tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33733569294173430582024-03-05T19:55:34.025-05:00living the creativeCaroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-14060514777272591142013-11-12T11:00:00.000-05:002013-11-12T11:00:05.552-05:00Homestyle Baking: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies with Walnuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMah8un2JQrq00t5X6zKe88KfryYS3yuiIEq30IYNGTId6z-OWkT39Rkh03YxXhbfQBpukBpzKIKy3l3XFcM3ggL8FDD67D4Nj8tNsNCAbbAipJgKG1hrFZMq9wvMIOUnTrm4lA89tEQ/s1600/Apple+Cinnamon+Oatmeal+Cookies+with+Walnuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMah8un2JQrq00t5X6zKe88KfryYS3yuiIEq30IYNGTId6z-OWkT39Rkh03YxXhbfQBpukBpzKIKy3l3XFcM3ggL8FDD67D4Nj8tNsNCAbbAipJgKG1hrFZMq9wvMIOUnTrm4lA89tEQ/s640/Apple+Cinnamon+Oatmeal+Cookies+with+Walnuts.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y6sh5zgVM6ezUXut810ISuB_wsVtGnVpfKNsYWOfkPAtfQkP9JaFF5aBto3nQ5Z8kfd9IdAnuQJDrmAkkDymxEK-vIUA1Ze-VHAYzyKR7p1-vYeApryln-LPIbH5PH1SsELOsf78Kic/s1600/Apple+Cinnamon+Oatmeal+Cookies+with+Walnuts+(closeup).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Y6sh5zgVM6ezUXut810ISuB_wsVtGnVpfKNsYWOfkPAtfQkP9JaFF5aBto3nQ5Z8kfd9IdAnuQJDrmAkkDymxEK-vIUA1Ze-VHAYzyKR7p1-vYeApryln-LPIbH5PH1SsELOsf78Kic/s640/Apple+Cinnamon+Oatmeal+Cookies+with+Walnuts+(closeup).JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How many of you still have apples hanging around your abode? Well, if you're like me, you still may have some stragglers. Even after a couple batches of homemade canned applesauce and some baked apple crisp, I still have some leftover apples that I am determined not to waste. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These particular apples are the same ones I picked in late September with my mom and sister, so I've got a very limited window of time to use them off before they start heading West. The past couple of years I've bakes them in pies, muffins, crisp, and into applesauce; so putting them into cookie form was still a comforting twist on a lingering autumn flavor. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I adapted the recipe from <u style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/11/apple-oatmeal-cinnamon-cookies-recipe.html" target="_blank">Serious Eats: Apple Cinnamon Cookies</a></u>, using half the batter to bake some cookies one night then baked the rest the next day; with the batter resting the in the fridge overnight. I also found out I didn't have precisely all the needed ingredients, so had to improvise a smidge with what I had on hand. (I really didn't want to make a trip to the supermarket.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 c. flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/2 c. rolled oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. ground cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 tsp. olive oil (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 Tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 1/4 c. brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 c. applesauce*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 c. chopped walnuts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4-5 small-medium sized apples (peeled, cored, chopped into small chunks)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Directions</u>: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix together rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, flour, and baking powder in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. Using a large mixing bowl as your main bowl, mix butter, both sugars, egg, vanilla, and applesauce. Add the dry ingredients from your medium bowl to your large. Add remaining apple chunks and walnuts. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest in fridge for at least an hour (or overnight). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Scoop dough about 1-1/2 inches in size and leave about 1 inch space between each cookie (they won't spread much). Bake for 15-20 minutes and set on wire rack to cool.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are great to have midway through the day with the chunks of apple and cinnamon oatmeal. Also pairs well with any leftover apple cider you may have still left in the fridge too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">*I chose to use homemade spiced applesauce that I canned in September, because it was on hand and already opened in the refrigerator. Even though the original recipe calls unsweetened applesauce, I thought mine came out fine with sweetened.</span><br />
<br />Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-24678801625084570432013-11-11T13:48:00.001-05:002013-11-11T13:49:20.484-05:00Gallery of Mo: First Mo'trait Request<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU8WrDc1SGAFkYlYLjtrHpGFIzwJ6AGiyMUM9S6Trt_0CQPL1fAGZ7vmf29sxpj4Yf2T-6XHrHh7aH8UzKz8ojgG20l0MNBWQhGTkIS2o7AfSbS0sxTF4XyDKfLx2LwJP_B2fbU1p8O0/s1600/Mo'triat+%231+Keshia+Knights(watermarked).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU8WrDc1SGAFkYlYLjtrHpGFIzwJ6AGiyMUM9S6Trt_0CQPL1fAGZ7vmf29sxpj4Yf2T-6XHrHh7aH8UzKz8ojgG20l0MNBWQhGTkIS2o7AfSbS0sxTF4XyDKfLx2LwJP_B2fbU1p8O0/s640/Mo'triat+%231+Keshia+Knights(watermarked).JPG" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mo'trait #1<br />Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. <br />2013</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I wanted to share my first finished Mo'triat request from the <u><a href="https://www.galleryofmo.com/" style="background-color: #ffe599;" target="_blank">Gallery of Mo</a></u>. This particular portrait will soon be shipping out acorss the pond to the United Kingdom to a sweet contributor, Keshia. I've got one more portrait on deck of my good friend's father and <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">three more opportunities to create portraits with mustaches for the Gallery of Mo project all during the month of November.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Would you like an awesome portrait of yourself with a mustache drawn by me? Or by another fabulous artist? Sign up and contribute to the Gallery of Mo today!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spread the word, spread the awareness, and spread the art!</span><br />
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Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-80070666074384486852013-11-10T14:53:00.001-05:002013-11-10T15:59:37.687-05:00Homestyle Cooking: Acorn Squash Soup with Bacon and Kale<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR4Yd-xYP9XdOnftD8yuddZPsEhgttnRnYUqJYsT_4E-Y36bHCEHXt071M1c2wu0HnYRGK6GpbpyGsUKD6ynsDZlc6KT-6Jbquy-fdObA5pblpKYkMFZUe7l27jnpbi-ThvU_rySThCM/s1600/Acorn+squash+soup+with+bacon+and+kale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR4Yd-xYP9XdOnftD8yuddZPsEhgttnRnYUqJYsT_4E-Y36bHCEHXt071M1c2wu0HnYRGK6GpbpyGsUKD6ynsDZlc6KT-6Jbquy-fdObA5pblpKYkMFZUe7l27jnpbi-ThvU_rySThCM/s640/Acorn+squash+soup+with+bacon+and+kale.JPG" width="518" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've mentioned a little through some posts how much I enjoy cooking and consuming squash during the autumn. This love has definitely been cultivated over the last recent years and only just started when I started around college. I find squash more enjoyable if it's in a soup, or baked in a quiche with other root vegetables. Honestly, I could have fresh butternut squash soup at least five times every autumn and be happy as can be. It's pureed and oh-so comforting sipped from a large mug!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Though I do love my butternut squash and a spaghetti squash or two, today's focus is on the little acorn squash and roasting it into a soup. I had bought one acorn squash at a local farmer's stand in hopes of cooking it in a different method that strayed from simply putting brown sugar on it and baking. I will acorn squash this way, but I personally like my squash my herby and savory tasting. This recipe was adapted from <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Williams-Sonoma's book,<u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soup-Day-Williams-Sonoma-Recipes-Every/dp/1616281677/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384108463&sr=8-1&keywords=Soup+of+the+day" target="_blank"> Soup of the Day: 365 Recipes for Every Day of the Year</a></u></span>. I also tend to improvise on spices, preference, or what I have on hand already in the fridge or cupboard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 acorn squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 Tbsp. olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4-5 thick-cut slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 cloves garlic* (minced)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. dried thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pinch of ground clove</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">a good sprinkle of seasoned salt or pinch of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 bunch kale (stems removed, rinse and chop leaves)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">6 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can white beans (great northern or cannelini) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>optional soup toppings</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">french-fried onion pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">grated parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">sour cream</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Directions</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Prepare the acorn squash by washing and peeling it. Slice squash in half and scoop out seeds. Place in bowl and set aside to roast seeds later. Cut up squash in chunks the size of your choice. I cut mine on the smaller side to about 1/2" cubes, but if you're a big acorn squash lover you can choose to cut larger chunks too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Place cubed squash in a large mixing bowl. Toss squash with 2 Tbsp. olive oil, a good sprinkle of seasoned salt (or a pinch of regular salt) and a little pepper. Transfer squash to baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes, or until you can easily stick a fork through a squash chunk. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Cook bacon in a medium sized pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate with a couple folded paper towels on top to soak up bacon grease. Dab excess grease off the top of bacon with a paper fowel. Let bacon sit until cool and crumble with hands into a small bowl. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add the onion to a large soup pot and cook with 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil for about 5 minutes on medium-low heat. Add minced garlic once onions start softening down in the pot and stir frequently. Cook for a little while longer, until garlic and onions become aromatic, but before they start browning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Add remaining spices as well as squash to the pot. Next add the kale, chicken broth, and bacon to pot and cook on low for 30 minutes. I tend to let my soup cook on lower temperatures for a longer amount of time to let them simmer and enrich itself with the flavors in the pot. Plus it adds a great aroma to the apartment that you can smell going up the steps to the front door. Also, the squash could be substituted with a butternut, small pumpkin, or other hearty root vegetable if you're using up what you have around your kitchen. This comforting autumn soup also pairs well with grilled cheese for a weeknight dinner for two. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">**Once again, garlic lover here! If you do not share the same sentiments towards this aromatic friend, please feel free to cut down on the amount used. I also add a little more than recipes ask for to add more flavor to a recipe, and to help with staying healthy (espeically when customers are starting to come in under-the-weather). </span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-12060929436808770142013-11-09T10:59:00.001-05:002013-11-10T16:01:43.699-05:00Volunteering Artwork: The Gallery of Mo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpsH2RbWvM_Y5RCD-qlOkRuu5X_M1PzGJdlCscjwpwoIFu7zQ36aFoKaYE71KXaZOHvFlPpsShK1lln1pZCRuXNimLAcOqm4rP9Scz9IwoOVrPRa6qprXXRBr1imRfKZ4buCFCZG4b1Y/s1600/My+Favorite+Scarf+(Gallery+of+Mo+self+portrait)watermarked.JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpsH2RbWvM_Y5RCD-qlOkRuu5X_M1PzGJdlCscjwpwoIFu7zQ36aFoKaYE71KXaZOHvFlPpsShK1lln1pZCRuXNimLAcOqm4rP9Scz9IwoOVrPRa6qprXXRBr1imRfKZ4buCFCZG4b1Y/s640/My+Favorite+Scarf+(Gallery+of+Mo+self+portrait)watermarked.JPG.JPG" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"My Favorite Scarf (self portrait)"<br />Self portrait with mustache created for The Gallery of Mo<br />Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. <br />2013</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I signed up to be an artist to help create some portraits of people with mustaches on them as a part of the<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><u style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://www.galleryofmo.com/" target="_blank">Gallery of Mo</a></u> for the month of November. What is the Gallery of Mo and what's up with mustaches and November all of a sudden? November has become dedicate to mustaches and raising awareness and funding for prostate and testicular cancer. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Movember supports programs focuses on awareness and education of men's health as well as living with or beyond cancer or mental illness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thus re-creating November into "Movember." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Would you like a self portrait from an awesome artist with a mustache on it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's how you can one and participate in this fundraiser:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Visit <u><a href="http://www.galleryofmo.com/" style="background-color: #ffe599;">www.galleryofmo.com</a></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Select an artist who is participating based on their created self-portrait...with mustache (like mine above)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Upload a photo of yourself that you would like made into a artistic creation…with a mustache</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. Donate however much that artist is asking to commission a portrait for the fundraiser (some artists ask for different prices based on how they create their portriats, how much time it takes them, how much they would like to help donate to the fundraiser, and things like materials;etc.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I plan on mailing the original illustration of requested mo'triats that come my way, if it's requested. I'm also excited to share that I have had two mo'trait requests with one in the works and the other completed, scanned, and shared with the recipient. This project has been pretty fun and very rewarding…and we're only about the first week into the month of November. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have to say, reading the feedback from the first mo'triat request I received from the United Kingdom was truly uplifting! Even though at times I felt a little like I was creating a caricature (maybe because of the mustache?), it was still a great experience to create a piece and have such positive feedback. I've got one in the works, of one of my good friend's fathers, and <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">three more empty slots to create some more mo'traits!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Also, if you'd rather have another artist create your mo'triat in a different style, there are a myriad of others willing to create one for you. </span><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You've got until November 30th, 2013 to request a self portrait with a mustache, a mo'trait! Get on it!</span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-59144743067696744072013-11-07T10:31:00.003-05:002013-11-09T11:05:22.611-05:00New Illustration: Wise Picea (pines)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FaldNW9ZLK9l8O055IMRJ-iOD_-WmUoLQFO3Amffq-k9WvbmrvQIQuU2zVkc5b6IC1zwG6_UEvWC5kqpe-vhGPVRXLZOBca1PZ9y7WPdyTnx8AjD-0lUd91X39rapP3KsXLdwdQqa8Q/s1600/Wise+Picea+(pines)+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FaldNW9ZLK9l8O055IMRJ-iOD_-WmUoLQFO3Amffq-k9WvbmrvQIQuU2zVkc5b6IC1zwG6_UEvWC5kqpe-vhGPVRXLZOBca1PZ9y7WPdyTnx8AjD-0lUd91X39rapP3KsXLdwdQqa8Q/s640/Wise+Picea+(pines)+watermarked.JPG" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Wise Picea (pines)" 2013<br />Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, this illustration is a little different from what I normally create. It was originally created to submit for a local call for art at the <a href="http://www.thetechgarden.com/about-us/facilities/gallery/" target="_blank"><u>Gallery at the Syracuse Tech Garden</u></a>. Unfortunately, this piece did not make the cut. However, that doesn't mean I won't try and submit it to future calls for art and/or try and get it exhibited in another gallery setting. "<a href="http://thetechgardengallery.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u>Trees: Symbols of Powerful Experiences</u></a>," will be exhibiting November 14-December 31st 2013 with the opening reception on November 21st 2013 @ 5-8pm. The Gallery will be open Monday-Friday 9-4pm. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm still an emerging artist and there's still plenty of room for growth, acceptance, rejection, and new opportunities. I try and apply my work, or create new work for a many opportunities as I can physically can in between working my retail job and living my life (like cooking good food, reading, running, shopping;etc.) I strive to continue to create my work and continue to apply to exhibitions to simply get my work recognized. I am determined to be a successful artist with my illustrations and my re-purposed sculptural/installation work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What can I say? It's a rollercoatser, like most of life is. Sometimes I feel on top of the world and so joyful and proud of my work. Other times I feel frustrated, defeated, and disappointed; however that doesn't stop my momentum. I cannot say enough how I love simply just making things with my hands; creating new art and cooking good food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now, back to the illustration. I've been wanting to create an illustration that essentially pays homage to both my deceased grandfathers, who both cultivated enriching experiences within the Adirondacks. I wanted to create an illustration that would remind me of the times spent in the woods with each grandfather and my family, and something my family would aesthetically appreciate in their home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Donald, my maternal grandfather, was a New York State Conservation forest ranger for over half his life. He would even check fire towers on various trails in the Adirondacks in the earlier experiences of his career. Mario, my paternal grandfather, was an avid fisherman and camper and influenced a lot of my own camping experiences still I was an infant. I associate both my grandfathers with the love and appreciation I have with this great forest that was practically in my backyard growing up in Gloversville, New York. ( I was literally less than 10 minutes away from the blue line of the park.) I have represented both of them with their first initial on each side of the piece.<br /><br />The illustration also depicts the view from the top of Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, New York; specifically depicting Lake Placid in the background. I have specifically revisited this location with my family many a time; literally driving up the mountain road (it was paved in the 1940s) in one of our Chevrolet station wagons. (I'm proud to say we've been a station wagon family for generations). </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The area is magnificently beautiful and is great for camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking. I have so much love for that protected woodland and the memories and experiences I have within the Adirondacks. </span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-86105741202424490662013-11-06T14:15:00.000-05:002013-11-10T16:03:03.321-05:00Halloween 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This year for Halloween I was determined to do something, even if it was small, after work to celebrate the holiday. No one I knew was hosting any sort of Halloween party and some of our friends weren't even going to be home, which led to the decision of hosting my own small party with Gregory in our quaint apartment. <br /><br /> I celebrated Halloween dressing up a child and going trick-or-treating for candy until about adolescence. The toilet papering and shaving creaming friends (who would return the favor to you) came next, as well as dressing up for Halloween parties. More dressing up, then drinking was introduced. My current young-adult years have been consisting of working on the holiday and scrambling to do something to appreciate the one day where playing dress-up is socially accepted. A lot of the girls I would dress up with and plan these things have moved elsewhere and life has just become a little more hectic with bills and living expenses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The first photo shown above is the Halloween inspired backdrop I created with a roll of brown craft paper and paint</span>. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I figured it was cheaper than buying something premade and I was really proud of it when it was finished. Next are Jeff, Greg's brother-in-law, as an awesome homemade pirate and his sister, Lara, as a spirit in a creepy mask. Greg is slicing up</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">hot meatloaf as Dave Mustane, and I'm a DIY Velma from Scooby-Doo (yes, my hair is getting quite long).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The party was a little splash of fun amongst the mundane, even if it was a little low-key party of four that night. We served homemade warm spinach dip with baguette slices and tortilla chips, a cheese platter consisting of: Dubliner, goat, and Swiss cheese, crackers, Mediterranean olive spread, homemade meatloaf (Greg made this spontaneously the day of and I think this has become a new Halloween tradition), as well as some store bought Halloween candy. Greg's sister Lara and brother-in-law Jeff (pictured above) brought homemade stuffed mushrooms, oatmeal cookies, and sliced apples with pumpkin dip. We also made up some mulled cider, a pitcher of <u style="background-color: #ffe599;"><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/easy-halloween-159545" target="_blank">El Diablo</a></u> (from thekitchn.com), and served some beer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm really content with how the night went and everyone's costumes. It was a quaint night of yummy hors d'oeuvres and good company in costume. We listened to Pandora on the "David Bowie" station over John Carpenter's:<span style="background-color: #ffe599;"> <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082495/?ref_=nv_sr_2" target="_blank"><u>Halloween II</u></a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085636/?ref_=nv_sr_3" target="_blank">III</a></span>. I hope your Halloween night went just as well, whether it was shared with others or in the comfort of your own dwelling.</span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-767833084432633782013-11-05T19:33:00.000-05:002013-11-05T19:37:02.130-05:00Where did October go?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Photo taken using A Beautiful Mess' iPhone app (using Greg's phone)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">October flew right by! Thankfully I can say I enjoyed it from start to finish. As you can see I hardly blogged on here at all during last month and wanted to share a little of what kept me busy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Greg and I went camping with my mom and dad in the Adirondacks. I made homemade butternut squash soup twice and roasted the seeds. I went to a cool exhibition as a part of Project-U Arts in Utica, New York. Donated my small illustration, "<u><a href="http://livingthecreative.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-illustration-soup-loving-mouse.html" target="_blank">Soup Loving Mouse</a></u>" to a local non-profit gallery, <u><a href="http://artragegallery.org/" target="_blank">ArtRage: The Norton Putter Gallery</a></u>, for a cheap art auction. Created a new illustration for a call for art, applied (and declined) from a local exhibition. Baked up some apple crisp and had a little Halloween party. <i>Whew!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How was your October? Did you make the most of the mid-autumn? I hope you're doing a lof cooking/baking of tasty and comforting autumn dishes as well! Squashes are still in season!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've signed up for the <u><a href="http://www.galleryofmo.com/donate" target="_blank">Gallery of Mo</a></u> creating mo'traits (self portraits with mustaches) to help raise funds to fight prostate cancer. Click <u><a href="http://www.galleryofmo.com/artists/caroline-locatelli" target="_blank">here</a></u> to visit my profile. That will most likely be occupying my drawing, as well as some good late-autumn cooking. I still have two butternut squash, an acorn squash, and some pumpkins to cook up!</span><br />
<br />Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-70819131089367426352013-10-06T12:55:00.003-04:002013-10-06T12:58:20.491-04:00Homestyle Cooking: Fresh Butternut Squash Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the autumn in central/upstate New York. I love making and eating soup. I love buying produce from local farms and farmer's markets (when I am able to). With all this love around, a homemade squash soup was bound to manifest sometime or other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A couple days ago I made a batch of homemade butternut squash soup from a butternut squash purchased at Bellinger's Orchard, local/regional farm (close to my hometown) in Fultonville, New York. My mom, sister, and I try to make it a tradition to go apple picking once a year at this orchard, despite the fact we all live in different parts of New York State at the moment with college and work. It's a pretty large orchard with a pick-your-own-apples (whatever the variety) and a pumpkin patch. `</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">It's very much in the middle of country fields and farms, but it has grown quite dear to our hearts. They also have a small general store in one of their barns when they make fresh apple cider doughnuts, sell jams, jellies, honey, produce, and other yummy foodie things like maple syrup and local cheeses. Each year I go with my family, I bring back an armful of various squashes to bring back to Syracuse to cook up in the fall and winter. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">I thoroughly enjoy a hot bowl of squash soup every autumn and look forward to it with late summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The recipe for this soup comes from </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soup-Day-Williams-Sonoma-Recipes-Every/dp/1616281677" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Williams-Sonoma's book, <u>Soup of the Day: 365 Recipes for Ever Day of the Year</u></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. Yes, I really love soup so much that I asked for this book last Christmas. Whether you're as much of a soup fanatic as I am or not, this book is really great for choosing soups with vegetables and ingredients that are in season; which is a great plus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 butternut squash (peeled and diced in medium-sized cubes)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 onion (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 cloves of garlic* (minced)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 cups vegetable of chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon dried (or fresh) thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">about 4 fresh sage leaves (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper for taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with either waxed or parchment paper. Toss cubed squash in a large bowl with extra virgin olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Place on lined baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes (or until you can easily stick a fork through the squash).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Melt unsalted buter in a large pot and add the onion. Let the onion cook for a couple minutes, and then add the garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent, but before garlic browns. Add the roasted squash and broth of choice in large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">Remove the soup from heat to allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. Puree the soup (in batches) with an electric blender or purree soup in pot with a hand-held immersion blender. (Personally I love my immersion blender for soups like this-it make things so much easier!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: left;">Now your soup is ready for a fresh lunch or supper! Feel free to add a little half-half or milk into your bowl or even add some toppings to your homemade soup like French-fried onion pieces, croutons, or parmesan cheese. I feel like a little crumbled goat or feta cheese would also pair nicely.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">**Note: I really love garlic and will add more than specified in recipes. If you don't feel the same way concerning this aromatic friend, please feel free to cut down the amount you use in your soup. </span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-67146016682784599662013-09-24T21:44:00.002-04:002013-09-24T21:54:14.341-04:00Mural Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">[detail of] Untitled mural (pink hair) 2013.<br />Acrylic and latex paint on plywood. 4 x 8'</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">I've had a busy stretch of days starting on Friday September 13th 2013 (my last blog post) involving a lot of driving with my car (and it's loud exhaust) as well as the death of a close and dear family member. I've been home to be with family for a good chunk of days and have otherwise been entangled in life's responsibilities. My busyness will continue to keep up the consistency until the weekend with an early trip back to Buffalo, New York to pick up "<u><a href="http://www.driptique.com/#!portfolio/photostackergallery4=3" target="_blank">La Petite Gateau</a></u>" from <u><a href="http://www.464gallery.com/" target="_blank">464 Gallery</a></u>, a 4-hour managers meeting at work, and a long closing shift, but I'll make it through it. Luckily, I'll be able to enjoy a small holiday to Delaware with Gregory, his sister, and brother-in-law to a brewery tour and then stress over the 10K run I signed up for. Eeek!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">The photographs above were taken at the <u><a href="http://uticamusicandartsfest.net/greens-fest-art-space/" target="_blank">I <3 Utica Music and Arts Fest/Greensfest</a></u> on Saturday September 14th 2013. Overall, it was fantastic day of creating art publicly (<b>a very new</b> thing for me), talking with other artists, meeting new people, and being a part of community festival. I painted alongside another amazing artist in the art collective, Project U Arts, for about 7 straight hours (with the exception to use the indoor plumbing, get water, wash brushes, or clean paint off of myself). </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">It was truly a great experience. </b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">I was stressing over what to paint for a couple days, because of the large size of plywood I would be painting on. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">The content wasn't anything new...I do love drawing ladies with detailed </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">coiffures, but the scale certainly was! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Between you and me, I really sort of just went with things and simply just started painting. If I had more time to dedicate to the mural, or the space to house it, I would have enjoyed adding layer and layers of more detail. Also, though the photos may not depict it, the plywood was not all smooth to paint over which added more time to it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Unfortunately the murals were only up during the time of the festival at Mohawk Valley Community College from about 10-6pm. They are currently nestled safely in storage at an artist residency called Sculpture Space also in Utica, New York for the time being. I've also donated my mural to a skatepark in Canastota, New York, because of it's size. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Maybe my mural will inspire a skater or bmx girl. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> I thoroughly enjoyed the community experience of all while doing something I absolutely enjoy doing; creating art. I'm very pleased with my completed mural and look forward to being able to work and paint at that scale again. </span></div>
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</span></span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-87036051977887844552013-09-13T18:07:00.000-04:002013-09-24T21:50:07.550-04:00Limits<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today I loaded up my car with my three selected framed illustrations ("<a href="http://www.driptique.com/#!portfolio/photostackergallery4=22">Tangerine Dream</a>", " "<a href="http://www.driptique.com/#!portfolio/photostackergallery4=21">keeper.</a>", and <a href="http://www.driptique.com/#!portfolio/photostackergallery4=14">Untitled (Muse)</a>) to drop off for the small pop-up show @ Hotel Utica as a part of Project-U Arts, Greg's GPS (because last time I drove there I got lost twice and had to ask for directions), and a road sandwich (to eat after my shift and on the drive to Utica, NY). </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I went to work at my part-time (very nearly full-time) retail job, unloaded the second merchandise shipment of the week (yes, I physically unload stock for the company I work for as well as manage my staff and help make sales). Scrambled to "package" my frames a little better by creating make-shift bubble wrap pouches and then headed on the the thruway to deliver my work and help with any needed maintenance and assistance for tomorrow's mural paintings @ MVCC for the <a href="http://uticamusicandartsfest.net/" target="_blank">I <3 Utica Music & Arts Fest/Greensfest</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I managed to drop off my bubble wrapped protected work successfully, but without remembering to include some business cards with it, and hopped back on the road to head to MVCC. I found the actual campus of Mohawk Valley Community College fine, however trying to find where other members of Project-U Arts would be on campus was a different story. I ended up circling the whole campus twice, looking around for any signs of a group with large pieces of plywood, all while my car is attracting the attention of any surrounding students with its loud exhaust.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Finally I decided to park my car and just walk around the campus until I could locate an information building or someone to ask for directions. Thankfully I noticed large tents and also </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">large pieces of plywood in the middle of campus and new I was on the right path. Now, the campus center (or "quad" as we referred to it @ Cazenovia College) was not visible from any parking lot or road on campus that I was aimlessly driving around. In the end I found the people I was looking for and they were all set with help in both areas. I had 4 hours until the start of the exhibition tonight and no formal clothes with me, and no knowledge of Utica whatsoever. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I decided to drive back to Syracuse and make the drive back again to Utica tonight to show my support for the art collective, meet new faces, and familiarize myself with other artists at the exhibition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">At this point while I'm driving on the thruway, barely going above 65 (max 70mph) out of sheer noise volume of my exhaust, I contemplated the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"Should I really go to this exhibition tonight or should I stay home?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">"Will my car make it to Utica and back tonight and tomorrow?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Will my exhaust fall off?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"How much longer can I drive before I HAVE to get it fixed?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Will my car be able to all this silly driving to Utica and Syracuse, then to Buffalo and back next week?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Can I afford to ultimately fix this?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I am going to need to get my exhaust repaired in my car very soon....like in a couple weeks soon. It's the loudest I've ever heard it and as my Mercury Grand Marquis came to me being already used, I really have no clue how old the exhaust actually is. After all my inner turmoil </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I decided it was best to not go to the exhibition tonight and save the driving for tomorrow's festivites and mural painting.</b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> I've been working hard and badgering friends and co-workers for free old house paint to complete this mural project tomorrow, and I really can't say "no" to that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">With that said, I need to go work on sketches for a design to paint on a giant 4 x 8' piece of plywood set upright for the </span><a href="http://uticamusicandartsfest.net/greens-fest-art-space/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I <3 Utica Music & Arts Festival/Greensfest</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-align: justify;">. This in itself is a brand new adventure and a brand new medium and challenge I've put myself up against. Sometimes I put too much of a workload on myself and sometimes I think I don't do enough. I'm 25 years old and I'm still trying to find my own limitations as a person through all my endeavors, passions, and good intentions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-Caroline</span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-67592884533975365192013-09-12T21:51:00.002-04:002013-09-13T16:59:02.895-04:00To sell or not to sell?<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week I've been blessed artistically with opportunities of both exhibition of my work as well the potential sale of work. I have one illustration that I just drove west to Buffalo to be included in a short exhibition at the quaint <a href="http://www.464gallery.com/" target="_blank">464 Gallery</a>. Moments ago I was just mulling over what other illustrations to select for a pop-up exhibition in the lobby of the Hotel Utica in Utica, New York as part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/projectutica" target="_blank">Project U</a> (this neat art collective I recently joined based out of, yes, Utica...lol). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Once decided, I hopped on my computer to look over the information, as well as any new information added to the online group, and started feeling that lump in my throat when the word "sale" appears. I've kind of sold some artwork in the past, which includes: a handful of recycled brown coffee cozies with little illustrations on them; and two illustrative painting (acrylic with marker added for detail) donated to a silent art auction and then bought by a very good friend and photographer, Shanna B. In reality, I haven't sold a framed illustration "officially" as of yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Honestly, the thought of losing a piece scares me a little. Ultimately I want to have prints made of all my pieces, so that I can at least have a physical copy of the original. I want to be able to exhibit prints to sell without the worry of the heavy sense of loss. I haven't found the right printing shop yet, or the right amount funds to set aside and do so, but it is on the horizon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It all may sound silly, I being the ring-leader, but until I can have prints successfully made, I feel I'll be attached to the originals I show. I just feel that I work so hard to think of and physically create a piece that when I actually do sell it, it will be well worth my hard work and effort...hopefully. Maybe I'm holding myself back or maybe I'm doing what I need to do for the moment....or until I figure things out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Caroline</span>Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-13802863599427873772013-09-12T09:22:00.000-04:002013-09-13T18:23:19.192-04:00The long drive to Buffalo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPV2cqC0O4Z1-_rs44VZTQCasD11E5suWcvx3mbO9HZWQp8Uv1tTPyx07knLEmkGC7_Jc7Dkye5WClg6SPBuohy2NgBvHvPuJaIm0YHMYTilU7hdcNuqh5LInHrxTd9dmQefDlj6dedQ/s1600/Untitled+(cupcake)+completed+(watermarked).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPV2cqC0O4Z1-_rs44VZTQCasD11E5suWcvx3mbO9HZWQp8Uv1tTPyx07knLEmkGC7_Jc7Dkye5WClg6SPBuohy2NgBvHvPuJaIm0YHMYTilU7hdcNuqh5LInHrxTd9dmQefDlj6dedQ/s640/Untitled+(cupcake)+completed+(watermarked).JPG" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">"La Petite Gateau" 2010-2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday I made the 2 1/2 hour drive (one way that is) to Buffalo, New York with this illustration framed and wrapped next to me on the passenger seat. I dropped it off yesterday afternoon at 464 Gallery for the 2nd Annual Vision Art Awards (same competition as Online People's Choice Awards. Basically anyone can vote online for your work or anyone else's anonymously and then the votes are tallied and voted again by a couple curators or art professors (most likely volunteering) for the actual show.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Out of the three illustrations I posted about last, this one seemed to be the best-liked by the judges at 464 Gallery (although the Grecian-looking girl holding absinthe had the most "likes" via Facebook) and <b>won "Honorable Mention" for the show</b>. Though I am a little disappointed that my illustrations didn't win a solo-exhibition in this small gallery, I am very grateful for the chance to have my work in the show and be recognized none the less. It's another show to put on my resume and it's a new city that will get to see a sample of work! Win-win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a little scramble to get this illustration in a proper frame and have everything be perfect. I ended up taking the actual illustration in and out of the frame at least five times, because every time I'd put it in, set things evenly, close the backings on the frame and turn it over there'd be some sort of fuzzy, speck of dust, or something trapped between the inside of the glass and the illustration itself! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The last exhibition I applied to, Greg and I were in the backseat of my Mercury Grand Marquis busily trying to put the selected illustration and matting in the frame before dropping off the piece to the designated gallery. There's always some sort of frantics and frustration trying to put everything together as fast as you can, to drive to piece over to the gallery all before the deadline. Oi! I know I'll laugh about all these stories down the road at least!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've got a bust weeked ahead of me and a lot of artistic opportunities coming my way! I'll try and keep this blog posted with more of what has been going on. Cheers!</span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-22355570489108966582013-08-26T19:40:00.002-04:002013-08-26T19:40:47.375-04:00I need your help & votes!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bfBaLt16zZWUgz9Ih897D_F0j5uHg_1jP7gB9FR8mNg6QHcIYHJ_6PFDhYEPrFNtiUBKjjVhZrWXlJ1QMJVTMplwIXg9HqJ1KDd_aGI1u2wwIG8OgoShyphenhyphenDmB8trEvzieBrAVReOF8BQ/s1600/Project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bfBaLt16zZWUgz9Ih897D_F0j5uHg_1jP7gB9FR8mNg6QHcIYHJ_6PFDhYEPrFNtiUBKjjVhZrWXlJ1QMJVTMplwIXg9HqJ1KDd_aGI1u2wwIG8OgoShyphenhyphenDmB8trEvzieBrAVReOF8BQ/s640/Project1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I recently was accepted to a call for art at 464 Gallery in Buffalo, New York, United States. <b> </b></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>464 Gallery's Online People's Choice Awards</b> is an online competition through Facebook where the work of accepted artists is anonomously grouped in a gallery and subject to viewers "likes." The artist who's work receives the most Facebook "likes" wins a free 2-week solo exhibition at 464 Gallery in Buffalo along with some other neat things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I really want to win the free 2-week solo exhibition!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've submited three different illustrations (shown above) and am now at the mercy of whomever votes and "likes" my work. I'm asking all of you who look, scroll, read, follow, or just randomly browse my blog to "like" my work in this competition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Voting runs from August 23rd-September 6th @ midnight. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I need all the artsy support I can get!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">How to vote/"like" on Facebook:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Log on to www.facebook.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. search for <u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/464Gallery" target="_blank">464 Gallery</a></u> (Buffalo, NY)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. hit "like" on the 464 Gallery page</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4. scroll down to the photo gallery labeled,"Vision Art Awards 2013"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5. hit "like" on my illustrations (the ones shown above)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Thank you</b> for helping to support both myself and my art! I am truly hoping for a great positive experience through this competition and have strong confidence in my art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I genuinely appreciate the support! </span></div>
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Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-87873122489546797422013-08-25T12:54:00.002-04:002013-08-25T12:54:36.922-04:00New Illustration: Melt<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtsEyp9CAiK7IIVsEiZIXBhwjQ2D_bV6IA1fhTUJi-rgi-aNZkTF2pGIFGJDgUUOH45sNKujAMK_b35re6RfE8nyI2ifQYqTesLE6IclZ1o2iV5V0DSbk5iUvfMg234UlRSuTc6Oxyaw/s1600/Melt+(watermarked).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtsEyp9CAiK7IIVsEiZIXBhwjQ2D_bV6IA1fhTUJi-rgi-aNZkTF2pGIFGJDgUUOH45sNKujAMK_b35re6RfE8nyI2ifQYqTesLE6IclZ1o2iV5V0DSbk5iUvfMg234UlRSuTc6Oxyaw/s640/Melt+(watermarked).jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Melt." 2013<br />Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. 5 x 7"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Started this about a week ago, but once again coloring the piece halted my progress for a bit. I'll honestly say I can be slow when it comes to coloring an illustration trying to carefully choose each color and making sure it compliments the next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Each individual illustration I create is hand-drawn and hand-colored. Hence, making the decision of what colors to use and the physical application of a color very important. Whatever mistakes or accidental marks I make, espeically if it's near completion, are permanent. When it does happen I have to adapt that mark into the piece or try and mask it to the best of my ability. Sometimes it isn't too bad while other times it can throw a wrench into everthing. These smaller illustrations I've been creating lately have just been for fun making them almost stress-free and silly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love the combination of black raspberry ice-cream with chocolate sprinkles in a cone (my favorite being a big waffle cone). It's delicious, iconic, and a delightful memory of getting ice-cream throughout my childhood. I can still remember the first time my elementary school friend Desiree's mother introduced this combination while getting ice-cream at the local Stewart's (a gas station convenient store with an awesome ice-cream shop inside). I've been loving it ever since. </span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-60744997829010559122013-08-01T13:49:00.002-04:002013-08-01T13:54:01.946-04:00New Illustration: Soup Loving Mouse<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslpUR1IJInzNt2zQdmCttrnbug5N3kpWoE5FLEeCBUNKF5c9inv_DbTPwNPjiLPkKiniTU-f42jqYcI9JDtY5FKI1DhGvdMCYiFnnM-AqhdVOowWtzOTDpX5oTpFOlXBC10IzVcbR5lc/s1600/Soup+loving+Mouse+(watermarked).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslpUR1IJInzNt2zQdmCttrnbug5N3kpWoE5FLEeCBUNKF5c9inv_DbTPwNPjiLPkKiniTU-f42jqYcI9JDtY5FKI1DhGvdMCYiFnnM-AqhdVOowWtzOTDpX5oTpFOlXBC10IzVcbR5lc/s640/Soup+loving+Mouse+(watermarked).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Soup Loving Mouse." 2013.<br />Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. 5 x 7"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fresh from its completion is a new postcard-sized illustration! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> I started this couple days ago while watching some favorite family films of mine. Yes, I love watching children/family films especially if they're animated well. And yes, I am guilty of watching them over and over (or as background when I'm drawing). This little guy was specifically inspired by Pixar's <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CFMQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixar.com%2Ffeatures_films%2FRATATOUILLE&ei=Jp76UaGHBbTD4AO4s4HICA&usg=AFQjCNGjf5kuylZVYiGJwfzFbWUigbqlIg&sig2=1aokpcjXkDgGlORzq6c-2Q&bvm=bv.50165853,d.dmg" target="_blank"><u>Ratatouille</u></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Ratatouille is one of my favorite Pixar movies from it's content (cooking), to it's animation style, voice actors, and ultimate feel of the film. It gives me a warm cozy feeling watching it. The first dish Remi, the rat, helps with in the Parisian restaurant is a soup (specific kind unknown to the audience). I, too, have quite the fondness for the comfort that both making and easting soup entails...so I created this little piece. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who doesn't get all warm inside with anticipation of a hot mug of homemade soup? </span></div>
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Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-4157210446221470072013-07-29T12:04:00.003-04:002013-07-29T15:35:07.946-04:00New Illustration: Eye Flowers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXLx1ba3auXVjmtmxKSi7gXaNb8I_4y1kvof0cdsJQ5LEE4C7RxNJJtvfZOIdvUZKhBYlx5AOOyweSXthlP0MsmXAtjuZGLZ7Qz7pdjB36flJc7SplaC1c3Hv3ga_ck7paaR_3u8wLhM/s1600/eye+flowers+(watermarked).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXLx1ba3auXVjmtmxKSi7gXaNb8I_4y1kvof0cdsJQ5LEE4C7RxNJJtvfZOIdvUZKhBYlx5AOOyweSXthlP0MsmXAtjuZGLZ7Qz7pdjB36flJc7SplaC1c3Hv3ga_ck7paaR_3u8wLhM/s640/eye+flowers+(watermarked).jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Eye Flowers." 2013</span>.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. 5 x 7"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm still working on the last major illustration, "Frisco," and the last I've updated on this blog. The inking is almost finished, though I've been taking my sweet time to add color to it. As silly as it may sound, sometimes it's intimidating to add color to a piece, at least for me. Most of the time if you start adding a specific color to an area of the piece - you're stuck with it. There are exceptions where I can add a darker color over a lighter one changing the feel of an illustration. I was able to do that with "La Petite Gateau," between the <a href="http://livingthecreative.blogspot.com/2013/06/untitled-illustration-from-past.html" target="_blank"><u>original</u></a> to the <a href="http://livingthecreative.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-illustration-la-petite-gateau.html" target="_blank"><u>completed</u></a>, layering deco blue over the original mint/tea green in the background. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I drew and colored the piece above, "Eye Flowers," as an attempt to create a quick piece with the same passion and detail as a larger illustration. This postcard sized illustration is a trial to see how I like creating smaller works. My goal is create more spontaneous works like this that don't take days to complete (I am a slow, detailed orientated artist when it comes to inking/coloring). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Like a good amount of my work, this was spontaneous and fanciful! <br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Someday in the future I will have prints to sell of my work (my goal is by the end of 2013). I really, really want to sell my prints online (when I have prints made). More importantly, I want to share my work with friends and those around me who support and motivate my work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've started to look around locally for pricing, and most important test samples of my work printed. I know it's going to be harder than I realize to find the perfect print + paper that best mimics the colors and mediums I use. </span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-10500928353695453202013-07-15T10:45:00.002-04:002013-07-15T18:39:39.442-04:00Homestyle cooking: Broccoli and feta pasta salad with olives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Summer is the time for salads!</b> I feel as though I could live on just soup, sandwiches (including paninis), and salads (including various pasta/vegetable/greens) and be content. Light, fresh, and creatively using vegetables....love all around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I made this dish Saturday evening to share during a quaint summer get-together with a former co-worker friend and her husband. It paired nicely with our grilled turkey burgers topped with cheese, fresh tomato, and fresh avocado. This salad was also mighty delicious the morning after when the oils have soaked in a little more as well. What can I say, I love leftovers the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Cooking has so much creative freedom and exploration to it, that I<i> love</i>. Plus, I find it rewarding to eat what you've worked for in the kitchen. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This broccoli and feta pasta salad recipe is slightly adapted from one of my favorite food sites,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><u><a href="http://thekitchn.com/">thekitchn.com</a></u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and can be specifically located </span><u><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-broccoli-feta-pasta-salad-22620" target="_blank">here</a></u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Broccoli and Feta Pasta Salad</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(slightly adapted from thekitchn.com)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 lb. tri-color pasta</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 medium head of broccoli (broken up into small-medium florets)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5-6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slice and rinse fresh broccoli. Heat a large pot of water to boiling. Cook pasta according to directions on pasta box. Drain and return to large bowl and toss with olive oil until coated. If you have a pot for steaming broccoli, fill medium pot covering the bottom with 1-2 inches of water. Place broccoli in top steaming pot over the boiling water and cover. Check the broccoli periodically with a fork every 2-3 minutes for doneness. When the fork pierces the broccoli easily, but not mushy, drain broccoli and mix with pasta. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you don't have a steamer, simply sautee the broccoli in a little olive oil in a pan on low-medium until done. Slice up kalamata olives and mix with broccoli salad mixture. Add the rest of ingredients and mix. Salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit in refrigerator for an hour or two to cool or overnight. Last, but not least taste your summer creation and <i>relax!</i> </span></div>
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Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-86420899925432725572013-07-14T13:03:00.002-04:002013-07-14T13:20:57.481-04:00[Still] In Progress: Illustration (Frisco) <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSfZDBly1T4RoZqObq_eJJq2-nZjnq3ddGGf9HMnCA4PHlrsVtFdeISVGsiN6EN0ZsoputY5OZqzC50weETk5CAheh4uOKRalQvE6NNu4mfW3AFk2xamCr9DRN1uaAsih67EdDVplf_c/s1600/Frisco+(in+progress)+again+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSfZDBly1T4RoZqObq_eJJq2-nZjnq3ddGGf9HMnCA4PHlrsVtFdeISVGsiN6EN0ZsoputY5OZqzC50weETk5CAheh4uOKRalQvE6NNu4mfW3AFk2xamCr9DRN1uaAsih67EdDVplf_c/s640/Frisco+(in+progress)+again+watermarked.JPG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Frisco" (still in progress). Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. <br />11 x 14"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Another in-progress shot of the illustration I've been working on most recently. I've been adding a little more work here and there and then leaving it to rest for a day or two. Weird cycle, I know, but we're all a little odd here. I was actually quite antsy to start coloring it and have just begin adding layers of markers to blend her skin tone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thoroughly enjoy experimenting with layering various colors</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> of the Prismacolor markers as well as creating small color samples to see what colors I wish to use and mix. Markers aren't just for children in my mind and I have no qualm that they've become my favorite medium. I'm not quite sure what I'll do for the background just yet. For some reason, I keep thinking of putting strawberries; like a wallpaper. Maybe I just have berry picking on the brain. </span></span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-84244180779647878112013-07-08T14:11:00.000-04:002013-07-08T14:15:49.791-04:00Old art found<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLBzLG503l8KGktEPHElEdnzVfuh28IX2xXd_GnYeTzZUPSYbeYv3EqN3m0Wwc4gfhilZdqa8VEHOG6GNHlnM9TSGQQ23kEnmo67rEb8lh7RZeGC28dT422r3cXJKH1CChqj5DshxGxA/s1600/Untitled+(long+hair)watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLBzLG503l8KGktEPHElEdnzVfuh28IX2xXd_GnYeTzZUPSYbeYv3EqN3m0Wwc4gfhilZdqa8VEHOG6GNHlnM9TSGQQ23kEnmo67rEb8lh7RZeGC28dT422r3cXJKH1CChqj5DshxGxA/s640/Untitled+(long+hair)watermarked.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Untitled (long hair). 2011. 4 x 6"</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday, I went through a wooden crate of filled with sketchbooks dating between 2006-2012 for some inspiration and insight. I was shocked to find so many old drawings and finished illustrations still attached to the original sketchbook they were created in. I recognized most and have them scanned and saved on my computer, but had forgotten where I had physically left them last. Then, there were some I had honestly forgotten I had drawn or half-started. All in all, it was an uplifting experience to be inspired by one's own past work and become reacquainted with it again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">These newly discovered drawings (some half-finished) have since been scanned and added to my website. Above is a peek of what has been newly added to <a href="http://www.driptique.com/" target="_blank"><u>Driptique</u></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Check out the latest additions!</span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-36702525617064412242013-07-06T20:00:00.003-04:002013-07-06T20:10:55.266-04:00In Progress: Illustration (Frisco)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHs6AK0Qj3HoUEYykwyEiUPJQxLjxDiHrc7MMYcURSH2Y4u31UEnIVZmzLEDPoVp-NP9t-yjVrJoX3rHzfDvV8re7Lml-xSx1HvNJ1LyB6RdBWv08aaGqjHxYlpHjHTk6bLSH-tcmbbM/s1600/Frisco+(in+progress)+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHs6AK0Qj3HoUEYykwyEiUPJQxLjxDiHrc7MMYcURSH2Y4u31UEnIVZmzLEDPoVp-NP9t-yjVrJoX3rHzfDvV8re7Lml-xSx1HvNJ1LyB6RdBWv08aaGqjHxYlpHjHTk6bLSH-tcmbbM/s640/Frisco+(in+progress)+watermarked.JPG" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Frisco" (in progress). Pencil and pigment liner on paper at the moment. <br />11 x 14"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The photo above is an in-progress snippet of the latest illustration that I've been working on. I wasn't sure how I felt at first, and felt she was a little dull in content; i.e. not having drips, fruit, or confectionery delights on her head. However, this afternoon's progress held my interest, and reaffirmed my faith in the direction of the piece, when I started inking her locks of hair and adding detail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've set the illustration on the coffee table, in the living room I share with Greg, to look at the progress thus far and let it settle. I couldn't help but think of the song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bch1_Ep5M1s" target="_blank">San Fransisco</a>" by Scott McKenzie while looking it over. "...For those who come to San Fransisco/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..." I do enjoy the flowers, though they were sort of a last ditch effort to put "something in her hair" once I started inking the strands. It still has a long way to go and holds much room for potential. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Keep you posted! </span></div>
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Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-26798893702054284672013-07-01T11:53:00.004-04:002013-07-01T11:55:13.645-04:00Sketchbook look: Girl with black earring<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzSM1qE8aEfv2fGDLr_RxIxGmJuNBPi1Qeiid5trJ-YnhAmsbfN7DeyZQKSNwfIVjSpwy1MAE2fVOZNOf0Fn4nlyARJWRaAKvGJPlqgV5rKm6DyUqAuwpXvjfd_9cJK1lsF-EORfOZcw/s1269/untitled+girl+(watermarked).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzSM1qE8aEfv2fGDLr_RxIxGmJuNBPi1Qeiid5trJ-YnhAmsbfN7DeyZQKSNwfIVjSpwy1MAE2fVOZNOf0Fn4nlyARJWRaAKvGJPlqgV5rKm6DyUqAuwpXvjfd_9cJK1lsF-EORfOZcw/s640/untitled+girl+(watermarked).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Untitled (girl with black earring). 2013.<br />Pigment liner on paper. 6 x 8"</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> This is a scanned doodle from my 6 x 8" sketchbook that I finished a little bit ago. No real direction, but I did try and style the eyes a little differently. Maybe a bit more realistic (as far as illustration goes...)? It's the first of July and the first of a new month. Cheers to a month commencing with new found motivation, new goals, and a more creativity! </span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-87018268404836665552013-06-29T19:26:00.002-04:002013-07-08T14:12:48.648-04:00New Illustration: La Petite Gateau<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDSZlTgGwh5GDMRyiSG77mmTuvcUZThLSXuC_O2Si-wwaJ_lidphYWb7Hr2GcrGOBrQo72eBF7k4HdFJZ3Uj3qgkCBNsonqJJ89cqNqA_CAhaqpA3DlQyQ4E_veIHHLgeK9dAz3emWhA/s1600/Untitled+(cupcake)+completed+(watermarked).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDSZlTgGwh5GDMRyiSG77mmTuvcUZThLSXuC_O2Si-wwaJ_lidphYWb7Hr2GcrGOBrQo72eBF7k4HdFJZ3Uj3qgkCBNsonqJJ89cqNqA_CAhaqpA3DlQyQ4E_veIHHLgeK9dAz3emWhA/s640/Untitled+(cupcake)+completed+(watermarked).JPG" width="526" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"La Petite Gateau" 2010-2013.<br />
Prismacolor marker and pigment liner on paper. 14 x 17"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am SO EXCITED that I finished this piece after work a couple of hours ago. Over the course of five days, I transformed the illustration in the post below; coloring over the original background color, inking lines over again as well as creating new ones for more detail. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The background is a layer of avocado green with a layer of deco blue (my favorite). I'm not the greatest in photographing my work (I need one of my college photo-friends to re-shoot my portfolio), but I try my best at digitally documenting my work with the tools I have.<br /><br />I'm personally really pleased with the progress I was able to make to the illustration, which has now been updated to my website, <a href="http://www.driptique.com/" target="_blank"><u>Driptique</u></a>.. I'm really trying to ride this creative wave and maintain positive energy with what I've been making in the remaining part of June. Sometimes my creativity, is an arid well of inactivity and frustration fueled by self-criticism, personal expectations, and the tolls of working in retail, and sometimes it's a consistent stream of inspiration, focus, good energy, and good work. I'm beginning to make the most out of <i>my</i> summer artistically. <br /> </span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-28806903902594224312013-06-28T20:00:00.001-04:002013-07-01T11:55:52.334-04:00Untitled illustration from the past<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwFWIcdZmupLHd1AMa_ouX6Hx7YNKvX8b9kifwltVy2g8GAy6jJyATgsUkWf0ZMAlZ5XfYrgIuQwc5AUvU47WEYtko6ydj-P1WnuRcYpir8j5Pyw9nvaXeo_hGgvEvZICzNB7SkIcJxA/s1600/Untitled+(cupcake)+watermarked.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwFWIcdZmupLHd1AMa_ouX6Hx7YNKvX8b9kifwltVy2g8GAy6jJyATgsUkWf0ZMAlZ5XfYrgIuQwc5AUvU47WEYtko6ydj-P1WnuRcYpir8j5Pyw9nvaXeo_hGgvEvZICzNB7SkIcJxA/s640/Untitled+(cupcake)+watermarked.JPG" width="518" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Untitled (until completion). 2010-2013.</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I've mentioned in past posts, that sometimes I start a drawing or illustration and just leave it due to lack of inspiration, boredom, and/or a bust lifestyle/work. Rarely will I go back to them and sometimes I'll re-create them fresh with a new style; an expample of this is "Mademoiselle Spider" after the original was ruined. However, after looking through some older illustrations, unfinished drawings, old fashion drawings and sketches from college courses...I found this piece. I took this photograph yesterday morning to show how I left it sometime in 2010, so that I can show what I've added to it in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not finished with the progress of adding to a piece I started three years ago, but I can say that I'm really pleased with how it's turning out. I'll also state that I am a glutton for tedious effort put into my work; i.e. going over the same lines three times to get the right thickness and look. It's what I love to do, though the piece may not reflect all the time gone into it. Hopefully, tomorrow after work I'll be able to finish and photograph the before and after.</span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-16228287858316419652013-06-26T18:09:00.000-04:002013-07-01T11:56:11.861-04:00New Illustration: Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRcO8Anfcl4cICBYSREDn2Sfry2YOkyg8MPx9ic9RaFZdP0neASMsVRV2skBBhLG1Al8-w7kGi7I56hH6SV1DtiAhnf0APcpkjZmHk8cQ4pd65kkjZRMjYZCgNslNt5mKz7Dx-K1HBGI/s1600/chakras+(in+progress)+watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRcO8Anfcl4cICBYSREDn2Sfry2YOkyg8MPx9ic9RaFZdP0neASMsVRV2skBBhLG1Al8-w7kGi7I56hH6SV1DtiAhnf0APcpkjZmHk8cQ4pd65kkjZRMjYZCgNslNt5mKz7Dx-K1HBGI/s640/chakras+(in+progress)+watermarked.jpg" width="406" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Stars." 2013 (in progress)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe3X3wZvaofSs1Rjj1_jT3caoXxxhvd2yLfcHZHqLVMU-hvV2D8OExJl3y8j5sQHjUqFy7v2krks16VXxzoHoMKum8Nk1Gnom58pAJHt8hN-dy7tqYD80zu1WE-BT_2XQP2zRHjrPODM/s1600/chakras+3.+watermarkedjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKe3X3wZvaofSs1Rjj1_jT3caoXxxhvd2yLfcHZHqLVMU-hvV2D8OExJl3y8j5sQHjUqFy7v2krks16VXxzoHoMKum8Nk1Gnom58pAJHt8hN-dy7tqYD80zu1WE-BT_2XQP2zRHjrPODM/s640/chakras+3.+watermarkedjpg.jpg" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Stars." 2013.<br />Pigment liner on paper. 6 x 8"<br /> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This post would have been titled with "sketchbook look," however this particular illustration took up more time than I had originally anticipated. I started this yesterday in my small 6 x 8" sketchbook with small refresher breaks in between, which usually involved watching something found streaming on Netflix (lately it's been <a href="http://www.startrek.com/page/star-trek-deep-space-nine" target="_blank"><u>Star Trek: DS9</u></a>). <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I liked where the drawing was going and indulged with the lines of the hair. I've somehow drifted to drawing intricate coiffures or naturally unruly down styles of women's hair. I don't put too much effort into my own hair and like to let it be naturally curly/wavy. Of course, I've colored it, bleached it, cut it myself, as well as adorned different styles and accessories, like most women do. Hair just holds this great potential of personality with the various styles, colors, and cuts it can be transformed into. </span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3373356929417343058.post-8331136306850264912013-06-25T11:27:00.000-04:002013-06-25T14:10:01.729-04:00One pot painted, four more to go<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB6R_f9JwCWLQer3y6KjHJ8IL4pADdp2v1MwRot2yen9vqRImvpXU8czjhoVnN1ZujRSytf2ny1nBE5Wpef64btFOYXJy8U2KEko-9mgcOzNXMUSIBsFyw4kd5l9aG99OPnw5j4Y_ey8/s1600/yellow+scalloped+painted+pot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB6R_f9JwCWLQer3y6KjHJ8IL4pADdp2v1MwRot2yen9vqRImvpXU8czjhoVnN1ZujRSytf2ny1nBE5Wpef64btFOYXJy8U2KEko-9mgcOzNXMUSIBsFyw4kd5l9aG99OPnw5j4Y_ey8/s640/yellow+scalloped+painted+pot.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">photo taken on the ledge of the small balcony</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To give myself a simple creative push, and to rekindle my younger former craft days in after-school programs when I was in primary school, I wanted to paint some terracotta pot planters for the summer. I purchased about seven basic terracotta pots at Michael's craft store (any hardware or craft store will most likely sell them) and some bottles of cheery outdoor acrylic paint; choosing between a white, marigold yellow, salmon-pink, and a sky/light turquoise blue as my color palette. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's been a much slower process than I recall as a child, but I would only paint one pot at a time too. I really feel that it's worth the effort to bring a little individuality to my small container garden. I'm sure most of you can recall this simple craft and painting a pot at least once in your life to plant a marigold or other plant in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Small, simple crafts like this helps to awaken my artistic self-esteem, even if it's painting cheap clay pots with cheap acrylic paint. And of course, for those who know me well, I still end up with paint on myself and/or my clothes with each painting session. I secretly really like the paint marks and smudges I find on some of my clothes and/or hands/fingers/arms/legs; it makes me feel fantastically artsy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...And if you've been counting at home, yes, I did purchase seven pots and am only painting five. To give it to you straight, the last two are the largest of the seven and I'm getting a little bored with mini painting sessions and various drying times. I got a little lethargic and left the largest in their natural dried clay color for my cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to grow in. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, one solid color would have been easier to just do, but one solid color is just a little dull for my tastes, </span>when my artistic being screams, "put more detail into it! Rawr!"</span></div>
Caroline Locatellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10890787409505603818noreply@blogger.com0