My First Art Journal Page

Hello dear friends! I was so looking forward to this weekend, after a crazy and busy time at work. I woke up to a very dreary, gloomy day.

This didn't bother me though. I was quite happy, because I planned to work on my Visual Journalism class. I have fallen behind, and wanted to take the weekend to go through my notes, and finish some pages. What a fun class! So new for me, but this is something I can see myself continuing. It felt awkward, since I have never done an art journal before, but with Pam Carriker's step by step lessons, I felt a bit more confident. My page is not perfect, but I can honestly say I am happy with the end result.

We tend to get discouraged if our first try at something new doesn't look like what we think it should look like.
I always believe that in order to grow in anything, you must practice practice practice. The beautiful artwork I see online didn't happen over night. The artists worked at it, learning from each mistake. Well, I hope to make plenty of mistakes in my Art Jourals :-D

Picture Tag

Hi everyone! I was picture tagged by the lovely Kim from 'Kim's art by the Sea', and I am to go into my picture file, and pick the 4th picture, of the 4th file. She is lucky, hers is a pretty picture, mine turned out to be a Christmas one, lol!

Oh well, it could have been something embarrassing, like some bad art. I sometimes photograph a painting when it looks so ugly, just so I can see the difference when it is done.

I was in this cute shop during the holidays, and snapped many pictures of the displays.
I won't tag anyone, but feel free to consider yourself 'tagged' and if you like, show us what is in your files, if you dare :-D

Nothing heals like art.
Here is a painting I started a couple of nights ago. I didn't try to plan everything out, I just let it flow, and am happy with how it turned out. It felt good to just paint, and not worry so much about the end result. Now if only I could do this every time.

As much as I love painting, I find I am getting too far behind on my art journaling classes. I think this painting should be my last one for a couple of weeks, so that I can work on my journal pages. There is so much to learn, and I am very impatient, so I tend to jump into too many things at once. Did I mention I also joined a doll class? There just aren't enough hours in the day!

Saying goodbye to the world's sweetest dog

Tonight I found out that our dog Frankie, was put down. Even though I knew that he was suffering, it doesn't make it any easier. He was 14, and so tired. His eyes just lost that spark, and it was a matter of time. I will miss him dearly. We had him since he was a 6 week old puppy. He was so energetic, constantly biting and jumping, we never thought he would settle down but he did. He turned into the most beautiful companion anyone could ever ask for. Sweet tempered, gentle, smart, it was hard watching him deteriorate.
I will miss you Frankie, rest in peace

Some blog love

I did not plan this post. It just came to me as I was checking out some of my comments. As many of you are aware, there is a gigantic blog giveaway called One World One Heart (scroll down for details). It has brought together bloggers from all over the world, and has made me discover people I would not have 'met' otherwise. It really became clear today, as I was looking through various blogs, that we truly are connected.

There is no separation between people, only perceived separation. I look at the pictures on blogs, and am struck with the fact that these people could be my friends, and neighbors, and family. I look at a face, and think, yes, we could be best friends, if we only lived closer. We all face struggles. It is only natural to think that only we know what we are going through, and we feel alone. But reading some blogs today I came across a woman who wrote a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to her beloved father who passed away many years ago. She showed pictures of all the grandchildren he never knew. I came across a blogger whose husband was dealing with cancer. Another lost her job and her family was dealing with uncertainty. I could go on, but you get the picture.

We really are not alone in this world, there are many that face the same issues as us. Maybe it is time for us to reach out just a little bit more. Maybe by doing so, you can give some comfort to someone who feels alone. And don't be afraid to accept a helping hand. Maybe we could create a more beautiful peaceful world if we just open to the idea that we are One.

One world, one heart.

Have a blessed day!

Pretty in Pinks

Tonight is a beautiful, snowy night. Lots more snow is expected, which makes for a terrible drive to work in the morning, but is oh so pretty!
I should be working on art, instead I am discovering new blogs, thanks to the wonderful event called One World One Heart. If you haven't heard about it, scroll down to my post about the giveaway. It is a miracle I get any work done :-)

Here is my latest Mixed Media painting called 'My Guardian Angel'. It is one of my favorites, yes I know, I probably say that about all of them. I used bright, rich colors for this, pinks, purples, and golds. I will be doing a few more featuring guardian angels and little girls. But first I must finish the Valentine's Day painting I started today. Why do they have to put American Idol on 3 nights this week?

Time for Another Alice

Being part of the 'One World One Heart' giveaway (scroll below to the next post) made me see how much talent is out there! People have amazed me, and have made me so proud to be part of this group. What a great opportunity to meet new friends, and find more blogs to love!

I want to thank all the wonderful people who have entered my giveaway. I never expected so many comments, and I read every one of them. I have decided to add one more print. It will be a print of my latest painting (the one above), so there will be 3 winners instead of 2. This giveaway ends Feb 12th so there is lots of time to comment, and check out other participating blogs.
Thank you also to the followers of my blog! I love each and every one of you, and I thank you for believing in me and my work.

Right after I joined, I was inspired to create another mixed media painting on wood.
This one is titled 'Another Alice' (which I may change soon). I searched for the perfect quote from 'Alice in Wonderland' and none of them worked, or they were too long for this small piece. Finally, listening to a song called Karma Police by Radiohead, these words jumped out at me, and I thought they just might work.

What do you think? Words or no words? I wanted something a bit more than just a pretty girl.

***Just to avoid confusion, if you want to be entered in my giveaway, leave a comment on the post below this one titled 'One World One Heart Giveaway'. That is the post I will be drawing names from, not this one.... :-D

One World One Heart Giveaway

Hello everyone! I have decided to take part in the One World One Heart giveaway hosted by Lisa Swifka. This is a world wide giveaway with bloggers from around the world participating. I had never heard of this until yesterday, but after visiting several participating blogs, and finding out that I could still join, I scrambled for something to offer. So I will be offering 2 prizes.

First prize is a 6" x 12" (15 x30Cm's) original painting called 'Harvest Queen'. She was woodburned on a piece of thin wood first, then I added lots of layers of paint, stamping, embellishments, you get the picture :-). The painting comes with a coordinating ribbon so it is ready to hang.

The second prize I am offering is a print of one of my favorite mixed media paintings called 'Petite Marie'. The print is on 8.5 x 11" (22.5 x 28cms) paper, with lots of white for easier framing.


How to enter: All you have to do is add a comment to this post, anyone is able to enter, you don't need to have a blog to do so. However, just make sure if you don't have a blog to leave me a name and an email address so I can easily reach you if you are the winner. The giveaway ends Feb 12, when I will draw 2 winning names.

Click on the blue button on top to take you to the page with all participating bloggers listed on the right hand side.
Thank you all, and good luck!

******COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. I will announce the winners today at approximately
5 pm ET. Thank you everyone for participating, and good luck!

Don't they know it's the end of the world?

How's that for a title? This is my latest, a wee bit different from my others, but I felt like creating a sad forlorn girl. My inspiration came from the song called 'The end of the World'. I love the Carpenters version of this song, and I had it playing constantly while I painted this. The colors are more subdued, and the landscape is barren and gray. The only bright thing is the broken heart she holds. I added the following text:

Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don't they know?
It's the end of the world.

I love adding words to my art, and should do it more often. It's not considered 'fine art' but I don't care. I am now just painting whatever I feel like, and trying not to worry how it looks to others. I have some online galleries but haven't updated regularly because I can't help but compare my work to other artists, and tend to feel a bit out of place. I know I need to stop worrying about my art fitting in, and just do it!

Check out the song behind the image: just click to play..

My First Blog Award!

What a lovely surprise to see that the wonderful Julie-Ann had nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award! She is a sweetheart, just check out her blog:
heavenleighart.blogspot.com
Her angel paintings are exquisite!

Now for my list of some things I am grateful for (I can't stick to just 6)

I am grateful for my family, the best sister anyone could ever ask for, the sweet animals in my life, a roof over my head, a small room where I create my art, a secure job, great co-workers, my computer that keeps me connected to you all, my many art books, my art supplies which never stop growing, lol!, a few friends I have known for so long, and who I can count on, music, poetry, literature, fellow artists who inspire me, my morning coffee, the beauty of winter in Canada, oh I can go on but I will end with one last thing I am grateful for: My Life. Every morning when I wake up I thank God for another day on this blessed Earth. No matter how bad things are, or how negative everything seems, at least I am here experiencing it all.

There are so many artists who deserve this blog award, way too many for me to narrow down to 7. A look at my blog list, and the blogs I follow will show you that the amount of talent here is just beyond belief. Feel free to click on any of the blogs I list and you will see beauty. Thank you everyone for putting yourself out there, and sharing yourself with the world.
Blessings!

How about some puppy love?

Here is my latest. I love her! and once I get to the fabric store and buy some organza ribbon to hang her, she will be in my shabby chic living room. I wish I'd taken some pictures as I was working, just so you can all see the ugly phase before the girl started to emerge. I had such a hard time at first, the hair was originally going to be white, but I couldn't make the shading look good, it looked gray and dull.
I was only going to use pinks and white, but I added this very pretty spring green, and it just worked.
I finally managed to get a few prints listed in my Etsy shop as well. I've never been a big fan of them for myself, I prefer original art, but it seems like most people prefer prints. Probably because I'm too lazy to frame anything :-D
Good thing most people aren't like me!

More artwork

What kind of an artist paints something, then decides she can't sell it? ME! Each one I do I say is my favorite, and I don't want to part with it. I just put this butterfly mixed media painting up in my Etsy shop, after holding onto it for a few months. The other 2 of the series sold, and it reminds me that I need to do another one. I was hoping to do a dozen buttefly paintings, but got sidetracked with other work. Soon...

I have to say I love painting mixed media girls, each one has their own personality. I am happy to have picked up another commission painting, and this should be fun! It will be a challenge though, because this isn't a typical girl I will be painting. She is a bit on the goth side, wild and beautiful, so I hope I can bring this out in the art.

Hopefully within the week I will be able to have some prints of my little girls in my shop.

I really want to win!

One of my favorite artists Jody Ohl is doing a blog giveaway. I discovered her work on Etsy, and I want to one day own one of her originals, before she becomes too rich and famous, and out of my budget :-)
If you have a moment, check out this hard working, talented artists blog, and you can have a chance to win one of her magnets...but don't feel the need to enter, because I want to win!! haha, just kidding :-D

here is her wonderful blog post....
http://sweetrepeats.blogspot.com/2009/01/spread-love-sweet-repeats-january.html

Lets try that again...

Don't you just love the beginning of the year? So much possibility, so much potential. If you failed to reach your goals, it's like you have a fresh start to try again. One of my resolutions (although I don't like that word) is to be more organized. I am tired of being pulled in many directions. For Christmas, I received a whiteboard, and a large wall calendar. The whiteboard is on my fridge, where I write what needs to be done, and cross it off when complete.

I plan to begin to read a chapter of a book called 'Simple Abundance' by
Sarah Ban Breathnach. I remember starting this book many years ago when I first bought it and got 3 months in before laziness set in. I am already a few days late, but that is ok. I will start tonight.

Another habit I let slide was writing every evening in my gratitude journal. I have several books I have filled over the years, but the last couple of years I just stopped. It's not like I didn't feel gratitude, I mentally gave thanks during the day and before bed, I just stopped writing it in the book. Tonight I will promise myself to get back on track. Baby steps, that's all...

Art journaling is another discipline I would like to try. I am inspired by many artists who are taking the challenge to do a journal page a day. I cannot commit to this, but I can certainly try one page a week. I even signed up for class with Paulette Insall.
All of this is with the hopes of becoming more authentic, and having the best year ever.

What are you committing to for 2009?

Follow your Inner voice

I wanted to show one of my newer mixed media pieces. This painting is called 'Listen'. I created it to remind us all, to listen to our inner voice. Why is it that we sometimes know the answer, but instead, we keep silent, because it is easier to just go along? I watched a friend get taken advantage of, and it got me thinking about this. She knew what her intuition was telling her, but did not say anything until it was too late. She was afraid of being called 'fickle' for changing her mind.

I am guilty myself. It's like I want to please people, and be agreeable. I wish I could be like those women who can stand up for themselves. I am working on it, but time after time, I kick myself afterward, and think, why on earth did I not say something, or why did I let that salesperson talk me into something I didn't want. This fear of being disagreeable has cost me lots of money in the past, and has affected how I see myself. Needless to say, this is one of my New Year's
resolutions :-)

On a more positive note, I have finished the commission I had to get done for a little girls' birthday. This painting is called 'Princess Sophie' and I sure hope the mother who commissioned it is happy. I always stress out in these cases.
I have 2 more paintings I finished recently, which I will post later in the week. I will say that they are probably my favorite ones so far :-D