a tailored line

Happy Valentine's Day + PPF

2012-02-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

moleskine, watercolor + pencil

"Be of love a little more careful than of anything." ~ e.e. cummings

A quick entry in my journal for everyone over at Paint Party Friday and of course YOU. Wishing you a heart-warming day tomorrow, I hope you celebrate L-O-V-E with: a special someone, your family and/or friends.....

Happy ♥ Day! xo

IF 'forward' and Paint Party Friday

2012-01-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

A gift from me to you for your personal use: a desktop calendar page.
Click to enlarge, download + enjoy :)

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"If we really think that home is elsewhere and that this life is a 'wandering to find home,' why should we not look forward to the arrival?” - C.S. Lewis

For Illustration Friday's word this week 'forward' and also for everyone over at PPF! My journal page depicts pretty much the colors I viewed outside my studio window today: blue sky, winter-barren trees and not a smidge of snow to be found even though we had a white Christmas - on a side note I changed the color of the grass, it's more 'beige' than green right now.....

Wasn't sure what I'd do for 'forward' but realized I've quite a few things coming up in February & March that I'm looking 'forward' to. One in particular is a special project I'll be working on all month long in February (hint: it's similar to one I did 4 yrs ago for leap year). I also signed up for a watercolor & pastel workshop at our local museum and just over the past weekend, an online journaling class with the talented Ms. Judy Wise - whew, I'll be busy!

What are you looking 'forward' to right now? How about that extra day in February, why not plan an artist's date for yourself? If you can, set up a whole day of creating in your studio - lock the door & tell your family to order a pizza for dinner :>

I hope I've inspired you to do something special to spark your creativity and maybe even stretch your artistic muscles a bit. Don't forget to check back for the start of my project later this week, btw I may just have a giveaway or two planned, xo

Year of the Dragon + Paint Party Friday

2012-01-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

It's now officially Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese calendar. I hope you donned your [red] party dress today and had a good time! Do you know what your sign is according to this calendar? Find out here....

Anyhow, if you started the Chinese New Year right you did not try to tempt fate and abided by these age-old Chinese superstitions illustrated below:

12x12 journal, watercolor, pitt pen on bristol

All kidding aside, everyone who knows me also knows that I do love me some superstitions - so don't mind me, it's all in fun right - or is it? :)

Have an inspired week lovelies, xo

IF -'twirl'

2012-01-21T00:39:00.000-08:00

For IF's prompt this week, 'twirl'. A rough pencil sketch cleaned up in PS moderately. I say that becuz I find I lose the spontaneity of my hand-drawn organic lines when I go digital - how about you?

Anyhow, this illo was inspired by all things GRIMM. Remember when I mentioned about some books I received for Christmas? This one was a wishlist topper - in a word: LOVE!! I've always been enchanted with the Brothers' classic fairytales like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Hansel & Grethel....and more as you know if you're a fan too!

I hope you're up to something enchanting this weekend <3

Illustration Fri. & Paint Party Fri.

2012-01-06T15:41:00.001-08:00

5x8 moleskine: watercolor, pen

My offering for IF's word prompt this week 'grounded' and also for Paint Party Friday -first time submitting over there for me.

Yoga has been on my mind as we started this new year. It's not because I'm one for making resolutions, I like to think of them more as personal goals - and one of them is to dust off my yoga mat and get 'grounded' by practicing it consistently this year. I stopped and started it more than a few times last year, so gonna give it my best shot to stick with it in 2012 (as well as getting more illos & paintings done!)

One of the aspects of yoga that I connect with most is the concept that what happens on the mat is much like training for life. Yoga poses ask your body to find strength, balance, and flexibility all at once - a lot of situations in life also ask for a combination of these qualities. By practicing yoga we're able to approach life with a calmer, more grounded, outlook....

A bit of info I discovered on yoga 'grounding':

Grounding allows Expansion

By simply grounding down, our ability to expand is increased. When we stretch in yoga we get a sense of liberation. Without the fundamental feeling of being grounded, none of the other qualities of the heart can unfold. The qualities of the pose – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – flow from the foundation. By focusing on the foundation we feel safer, stable, and trusting. When we feel secure we can expand.

I hope I've inspired you to give it a try....namaste.

Happy New Year & Illus. Fri -'highlight'

2012-01-01T15:23:00.000-08:00

(click for closer view)

12x12, watercolor, pen, colored pencil

Happy New Year!

We were blessed with mild weather and abundant sunshine today so I was able to finish an illo in our sunroom to submit for Illustration Friday. I received an amazing book for Christmas (among others, which I'll share with you soon) and I absolutely love it! Kudos to artist & author of Personal Geographies - Exploration in Mixed Media Mapmaking, Jill K. Berry for putting this book together! I've always loved anything to do with maps and can't wait to try out more of the projects in the book....

This illo is a combination of reflecting on the past year and IF's word this week 'highlight'. I knew immediately what the theme for my first map would be, to 'highlight' memories of travel, events or just plain everyday life that seemed to be my focus each month last year.

I imagined each month as an island, shaped like the first letter of that month with symbols representing the event or thoughts & feelings I experienced. I had so much fun with this (and actually didn't realize how much I travelled last year!) I highly recommend doing one of your own - what theme would show up on your map?

Because it's a brand new year, I think my next one will focus on wishes, dreams and artistic goals for 2012 - a possibility map - because last year didn't give me much time to devote to my art like I wanted to. How about you, what will you be focusing on in 2012?

May the new year bless us all with happiness, health, grace and abundant creativity! <3

Merry Christmas + Illustration Fri. - 'messenger'

2011-12-24T02:44:00.001-08:00

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

My offering for IF's word this week 'messenger', a quick sketch in my moleskine journal. I had a few ideas but with limited time today decided to go with the dove - a 'messenger' and eternal symbol of peace & hope. I was curious to see if there were any other references to doves, with respect to animals as personal totems and found this bit of commentary:

Dove/Pigeon's gifts include - bringer of peace and love, understanding of gentleness, spirit messenger, communication between the two worlds, maternity, femininity, prophecy.

Doves carry the energy of promise. When inner agitation is banished from our thoughts, words and feelings, the goodness awaits us. So we are able to receive the gifts doves present us, healing on all levels - emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually - is of utmost importance.

The Dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried and troubled thoughts, and enables us to find renewal in the silence of mind. In these moments of stillness we are able to appreciate the simple things in life.

I couldn't have phrased that last line any better, I think I'll add it to my wish/vision board that I put together every New Year.

Wishing you all the blessings, joy & peace of the season - however you celebrate it.

Merry Christmas!

A Snowy Monday...

2011-12-05T12:58:00.001-08:00

"A snowflake is winter's butterfly." - anon

....as a winter storm system sits over the Land of Enchantment state for most of this week.
Temps should be back to normal by Friday so for now i'll stay Instagram-inspired,
sip hot cocoa and enjoy :>

Stay warm + creative!

Giving Thanks + Instagram Love

2011-11-25T13:37:00.001-08:00

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sharing my latest love [obsession] and wishing you & yours all the best this Thanksgiving weekend.

Be blessed ♥

Illustration Fri. - 'vanity'

2011-11-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

5x8 moleskine,, graphite, pen, watercolor, colored pencil

For IF's word this week 'vanity' - my redo of a 1914 Vanity Fair magazine cover [original shown below]. I loved the vintage vibe & colors of the original so tried to incorporate that into my interpretation.

I did a bit of research on the cover artist: Anne Harriett Fish (she preferred A. H. Fish) created nearly 30 covers for Vanity Fair between 1914 and 1927. Her style was spare and modern with a viewpoint that was satirical but charming. She also knew how to use line and color to strike just the right balance between too much and not enough.....

Original commentary on this cover:
"December 1, 1914. Against a terra cotta background, a masked harlequin charms a lovely young dancer in a dress of yellow ruffles by slipping a red rose into her hand. The illustration, by A.H. Fish, appeared on the December 1914 cover of Vanity Fair."

Much creativity to you and Happy Thanksgiving if you're celebrating it!

Illustration Fri. - 'silent''

2011-11-17T23:39:00.000-08:00

8x10, graphite, pen, colored pencil, charcoal

Under the wire for IF's latest word 'silent'. Have you ever noticed how 'silent' it is in a library?

I've moved recently and finally got to unpack some studio boxes so was inspired to do this quick piece in my kraft paper journal. My love [obsession] with fonts/ lettering, libraries & books and just plain doodling all showed up on the page.

Much creativity to you! <3

Greetings from...

2011-11-06T01:06:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Alas, another month has passed to share things with all of you - wow.

I've had so much going on the last five months it's been ridiculous.
Life's "stewpot" has been cooking up mostly good things but adding some
bittersweetness in for good measure. Recently we packed up, moved and
said goodbye to more friends and another community again....

However...I'm loving the cooler & drier New Mexico climate and our new home
(the pic above shows the backyard & sunroom to the right).
South Texas was not for this northern girl (I can take hot temps but add high humidity
in there and I wilt). The crisp smoky air & fall colors here are something I've missed immensely
- it's what I've known most of my life.

The change of seasons helps me reset my compass, slow down to reassess goals, dream a little bit & then focus on where I want to go next. It's what I need, it's how I thrive. Can you relate?

"What comes first, the compass or the clock? Before one can truly manage time (the clock),
it is important to know where you are going, what your priorities and goals are, in which
direction you are headed (the compass). Where you are headed is more important than
how fast you are going." -- Anon

Looking forward to sharing pics of my new studio with you as well as some fresh work and art community pursuits I'm involved in locally. Btw, here's a really good moving tip: write the contents (or most of) on the outside of boxes, saves time like you can't believe especially unpacking studio/kitchen boxes :>

Stay inspired friends and be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'contraption'

2011-10-07T22:36:00.001-07:00

6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

For IF's word this week, my interpretation: high-wire 'contraption'. It's also the third piece in a circus themed series I started a few weeks ago (you can see previous ones posted individually here & here). I loved the recycling/repurposing aspect of creating these pieces on cardboard....

Check out this contraption in where else - Vegas baby (dang they didn't have this when I was there last year!!)

I hope you're enjoying much creativity & inspiration in your little corner of the world. As always, be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'mesmerizing'

2011-09-17T22:19:00.001-07:00

6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

For IF's word prompt this week 'mesmerizing' - this is the second piece of a small set I'm working on (the first one is here) with all the pieces having a circus based theme.

I've always found everything related to the circus, county fairs or midways 'mesmerizing'. The fun and festivities, colorful costumes, games of chance, thrilling rides (although you won't see me lining up for many of them) & magical atmosphere have always intrigued me. It's so much like life at times, yes? :>

Have a creative week friends + be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'boundaries'

2011-09-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

My offering for IF's word prompt this week boundaries. I was a bit stuck at first and really wasn't sure how I could create anything for this challenge that would speak to me. But then I started thinking about personal boundaries - you know like not being able to say no to art projects/ commissioned work, relationships or job ruts that we may find ourselves in, or even people who want us to commit to things we really feel that we don't have time or energy for - although sometimes it's a good idea to have a close friend or loved one push you out of your 'zone' :)

I don't know about you, but lately I've been feeling like life is a big circus, travelling 'round and 'round, giving us all a curtain call when it's time to do our act (lol)

6x8, artist crayons, watercolor, colored pencil, charcoal, ink on cardboard

"Learning how to set boundaries is a necessary step in learning to be a friend to ourselves." - anon

Trying to find balance and stay focused on my hopes & dreams while trying to maintain my personal boundaries is where I'm at right now, so I decided to do an intuitive-based piece. I didn't want to do any guesswork so quickly gessoed up a few pieces of cardboard (I recently purchased some books online and kept the padding inserts) I started laying down some fluid inks, artist crayons, charcoal, pens - whatever was in front of me.

This afternoon I started on the other 2 pieces and to keep the recycle / reuse thing going, I cut up some paper grocery bags to make another one of my beloved paper bag journals...

Have a fabulous week friends!

Watercolor Wednesdays - Remember

2011-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

moleskine, watercolor, pen, colored pencil, charcoal

My offering for WW's (you can view my post & member feedback here) first week of September challenge - 'honoring those who were lost in 9/11 and those who keep us safe.' I can't believe it's been 10 years since the dark day that changed America & our world forever. I love this quote because it's a reminder for us all to hold onto faith & hope in troubling times.

May everyone stay safe this 10th anniversary weekend.....

Blessings to you & yours.

Illustration Fri. - 'mysterious'

2011-09-02T14:59:00.000-07:00

A quick post for IF's challenge this week, the crow painting is actually part of a larger one I did awhile back here but I digitally collaged it (bkgd is a combo of free digi papers & a vintage postcard of mine) and then added some text for interest. I think this would make a fabulous postcard or small print, don't you?

Please get in touch if you're interested in either option, my Etsy store isn't officially open just yet but I have been taking private orders (prints will not have copyright shown here on them but are signed & dated), thank you for your continued support & interest in my work :>

Happy Labor Day if you're celebrating it with us here in the US - wishing you all a happy & safe last weekend of summer!

Summer days & nights

2011-08-30T15:27:00.001-07:00

Hello again, finally. I cannot believe it's been two months since I posted anything here(!) Life has been a strange mix of many things for me this summer: lots of travelling (car & air travel), preparing for a move (again), trying to fit in time for art, even if it's only to journal (yet not feeling inspired to do more than take photos of everything) and trying to get thru the heat here in Texas (108 degrees here yesterday ok? pass the sweet tea please)

I've been very introspective as a result of all the above - when I find the time that is - and so opened up my paper bag journal yesterday and completed the spread below. In the second pic I placed a deck of cards that I purchased on my latest trip, "Healing With the Angels" by Doreen Virtue, PH.D. (yes that's her last name) and they were sitting nearby unopened, I had been waiting for the right moment to experience them. I read the little book that came with it and picked out a few cards before I made this piece. These Oracle cards are said to help you communicate with your guardian angels, that they have messages to deliver to us and are ready to guide us if we open our hearts & minds and just listen:

How did you spend your summer? Hopefully it was filled with many, many wonderful things to look back on and also things to look forward to.

Before I forget, I wanted to mention that the 100 Illustrations 2011 Annual, featuring my work and 49 other illustrators, is now available from Barnes & Noble. The pink arrow points to my cover piece:

Thank you to all those on the book design team and of course to the lovely Diana Evans, for the opportunity to be a part of this project.

Will try to post more as things get done & free up my time to do so, enjoy these last few days of August friends - be well.

Book Love ♥

2011-06-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday all -- hope you hit the ground running today to get your week off to a great creative start!

My day was spent tying up loose ends on a project, one I mentioned awhile back. I'm honored to be a part of the book project shown below which is due for release soon:

More sharing:

Today's mail brought some huge inspiration to my studio! One is by the amazing & talented Misty Mawn and the other by a new to me illustrator - fashion illustrator Anna Kiper. I love how each book is unique & beautiful in their own way, reflecting each artist and their style...

First up Misty Mawn's book:

book images © Misty Mawn

You can really feel that Misty's heart & soul is present in her book and the surprise at the end [insert spoiler here] was icing on the mixed media cake for me - brava dear Misty!! I've always loved her fearless approach to art and messy is okay attitude. I was thrilled when I won a couple of her original paintings a few years ago from her online portrait class. Let me tell ya her book is going to be displayed right beside them when I set up the gallery wall in my studio. Now if I could just get her to sign my copy [hint hint ;]

book images © Misty Mawn

Next up, Anna Kiper, totally different in contrast - fashion & design influenced and a feast for my illustrator eyes & senses! Fabulous renderings, tips and ideas for any fashion /costume illustrator. My mind is swimming with ideas, I just need to stock up on some new supplies :) :)

book images © Anna Kiper

book images © Anna Kiper

All I have to say is SO much inspiration - SO little time! Oh well, we do the best we can right? Have a lovely inspired week!

Illustration Fri. - 'midsummer night''

2011-06-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

"[Awaking] What angel wakes me from my flowery bed?" 'Titania, Queen of the Fairies'
A Midsummer Night's Dream, 8x8, pen & ink on bristol

A quick offering for IF's theme this week 'midsummer night' and of course I couldn't resist referencing Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream.

As you may know, Titania is punished by Oberon, King of the Fairies. Because of her disobedience in not complying to a request of his, the King calls upon his mischievous court jester, Puck, to help him apply a magical juice from a flower called "love-in-idleness," which when applied to a person's eyelids while sleeping, makes the victim fall in love with the first living thing seen upon awakening. His intent is for her to fall in love with an animal in the forest and because of her shame, give in to his request.....

Originally I had thought that I'd keep at this, add a forest background and maybe a crown /dress etc. but now I'm thinking I may just design an Art Nouveau frame around it with lettering of the play's title...maybe not though - I do love me some details :>

Ahhh, another one to finish, better than not getting any sketches in these long hot summer days & nights - yes?

Have a lovely weekend!

Watercolor Wednesdays - 'pickles'

2011-06-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

8x8, ink, watercolor & digital

"Great - it's burger night!" muttered Jeanette as she walked into the kitchen and spied the note on the fridge. She knew what that meant - her mom would be plunking a big, heaping bowl of those gross, green things on their dinner table. Her two younger brothers love pickles. They also love nothing better than to wave them at her and bite into them making loud, crunching sounds. They know how much Jeanette HATES pickles!

Finally posted an illo over at Watercolor Wednesdays - it's been ages!! I'm actually one of the original members from way back when they first started up and we are hitting the 3 year mark in July, wow!

A lot of fun with this one - and it was no surprise to me that the subject ended up looking like my daughter when she was that age. She was /is much like this character: very opinionated and picky (although in her case she loves pickles!)

And again I found out how important it is to work on your bkgd right from the beginning instead of leaving it until the end. I love working on my characters and tend to do backgrounds as an afterthought. Of course with children's book illustration you have to be able to portray many different settings, emotions and actions so the reader can connect with the character(s) . All in all I feel like this was a good stretch for me, much more work needed however :>

Wishing you all a creative week!

Illustration Fri. - 'swept''

2011-06-11T16:41:00.001-07:00

'windswept', 10x8, watercolor & pen on bristol

My offerng for IF's word this week. I thought of a few ideas for this but ended up going with a quick & loose illo depicting [wind]swept hair. And let me tell ya, we've had more than our fair share of winds blowing through here in south Texas the past few months. Unfortunately, they don't offer much in the cooling department once June is upon us....

Is the weather hot where you are right now? Well if it is, I hope you're lucky enough to find a place to cool off. Which reminds me, I've got an icy, cold glass of sweet tea with my name on it somewhere :>

Illustration Fri. - 'shadows''

2011-06-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

My offering for Ilustration Friday's word this week. I've had this illo swirling around in my head - much like images in a crystal ball - since visiting this place. I was travelling down an art-filled road with camera in hand when I happened upon a street sign that caught my eye. It spoke to a part of me that has always been a free spirit with a gypsy soul.

I immediately imagined gypsies and maybe a band of pirates meandering up and down the cobblestone road (it was paved, but as I said I was inspired). Of course to complete the scene a ne'er-do-well or two would be lurking in the 'shadows'.

'Gypsy Alley', 9x12, pen & pencil on bristol

I definitely want to explore this sketch further on canvas with acrylics or oils and maybe digital paint, we'll see....

Have a creative week and don't forget to check out all the talent over at IF!

Albuquerque, Santa Fe & Hollywood! Part Deux

2011-05-31T15:27:00.001-07:00

As promised, more on that most inspiring and much needed trip I took recently to New Mexico, you can view Part One here

Travelling down Canyon Road in Santa Fe was a feast for the senses! I happened upon the beautiful bunch of poppies shown below and they did indeed inspire my Illustration Friday illo from the other day - yes Kris, I imagined a tiny girl wandering around amongst them and falling asleep :>

After leaving Canyon Road, we travelled to the historic downtown area to visit the many shops and finally found a place to park (btw parking is very limited downtown, your best bet is to pay the day-park rate, just be prepared for lots of walking!)

First stop as we rounded the corner? The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, a gorgeous architecturally rich building, designed in the French Romanesque Revival style. The cathedral was built between 1869 and 1886. To say the inside was jaw-opening is putting it mildly and be sure to eat your Wheaties so you can open the 20 foot high heavy wooden entry doors - unbelievable!

After leaving the church we made our way down the main street to the shops and park center, when we came across what looked like a movie set. We talked to a few people and discovered that yes a Hollywood crew had just set up to shoot a movie the day before - which movie? "Odd Thomas". It's based on a series of books by author Dean Koontz & is directed by Stephen Sommers ('The Mummy' films) movie release is scheduled for 2012.....

After watching a bit of the filming we didn't see any famous actors or actresses so we decided to start making our way through the streets. A few hours later we stopped back at the set to see if we could get through to more shops on the other side. It looked as if things had wrapped up for the day so we started walking through the set and I happened to spot a familiar face....

William Dafoe! (or Willem as he prefers) Super, super nice guy - unlike his Green Goblin character in the Spiderman movies. He happily obliged for a quick pic and some small talk before a couple of people from the film crew started asking everyone to clear out - time is money!

Anyhow, Dafoe wіll be рοrtrауing a police chief іn a tіnу California town аnd only one of two individuals whο know Thomas’ secret -- that he communicates with the lingering dead....

I may just have to buy the book AND see the movie :>

Illustration Fri. - 'asleep''

2011-05-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

'asleep', 6x6: pen /digital paint

A quick post for Illustration Friday's word this week: 'asleep', another one for my children's book illo portfolio that I've been working on/struggling with for awhile now. And I'd like to think that life has been getting in the way, but for the most part my inner critic has had her say once too often - until a few months ago when I started working through The Artist's Way with a friend. All I can say is that it has helped me immensely - I've been showing my critic politely but firmly to the door a lot more lately :>

Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend here in the US, if not enjoy the rest of your weekend wherever you happen to be.....

* * * * * * *

Also, if you're up for some artistic eye-candy, yesterday I posted about a recent trip of mine here - I hope to have Part Two up tomorrow sometime [and did I mention I have my first ever 'hollywood celebrity & me' photo to share?]

Edit: Part Two can now be viewed here

Albuquerque, Santa Fe & a bit of Hollywood! Part One

2011-05-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

Hello friends! I hope you are all finding time for creativity these days. Lots going on for me the past month and just recently a special trip was my escape from the heat here in Texas, so thought I'd share it with y'all. New Mexico was the destination, specifically the ABQ /Sante Fe area. Lots of shopping to be had in ABQ - one stop being the new ABQ Uptown Mall with upscale open-air shopping.

First stop: Anthropologie! Check out the cool display they set up in the bedding section .....don't think I'd get a good night sleep in that bed but I love the concept :>

And although I mostly window shopped, I did pick up a few special items: a beautiful, big mug to sip my herbal teas from, an illustrated calendar / dayplanner by the talented Geninne, and a fun bundle of twig-wrapped colored pencils.....

More shopping was followed by a quick trip into Trader Joe's (their carrot cake is simply AMAZING) and Starbucks, then we were on the road to Santa Fe - only a short 40 min. drive away.......plenty of time to finish coffee and cake :>

Since we got there late afternoon [and did I mention it was only 59 degrees, that's cold to south Texas folks this time of year!] we decided to head down to Canyon Road and check things out for the next day. Canyon Road is a gallery & studio lined street near the historic downtown area in Santa Fe. As I travelled on foot up & down the narrow street with camera in hand, I marvelled at the rich colors, ornate doors and style of the adobe buildings, as well as the fabulous outside metal & hand-carved wood displays. It truly is an art mecca - and the second largest art market here in the US. I wish every artist could experience the amazing atmosphere & vibe of Canyon Road at least once - it gave me lofty aspirations to say the least.

I loved the color of this little chair paired with the clay pots.....

And I adored these painted metal birds....

Well that's it for now! Stay tuned for Part Two - Canyon Road cont'd, downtown Santa Fe and a walk on the Hollywood side......

It's May [or where did the time go]

2011-05-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

"The world's favorite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May."- Edwin Way Teale

May is a happy month for me, words like fresh beginnings & renewal sail in through the windows like a cool, welcoming breeze. I look forward to it at the start of every birthday year (today actually) as I review and reflect on the past year.

The words 'possibility' and 'hope' have been on my mind recently too. I'm learning to embrace them as I work through The Artist's Way these past 5 weeks....which in a roundabout way explains why I've been far, far away from my blog. By retreating from social networking and getting rid of too much mind/information clutter, I've gained a little more clarity.

Less is more - YES.

As well as my inner changes, I've made some outer changes too. I cut my hair to a more manageable 'summer months' length, cleared out some closets of things I no longer need, built my own custom work table (with my brand new tool, can't wait to try it out for more projects!) and....I've been working on a very special art project, I'll share soon - promise :>

Does May have a special place in your heart? What celebrations or events do you look forward to in the merry month of May?

Illustration Fri. - 'cultivate'

2011-03-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

"inspire purple and white" moleskine - watercolor, pen, color pencil

Under the wire [really] for IF's word this week 'cultivate'! This was a last minute-in-between-other-things sketch. I've always loved these flowers and recently bought some here in Texas, they used to just pop up (or 'jump-up' as they're known to do in certain areas of the country) I pressed quite a few when we lived in Michigan - my daughter loved their little faces :> Anyhow the pot in this is totally wonky and the leaves didn't get my full attention but so glad I finally opened up one of the moleskines I got for Christmas.

Which brings me to a quick mention/question: I don't know if any of you moleskine users have noticed recently but this new one didn't take watercolor well at all (in the past it would 'bead' up and be workable for a bit). It's been over a year or so since I've worked in a new moleskine and I haven't changed my brand of w/c, it's still W&N - so wondering if they started cheaping out on the quality or thickness of the paper - just sayin'....

Anyhow, I've been immersed in 'The Artist's Way' that I mentioned in my last post and hope to visit everyone in blogland very soon. Until then, much creativity to you all...

2011-03-04T16:13:00.000-08:00

"Creativity is an act of faith." -- Julia Cameron

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I hope you are heading into the weekend with some great creative things planned - or not - if that's what you choose to do :>

Sharing:
I just got the book above today and am SO looking forward to digging in & committing myself to what's involved (there's even a contract to sign). I had heard of Julia Cameron's books years ago and didn't know I could get them all in one publication (The Artist's Way, Walking in this World & Finding Water) so was very happy to discover it!

I think I really need to do this right now. Not sure if I shared with y'all that I ended up not sending in my Sketchbook Project journal - I know right? I wouldn't feel authentic and true to myself and my visitors (which is one of the things I wanted for this blog - to be authentic while sharing) if I didn't let you know so yeah, there it is. Why didn't I send it in? Well a few reasons, some I can articulate and some I can't....

I'd love to hear your experiences/thoughts on these books. I remember coming across a few online groups with members working together through 'The Artist's Way' a few years ago. I actually signed up for one of them and almost ordered the book but decided not to and dropped out...I knew I wasn't able to do the work & place a commitment to it at that time...

Okay, so now I need to get busy, sort of. What are you committing to today - tomorrow? next week??

Illustration Fri. - 'swarm'

2011-02-28T16:37:00.001-08:00

Busy as a bee this week (sorry couldn't resist) but decided to do a quick post for IF's word this week: 'swarm'. I've got my daughter's upcoming b-day on my plate this week (and no way would I be able to get her into a dress like this for her sweet sixteen, even though the sketch was inspired by her - we're going with a 'preppy-goth' theme for the premiere of the movie "Beastly" this weekend)

Anyhow, a few other projects floating around and still [re]vamping up my studio, so when the dust settles, I'll try to update y'all...

Have a creative week friends!

2011-02-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

Finally getting a chance to share some of my recent time away from blogland, which has also involved overhauling/ vamping up my studio and s-l-o-w-l-y setting up my Etsy shop which I really, really want to have up and running for a spring opening. The winter months are just flying by for me, how about you?

Anyhow, the pic above is of The Lodge Resort & Spa - sometimes referred to as Rebecca's Lodge due to the fact that it's 'charmed' by a woman named Rebecca. Yes, it is indeed reputed to be haunted by the beautiful red-headed woman who was murdered by her 'jealous lumberjack boyfriend' when it was a logging house in the 1930's (the lodge also claims that a chambermaid who was killed by a jealous lover also haunts the grounds & halls, however both versions may be related to the same woman). And although I never did see anything out of the ordinary while we were there, one of the door handles in our suite kept 'sticking' and the lights eerily flickered on & off more than once - coincidence? Maybe......

A very steep view down into the part of the hill with the railway Trestle.....

Gorgeous scenery....

And of course, last but not least, the Murder Mystery Weekend that the Lodge & The Cloudcroft Light Opera Company [CLOC] hosts twice a year. I have never been to one of these before so the whole experience was quite surreal. The CLOC gang put on quite the performance and we thoroughly enjoyed it all, from the champagne receptions & fabulous dinners, to the clue hunt in the village shops on Saturday and finally the big reveal breakfast on Sunday morning, I highly recommend it......(btw I'm the blonde to your left in the bottom picture, 2 cast members came to our table at the opening dinner and hauled me up with them to do a Charlies's Angel pose lol)

2011-02-16T00:06:00.001-08:00

Hey - a quick post to wish y'all a [belated] happy valentine's day! I hope February finds you well and productive. Lots going on right now for me, so much that I can't even get into it but wanted to share the pic above from a V-day celebration up in the mountains of New Mexico [Cloudcroft]. I have so much more to share about this little gem of a place but will simply say - I'm totally smitten with it :)

Updates on my latest art & Etsy shop very soon, promise. Be well.....

Illustration Fri. - 'chicken'

2011-01-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

For IF's prompt this week 'chicken' and also the last spread in my Sketchbook Project journal 'in flight' - yay! Didn't think I'd get it done but under the wire I pulled it all together after finding out they extended the postmark date to next week (yes you still have time if you think you missed the date!) I'm making a Flickr album for the whole journal and will post a link to it when it's up.

And what does my illo have to do with this week's word? Well when I first heard about the project I was hesitant to sign up thinking I wouldn't be able to give up my journal forever and - yes I'd definitely be too 'chicken' to try this pose even if I could do it (!) I like both my feet on the ground thank you very much :>

Have a great weekend!

Illustration Fri. - 'Deja-vu'

2011-01-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

For IF's 'deja-vu' prompt this week. This was originally a pencil sketch I did back in March last year (see the original here ) so definitely a 'deja-vu' adding this to my Sketchbook Project journal: 'in flight'...

Anyhow, I've been scrambling to get my sketchbook finished and sent on its' way for the last two weeks - where the flip did the time go?! More to come on the ALICE side of this (teacups & flowers, vines etc.) as well as the last 3 spreads to complete it, hopefully over the weekend & into early next week ....whew! Good luck to y'all if you're in my shoes :>

Have a fabulous & creatively inspired weekend! Take care and be well.....

Illustration Fri. - 'resolutions'

2011-01-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

My offering for IF's 'resolutions' - a new year (and decade) is now upon us. Yay!

As some of you know - and also believe as I do - making New Years 'resolutions' has never worked for me very well. I prefer to use images, colors, and words/quotes instead as a springboard to leap into a new year and stay focused. Each new year, I start a fresh inspiration or vision board, if you will, and set it up in my studio where I can see it everyday. I'm so happy that a friend was inspired recently to share this 'ritual' of mine with others, (remember to keep an open spot on your board Vanessa, it lets the Universe know that you're open to receiving)

As I reflect on 2010, I realize there were a lot of stops and starts in my life, art & productivity along the way - why? Well, for one, my path was sprinkled with personal ups & downs such as moving (again? geesh) indecision about where I wanted to focus my energy and a multitude of questions about government /global economy and local issues....

Thanks to the wonderful support of family, friends as well as my blogging friends - yes you - and the online communities I belong to, I managed to stayed inspired, keep moving forward and not give up. I am so truly grateful for y'all.

I started working on my board over the weekend, gathering things that I was drawn to for whatever reason. My colors this year are turquoise and purple as I've been feeling a pull towards that color combination for the last month or so. My intuition was confirmed for me after receiving a necklace w/ turquoise & purple beads and a beautiful cross pendant for Christmas. I know the cross will help remind me to keep faith in my heart. I tried to capture it in my sketch above, but truly in person it is just so 'lovely'....

Which brings me to something I'm also going to do a little differently this year. Instead of my one mantra word for the whole year, I'm going to focus on a new one each month. The sands of time are always moving and shifting so I'm hoping these 'one tiny words' can help me grow, breathe deeper and help me find what I want (and maybe didn't know I needed)

What would your 'one tiny words' be?

Dream it, believe it, do it - the Universe will step up to the plate with you when you wanna knock that ball out of the park.

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!” -- Goethe

Here's to all of us having a wonderfully creative, focused and abundant year. As for me....I'm off to find my stadium, I hope you find yours too :>

Illustration Fri. - 'winter'

2010-12-29T21:59:00.000-08:00

A bit of a repost but I wanted to submit this illo for IF's 'winter'. I created this on a winter solstice 2 yrs. ago, it's one of my favorites and was / is with some Flickr friends too....

Have a safe & Happy New Year's celebration my friends - wishing you all a creative & prosperous 2011!

these are a few of my favorite things...

2010-12-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

Time is short with the holidays upon us so a quick post - I hope you are well and finding time for yourself and spending time w/ family & friends who are dear to you.

Before I forget I also wanted to share with you my hands-down favorite holiday cookie -> Thimble cookies (aka Santa's thumbprints) Yummy! They don't last long at our place that's for sure, you can get my recipe for it here

Wishing y'all a happy, safe and blessed holiday ♥ - be well....

hello december....

2010-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

and hello to you out there on this first day of december...

yes i am still around and trying to be productive, i hope you are too

today i'm feeling gratitude for all the good in my life: the people, the places, the happy moments, the sad & silent moments too (for they make me appreciate the happy ones even more)

i came across this somewhere, a few fill-in-the-blanks to help prompt you into practicing an attitude of gratitude - mine, just off the top of my head, are shown in blue

i'm grateful for... LOVE
my life would be dull if it weren't for...all the crazy, fun, fascinating, talented people i've met
the following people make my life richer...because they...(these could be people you personally know or people who simply inspire you) there are a lot of people i could list here but i'll simply say this: you know who you are because i've already told you so and why
i don't know what I'd do without...coffee :>
i appreciate the following things about myself...honesty, creativity, sensitivity, giving, determined
this year I've been blessed with...TIME (and at certain points it felt like a curse because it seemed to go so slow with no progress in important areas of my life, but now i see it as a necessary blessing in disguise to help me move forward in the right directions)

in the spirit of the season, i've decided to host a giveaway soon (for my 200th post) so please stay tuned for that... sneak peek below, handpainted wood tiles w/magnets, each one features my original art, no two are exactly alike. they're mounted on blank greeting cards for gift-giving. i'll be giving one or two of these away & the rest will be for sale in my new Etsy shop very, very soon :>

They Draw & Cook - my recipe illo!

2010-11-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let y'all know that my recipe for They Draw & Cook was posted here today - thanks again Nate & Salli for accepting it to your fabulous blog and for the wonderful opportunity to share a bit of myself and my work with everyone around the world!

On a side note, I researched the hummingbird as I started working on my illo and found this fascinating passage on personal totems. After reading it, I believe the hummingbird is definitely one of mine....maybe yours too?

Hummingbird as a Personal Totem

The hummingbird - the tiniest of all birds - brings special messages for us. It is the only creature that can stop dead while traveling at full speed; can hover; or can go forward, backward, up or down. I wonder if the person who designed the first helicopter had studied the hummingbird.

Hummingbird lives on nectar and searches for the sweetness of life. It's purpose is to pollinate the flowers of the world, and there are over 300 species of this amazing little creature going about this work. Its long "nose" lets it bypass the often tough and bitter outer layer to find the hidden treasurers underneath.

What is hummingbird's message for us? First of all, adaptability in life's many situations and being able to "roll with the punches". If you have hummingbird medicine, you adapt easily to whatever situation you may find yourself in, and make the most of your new circumstances. You don't waste time looking back and wishing for "what was" for you are concerned with making the most of "what is".

The second message is inner joy. A hummingbird person could never become addicted to any artificial stimulants for it finds its joys in its own heart. You take great pleasure in spreading joy and love and beauty to all around you, and have the gift of taking that inner joy into new and different surroundings.

You have a talent for finding the good in people, and are not put off by a gruff or abrupt exterior for you know that, if you can only get beyond that tough outside layer, you'll find goodness and beauty inside.

You may have a gift for working with flowers, maybe growing them to share with others, or using flower essences for healing. Aromatherapy may be your calling. You have high energy and a spirit that must be free. To restrict that wonderful, free, loving energy is to suffer great depressions and feelings of uselessness. Hummingbird must fly free in search of beauty, spreading joy and love to all it touches.

Because it lives on nectar, and nature's sugars, hummingbird people need to be mindful of their sugar intake for they do love sweets! Be careful not to upset the sugar balances in your body. Be wise - be cautious - and share your special gifts with all you meet.

Illustration Fri. - 'sneaky'

2010-11-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Nice to be contributing to IF, I've really been trying to get something posted over there but time & inspiration haven't been on my side the last month or so. And yes this is a bit of a stretch for 'sneaky' as it's geared more to a technique but thought I'd share it anyway :>

I've been playing around with scanning my pencil & ink sketches and painted surfaces then layering them digitally, adding or subracting color in certain areas, etc . It's a 'sneaky'/clever way to experiment without committing to anything permanent and the instant art gratification is definitely a plus when time is limited. I also love the contemporary, messy look of it too....

Have a great weekend and while I'm at it, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving if you're celebrating it - and as always, be well.

2010-10-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

the fall season up north is so different then the ones we get here in south texas.

i muse and daydream about all the years that i got to experience that glorious color up there, those wonderfully crunchy leaves and crisp, smoky air....

it reminds me of something i read awhile ago, something i try to remind myself every day: never take what you have right here, right now, for granted - embrace it while you can;

the fall color at my front door now...

....and inside - all things "m" like:

magic [a treasured vintage book],
memories [a photo from back home of our maple tree]
and music [love, love this song]

have a safe, happy hallowe'en friends...

hello, sharing, news....

2010-10-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Helloooo.....dusting off my blog before it dries up and blows away :>

Life has been strange lately, busy as a bee & social as a butterfly one minute then feeling much like this flower - standing alone, feeling like I want to float, craving a minimalist existance......

I decided to join Susan & Chrysti in their latest prompt for {Echo} Week 23 - Minimalist as the timing was good to get it posted and I thought it fit perfectly with the mood I was trying to convey with my camera...

new work - sharing:

Above is a sneak peek of my 'They Draw and Cook' entry. If you're not familiar with TDAC, it's a blog that features illustrations with a twist - all the illos are themed to recipes. I'd been wanting to send something in when I first heard about it but the announcement of a book being published finally gave me the push I needed. My recipe/illustration was accepted for publication on the blog this morning by Nate (thanks!) but it's not posted yet - they have a ton of last minute entries for the book so when the link's up, I'll let you know.

one last note - art show:

I'm joining a friend of mine next weekend at a local arts & crafts event, we're sharing a booth and and so I've been busy putting cards & prints together but not really sure what else I'll have for sale , maybe some small original mixed media pieces.

And yes, yes I am still hoping, planning, (plotting) on finding the time & inspiration to get my new Etsy shop up and running - I feel like if I wait any longer I may just shelve the whole idea....

Here's to being inspired and creative and moving forward - rinse, repeat.....

Illustration Friday - 'acrobat'

2010-09-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

A quick line sketch, some scribbles with colored pencil and a bit of Photoshop magic for IF's theme this week 'acrobat'. I originally thought of doing a traditional (human) acrobat, but decided to focus on an animal one instead.

This is my first ever drawing of an elephant, actually I don't generally draw animals at all, mostly just birds, but I really enjoyed it. I had mentioned the saying to a friend of mine awhile back on how to tackle a huge task or project (like my new Etsy shop). Do it the same way you would if you had to eat an elephant - one bite at a time - so I added a few nibbles to the ear :) Thanks for the nudge to sketch this Kris, I think with some tweaking it would make a great inspirational card or print......

Have a creative week friends - and as always, be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'proverb'

2010-09-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

pencil, digitally colored - sketchbook project journal, theme: 'in flight'

"Time flies....so you might as well hang on and enjoy the ride!" It's been next to impossible the last month or so to contribute over at IF as much as I've wanted to due to our recent move, so glad I could finally squeeze a sketch in after I found my journals this morning - the rest of the unpacked boxes and totes can wait :)

Sooo many ways to go for 'proverb', cultural, biblical, english - I found a list with 1000 proverbs here. I ended up using a classic one to suit the theme of my Sketchbook Project journal so I don't have a mad rush to finish it up by the January deadline. My theme is 'in flight' so this fit perfectly and I like that it's still in pencil stage right now (love playing around adding color digitally!) so I can work it more if I want.....

Also a few posts back I mentioned I switched out the thin paper in this journal for a thicker stock, one that I prefer. Here's how I did it, it's fairly simple but the text is kinda small so hope you get the gist of it:

Have a fabulous week!!

time and tomes

2010-09-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Helllooooo out there......just peeking in as the dust settles [literally] in our new place. I have a nice, bright studio here, more storage too but there's much to do in the way of setup & organization. The upside to all this work is that I'm purging as I go and finally bidding adieu to things I've long outgrown. It's been quite the haul this past week or so but I'm keeping my eye on the horizon as I sift through all the boxes & totes.

I'd love to have a little giveaway/pay it forward once I sort through everything as a way of sending some good vibes out into the universe - I may even throw in a small art print or two, we'll see :)

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday weekend if you're celebrating where you are - be well friends.

Illustration Fri. - 'star gazing'

2010-08-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

"I would rather teach one bird how to sing than to teach 10,000 stars how to dance." -- e.e. cummings

I've been trying to contribute regularly at IF but as we all know, "life happens" so here's my offering for this week's prompt star gazing and last week's caged, or rather un-caged.

Glad for the push to start my first spread in this sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project. I selected the theme 'in flight' and actually ended up rebinding the sketchbook I was sent - I took pictures as I went so hopefully I'll get a chance to post those soon, it was SO easy to do!

I just couldn't work with the thin, cheesy (just being honest) paper that was in it and decided to go for quality over quantity and used 140# hot press watercolor paper. I went with 10 spreads & two single pages - the cover still needs to be done and I also need to decide what to do for the opening/ending pgs.

Oh yes, we did get to see the Perseids here the other night. We drove out of town for a bit and found a nice, darkish spot with a wonderful breeze off the lake - a refreshing surprise as August in our part of Texas isn't exactly cool, no matter what time of day it is :) We ended up spotting about 30 - 40 shooting stars and called it a night...did you get a chance to see them where you are?

Have a wonderful week and as always - be well....

sunshine, butterflies & books....

2010-07-31T14:32:00.001-07:00

a delicate beauty in flight

SCORE! A fabulous find: vintage books from a nearby town's library shop

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.

It will not lead you astray." -- Rumi

sunshine peeking through.....thank you dear Vanessa for a wonderful afternoon.....

* * * * * *
I can hardly believe it's August already - summer is flying by for me, how about you? That said, I've got lots of need-to-do's and not a whole lot of "done" : )

I hope to have some art to share with you soon, as well as an update on my new Etsy shop.
Have a fabulous weekend and as always - be well.

The Sketchbook Project 2011 Tour

2010-07-25T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hello! Just peeking in with a quick update for y'all. Yes the banner above is a hint at what my post is about....

After shuffling my feet back and forth for about a month now, I decided to sign up for this project before it fills. They closed out a few themes I was considering but one of them was still available and so I chose: 'in flight'.

I'm hoping this experience will help me to break out of my 'hang on to it/ hoard it' thing I have for my work. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love sharing it, it's just really hard for me to give it up forever - okay just typing those last few words is enough to rock my commitment to this, good thing I already paid :>

I have until January 2011 to complete it before they need it back (it's gonna see NY before I do, hee) so I'll try to share my process with you before I send it on it's way for touring the country. It's stopping at 6 major cities and one of them is Austin, TX, it would be great to make it there to see the whole project all in one place.....

Are you joining me in 'The Sketchbook Project' - if you aren't, what are you waiting for? C'mon, jump in!

Illustration Friday - 'diary'

2010-07-10T01:05:00.000-07:00

"Oh to have a tree to hold a diary,
maybe two or three...or more!
Yes, that is what I wish for..."
© Laura Taylor Mark

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Great to see 'diary' for IF's prompt word this week even though I've never really been into keeping one, not one filled with words that is....

However, thanks to the art journal revolution the last couple of years - or should I say revelation - I've found that keeping an art diary/visual journal has given me the most creative and satisfying results. I think for me it's mostly been because the pressure is off to create "art". Some of my best, most spontaneous & fun pieces can be found in the 12 or so journals I've been playing in for the last few years.

I encourage you (as I do in the local art journaling classes that I offer) to start an art diary/ journal and see where it takes you on your art journey, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Cheers!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T13:12:00.001-07:00

A quick post with some journal art to share as I've been trying to stay on track with this calendar journal, preparing the pgs ahead of time really helps with committing to it daily (or at least every couple of days *wink*). For the first week of July, I let the holdiays inspire me....

Wishing you & yours a safe [and dry] holiday - we've been getting the tail end of Hurricane Alex all week here in South Texas, fingers crossed it stays dry for tonites fireworks!

Be well....

2010-06-23T13:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer Solstice - hope it's sunshiny, bright & things are a'bloomin' wherever you are. Super busy these days but had some time to play in PSE this afternoon and wanted to share the piece above.

It was ceated utilizing several techniques & one of the freebie textures from Susan Tuttle's latest book: Digital Expressions - Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements. Susan has done it again, what a fabulous book!! Techniques galore, feature guest artists and a bonus CD with textures, brushes and text elements, I was truly impressed - which reminds me I need to get over to Amazon and put my review in.....

Today I'm also sharing with you: my latest obsession, mismatched vintage silverware. I've been adding to it for about five years and recently picked up 10 more pieces. Too hot to be outside today so I decided to start on cleaning my collection, lots of work but the sparkling, gleaming results make it all worthwhile. To me it's like washing my china by hand after a special dinner, there's a certain meditative aspect to it that I can't quite describe or explain. I think it reminds me of a gentler, slower time when people were able to enjoy the pure delight of long conversations - maybe over afternoon tea and crumpets? :)

With summer officially upon us, I hope you find the time to slow down a bit and savor every sweet moment...and maybe even entertain a stranger or two....

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

IF - 'paisley'

2010-06-19T20:22:00.001-07:00

calendar journal, 5.5 x 8

Almost finished another week in my calendar journal for June, so decided to post it for IF's prompt as I did a 'paisley' pattern in the border. I've been working on some pattern & surface designs for awhile to put in my portfolio and so started adding them in this journal.....fun :)

Here's a link if you're interested in finding out more about the history of 'paisley' and of course don't forget this one for more 'paisley' art inspiration.

Cheers!

2010-06-13T19:35:00.000-07:00

'surfer girl' 10x10, gallery wrapped canvas, oil

Packing up things this weekend as we're moving in a few weeks and decided to dig out some oil paints and revisit/rescue an abandoned canvas I found in a box. I tried these oils out when I first got them but never put them to canvas. They're Winsor & Newton water-soluable oils and a great choice for anyone with a home studio.

I'm not crazy about this piece....yet. Not sure what it needs [from me] but I do know that I love working with these oils. The clean-up is easy, they're low odor and you can keep moving a piece around until it sets, which varies depending on your humidity level as the paints cure thru oxidation.

Will post this piece again when it's finished -- stay tuned for updates on my new Etsy shop!! :)

Illustration Friday - 'trail'

2010-06-05T23:39:00.001-07:00

My offering for IF's word this week, a 'trail' of hot air balloons. I've always wanted to go for a ride in one and would love to go to a festival some day. I envision it this way: a perfect blue sky dotted with clouds & vividly colored/ patterned balloons floating endlessly, effortlessly.

Check out this amazing resource for balloon festivals/events around the world. I spied a few coming up this Summer and Fall in Texas - hmmm.....

I'm thinking of adding this design to the greeting card section in my new Etsy shop. I had a tentative June opening in mind, but with a move coming up in July I may wait until we're settled in before I open up shop. Stay tuned for updates....

Have a fabulous week!!

June Journal Page

2010-05-31T13:13:00.001-07:00

Hope you & yours enjoyed the holiday weekend! I squeezed in some time to start a new pg for the first week of June so it's ready to go as I have lots on my to-do list this week - I don't want any excuses to hold me back from filling it in :)

"You are today where your thoughts have brought you, you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

What's on your creative plate? Do you have a surefire plan to help you stick to what you want to accomplish, this week - this month? Have you been inspired to start journaling or journal more often?? I really believe that writing our goals, hopes and dreams down sends a positive, powerful message out to the universe, one that reverberates back to us with this answer: YES.

Wishing you a fabulous week & as always, be well.

Journal Bliss

2010-05-26T05:37:00.000-07:00

I've been soooo bad at keeping a daily/weekly journal of life events in the last six months so yesterday I decided to dedicate (& rescue) an abandoned journal and turn it into a 'calendar' journal. I'm sure you feel the same way as I do when I say I don't feel any pressure to produce art when I just.get.to.play.....

BUZZ: Our local Art Gallery asked me if I'd like to offer artsy gifts like journals/ small pieces of original art, etc. for the upcoming Fall & Christmas season, (yeah I know, but this is the time of year to think about that).

That got me into creative mode and thinking of the possibility of reproducing my original art & design for a fill-in calendar journal for those of us who are too busy/intimidated/not sure where to start/ just wanna have a quiet & safe place to vent. I don't know about you, but I find that having an inspiring, easily accessible place to write down even just a few words or what I'm dealing with that day to be a great release - one filled with intent, vindication & purpose.

Anyhow, I'm searching out a professional printer to re-create a 2011 calendar journal with my original illustrations & favorite quotes for each month. I'm hoping to eventually add them to my new Etsy shop. My grand opening will be sometime in June.....

Stay tuned for updates - be well.

Illustration Friday - 'early'

2010-05-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

arches w/c paper, watercolor & pen, 5.5x 7.5

What a crazy, busy day today, finally getting a chance to post this! My offering for IF's word this week - a quirky take on 'The early bird gets the....well you know. And unlike this birdie, I am rarely early for anything :)

I've been studying birds a lot recently, through books and while out with my camera. When I lived in Michigan I loved watching robins (which also happen to be the state bird there) after a rain pulling out big, juicy worms to take home for dinner. I know worms are good for our gardens but hey we gotta share, right?

Anyhow, I'm working on a collection of small bird illustrations - they aren't your usual bird studies though. I've been adding a little fun, pattern, or quotes etc. to them. The images may even work themselves into my new Etsy shop which I'm hoping to have ready to go some time in June. I'll still have my other shop of mixed media originals & prints but this one will be for illustrations & design work including greeting cards & invitations.

Stay tuned for updates as I'll be hosting a giveaway for the grand opening...

Have a great weekend!

Illustration Friday - 'Equipment'

2010-05-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

moleskine journal: watercolor, colored pencil, pitt pen

Trying to do IF weekly like I used to, so here's a quick one - and actually part of it was a loose sketch from about 7-8 months ago and so it doesn't really reflect my current work or how far I've come in that time. I mention this because even though I've been drawing off and on for years, committing to it daily has made a huge difference in my style & the direction of my work.

Anyhow, I digress, this entry sewing 'equipment' was created in my trusty, dusty, almost-used-up moleskine. It has definitely seen better days, but at least pulling it out reminded me to order a couple of new ones!

As for sewing, I used to indulge in sewing 'binges' but not much anymore. Even still, I just can't seem to let go of my favorite fabric stashes, vintage trims & spools, mason jars filled w/buttons, etc. that I've long collected - how about you??

Illustration Friday - 'Fearless'

2010-05-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

"There is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist."
Steven Pressfield (The War of Art)

An entry from my portrait journal for IF's 'fearless'. I've always been fascinated with surreal artwork and actually any art that at first glance doesn't make any sense to me. Yet when I try to create a piece like that myself, logic always seems to get in the way. This was a huge step forward for me as far as being 'fearless' and actually completing a piece even when the elements didn't 'go together', at least not in my mind.

I've been studying song birds recently and as I flipped through my book, a page opened to the American Crow 'Corvus brachyrhynchos', I added it to the portrait I was working on without thinking why/where to put it and quickly too before I changed my mind. I'm not really sure what the meaning of this piece is for me altho I'm sure an analyst somewhere would have a few things to say about it (ha!) - but doesn't all of our work speak for us on some level??

Have a great week!

Birthday In Vegas!

2010-05-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

Hello all, listening to this song today, it's been playing around in my head since coming back from a very special trip yesterday. My hubby surprised me and whisked me off to [planet] Las Vegas for my birthday earlier this week! I say planet because it really is like stepping into another world, so much to see and do. Thank goodness it was only a short trip (4 days) because we didn't sleep much - it really is the city that never sleeps, let me tell ya!

Now that I'm back down to earth I really need to concentrate on getting my portfolio put together. I've had so many stops & starts with it, everything from distractions & creative blocks to everyday life pulling me away from getting it done. What do you do to move beyond this kinda stuff (crap) ? I even took my 'Art & Fear' off the bookshelf today for a quick reread to see if that helps...

Anyhow, I hope you're enjoying much creativity, a little bit of fabulous & a whole lot of whatever it is that inspires you in your little corner of the world. As always, be well.

2010-04-13T15:48:00.000-07:00

"I imagine that yes is the only living thing." e.e. cummings

Hello friends, it feels like ages since I've posted and even more since I visited everyone, I will try to get around soon, promise.

Rain, rain & more rain in the forecast this week, unusual for south Texas that's for sure...April showers bring May flowers tho, right? Until then, I've got my own sketched bloom above [it was great pulling out my watercolors & colored pencils on a whim].

Besides, I'm in a bit of 'research and discover' mode the last few weeks so let it rain, I've got plenty to keep me busy. And I've been saying 'Yes' to a few things too, one of them being a new camera, a Canon Rebel t1i. My other one was adequate for what I needed but it bit the dust awhile ago so decided on an upgrade. I feel like I have SO much to learn - and it isn't even one of the 'big boys' as far as cameras go. I'm aiming for a photo shoot after the rain lets up....

The other source of busyness is focusing on a new direction for my work, more illustrative in style and design oriented. There are a few things connected with this forward motion, but I'm not ready for a reveal just yet :)

What are you saying 'Yes' to right now? Was it spontaneous or did it take you awhile to decide - maybe you juried it around in your head or had someone help you realize it was time??

Much creativity to you - be well....

Illustration Fri. - 'expired'

2010-03-25T06:42:00.001-07:00

'the promise' portrait journal, mixed media, 10x10

I wasn't sure I was going to participate at IF this week but worked on a journal page this morning [which I reworked this evening] and thought it appropriate. I was thinking of Spring and that got me thinking of seasons and all those that have expired, only to let new ones in and then of course be renewed themselves the following year - a constant cycle of expiration and renewal dates.

I think that most of us embrace the expiration of one season and welcome the new one. We may decide to shake things up a bit in our personal or professional lives - make a fresh start. Maybe we'll decide to get more organized, take up a seasonal hobby, or set new goals like taking better care of ourselves or finally setting the wheels in motion to make a long-cherished dream a reality.

I'm sure you're familiar with the passage below. At certain times or seasons in my life [particularly difficult ones, like the last six months or so] I've had key people remind me of it. It always makes me stop and reflect, and puts things into perspective...

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

------

Happy Spring, much creativity to you......Be well.

Illustration Fri. - 'subterranean'

2010-03-13T21:44:00.000-08:00

A quick post to share this sketch with y'all. I actually revisited an older sketch of mine as I thought it was perfect for IF's prompt word this week: 'subterranean'. After seeing the premiere of Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' last weekend, I was totally inspired to go back in and rework an 'Alice' sketch of mine that I created about 6 months ago.

Poor Alice, she definitely found herself in a place that was subterranean- or 'underland' as they call it in the new movie - one filled with surprises, personal discovery and triumph. I could elaborate but of course I won't as I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't seen it yet :)

Anyhow, I'm still not sure which medium I want to finish this piece in, but I do have lots of ideas for accompanying pieces/designs based on my interpretation of this and other classic storybooks. Art licensing is something I've wanted to get into for awhile now so I've been doing a bit of research on how to begin [any tips, personal experience or suggestions are greatly appreciated!]

Wishing you a fabulous weekend, be well...

Alice Magic

2010-03-06T23:17:00.000-08:00

Busy last few weeks, lots of things on the go and trying to find the time to squeeze it all in ....the end of this week found me consumed with last-minute party stuff for a very important date - my daughter's birthday party, which also happened to be the premiere of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. What an amazing movie, quite different from the original Disney version...

'alice' sox from Sock Dreams based out of Portland, Oregon (RAVE: super nice staff & speedy delivery!)

My daughter and her friends had a fabulous time and everyone loved the little details I put into the invitations & accessories. It got me thinking of going back into graphic design work, something I didn't think I'd want to do anymore [it's been about 5 years since Bride's magazine featured one of my invites, I had a slew of commissioned work following it]. However, I may be getting ahead of myself and filled with too much 'Alice' magic right now :) We'll see....

Wishing you peace, love + a little 'Alice' magic to brighten your days....Be well.

2010-02-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

artist self-portrait in pencil, 10x10

Self-portraits for our last week of Misty Mawn's class, Drawing & Painting Portraits. What a fabulous class let me tell you, do consider taking it if you want to study portraiture in mixed media.

I have grown in SO many ways during this class, Misty really goes all out with lots of videos & instructions, not to mention her weekly assignments to get your creative juices flowing. Personally, I'm not terribly fond of self-portraits, whether painted or photographed (I like to be on the viewfinder side of the camera thank you very much) and have always thought of them as vain & self-indulgent. However, I've come to believe that they are a necessary part of the creative process and our own unique journey....

"Temet Nosce: thine own-self you must know" (from The Matrix: Revolutions translated in the movie as 'know thyself'.) It's something to aspire to, don't you think? If we don't delve deep enough to find out who we truly are, what we are here to do in this life - how can we ever reach our full potential...find our purpose?

(p.s. more self-portrait assignments in the works w/collage & paints, will try to share those soon.....until then, be well.)

2010-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

(image created w/ techniques from 'Digital Photomanipulation' by the lovely, Susan Tuttle)

...vintage roses...
...stolen kisses...

...pink fluffy-iced cupcakes...
...sweet smooches...

...chocolate dipped strawberries...
...glasses of bubbly...

...candlelit whispers...
...unabashed romance...

...two hearts saying 'yes'...
...wishes come true...

happy heart day
xo

Soulful Saturday - Portraits & Prose

2010-02-06T14:59:00.000-08:00

another portrait from Misty Mawn's online class: Drawing & Painting Portraits...

this one was inspired by a Teen Vogue spread and a fave illustrator of mine, Danny Roberts...

anyhow, we are in the last week of class already :(

i have so enjoyed exploring all the many ways to create portraits...

...and just started my last assignment - the artist's self-portrait

will keep you posted on that...

the little goodies above are from Ruche (pronounced 'Roosh')

have you heard of them??

'a modern boutique with a vintage touch'

i won a gift certificate to use there...

thank you again sweet Sierra for introducing me to all things Ruche

*wishing you a fabulous weekend and as always: stay inspired and be well*

Illustration Friday: 'Focused'

2010-01-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

pencil on bristol, 8x10

"Our thoughts create our reality, where we put our focus
is the direction we tend to go." ~ Peter McWilliams

Nice to be contributing over at IF this week, it's been awhile and I thought this sketch might fit for 'focused'. Also I usually focus on the eyes in my drawings & paintings as they lend such a mood and make the viewer wonder (hopefully) what the subject is thinking or feeling...

This sketch was created for Misty Mawn's latest online class: Drawing & Painting Portraits. I've been trying to sketch lots, keep an open mind and approaching these 2 mediums in different ways to see where it takes me.

If you haven't taken one of Misty's classes (or any other artists' that are currently running one online) you should really consider it. The convenience alone is worth it - you show up to class when you want, work at your own pace and participate/ hang out as much or as little as you want in the class groups.

2010-01-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

kraft paper journal, 8x10

My latest sketch for Misty Mawn's online class: Drawing & Painting Portraits. I tried some painting over the weekend, blecckk is all I have to say..... I think I will just stay with dry media for awhile, I really don't think I'm destined to have my best work in paints :>

Actually that was one of the reasons I stopped working at it so much last fall, it was frustating at best sometimes and with the way I was feeling physically (I've shared a bit of that here with you) it felt like a chore and yes - like work - to go into my studio and try to create, everything felt like a repeat of the previous piece and the joy of making art just wasn't there.

How do you get past personal blocks in your life, creative or otherwise? I believe it comes from a place that no one can take us to but ourselves...

"We fail to see that we can control our destiny;
make ourselves do whatever is possible;
make ourselves become whatever we long to be."
-- Orison Swett Marden

Hope your week shapes up beautifully, and as always - be well...

From the heart

2010-01-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

(artwork © copyright Misty Mawn)

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." -- Edgar Degas

Look what I got in the mail yesterday! I feel so unbelievably blessed and fortunate to have won the drawing from Misty Mawn's first online class. Because of the holidays and me going on vacation, I just got it in now and boy was it worth the wait!!! I cannot describe the feeling of holding it and seeing her handwriting, anticipating what was inside and then to find it so carefully & tenderly wrapped up like a precious, beautiful gift.

My reaction was, in this order: screaming, crying...then sighing :>

And yes, that is TWO original pieces you see folks, along with some of her postcards...that sweet soul even tucked in a CD she made just for me (love it)

I am speechless... and in awe of her talent, soulful energy and generous spirit. I loved it all but I have to say the piece with the girl & bird really spoke to me. I've been feeling like that girl, holding onto a large bird (burden), flying with only one wing, however I've remained positive and optimistic because of the golden light (kind & caring support) all around me. Like her, I can hug and recognize the beauty of the "burd-en" knowing that it's brought me to a different, stronger and decisive place, one I wouldn't be at without it.

Misty, thank you from the bottom of my heart - mmwah!! xoxo

Beginning to enjoy what IS

2010-01-15T21:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of sketches I wanted to share with you. As you know my artmaking & creativity level has been hit and miss for some time now so when I was inspired to go and grab my journal and pencils last nite I went with the flow. A new season of Project Runway came on and I had just finished flipping through my daughter's Teen Vogue mag (I tucked an issue into her Christmas stocking, love the size of that thing - it's so cute & compact) and it was the push I needed I guess.

I've never been much of a fashionista, but I do love the poses and many moods they achieve in those photo spreads! Plus just working in pencil and having no color to rely on was very freeing in a way believe it or not. I think I forgot how much I LOVE to draw :>

Another reason I've been thinking sketches lately, is that I decided to sign up for Misty Mawn's Portrait Drawing class which starts tomorrow, I really feel the need to get back to my artistic roots of drawing & illustration...

The sketches below were done by my daughter, she loves to draw & sketch too, only she prefers drawing anime/manga etc. She also has a really good eye for life drawing, she just needs to keep at it - hint, hint sweetie if you read this :>

* * * * *

I hope you find the time to indulge your senses this weekend and surround yourself with whatever makes your heart light, whether it's through art, music, food or family & friends - enjoy!

"When you stop comparing what is right here and now
with what you wish were, you can begin to enjoy what is."
-- Cheri Huber

What's your color for 2010?

2010-01-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! Finally back home, I hope that you & yours are well... I'm getting a super slow start on things as the year begins, quite unusual for me. I don't think I'm alone when I say that 2009 had many ups & downs, it was no problem for me bidding it a fond farewell!

How is your year starting out? Are you doing some art journaling, maybe you've written out some goals, dreams, hopes for the months ahead? Perhaps you've even gotten as far as planning out where you want to be 3-5 years from now, personally and/or professionally (wow, good for you) I find that imagery helps me stay more focused so I've started to put together a vision board... what works best for you?

Along with my affirmations words FAITH and HEAL this year I wanted to do something a bit different. I decided to add a 'focus' color and surround myself with it as I believe color has a really deep way of influencing us... which color would you choose for yourself to help motivate, inspire and maybe even heal you?

I'm going with a longtime favorite of mine, Turquoise, which also happens to be Pantone's Color of the Year for 2010. I've always loved it and the many shades that it comes in. I've been drawn to it more at different times in my life, but didn't make the connection until I read the article below from the Pantone website - I'm especially intrigued where it mentions that the color turquoise is considered a protective talisman:

Pantone Unveils Color of the Year for 2010: PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise

Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times.

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world,while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.” You can read the article in full here

* * * * *
I hope to have some new art to share soon and I've also been thinking of doing a giveaway before the end of January, so stay tuned. Until then, be well...

Happy Holidays from Arizona!

2009-12-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."
~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Hey y'all, just a quick post... I don't have any new art or photos to share right now as I'm away from all my 'stuff' and spending the holidays in Tucson, AZ. It is just so beautiful here I have to tell you (wow) even for a 'snowbunny' at heart like me :>

I hope all the wonders of this blessed season are filling your days no matter where you & yours hang your Christmas stockings this year. If you've followed my blog/life for the last year or so, you know it's been full of questions, changes and adventures ( plus delays and setbacks too I might add, but hey - everything happens for a reason, right?)

No matter what, I've learned that focusing on my vision, sharing it with like-minded souls and trusting that things will unfold as they should give me HOPE for a brand new year and of course a new decade that is almost upon us - yay 2010!

May your New Year be one filled with LOVE, HOPE and DREAMS come true....

Laura
xoxo

2009-11-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

mixed media journal, 10x10

I finally played in my journal today....it's been about 2 months. I know I should be easy on myself as I really did need that time for focusing on some things in my life that needed my attention. If you're struggling right now with life issues and/or are not feeling inspired or creative lately, know this:
flow does follow ebb, your inspiration will find you again,
it whispers in your ear and softly knocks on the door
to your heart, until you answer...

For me I think the big push recently to get back into artmaking/painting was signing up for Misty Mawn's online class 2 weeks ago. Getting new supplies in is always a major motivator for me and finding my table under piles of books & papers was an extra bonus, *smile*

Painting Layers officially starts tomorrow (!) I tell ya, I think most of her students have been about ready to burst from excitement waiting! :>

2009-11-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

walk with me...

cactus & barbed wire, plenty of that around here y'all - this is Texas...
i got 'bit' twice trying to get in for a good shot :>

{before}

{after}

creating some photoshop magic post-walk [wandering]

while i'm feeling poetically inspired...

stepping a bit lighter, spirit & soul refreshed...

listening to the haunting melody of this song

* * *

even though i'm still trying to find balance/get priorities straight, i
decided to sign up for Misty's 1st online class - Painting Layers,
i haven't felt the desire to dig out my journals or throw paint around in weeks,
hopefully this will be the inspiring push i need (!)

* * *

what changes or decisions have you made in your life recently?
what's inspiring you this weekend??

Inspire Me Thursday - 'Dark'

2009-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

'earthbound'

recent experiment manipulating photos/layers in Photoshop,
trying to achieve a bit of a 'dark' theme, at least for me...

i've been a silent observer the last few weeks, trying to find the calm
in my inner 'storm', it's always been there but sometimes i need
a quiet compass to find it...there's a certain delicious comfort in that
place of stillness, don't you think?

asking lots of questions and listening, always listening....

warming my fingers around hot mugs of pumpkin spice coffee...

reading novels, classic art books, watching 'Ghost Whisperer'
(which inspired the digital piece above)

i'm intrigued by all things spirit, magical and spooky this week...

* * *

hoping to visit y'all real soon. until then,
be well and be inspired...

Fall-ing

2009-10-13T11:43:00.001-07:00

feeling restless,
deep in thought
as i look through photos
that remind me
of a place and time
where i knew what to expect
with each passing season...
i've many questions of late,
think i just need
to scale back a bit
so i'm fall-ing
off the blogosphere map for awhile,
not too long i hope...

Be well.

edit 10/17/09: thank you friends for your kind words of support,
here and via email, it means a lot :>

Inspire Me Thursday - 'newspaper'

2009-10-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

Macy's advertisement from last Sunday's newspaper and a handcut stencil
(which I didn't end up using)

Added gesso to soften & mute it overall, then added artist crayons to bring out my focal point...the hands....i LOVE to incorporate them into a piece....they are so expressive and of course are my favorite tool, way better than paintbrushes at times - not as indispensible as pencils tho :)

'untitled', mixed media watercolor journal

Defined the sleeves a bit more, muted out the bracelets & added a ring and stem w/leaves. I originally thought I wanted a blush-pink rose, huge in bloom, but decided on a minimalist look. I still want to add a quote along the edge of the sleeves as this journal is dedicated to quotes /self-portraits...

detailed view

Journaling with found imagery has such instant gratification, it's so easy & quick to do. I hope I've inspired you to try this...

Inspire Me Thursday & Illustration Friday

2009-09-25T14:52:00.001-07:00

"Your self image is your pattern! Every thought has an activity visualized. Every activity belongs to a pattern. You identify with your pattern or thought. Your patterns lead your life.” -- J. G. Gallimore - Scientist, Researcher

Quick post for 'Open Topic' and 'Pattern'. Self-potrait entry in my journal, which ended up being quite busy with pattern (and intense color) which is definitely different for me. I've had lots on the go lately, buzzing with many ideas and some new projects simmering around the studio so I guess it was natural that this turned out as it did. I found the intensity a bit much at first and so reworked it but in the end decided to just leave it as is and added a favorite quote.

Anyhow I've loved patterns of all kinds forever and they always find a way into my work, even subtle ones. I rarely step out without camera or sketchbook in hand as some pattern always catches my eye, everything from architecture to the unique ones you can only find in nature - it's all good.

Have a wonderful weekend and do check out all the creativity at IF here and IMT here.

Illustration Fri. - 'infinite'

2009-09-19T21:43:00.001-07:00

mixed media, strathmore watercolor journal , 8.5 x 5.5 (8.5 x 11 open)

"When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their
meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities."
-- Deepak Chopra

My offering for this week's IF prompt, 'infinite'. I originally intended for this journal entry to be more Fall in tone and feeling but it's still summer here (and will be for another month or more) and so I guess it influenced my color palette and mood. I so miss Autumn in the Midwest...

And yes I truly believe in infinite possibilities as long as our minds and hearts are open enough. However I also know that you have to be at the right place or time in your life to recognize them, openly accept them without question and place your trust in the universe...

By the way, a new moon is upon us as of yesterday. Did you write down & send out your intentions [wishes] into the universe? I did...

Illustration Fri. - 'welcome'

2009-09-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd share a sketch from a WIP mixed media piece I started this weekend. I have so many ideas for where I want to go with it so I'm trying to narrow things down. As some of you may already know, Alice in Wonderland is at the top of my list of favorite storybook tales and one that I love to revisit.

As I sketched this out, I wondered what she was thinking as she fell down the rabbit hole - I'm sure she hoped that she'd land in a place where she'd be welcome, poor dear girl :>

Have a great weekend & be sure to visit all the wonderful creativity at IF here

2009-09-10T12:33:00.001-07:00

(thank you Connie for sharing the link above)

I have loved this poem every since finding it some time ago,
may it touch your heart & soul as it did mine...

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours everyday of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.

Teach love to those who hate, and let that love embrace you as you go out into the world. May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them. Remember those whose lives you have touched and whose have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is
more important than the form.

May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time each day to see beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that each person has limitless abilities, but each of us is different in our own way. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future. May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.

--unknown

2009-09-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

me and my lovely friend Vanessa (Happy Birthday dear girl!)

Hello all! As promised, here are photos from the opening of my show running all through September here at our local gallery, the Firehouse. I'm showing in the small front room alongside a super talented pastel artist from San Antonio who's showing in the main room. To kick off the month they host First Friday receptions to 'meet the artist'.

I was a bit nervous, but at the same time I was excited to be taking this bold first step and the whole experience was a bit surreal. I felt myself being totally at ease as guests & patrons started coming in and I got to meet and greet them, discuss my work, and answer questions about upcoming workshops. Feedback and comments were very positive overall and talks with other artists were constructive and supporting.

A special thanks goes out to the lovely girls at the Firehouse, Nancy & Nicki, for putting my show together - I'm still in awe at how creative Nancy was displaying my work!!

Wishing you all a happy & safe Labor Day holiday...

Inspire Me Thursday - 'Pear'

2009-08-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

12x12 journal, mixed media

It's been awhile since I took part in IMT so glad I was able to squeeze some journaling in today and share this. This is the first time I've created anything with pears in it, I was inspired after going through some of my photos for still life.

The past few months have been a bit busy & strained for me, I won't go into detail (because I may need some cheese with my whine, *smile*) so I've been reminding myself to slow down, be grateful and savor all the juicy bits, as ebb usually follows flow for me :>

Anyhow, it was so fun playing with my new artist crayons and scribbling away, adding paint & charcoal, knocking it back here and there, then finally scanning it in and adding the text digitally (2 of the words were made with my wacom pen)

Wishing you all a lovely + creative weekend!

Best Shot Monday - first entry

2009-08-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

"I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down

into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"

-- Mary Oliver

* * * * * * * *

I feel like I have so much to say these days and then at times nothing at all.

Life's been a blur this summer compelling me to make 'stills',

I'm trying to capture all the juicy slices of it before they slip away...

I hope that you & yours are well, that you are able to find the time to tenderly nurture your creative spirit, may you find inspiration around every corner...

And...that you are savoring each and every last moment of whatever season

or time in your life, you find yourself in...

Illustration Fri. 'wrapped'

2009-08-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

'oranges in red netting', 8x10, color pencil

Here's my offering for IF's prompt this week - oranges 'wrapped' in netting. This is an older sketch of mine but I thought I'd share it as I came across this going through previous work the last couple of weeks. I'm trying to 'close the book' so to speak, on a few pieces, ie. ones that I left unfinished for whatever reason - I do remember that the netting on this seemed to take forever. Hoping to finish it up with a suitable mat & frame as I have an upcoming solo show locally. I'm trying to showcase pieces in all the various mediums I've worked in...

What a wondrous journey it has been these last few years...I have grown so much and I'm truly honored to have shared it with all of you lovely, creative and generous souls :)

2009-08-10T15:36:00.001-07:00

And many cups of coffee, at least these days as I continue working on my portfolio....

I just love this quote and my collection of mismatched vintage silver spoons which I've added to slowly the last couple of years, I pick them up here and there. As I select them I try to 'listen' for ones that whisper to me and make me wonder about their past -who used them? when? where? how many conversations or secrets were they privy to?

Some are smooth & plain, others have intricate details, a few are monogrammed. When polished to a high sheen they absolutely sparkle, but I think I prefer the patina they acquire over time with no polishing -- subtle, muted beauty, slightly flawed and imperfect -- much like life sometimes, yes?

Have a wonderfully creative week...

2009-08-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Much to do these days so I've been absent a bit in blogland. I'm sorting through my work and finishing up some WIP pieces in anticipation of my upcoming solo show here at our local gallery in September. Did I say that? Yes, my own show -albeit a small one, but a display of my work nonetheless...

Just finished the sketch above for another portrait, maybe in pastels on pale grey paper? maybe mixed media on canvas...

Also I wanted to share a gift that I received in the mail a few days ago from the super lovely and insanely talented writer/life inspiration guru, Brené Brown. You simply must visit her blog, Ordinary Courage here - I guarantee you will go back for more after just one visit. I applaud her amazing candor, real-person sensitivity and honesty to many issues we all struggle with.

She hosts the wonderful TGIF (Trust, Gratitide, Inspiration Fridays) with random giveaways and I just happened to be 1 of 5 lucky recipients of a 'graffiti bird'. Brené intuitively selected a bird for each winner and she couldn't have picked a better one for me :> These funky, inspiring birds are created by a wonderful artist, Dori, at Dreaming Bear Designs, you can visit her etsy shop here.

Back to work my friends, when the dust settles I hope to catch up with y'all...

Winding down...

2009-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

"know that even on our darkest nights
sisters are there for us lighting the way
like moonlight and stars" - LTM

As the weekend started to wind down I found some time to finish that journal spread I started the other day. It was inspired by the Somerset article "Let's Face It" featuring DJ Pettitt. I love her style which she so generously steps out in the article to show how she creates a piece.

I Iike how this turned out even though it's a bit somber & wintery for this time of year. Maybe it's because nighttime seems to be the only part of the day where I'm able to collect my thoughts as things cool down - the weather's been blazing hot here....

Also I've been thinking a lot about sisters, all the different ones we have in our lives. Our blood/family sisters, art sisters, blog sisters, soul sisters and friends who are like sisters (maybe you're lucky enough to have a sister that's all these rolled into one amazing sister!) The ones we open our hearts & homes to, the ones we bravely bare our souls to, the ones with whom we laugh, cry and dream with... I cherish all the sisters in my life...

Love the moodiness of this song today.....by the way, have you celebrated the sisters in your life lately?

Journal Spread - trying something new...

2009-07-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share the beginning of a spread in the new journal I made a few days ago. I came across a wonderful article in the latest issue (July/Aug.) of Somerset Studio by a favorite artist of mine, DJ Pettitt.

I just love her portraits and the way she incorporates them into journals, sewing right onto the pieces, adding lovely embellishments & ribbons etc. etc.

Anyhow, in this particular article she so generously steps out one of her portraits much like she does when teaching one of her classes (which I've yet to take, but if the stars align I'll be at one of the retreats she's at next year)

I haven't worked in this way before so I thought I'd give it a try. After a local juried show here in May, I asked an artist friend (she's been working in oils some 20+ yrs) to critique my work and she said to work more on my values. As with most beginners - considered to be anyone who has painted 5 years or less - I struggle with getting enough value into my paintings and with DJ's method you establish values first, working dark to light as you go, just like working with oils. The next step to this will be adding color and then onto the finishing touches.....

Stay tuned!

Handmade journal - coptic stitch

2009-07-20T11:56:00.001-07:00

(click to view larger)

Just wanted to share a brief tutorial on that journal I mentioned a few posts back using coptic stitch binding. This is smaller than my paperbag journal which is also bound w/ coptic stitching. I only went with 12 signatures on this one (making 3 stacks w/ 4 folded signatures inside). Incorporating the covers was my challenge this time as I didn't do one for the paperbag journal. That said, I'm going to do a few more of these and get them down solid before I consider myself an 'expert' :>

The watercolor pad worked wonderfully for the size I had in mind. I can go vertical or landscape(for a panoramic effect). The only thing I still want to change are the covers - I love the crackle finish but I was going for a more vintage/western look and wasn't looking at adding pink in there. The original brown of the covers started turning pink when I laid down some gesso (?) and it kept coming up through each successive layer! At this point I may just try rubbing some diluted white paint over the surface for a whitewashed look...

Anyhow, if you're looking to try your hand at one of these, there are a few tutorials online that step it out in more detail than I show here so do check them out, especially for how-to's on the stitches, here and on Youtube here

2009-07-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dropping Petals

We come to realize how fragile life is

As time passes and things fade away.

We may remember some moments

with wistfulness, sadness or regret.

Even when we know the necessity

of 'dropping petals'

If we are ever to bloom again.

-- LTM

Do you need to "drop some petals"?
What are you holding onto that you need to let go of?

We all fade and then bloom again in one way or another....

Don't be afraid to drop those faded petals - creative methods that aren't working for you, a relationship that has had its' time, or maybe it's a negative habit you've wanted to give up....

Those 'faded petals' hold you back and hinder you from fully blossoming...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Working on a new journal today, signatures are pressed,

needle & thread are ready to go....

will post how-to's very soon, so stay tuned.

And now it's time for some iced 'sweet tea', temps are heading up

into the 100's again today - stay cool....

Mixed media journaling class

2009-07-15T16:14:00.000-07:00

'time to blossom', watercolor journal, 6x8 (12x8 open)

'And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom....--Anais Nin

Edit: most of this original post got deleted (oops!) so I improvised as to
what was written here. My sincere apologies to all those who left
such sweet, kind comments - I was only able to retrieve 3

and listed them at the end of the post...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This past week has been a whirlwind of activity and happenings

- some good, some not so good:>

I got the not-so-good stuff out of the way last weekend on Friday nite (hey I like to get those over with as quickly as possible, ya know? lol) after a day trip to get last-minute art supplies resulted in car trouble on the way home.

The good parts? Teaching my mixed media journaling class on Saturday to some wonderfully creative and supportive students!

Then relaxing, lazing around on Sunday.

This was the first class I had ever taught so although I tried to keep things fairly structured, I left some room open for spontaneity and student 'discovery' moments. I would like to thank my students for a truly amazing and FUN time - I learned something from you too!

I also want to share a nice surprise from Monday, I got some really good PR

about my class in our local newspaper (thanks Karen!!)

Whew! is all I can say at this point - how's your week shaping up?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments:

Sandy K. - This is beautiful. I am trying to figure out how to do it, and liven up my photography. I love the ideas on your blog.

Kris - Laura, loved your workshop. I learned so much. I've started to gesso the pages for the life event journal I want to make. Thanks again for being such an inspiring teacher.

Tracy - your journal pages look amazing! i love the colors in it!

More Photocrom[e]s

2009-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

A few more Photocroms, fresh from my camera to your screen...

found a windmill close enough to the road to grab this shot...

taken on top of the Amistad Dam: Rio Grand separating Texas [left] and Mexico [right]...

Happy Monday y'all, have a great week!

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

My red, white & blue (with a splash of yellow sunshine) for y'all this 4th of July weekend! :>

I love the results of the technique I tried out today playing around in PS Elements! I was going for a vintage postcard look inspired by "Photochroms".

According to the American Photochrom Archive Gallery a "Photochrom (also 'Photochrome' - it was originally developed in Switzerland and to aid pronunciation when it was introduced to America, an 'e' was added) is a color photo lithograph, produced from a black-and-white negative. The final prints were created using different color impressions from multiple lithographic stones. A minimum of four stones and as many as fourteen stones might be used for a given image."

This technique became very popular in the 1890's, especially when the Post Office introduced the penny postcard.

Shown below is the original photo: good angle and shadow play but the vintage look takes it up a few notches. I'm hooked on this technique and can't wait to play around with it some more.....

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!!!

Pastel Portrait: update

2009-06-30T17:17:00.001-07:00

'Rosalie', 9x12 pastel on Canson pastel paper

Finished.....at least I think it is :> I'm going to let her (my daughter picked out her name) 'rest' for a few days before I decide if it is indeed completed - I feel like I want to add some more detail to the hands. Anyhow, I'm glad I jumped right back into it today. It's hard for me sometimes to do that but with this medium - it seemed to work....ya gotta love serendipity *wink*

Which brings me to a question: what works best for you - leaving a piece for a bit or getting it all done in 1 or 2 sessions??

(P.S.) if you want to see the process leading up to this check the previous post here

Inspire Me Thursday - 'chalk'

2009-06-29T18:12:00.001-07:00

I've had a couple of boxes of chalk pastels laying around for awhile so glad I stopped in over at IMT to see what the prompt word was this week. I like stretching my creative muscles and have been in a major rut getting inspired to starting work on some new canvases - hopefully this little pastel painting will have me slinging paint in no time :>

established values and skin tones...

chalk pastel on Canson pastel tint paper

As you can see, I almost finished it however the nice light I had started to wane, so I called it a day. I left everything out so I can jump right back in tomorrow a.m. and then call it DONE!

Thanks for stopping by and feel free to pop back in to see it completed...

SP Wednesday, simple indulgences, PS fun...

2009-06-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

morning sunshine sifting through the blinds, early morning finds me quiet and shy so just a patterned silhouette at first...

starting to wake up so I tiptoed into my studio to do some sketching...

then it was time to go brew a pot of coffee...and whip up a batch of those delicious muffins I've been promising for the last few days...

sweet, simple indulgences: fresh, bold coffee & warm, homemade muffins, fine china (Lavender Rose) and a vintage silver spoon. I started using both my fine china and silver cutlery regularly some time ago - why have something if you don't use it? I also love collecting vintage linens, especially ones with embroidery, I'm in awe of the tiny details on some of them, such patience...

Photoshop note: I tried to add steam over the teacup for more drama, more practice needed with brushes and layers but I love playing around in that program. I learn something new every time...

Here's the recipe for one of the yummiest banana breads you've ever tasted, promise!! You can also make muffins instead of loaves but watch out, the muffins disappear a lot quicker - at least around here :>

Have a great week y'all!

IMT - 'ticket' [to a summer solstice]

2009-06-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

The prompt this week over at Inspire Me Thursday is 'ticket' and so with tomorrow being June 21st, the Summer Solstice, I was inspired to create a poster-like drawing with a titled 'ticket' at the bottom (I may add more to the ticket, ie. date, exact time of the solstice etc.)

I tried to incorporate things that make me think of summer:

RED STRIPES - pool umbrellas, awnings, beach towels, and the red & white stripes of our US flag...
GOLDEN YELLOW - abundant sunshine & fresh fruit pies...maybe that's why my sun's middle ended up looking like a pie?!
CLOUDS - big, white, fluffy ones dotting the sky like cotton balls, giving us [short] respite from the hot, blazing, sun...and that sun is mighty hot here in Texas! :>
KITES - flying them up on a hilltop or in a field on a cool, clear breezy day, usually the day after a heavy rainfall...
GRASS - the whir of lawn mowers, knee-deep meadows, emerald green, ladybugs...

'summer solstice' moleskine, artist crayons, color pencil, pitt pen

closeup for detail

I had a lot of fun with this and actually I love creating art with the solstices in mind. I didn't get a chance to do anything for the summer solstice last year as we were in the middle of a move, but I did do one for summer 2007, you can see it in my Flickr album here as well as one for the winter solstice 2008 which you can view here

I hope you find the time to do something fun or relaxing to ring in the first day of summer.

Have a great weekend y'all!

IF 'unfold' and IMT 'child's art'

2009-06-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

A quick post and one that happens to fit both group prompts this week - love when that happens. Thought I'd share a WIP I'm working on - part of a small series of drawings based on some of my favorite storybook characters, Alice in Wonderland being at the top of my list.

I joined an online group awhile back with the intent of starting a portfolio of children's art so I'd have some work to submit for consideration. However, I will need to show characters in a variety of poses and situations, so I've still got some work ahead of me before I start doing that....

'Alice', color pencil, digitally enhanced

When a character starts to unfold at my drawing board, much like the story itself progesses, I find that it sometimes takes on a life of it's own - no matter what 'look' I had in mind when I start it.

I'm still trying to decide what to bring into the background at least for now, however I may just leave each character as a single portrait so that a simple oval mat can be placed over them before framing.

Have a great weekend y'all!