Illustration Friday ~ SECRET

Uh oh...no SECRET is safe when these two get together!

To see the myriad of takes on this prompt, hop on over to Illustration Friday and check out all of the marvelous artwork there is to see.

This framed original mixed media collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

The Mixed Media Artist by Seth Apter

When my dear friend, the uber-talented artist Seth Apter, asked me to contribute to his second book, I was over-the-moon thrilled! Seth's first book, "The Pulse of Mixed Media: Secrets and Passions of 100 Artists Revealed," was a tremendous success and I knew that his second book would be equally grand.

Seth's newly released book, "The Mixed Media Artist: Art Tips, Tricks, Secrets and Dreams From Over 40 Amazing Artists," is sure to please! Today, on his blog, Seth is highlighting the 14 Gallery Artists featured in the book. I am so very pleased to be among them.

The prompt for my artwork was "Out of the Blue," and my finished piece represents how the swift passage of time hits us like a "bolt out of the blue," especially in regard to how quickly our children grow. The piece was created on gallery wrapped canvas and was covered with dressmaker's tissue and an acrylic wash.

My original intent was to preserve the numerals 1 and 2 from the tissue, but ultimately that plan changed.

Additional color was added to create a timeworn patina, similar to the verdigris of weathered copper. A numeral three was added with modeling paste to represent my three boys.

It seemed only fitting that clocks and wings represent the swift passage of time. A distressed watch face was used as well as a watchmaker's vial that I'd been saving for a special piece of art; "time in a bottle," as they say.

It was indeed an honor to be included in Seth's wonderful new book! Certainly you'll want to include this new release on your list of "must-have" books!

© Nancy Lefko, Seth Apter and F&W Publishing

The Sketchbook Challenge ~ MOON & STARS

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for November is MOON & STARS.

I grabbed a little bit of time to work in my sweet little art journal created by the uber-talented Elizabeth Duke and gifted to me at the Art Is...You Art Retreat.

I've really been enjoying the no-stress, no- mess activity of simple journaling with an extra-fine point black Sharpie and my travel watercolor set.

If you need a little push to get yourself creating...then the Sketchbook Challenge is just for you!

© Nancy Lefko