First Linocut Stamp

Long on my wish list was the desire to try my hand at carving my own linocut stamps. Not only do I love the look of a linocut print, but having original stamped images to use in work for art licensing was a pragmatic decision.

The linocut blocks I wanted to buy online had a crazy ridiculous shipping price...oh, about five times the cost of the blocks...so I settled on a type from Dick Blick. The block wasn't real easy to carve, not terribly hard but a little more difficult than anticipated, so I'll probably keep trying different types. (Any suggestions?)

For my first attempt since high school art class, I am fairly satisfied with the end result...for a first try. But, as I've heard tell, practice makes perfect so I'll keep on trying.

The journal page I created with the stamp tells the story both literally and figuratively..."testing my wings."

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ STORM

No surprise that the prompt for today's Illustration Friday is STORM...given that those of us in the Northeast are bracing for what could be an historic weather event.

My journal page focuses on the bright side; we're all able to weather the STORM (real or metaphorical) with a smile, if we choose to do so. I choose to ride out this storm alongside a crackling fire with a hot cup of coffee and (most of) my family safe at home. (Son #1 will ride out the storm at his college apartment.)

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

© Nancy Lefko

Fun with Foam

For many years, elementary school teachers have led their students through a printing process making stamps by "carving" into a foam meat/fruit tray with a pencil. Long forgotten, I recently re-discovered this fun process through...what else...a Facebook posting.

Interested in carving my own stamps, this was a fun way to begin. Clearly not stamps that will pass the test of longevity, they are fun just the same.

Once again, my art journal serves as a playground for testing new techniques and ideas. These foam stamps are perfect for journal pages.

My second carving may have been a bit too ambitious...choosing a face to carve proved to be a bit of a challenge. But still, she finds a happy home in my art journal.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ WHEEL

As the mother of three boys, I know that they gravitate toward anything with a WHEEL...and the days between scooters and automobiles goes far too fast.

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

This framed original collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ WINGS

WINGS are frequently featured in my artwork...somehow they speak to me of hope and joy and bravery, as in this piece entitled, "Brave Heart."

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

Original canvas is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

A Progression

Sometimes it's fun, and a bit challenging, to run with an idea without any notion of how the finished product will look. This was the case when I decided to try "painting" with molding paste, which ultimately led to lots of fun texture in this piece.

Some vintage ephemera and a bit of burlap & crinoline created the background...

...while acrylic paint and water-soluble oil pastels added color.

Some vintage buttons and a little text for inspiration and voilá.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ OCEAN

Memories of the OCEAN and its healing sights, sounds and rhythms gets me through the long, cold winter until summer days bring me back to the shore.

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

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ EDGE

Be careful...she's on the EDGE.

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

Original collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Ballet Series

My BALLET series, that sat in progress on my art desk for so long, is finally complete and available in my Etsy shop.

*grace*

*dance with joy* SOLD

*be a dancer*

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ SNOW

She was "zigzagging across an unmarred path of white" and frolicking in the falling SNOW. Winter Magic at its best.

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

Original 6" x 6" collage is available in my Etsy shop where you can save 20% off ALL items with coupon code SANTA2012 at checkout.

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ EXPLORE

New York is among the greatest places to EXPLORE...and at no better time than Christmas.

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

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ STRETCH

Her wings aren't the only things outSTRETCHed.

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

© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ WHISKERS

Who wouldn't love to find this fellow & his sweet little WHISKERS underneath their Christmas tree?

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

Original 4" x 4" collage is available in my Etsy shop where you can save 20% off ALL items through Monday 11/26 with coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2012 at checkout.

© Nancy Lefko

SALE in the SHOP

In the spirit of BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY you can save 20% off all items in my Etsy shop through Monday November 26th.

Use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2012 at checkout to apply your savings.

Original artwork and prints are waiting for you...happy shopping!

Hurricane Sandy Relief GIVEAWAY

Living up to the mantra "Living in Generosity," the Art Is...You Art Retreat family comes together to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Working with the charitable organization, Family to Family, and local relief agencies, they will have your donation delivered directly to where it is needed - into the hands of those who have lost everything.

Just visit the Art Is...You site and click on the "DONATE NOW" button and you will have the opportunity to make a cash donation or purchase actual items including groceries or gas cards. Once you have donated, please share on Facebook, tell your friends - get the word out that this village of artists, their family and friends are united in rebuilding the lives of those around them.

Artists Pam Carriker, Sue Pelletier and Jodi Ohl have each donated a piece of art as an ADDED INCENTIVE for anyone who makes a donation on the site. Your name will go into a drawing to win one of these fabulous pieces of art. Drawing will take place November 30th, 2012 at 9:00am EST.

As a way of further thanking you for your generosity, I would like to offer you another chance to win. AFTER you have made your donation at the Art Is...You site, return here and leave your name and contact information in a comment for a chance to win this painted fabric collage wall-hanging.

So, with a spirit of generosity and a heart grateful for all of your blessings, head on over to Art Is...You and DONATE...even a small donation can make a big difference. Then come on back here to enter for another chance to win...I'll be waiting for you! The drawing will take place on November 30th, 2012 at 9:00am EST.

Art Is...You banner © Kim Geiser
Painted fabric collage © Nancy Lefko