One of my art goals for this year is to work more freely and loosely. I know that being so detail oriented in my art is more about me trying to exercise control in all the aspects of my life. I think this need for control and perfectionism is the cause of my creative blocks (although I did manage to eek out a little creativity at times). This affected my output; which meant creating less! I took steps this year to push myself completely out of the perfectionism zone, by creating smaller works, at a faster pace and I joined the 100 Artwork Challenge, so that I can create more, experiment and challenge myself. This does not mean I will be ... Continue Reading »
Creativity
Creative Blocks
With this time of the year, it's often challenging to find time and even when I do, it is limited. I have always managed to art journal, but I'm finding it hard to work on anything besides that! I have times when I'm creatively blocked and this looks like one of those times. For a professional artist, a creative block is not just frustrating; it’s potentially career-damaging. When you rely on your creativity to pay the bills and build your reputation, you can’t afford to be short of ideas or the energy to put them into action! A "creative block" is the inability to access one's flowing stream of inspiration and creativity. What was once an ... Continue Reading »
Walking in Nature’s Inspiration
I love painting faces. I never get tired of it, and I'll never run out of faces! Yet, for inspiration I go to nature, I'm not sure why that is, but in order for me to set the mood or get out of a funk or creative block, nature is always my go-to. Seeing a feather on my path, the sweet breeze from the trees and the sensual sounds of a stream, all of it can be had in nature; it also puts us in touch with divinity. Our job is to recognize the signs as they come and honor them with an inner glow and inspired action. When we do this we meet our divinity. Our souls has magical ways of getting our attention. I've been reflecting on so many ... Continue Reading »
Symbolizing Your Creativity
the seat of the soul is creativity, a reflection of the divine." ~ [words said to me in a dream during a time I was at a major crossroad in my life] Stop allow yourself to reflect on this, let it sink in to your spirit. You recognize that you and your creativity are worthy of taking the time to find inspiration, to develop your skills, and to express yourself through any form of creativity you choose. Although, I use visual art to express mine, yours maybe acting or singing, it doesn't matter, what matters is that you use it! There are so many levels to making art, but one of the things that I love so much about manifesting creative ... Continue Reading »
Choosing An Art Journal…
To begin art journaling you don't need a whole lot of supplies, but you do need a journal. Choosing a journal is a personal decision and there are lots of choices out there. Here is a list of the common types of journals I use along with my two cents of opinion! Hopefully, this is helpful, when you decide to begin or continue your first/next art journal. Bound Journals This is the most obvious choice for beginners, a bound sketchbook. My Pros Large variety of sizes. Available at many stores. Variety of paper weights. This is a great easy choice for an art journal; they have a wide choice of selections and you're sure to ... Continue Reading »
What’s Happening in Studio Nookery…
I'm working in my new journal, each page is 15" x 11.5", so a total spread (2 pages) will be 15" x 23". That's big page art journaling for me! I started this morning and it is late afternoon and I still haven't gotten the ink off my fingertips, this should make for interesting conversation when I go out in public... Last year, so many wonderful and kind people admired my art journal pages on Facebook, that I'm now offering my art journal pages as magnets at my Etsy Shop. These little business card size magnets inspire creativity and come three to a package for $9.99! I randomly select from fifteen art journal images for your art journal ... Continue Reading »
Creativity Snapshots
January always has me filled with energy and inspiration! On days, like this, I have so little to say, but my hands and mind are moving full speed ahead. I've decided to give you a few snap shots of what's I've been working on (some 3-D magic)in my Studio Nookery! Hope this sparks your creative energy in you or just bask in your brand of beauty. Please feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts on your January creative energy and come back and check for my responses. See you next week! :) ... Continue Reading »
