ArtistJoyful Notes | Dena McKitrick

Northern Neighbor

A Walk at Dusk

Usually this little fella hangs out in the pineapple guava tree outside our front door, and lately he’s become quite raucous. This evening, on our lengthy walk at dusk, he stood there on the neighbors roof and posed for me. It was a lovely walk. All of the orange trees are in sweet sweet bloom, and the scent of the honey locusts as we crossed the overpass coming back from the river was also simply heavenly. There were even tiny very sour plums on a tree overhanging the sidewalk. YUM!

Consternmoon

Hmmmm

Not a very original concept. I started with the scan of the facial features, and played from there. I didn’t know it would end up this way. I had fun using my new brushes and stuff.

Sweet Imagination

Telling Herstory

I feel like I’ve taken a turn, and the road back is a long way around. I’m headed forward and that feels like a good thing. I’ve been working on leaping off of the proverbial cliff with the faith that I know that I can fly. I don’t just believe it, I know it. Have you ever discovered the thrill that happens once you leap through your fear? I love it.

Tears

An Electronic Collage

This original drawing/painting is far too blatant. I felt strongly about the premise of it, however those strong feelings came through too brashly for my tastes (even though it was me that did it of course). I had fun creating several brushes, then layering textures with them. Also, by adding complimentary colors, the brash oranges and reds were softened a bit, albeit in a rather brash fashion at that. My newly created dragonfly brush helps reference the transformation the topic and the piece are going through.

Father Peacock

An Old Line Getting Older

The original pen sketch was done in an old (1990) sketchbook. There’s always been something about this piece that appealed to some of my senses. I have several times photocopied it and then colored it with crayons or colored pencils. I decided to update it electronically by adding the element of digital color. Still makes me laugh.

Transformation

Begin again

In transition, in the process of transformation. I wonder often if there will ever be a time when I am not in the midst of some change. I recognized that there is either life/growth/change or there is death/shriveling/change and that there does seem to be at least one thing in common to both. Today’s formula: love=change. I just this moment realized that this is formulaic work. Probably, in another moment or two, I will realize that it is not. Even my realizations change on a momentary basis.