Friday, December 09, 2016

Secret Sister Happy Mail from Galina

Gel Prints from my Secret Sister

Small book, Watercolor paper, Chinese Watercolor paint kit and Rice Paper
A few days ago I a wonderful package.  It was from my Secret Sister Galina Kariean.  It is so exciting to get a package such as this.  Two or three times a year the Friends in the Box have a Secret Sister exchange.  While I love sharing with the sister I am assigned, I love getting a box from the sister assigned to me.

This box reminds me of my trip to China, the Chinese watercolor pit with Chinese paint brushes is exceptional.  The Japanese Rice paper is perfect for use with the watercolor kit; and the Canson Watercolor paper is also perfect.  I received a book made by Galina and some really colorful and lovely gel prints that I will use in my art journals and on post cards.

Thank you so much Galina for being able to know what I wanted and providing a great surprise.

Merry Christmas everyone, especially Galina.

Saturday, November 12, 2016

#Nanojoumo Day 11 Finding Beauty in Chaos

Finding Beauty in Chaos
Given the events of the past week I decided to exercise creative license and not use all of the prompts for Nanojoumo and do things that talk to me.  I have been very tentative when it comes to collage and abstract painting thinking it had to be perfect and this week has taught me that no matter how hard I may try to put things in place that seem perfect, there will always be something to change my trajectory.

As a result, I am going to spend some time practicing with collage and the art of abstract painting.  Again, this is a way to find ways to express the feelings I have inside of me.  I have struggled for years trying to figure this out mainly because I was too literal.  A tree must be a tree, a flower must be pretty, a face with perfect shading.  I see it clearly now, no one has to see what I see, they can have their own interpretation.  I just have to create it.  whew, the weight of a 10 ton whale just lifted off my shoulders.  Who know where this will lead.

Year 67 is going to be great.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

#Nanojoumo Days 7-10 All I Have to give you is my heart

My Heart


This spread covers a few days.  I actually worked on over a four day period because I wanted it to say something in light of the events of this week.  I had to get quiet and go within to think about my feelings and how I could translate them into something positive.  Something that would not fall into depths of despair and anger.  

There is some things I need to think about before I address them, it may be in words or it may be in art.  I am just not sure which way it will go because there are words and feelings in me that need to come out.  



Monday, November 07, 2016

#Nanojoumo Day 6

I am a day behind and that is ok.  This has been a busy time for me, but I am still keeping up with doing some kind of art daily.

Quirky Bird - Being Me
Sometimes I feel like this bird, quirky and not part of the norm.  That is ok because I am accepting who and what I am.  I am just being me.  it is a privilege to have art as a release and a way of expression.  I am just learning to appreciate this wonderful privilege.  Knowing that I do not have to be like anyone else, that I can keep learning every day how to use art to heal and express.  How blessed am I?

Also including a copy of my other art project today, putting up my Christmas Village

My Christmas Village.

Sunday, November 06, 2016

#Nanojoumo Day 5 - Rosy Cheeks

Rosy Cheeks
This is the first time in a long time that I have done a face.  I am still very insecure (and it is all in my head) when it comes to painting faces; however, I think I am going to practice more.

Saturday, November 05, 2016

#Nanojoumo Day 4 - Smashing Pumpkins

Yesterday's painting was a coloring book page combined with a painted background.  Today's is an original painting using acrylic paint and a simple idea.  The one think I appreciate about this challenge is that you can use a wide mixture of media.

My second takeaway is that I am doing this for fun and to establish my daily art practice.  I am learning to be vulnerable and to take that vulnerability to the page.

Third, this month is about fun, I just want to have fun.


Pumpkins Running Away