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!
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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 😊
Have you ever thought about how color affects how you feel? Many people associate colors with different things like trees, the ocean, flowers or even a cool summer’s breeze which evoke positive emotions and make us feel good. But you can also associate colors with negative things because we create these associations in our mind through our personal life experiences.
Our brain reacts to sensory impressions. Visual impressions make up 80% of that. And that’s a pretty big chunk. So it’s no wonder that color can greatly affect our moods. Studies have shown these are some of the generalities of how colors can make you feel:
Pay attention to the colors in your environment and how they make feel, especially the clothes you wear. You may be quite surprised and discover new things about yourself!
Hope you enjoyed this post today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“Color was not given to us in order that we imitate nature. It was given to us so that we can express our emotions.” ~Henri Matisse
I was listening to a recording of Wayne Dyer today and thought I’d share this wonderful quote with you on one of my abstract watercolor paintings:
“With everything that has happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what has happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.”
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!
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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 😊
“Act as if it were impossible to fail.” is a quote by Dorothea Brande from her book Wake Up and Live! It’s a simple quote that is so very powerful. When you think about it, what would you do differently if you knew it were impossible to fail? Personally, I can think of lots of things I would have done differently in my life and I’m sure you can to.
It’s not a far fetched idea, but something that’s pretty basic if we’d only believe. We have a tendency to create so many obstacles in our minds that stop us dead in our tracks from reaching our goals and creating our dream life. But why?
The reasons can vary drastically from one person to next. But I think the first step is to look at ourselves in the mirror and be accountable for our actions, thoughts and attitudes. Because these are the things that brought us to where we are today.
The next step which is easier said than done is to dig deeper and look at where some of these beliefs and thoughts started and what started them. Is it something our parents taught us? Or is it a result of something that happened to us? Is it combination of both of these things or something else? But you must be completely honest with yourself if you are to move forward.
Once we have a better understanding of why we react a certain way to certain situations we stand a better chance of conquering the obstacles we created for ourselves. And as a result we can move on to bigger and better things.
I hope these words of wisdom by Dorothea Brande inspire you in some way today! Thanks for stopping by!!
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“All that is necessary to break the spell of inertia and frustration is this: Act as if it were impossible to fail. That is the talisman, the formula, the command of right-about-face which turns us from failure towards success.” ~Dorothea Brande
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
Growing up my parents had a beautiful garden and they loved growing plants for home remedies. Any time we got a sunburn or burned ourselves on a hot dish, dad would get a cutting from the large aloe plant he had growing out back.
I remember him peeling the skin and exposing the clear jelly substance inside the leaf. It would ooze a thick yellow liquid that was actually the sap. The clear jelly part of the plant is what would make your skin fell better in no time.
The Aloe Vera plant was originally from Africa but can be found all over the world. It has been used for centuries for it’s medicinal benefits. Aloe Vera is not classified as a cacti but rather a succulent.
It can be used both internally and externally. Studies have shown it can boost collagen production and promote the healing of wounds. It also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It’s great for many skin irritations including bug bites, sunburns and can improve and even prevent wrinkles. As a mouth rinse it helps reduce dental plaque. When you drink the juice which is available in most grocery stores it helps to relieve digestive issues and can also lower blood sugar levels. It’s amazing the number of health benefits it has but these were just few.
So if you’re looking for natural remedies having one of these plants should definitely be on your list. But be aware it may have adverse interactions with certain medications when taken internally. So as with any lifestyle change always seek the advice of a medical professional to make sure it’s a good fit for you 😊
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“Nature is so smart it put the medicine inside the food.” ~Unknown
I recently came across a pencil sketch I did a while ago of this vintage 30’s girl. I really loved the styles back then so I thought it would be fun to create her in my 9×12 inch Strathmore Watercolor journal and bring her to life with some color.
I named this one A Sunday Afternoon because she gives off a vibe of being completely relaxed wearing her pretty Sunday dress and hat. Her eyes are closed as she takes in a deep breath and gives thanks for all the beauty that surrounds her 😊
How do you like to spend your Sunday afternoons?
Hope this inspires you in some way, thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Flowers are the music of the ground, from earth’s lips spoken without a sound.” ~ Edwin Curran
I finally finished my art journal layout. I tried new techniques with this one but wasn’t so crazy about it. I had to keep switching out my ideas because things kept going sideways but that’s a part of the process. So I’ll have to rethink this a bit. But nevertheless, it was lots of fun experimenting.
Since it’s still just a few weeks into the new year, I found the words “Fresh Start” in a magazine and thought it went well. One thing I really like is how her blue hair turned out with the gold highlights.
Some of my supplies came in so I’m going to work on creating a few new paintings. How are you going to spend your weekend? Hope you have something fun planned 😊
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“I am open to the mystery and magic this new beginning brings.” ~Unknown
Flowing Waters Art 