I was able to "get 'er done"

I helped out with 2 sick GRANDkids yesterday. (they are doing lots better now)

I began to accept the fact I may not get a drawing in for Day #8.  And I was OK with that.

Yet there appeared to be a window of opportunity and I climbed right in.

I was able to "get 'er done".

My oldest GRANDdaughter, Delaina,  said she was in the mood to draw, with charcoal, while Lila slept.

After drawing with the charcoal awhile she said, "This sure is different than using crayons."  

Yes, indeed, it is.

 I was able to"get 'er done"!

Drawing with Palo Santos incense.

This marks Day #7 of a drawing each day.

One of the subjects I have been very hesitant to draw is older women.  That was, until today.

I woke up filled with vim and vigor to overcome this resistance.  

I hopped on the internet and searched goggle images to found this older woman who appears to be European and wearing a babushka.  

(I could be totally wrong about my description of her but that's what I see.)  

What caught my attention was the expressiveness in her eyes.  

She has lived a long life~I could almost feel the depth of that life within her eyes.  

What a feat it would be to capture that depth!

I started off the initial sketch by using the end of my Palo Santos incense stick.  

I'd burn it for a while then after it cooled I drew with it.

Secretly I was hoping for some mystical assistance as I began my drawing.

I, also, used charcoal pencil and water color pencil is what I used for the babushka.

I thought you might like to see the reference photo.

                                                    

Thank You for your support & encouragement.

when the student is ready...

When the student is ready the teacher will appear.

This is how I felt this morning when I entered my studio.

Checking FaceBook and e-mails before drawing another face for today (Day #6)

In my mailbox was Joanie Springer's newsletter that I subscribe to.

Needless to say, I watched it and was totally inspired by it.

Take a moment and watch this short video.

         

After I watched this video I knew what I was going to do.

I went outside to find a stick to draw with.  I whittled a point on one end.

Got out my black and sepia India ink.

Sat outside on my patio in the backyard and drew this faces.

I had the best time!  

It brought back memories when I used to paint with odd instruments.  

Haven't done it in awhile.

That is going to change.

I finished these pieces in my studio using acrylic paint and pastels.

Thank You, Picasso

The first time I heard this quote by Picasso I knew it to be true.

Sorry if I seem to repeat myself but this quote resonates deeply within my soul.

Here is another portrait I did today. This marks 5 days in a row.  

I think I'll keep going...

Wanna see how far I can go?

Better yet... let's do it together. 

Create something every day.  Large or small.  It doesn't matter the size.  Just begin.

Message me if you want to play along.  I'd LOVE to see what you create.

girlfriends

I had set an intention to draw a girl per day,  in one hour,  and add her to this journal spread.  

one girl in one hour-four days

I have been one very busy lady.  

Along with all my other items on my agenda I will admit to being a little hesitant to commit to this.

Yet I am so glad I did!

I have stretched myself creatively.

Which stirred my juices to learn other things.

Like encaustics...  I had taken a class with Crystal Neubauer several years ago.  She was an excellent teacher.  I love the whole process.  Bought some supplies then never bothered to use them.  

That was until recently.  

I did a loose drawing of a woman face with charcoal.  Applied joint compound around her face-oil painted on top of the joint compound

charcoal drawing
joint compound
oil painted
layer of encaustic wax
scrapping away
more layers of encaustic wax

collage
layer of encaustic wax
stamping flowers and adding color with PanPastel
scrapping away
more layers of encaustic wax
more stamping more Pan Pastels

The point I am making (for myself and you, too,  if it applies) is to continue to challenge myself to creatively grow!

Sedona-a big part of my storyboard

I'm taking an on-line class by Jeanne Oliver titled:  Reflections: Paint Your Story - An Art Journaling Workshop.  It is a self-discovery journey.

One of the early assignments is to create a storyboard.  It's about gathering all kinds of stuff (photos, images, quotes) things that you love or things that will help tell your story.   From the past, present, and future.

I started my storyboard with a photo of me sitting at the top of Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ.  John was honoring me some quite time to sit and meditate.  (Thank You, John)  Sedona has a very special place in my heart.

It's interesting...  I have come to realize that I have not really given myself permission to dream.  I mean, I know there are things that I want in my life but dreaming and dreaming big I just haven't done it.  Maybe it has to do with my  past and living in "a lack of" atmosphere for the majority of my life.  Yet the truth is, it is vitally important to dream.  DREAM, DREAM BIG and not be concerned with how those dreams will become realized.  JUST DREAM!

Living in Sedona, Arizona would be one of my dreams.  (There I said it out loud!) I  am imagining  my art studio being spacious with enough space to create and teach classes.  It would have french doors opening up to a porch facing the beautiful red rocks where I often spend my time simply being.  John and I would spend our morning hours climbing the rocks, looking out to the beautiful land.  I would be filled with inspiration.  Oh my!  I'm excited now!

Here is the beginning of my storyboard.  As I said earlier, I have just begun.  I'll show the rest of it when I'm done.
 I am discovering I love creating using muted colors.  I enjoy working with different materials, my favorite right now if joint compound.  I love lace and dollies.  Even incorporating them into my art.   The family portrait is me and my sisters & brothers.  This marks a time in my life when I wasn't a happy kid, which was the case for most of my childhood, yet when I look at my face a little closer I see the glimmer in my eyes.  I was very introverted which in hindsight I see that it served it's purpose as a form of self protection.  Ms. Linke was the Principle of our school and, also, my 1st grade teacher.  She saw something in me and rescued me from what could have been a horrible life.  Because I was so introverted I had a difficult time talking.  She put together of team that worked with me.  I , very slowly, came out of that shell.

This is getting rather deep.  Isn't it?  I'm sharing info because this blog is about sharing my creative journey.  This happens to be part of that.  Stay with me.  The best is yet to come.

Vulnerable, yet standing.

I've been feeling the urge to challenge myself.

To learn more about who I am as an artist and what I am capable of.

To take more steps out of my comfort zones.

That's when I happen to come across this on-line workshop by Jeanne Oliver  

Reflections: Paint Your Story - An Art Journaling Workshop  

It spoke to me.

I joined.

I am excited to "paint my story".

I've watched several of the videos-I couldn't wait to dive right in.

Still in my nightgown, I cranked up the music (really loud to drown out my inner critic).

I stood up to my easel, charcoal in my hand, and I began.

The intention of this practice was to draw and see what shows up.

I used a charcoal stick and gesso in my journal. 

About 75 minutes later she arrived.  Imperfection and all.

Titled:  "Vulnerable yet standing".