Pink Lady Journal Spread

 

 Pink Lady

It's been a while since I've posted; but time spent on the computer is time spent away from the studio and creating. During the past few weeks, I've been blessed with a creative "rush" from my Muse, so I locked myself into my little studio and covered myself in paint and gesso! Unfortunately, there was a small "sacrifice" -- in a rush of creative enthusiasm, I ruined a brand new pair of beautiful gray ponte knit pants!

 Flower Stamp

My creative "rush" began with inspiration from Ro Bruhn's "Flower Power" class in the "21 Secrets" Workshop. Ro's flower stamp tutorial and my penchant for "color" married beautifully!

Experimenting

Since Ro's flowers are so organic and wonderful, rather than use a digital or printed image, I decided to try my hand at sketching. This spread began with a gessod and colored background (I show how to create it in my "21 Secrets" class), a pencil sketch, followed by a black Pitt pen (because it's waterproof when dry) and finally . . . . color . . . LOTS of color!

Flower Spread

Layers and layers of color were added to the background and flowers, along with doodles, highlights and my signature roses and little white dots.

Finished Spread!

Who knew that one small idea could ignite such a HUGE burst of creativity!?!?!?

On a quick note:  I haven't been posting here too often, and I know you're curious to see what I've been up to. If you'd like to see what I'm working on or doing on a regular basis, please check into Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I promise to "keep it interesting" and always "colorful"!!!

May your day be sparked with "creative enthusiasm"!!!

 ♥ 

PS  There's still plenty of time to register for "21 Secrets". Click here or on the "21 Secrets" button on my sidebar to learn more about this art journaling learning experience!

"Soar" - Sunday Postcard Art

Soar!

"Sunday Postcard Art" is a weekly challenge that's near and dear to my heart for many reasons. When Mandy asked if I'd like to host this week's challenge, I was honored to say "Yes!"

This week's subject is "Soar"! If you'd like to play, it's very simple: Create a postcard and post it on the "Sunday Postcard Art" site! The art is terrific, Mandy and Donna are awesome, and you might even make a few new friends!!!

May you spread your creative wings and "Soar"!

 ♥ 

PS  There's still plenty of time to register for "21 Secrets". Click here or on the "21 Secrets" button on my sidebar to learn more about this art journaling learning experience!

Play Time!

Gelli Backgrounds

It seems as though it's been ages since I've spent an afternoon dedicated to pure creative freedom and experimentation. A few months ago - after hearing terrific reviews from other artists - I decided to purchase a Gelli Plate, and it's been waiting patiently for me to find some dedicated "play time".

Earlier this week, I pulled out my new toy along with a variety of acrylic paints and an assortment of tools. I didn't worry or wonder about what I was creating. I consciously decided to live in the moment and played to my heart's content.

The initial base of color was applied to the Gelli Plate, and that first layer was allowed to dry well before more luscious texture, pattern and colors were added.

When I began my studio session, I wasn't quite sure of what to expect and I had no inkling of anticipated results -  I consciously played!!! In my opinion the results speak for themselves, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase!!!

May you find the courage to play!
 ♥ 

PS  There's still plenty of time to register for "21 Secrets". Click here or on the "21 Secrets" button on my sidebar to learn more about this art journaling learning experience!

April Blessings!

 

"April"

(Click on the picture to see the details!)

The "21 Secrets" Workshop is officially "open", and I've been dashing in and out of my virtual classroom over the past few days. My students are awesome, and the entire workshop experience is amazing! Personally, I can't wait to dive headlong into a few classes myself! The dilemma is: Which class should I choose first? It's very much like being a child surrounded by a heap of beautifully wrapped presents!!!

I recently updated my blog banner (and Facebook header), and thought you might like to see the entire piece. My creative process for this 4"x6" page began with a copy of a previously created background and one of my favorite images. Why use a previously created background? Frankly, it saves "creative" time and often jump starts a project. To make this an "original", I added watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, markers and acrylic paints. 

There's still plenty of time to register for "21 Secrets". Click here or on the "21 Secrets" button on my sidebar to learn more about this fabulous workshop!

May your day be filled with Springtime delights!

 ♥

"21 Secrets" is OPEN!

"I Have A Secret"

After months and months of anticipation and preparation, all of the "21 Secrets Workshop" classrooms are open today! I'm soooooo excited! I've already met some of my students and am looking forward to working with old and new friends in my "I Have A Secret" class!

My "Inspiration"

(A peek inside one of my personal journals!)

There's still plenty of time to join the fun. All 21 classrooms will remain open through January, 2014 with access to everything - 24/7. It's an amazing assembly of instructors and talent. You can register at any time by clicking on my "21 Secrets" sidebar button. I hope to see you in my classroom soon!

May your day be filled with creative opportunities!

 ♥