847866_c20ef6421d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />can you tell my favorite things to draw and paint are lips and eyes?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765854700/" title="faeWIP4 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="faeWIP4" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4765854700_0c213bfa37.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />....i like this photo- it shows how much my dreads have been growing!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidrose/4765222445/" title="faeWIP5 by lucidRose, on Flickr"><img alt="faeWIP5" height="335" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4765222445_8a5ca450f1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />....almost done! just working on the wings and then i need to go over everything again with another layer of shading and highlight!<br />goodness....this post is picture heavy...<br /><br />On Sunday we had a surprise visit from two dear friends who have been living in southern Oregon on a beautiful stretch of land. We all made dinner together( fresh herb salad with home made pesto sauce and tortellinis)...then we all hung out on the patio as the sun set. Then they baked the most delicious cookies and we sat around watching episode upon episode of Avatar the Last Air Bender as i dreaded one of the dear fellow's mohawk!<br /><br />All in all it was a wonderful few days!<br /><br />Now that the new week is here i am looking forward to finishing up the painting i started on Saturday and hopefully beginning a new one. More photos from my "Wise Woman" shoot should be up soon.<br /><br />Best wishes and much love,<br />-Chelsea Rose

3 day weekend of art- body painting, art fairs and new acrylic on canvas!

Thank goodness for 3 day weekends! I got so much done and even had time to play and have some fun too. ....I have a lot of photos to share b...

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