I thought I’d share with you today a painting I created a while ago in an online class with the very talented Andrea Gomoll of Cre8tive Cre8tion Designs. This was a different style for me but I loved it.
This is a pretty simply painting but it definitely pulls you in. The watercolors seem to run off the page creating a dreamy and magical feeling. She has intense green, piercing eyes filled with strength and courage. Plus the colors blended beautifully especially in her long flowing hair which is my favorite part. What draws you in?
I was working in an online class where I created a detailed sketch of a girl with flowing hair and butterflies (I’ll share that with you later this week). But it had taken quite a few tries and quite some time to get the sketch just right.
I needed to paint her so I could bring her to life, yet I found myself stuck. I really wanted to paint her but was afraid to ruin the sketch that had taken hours to complete. I came up with all sorts of excuses as to why I couldn’t or rather wouldn’t paint her. Finally I thought this is ridiculous because I’ve painted so many portraits before that turned out pretty good. Then I remembered Wayne Dyer’s book, “Excuses be Gone!” and silenced those negative nellies in my mind. I painted her and you know what, she turned out pretty awesome.
But I wasn’t paying attention to my thoughts and let them run wild. So this whole thing was a good reminder for me of what I need to be doing, minding my thoughts. I had read Wayne Dyer’s book a while ago and loved it. In his book he explains why all of us at one time or another become victims of our own self defeating thoughts that can immobilize our progress in life. Wayne also describes how to silence those negative thoughts so we can move forward.
It’s not always easy because sometimes we forget to keep up with the practice. But this book was well written and quite an eye opener and I’ll be putting it on list to read again😊 I highly recommend Wayne Dyers book “Excuses be Gone!” You won’t be disappointed!
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(Note: by clicking on the links or image above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)
“If you really want to do something you’ll find a way. If you don’t you’ll find an excuse.” ~Jim Rohn
Earth Day is being celebrated this Saturday, April 22, 2023. It’s origins began in 1970 as a way to change the public’s outlook and bring awareness to environmental issues plaguing our beautiful planet.
Almost 7 billion people share this amazing planet with 10 million animal species and 300,000 plant species. That’s a lot of inhabitants when you think about it. Plus the entire surface of the earth is a series of connected ecosystems that provide precious resources that sustain all life here on Earth. So it’s imperative that we take care of our planet.
We live a world of plastic and although it was a great invention because it made so many things possible, it may also be our undoing. Stats show that in 2021 there was 363,762,732,605 pounds of plastic polluting the world’s oceans. Plus microplastics which are tiny pieces of plastic can be found in almost all water systems around the world including rivers, lakes, streams and oceans. It is said that there is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way. These are very scary stats because where does that leave us in 10, 20 and even 50 years from now? Will this planet be able to sustain life at all?
We all need to pitch in and do our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. We need to work together to come up with better ideas and solutions to reducing our footprint on this planet. So that life will continue to thrive.
What are some of the things you do to help make a better tomorrow?
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“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” ~Unknown
I was browsing online and came across a fun tutorial for painting birds so I thought it would be cute to paint them in fun whimsical colors 🐤
I created these in my Strathmore 8×5.5″ Watercolor Journal. It’s a really fun size to use because it can also be a bit challenging. I like that it takes me out of my comfort zone and gets me to try new things.
What is your favorite size journal to create in?
Hope this inspires you, thanks for stopping by!!!
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“From small beginnings come great things.” ~Unknown
I started this journal layout just before Easter but didn’t have the time to finish it until after. Better late than never I guess. This is a pretty simple design but cute and very happy.
I created this in my Strathmore 8×5.5″ Watercolor Journal. I love the heavy 140 lb watercolor paper because I tend to use a lot of water and it holds up nicely. Most importantly, it doesn’t bleed through to the other side which is something that I really don’t like.
You don’t necessarily need a plan to journal. Just start with one thing. For example, I started this layout with the idea of one big Easter egg. Everything else just followed as I went. So it was quite a fun surprise when I finished.
Hope this inspires you this weekend, thanks for stopping by!!!
Share the Happy 💖
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainty.” ~Eric Fromm
Our brain is a complex organ which requires lots of energy to run efficiently on a daily basis. It controls a lot of things like our emotions, memories, thoughts, motor skills, touch, vision, breathing and more. Plus it pretty much regulates every process in our body. But as we age, our brain health may decline. So it’s really important to take care of this powerhouse so we can keep our wits about us as we get older.
MCT oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) which is more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids found in foods. The most common form of MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil since 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs.
MCT oil is excellent for brain health and has been shown to help manage Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy and Autism. Plus it may help reduce body fat, improve your gut health, fight bacterial growth, increase energy, reduce inflammation and manage blood sugar levels and more.
I’ve been using Garden of Life Organic MCT Oil for the last year and have noticed an improvement in my brain health. I feel more mentally alert, energetic and overall better. I add 1 tablespoon, one or two times a week to my shakes and smoothies. I don’t notice a flavor difference so I have no problem consuming it and I love how I feel! You can find it on Amazon or click on the image below.
I highly recommend Organic MCT Oil by Garden of Life, it’s been a life changer. However, as with any dietary change please consult with your health care provider to make sure this is a good fit for you. (Note: by clicking on the link or image above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)
Thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy 💖
“The preservation of health is easier than the cure of the disease.” ~Unknown
This was one of my very early art journal layouts. I’m not totally thrilled with it but there are things I like about it. I love the bright yellow background, it’s just very happy. The stamped watercolor flowers turned out pretty nice too. Looking at this I probably should’ve added leaves to the stems but it’s okay the way it is and I do like the green against the yellow. I also love the quote “create some magic.”
I remember when I created these pages I was trying out a new stencil and modeling paste. I like the stencil but not the modeling paste. The texture and consistency wasn’t the best and thankfully I’ve found a much better paste to work with. So even though this isn’t my favorite journal layout I did learn new things in the process.
Journaling doesn’t always go as planned and that’s okay. It’s a fun place to learn and try new techniques and to let your creativity run wild. My advice is always find the silver lining in the clouds that may visit you from time to time. Most importantly, enjoy the creation process and have fun😊
Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy 💖
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
Hard to believe that Easter will be upon us this coming Sunday, April 9th. These first months of the year have just flown by. I hope that you’ll be able to spend time with family and friends on this beautiful day and create some wonderful memories!!
I remember growing up how magical my mom would make Easter for us. It would start with a morning mass and then transition to a fun filled day with family and friends. The Easter Egg hunts were always the most exciting part of my day! I hold those memories dear to my heart and I’m so very thankful for them.
Spring flowers are blossoming! I thought I’d share this fun painting I did a while ago because her name is April, and she has a quite dramatic spring time flair to her. I went a bit color crazy on this one but I loved how she turned out.
The flowers were made from a separate piece of watercolor paper that I punched and adhered onto the painting. I distressed the edges a bit and added glitter to the centers of the flowers for a little bling.
Hope she inspires you today. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Art journaling is a fun and easy way to connect with your inner muse. It’s a great tool to help you to relax and unwind after a stressful day. The best part is there are no rules!
Dedicate as much or as little time as you like to journaling; and all you need to get started is a pen and notebook. Then create whatever your 💖 desires. If nothing comes to mind just begin by drawing squiggly lines and use your imagination to take you on a wonderful adventure.
I like to keep multiple journals going at the same time. Some have a theme while others are completely random. You can write your thoughts, sketch, doodle, collage, paint and do pretty much anything you can think of! It’s your personal space to express yourself with no rules or judgement. Just have fun and enjoy the process.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a notebook and pen and have some fun today!
Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy 💖
“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
Flowing Waters Art 