Could it be?

Could it be so?

Has Spring suddenly sneaked up on us?

By the sounds of the birds whistling from the trees and the sun beams bursting through our windows...

possibly, it is so.

Just a week or so ago, I painted this scene in my art journal.

It was real.

This was happening.

Strong winds, blowing snow flurries, grey skies. Silent birds!

On Friday, I painted much happier birds!

I have thoroughly enjoyed some "me" time in the studio. You know... art for fun and leisure.

It has been many years since I have participated in online art swaps and challenges with like-minded people. Recently, I decided that in order to remain happy in my career as a full time artist... I must also include some time and activities, free of commands and instructions. I decided to seek out, reach out, and get back into a few online communities that I thought would be a good fit for me. Since these groups are still rather new to me, I am not yet going to share the links. Allow me, please, time to participate in some of the events before making any recommendations.

I have limited myself to only one art exchange per month and one creative challenge per month so that my fun will not interfere with commission work.

I had forgotten just how joyful it is to sit and paint oodles and oodles of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards), and ACEO's (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)! I found myself smiling big and already feeling excited to receive cards from other artists! I create ten and in return, I will get ten cards to add to my own collection! Yes!!! I absolutely adore such sharing of art and creativity!

How about you?

Do you participate in any creative online groups? If so... please, share with a comment!

As for my work, I recently had the pleasure of creating a baby gift. My client provided me with the colors, the theme, and baby's name. This was so much fun... afterall, who does not love baby elephants?

I was thrilled when I was sent a photo through my public facebook page, of the recipients holding the gifts at the actual baby shower. More JOY!!! I LOVE what I do!!!

I also love interesting skies. And the moon.

Just last night I dashed out of the front door with my Sony nex 5r to capture this!

So worth it!

Could it be...

a Spring moon?

See you right back here soon!

XO

 

Shaking & Painting the Winter Blues...

Oh, those Winter blues.

February seems to linger on for too long, wouldn't you agree?

Each morning I stop by the large window in our dining room to peek out. You see, where we live, one day it may be snowing, while the next day it could be bright and sunny with "pleasant" temperatures.

I always hope for the latter...

but then again, the snow is so beautiful. On Tuesday we had big, fluffy snowflakes!

I never become bored...

but I do long to play outside and feel the warmth on my shoulders again. For now, I just sip hot beverages and happily paint.

More journal entries for the "Documented Life Project".

I get lost in this world of my own.

Not a worry or care.

Riding out Winter.

And drinking more tea.

How do you shake the Winter blues?

Please, tell me!

I will see you again, very soon!

Stay warm.

 

The Documented Life Journal Project...

Hello, dear ones!

Did you have a lovely Valentine's Day?

For those of you that know me or who have followed my blog through the years, know that it is not my favorite day of the year...

although I have now, a wonderful husband to share February 14th with, and it has certainly been a more pleasant event, I still feel sad for those who are alone when this big, commercialized holiday rolls around. I have been that person too.The one who sees the big, beautiful bouquets of flowers being delivered to co-workers and hearing them talk about dinner plans with their sweethearts...

while I went home to an empty house and sat alone all evening.

I learned to pamper my own self. It got easier! Then, one year, I realized that it really is okay to be alone and the chocolates that I purchased for myself tasted just as great as anyone elses!

My art journals tell of all of my loveless Valentine's Days.

I cherish my journals...

and now I am thrilled to be a part of "The Documented Life" art journal project!

I jumped in late and started with a journal that happened to be sitting on my shelf. I then found the large "Dylusions" journal at a hobby store and loved it instantly, so with a coupon, I got it for 40% off! Oh my... it's big, pages are heavy, but I really admired the way that this journal is constructed. It has a large envelope mounted on the inside of the front cover, an elastic closure band, and several pages to work on!

(Now I was really behind with the journal prompts, provided by the Art to the 5th Academy website).

Hey! Why don't you click on the link and join us?

Each week, a new prompt is given, along with a medium or technique to follow.

Example: the photo above was for a prompt using the color wheel and layers.

Notice my stress ball? I just wasn't "feeling it" on that day and since then, that page has undergone many transformations!

Take a peek at some of my other journal pages...

I am really enjoying the project and it gives me a nice break from commission work. I tend to play in the journal while paint on a canvas dries... but this weekend, it has been all play!

Hope to see you there!