Sometimes the greatest joy comes from the smallest and simplest of things. In filling my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Challenge at Mindful Art Studios I’m finding so much joy and freedom as I create different designs with simple marks.
There are different steps in my process. For some of these I’ll start by creating small tiles, in varying sizes that I stash away until I’m ready to use them. Other pages will begin with a watercolor wash in the journal and then I go from. Really it comes down to doing what makes you happy at that moment and I honor that.
If you’re going through any kind of stress or you just need a break this is ideal and so beneficial for your heart and soul. You can check out online classes, YouTube videos or simply pick up a pen and get some paper and start playing. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels. The best part is you don’t need a big block of time, a few minutes a day is all you need!
Hope this inspires you to create some art!
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“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” ~Paul Klee
I’m working in online classes learning new techniques to improve my skills. When I need to take a break I love to paint my canvases and I was able to finish two more pieces for my Expressions of Love Collection. The one canvas above is bold and popping while the other one below is softer.
I like to photograph my canvases outdoors in the natural sunlight; unfortunately the weather hasn’t been cooperating lately. But I plan to have these listed in my Etsy Shop later this week.
Everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated, especially those who work hard making your life better. I created this Expressions of Love Collection to honor those special souls. Visit my Etsy Shop to see the full collection.
What do you think of these two new paintings?
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“Love is forgiving and love is for giving.” ~ Wayne Dyer
Sometimes we all need an unwind and the concept in Amy Maricle’s book “Draw Yourself Calm,” the practice of slowing down has been very sound advice. We live in a fast paced world and this is an excellent practice to help you destress. I try to create one a day. It doesn’t always work out to that but I do end up with several a week.
I like using 140lb watercolor paper because it can stand up to just about anything especially wet mediums like paint and inks. I’ll start by cutting a 9×12″ piece of paper into several sizes: 2 and 3 inch squares, ATC size, 3×4 and anything else I’m in the mood for. That way I always have them on hand and ready for some creative fun. When the mood strikes me, I’ll use my Sakura Pens to create some pretty cool designs.
I’m filling up a small basket of these little gems. Some I plan to use in my journals while others I may incorporate into larger pieces of art. Either way, I have a nice selection to choose from. Plus I have the satisfaction of creating and completing a work of art even though it may be small😊
I hope this helps you to stay inspired and create some art!
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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
I’ve been busy in online classes learning new skills and taking breaks in between working on my canvases for the Expressions of Love Collection. I love how the colorful backgrounds make the hearts pop!
In talking with others I find so many feel unappreciated and taken for granted. No one likes going unnoticed for all the work they do. Sometimes a simple “Thank You” can have a huge impact on their day. So make sure to say “Thank You” to those who brighten your days.
The four paintings shown here are a work in progress so stay tuned. They’ll be available in my Etsy Shop soon. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks for stopping by!!
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“Love is forgiving and love is for giving.” ~ Wayne Dyer
I’m really enjoying filling the pages of my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Simplest Things Challenge at Mindful Art Studios.
I made the 3 inch square flower painting last week and wanted to find it a home. I was drawing a blank on what to do next in the journal and then I read a comment on Instagram by an admirer about the flower and butterfly:
“The little butterfly with the trail just makes it, I love how the daisy is reaching out for it.”
So I thought lots of swirly, crisscrossing butterfly trails would make the perfect background, and there simple too which fits with the theme of this journal. It was pure luck that the trail of the butterfly on the painting lined up with the trail in the background. I mean honestly, what are the odds? 😂
But it’s a happy colorful creation. What do you think?
Hope this inspires you to create some art!
Thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” ~Paul Klee
I added another painting to my Simplest Things Journal. I’m really loving the slow drawing process. It quiets the mind and soothes the soul 😊 This was a design I made in a smaller version and thought it would make an interesting big design. But instead of painting another circle, I wanted to try a freeform design.
What I love most about this design is how the lines overlap in some areas making thicker lines that look like folds and creases. What do you think?
Hope this inspires you to create this weekend!
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“Art is a natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment.” ~MaryAnn F Kohl
This was my inspiration for the the painting above 😊
Last week I participated in Amy Maricle’s Simplest Things Challenge. On day 5 I created a few simple circles with different designs. I thought they looked pretty cool and wanted to make them much BIGGER! So I did full sized drawings of these two. What do you think?
I love watching the watercolor paints mingle and mix. You never know what they’re going to do and that’s the fun part 😊
Hope this inspires you to create this weekend!
Thanks for stopping by!!!
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“We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” ~Bob Ross quote on creating art
This was my inspiration for the the 2 paintings above 😊
Amy Maricle @amymaricle at Mindful Art Studio hosted a challenge this week called The Simplest Things which I participated in. The idea was to create art everyday, from the simplest things. It was a 5 day challenge which started Monday and ended yesterday.
Originally I wanted to create a handmade journal for this challenge but it’s been a busy week so I ended up using a 6×6 inch mixed media spiral journal instead. I normally like heavier paper for journaling but the 90 lb mixed media paper worked well for this challenge.
Day 1 Prompt: Cursive Letter L
The photo above is for Day 1 and since I’m in mega love mode painting my hearts for the Expressions of Love Collection I couldn’t resist painting a few watercolor hearts that I cut out and glued into the journal.
Day 2 Prompt: Thread
Now this one was pretty funny because I started with threads which turned into seaweed which turned into an underwater world 😂 You never know where your imagination will lead you!
Day 3 Prompt: Leaf
I painted watercolor leaves which I cut out and glued into the journal. Technically the prompt is leaf, meaning only one but it depends on how you look at it. Plus I was having so much fun playing with my gold pen I had to make some extras.
Day 4 Prompt: Write then Cover with Watercolor
I’m not the type to put all my thoughts and feelings onto paper for the everyone to see. So I poured my heart out into the journal with a watercolor pencil and then did a very colorful watercolor wash for the background. Since I did actually pour my heart out into the journal I thought it was only fitting to add the heart inchies I previously made to these two pages.
Day 5 Prompt: Watercolor Wash and Marks in Pen
I decided to keep this one simple with painted watercolor circles and patterns using a Sakura Micron 05 pen. But the white space was just too plain for me so I added some glitter and now it feels finished!
This challenge was lots of fun and Amy was wonderful in teaching new tips, techniques and different ways of thinking about art! If you’re interested in learning more, please visit Amy Maricle’s site at MindfulArtStudio.com. She created a new online course, The Simplest Thing Journal which is based on some of the practices used in this challenge. It’s currently on sale sale through 2/13 so don’t miss out!!
I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!!
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“Art is not what you see but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
A quick shop update. I always felt that we should express our love and appreciation to those we care about every day and not limit it to one day a year. And that was my motivation in creating this new line, Expressions of Love.
These 5×5 inch paintings were created on a thick 1.5 inch canvas so have the choice on how to display them. You can hang them in a small area or you could buy several and hang them as a nice grouping on your wall. The other option which I love with this thick canvas is that you can easily stand it on it’s side making it perfect decor for a desk, shelf or counter.
They are happy and fun paintings that will brighten up any space. They’ll come packaged in a pretty cellophane bag and tied with ribbon. These are the first two paintings I have available in my Etsy Shop and I’ll be adding more this week.
I love Valentine’s Day but it’s sad that it’s only celebrated one day out of the year. Our love for others should be celebrated everyday and not limited to a single day. So I decided to fix that and came up with the idea to start the Expressions of Love Collection.
I thought it would be a great way to tell some one how much you care and appreciate them. They could be perfect gifts for weddings, anniversaries, or a simple I love you! You could even gift one to show your appreciation to a special some one for all that they do.
The four paintings shown here are a work in progress so stay tuned. They’ll be available in different sizes and styles to fit your specific needs. Best of all, they will available all year.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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“Forever and always, from me to you. My love is pure, my love is true. It is gifted to none other than you.” ~Truth Devour
Flowing Waters Art 