my mantra

I wanted to share this with you.  

It has been my driving force.

I am defining my artistic voice.

On those days when I start to second guess myself,  this quote keeps me on track.

I am one happy chick

I feel so happy, relieved, excited, energized, empowered, fearless, artistic, etc.  all rolled into one.   WHY?  You may ask.  Today I overcame a big, big hurdle in my creative journey.  This may not seem so big to some people but to me it was huge!

Three months ago I was feeling the urge to paint on a big canvas.  The largest I had ever painted was in a moleskin journal.  This size, 24" x 36",  I had never tackled before.  I bought all sized of canvases knowing that eventually I would take the step forward.  I, also, prodded  myself along by putting a blank canvas on my wall in the Living Room.  It was like a sticky note reminding me of something to do.
I am more than happy to announce...              I did it!  I did it!  I did it!

I'm  going to hang another blank canvas!

fireworks and joint compound

For those of you who have been following my creative journey this may be a little redundant yet I feel a snippet of my story is important to re-tell.  Why?  Because there are many people sitting on the sidelines believing they "are not creative", this is what I believed, too.    I am here to tell you that is not the truth.  You are creative!  Always have been, always will be.  You simply need to begin to let your creative spirit out to play.

February, three years ago, on my 58th birthday, was a time of awakening for me.  I knew there was more to life then the daily routine of getting up, going to work, coming home, making supper, going to bed, etc. etc. etc.  You know what I'm talking about.  I didn't dislike my life, I just knew there was something more.   That thought remained in my mind/heart for three months, not knowing what to do about it.  Then one day in August I held a pencil in my hand with paper on my desk and I drew a face-this face. ---->

I was so frickin' excited!  

It was in that moment I knew I was creative!!!

Since that time I have been, and still am, on a creative journey to discover who I am artistically.  At first, I had to squeeze time into my task oriented schedule.  Because it was important to me I was able to do that.  I'm trying all sorts of new techniques and I am finding that within each technique there is something that makes me squeal with excitement.  My biggest obstacle I am forever faced with is FEAR.  Fear of this or fear of that!  The more I am aware of this the more determination is sparked to achieve my dream in spite of it.  I heard the saying, "give me a slow beginner and I'll show you a winner".    Well...that's me!  A slow beginner.  My life has changed.  Now that I am expressing myself creatively, I am enjoying life on a whole new level.  I feel more alive from the inside out. 

Back in April I posted about the urge to paint big, yet I was intimidated (fear in disguise).   I pulled out a blank canvas that measures 24" x 36" and hung it on my Living Room wall until I could muster up the courage to begin.  

Feel free to click this link to read more.  http://www.asmilemaker.com/2014/04/yes-i-can-do-that.html  

Fast forward three months to July. (remember I confessed to being a slow beginner!) Today I brought the blank canvas up to my studio  and sat it on my easel to begin painting it.   I decided for my first large canvas will use a lesson from Donna Downey's 48 Weeks class as my inspiration.  It's the fourth of July and the fireworks and joint compound are flying in my studio followed by lots of oo's and ah's.  Note to self:  next time put a tarp or some protective covering on the floor!  :-)  I immediately felt the satisfaction of overcoming a fear by simply beginning.

Here's what I did so far.

I began by mixing gesso with Golden Fluid medium Payne's Gray.  Using more gesso at the top and less toward the bottom.  After that was dry I applied joint compound with a spatula to create clouds.  I allowed the  joint compound to dry a little before brushing more gesso in a circular motion over the joint compound.   As I sit here looking at the painting I feel perfectionism (this is a form of fear) creeping in.   It's time to haul this baby back into the Living Room to dry. 

I sure hope you will stay tuned and be a witness to the progression of this piece.  It will be exciting to have you celebrate with me overcoming fear and creating my first large canvas.

Mark Making and Collage with Encaustic workshop

 This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a workshop "Mark Making and Collage with Encaustic" by Crystal Neubauer.  We were honored to be the 2nd workshop at her new The Healing House Art Studio.  What an exciting opportunity she has.  (I'm kinda green with envy!!!)  Our class only had a total of 7 people which added to the pleasure of the class.  Crystal was able to give us as much attention as needed.  Which I was glad about since I was venturing into unknown territory.

I resonated with Crystal's style of teaching right away.  I have very little experience with collage and no experience with encaustic yet she made it easy to understand.  For those who know me will not be surprised when I say I was just as anxious to get home so I could create some of the things I learned.  Which is exactly what I did today in my studio.  I ordered encaustic supplies and created this collage.  I had so much fun!  I'll show more when my encaustic supplies arrive.

When you get a chance check out Crystal's blog http://otherpeoplesflowers.blogspot.com/index.html to learn more about her.  

Thank You

My friend, Carol, and I had our Art in the Yard sale.   

It was my first time to sell my art to the open market and I will definitely be doing it again.  Our intention was to enjoy the day and allow the Universe to take care of the rest.  I am proud to say we did just that!

Our "little yard store" was in my front yard nestled between two apples tress that covered us with shade the entire day.  There was a steady gentle breeze, incense burning in the background, and a candle flickered all which created an inviting atmosphere.  It must have felt as pleasing to others because we had a steady stream of fabulous and friendly people stopping by the entire day.  Multiple friends stopped by to shop and offer their support and encouragement.  It is heart warming to know that others are helping to propel you forward.  It is my firm belief that you can not be successful alone.  One of my deepest desires has been to find a "creative community" and now it is happening.    My heart is smiling!

My friend Linda Kinnaman purchased an original piece of art titled Just Begin.  I was honored this piece spoke to her and I, thru my art, could be an encouragement to her along her path.  I created this piece at a time in my journey that I felt I wasn't making any progress.  Then it dawned on me that all I had to do was to shift my focus off of the end result onto just taking the steps forward.  All the while remembering,  "It doesn't matter how long takes or how you get there JUST BEGIN to follow the path of your dreams."





During the course of the day I often heard the comments "I am not creative" or "I could never paint or draw".  It didn't take me long to realize that I was being nudged by the Universe to speak up and to encourage others by letting them know  we all are creative.   Often times all we may need is for someone to gently guide and encourage us.  I know because I have been there.  It was a perfect time to introduce my Create Art with Abandon  classes.   It's all about letting your creative spirit out to play.

The icing on the cake was when my daughter, Tara, and the grandkids stopped by to check things out. It was pure joy to see those little kids come running into my arms all the while calling out "Grandma!!"

Art in the Yard

My friend, Carol, and I are having a Art in the Yard sale on Saturday, April 21.  If you are in the area it would be great to see you!  I've had several people make comments  that they wished they loved closer so they could come.  This sparked an idea!  I have now adjusted the prices on my website www.teresacash.com to reflect the prices I will be offering at the art sale.  No pressure intended! :-)  

Here is a piece I will be selling at the yard sale that is not listed on my website.  It is dimensional and the poppies, the stems, and the buds are made from hot glue.  Can you believe it?   I then painted it with  Golden acrylic paints.  Including that stand it measures approx. 11"w X 27"h.  If you are interested send me a message.  I believe it will go rather quickly, if not, it's mine.  

Let me tell you about the Good News Angels. 

These little angels have held a special place in my heart since 1993.  (just ask anyone who has known me for that long)  They came to me in a dream, it was placed upon my heart to deliver the message regarding the power of a smile, these little angels became the means to do that.  The next day I created my first rough draft of the angels.  The message she carries is simple, yet profound, "If each of us would find a way, to bring a smile to someone's day, we could make a difference in the world."  

Each Good News Angel is handmade, not produced in a factory.  Which means that each angel is unique-no two are exactly alike.  She is made with lots of love and attention!   When I started making and selling her 1993 I used a portion of the proceeds to anonymously purchase food for someone in need.  I'm going back to my original idea.  I want her to continue to do good things.  It isn't about making money, it's about helping people.  

From the sale of each angel $5.00 will be held in a reserve.  When $100.00 has been reached WE WILL anonymously buy groceries for someone in need.  This is truly another way to bring a smile to someone's face.

I will humble myself and ask you to please take go to the store on my website http://www.teresacash.com/shop/goodnewsangels.html and order a Good News Angel.  Help me make the world, one person at a time, a better place.

the beach ladies

Enjoying the sun's warmth, listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean, and feeling the steady breeze were just the perfect combination for inspiration.  (not to mention the margaritas!)

  These drawing are fondly titled "the beach ladies".