My 7 Year-Old-Self Has Taken Over

If you have been wondering where I have been, well rest assured it has been in the studio! I have been consumed by this wonderful online e-course called, "Paint Your Story" taught by the talented Mindy Lacefield aka Tim's Sally.

This course has been about connecting with your 

7 year old self, and just letting go. 

As a child your art of symbols and scribbles doesn't have to 

make sense and yet, you were able to create things

you (and probably others) enjoyed.

They were uniquely YOU.

Just letting go and doing what 'feels good' versus what 

'seems right' can be scary. 

I've been working on NOT painting like I am 7 for a while

and now I am embracing that pig-tailed girl.

As a child I was a perfectionist and so I joke and say I am connecting

with my "inner-inner child", the non-perfect 

girl I sometimes really wanted to be. 

You can imagine some pretty emotional stuff can rise to the surface 

when digging deep.

I seem to be resonating with my "creepy people" as I loving call them.

They have scars that are visible, but slowly healing.

Sometimes just a word can set the mood for a great work of art. 

Sometimes a word can take you far away or make you laugh.

A whole mess of words can give you a glimpse into the crevasses of the brain.

I used to think, "I need to take art classes if I am going to be any

good at this." 

Now I am seeing that learning about My-Self, is far more 

rewarding and artistically beneficial!

Remember, "Little Bunny Foo-Foo"

Well I had always remembered the "Good Fairy saying if he 

didn't stop scooping up field mice and boppin' em' on the head

she would bop HIM. 

Well, no matter the words, that still little song of my childhood

played a part in this. 

Some have suggested (upon seeing this drawing) he was just loved a lot. 

Or maybe he really is wearing the Scarlet Letter of mice boppin'!

Each day I create new Characters and unearth parts of my

7 year old self. 

There is still a couple of weeks left and so please stay tuned to see

what my final creations will be. 

Happy Creating. 

WIP... The Three Charities

This is something I started a few days ago and it has taken a LOT of work so far.

This is the finished background

Then I started to outline the images I saw ... three faces

Then began the shading ...LOTS  of layers and LOTS of patience!

I cannot seem to get a "mop" of curls to look right... seems I

Need to look at some hair pics. 

Still very much a work in progress.

Stay tuned....

My first Abstract

Today I cleaned up my studio and having such a clean and CLEAR space I decided to try an abstract painting. I had something I was going for but it just wasn't working out, so I just followed my instinct and once the long piece was finished I decided to add the 3 squares to compliment it ... I'm love asymmetrical placements versus symmetrical, so having 3 larger paintings wouldn't have worked for me. 

I certainly to appreciate this style of art as it doesn't resonate with me like the whimsical style does. When I was younger I was a "realist" I guess you could say; I wouldn't mind trying that again, but I love the whimsical side of things. 

It is currently nameless ... yet maybe that should be the name ... "Nameless" :)

I cannot decide if I should hang it in the dining room, or living room. I suppose I better get the hubbies opinion too. 

Its nice to get out of the normal routine of a painting style

and stretch a little bit. 

I hope you find time to stretch and flex those creative muscles!

New painting in progress

I am in a new E-course by Juliette Crane called "How to Paint a Girl". So far things are going well and I'm having fun. I already paint girls, but wanted to learn more tips and tricks. I branched out and really tried something new with inspirations by: Tims' Sally art and Danielle Daniel's use of color.

Its still a work in progress, but I like where it is headed:

This is painted on wood with acrylics, India ink and a bit of pitt pen :)

The dress is paper, and I love how the color works. 

I have a Mantra when I paint: "It doesn't have to make sense, it doesn't have to make sense" 

What is your mantra, who is inspiring you today?

My Artistic Journey

Wow it's been a while since I have updated ... I wouldn't say I was lazy, but my priorities have taken me in different directions.

As you may or may not know my word for the year is Style.  Its not related to my fashion sense, but rather my artistic style. I currently feel like I don't have one ... but I know I really do, its hiding in the recesses of my being and it needs to be revealed!

One of the ways I'm attempting to uncover this is by reading "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron

I am apart of a Facebook group working through the book and while we are not meeting in person its great to have the virtual support, be able to share our thoughts and have accountability. I'm not sure if I could work my way though it all on my own :)   

Another adventure I am taking on is designing my mom and her fiance's wedding invitations. I'm a bit anxious about this because this is a bit out of my element. I do have some ideas so when one is finalized it will be sent off to the printer.  Oh and they are getting married the end of April!! YIKES!!!  What a journey I'm on!

What helped you find your artistic style?

What kinds of adventures are you taking?

STYLE, my word for 2012

With the start of a new year comes new ambitions, aspirations and dreams ... thus after reading about people choosing a word for the year I too chose a word :

After really committing myself to painting and finding that I do have some talent for it (not to mention loving it), I want to find MY style.

So this word has been a big topic for me but, "What is Style?"

In all honesty I'm not sure exactly how to define it in terms of art

It seems that it can be cute and quaint

Style Can be LOUD

Or subtle enough to keep your lips sealed 

It might even make you ponder

We could probably talk about it all day

But I'm chomping at the bit

Before it slips between my fingers

I need to get a grip, find my true artistic self

So before the year is over I can say:

I GOT STYLE!

I am really working on stretching myself and identifying what is in my heart and soul that needs to get out. I'm   starting to read "The Artist's Way" and am also taking a couple of classes this year ... I feel very strongly that this is the year I define/grow artistically and never again put this part of my life on the back burner.  Woot-Woot for 2012 and for Style!

What are YOUR plans for the coming year? Do you have a word?