Portrait drawn on page in journal I won as part of a blog giveaway. Jessica Sporn created the journal. The portrait started out as a circle painted white and blue. I saw a face in he circle and this is the result.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Be Willing To Be Me
Try to please
It doesn't work.
Try to appease
To no avail.
All I have is me.
Try to anticipate
And get it wrong.
Try to guess
It takes too long.
All I have is me.
Being strong
To meet someone else's goal
While losing sight
of my real role.
All I have is me.
Yes, all I have is me
Who is enough
Me....
Who knows
Me, just me.
I have to
No, I must be,
Willing to listen
Think
Understand
And then...
Be willing to do me
Because all I have is me.
It doesn't work.
Try to appease
To no avail.
All I have is me.
Try to anticipate
And get it wrong.
Try to guess
It takes too long.
All I have is me.
Being strong
To meet someone else's goal
While losing sight
of my real role.
All I have is me.
Yes, all I have is me
Who is enough
Me....
Who knows
Me, just me.
I have to
No, I must be,
Willing to listen
Think
Understand
And then...
Be willing to do me
Because all I have is me.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Inspirational Quote swap cards
Inspirational Quote swap cards, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.
The above picture represents a group of inspiration cards I received as a part of the Inspiration Card Swap in March of this year. It was a lot of fun. A new swap has started and I will be working on new cards and posting them here during the month of July. Stay tuned.
Monday, June 17, 2013
The eyes tell the story
Week 24 of Lifebook 2013 - As I write this entry, my eye is staring back at me. The eye that I drew and painted for the emotions theme for week 24 of Lifebook. We were instructed to take a picture of our eyes and then paint a portrait. It took me a while to get up the nerve to do this one. I had given encouragement to a fellow lifebooker who was having a problem getting started. Quietly, I was having a problem also. I took the photo(it really felt strange to take a photo of me) and realized that my eyes were quite a bit smaller than most of the eyes that had been painted by fellow classmates. Oh horror of horrors, small and almond in shape, what was I going to do. You see I first had to trace your eye on transparent paper and then collage paper that would be painted over. Could I have enlarged my eye? Probably, but then it would not have been the real me, it would have been a "photoshopped" version of me. So, after a rather interesting conversation with myself I traced the eye, iris and teeny weeny pupil and began to collage with small bits of paper. It was looking good. Whew I was on a roll.
My fave part was painting the background (learned another cool technique). Prepping the page; wet it with water and then lay on a light coating of gesso. Since the paper was curling, I turned it over and wet the back so that it would lay evenly (think I got this hint from one of my facebook buddies). Once the page was dry, following Kelly's (our instructor) instruction, I wet the page and then painted my flesh tone. Since I am a person of color, I used a deeper color flesh tone paint (can you tell I am too lazy to get up and look for the name), and dabbed it with paper towel to create texture. I love how it came out, I mean love it. Background textures just sing to me. Anyhoo, once the page was dry I glued my eye onto the page with Matte Medium and painted the eyeball, Iris and pupil. To add drama to the eye I used a stencil to add drama and texture in cobalt turquoise and cobalt teal. I also added shading to give more emphasis to my eye since it was so small. The shading around the eye lid gave it depth. The words "The eyes tell the story" are so true for me. I have been told that people can really tell what I am thinking by looking at my eyes.
I was a little heavy handed making my lines in the Iris, need to practice using a lighter touch, but over all I am really pleased with this painting.
I have learned so much in the past six months about painting and myself. My goal for the remainder of the year is to just paint for the heck of it. It has been on my mind for the past couple of weeks that I need to paint and draw outside of weekly assignments and just see what I can do. I am going to make a book to take to China, it should be fun to make. Will post a copy when I am done.
Take care dear reader. Pilgrim
My fave part was painting the background (learned another cool technique). Prepping the page; wet it with water and then lay on a light coating of gesso. Since the paper was curling, I turned it over and wet the back so that it would lay evenly (think I got this hint from one of my facebook buddies). Once the page was dry, following Kelly's (our instructor) instruction, I wet the page and then painted my flesh tone. Since I am a person of color, I used a deeper color flesh tone paint (can you tell I am too lazy to get up and look for the name), and dabbed it with paper towel to create texture. I love how it came out, I mean love it. Background textures just sing to me. Anyhoo, once the page was dry I glued my eye onto the page with Matte Medium and painted the eyeball, Iris and pupil. To add drama to the eye I used a stencil to add drama and texture in cobalt turquoise and cobalt teal. I also added shading to give more emphasis to my eye since it was so small. The shading around the eye lid gave it depth. The words "The eyes tell the story" are so true for me. I have been told that people can really tell what I am thinking by looking at my eyes.
I was a little heavy handed making my lines in the Iris, need to practice using a lighter touch, but over all I am really pleased with this painting.
I have learned so much in the past six months about painting and myself. My goal for the remainder of the year is to just paint for the heck of it. It has been on my mind for the past couple of weeks that I need to paint and draw outside of weekly assignments and just see what I can do. I am going to make a book to take to China, it should be fun to make. Will post a copy when I am done.
Take care dear reader. Pilgrim
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Letraset flexmarkers
I also won these markers by posting a comment. I really wanted to win these because they are markers in ethnic skintones. Since I am learning to draw faces, I thought they would be a really great addition to my markers. I really like them, Letraset us a great company with excellent products,
I will post a picture soon
Journal made by Jessica Sporn
I am so blessed. I received this lovely art journal from the talented Jessica Sporn. I normally do not sign up for contests on blogs, but I watched the video of Jessica creating a similar journal and really liked it so I thought I would leave a comment. A fellow facebook artist had to tell me that I should check Jessica's blog because I had won, I was very excited, however the day that I found out was the day of the terrible tornado in Moore, Oklahoma so I did not write about it, The words on the cover "Bloom where you are planed." are a favorite of mine. I was the title of a luncheon hosted at my church in Detroit, Michigan many years ago. It has stayed with me and been a driving force in my life.
I may post pictures of this book at as I work in it, but for now, it is sitting where I can look at it and just enjoy.
Sketching
Today I decided to start practicing sketching. I want to do some sketching while in China, so I better get started practicing. I have to loosen up, but I like what was done here.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Wednesday, June 05, 2013
Peace Cuddler - My Guardian friend
There have been times when I have really doubted my ability to create. Today is not one of them to be sure. I think creative people often struggle with self doubt because we are really vulnerable when exhibiting our work. Today, however, I had so much fun creating the above portrait which is the week 23 assignment for Lifebook 2013.
Lifebook is really an online class about introspection and then using art to heal and grow. I signed up for Lifebook 2012 and did not complete one assignment, because I was afraid I could not create anything of substance. What is the difference between last year and this year? Me!!!! I am the difference. I am not taking myself too seriously. I am enjoying the process and I am opening myself up to learn. Isn't that is what life is really all about learning? When I open myself up to all that life has to offer, I have a really great time. When I close myself off, I find that negative self talk takes over and that is not good for me or anyone else for that matter.
The thought that came to me today is that it is simply amazing to see the things that have been coming out of me over the course of this year. I laugh, I cry, I feel happy all because I am willing to be open, to search my soul and then create pictures that pretty much reflect where I am at present. I have been blogging more, reading more, participating in more projects and just plain having fun.
I have given myself permission to enjoy my life and I am so glad.
Until next time, on a really pleasant journey......Pilgrim
Lifebook is really an online class about introspection and then using art to heal and grow. I signed up for Lifebook 2012 and did not complete one assignment, because I was afraid I could not create anything of substance. What is the difference between last year and this year? Me!!!! I am the difference. I am not taking myself too seriously. I am enjoying the process and I am opening myself up to learn. Isn't that is what life is really all about learning? When I open myself up to all that life has to offer, I have a really great time. When I close myself off, I find that negative self talk takes over and that is not good for me or anyone else for that matter.
The thought that came to me today is that it is simply amazing to see the things that have been coming out of me over the course of this year. I laugh, I cry, I feel happy all because I am willing to be open, to search my soul and then create pictures that pretty much reflect where I am at present. I have been blogging more, reading more, participating in more projects and just plain having fun.
I have given myself permission to enjoy my life and I am so glad.
Until next time, on a really pleasant journey......Pilgrim
Monday, June 03, 2013
3/4 side view
Continuing to practice with faces. This time I was able to try a different presentation of the nose. Very enjoyable.
Saturday, June 01, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Journey continues
This portrait is on the last page of a memoir I wrote and mailed today for the Arthouse Coop memoir project.
Journey begins-through Breast Cancer
Post for today. This portrait was drawn and colored yesterday and I forgot to post.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Pages 120 -121 completed
Pages 120 -121 completed, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.
The Post today is the completion of the week of faces challenge in the Art Doodle Love book by Dawn Sokol. I love this book and have been using it almost daily. It is a book for doodling and drawing. It is not a book to merely sit on your shelf, it is a book to handle, mark in, practice techniques, and if your are like me learn how to doodle. I look at zentangles done by others and wonder if I will ever get it. I know that I will but sometime I can be a slow learner.
Another cool thing about this book is that you can skip around and draw on a page that calls to you. I took a class in April called Expressions Ecourse taught by Regina Lord. I have learned to much and ADL allows me to practice I will keep on posting my work here as I complete pages that I love.
Keep checking back. Pilgrim
Monday, May 27, 2013
Janay day 5 of ADL faces.
Art post for the day. This is day 5 of Art Doodle Live face challenge. I live the eyes on this drawing.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Divine Color
Week 21 project for lifebook....Honoring my divine color.
There is a story behind this painting. Tulips are my favorite flower and I love purple tulips so it felt perfect to draw and paint this picture. However, getting to this place was not easy, in fact it was downright hard.
For years I have used rubber stamps and traced copyright free pictures because I did not believe that I could draw the objects. When I did try to draw it looked very childish and i was sorely discouraged. For this project I wanted to draw and paint my tulips. On Friday I did a test run (pictured in another post) by drawing Nasturiums and Oriental Poppies. I used various types of Media to color the flowers. they looked pretty good. I was sure that I would have not problem with my tulips.
'Hold your horses Sparky', my muse seemed to say. "Just what in all that is holy makes you think you can do this and post it?" Looking at the pictures posted by other artists, I immediately got intimidated and discouraged. There was just no way I could draw and paint on a large scale. All day long there was this ongoing dialogue; "no one will like it, does it really matter, will you at least try?" So at 10 pm, I sat down to create. I drew a test in my journal and then copied by test onto my canvas (note to self 140 lb watercolor paper does not hold up well with a lot of water.)
I got my supplies together, had my iPad next to me with the instructional video running, tape on paper, let's get this show on the road.
1. Wet your paper then draw outline of flower and leaves with watercolor crayons
2. Keep the paper wet by spritzing it and start to paint with broad strokes the colors of twinkling h2o's. I used colors complementary to purple for the tulip leaves and colors complementary to green for the leaves
3. the colors are going to meld, keep on spritzing. I looked at the canvas and thought "what in the Hell? This is an awful mess." One week ago I would have stopped. Not tonight, I allowed it to dry and it still looked like a purple and green blob.
4. take watercolor crayons and put highlights in the petals and leaves, keep on spritzing. Uh Oh, colors still mingling and paper is becoming rolling hills.
5. Put saran wrap peices on the leaves, gauze on the leaves to get texture. Put extra colors on the leaves cover entire canvas with saran wrap and put a heavy object on top while it dries. Let it dry for a half an hour,
6. Remove heavy object, pull back large saran wrap and spritz with gold
7. put saran wrap back and heavy object let dry for couple of hours
There are more steps, but it still looked like a hilly blob. Idea surfaced why not outline the flowers with black posca pen to give definition. Enhance the background with some yellow. Put in white highlights and add more water color crayon. Discovered that the crayon will melt under heat gun. You can take a tissue to smooth the crayon---it is really a cool discovery.
I like the randomness and softness of this piece. I like the fact that I stuck with it, I like the fact that I am growing and not giving in to the negative self talk.
Heck, I just love this painting. I am pretty proud of me for this one. I am getting ready to go and sign it.
There is a story behind this painting. Tulips are my favorite flower and I love purple tulips so it felt perfect to draw and paint this picture. However, getting to this place was not easy, in fact it was downright hard.
For years I have used rubber stamps and traced copyright free pictures because I did not believe that I could draw the objects. When I did try to draw it looked very childish and i was sorely discouraged. For this project I wanted to draw and paint my tulips. On Friday I did a test run (pictured in another post) by drawing Nasturiums and Oriental Poppies. I used various types of Media to color the flowers. they looked pretty good. I was sure that I would have not problem with my tulips.
'Hold your horses Sparky', my muse seemed to say. "Just what in all that is holy makes you think you can do this and post it?" Looking at the pictures posted by other artists, I immediately got intimidated and discouraged. There was just no way I could draw and paint on a large scale. All day long there was this ongoing dialogue; "no one will like it, does it really matter, will you at least try?" So at 10 pm, I sat down to create. I drew a test in my journal and then copied by test onto my canvas (note to self 140 lb watercolor paper does not hold up well with a lot of water.)
I got my supplies together, had my iPad next to me with the instructional video running, tape on paper, let's get this show on the road.
1. Wet your paper then draw outline of flower and leaves with watercolor crayons
2. Keep the paper wet by spritzing it and start to paint with broad strokes the colors of twinkling h2o's. I used colors complementary to purple for the tulip leaves and colors complementary to green for the leaves
3. the colors are going to meld, keep on spritzing. I looked at the canvas and thought "what in the Hell? This is an awful mess." One week ago I would have stopped. Not tonight, I allowed it to dry and it still looked like a purple and green blob.
4. take watercolor crayons and put highlights in the petals and leaves, keep on spritzing. Uh Oh, colors still mingling and paper is becoming rolling hills.
5. Put saran wrap peices on the leaves, gauze on the leaves to get texture. Put extra colors on the leaves cover entire canvas with saran wrap and put a heavy object on top while it dries. Let it dry for a half an hour,
6. Remove heavy object, pull back large saran wrap and spritz with gold
7. put saran wrap back and heavy object let dry for couple of hours
There are more steps, but it still looked like a hilly blob. Idea surfaced why not outline the flowers with black posca pen to give definition. Enhance the background with some yellow. Put in white highlights and add more water color crayon. Discovered that the crayon will melt under heat gun. You can take a tissue to smooth the crayon---it is really a cool discovery.
I like the randomness and softness of this piece. I like the fact that I stuck with it, I like the fact that I am growing and not giving in to the negative self talk.
Heck, I just love this painting. I am pretty proud of me for this one. I am getting ready to go and sign it.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Bookbinding
Bookbinding, a set on Flickr.
Art post for today. The photos above are of the first book I have made using a cereal box. I sewed 4 signatures in to the cover. It was an interesting process. It took a lot of nerve and courage for me to do this book.
HOW DID I DO IT?
First I cut off the excess edges from the box which left a wonderful structure. Next I gessoed the front back and spine. I then made a template with the number of holes I wanted in the Spine for sewing. I used a 5 hole straight stitch design using black waxed linen thread. The signatures are independent of each other (I did not use a copic stitch or anything like that). I sewed in each signature and then rounded the corners to give it a finished look.
I still need to work on the cover and spine little more and then I am going to use this book for sketching. I have never really sketched, but I want to practice before my trip to China. I am going to make a travel journal similar to this one, just a little smaller for ease of transport. This book is about 9x12 and is a bit cumbersome for travel.
My next book will have a mixture of papers and I may use binding tape for the spine. We shall see.
Anyway, I enjoyed this project and my bookbinding skills are definitely improving. WooHoo.
Art post for today. The photos above are of the first book I have made using a cereal box. I sewed 4 signatures in to the cover. It was an interesting process. It took a lot of nerve and courage for me to do this book.
HOW DID I DO IT?
First I cut off the excess edges from the box which left a wonderful structure. Next I gessoed the front back and spine. I then made a template with the number of holes I wanted in the Spine for sewing. I used a 5 hole straight stitch design using black waxed linen thread. The signatures are independent of each other (I did not use a copic stitch or anything like that). I sewed in each signature and then rounded the corners to give it a finished look.
I still need to work on the cover and spine little more and then I am going to use this book for sketching. I have never really sketched, but I want to practice before my trip to China. I am going to make a travel journal similar to this one, just a little smaller for ease of transport. This book is about 9x12 and is a bit cumbersome for travel.
My next book will have a mixture of papers and I may use binding tape for the spine. We shall see.
Anyway, I enjoyed this project and my bookbinding skills are definitely improving. WooHoo.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Chrissy
Art post for today. I have been practicing for nearly two months and I am starting to see a marked improvement. Have not really tried copying a picture. The portraits I am drawing now are from the imagination. Maybe next month the goal will be using pictures as a guide.
I have been able to accomplish another marvel, I am blogging everyday and that is nice. I mean really nice. I have had this blog since 2006, that is seven years dear reader and I have not been consistent, truly I have been basically absent on the blog scene and that is a shame. But now I have a reason, I have a voice, I have seen the need to put my thoughts out into the universe even it I am the only one who sees them.
This morning I sat on the patio and read with a light breeze blowing. It was exquisite. Last year I promised myself that I would do what I did today and just did not follow through. This week I have been in my chair, feet up, watching videos, writing and reading just about everyday and I love it. Living in Henderson Nevada and facing the west, I have morning cool and afternoon heat, so my time for enjoying this space are early morning and late evening and that is just fine. My challenge is to keep my pledge to myself and add this process to my self care program. I am going to be 64 this year and I intend to spend the next 18 months preparing myself physically, spiritually and emotionally for the glorious 65 in November 2014.
What does all of this have to do with the picture posted above? A lot really and at the same time not much. It means a lot if I follow through with my goals and plans; not much if I fall back to habits that keep me doubting myself, not doing what I am called to do and making excuses.
Let's see and measure how I do. Hold me accountable dear reader. Pilgrim
I have been able to accomplish another marvel, I am blogging everyday and that is nice. I mean really nice. I have had this blog since 2006, that is seven years dear reader and I have not been consistent, truly I have been basically absent on the blog scene and that is a shame. But now I have a reason, I have a voice, I have seen the need to put my thoughts out into the universe even it I am the only one who sees them.
This morning I sat on the patio and read with a light breeze blowing. It was exquisite. Last year I promised myself that I would do what I did today and just did not follow through. This week I have been in my chair, feet up, watching videos, writing and reading just about everyday and I love it. Living in Henderson Nevada and facing the west, I have morning cool and afternoon heat, so my time for enjoying this space are early morning and late evening and that is just fine. My challenge is to keep my pledge to myself and add this process to my self care program. I am going to be 64 this year and I intend to spend the next 18 months preparing myself physically, spiritually and emotionally for the glorious 65 in November 2014.
What does all of this have to do with the picture posted above? A lot really and at the same time not much. It means a lot if I follow through with my goals and plans; not much if I fall back to habits that keep me doubting myself, not doing what I am called to do and making excuses.
Let's see and measure how I do. Hold me accountable dear reader. Pilgrim
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Marissa
Art post for today. Practice drawing. Introducing Marissa. Notice the snazzy hat. I need to work on eyes, they are not symmetrical. But I am pleased overall with this practice session.
I have been participating in several online projects that give me the opportunity to draw faces. Today I started working on two pages in Art Doodle Love where I have to draw a face a day for 7 days. Today is day one.
I have been participating in several online projects that give me the opportunity to draw faces. Today I started working on two pages in Art Doodle Love where I have to draw a face a day for 7 days. Today is day one.
Monday, May 20, 2013
My Muse
Art post for today. It took me two weeks to complete work on my muse a blinged out quirky bird. I love these birds, they are so fun and they show a happy side of me.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunset in Venice after a hard rain.
My art post for today is a photo I took in Sept. 2012 sailing down the lagoon on the vaporetto in Venice. We had just come through a terrible storm I named Hurricane Ernesto.
I love this photo and the memory.
Friday, May 17, 2013
ADL pgs 60-61
Day 3 art post. Pages in Art Doodle Love book. The circles were painted on Deli paper, cut out and glued on these pages. Colorful and fun.
New thought for today - May 17, 2013
I was thinking about the online classes I am participating in and how I really try to look at each picture and give encouragement because it is so very important to support fellow artists. I realize when I look at the work of others mine is not as compelling, but, at least I am trying, working, creating......and that is so important. I was feeling a little down because I do not get a lot comments until I examined my intent for doing this and posting. See, comparing myself to others is so dangerous. So why am I posting on line; to gain courage and confidence. I am posting to overcome vulnerability. I am posting for me, just because I can.
So I have to put in writing a reminder to myself that I am not posting for praise of others and that if I get just one comment, it is a good thing because I am sharing my talents with the universe. You know, all of this is really therapy since I have spent so much of my life trying to please others and neglecting me. I did not even know who I was. Through art I am discovering so many dimensions of myself through colors, images, faces, flowers, quirky birds, life. The joy of this discovery is phenomenal. But I cannot allow myself to get distracted by my own insecurities. I have go get out of my own way and not sabotage myself with false needs. This is an important lesson for all parts of my life...Amen.
Until next time....Pilgrim.
So I have to put in writing a reminder to myself that I am not posting for praise of others and that if I get just one comment, it is a good thing because I am sharing my talents with the universe. You know, all of this is really therapy since I have spent so much of my life trying to please others and neglecting me. I did not even know who I was. Through art I am discovering so many dimensions of myself through colors, images, faces, flowers, quirky birds, life. The joy of this discovery is phenomenal. But I cannot allow myself to get distracted by my own insecurities. I have go get out of my own way and not sabotage myself with false needs. This is an important lesson for all parts of my life...Amen.
Until next time....Pilgrim.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Week 20 something that moves my spirit.
Day 2 of posting art. This watercolor painting of flowers is for week 20 of the lifebook project. I have a strong desire to paint flowers and landscapes.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
15 day art challenge
I have posted a picture today, Adriana, as my picture for the day. I plan to work on and post one picture each day between now and the end of May. This will be a big challenge for me to stick to, but I plan to prevail. Not sure everyday will be a portrait. I am liking flowers as well as drawing faces. It may be a page from my Art Doodle Love book, but suffice it to say, I will be posting something.
Adriana, side view
Day 1 of posting artwork in May. I am trying to overcome the procrastination bug. Instead of thinking about creativity, I plan on creating everyday until the end of May. Trying to draw or paint a picture a day. Today is a side view painting. I have to admit that sometimes I look at the drawings and paintings of others and feel that mine look really juvenile, but considering that I have only been working on this for 6 weeks I am not doing so bad. Plus, the original looks better than the photo (at least it looks that way to me.).
I got the idea to name my portraits from Dawn Devries-Sokol. She has been practicing drawing faces and named each portrait. I thought it was a really great idea. I also may post work I am doing for Lifebook 2013 as I need to catch up.
This idea will also allow me to do something else I have been very lax about - BLOGGING. Writing is also art and by writing about the pictures I will be able to hone my writing skills and my drawing skills. Oh boy, this should be so much fun and insightful.
I got the idea to name my portraits from Dawn Devries-Sokol. She has been practicing drawing faces and named each portrait. I thought it was a really great idea. I also may post work I am doing for Lifebook 2013 as I need to catch up.
This idea will also allow me to do something else I have been very lax about - BLOGGING. Writing is also art and by writing about the pictures I will be able to hone my writing skills and my drawing skills. Oh boy, this should be so much fun and insightful.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Smiling lady
This s my first attempt at drawing a smiling person showing teeth. It was an interesting process. It does brighten up the face.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Thinking of you
I have wanted to start drawing my cards and this is my first attempt. Background is painted with water color crayon. Will keep working at it.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Change in face shape
This is a dramatic change in the shape of the face, shading a little more intense, drew in about 10 minutes. Could not over think it.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Enjoying the Creative Process
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| Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska |
I have been having a blast. I just have to say it again, I have been having a blast. During the Month of April I took an online ecourse, Expressions, taught and presented by Regina Lord of Creative Kismet. Regina is an excellent teacher and artist. She takes care to present the process of drawing, shading and painting faces in a step by step manner. Before this class I was pretty much a stick person artist.
Now, I have to be honest. When I was much younger, I would spend hours in my room drawing. I could look at a picture and copy the essence of that picture. I illustrated all of my reports while in grade school and high school. In fact I did a little bit of everything, drawing, coloring, writing poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. I taught myself to knit when I was 18 and made a layette set for my son when he was born. It was quite stunning with one problem...he was born Aug. 30, 1968 so it was too hot for him to wear the sweater, hat and booties. I was so disappointed. My self education did not include using the right weight of yarn for the season. Oh well, live and learn.
Somewhere in my twenties, while juggling a stressful marriage, work, motherhood and stops and starts with my college education, I lost a large part of myself. The creative part. No that is not true, the creative part did not go away, the confidence that I could do anything I put my mind to was lost. Set backs and failures can do that sometimes. We talk about the inner critic and how it works a lot. My concern is where it came from in the first place. I read one book that said give the inner critic a name. Mine is Gertrude. Another book says, tell her to go away....she seemed to like her home and was really reluctant to leave. Nothing I read really put me on the road to finding where Gertrude came from in the first place. Hmmm I thought, if I am going to have any peace, I have to do more digging.
Fast forward through 40 years or more (whew, I am getting more mature). During that 40 year period I have been busy. I have made greeting cards which I love, but not confident enough to market them (much to the chagrin of many friends). I have attended Art Retreats and had a blast. I have signed up for online classes and chickened out from completing them (Gertrude was really busy during this time). Oh I knitted some fabulous scarves, gave them away as presents; I made some fabulous cards; bought a boat load of art supplies, took fabulous pictures, yada, yada, yada......
So why am I now having a blast in 2013? Because I have allowed myself to have fun. Yep, good old fashioned fun. Each new challenge I have tried. Sometimes I have to talk myself into it, but I do it. There are a couple of projects that I have to continue the you can do it discussion so I will try them, but for the most part, I have stretched myself. No more stick figures for me. I laugh a lot as I draw faces, try zentangling, make colorful paper (my favorite things to do) and actually wear a vest that I made 5 years ago (the badboy looked good on me).
Ah life, I am having a blast. If you look at recent blog entries, they are pictures of practice drawings and I am proud of everyone of them. In fact, I am just giddy with joy. I am so glad I finally gave myself permission to let the creativity that has been laying dormant for so long to finally wake up. It is bursting forth and I am just having plain ole fun.
The picture above was taken in 2010 on an Alaskan Cruise. It is an awesome photo and I love it. Someday I am going to paint it.
As I said, I am having a blast.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Shading
Today I am working on shading. I am revisiting week one of the class to feet ore practice. Really have to watch the videos several times to understand all of the nuances. Practice, practice practice.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Watercolor crayon painting
I am trying to master color and shading. Using acrylic I have to find comfort with the paint and how much to use. Sooooo, I colored this with water color crayons. I have more control and I likey.
Have to work on my proportions.
I like drawing faces, but my passion is color, painting paper. Making beautiful and intricate backgrounds.
Painted background
I have been taking an online e course, Expressions, taught be Regina Lord of Creative Kismet, since April 1st. It was a 30 day class, but the site will be up until December to review video lessons.
This portrait was painted on a cardboard packaging insert. I gessoed both sides to make it strong, painted a background using oranges, greens and yellow, then I drew the portrait and painted with wash of white..
After I completed the portrait I looked at in disbelief.....this talent, this side of me has been buried for so long. Though it is a long story that I may someday tell I realize in burying pain, I buried who I really am and what I can do.
There.is so much about me I need to discover. Maybe through art I will find me again.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Face practiceimage
Practice removes fear. Two weeks into the expressions class, getting more comfortable. I still need a lighter touch with the pencil. I drew this portrait while sitting at the bus stop. I keep my journal with me at all times now.
Friday, April 12, 2013
American geisha
Week 15 of Lifebook, portrait in black, white and rose. I am just learning how to draw faces. I have been also learning to paint then. Need a lot more practice as I find my own unique style.
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Creating Fun
I have been spending the first three months of this year participating in on-line courses. I used to say taking courses, but it much more than that. I am participating in the creative process and it is really fun. The part that has been missing is recording the experience here in my blog.
Participating in these courses is truly a Pilgrimmage. I am learning so much about the process and myself. My fears are slowly but surely eroding. I have to say that I am most happy about that aspect of the journey. The classes I have on my plate are 365 days of Journal Fodder (need to catch up), Lifebook 2013, Expressions E-Course, Getting Started with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Joy Journal (so far behind, but I am determined to get started) and 21 Secrets. Is that enough? I think so. I really need to sit down and prioritize, but that is another project.
What have I done? Well let's see,
Participating in these courses is truly a Pilgrimmage. I am learning so much about the process and myself. My fears are slowly but surely eroding. I have to say that I am most happy about that aspect of the journey. The classes I have on my plate are 365 days of Journal Fodder (need to catch up), Lifebook 2013, Expressions E-Course, Getting Started with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Joy Journal (so far behind, but I am determined to get started) and 21 Secrets. Is that enough? I think so. I really need to sit down and prioritize, but that is another project.
What have I done? Well let's see,
Heart Connections-Lifebook 2013
Stumpification project - Lifebook 2013
Colorful page from 365 days of Journal Fodder
There is a lesson here and it is to try. Try to do the best you can with what you have. Try to keep an open mind and be willing to be attempt things you though you never could do. Be willing to laugh at yourself and believe me I have laughed a lot over these past few weeks, but I have enjoyed the process and that is what is most important. So, over the next few months, I will be showing Works in Progress, completed works and commenting on the overall experience.
Take care and blessings.
Take care and blessings.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
A voice bursting forth
The pictures below are of work I painted at An Artful Journey. I learned a lot about myself on this retreat, things I will be sorting out for quite a while. Self doubt has been my constant companion for years. As hard as I have tried to overcome it, the nagging feelings stayed just below the surface. Now, now I know what was missing. Intention. When we set out to do anything, we must first clearly understand what the real intention is for the actions we are about to execute.
Last weekend I clearly understood what I wanted to accomplish. I love making backgrounds to use in books and on cards. Manipulating paper, discovering color really make me happy. I am not a binder of complicated books, the more simple the better. I am a designer of greeting cards and I love it. So, that is what I looked for during class, how could the paper I painted become the basis for a card? Below are two pictured so paper I painted and made into accordion books (told you simple).
I will be writing and posting more over the next few weeks, so stay tuned.
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