So. After writing the last post about my papier mache birds with shawls, I had an image in my head to work out on paper. It started with writing that bit about having a tendency to make lots of smaller projects when life goes on full tilt. I looked back at last year around this … Continue reading Nurture Your Creative Spark
Category: How To…
Simplicity
I've been enjoying my Sheaffer Calligraphy Pen lately. It's nice to have one simple tool that combines line with wash. The only other thing you need with the pen is a water brush. I got a set of these calligraphy pens when I was a young girl (age 9 or 10 maybe?) and these are … Continue reading Simplicity
Let It Flow
Finally. I just received my copy of One Watercolor A Day in the mail! But I've only had time to read Veronica Lawlor's introduction. When I got to the words, "Let it flow..." I knew I was going to love this book! So after teaching yesterday and after dinner, I sat down to my drawing … Continue reading Let It Flow
Negative Painting
At the school where I teach art part-time, I am asked to begin each year with a lesson on Nature Study in Dry-Brush Watercolor. This approach to painting a nature study piece is one of the foundations of the Charlotte Mason approach to education that my school so beautifully exemplifies throughout the K-8 curriculum. … Continue reading Negative Painting
Poppie Love
You'll be seeing more Poppy paintings cuz I'm in luuvvv...the poppies this spring at the Ciener Botanical Gardens were droolingly gorgeous! I had just gotten out of the hospital and when I felt up to driving, it was one of the first places I took myself...to see what was blooming there. I was in no … Continue reading Poppie Love
Creative Pensieve
Harry Potter: "What is it?" Albus Dumbledore: "This? It is called a Pensieve. I sometimes find, and I am sure you know the feeling, that I simply have too many thoughts and memories crammed into my mind." — Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter discussing Dumbledore's Pensieve. Several years ago, when I read the above in … Continue reading Creative Pensieve
When Life is Boring…
It seems like there's a lot of resonance with these thoughts on reaching our full potential, blasting through creative blocks, and living an artful life. I love it! Danny Gregory compiled a few of these in a recent blog post, and has been tackling the topic of the "monkey" in our brain that accuses us … Continue reading When Life is Boring…
To Timaree et al
An online artist friend, who has visited my blog for many years and has been a huge encourager, asked a question in one of her recent comments on this beach post. I thought I'd take a bit of time to answer her questions, which may be of interest to others as well. Here is what … Continue reading To Timaree et al
How…
"How in the world do you do what you do?" This is an interesting question I get either verbalized or emailed to me. I'm always surprised at the question. I wonder what it is they perceive I'm doing or accomplishing, since USUALLY I'm thinking I can't do anywhere near what I'd like to do or … Continue reading How…
Blankets & A Process
Forgive the dreadful photos (especially this one)...I was drawing/painting in the wee hours of the morning (have no idea why I'm up so early these days:( ) and taking photos at that time is near impossible, but there it is. The blankets are out in full force around our house and in use! Perhaps for … Continue reading Blankets & A Process