Feeling Stuck

I've never really been into long-winded blog posts (I suppose that's fairly obvious given my post history). To me it seems like they are just ego-patting and desperate. But, what else is a blog for I suppose.

I recently (in June) moved back home from New York. After what was the hardest four months of my life, I felt I needed the comfort of home and the distance it could afford me. And back in Flag, I absolutely felt that distance. I started working at a restaurant (something I'd never imagine doing), I cozied right back into my old bedroom, and I removed myself completely from the New York lifestyle I so desperately craved only a few six months earlier.

But I began to feel restless. Paintings go unfinished and plans remain as lofty hopes. Grad school? Yes! But I have to study so that gets pushed off. Portfolio? Yes! But that means I have to buy more canvas so that just doesn't happen. Going abroad? Absolutely! But that means learning a language and somehow saving enough money for a ghastly plane ticket. I'm lacking follow through for the first time in my life.

I had a brief 36-hour rendezvous with New York this past weekend and it reinstilled that hustle bustle that once drew me to the city. But being there also reminded me why I left. I'm still healing, and that requires time (yuck). New Yorkers are selfish and beautiful-- perhaps I no longer seek either of those so wholeheartedly.

I will get back to blogging and I will finish all of those paintings, grad school apps, learning German. And my new etsy will be up soon (Ochre and Bone).

Lonely Persimmon / Oil on Canvas / 6" x 4" / 2014

The Adventures of Tilly

So I want to write a book about my cat Tilly. She is just a normal cat but she imagines crazy adventures for herself! Let me know what you think :)

Continuation of My Portfolio

So, I've toyed with the idea of applying to MFA programs for painting. In my painting class this past semester I started building a portfolio (with paintings similar to the one in the show!).

Close up of the gal

This piece was pretty difficult for me. It's 4' x 5' and just not up to my standards. But, I had a lot of good critique and I'm ready to work on her a lot more.

What's funny is that I like this painting way more when it's unstretched (which I had to do to move). I might continue like this on pieces of unstretched canvas. It gives the whole painting more ambiance which I think it lacked.

Wrong

My current painting assignment is "Wrong" and we can pretty much interpret it in any way we choose. I chose the wrong things in many ways-- I am pretty pleased with my choices and thus results:

• You aren't supposed to paint teeth
• You aren't supposed to use watercolor or gouache on canvas because it doesn't work
• You are supposed to stretch and prime canvas
• You are supposed to make a cohesive piece

I am going to keep painting and painting these; hopefully I'll end up with dozens! Creepy and fun :D Read more to see them more up close!

Recap of March

Here are some of my favorite moments from March. April is calling our names and it sounds beautiful. Warmth, spring, graduation so much closer. I'm ready.

A post promoting my friend's blog, Roving Brooklyn. It's been moved to a new medium which is rather lovely.

Probably my favorite Instagram post ever. But I'm still toying with the idea of doing a regular post dedicated to Instagrams.

I've been painting on my funky prints!

Even though it's technically spring it doesn't feel like it. Here was my ode to summer. 

A fun photo of my newest painting (real post soon to come).

I was in my first New York show this past weekend. I'm so happy about how this looks in a gallery! (Doesn't it look cool with the painting above??)

Hands and Jeans

I've been working on a new, huge painting recently (I'm going with the same style as my painting last semester). I like how it's going and my professor is liking how this "pops." Ooh-ie!

Contact Sheets

I'm taking a black and white photography class this semester (my Instagram has some nice examples so far). Jeezle pete it's a tough class. Developing and printing is extremely tedious and difficult. I'm finally getting the hang of things (now on to perfecting).

My favorite part of printing so far is the contact sheets. There's something really lovely about all of the photos one one sheet and being able to read the "Kodak" and see the holes of the film. Here are my self portrait contact sheets and some interesting close ups. I'll post some of the photos that I've printed later.

Hands and Self-Portraits

Funky test photo from my Nikon

For my next painting I want to focus on hands. As always I am the easiest model for these paintings here are some of the photos I'm using as references and as inspiration.

Photobooth shot I used for the watercolor below

I decided to test out a painting with watercolor. Obviously different styles used for both hands. I like the right hand better for some reason even though it deviates from my normal watercolor mode.

This is probably the reference I will end up using for my painting. It will be in the style of this painting and will be going into my portfolio.

Re-Cap of November

I've been so terribly delinquent keeping this updated so I suppose this recap will be lackluster at best. I've been painting and arting like crazy (finals and portfolios) I just don't seem to photograph them as often as I would like. IF anyone would care to keep up with things more regularly, I post to my Instagram more often (photos on the side).

My Action Painting

Crazy cardboard sculpture climbing up my walls! 

The six-foot arm I welded that now has a table and ribcage to go along with it

And this nice little watercolor still life

Something You Know Painting: Part I

This newest painting is by far my largest to date and my biggest undertaking. I built the stretcher by hand (no machines)! It took forever and used most of my patience. But knowing it was all made by me is pretty cool. 

This assignment is to paint something we know well. Obviously, I know bodies and love to paint them. I  want to add a political undercurrent to this but I'm not sure how yet. 

Recap of October

I can't believe it's already November and I'm almost done with this semester. Time is flying by. These are some of the posts or pieces I liked from October!

My octopus still life that changed so drastically from this point. I'm still negotiating with a buyer!

From a winter trip to Sedona-- those oranges and reds are just too lovely! Prospect Park is the same color right now.

My beautiful sister from an excursion to one of my favorite neighborhoods. She's the best model!

My action photos in preparation for my action painting (the crit is today!).

The Farm-- my cardboard sculpture. This is one of the minis.

My gigantic wire arm that is still a work in progress.

Woven Sculpture Part II

My six foot arm is done! I built a stand for it (welding again!) and now it's complete. Now I just have to figure out the alive part of my sculpture. Power tools are no big deal now after welding, drilling and grinding metal, and using gigantic sparking machines. 

Woven Sculpture

After a very in depth shop learning session in my sculpting class we were finally let loose in the sculpting shop. So, as I am so crafty and good with my hands, I decided to start my sculpture by welding! Yes, I, Riana Johnson welded!

For our current project we were given two random words and we are to create a sculpture that relates/connects/points out their juxtaposition. 

Hour Long Action Painting

In my painting class we have started on our Action Paintings. My professor had us do hour long paintings (my fave) and I actually ended up liking mine a lot. There is so much unexpected green!

This will become a larger painting done in acrylic. I'm going to focus on the shapes and capturing the movement. My professor seemed excited so I'm ready! 

In need of inspiration?

I am. With all of the spreadsheets and readings I have to do my inspiration juices have been drained out of me. My current painting project is definitely helping though. I'm experimenting with style and it's lovely. I've also got an idea for my portfolio!

These lovely images and artists below are keeping me excited though. Enjoy!

Paper Bag Painting: Part I

So in my painting class our next assignment is to paint a paper bag. Literally that's it. We are supposed to just go and create something beautiful from something fairly bland. I'm loving the assignment and it's finally giving me the chance to paint an octopus! 

Recap of September

A wee bit late, but here are some of my favorite posts from September. I can't believe it's already October!

My roommate Cassie when we were playing with shadows on our roof back when it was nice and cold.

A work in progress painting of some lovely flowers I saw at the High Line.  

Some abstraction work that I've started doing in my free time. I think I could incorporate these into my portfolio thesis.

Some rad doors in the ghost town Jerome, Arizona.

And, finally my copy painting. I think I did Georgia justice. 

Cardboard Sculpture: Part III

My sculpture has taken on quite the appearance. It really does seem to have a mind of its own-- or perhaps I just go into a strange trance when sculpting. What was supposed to be a silk shirt has now turned into this monster sea urchin owl thing. I'm digging it.

They're Coming Along!

Both of my current assignments are getting closer to being done (they are both due next week so I'd hope so...)!

Copy Painting: Part II

I'm continuing on with this copy painting and it's getting progressively more difficult as I go. Georgia knew how to make complicated painting very simple looking. I admire her greatly for that.