Saturday, September 4, 2010

A bit of this, a bit of that...



I thought I'd start by showing you some of the art supplies I picked up. They had a back to school sale at my nearest art store so how could I resist? Those round things you see are Pan Pastels, I had seen a Youtube video about them a while ago, but until now, they weren't available anywhere here. Haven't had a chance to use them yet.
The Amsterdam acrylics were picked up to use in some background experiments, and they are wonderful! Very inexpensive, but the quality and covereage are very impressive! I won't be buying anymore folk art paints after that.
 
Artwise, I have been trying to work on  portraits. If you've been reading my blog long enough you've seen lots of ACEOs and illustrations on vintage pages that I like to do. I'm feeling the need to work on a painting after a long absense.
This has been such a wonderful summer, that it was hard to stay indoors and work, that's why I have mainly been creating smaller art. I'm one of the few people that looks forward to winter coming, and the days getting shorter. My favorite time is when it is dark at 5pm, lol! That's when you want to hibernate, and that's when I am most productive.  Anyone else  looking forward to the change in seasons? Isn't it exciting when it gets darker and darker? and when the cold winds blow, and the first snow falls? Ok, I'm getting ahead of myself, lol!


Last but not least, I was sent this very inspirational Youtube video. My favorite part is when he is talking to the high school kids. He is an amazing man, and it puts our little problems into perspective.
I wish more people would take the time to talk to kids, and tell them that they are perfect as they are. A lot of them feel alone, and not good enough. They need to be told that anything is possible in this world, and to hold fast to their dreams.



Come to think of it, many of us adults could use some inspiration as well. So let me end by saying you are all beautiful, and worthy, exactly as you are. The fact that you are alive is a blessing, and every day, you have a chance to throw away the disappointments of the past, and  start fresh. Every day we are given a gift of 24 sparkling new hours, to use  as we desire. Let's keep our mind focused on the wonderful blessings we have, and try to limit the negative thoughts that tend to creep in.
Thanks for reading, and have a magical day!

21 comments:

Nicola said...

What a lovely positive post!!! I really love your sketches of those girls especially the one with the heart on her cheek can't wait to see them painted!!! :0)

Theresa MacNaughton said...

These drawings are just fabulous! I really think they are beautiful. I am VERY much looking forward to the change in seasons. I am a fall kind of girl - that is the weather I enjoy the most. Theresa

Lee Pierce said...

Change of seasons? YAY! You picked up a bunch of neat stuff! I only got 2 new golden fluid acrylics at my big sale on Friday... :(
Great drawings, Betty...can't wait to see them all "pinked" up :D

Marlene said...

What a lovely sweet post, thank you. I love your girls you are really getting good at realism.

Sueann said...

No! I don't think it is cool that it is getting darker and that the winds are blowing colder and snow will soon fly. I don't like it one bit. I was loving summer and the long, hot, lazy days! Sniff! I know the change is coming but I don't want it too. Ha!
Those acrylics sound awesome...I will try to find some.
Thanks for the tip
Hugs
SueAnn

Lisa said...

How wonderful all the way around! The yummy art supplies, the drawings, the messages...Oh, thank you so so much for sharing it all. (And yep, I am SO glad for fall weather to be here!!) :)

Rosemary said...

Nice post. Love the girl with the heart on her face.

Tammie Lee said...

your ladies are lovely!
I do love the change in season, the long dark nights, sleeping in after working on things late. But I love today too and am in no rush to get to the next season yet.

Pam of Always Artistic said...

Betty,

Oooh new art supplies, always fun! Beautiful sketch. Yes I am waiting for the change of seasons too. I love winter!

What a beautiful inspirational video. I watched it and had to go read the top part of your post again, couldn't remember what I was going to say! Thanks for sharing it!

Sue said...

Great post Betty!

New art supplies, in themselves are so inspiring - add the cooler, crisp weather and definitely calls for
creativity.

Your gal with the heart on her face is awesome!

I have seen a couple vids of Nick V. and think he is one of the most amazing people of our time.

Hope you are having a great weekend.

Sue:)

Cathy Bueti said...

This is a lovely post! Great to see your new art supplies! And I love the color of the Basic acrylic light green!

Your sketches are fabulous! Love them!

I am also one of the few looking forward to fall/winter mostly for the cooler weather! I don't however like losing so much daylight but bring on the cold!

:)

Heather said...

this is a wonderful post....i will hang on to it...xxoo
heather

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness this man is amazing!
You know he has a look alike in our village, one of my son's friend's called lee.
Thank you so much for sharing this video. Opened my heart and mind.
Loads of love! Julie

Lauren said...

Thank you for the sweet words, that is something I really need to hear! I am the same as you, I am SO looking forward to the changing of seasons. Although here we pretty much only get summer and fall :) But thats okay! Your portraits are stunning, I am looking forward to seeing more of them! :) ~Lauren

Anonymous said...

Thank you Betty so much. I totally enjoyed reading the story about the soul. It does make alot sense in a way. I have a little human brain getting in the way,loL!
I went on to find this mans talking with God books which I'll probably go onto reading them.
Just ordered Nanci Danisons Backwards guide book, hoping it comes through the door quickly.
She's a wonderful women.
Thank you so much Betty for helping me to understand the soul more. Loads of love!

Julie

I hate to cook! said...

What an amazing man...puts it all in perspective. Thanks for sharing :)

readingsully2 said...

Love your work, Pink. Beautiful. I watched your video. He is amazing. And who would not be inspired by this wonderful man.

Unknown said...

Those are lovely sketches! I am actaully anxious as it gets darker and colder because I tend to get SADD in the winter. Thanks for the Anniversary wishes!

Sandy xo

Wolfie said...

Your art makes me smile. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Hi.. oh I love those beautiful faces you're creating!!! and I so look forward to the change in seasons, except here in fl we have so little fall and spring:( and when its cold its freeing and when its hot it boiling!!!!so I really envy you!!! thats why I love rainy days and gloomy days they remind me of beautiful fall!!!

I love when I get new art supplies.. its like new toys!!!cant wait to get home to play!LOL!

Nicola said...

Hi there thanks for your sweet visit, yes that is an OTT lite that you saw in my art space, I love it, it really helps when I'm working on a painting!