We all face challenges and struggles. At times you may want to give up and call it quits. But when you dig deep, you’ll find that all of the challenges you’ve faced in your life have made you stronger and wiser. So as unpleasant as they may seem, keep going and get through it. You’ve got this!!
These words of encouragement are by Mohandas Gandhi and are featured on my abstract art:
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggle develops your strength. Whe you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
Really love this quote. I hope you’re having a great week so far!
I have several paintings that I’m working on in the studio. The two square canvases are 18×18″ and the rectangle is 18×24″. They all have lots of interesting texture and beautiful color. Each one is also in a different stage of the process. When I look at each one, the colors just make me smile, they’re simply happy paintings.
What do they make you feel? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead, thanks for stopping by!!!
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“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” ~Salvador Dali
The first image is the colorful flower abstract I painted on watercolor paper and it inspired me to create a similar painting on canvas. The second image is my new painting, a work in progress.
I love the texture and the bright, happy colors. But working on the canvas has been challenging. For one thing, this is a 18×24″ canvas which I have to paint on the easel. The painting on paper was created on my desk. So how I handle the large canvas as I paint is quite different.
Even though I’m using the same paints, I’m having a harder time creating this dreamy affect on the canvas. But at the end of the day, I’m having fun on this journey and enjoying the process because I know it will all come together. So stay tuned….
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
Creating simple pages in a journal can bring so much joy. I’m still working in my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Challenge at Mindful Art Studios. I find I’m taking notice more of the wonderful patterns that surround me in my environment that I never saw before.
As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of color, lots and lots of colors. I love playing with paints and creating new colors when they mix. Some don’t go as expected and others are a wonderful surprise. But for me, the color mixing is one of the most fun parts of this art journaling process.
Another great aspect of art journaling is it’s a great way to unwind and destress yourself. You only need a few minutes of time a day to work on the creation of a new page and minimal supplies. So it’s a win win!
Hope this inspires you to create some art!
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Share the Happy💖
“Color is a super power that directly influences the soul.” ~Wassily Kandinsky
I was working on a new abstract painting and had some extra paint left over. So I thought it would be fun to play with the colors and see what happens. I quickly got a piece of watercolor paper and started.
I had no intention as to what to create nor was I concerned with the outcome. I just let go and had fun. Lo and behold I ended up with this very happy, colorful abstract. It came into being purely by accident but I loved it. I loved it so much that I decided to paint a large canvas using the same techniques.
Would love to know what you think about this painting. How does it make you feel? What do you see?
Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination and encourages people to go further.” – Keith Haring
I love playing in my journals and experimenting with different techniques. I created this in my Strathmore 8″ x 5.5″ Watercolor Journal using Saran Wrap. I love the odd and interesting shapes the plastic wrap gives you. It’s always a surprise!
To create this effect you need to paint your journal with watercolor paints and make sure it’s fairly wet. While the paint is wet, lay the Saran Wrap on top, move it to where you like it and then let it completely dry. After it has dried, remove the plastic wrap to see what fun design you end up with. Then use your imagination to create an interesting work of art!
I added shading with a pencil, a little glitter, inspiring words and an uplifting quote by John F Wasik which reads:
“You can build any future you want if you let yourself grow, have faith in your dreams or visions and become open to new ideas.”
Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!
With summer fast approaching I thought it would be nice to squeeze in at least 1 more spring art journal layout. I love bunnies and trees and wanted to create something magical with the two.
I started creating lots of layers and used paper doilies for the top of the tree. I found the words “Weaving Magic” that I had cut out from a magazine and saved in my stash and thought it would be perfect for this layout.
I was originally going to add more critters to these pages but I liked the idea of keeping it simple and focusing on the bunny’s wonder of all things magical. What do you think?
I hope this inspires you to create some magic this weekend✨
Thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Everything is magical when you see it with your heart.” ~Unknown
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!
Thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Color is the place where our brain and the universe meet.” ~Paul Klee
When things get hectic and crazy it’s nice to read a quote that empowers and encourages you to continue. I painted this watercolor abstract on an 8×8 inch piece of 140lb watercolor paper. It has a beautiful pearl finish that glistens in the light and I thought it would be perfect to display this inspiring quote by Rumi:
“It’s your road, and yours alone, others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.”
Really love this quote. I hope you’re having a great week!
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!
Thanks for stopping by!!
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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
Flowing Waters Art 