Saturday, June 25, 2011

Taking a breath....

Hey everyone!


Just wanted to check in and let you all know that I'm still around! I've been taking a little time to exhale and just BE. My little man, Josiah, just graduated Kindergarten and my youngest is starting this fall. Being that I have been a SAHM for these past 6+ years, it's been pretty emotional for me. I often stop and realize the truth about this quote--"the past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a GIFT." Time is surely one of those gifts that I just do not take for granted which is why I have made more effort these past weeks to be away from the computer and more present with my kids....


Also, my hubby has landed a new job that although he took a fairly small pay cut, it is located closer to home, great hours, and is one of the top fortune companies to work for. So, because he can be home more often and have more time to enjoy life as a husband and father, it's been such a wonderful change for all of us, especially the boys who love being able to see their Daddy before bedtime. Some of their favorite activities together are trips to the park, playing chess, working in the garden, and walks by the beach. And I have been so blessed to be able to have him home in time to eat dinner together as a family and for him to relieve me from time to time as I need my own little breaks....




So, thank you all for being patient with me and I hope you are enjoying your summer so far. I have a few projects in progress and upcoming collabs in the works! Be sure to check back and follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter for current updates.

In the meantime.... LIVE. LOVE. CREATE!!!!!!!!


post signature

Monday, June 13, 2011

3 Hearts Workshop | Art Journal In Progress Slideshow


Hey there...

About a month ago, Christy Tomlinson of Scarlet Lime, opened up an online workshop called--She Had 3 Hearts. This class has really given me an opportunity to dig deeper, not only into my creativity, but also within myself. So far, I've grown in my confidence and found courage to step out and explore who I am and who I've become. Not only does she teach all these amazing techniques with paint, pastels, watercolors, doodling, ephemera, and other mediums, but she is so down to earth, sweet, and inspiring as a person. I just LOVE her! She also has another workshop called She Art which I really want to take down the road. :)

On Flickr, I've joined the 3 Hearts Workshop group pool to share photos of my work with the community and also be inspired by others who are also taking the class. I've come to meet so many talented artists as well and love connecting with them. It's been so exciting and I just thought I'd share a slideshow featuring what I've done so far. It's something I really do feel proud of, knowing that lately I've been dealing with a lot of emotional issues about myself and dealing with personal struggles in my life. So, hope you enjoy this little clip and I will be adding more to this as I continue making more pages about the "3 Hearts" that I share with the world, my family, and myself.

xoxo,
post signature

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Simply ME | Believe Art Canvas


Hello!!!

Today I wanted to share one of my mixed media art canvases that I recently worked on. It wasn't at all what I thought it would turn out to be. I seriously just took a leap of faith and experimented with it. After watching a few video tutorials that I searched on You Tube, I knew that I wanted to dig deeper into my creativity and let whatever I had inside, flow. If you read my post about my very first art canvas--My Creative Voice, taking a blank canvas to make something out of it can be very intimidating and scary. This being my second project, I had a little bit more confidence than before and learned to not fear mistakes. We all want to be perfect, but it's just not possible when we are all imperfect one way or another and that is perfectly normal because we are human. Right? Every little details, strengths and weaknesses, are what makes life beautiful as a whole....

The process that this took for me to create this, was really liberating. In the end, I felt like I had discovered a hidden part of me that I never knew existed. It was such an awakening for me since I struggled at times with my insecurities that I am not good enough or not as artistic like some of the most admirable artists that I have come to respect and love. Deep down, I crave to be different and to be able to achieve my own individual style.  Often at times, I think about whether or not I'm being who I'm supposed to be and not trying to be like everyone else. Part of me wants to be just like those who have inspired me, but then I also don't want to get too caught up in trying to be like others, that I end up failing to be true to me, which is why I tend to feel lost and frustrated at times when I create. I want to be original, real, and authentic, someone who is comfortable in her own skin without the need to be exactly like others in order to be satisfied and content with who I am.  Simply put, I don't want to be molded into someone else's shoes. Easier said than done, but I know I have to choose to look beyond my imperfections in order to embrace my uniqueness and stick to my own personal style. Like I mentioned above, our mistakes and flaws that we see in ourselves, all plays a part in becoming that unique and special person that we are.  All those little bits and pieces of good and bad, are what develops our character and qualities that set us apart from everyone else.  So, that is what I have learned so far in my journey in becoming a true artist, but simply being ME and who I truly am as a person...

 After applying gesso to the canvas, I randomly squeezed out acrylic and craft paint all over

 I used a old plastic card to spread the paint, mixing some of the colors up.

 While paint is still slightly damp, I splattered water on it and dabbed it dry with paper towel. I also used bubble wrap to add more texture and dimension.

 Once the paint was dry. I tore out hearts out of text book paper and planned where I was going to place them onto the canvas.

 I crumpled the hearts up for that aged and worn feel.

 I adhered the hearts using gel medium then, gave it some color using alcohol inks. I also added other stenciled shapes using paint.

Throughout the next few days, I added finishing touches with doodles, journaling, stamps, and paint splatters before I sealed it all with Mod Podge.

Title is BELIEVE | MATHEW 6:21 
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Journaling: "Living your best life takes passion to see your dreams come true. It takes passion to LIVE, to LOVE, and to CREATE the person you are meant to be. God destined you for an AMAZING purpose... Be true to yourself"



Thank you so much for reading through and hope you were inspired! I also have an upcoming post of some of my first Art Journal pages that I am creating for Christy Tomlinson's workshop--She Has Three Hearts. So don't forget to come back and visit!

xo,

post signature