DigThisArt by Paula Radl

Here Fishy, Fishy

2012-01-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

This is a funky little fish I drew on some colored textured paper with colored pencils and ink. I like to experiment with different papers to see what the results will be.

"Cold Weather Indicators"

2012-01-12T20:46:00.000-06:00

Since I live in Wisconsin we have temperature extremes and I am also a gardener. I have made an observance of a rhododendron plant in my garden. This rhododendron plant keeps it's leaves all year long. My husband and I can tell if it is really cold outside just by looking out our front window at this plant. When the weather is mild (above freezing ) the leaves on the plant are flat and spread out, but when it is very cold they curl up tightly and do not look very happy. Just thought this was interesting :)

Can You Say "Psykko"

2012-01-12T18:59:00.000-06:00

Ok, this piece is a little wild and off the wall. I had drawn it awhile ago and decided to color it in. I used watercolor pencils on watercolor paper then I wet the colored areas to blend the soluble pencils. I like it, it is fun and funky and a bit crazy. Can you see what stuff goes on in my head? I am never bored...

A New Pet Portrait

2012-01-12T18:44:00.000-06:00

I was commissioned to do a pet portrait for a cute Corgi mix dog. I love doing pet portraits as I am a big animal lover myself with many pets of my own throughout my life. This is the reference photo I was given and my version of what I see him to be. I started out by sketching in pencil and then black lined him with ink. I then used markers to color him in and finished with colored pencil to add depth and texture.

He is fun, colorful and whimsical with a wee bit of seriousness to him.

His name is "Charlie"

Happy New Year 2012!!

2012-01-12T18:28:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday season visiting with family and friends. At this time of year I have a little more down time to work on my art and various projects I didn't have time for in the busy months of the year when I am doing gardening. I have my own gardening business where I provide the service of being your own personal gardener and taking care of the plants and flowers throughout the spring, summer and fall. This keeps me very busy but I truly enjoy seeing the benefits of my labor when a customers garden/landscaping is providing so much beauty. I will try to add more pictures of my art and thrifty garden ideas as I make them, so stay tuned for more fun and inspiration.

This piece I had made for my 2011 Christmas card.

I used a piece of vintage sheet music and scanned it, then printed it in this purplish shade to look like night time. I then drew the picture and colored it with Prismacolor colored pencils. I call this piece "Silent Night" as the words of the Christmas song from the sheet music are visible through the drawing.

Vintage Cheese Grater Wind Chimes

2011-11-23T23:49:00.001-06:00

This is the before and after picture of what you can do with an old vintage cheese grater, silverware, beads (from old necklaces), buttons, bells and some wire (the copper wire was recycled from an old motor)
MAKE WIND CHIMES!!

Thrifty Solar Lamp

2011-11-23T23:26:00.000-06:00

This summer as I was going to some rummage sales and thrifty shopping I came across these old lamps and decided to make them into a solar lamp for on my deck. Here are some pictures of the process.

Funky Family Pendant

2011-11-23T23:14:00.001-06:00

I made these pendants for each member of my family. they are made from some copies of old family photos and are under glass. The wedding picture of my Mom and Dad on one side and then the picture of all us kids on the other. I soldered the edges and added a bead dangle.

THE WEEK AS ART - June 19-25, 2011

2011-06-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

I contributed to the Create Mixed Media website by making "THE WEEK AS ART" for June 19-25, I tried to be creative and use various ways to create the numbers of the week using collage, mixed media, drawing and assemblage.

It can be found at http://www.createmixedmedia.com/

LOVELY PENDANT

2011-05-21T18:04:00.000-05:00

I made this pendant and it is super cool! Made it from copper wire, beads with custom hand-made hammered bent medal. The beads spin and move freely on the copper wire. These can be custom made for you or as a gift.

The pendant I made is shown on the model to show how it would look wearing it.

"The Wanderer"

2011-05-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

This is a mixed media assemblage I made called "The Wanderer", I used a vintage frame which I decorated and made a collage from sheet music, maps and other ephemera. The wire lady I hand-made and added beads, beach glass and fibers. Her staff is made from a meat nut pick....where has she traveled in her lifetime and what new places will she seek?

TEACHING HOW TO MAKE AN ARTIST TRADING CARD (ATC)

2011-05-21T17:47:00.000-05:00

I taught a class at the University of Sheboygan,WI on, How to be Creative with collage by making Artist Trading Cards ( ATC'S), which are mini pieces of art the size of a playing card measuring 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". Here is a picture of the students with their completed pieces of art. Great Job Everyone!!!


Close-up of the ATC's the students made

More information on Artist Trading Cards and how to be creative and "think outside the box" in collage making.

COFFEE OR WINE??

2011-04-15T11:04:00.001-05:00

I've been experimenting with this new technique (new for me). I soak a 5 x 7 piece of watercolor paper overnight in either coffee or wine and then let it dry. I then ink in my drawing and color it with Prismacolor colored pencils....loving the results, fun, fun.

Would you like some WINE with your ART??? This piece measures 5 x 7, I soaked the paper in wine overnight and let it dry. then I drew this little owl and colored it with colored pencils.

For this Owl drawing, the paper was soaked in coffee overnight and then left to dry. It measures 5 x 7 and I colored it with colored pencils, I call it..."Regular or Decaf".

FOUND ON THE CURB

2011-03-09T12:35:00.000-06:00

I found this piece of Manitowoc, WI history on the curb out for garbage about three years ago. It is from 1949 and thought it was pretty interesting and too historical to be thrown away. It looks like it is an original pencil drawing by the builder/architect of the building, Sylvester Schmitt of Two Rivers WI and his quote or finished price of $41,141.00. It is also signed Anthony Wuchterl??(spelling) It was in the frame behind glass when I found it, so it is in very good condition. The picture itself without the frame measures approximately 19" x 25".

It was the sisters house for the St. Mary's Catholic Church Congregation under the Rev. John Landowski, Pastor. I believe now houses the Domestic Violence Center at 1127 S. 22nd. St. in Manitowoc.

Anyone have any more information about it they want to share??

THRIFTY GARDEN DECORATING IDEAS

2011-02-27T22:10:00.000-06:00

I gave a presentation this Saturday on implementing the four R's in your garden, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose You can make very interesting garden displays from the objects you find that are no longer wanted or may be broken and no longer serve their original purpose. Just be creative and give a new use to the things that may otherwise be discarded.

Why Be Thrifty and Recycle In Your Garden??

Well for one thing it is good for the environment and saves our natural resources. It keeps stuff out of the landfill. It saves you money. It makes for a good conversation starter. It gives you something creative to do. It is like a treasure hunt and is exciting when you come up with a new idea. It is enjoyable to look at and it is just plain fun!!

I like to use things in my garden that maybe someone was giving away or getting rid of because it was broken, or it no longer was serving its original purpose. I also like to go to rummage and estate sales and thrift or resale shops. You can get really creative if you “Think Outside the Box” and see if maybe you can use something for a different purpose than it was originally intended. There really is no right or wrong way for coming up with an idea because you can make your own rules and just have fun with it.
If you want to find out more ideas on how to use the 4 R's in your garden decorating, check out my album on my facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=16768&id=100000031762726&l=138ffabf3c

"The Journey Starts From Within" MIXED MEDIA / STEAM PUNK ASSEMBLAGE

2011-02-15T11:43:00.001-06:00

I have been working with found objects lately and it is quite fun and a challenge to figure out how to make it all come together. For this piece I used an antique bottle, watch parts, doll parts, sewing notions, and various hardware. Just take a look and see what bits of ephemera you can recognize. I call this piece "The Journey Starts from Within", as everyone in life has a journey and depending on the decisions you make in life your path can change with the blink of an eye.

LAKE MICHIGAN STONE - FUNKY LADY PENDANT # 2

2011-02-15T11:18:00.001-06:00

I so love making these Funky Lady pendants as they each have their own personality. This little lady has a passion for the beauty of nature, a tiny bird has stopped to rest and is nestled in her hand.

This is # 2 of my Funky Lady Lake Michigan art stone pendants, using hand-wrapped copper wire and beads on a cord with hammered copper wire closure.

Pendant on Mannequin shows length of cord.

VALENTINES DAY PENDANT

2011-02-15T10:57:00.002-06:00


This is a pendant I made from hand wrapped copper wire with beads on a cord with copper closure.

Heart shaped copper wire wrapped pendant with cord shown on mannequin to show length of cord.

"BLING" BUDDIES PORTRAIT

2011-02-09T12:16:00.001-06:00

I drew this portrait of a friend and her dog, I usually don't like to do portraits because they are a bit of a challenge for me, but I felt in the mood to try it...maybe the glass of Irish cream I was drinking made me a little braver :) I used Prismacolored pencil and it measures 8" x 10". Everyone needs a little BLING in their life!

MIXED MEDIA / STEAMPUNK ASSEMBLAGE

2011-02-09T11:48:00.000-06:00

This piece I call, "Quest for the Key to Unlock the Mysteries of Area 51" super fun one to make. It is a little bit Steampunk and Mixed Media. Just trying to figure out how to put it together so it is sturdy was a project in itself, it is quite heavy as the coffee can is filled with aquarium gravel. I have been starting to collect a stash of stuff to use in these type of projects. I tell my husband....oohh you can't throw that out I can use it in a mixed media! so now he is afraid to get rid of anything without asking me first. I like it when the materials are rusty and show years of wear...adds to its character and patina. I will try to keep the "junk collecting under control though.

Self-portait Collage

2011-02-09T11:33:00.000-06:00

I made this little collage about myself, it is called "Running Late" as some of you may know I have a tendency to be a little late at times. I included two pictures of myself when I was little kid. The one of me with my little angel hands was a black and white picture that I hand colored with the color of the dress as I remember it. I then put the collage in a vintage frame and decorated it.
Hey I am even late updating my blog...some things never change...

Lake Michigan Beach Stone - Funky Lady Pendant # 1

2011-02-09T11:26:00.001-06:00

Completed this funky lady pendant, made from a Lake Michigan beach stone,copper wire and some beads 1-21-2011. I had been beach combing for unique stones this past summer, I love how the waves and sand naturally smooth the stones and you can see all the colors. I spray the stone with a clear acrylic to bring out the colors.

Who Doesn't Enjoy COFFEE and ART!!

2011-02-09T11:10:00.000-06:00

This is a piece I did last night, it is done on a piece of watercolor paper that I stained with COFFEE! Then I drew the image with pigment ink, it measures 5" x 7". I like the aged effect the coffee gave to the paper...it even still smells like coffee!

I Am A Wizard of Whimsy

2011-01-18T23:08:00.000-06:00

My "Monkey Shine" drawing has won the "Wizard of Whimsy" award on the Web of Whimsy blog
A new whimsical piece of art is picked every week from the artists that submit to the blog. Have a look and choose your favorite.

SUGAR SKULL

2011-01-18T09:39:00.000-06:00

I drew this quite awhile ago and got the inspiration to give it a good coloring. It is modeled after the colorful Mexican Sugar skull art that I think is cool. I used Prismacolor pencils and ink and it measures ATC size of 3.5" x 2.5 ".

Just a Doodle

2011-01-15T19:58:00.000-06:00

This is a small little pencil doodle I did today, it measures 3.5" x 2.5". I keep a little stack of this size cardstock handy so when I have an idea I can sketch it out quick before I forget. That way I have a nice little collection of ideas when I want to do a bigger piece, plus it is just fun to do these.

A NEW PET PORTRAIT

2011-01-15T19:48:00.000-06:00

I resolve to complete at least two art projects a week, not including doodling or sketchbook art. I also will complete many of the projects I have started and this is one of them that I had started several months ago.

It is a collie pet portrait I just finished using Prisma color markers,

colored pencils and ink, it measures 8" x 10".

BUG ROCK!!

2011-01-10T21:40:00.000-06:00

I love using things from nature in my art and I had the inspiration to use beach stones that I collected from the shores of Lake Michigan and since I conveniently live only several blocks away from Lake Michigan I can do some beach-combing and find some really neat natural materials. I love how the action of the waves and sand makes for such a wonderfully smooth working art surface. After I collect the perfect stones I use my technique to solder the legs and head wire on. Then I use colored pencil to add the design on the top and bottom of the stone and seal it with a clear acrylic spray. I add the beads for eyes and some wire antennae (which are movable) for the final touch. Each bug has its own unique characteristics and no two are alike.

A penny next to the bug rock give you an idea of how big it is, the rock itself measures 3 inches long not including the head or antennae.

Bottom side of bug rock

Mixed Media Assemblage

2011-01-10T21:09:00.000-06:00

I made this little assemblage from found objects. The little guy looks like a robot to me and he is doing the "Running of the Pigs" event. It reminded me of the annual "Running of the Bulls" that is held in Spain so I named it after that :)

Homemade Christmas Gifts

2011-01-10T20:29:00.000-06:00

These are some drink coasters I made as Christmas gifts. I drew them on stone tiles with prismacolor pencils and ink, then sprayed them with a clear satin acrylic sealer. The colors turned out very vibrant...a funky spot for your coffee or beverage of choice!!

2010 Christmas Card

2011-01-10T20:09:00.000-06:00

Dog Art Commission

2010-09-08T15:11:00.003-05:00

I love doing colorful drawings of pets. This is a commission I did of a wirehaired miniature dachshund.

"Perfect Harmony"

2010-09-08T13:36:00.008-05:00

This is a large beach rock that I decorated using prismacolor pencils. The beach rocks work the best for colored pencils because they are so smooth from the many years of the waves washing over them. I wanted to depict how everything in the universe is interconnected and how one act can affect everything else...the perfect world would be where everything lives in perfect harmony. If you look closely you may be able to find the "alien" hidden in this piece...as you may know I have a thing for them.

This rock is on display at the Rahr-West Art Museum

now until Sept.26 2010

http://www.rahrwestartmuseum.org/

"Monkey Shine"

2010-09-08T11:24:00.005-05:00

"ONE UNIVERSE, ONE WISH"

2010-09-08T11:01:00.006-05:00

This is a piece I did to inspire World Peace. I believe we should teach our children how to understand each other and accept someone as they are. It only makes the world more interesting when people are different and our differences should not seperate us...but bring us together in harmony and understanding. So wish upon a star and pray that one day there will be world peace...teach the children acceptance and tolerance.

BAD PICKLE

2010-03-29T23:29:00.002-05:00

This is a design I did for our art group "Art and About" monthly homework assignment...Which was "pickle"

Pier Art: Fin and Feathers Update

2010-03-29T23:22:00.003-05:00

Well I'm sorry to say this event has been cancelled for lack of sponsorship. It was fun doing the draft of what the art on the walleye sculpture would have been. They may have the event next year and I would be able to use my design at that time. Until then...

PIER ART: FINS AND FEATHERS

2010-02-05T21:24:00.008-06:00

Colored draft titled "EVASIVE SPECIES" for the Pier Art: Fins and Feathers Main Street De Pere fundraiser. My design was chosen and I will be painting a 2' x 3' fiberglass walleye 3D sculpture that will be displayed this summer in downtown De Pere and auctioned off Sept. 18, 2010 to benefit Main Street De Pere and the Katherine Harper Riverwalk & Nature Viewing Pier

Add me to your favorites to keep updated on this and more fun art projects I will be working on.

Thanks, Paula

"Save One For Me"

2010-01-19T09:26:00.004-06:00

This was done for Illustration Fridays blog, the theme for the week was "Wilderness". I would not want to be stranded in a prehistoric wilderness, how terrifying would that be?

Art And About Fall Tour

2009-11-06T23:57:00.003-06:00

My art set up at Petals Plus Gallery and Gifts 2009 Fall Art Tour

Sputnikfest T-shirt Design and Art Booth 2009

2009-11-06T23:37:00.007-06:00

This is my art I had set up at Sputnikfest Sept.12 2009

The image I had designed of the "Alien Gothic" was used on this years Sputnikfest t-shirt at the Rahr West Art Museum in Manitowoc WI. This festival was rated as one of the five best funkiest festivals in the United States in 2010 by Reader's Digest Magazine.

"Aliens to the rescue"

2009-11-06T23:25:00.004-06:00

This is an alien themed piece I did with prismacolor pencils and ink. I like using aliens and other weird themes in my art.

Beneath The Deep Blue Sea

2009-11-06T23:16:00.003-06:00

This is a watercolor and Ink piece I did using funky fish that came out of my head.

"Mr. Rogers Big Mistake"

2009-04-28T23:59:00.004-05:00

This is a little weird drawing I did of Mr. Rogers, he always was so happy go lucky and really was a nice guy in real life also. He is trying to be friends with the Godzilla-like monster and doing his best to be neighborly. But the creature has other ideas I guess.

"Won't you be my neighbor?" Not!!

This I did with prismacolor pencils which measures 5" x 7".

PEEP and Chocolate Bunny "Friendship Farewell"

2009-04-28T23:30:00.005-05:00

This is an ACEO or art trading card I did with an Easter theme to it. I used the traditional pink marshmellow PEEP and chocolate rabbit. It is titled "Friendship Farewell". Here is my little story to go with it.

"They toasted their friendship and bid their farwells....as tomorrow was the BIG hunt

and the children would be after their heads".

I know it is a bit morbid but that's what I came up with when I was drawing it...sorry it couldn't have been more cutesy. This one I did with prismacolor pencils and measures 2 1/2" x 3 1/2".

Tulipa

2009-04-28T23:06:00.004-05:00

I am in a local art group named "Art and About", you can see our blog at http://www.artandabout54220.blogspot.com/. At our monthly meeting we have a theme that we picked the month before and each person does their version of that theme. Last month it was "tulip", so this was my version of a tulip. I kind of made it on the retro side with the pink flamingo and of course it had to have a spaceship in it as I am into the alien thing. This piece I did with prismacolor pencils and measures 5" x 7".

A Companion of Diana

2009-04-28T22:50:00.007-05:00

This is from the blog "Different Strokes from Different Folks", check it out at http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com/. They have a bi-weekly challenge of a photo that you redo in your own style, as you can see I like to use a lot of color. This challenge was of a marble sculpture of one of the goddess Diana's companions, a nymph and her hound. The marble sculpture was done by Jean-Louis Lemoyne, titled 'A Companion of Diana', commissioned by Louis XIV in 1724. Diana was goddess of the moon and of the hunt, this nymph is one of Diana's companions, with her hound. This sculpture belongs to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

Snowdrops at Twilight & Shelter From the Raindrops

2009-02-25T21:43:00.007-06:00

SNOWDROPS AT TWILIGHT

This is an ACEO or artist trading card of snowdrops I did for an entry into an exhibit on EBSQ for "Flower of the Month" (FLOTM) for February. These ACEO's or ATC's are the size of a regular playing card 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and are fun to collect or trade with others. You can frame them or put them in a photo album. It is a fun way to collect art from other artists and see all the creative talent out there.

SHELTER FROM THE RAINDROPS

This is another one of the pictures I submitted for the "Flower of the Month" FLOTM, which was SNOWDROPS for an exhibit for February at EBSQ, where my art portfolio can be seen at http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_7348_profile.htm. I have been reading up on gnomes and found out they are really helpful little woodland folk. They will take care of ailing or injured forest animals and plants. I like that, as I am an animal lover and love to garden as well. So I think I will have to get one of those little garden gnome figures for in my garden this summer. This piece is a small format artpiece measuring 5" x 6".

2009-02-12T21:04:00.004-06:00

2008 Christmas Card

These are pictures I did for a 2008 Christmas card I sent to my clients for my gardening business. It features a collage of all their pets in a fun, whimsical grouping. The cover was all the dogs and the inside were the cats. I did the artwork with prismacolor markers. Kind of a fun project to do.

ALIEN GOTHIC

2009-02-12T20:38:00.007-06:00

Alien Gothic

What can I say, I love to depict aliens in human "earthling" settings. Of course this is recognizable as the iconic American Gothic with my version called Alien Gothic. I did this piece with prismacolor markers and colored pencil highlights. This was displayed at the Rahr West art museum in Manitowoc, WI along with many other works of art from some very talented artists from our art group "Art and About". I was pretty happy with the way it turned out. This design was used on the 2009 t-shirt for Spuntnikfest held in Manitowoc.

ABOUT SPUTNIKFEST
Its early morning on September 6th, 1962 and the skies over Manitowoc are illuminated with an eerie green light. A bright object, burning like the sun creates an arc and plunges toward earth crashing smack dab in the middle of 8th Street! 49 years later…it’s wacky! It’s tacky! It’s time to celebrate with Sputnikfest 2011! Be hokey, fun, and ridiculous! Join us in September at the Rahr West Art Museum for dancing in the streets, extraterrestrial snacks, an Artta this World Art Fair and a galaxy full of fun and frolic as we celebrate Manitowoc’s link to the space age!

My design on the 2009 Sputnikfest t-shirt