June Journal Page

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.

Illustration Friday - 'Fearless'

"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!

"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'

'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

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

Inspire Me Thursday - 'newspaper'

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...

SP Wednesday, musings...

Decided to play in my journal today after pulling a few photos out to do a SP entry. I keep the photos simple and cheap for my journals - inkjet on plain paper, nothing fancy. I do admit that I'm not one for self-portraits and so they are a bit of a challenge for me.

However, I'm on a mission right now to try out at least 1 or 2 new journaling ideas each week leading up to the Mixed Media Journaling class I'm teaching here locally in July. I want to have some solid techniques to share with my students.


'self-portrait', 10x10 journal

Evolution of the page: I'm always amazed when a page starts to come to life on its own, especially when I have nothing particular in mind for it. I have been very introspective lately and pondering many things so that's why I think those past, present, future 'balloons' popped up. The white blocks were stenciled in and are perfect for adding text, I'll get to that another day...

Why don't you join us over at Misty Mawn's blog for her SP wednesdays? I'm finally getting in on this weekly challenge - only took me three months to get around to it :>

Have a great week y'all!

Illustration Fri. - kite 'parade'

acrylic, artist crayons, pitt pen, charcoal - on paper

"Don't be afraid of opposition. Remember that a kite rises against - not with - the wind."

A quick & simple entry in my journal for this week's IF prompt 'parade'. Feels like my creative kite has been grounded these last few weeks, haven't felt much inspiration whatsoever......this too shall pass, yes?

Wishing you all much creativity and if you're feeling creatively blocked or stalled at the moment, I know exactly where you're at!! :>

Inspire Me Thursday - 'Umbrella'

affirmations journal, 12x12

A quick journal entry for this week's IMT prompt.....a much needed break from my 'serious' art. You see, I've immersed myself in some painting exercises / practice on tone and values since having my latest piece [constructively] critiqued. Lots of time to put in yet but to remind myself to enjoy the PROCESS in these exercises, I'm taking fun little breaks like this in my journal :>

And speaking of journaling, I'll be teaching a one-day workshop at our local gallery. It's part of their Summer program schedule on July 11th, 'Mixed Media Journaling'. Looking forward to making it a creative and inspiring day for everyone so hopefully there will be enough local response to make it a GO!

Have a great week y'all!

WIP on Canvas - Update

11x14, canvas board

I can't believe it's February already - where did January go??! I so enjoyed that month of journaling with everyone through Misty Mawn's Jan. Art Journalers group even though I didn't manage to get the whole month in. It jumpstarted my creativity in so many ways -THANK YOU Misty from the bottom of my heart!

I did journal a bit today but it was more of a sketch & some notes in my moleskine so I decided to explore it further on the canvas panel above. This is a bit larger than what I'm used to working on but I made fairly good progress. I had to stop working when the beautiful daylight that I love to work with started to fade. I have a few ideas where I would like this piece to go - I'd like to keep the blue tones, and keep it moody/ introspective but also with some symbolism. However, that could change...

How about you? Does your work end up being exactly as you envisioned it? Maybe it starts out your way and then your muse steps in to finish up? Please feel free to share your thoughts and process, I'd love to know!

Until tomorrow.....

A Week of Color, Day 5: 'Red'

affirmations journal - 'heart'

"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart." - Confucious

Just a sketch but I did get a journal entry in today - yay! Anyhow the color RED, oh yes I do love it and hearts too, I even sign my name with a heart on all of my work. The heart symbol has always been very special to me, I think it's because I put so much heart into everything I do.....truly :>

I may use this as a reference for a larger piece on a wood panel, I think she would be lovely with the right background, don't you? No matter, I was definitely in the mood for something simple today. Tomorrow, well....that's another day my friends and the color challenge for us January Art Journalers is YELLOW.

You know, as much as I've had ups & downs with this challenge, I have to say that I have flexed my artistic muscles quite a bit - more than I would normally - thank you for that Misty!!!

January Art Journalers - Jan. 5th

from my affirmations journal - jan. 5th 'connect'

A little late posting my journaling for Misty Mawn's January Art Journalers Group. It seems like everytime I want to commit to something like this, my attempts are thwarted in some way - unexpected commissions, everyday life, blah, blah, etc....No excuse but certainly a reason :>

I hope YOU are finding time to journal everyday, or every second day or once a week or a couple of times a month....you get the picture. Journal whenever & wherever you can -- embrace & nurture your creative time, no matter how much of it you have and what you end up creating!

By the way, don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY! All entries must be in by January 14, 2009 to be eligible. Read all the wonderful & inspiring AFFIRMATIONS everyone is embracing for this brand new year. You can enter at the January 1, 2009 post below - good luck!

Illustration Fri. -'clique', IMT - 'storyteller'

mixed media, handmade paperbag journal

Finally getting a chance to post to IF and Inspire Me Thursday and it just happens I was able to combine the two prompts, love when that happens!

This spread was created in my paperbag journal (created from a tutorial from the talented Judy Wise -- you'll have to scroll down a bit at this link as the tute is in her archives) which has been filling up quickly these past few weeks. I'm experimenting with lots of techniques and layout ideas before bringing them to canvas or wood panels which are primed and ready to go. I think with Autumn finally here (that is on the calendar anyway, we're still experiencing fairly warm weather here in south Texas, but nights are slowly cooling off) I'm feeling more creative again after such a hot, hot summer, especially when you're used to cool Midwest summers :>

Have a great weekend!

'Home' at last!

Hand*book journal - pitt pen, watercolor, colored pencil

Hello friends!!! Where do I begin? So much to share with you all & the days are flying by. The ride down was very long and tiring, but for the most part the move went fairly well.

Setting up our new nest so it's comfy & cozy for everyone though is something else all together! Feels like I just got settled into my remodelled studio last fall and here I am having to set up all over again :) Last year at this time I was still coming back down to earth from my first Art & Soul retreat and now I'm blogging from our new home in Texas. Ah well, such is life - change is good and sometimes necessary for growth in so many ways. I've decided to think of this transition period as a valuable, learning experience, a doorway to fresh inspiration and new adventures.

With my move also came a decision to sign up & reserve my spot at the very first ConvenZioNE in California! So many wonderful instructors to choose from but I decided to book a class with my dear friend Susan Tuttle, who incidentally just posted about home and what it means to her. I swear her posts are always so heartfelt & timely for me, truly :)

The picture in my new blog header is of the Pecos River. It was taken during a recent day trip to the Seminole Canyon State Park. Because it was very hot that day (102 degrees), we agreed to explore it further at a later date.

Anyhow I have much more to share.....all in due time :)

Inspire Me Thursday - 'Gratitude'

I've been wanting to make my own journal for awhile now so IMT's 'gratitude' prompt and Thanksgiving were the nudge I needed.

The inspiration for this handmade journal was a great tutorial from artist Judy Wise - I love Judy's style and 'go for it' attitude! She's always so generous with sharing her techniques and journal spreads too.

This particular journal is made from grocery paper bags and bound with a coptic stitch (not sure I did that part completely right, but for the most part it's put together ok!) I love how crinkly and textured the surface is and that it's sturdy enough to 'play' in :) I think it will be a great place to sketch out ideas and also to try out my handcarved stamps. I also LOVE the colors in the fabric swatch that I used as a wrap for the cover and had a lot of fun embellishing it.



I have so many things to be thankful for and really have so much when many in the world do not, a very humbling thought to me...



Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

EDM #50 - entryway

landscape hand*book journal, watercolor, cp

edm #50- draw your entryway, journal about it
I decided to sketch the back entrance to our home as I thought it would be easier to do than the front one :) I'ved always loved architecture even simple designs, however this angle ended up being a little tricky due to the perspective! A good likeness was achieved I think but I feel like I missed something. Oh well, the good thing about this is that I captured 'Annabelle' before the high winds and heavy rain got to her yesterday.

EDM #36 - draw out in public

square hand*book journal, watercolor, CP, graphite

Another entry from my travel journal of my art retreat trip to Virginia last month. This was drawn in full on location and the watercolor washes were added later and actually I started using my pitt pen on site too - as you can see with the boat on the left - but decided to wait and see if I wanted a more painterly look. Lately I've been going with watercolor or watercolor w/pen details for my sketchbooks. I find I can get quicker results this way and not get hung up on too many details - keeps things fresh. EDIT: I played around with this sketch in Photoshop using the pen tool, it's great for trying something out digitally before you commit to it. I think I do prefer it outlined, so I'm going to pen it in. That's what I enjoy the most about my sketchbooks, they're a place to *play* and try things out : )

Which do you prefer for sketching? Do you use pencil mostly? Colored pencils, pastels? Please share which sketching medium works best for you!

Anyhow, it was quite clear and cold that day but the trip was nearly over and I didn't want to miss capturing this plein air. I consider this my first official drawing in public because I had a friendly couple who took notice of me sketching this - they gave me an "ohh there's an artist" smile that was just priceless :) They were fairly close and almost tiptoed by, not wanting to bother me so I stopped sketching and smiled back, then assured them it was ok to pass in front of me. During the whole trip I felt like everything was so new to me, but what a great feeling to just "dive in" and experience it all!

EDM #117- something round

An entry in my travel journal from my recent trip to Art & Soul in Virginia and perfect for this challenge I thought. I celebrated my birthday there and had the cutest little round b-day cake. I was totally ok with the fact that it didn't have candles however, I ended up getting another cake at home for *wish making* and that one had ALL the candles - ahhh, lots of wishes!

Anyhow, a wonderfully creative and fun, fun day - it'll be hard to top that one next year :)















square hand*book journal, pitt pen, watercolor