Some Project Catch-Ups

Back in action after a week off for my birthday. This year, as a treat to myself, I took a hiatus from work and most computer-related things to reset some priorities and dig in to some personal projects. I finished a few projects that had been languishing, “nearly” finished a few others, and started prepping for some brand new work. Also FINALLY bought my new MacBook. It’s so nice to have a machine do my bidding without the 10 minute pinwheel of doom each time I click …

Mini portrait sketchbook (SB8) - nearly there with 4 pages left!

All in all it was the best way to kick off this year’s #43initiatives project. Determined to stay focused and productive through to 44!

It's A-Ok to Do "Nothing"

Today’s mission and mantra: “Doing nothing is doing something.”

Enjoyed a spring like day with my favorite fuzzy explorer Jack; taking a walk with a stop at the boat ramp for a view; finished a book; provided the demanded lap for P-kitten; and now finishing off the day with some sketches (with a few saved references from the many missed Drawing Hive sessions). A much needed break after a very long March!

Shout out and thanks to @jennywaltonart for today’s mission and mantra (it was repeated often throughout the day).

A Break in the Clouds

Long work days, late hours, stress, and the normal twists general life throws your way made for a very crazy March. Well, several months truth be told. Today not only marks the end of another work week but also the start of a new month. And it was a good day.

I managed to catch up on some important work and enjoy the calm and creative vibe of the studios without pressing worries to distract me. I overheard two women in Pyramid’s gift shop make some lovely comments about some of my work. Then, during tonight’s Members MashUp exhibition opening reception my piece (featured below) was purchased by a longtime Pyramid friend. These positive validations were such a boost after all of the recent chaos and upheaval … and it carried me all the way home. I even paid it forward when just before turning onto my street I came across a large snapping turtle in the middle of the road. I carefully helped him move to a safer spot then finally made it home. It was a good day indeed.

Today’s lesson: Sometimes you just need to hold on a bit longer for that break in the clouds. I hope I can keep this moment in mind the next time I’m weathering the storms …

Jungle Gym: Among the Violets, Hand colored woodcut, 2023

View from Among the Violets …

I’ve always loved the look of woodcut prints. It’s amazing to watch artist slowly carve away the surface, transforming a slab of wood into a beautiful relief block. Not that linoleum isn’t as versatile or beautiful—there’s just something extra physical about working with wood.

So as a treat for my birthday this year I jumped at the chance to take “Woodcut: As Detailed as it Gets” workshop with Jun Lee at Pyramid Atlantic. It’s been weeks in the making, even after the class officially ended … but my first #woodcut is finally complete! A big (and I mean HUGE) thank you to @junieleelee for sharing her wealth of knowledge in this amazing workshop and giving extra time and encouragement to ensure I pulled prints.

Black and white image of leafy undergrowth from a (lady) bug's view

Jungle Gym (Among the Violets), Woodcut, 16”x20”. ©2022 by Jen Sheckels

You can learn more about the piece and the journey to complete it here. This was a fun first foray into woodcut. Can’t wait to start a new piece!

Celebrating this Beautiful World

Happy Earth Day! I hope everyone can take a moment to get outside and observe just one amazing thing about the world around you. It’s there if you’re willing to take a moment and look!


Today I’m celebrating by continuing hand coloring experiments on relief prints. I pulled out an older artist proof of my butterfly creation myth linocut before I make final plans for an edition. Just playing around with colored pencil today.

I hope you experience something amazing today!

Happiness Returned: A Butterfly Creation Myth, Hand colored linocut (1/1). © 2022 Jen Sheckels

Work Selected for ACAAC's "Into the Garden" Exhibition

New show alert! Happy to announce 4 pieces were accepted into What’s Up? Magazine’s 15th exhibition, “Into the Garden,” in partnership with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Md.

Works juried into the show include: Observed: Fork-tailed Katydid (featured), Observed: Orchard Orbweaver, Beneficial Bugs: Praying Mantis, and Observe: Ants—Accidental Planters

Observed: Fork-tailed Bush Katydid, Pastel on paper, 9”x11.5”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels

TGIF 2022!

Thank goodness … it’s finally 2022!

“It’s Finally … 2022!” Two-color screenprinted greeting card (blank inside). ©Jen Sheckels

When I first started playing with the concept for this card (last fall) I was hopeful the world would be in a slightly better place. But, you can never predict the future (or maybe I just try to be more optimistic). With that said, I've taken back the "TGIF 2022" idea to push it as a personal slogan for myself.

“Thank goodness …”

It’s time for new starts and new things; for another year of opportunities to learn and grow; renewed dedication to the things that are most important to me, and for another chance to do better and work at being a better human being.

So thanks in advance, 2022. I can't control a lot of things in this world, but together we're going to do our best to make it a great year in all the ways we can.

Want your own copy of the TGIF card? A small edition is available through Pyramid Atlantic’s Gift Shop.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like …

… something something in the studio!

I’ve created a new greeting card for the 2021 holiday season. I recently revisited screenprinting as an option for hand printing cards. Probably not wise to relearn a techniques right before needing to put it into production. But it was a small edition and I had a lot of fun figuring out the two color approach.

I plan to tweak the design a bit further and reprint when this first edition sells out.

Make it Merry, Screenprinted holiday greeting cards (first edition). © 2021 Jen Sheckles

Wishing everyone a safe and festive holiday season, and all the very best for 2022!

Bringing a Childhood Hero to Life

Sometimes you just need a little extra Monday motivation … am I right?

I've been considering a "Heroes of Childhood" series off and on for a while now. Without anything resembling a game plan, I recently sat down in the studio and just jumped in with one of my faves—E.T.

Though I don't have specific memories of my own (I had just turned two a few weeks before the movie's release), I have heard many a story about the numerous times we had to go to the theater to see it; how I was engrossed in what was going on up on the big screen while slowly sipping on strawberry slushies and gobbling up popcorn. Though there was an exception—the woods scene at the beginning (too scary!). Again, I was two … There also exists photographic evidence of some of the merch, including at least one plush doll and a preschool headshot wearing my E.T. necklace. (btw, is it just me or is an alien head an odd bit of jewelry to own? Between you and me, I wish I still had it …)

I loved E.T. as a kid. The movie has a lot of heart and I will still stop to watch when I come across it on TV. Or if it's been a while, I'll pop in the DVD. E.T. was a long way from home and the rest of his family, looking to find a way to connect and feel safe in a big, troubling (and sometimes scary) world. We can all relate to that once in a while. As an adult, I'm still enamored with his connection and care to other living things. I’m not going to lie—I also geeked out a bit when riding the E.T. Adventure ride at Universal in the early 2000s.

And so Be Good (below) seemed like the logical result of this random act of art. He now hangs above my workspace, quietly motivating me as I step into the next project.

Enjoy!

Be Good, from the Heroes of Childhood series. Mixed media on board, 9”x12”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels

May 20/21 Art Challenge

I recently joined fellow members of the Muddy Creek Artists Guild in a month-long creative challenge for May. 20 artists / 21 (week) days of art created based on a word prompt list. The goal is to do something quick without putting a lot of “thinking” into the mix.

I’ll struggle to keep up with other work going on, but I figured what they hey ... it’ll be fun. And maybe a few new pieces will come out of it.

Speaking of which … Our test prompt for Day 00 was “Intrepid". Here’s my interpretation:

Shine, Pastel on Wallis paper, 5”x5”. © 2021 Jen Sheckels

I’ll be posting the rest as much as possible over on Instagram ≥

"Variations in Pastel" Exhibition Opens at Ginger Cove

On view March 6–April 29, 2021

In collaboration with artists Micki Kirk and Roxanne Weidele, I'm presenting several works in the Variations in Pastel exhibition at Ginger Cover retirement community in Parole, Md. The show highlights the broad range of techniques and effects each artist achieves using soft (chalk) and oil pastels.

Though this is not your "typical show," as the general public will be unable to view it due to continued closures and social distancing measure in affect, it was a lovely chance to see our works hung in a new venue. It also afforded an opportunity to talk about our work with new friends.

We were invited to stop by and view the show on March 15. Here are a few highlights from the gallery walk:

View of left wall at entrance, featuring a few of my works.

January Moods: An Experiment

In December, while sorting through all sorts of feelings and moods, I discovered that I (more often than not) found a moment of solace and/or a sense of camaraderie with the aspects of the day's weather. I'm not 100% sure what spurred me to do it, but starting with January 1st I made point to look to the skies at multiple points during the day, taking mental notes and photos. At the end of the day I created a small, abstract pastel work that combined those notes and my overall mood for the day. Thus was born Weather as Mood: January 2021.

"Weather as Mood: January 2021", pastel on paper. ©2021 Jen Sheckels

For 31 days I recorded these observations and moods in quick pastel impressions. This is well out of my usual wheelhouse, so it was fun to simple play with color and shape. If nothing else, I got my hands dirty with pastels, which is always a good feeling. I may make the attempt again in the future.

What's in an Expression?

Somehow, I never make time to post. That’s life I guess. But after pondering how to jumpstart some creativity over the last few weeks, I've picked up my sketchbook to explore facial expressions. With all the Zoom meetings and classes, I see a lot of different faces on a daily basis. So why not?

I'm using short gesture drawing sessions as warm up. In today’s haul:

And at the end of today's session, picked up a sketch from last week to play around with a possible "next step" in pastels. Not sure this will lead anywhere, but it's been fun to play around with.

Possible next steps for the sketches … pastel portraits? We'll see!

"'To be or not to be …'"

2020 has certainly been a year so far … on a lot of different levels.

When everything shut down in March, anxiety and uncertainty were constant companions for many (if not all of us). Many rallied and found new, creative ways of dealing with being cooped up at home. Sparks of creative experimentation, art-making, and the coming together of so many across so many different walks of live was inspiring to witness. But I had such a hard time tapping into anything resembling "creativity" … and felt like I was letting myself down in not finding a way to do so.

But looking back, I realize that instead of creating I've been actively absorbing new input. Stuck at home, you take more note of the little things and find new ways to engage with the world. I've spent a lot of time following and discovering different artists, techniques, and reading across a broad range of topics. I've been spending a lot of time outside, observing so many different things. Which is how I stumbled across this little gem.

Found this leaf pasted to the sidewalk after a rain shower. Appearing or disappearing … I suppose it's all in your point of view.

Where does the sidewalk end and the leaf begin? Is it coming or going? Appearing or disappearing? Perhaps this is a visual metaphor for some of these recent thoughts …

I guess the point of this little post is to do what feels right to you. If you're inspired to create, do it! If you feel drawn to take notes, photos, and screenshots of a million different things to look-up, explore, try for yourself (like me) … do that too. There's no right or wrong in this crazy mixed-up world of 2020. And if like me, you've been simply absorbing all sorts of things that inspire, interest, and make you smile, well, I have no doubt that's going to provide the fuel for whatever's next.

Work with What You've Got

Truly a working-from-home adventure today. I’m in the final stages of a small print for a Print Exchange with the good folks at Pyramid Atlantic. But when your studio space is too small for most things, particularly ANYTHING in multiples, every available flat surface becomes your drying rack. Even the pantry!

And now … the final print! A bit salty with ink drying too fast on the plate, but I still dig it.

Linocut print with decorative background in yellow. Top print in cyan says, "Now is the time to start something new."

"Now (Is the Time to Start Something New)", two color linocut. @2020 Jen Sheckels

Work Juried into BWI Exhibit #26, "Colors of the World"

I'm very happy to announce that the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) has selected all three submissions entered into the upcoming BWI Thurgood Marshall exhibit 26, “Colors of the World." The show will run July 22–November 14, 2019, with an opening reception on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm. The exhibit can be viewed in the ACAAC exhibit space between Concourses C and D in Departures.

Pieces juried into the show include Overture on Blue, Unfolding, and Observe: Ants—Accidental Planters.

"Self-Nurture" Selected for "Arts in Healing" Collection

Conceptual illustration of a woman as a flower, growing from the dirt, and watering herself in an act of self care.

Self-Nurture
©2017 Jen Sheckels
Mixed media (acrylic, watercolor, oil, and colored pencil) on illustration board

I recently had the good fortune of having a piece purchased for the permanent collection of the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute of Inova Fairfax Hospital.

The Arts & Healing Program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute, a department of Inova Fairfax Hospital, is a collaboration with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and uses art in its many forms to help support people in treatment and recovery and their loved ones. This innovative program includes a robust permanent art collection and ongoing exhibitions, performing arts events, and other workshops.

The Institute's Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery was dedicated on July 8, 2019 with a special reception. Though I was unable to attend the reception, I’m honored to have my work serve as a source of respite and hope in healing for both those in treatment as well as their loved ones.

Finding the Extraordinary in the “Ordinary”

Observe: Honey Bee to hang in the 6th What's Up? Media Exhibit in Annapolis, Md.

"Observe: Honey Bee," 2018,
Mixed media on illustration board
© Jen Sheckels

The Arts Council of Anne Arundel County has selected Observe: Honey Bee to show in the 6th What’s Up? Media exhibit, The Ordinary. The exhibit will be on display at What’s Up? Media’s Corporate Office starting Friday, August 17, 2018, with an opening reception to be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 5:00PM (RSVPs required). The exhibit runs through December 13, 2018.

Observe: Honey Bee is a full color study for a picture book concept in development entitled Observe!.

Stay tuned for more details as the project develops!

“Bugs” Are Out and About!

"Tachinid Fly," 2017,
Mixed Media on Watercolor paper
© Jen Sheckels

New exhibit showcases work from the Beneficial Bugs series

Three pieces from my Beneficial Bugs series have been accepted in the F.R.I.E.N.D.S Exhibit at Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, Md. The show runs the entire month of August in the Center’s main gallery. A closing reception is scheduled for Friday, August 31, 2018 from 6–8 p.m. after which the show will be taken down.

On display are Praying Mantis, Wheel Bug, and Tachinid Fly (featured).

Work Selected for "Beautiful America" Art Show at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport

Storm Clouds at Dawn
View From 6th Street series.
©2016 Jen Sheckels
Mixed media (acrylic and pastel) on Ampersand board

I'm very happy to announce that the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County (ACAAC) has selected Storm Clouds at Dawn for the BWI Thurgood Marshall Exhibit 23, “Beautiful America." The show opens to the public on July 11, 2018 and can be viewed in the ACAAC exhibit space along Concourse C, near American Airlines (pre-security). The show runs through November 7, 2018.