New year...New start

2016 is bringing several changes for me and my family. Two weeks ago, my husband was offered a position at the Shell refinery in Geismar, Louisiana. I have lived in Houston, Texas since I was three and both of my girls were born here. Moving to Louisiana is definitely a big change for this family! I'll have to find a new job and my youngest will change schools mid-year. Our oldest is in college, so she won't be coming with us. Lots of changes and uncertainty, but amazingly I'm pretty calm about it!

I think art journaling has helped me process my fears and anxieties. 

My plan is to do more with my blog this year. I've already created a YouTube channel and  two art journal videos and I'm super excited to make more! Once I get to Louisiana, my next step is an etsy store. I've been working on a new name for my blog and products. After a lot of thought and research, I've decided on the name Eclectic Heart Studio. I feel like it best represents who I am as an artist. 

This is going to be an amazing journey and I hope that you will join me. My goal for all of this is to create a loving community where we inspire each other to put aside our fears and make beautiful art! 

Here is my first video to help get you started!

http://youtu.be/N8Bpcd_uCto

Happy journaling! 

Xoxo

Nicole

Tribute

It has been almost 1 year since I lost a very special friend to breast cancer.  She had just had her 5 year check-up and was cleared.  Then a month later she started having trouble breathing.  The cancer had metastasized into her lungs, liver, and spine.  She was gone in a manner of weeks.  I think about her all the time and I painted something this summer in her honor.  I felt that this being October and breast cancer awareness month, that it would be a good time to share it.

Dharma was an amazing friend who embraced life and lived it to the fullest.  She did not fear death, but chose to focus her heart on gratitude rather than self pity.  She was a beautiful soul and is greatly missed!

Back in circulation

It has been over a year since I've posted anything.  I can't believe how time just gets away from me.  For awhile, I wasn't even creating.  My art desk sat unused and as much as I wanted to create, I just couldn't push myself to break out the supplies.  Well, last week I took my art supplies apart and did a major cleaning.  With everything organized and neatly back in it's rightful place I realized that organization and a clean space to work in is essential to my creative success.  Since then I've been creating every single day and filling so much more fulfilled!!!

I also noticed that I was being hard on myself for constantly reaching for the "same" colors.  I would try to branch out, but it never seemed to work.  Then I started watching the 15 minute art journaling by Rae Missigman  and I noticed that she too, tends to gravitate towards certain colors, which makes her art undeniably hers!  That's when I realized that the colors I choose are an extension of me and should be embraced.  Color is just part of the story my psyche wants to tell.  Once I let go of my expectations, things just started clicking!

Once again, the inner critic was squashed, which for me will have to be a daily battle.  That is why I think it's important to be a part of an art community.  We learn so much from each other.  We are all in this journey together.