Category Archives: Janell’s Artwork

A Tree Fairy Painting on Austrailian Paper Bark

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I love painting tree fairies and I have been experimenting with painting them on the bark of the Australian paper bark, Melaleuca quinquenervia trees.  We have a lot of them here in Southern California.  I love the organic shapes and the textures and feel painting on a natural piece of bark fits with my art.  The paper-like bark peels right off of the trees and it doesn’t hurt the tree to harvest the bark.

Tree fairy painting on paper bark tree

This is an ancient art tradition of the Aboriginal people of Australia.  They created wonderful dot paintings, often times telling the stories of their dreams.  I found out about this style of art a few years ago when I was researching the art of different countries to teach in my art workshops for teens. It is still a popular art style, and I found many beautiful paintings on the internet.  It has also become one of my most popular summer workshops.

I posted the sketch of my tree fairy a few weeks ago.  The tree bark can be really smooth on the back side, but I really liked the front side of this piece of bark.  Since it had a lot of texture, I decided to re-create my sketch to size, cut it out, and glue it to the bark as a beginning for the painting.  I also applied a coat of gel to seal and smooth out the bark.

Applying gel to the piece

I attached the bark to my easel with a clip and began painting.  I love the light  in this picture.  I have a wonderful south-facing skylight that lights my easel over my left shoulder.  It was my husbands idea when we built the studio and I just love it.

Bark painting and sketch on easel

Here is a picture of the piece against my wood floor.   I wanted to see different colors behind it.

Fairy bark painting against wood flooring

Now I need to figure out how to present and frame it. Hmmm….

Any ideas would be much appreciated!  🙂

Have a wonderful, creative day, Janell

 

A Visit to the Past

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I have always loved this photograph.  I ran across it in an old portfolio the other day. I took it in college (in the 1980’s) with a 35mm Minolta film camera and developed and printed it in the college darkroom.  Oh, the good old days when I could spend an entire day printing B/W photographs in the darkroom to my heart’s content! 🙂  And the smell of developer and stop bath. Hmm…I think I just got a whif of them in my memory. LOL BWDogandShedW

The dog belonged to the farm and just happened to trot right out in front of me for a second while I was shooting the picture.  Then he happily took off down the road, back to the barn.

It is overcast and raining today, a perfect day for reminiscing…

Have a wonderful, creative day, Janell

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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I wish everyone a fun, safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I was adding new pieces of jewelry to my web store this weekend and got in the “green” spirit.

Green, pink and copper crocheted bracelet by Janell Mithani

I just love this bracelet.  And yes, green is my favorite color. 🙂 I crocheted three strands of wire and glass beads and wire wrapped a custom clasp.

Green heart drop earrings with crocheted wire chain

These are fun dangle earrings for someone who loves green.  I made a similar pair for myself and I wear them a lot… since 1/2 my wardrobe is green. OK, more like 3/4 of my wardrobe. 🙂

Do you love the color green as much as I do?   If not, what is your favorite color?

Have a wonderful, creative and GREEN day, Janell

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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I usually don’t post this often (3 times this week is a record), but I made these a few years ago for Valentine’s Day and I wanted to share them with you.  My hubby and I are definitely in the “opposites attract” category.  Although, after 25 years of marriage, we are starting to be more alike.  Now we both forget things, instead of just me. 🙂

Artistgeek3draw

Artistgeeklong25x7forever

Artistgeek2

dreamerrealistsquare

So, which one are you? 🙂

Have a wonderful, LOVE filled, creative day, Janell

Tips For Photographing Jewelry and Sneak Preview of My New Store

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I have been busy photographing my jewelry creations for an upcoming show and, in preparation for my new online jewelry store.

Here is a sneak preview.  It is officially open, but I have a lot more jewelry to add.  The web address is www.janellmithanijewelry.storenvy.com.

Feel free to stop by and check it out.  I am planning an official Grand Opening and Giveaway in a few weeks.

Blackcrochchainear

clockearrings  greenearrings1 pinkagatenecklace

ForeverLoveW Blackcrochchainear3

DeepPurpleEar1W VintagePinkCopperNecklace2

I had fun finding props and taking all kinds of pictures.  I worked with natural open shade light out on my back patio.  (Here in Southern California it is a nice sunny day!)  I like open shade light the best as it is flat enough to not cast shadows (like direct sunlight), but bright enough to show off the jewelry.  I only cropped the photo’s and did no re-touching as I want the pictures to convey how the jewelry really appears.

I also found out that you want to take more pictures than you think you need.  When working really close, you will have some shots that are out of focus.  The ol’ “hold your breath and squeeze the shutter” approach worked well, too.

After years as a portrait photographer, it has been fun to photograph my art and jewelry.  And, no matter how funny I was,  I couldn’t coax a smile out of that jewelry!  🙂

Have you heard of StorEnvy.com?  Do you have a store on their website?  If so, let me know.

Have a wonderful creative day, Janell