Love grows things

Here is another little piece that I made from the watercolor experiment.

As I write this post I am currently dealing with some adversity.  There are always going to be those people in the world that no matter what you do, they just do not know how to treat others with kindness.  But I do believe that love does conquer all and that if I just try to keep my head up and focused on the one that is love, then things will work out in the end.

Experimenting with watercolors

For these two pieces, I started out with some watercolor paper.  I painted the paper with water making sure that the entire piece was wet.  Then I dropped in the purple, blue, and orange.  The water does all the work for you!  I love watching how the colors swirl around each other.

Once the paper was dry, I used some stamps and pens.  I wasn't trying to fit the picture on the paper.  I just drew and then cut the paper down to size.

I was really pleased with how it turned out.

Hidden

My computer has been down, but thankfully the U-verse guy came and saved the day.  Apparently, we had a loose connection in the walls.  Anyways, everything is back up and running.  Even though I haven't posted, I have still been working in my studio.  This is the most I have ever spent on my artwork and I have actually hit a wall!  I have not been very happy with what I am creating.

It's ok, though.  I am actually finding out what doesn't work and what not to do.  Everything is a learning process and this will hopefully make me a better artist!  With that said, here is something that I made in my art journal the other night.

I tend to gravitate towards the simplicity of finger painting.  It is one of my favorite techniques and it is something that every child instinctively knows how to do.  I really think that if I can tap into that childlike quality of being in the moment then I will find that I end up with pieces that truly express my point of view.

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."  Pablo Picasso

AED #17 Little Pink Houses

I have really been enjoying the comments that people leave.  Linking up with AED has opened me up to new artists.  I love to check all the other links and see what everyone is doing in the world of art.  This journal entry was really just an experiment with my neocolor watercolor crayons.  I wanted the drippy effect and those crayons are great for that.  I covered the pages in old book pages and then went crazy with the crayons.  I had so much fun.  Then I cut out some birds from a vintage children's book.  When it was done I immediately thought of the song Little Pink Houses by John Melloncamp.

AED #16

Hello hello hello!  I know that I have posted this picture before, but I really wanted to share who inspired me the most to even attempt any kind of artwork.  I used to sit for hours and watch art journaling videos on youtube.  I was amazed at all the techniques and it really fueled in me a desire to create something beautiful!  My favorite videos were from Suzi Blu since she really spoke to the inner critic and encouraged everyone to try art.  I purchased one of her online classes and I have been hooked ever since.  This painting called "Sisters" was done during my Portraits class.  I didn't intend for this to be a picture of my girls, but I think my subconscience did because everyone who looks at it says, "Oh, that must be inspired by Avery and Addison."

Another note, I received a very cool postcard from China!  It is a picture of a pawn shop in the 1920's.  I am still really enjoying the postcrossing experience!

AED Day 15 Feather

With my daughter's cheer competitions, I have not been able to post or make much of anything.  Yesterday I went from my full-time job to my volunteering in an art class and then straight to a two hour practice.  I got home around 9:45 and then had to do a few things for work!
I exhaust myself just thinking about it.
Anyways, I have been wanting to work on a peacock feather for sometime.  Again, I never know why something pops into my head as far as inspiration, but once it does it stays there until I at least attempt the idea.  Out came my prismacolor pencils and moleskine.  I found an image on the web for reference.  I really enjoyed using the pencils to blend the colors.  It was very relaxing.

Our second cheer competition is this Saturday.  Cobalt who? Blue 42...Set, Hike!  Sorry...I just unexpectedly break out in our team's chant sometimes.  I know.  It's a sickness.  I will seek help.....tomorrow.

My hope is that I can do some artwork this weekend.  Maybe even tonight!

AED # 9 a.k.a. Addison's Birthday

Today my littlest turned 11.  I can't believe that she is now a tween.  This weekend we are going to have her party at the roller skating rink.  I know it will be lots of fun!

This week has been really busy, so I am going to post a piece that I did awhile back.

I used mostly prismacolor pencils and added acrylics and watercolor crayons.  Hope you enjoy!

AED Day 7

This weekend was a lot less hectic, but unfortunately I came down with pink eye!  I have never had it and it really messes with your vision.  I was able to see, but every now and then my vision would get cloudy and my eyes tired very easily.  I continued to work on projects, but I was having a tough time getting them to turn out the way I wanted.  Anyhoo, it doesn't matter!  I promised myself that no matter what, I would post something everyday.  So here it is.

I used a lot of scrapbooking paper and collaged it onto an illustrator board.  Then I painted over it with acrylics and water color crayons.  I still think it needs a word or words at the bottom.  I am just at a loss for what to write.  What do you think?  I would love suggestions!

Find your voice

When I first discovered art journaling I was drawn in by Teesha Moore's artwork.  The colors she uses are fun and I love how she alters images and magazine clippings.  I decided to do a page inspired by her asthetic.  I really enjoyed the project.  I tried not to think too much as I worked.  If something caught my eye, I would cut it out and place it onto the page in different places until I liked the way it looked.  I finished with paint pens.  One thing that I have really been working on this past year is finding my own "voice" or asthetic.  I like doing pieces inspired by others, but I really want to find my own style.  I know that if I keep working at it I will find my artistic voice.

Count your blessings

This is going to be a quick post.  Between Addison's field day and Avery's 3 hour cheer practice, I didn't have a whole lot of time.  I had started this piece the other day by covering the Crescent board with different papers and paint.  I had in my head that I wanted to paint a sheep or a ram.  Not sure why.  That's just what came to me.  So I looked up images on the internet for referrence and dove in.  It took me a few hours to finish and since my "studio" is also the play room, Addison and I watched a few episodes of Goosebumps and The Haunting Hour while I painted.  I love having my "studio" set up in the playroom.  It allows me to spend time with two of my favorite people and work on my art at the same time!

Art Everyday Month

So, apparently November is Create Art Everyday month. Who knew!?

 I was looking up art journaling blogs when I stumbled upon the blog creative everyday.  Leah Piken Kolidas hosts the Create Art Everyday challenge.  Basically, the challenge is just what it says....Be creative everyday!  The idea intrigued me.  I really try to sit down and create something as often as I can, but sharing something that I have created everyday is a stretch.  It's not because I lack the material, but I am so picky about what I share that probably only one out of every 20 is seen by anyone other than my husband or kids.  This challenge will help me to silence quiet the inner critic and just allow myself to enjoy the process without worrying about the end result.  I also plan on working with materials and subject matter that I have never worked with before.  I'm excited to see what happens!  I hope you join me in the challenge.  Creating everyday can mean so many things...cooking, sewing, painting, drawing, photos...whatever!  Just create!