Dreaming Today

While browsing through my magnolia photos this one stopped me in my tracks because it just felt like a wonderful dream. The pale blue sky peaking through those dark brown magnolia branches showing off the spectacular pinks of its blossoms. It is still early and they haven't reached their full potential yet, but the beauty within is just breathtaking. I can only imagine laying on the ground for hours spotting cloud shapes in between the branches just as I did as a kid on Garfield Street. A little creativity and a lot of artistic license and well, you can find anything you want to see up there. So, pause a second right now, stare into the image and let yourself dream a little dream...

Simplicity

I wanted to share something simple today because there is beauty in everything, you just have to SEE it when you LOOK. These little magnolia buds are from last year and I know the blossoms get all the recognition but if you really study them they are quite beautiful in their own right. The palest pink against the kraft paper brown wrapping gently unfolds the buds leaving them exposed to the sunlight. I love that the earthy colored mulch under the tree because it supports their pink lusciousness all the more making them the focal point for all to see. The tiny vibrant kelly green leaf makes you realize just how early spring it is since there is no other foliage around. I'm enamored with this tree and take photos in every stage because it always offers me a different viewpoint. I hope when yours starts blooming this year you will appreciate it with OPEN eyes and really SEE the beauty in front of you!

Charming

Some Thesaurus words for "persist" - be stubborn, endure, grind, hold on, insist, obtain, persevere, prevail, remain, repeat, strive.

I was lucky enough to get together with a small group of creative women in Louisville Kentucky a couple of weeks ago. The meeting went into the wee hours of the morning and I was thrilled welcoming each one into my artistic circle. One of the women, Kathleen Conard, gave each of us a handmade necklace to embrace our 2012 words. I was speechless by this thoughtful gift and am still looking for just the perfect spot in my studio for it. I am really thinking about hanging it from a jewelry hand because I just love the image it will create for me each day, one hand supporting the other no matter where they are. Just priceless in my book!

Thank you Kathleen and if you would like to see the art this extraordinary adventurous woman creates you can visit her blog at http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/

Word - Persist

The representational word for me in 2012 is persist.

Its verb meaning: continue in a state or action in spite of obstacles or objections.

I found it very difficult to describe what 2012 is going to mean to me, in terms of one word. I knew I wanted to do challenge myself with learning and doing more mixed media. I knew I wanted to open up an Etsy shop to sell my collaged paintings (the banner is finished and you will love the look). I also know that I want to do several online e-courses this year in design, finding your style and discovering creativity. All of these are new areas for me but in order to keep constructing my business and watching it grow, I feel these are necessary moves into the future. It does seem quite scary but I'm willing to step out of my boundaries and test the water in the spirit of persisting.

So what does this image of a bucking cowboy have to do with me? Do you know the belief, strength and endurance he has to have to stay on? I do because as I head into the 17th year as an artist, I am full of new ideas, new challenges but most of all the persistent attitude to hold on and meet each day with the permission to succeed.

Baby Steps

As I journey through the first week of "hello soul. hello business" I feel like I'm taking baby steps into my future. Not only is it making me talk about what's inside, but it's delving into experiences that meant a lot to me as well. They are all connected just like our memories. They become who we are and what we stand for.

So today, I'm asking you some questions. What do you stand for? What is important in your life? Don't think too much, just let it come to the surface and breathe air after being stifled for so long. It may take a while to come about but when it does, you will know it because a slight smile will come across your face as you realize it is the answer to the questions. This is hard for me too, because I want to make it come easier instead of trusting the process. So together, let's put one foot in front of the other and take our first baby step into the future.

Aged Patina

Some Thesaurus words for "learn" - apprentice, attain, determine, gain, grasp, imbibe, master, study.

I love to learn and am starting to appreciate the value of antiques (Mary, do not fall over :D). Now, I don't want to put them in my house but I want to repurpose them into my art and give them a new life. The vintage qualities are very special and the more aged, the better. I like to see the stains, the discolorations and the well worn patina from love in another decade. These were all found at Old Green Shutters and will be setting on my shelf in my studio until I can find a use for them as art. Do any ideas come to mind, any creative suggestions? All input welcome!

Word - Learn

The word for this week is learn.

Its verb meaning: to gain knowledge, understanding, or skill by study or experience; to find out.

I love to learn and always have. It came easy to me in school and I attained good grades but mostly I wasn't challenged and that really stunk. I like it when I'm pushed into uncomfortable thinking, thinking outside the box and usually thrive in competitions with myself to just do better. This year is a new journey for me, one I persist on doing well without limitations. I've just embarked on a 10 week journey called "hello soul, hello business" with Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls. My goal for this class is to reach deep and really find out what is next for my artistic side. I always want answers with a nice game plan but have been found wanting for the last couple of years so I'm willing to head into this course without preconceived notions because that would be defeating the purpose of looking inward to what truly matters most. Yes, I am a creative but that is all I seem to know at this moment and I'm trying very hard to just sit and listen to what else there is. The journey began today and I will keep you posted on the discoveries but for today, it is all about "why".

Vibrancy

It's winter here in the Midwest and I wanted something cheerful and deliriously vibrant to share with you today and well, these cherry blossoms are just the thing I was looking for. Not only are all the white values amazing but throw in that fantastic cobalt blue sky and it's as if I am staring springtime in the face. Did you notice how the buds are first a pale pink when they are tightly wound and as they open, the pink disappears to the underside of the bloom. Love that fact that each petal holds a mystery for you to discover! I hope it has put a warm smile on your face because I know it has brightened my mood for the day.

Window Shopping

Met with some creative ladies in Louisville Kentucky over the weekend and on my way home stopped at a couple of shops along I-65 in Indiana. This bench caught my eye from the street because of it's intriguing shape and size. Since the window was so enticing, I just had to go in. I found several dictionaries to repurpose in my mixed media art and wish I had a place for this bench because the price was great. All the layering on the bench with it's burlap textured and old time writing on the pillows, the dark seat cushion, the weather white wood and the charming hand made smaller pillows are what drew me in. What was your first thought?

Palette - Crabapples

Here's the first color palette I wanted to share with you. This is a photo of dripping wet crab apples hanging on into the winter season. I loved the color variation on the berries (top 2 colors) as well as the branch (bottom 2 colors). The darkness in the branches contrasts so well to the lighted water drops and brightly hued fruit. The sharp focus of the wet fruit is made all the brighter with the fuzzy warm palette of the blurred background. Now that you see the colors I choose from the photo, what would you do with this generated palette?

Hello 2012

As the new year begins you are going to be in for a couple surprises on my blog. I wanted to keep with the old (word of the week) but give you something new as well. I have been limiting myself to garden adventures and well, my home is full of wonderful things I think you might enjoy. I will be sharing color palettes, simple table settings as well as seasonal home decor vignettes. I decorate all the time and have an eclectic style so I thought you might be inspired to try them in your surroundings with things you have lying around. So I hope you are willing to explore a new year of adventures, discoveries and artful expressions with me to welcome in 2012 - cheers!

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