Traveling Art...

It thrills me to share my art and to know that it is being shipped to so many different states! I'm not just referring to commission work, although this charming, hand painted hippie suitcase was a commission...

Traveling to Texas soon...

But I also find joy in swapping art.

If you read my blog regularly, you are aware that I recently joined in on some creative online challenges and exchanges. I also did a blog post showing off my new Midori Traveler's notebook. Oh, my! I don't know how I ever got along without this Midori planner. I use it daily for sketching inspiration, taking notes, keeping track of events, swaps and due dates. I store packages of sticky notes inside the zippered pouch (sold separately) and jot down addresses of clients and art swap recipients and then stick them in my Midori. When post office day rolls around, it's so nice to have these addresses ready to stick onto the boxes and cover with clear shipping tape!

Now...

there is a Midori "Round Robin" taking place and I am happy to be a part of this fun event!

If you are wondering just what a "Round Robin" is...

A group of artists agree to the responsibilities involved (deadlines, shipping, tracking), and ship their journal (in this event, a Midori notebook), to the first artist on their list. In return, I received this notebook from another participant. This is a passport size Midori notebook... and it came to me from Canada! How cool is that?

So, I kept the notebook for one week and added some art to it's pages.

Now I ship the notebook to the next artist on my list to do the same. You may view our traveling notebooks on Instagram #thetravelingnotebook.

Once the notebooks have traveled to each participant, our original notebook is returned.... Filled with art from various artists from all around the world. That is a "Round Robin" event! It's been several years since I have been involved in one so I really am enjoying this all over again!

Here is a peek at another art swap I shipped to California last week-

The theme was "Bird quotes".

And I am currently working on some post card swaps...

Do you allow your art to travel?

It's so rewarding!

We must make time to play, right?

Wishing you a fabulous day!

 

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!

 

Where did I leave off?

Oh, dear!

Where did I leave off?

First, a big HELLO to all of you!!!!

How have you been?

 

It's been awhile, I know.

My world has undergone many changes and adjustments! (All good, I might add), but trying to find "balance" has not been easy since I resigned from my day job in November.

I have discovered that working from home, does indeed, come with a whole set of new challenges.

Time management being the biggie for me!

Friends, I have been richly blessed with consistent commission work, and it always keep my art work at the top of my priority list! No problem there. I love being responsible and dependable. My biggest thrill and form of payment are the praises that I receive from clients and recipients of my art! I love waking up to an email or a Facebook message from someone who is overjoyed and so grateful after receiving a piece of my art! This makes my heart so very happy!

Yes.

I'm doing what I love and I do it passionately.

I've had orders for anniversaries...

And surprise gifts to friends...

Birthday gifts, a child's bedroom (the decor in planets & space)...

Day after day, I paint.

Some days I find myself feeling restless. Is that the word that I'm seeking?

I miss doing personal art, especially my art journaling.

Some days I really have not felt all geared up to go into my beautiful art room and paint.

I am one who needs variety and I do like to create on a spur of the moment.

So, I added another "for fun" job to my life.

I signed up to be an independent consultant with a nail wrap company. I seriously did this, as a hobbiest, and only to give me something fun, yet still creative, to add to those days that I needed a break from art work.

Oh my!

This HAS indeed been fun...

And yes, creative.

But then suddenly, I became crazy busy!

Once Facebook friends caught wind of the nail wraps, I found myself running more errands, delivering and shipping nail wrap samples, doing nail wrap parties! Oh. And of course, keeping my own nails pretty!

I honestly did not expect all of this! 4 recruits.... Helping them, orders arriving... Advancing to "senior consultant"! Giggle. Giggle.

Once again, I'm so happy in all that I'm doing but I am now working on balancing my art, Jamberry Nails, house, husband, travel.

This is why I have been absent from blog land!

I seriously, have had no extra time for taking and editing photos let alone, sitting down to type up a blog post.

I also adore blogging.

I will get it all figured out!

I will say, that out of all my jobs...

My favorite is, and always will be, my art.

When I'm painting...

Something unexplainable happens.

Even on those days that I did force myself to pick up that paintbrush...

Within minutes, I realize that I am smiling. I even dance a little to the radio! Shhhhh.

I diffuse the lovliest essential oils. It's such a slice of heaven...

In my art studio.

Oh!

Do you remember these?

 

Well, since we last visited, I have also made oodles and oodles more! They have shipped to Shops and stores in different states! No kidding! I have reveived some very nice checks in the mail for these guys!

Happy heart. Happy life!

My wonderful husband has supported all of my jobs. He even builds odd shaped boxes for my big canvas paintings to ship in. How did I ever get so lucky?!!!!

We've planted our garden here on the prairie. He even built a wonderful fence all around it.

In August we are going back to the East coast for our big vacation!

Life is good.

I hope that you are savoring every moment of yours!

God bless and I will certainly do better at blogging!

Yes.

I will.

Xo

 

A True Story...

Hello, friends!

Ok. So maybe today I do have a story to share with you.

Once upon a time, many months ago, a very tired working girl spent a few evenings doodling and drawing faces on 4" x 4" squares. That was the requirement, you see. There were rules. She was not allowed to use any of the art mediums in which she was most comfortable with, such as watercolors or acrylics. So, she played with markers and pencils.

Bright colors. Another specification.

When she finally completed a bold, fun face...

She packaged it up.

And one day after work, she dropped it off at the post office and never thought about it again. (Afterall, she was terribly burned out with her day job, and art had become something that she longed to do full time...but could only squeeze in here and there, in between chores, work, rest, and other priorities).

On to work she went, Monday through Friday... Going through the motions.

Today, this gal is happy to be done with that unfulfilling day job and working towards goals that have been put on the "back burner" for years. Yes, it could take many more years to achieve... And I may never achieve all that I desire, but I do now, feel complete and so very content.

Today I received my March/April 2014 issue of "Cloth, Paper, Scissors"...

And there she was!

That sweet face that I had doodled and colored long ago! I smile big. She was chosen to be on one of the pages for the "Faces of mixed media" challenge. Thank you, "Cloth, Paper, Scissors". It means so much to me!

Every day I paint.

Although my butt gets sore from sitting on my work bench for too long...

I still paint, joyfully. I have commission work and am preparing for a March show. Very blessed, this girl is!

Here is a sneak peek at some of my offerings for the show!

I'm trying to create a variety of art... Small keepsake boxes, wall canvases in several different sizes.

I'm so loving textures!

This morning I ordered the most adorable vendor apron for keeping my money, business cards, iPhone, pens, etc. in while doing shows! I used to do shows years ago and oh, how I have missed it! I'm very excited to get back out there again!

Back to work I now go...

If i do not get side-tracked reading this new issue!

Until next time...

XO