ConfeSSion...

Confession friends... 

I had the lofty goal of posting my painting 

on an auction site today to start the process 

for 1000 Backpack Giveaway.

A couple of things got in my way..

good things... but things that caused me to delay 

doing the launch until later in the day 

tomorrow.

Please check my post tomorrow. 

It's going to be worth it! 

(shhhh... a giveaway will be in order!) 

Promise...

I have to laugh, but as an artist would...

I took another look at the painting this morning

and of course, saw more things emerging. 

That's right... I had to add a few touches 

to what I thought was a finished piece.

Caught red-handed 

or paint-handed, 

might be more appropriate.

If you look above- you'll see the bird's in the first image?

they appeared today...  

A little tweaking had to happen 

on the right side of the painting as well.

Then there's the actual auction part. 

I thought I would use Daily Paintworks, 

but I researched a few other options 

and have yet to confirm that choice.

It all looked so easy...

So, you see... I'll be here tomorrow

with all the loose ends tied up.

Thanks for being such a supportive group!

Excited for the big reveal tomorrow!

Speaking of J O Y ...

is the simplest 

form 

of gratitude. 

~Karl Barth

And it is with that same

spirit of 

j o y

 that I am posting 

these "almost finished" pieces.

Last post, I spoke of navigating some uncharted territory-

exploring a new ways of seeing, 

combining elements,

and mixing new mediums. 

I do consider myself an "explorer" here.

Being much more comfortable with watercolor...

I am voyaging down a road less traveled, 

trying to find my own place, 

my own thumbprint, 

my own mark 

in this fascinating and freeing 

world of mixed media.

So, what is missing 

are some words...

I've been pondering what statement or what word, 

belongs on each of piece...

and if there even 

needs to be anything.

Secretly, I've been holding off completing...

as I am going to be at 

Flora Bowley's

 Bloom True workshop 

this weekend.

(If you aren't familiar with Flora's work- check out the links above- 

I am amazed by her color, the freedom expressed, and organic nature of her pieces.)

I've been anticipating this for most of the year-

I am giddy with excitement.

I anticipate

so much inspiration,

so much learning,

and perhaps discovery of a new mark

after this experience.

And along the way... I know those words will come.

(I'll post after the weekend, and share some inspiration from Flora's Workshop!

I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity... 

have a create-full weekend friends!

Linking up at Studio JRU for a sneak peek Friday~ 

check out what the other lovelies have been up to.)

Creating Yourself... and a Grateful Giveaway

"Life isn't about finding yourself.

Life is about creating yourself."

— George Bernard Shaw

Oh, do I love your inspiration Georgie!

I think I am in a perpetual George Bernard Shaw state of mind.
Exploring~ creating~ exploring~ creating. 


So I've had this burning desire to use the backgrounds I painted. 
Funny, but I wasn't sure how I wanted to approach them. 
I got to thinking perhaps my watercolors 
would look interesting collaged on top.
(With other interesting things of course...)


I tried laying one of my pears on top...
Wasn't sure if the colors worked, or if  would even look good- 
but after looking at it a while, 
I'm feeling it may have potential. 

I don't know about you, 
but I have this habit of having to look at the steps I am taking,
 for a while, and then continuing on. 
It's a broken up process for sure, but I've never been able to crank out pieces.
I am not really sure if that's a good thing or not. 
There's a rhythm to my process, that is like a dance... 
take some steps~ stop~ observe~ feel~ think... 
take some steps~ stop~ observe~ feel~ think...
hmmm... maybe a visual cha cha cha!
How about you? 


What kind of process do you go through when you create?
We all have one~ 
much like the individuality of our strokes on the canvas,
the medium that we choose to work with,
and the things that "move us to create".

ahhh... but the best part of today's post is 
my  g r a t e f u l  giveaway... 

I've been wanting to do a giveaway 

of one of my more recent birdie houses.

I have been overwhelmed with the encouragement, 

the cheering on of my journey,

and the ever so kind comments that everyone has been leaving.

So it is with much  g r a t i t u d e,  that I am going to offer 

the item below, as a sweet giveaway

for all of that kind support, friends.

To participate, become a follower of my blog 

(and thanks in advance if you already are).

Leave a comment, and tell me what your inspirational words would be...

because, if your name is drawn,

I will personalize this birdie house with those very words.

One lucky winner will be posted Friday September 2nd. 

thank-you friends!

"Let your L I F E be a painting..."

F i r s t   t h i n g s   f i r s t....

I needed to share this inspirational goodie with everyone...

a simple beautiful arrangement of words~

" When I say B E creative,

I don't mean 

you should all go

and become great painters 

and great poets.

I simply mean

let your L I F E be a painting,

let your L I F E be a poem."

-ohso

I fell in love with this quote, while reading a book that has become 

one of the most profound finds, 

filling my art spirit at the moment.

Creative is a Verb

Patti Digh

(just a little teaser~ but I'm interested in throwing out some seeds  to see if anyone 

would want to take root in this book together. 

As a small tribe, I think it could be invaluable to share learning, through the words 

and creative challenges that Patti Digh has woven together in this incredibly insightful book. 

Let me know in the comments section or by email if there is any interest.)

Are you thinking...what up with all the photo's? 

I had a lot going on this week in the land of "creating". 

I was juggling between a couple of etsy orders for my personalized keychains

~new plate designs using my watercolors-stay tuned

~a new idea that's been brewing in my right brain for a artsy pin (above) 

using textural yarns & silk and...

~more little inspirational birdhouses.

personalized keychains in process.... 

one of the finished pieces.... 

 the little birdhouse line-up...

a few finished designs ... I'm liking the words... I'm liking the words!

So- the items for upcoming boutiques & refilling the etsy store are well under way, 

but I need to get back to my paint brushes!

 Maybe next week?

 Once again... linking up to studiojru ~ 

lots of inspiration & talented artist linkups to see!