Growth

Some Thesaurus words for "haze" are: brume, cloud, dimness, film, fog, fumes, haziness, indistinctness, miasma, mist, muck, obscurity, smog, smokiness, smother, steam, vapor.

Don't you just love the word muck? For me, this is the most powerful because that's exactly how I have felt - stuck in the muck. Trying to find an inspirational photo that showed persistence, growth and the willingness to push forward was quite a feat but I think this one fit all the meanings extremely well. When you look past the haziness of the lambs ear you see the uprising of a stem pushing through. It is unwilling to just lay there and not grow and explore as it was meant to. I really love nature for this reason and find much of my creativity surrounded by its everyday beauty. So, what are you pushing through today? Fight for it, it will be worth its weight, I promise!

Exciting News - Life Book 2014

I was incredibly blessed to be a part of Life Book 2013 sharing three projects along the artful journey. Not only were the students art pieces remarkably beautiful, but I love how the lessons just opened the door to creativity beyond my imagination. The supportive community was another item I was impressed with. The way they shared comments, encouraged others, helped when needed - it is truly an amazing journey into your art process and I do hope you are joining us for 2014.

I am once again teaching *yes, I am pinching myself* with 21 other brilliant instructors of all mediums. I am able to give away one spot for Life Book 2014, so leave me a comment on "what winning would mean to you" and you will automatically be entered. I will be drawing the winner randomly on September 30th, good luck!!

Here are the blogs you can visit for a chance to win a free spot in Life Book 2014, good luck.
12th Sept 2013 - Tamara Laporte - www.willowing.org
13th Sept 2013 - Tascha Parkinson – www.timewithtascha.blogspot.ca
14th Sept 2013 - Lesley Riley – www.lesleyriley.com
15th Sept 2013 - Alena Hennessy - www.alenahennessy.com
16th Sept2013 - Kat McBride – www.KatCanPaint.com
17th Sept 2013 - Carla Sonheim – www.carlasonheim.com
18th Sept 2013 - Jane Davenport – www.janedavenport.com
19th Sept 2013 - Danielle Daniel – www.danielledaniel.com
20th Sept 2013 - Jennibellie – www.jennibelliestudio.blogspot.com

23rd Sept2013 - Kelly Hoernig – www.kellyhoernig.webs.com

24th Sept 2013 - Micki Wilde – www.thesecrethermit.blogspot.co.uk
25th Sept 2013 - Kate Thompson – www.fracturedangelics.blogspot.com
26th Sept 2013 - Flora Bowley – www.florabowley.com
27th Sept2013 - Anna Dabrowska – www.tworzysko.blogspot.co.uk
28th Sept 2013 - Steven Speight – www.speightoftheart.com
29th Sept 2013 - Mika Diaz – www.mikadiazmixedmedia.com
30th Sept 2013 - Serena Bridgeman – www.serenarty.com
1st Oct 2013 - Dyan Reaveley – www.dyan-reavely.blogspot.co.uk
2nd Oct 2013 - Effy Wild – www.effythewild.com
3rd Oct 2013 - Carissa Paige – www.carissapaige.com
4th Oct 2013 - Marieke Blokland – www.bloknote.nl
5th Oct 2013 - Christy Tomlinson – www.christytomlinson.com
6th Oct 2013 - Traci Bautista – www.treicdesigns.com

Word - Crash 20/30

The word of the week is crash.

Its verb meaning - to break noisily; smash.

Its noun meaning - a loud sound; an instance of crashing; collision; a sudden failure.

The sound of the waves crashing in and out of the sandy beach is almost deafening. You can feel the energy, the force it has upon arrival. It is a sound I miss hearing everyday and try to imagine it often because it soothes my mind and gives it clarity in a moments notice. This photo captures it perfectly for me. The crash in the middle of calmness, just waiting for the arrival of a surface to collide with. Its color change an indication of what it coming, like a warning sign for all to see. Can you feel it? The powerful energy heading my way is going to make a beautiful, smashing appearance. I can't wait and thank you friends for being along for the ride and new direction about to immerse!

One Step Forward 15/30

Some Thesaurus words for "breakthrough" - boost, development, discovery, find, finding, gain, hike, improvement, increase, invention, leap, progress, rise, step forward.

Wow, these are some powerful words! So I searched until I found the same in a photograph. The beautiful magnolia reaching, drenched in sunlight. Is there anything more radiant or glorious? I'm not thinking so. It is also such a great representation of how I feel, as if awakened and pulled from darkness letting the sun shine in and around my whole being. Bright and blinding, full of the possibilities that await my art, my creativity, my design skills. Oh yes, it is a big wondrous world we live in, I do hope you are taking advantage of its generosity!

Word - Breakthrough 14/30

The word for the week is breakthrough.

Its noun meaning - an act or instance of breaking though an obstruction or defensive line; a sudden advance in knowledge or technique.

I have been searching for the next step in my art business for a couple years now and over the past few months, I believe I have had a tremendous breakthrough, finally. It couldn't have come at a better time. I actually have a clear schedule to just paint, paint, and paint some more. This is no small feat since I have packed myself tightly with travel teaching and online classes over the last several years.

The light, it is beginning to show once again. That little beacon that stirs my muse and makes me want to immerse myself in all things creative. The universe seems to agree because all the sudden I have been put in great company full of inspirational souls. It seems all the right people are talking to me, connecting with me, sharing ideas and their own paths with me. I didn't realize it at first, just thought it an odd coincidence but after a while, I began to realize there is a reason for them all being here at this moment and in my space. Guidance is hard for me to ask for but comes in many forms and is usually given without return. I am grateful for those who have shed some light on my strengths, creativity, uniqueness and my desire to work and follow through. Thank you for sharing yourself so generously, it will not be forgotten!

Illumination 8/30

These are Resurrection Lilies and are a remarkable flower. Their leaves appear early spring, disappear then these clusters arrive on a tall spike of soft dirty pink in the fall. They always capture my attention because as you can see, they have a illuminating quality to their petals. The sunlight always seems to make them shine from within, like a miniature light bulb has been turned on for the mid afternoon. Brilliance, soft, serene, magical and mysterious are some of the words I would use to describe these lovely lilies. If you ever get a chance to attain some of these vintage flowers, say yes, you will not be disappointed!

Alive!

I can finally say winter is gone and spring is here. It was a beautifully sunny day here and the clouds just looked amazing. When was the last time you sky gazed? Me, it is an everyday thing. It makes me feel small, in the grandiose scheme of things. But it also makes me realize there is so much out there to explore and discover that I am very thankful to be alive and well today. The cobalt blue sky dripped in a scattering of white values is just a visual treat for anyone to stop for. Be thankful today and please look up at the wonder that awaits!

Wednesday Wisdom: Be the Change

Golden Delight

As the fall season disappears and the cold winter days approach I try to remember the beautiful colors I have experienced over the last few months. The ruby reds, golden yellows, fiery oranges, rustic browns - you know the ones. They are the colors that make you stop in your tracks and just look, I mean really look and see the deliciousness of it all. This is just one of those scenes I am talking about. Although a chill was in the air, the puppies and I were in the garden and this wonderful thing of beauty happened while peeking around a tree. The definition of the black outlining the deep amber hues, perfection to my artistic side. Would it make you stop and take a second look? Oh, I sure hope so!

Illuminate

The afternoon sunlight was flooding this pink iris with such illumination I just had to share it with you. Can you see all the delicate ruffles at the top? I can get lost tracing them back and forth wanting to take a ride on their curly edges and see where they lead. The top of the flower is so captivating for my artistic eye that I barely glance at the lovely flowing lower petals. It must be the radiance of the sunlight casting all those lovely shades of fuchsia, orange, pink and vermilion - oh yes, it is surely a color palette feast for the eyes.

Capture the moments, just one a day and see how your world opens up. Sparkle, illuminate and create magic in your every day - you deserve it!

Word - Powerful

The word for this week is powerful.

Its adjective meaning: the ability to act or produce an effect; a position of ascendancy over other; physical might; force or energy used to do work; magnification.

I was hoping to capture the scene in my photo and was thrilled when I did. Isn't this the most stunning, dramatic photo you have ever seen? It is to me and I am simply in love with the power it has in its presence. It feels strong, captures my attention and demands that I look at it no matter where I am. Can you believe I said that about a photo? I know, right? It is a force of energy and I am so happy to share its powerful beauty with you. Walk tall, be strong and make a statement today!

Happiness

This is the underside of those lovely dogwoods from yesterday's post. Can you see the magnificent splashes of hot pink color on the tips of each petal? What was Mother Nature thinking in doing that? We don't normally walk up to a tree and peer underneath its blooms just to sneak a peek, right? I hope it was her intention to make us appreciate beauty from all views and in all walks of life. We are all created in love and should want to do our best with each passing day. Be kind, open a door, smile at a stranger, leave a hidden treasure - create an environment you would be proud to walk in. Find a happiness that exemplifies beauty in the every day. After all, this is your life, shouldn't it be fantastically lived to the fullest? I sure hope so!

Art Whispers

While in Las Vegas this past week I had a rare opportunity to visit an art exhibition featuring Claude Monet. The soft palette and interesting impasto strokes made me feel all dreamy and not yet awake while walking the small rooms viewing this impressionistic artwork. Visions of pale peach, mellow yellow, soft lavender and mint julep greens filled my head with calm and gentleness that I really can't explain but will try. Envision waking up while the sky is just turning a soft hue of pink on the horizon, dew still on the ground from the cool evening and the promise of a glorious sunny day hangs in the air. Yes, that is the feeling I experienced while admiring his work. I am amazed that I found this photo of a simple haystack so enjoyable and moving at the same time. When you are transformed into the art for even the briefest of time, I feel the artist has done their job letting you see the subject through their eyes. Just simply breathtaking and it is a day I will remember for a long, long time to come.

PHOTO SOURCE http://www.fineartprintsondemand.com/artists/monet/haystacks_setting_sun.htm

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/

Goodbye 2011

Since this is the last post in 2011 I wanted to say "thank you" for being a part of my creative life all year long. I hope it has challenged you to see things differently, experience all of life's little treasures and to appreciate each and every day with great enthusiasm. I'm sad to see 2011 end but am so excited to have a new year to start fresh with bold possibilities. As you toast to the New Year, I hope you will take a few moments to reflect on the past and embrace all the miracles you have witnessed throughout its days. Goodbye 2011, it has been an adventure of great milestones!

What's Your Word?

My friend Cindy Rippe sent this site to me (link below) and what an inspiration it was. It asks you to think about a word to represent you for the upcoming year and then keep track of it and see how it fits. That got me thinking about this year and all the changes I went through. Really feeling like I couldn't paint anymore or design without a photograph, searching for my artistic career path, pondering about what I'm meant to do with my art, the constant chase of the muse, the feeling of being lost. So, with heavy thinking, taking several courses to inspire me and just asking questions out loud, the answers have come slowly but they have come, and I am so thankful for each and every one of them. Now this art piece is part of a journal I did in August and although I used it as a background element, I didn't realize the connection until now. So I am giving it the weight it needs by saying that "boomerang" is me, my 2011 definition. What's yours?

http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/choosing-your-word/

Word - Chance

The word for this week is chance.

Its noun meaning: something that happens without apparent cause; the unpredictable element in existence; luck, fortune; opportunity; the likelihood of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation; probability; risk; a raffle ticket.

So, what does chance have to do with this photo? To me it looked as if this little butterfly was standing on a ledge deciding what to do next. Stay where it is, head to the greenery or into the darkness. Familiar or adventurous, which path would you take? I think it has a lot to do with everyday choices we make, don't you? Are you willing to take chances and head into the unexplored darkness? I'm always game to try new things. Yes, they may be scary but unless you give them a try you might not know what you are missing. Take the leap, who knows what possibilites may be on the other side.

Word - Spirit

The word this week is spirit.

Its noun meaning: a life giving force; the animating principle; soul; specter, ghost; person; disposition, mood; vivacity, ardor; essential or real meaning; intent; distilled alcoholic liquor; loyalty.

Its verb meaning: to carry off secretly or mysteriously.

The adventure of the Elements Art Journaling class has ended with "spirit" so I thought it would be a great word to explore this week. What has spirit meant to me on this journey? It means finding yourself no matter what. As you can see she's hidden but emerging in full color all at once. I have so enjoyed this rediscovery of my artistic self.

To see how the journey began visit http://kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/2011/07/elements-art-journal.html. For other entries look at June 17 and 18.

Dreamy Air

I had to free write for 10-15 minutes and found it very exciting because I was actually able to do it. Not only did I keep writing but the subject of air and what I know for sure lead me to really look inside. The text hidden behind the rice paper reads: finding inspiration from the moonlight deep in thought. frantically working until all power is used. falling asleep exhausted only to wake up ready to start again. oh I have missed this excitement. dare I say the muse has enticed me into thinking I am creative I do have a voice I am unique. so I'm giving myself the freedom to dance in the moonlight always!

Stormy Weather

Ok, so are you singing the title song now? Just had to set the mood :) My clever muse made me look up today at the beauty of the stormy sky. The dark clouds, the sultry blues and yet a little flash of light just off the horizon. Could it be more picturesque? I'm really not thinking so. If anything this cropped photo shows off just how small each and every one of us is in the grand scheme of things. Humbled and a little taken back with a feeling of what is she trying to tell me? Maybe it's just to appreciate every thing, every day, no matter what the day brings. Ahhh, she is a smart one, that muse of mine.