Art Every Day Month - (AEDM) Day 25 - 30

This is the final day of Art Every Day Month and I have really enjoyed taking part.  If you haven't yet visited some of the other creatives I encourage you to.  Here are my efforts for the last few days...

Day 25

This week I've been making a lot of backgrounds, and made me some tagsfrom some of them, which will be used in some of the mini journals that I have been making

Day 26

This is a lined mini A6 journal, did some stitching on the cover will be adding some additional sparkly things to it.

Day 27

This journal cover is made from a mince pie box and cereal box, covered in recycled painted paper, paper beads, the contents is made from old cards stock. I did some stitching and have some more decoration to add, will do a post about it at some point.

Day 28

Been collecting quotes, this is a hot chocolate container covered in pinted recycled paper, fabric quotes lable sewn onto paper and houses some of my favourite ones that I will use in projects.

Day 29

Really taken with reusing materials, these are cds that I've covered with recycled painted paper and will be making some mini books out of these as well

Day 30

Back to pen and ink been working on this fellow for a few days, this is what I do to unwind, very therapeutic!

Looking forward to seeing the other creatives that took part in Art Every Day Month

Art Every Day Month - (AEDM) 20 - 24!

Well, who knew the days were going to fly like they have, only one day left for this challenge, I have been doing a little bit every day, here are my efforts for day 20 - 24, been working on some backgrounds for some mini journals and other projects.  They were made using recycled painted paper and card.....

Day 20

Day 21

Day 22

Day 23

Day 24

Art Every Day Month (AEDM) Day 19

 Day 19 of Art Every Day Month, completed another painting that I had shown earlier, re my Gut Art post this has been done on a cardboard panel, and then covered with painted recycled paper.  The words read, 'She always wore her heart on her sleeve'.

Art Every Day Month (AEDM) Day - 18

Day 18 of Art Every Day Month, really enjoyed doing this one, from the outline shown yesterday, his words are telling us to 'Let Our Lights Shine', there are so many creative lights it has been really encouraging not only to recieve comments, but more importantly to be able to visit so many talented people online.

Blessings......

Art Every Day Month (AEDM) Day 17

Day 17 - Just time for a quick sketch to start me off today, will be doing some more during the day and will finish tomorrow.

Art Every Day Month (AEDM) Day 12 - 16

Day 12 to 16 of Art Every Day Month  and there is still such a flow of creativity coming from so many talented people, here are my efforts for the last few days, I am hoping to be able to post a bit more regularly and get round to seeing the work more artists.

Day  16
This is a small piece I did and it is made from recycled paper that I would normally shred, painted and layered then this image came out from the paint in the 'Gut art' style.. The words she is holding says....'To someone else in this world you are a miracle'.

Day 15
Hope was the result for day 15, going to be adding some really bright colours to this piece.

Day 14
Another quick sketch makes me feel good especially when I have to focus on other things that are not quite creative, finished it the following day.

Day 13
I then added the detail as a way of relaxing and getting myself in the creative frame of mind.  She has the words 'Peace' on her neck.  Not sure where this one will lead - she looks almost snake-like, she may be asking for some colour, but will most definitely be used somehow in another piece of art.

Day 12
My pen and ink pieces I initially did a quick rough drawing which I was going to add some shading to.

Art Every Day Month (AEDM) Day 6 - 11

I fell a bit behind with the posting for Art Every Day Month, but have decided the main thing is doing some art every day.  I can say that I have, so I am pleased with that.  I have started with most recent first and worked my way back.  Been playing with paints along side the pen and ink work....

Day 11

Here is my efforts for today, started out with a quick sketch then filled it out. 

I find it quite relaxing doing these pen and ink pieces

Day 10

Because your gorgeous.....we all have a gift and talent that is waiting to be

expressed into the world, we have to take a step every day into the uncomfortable

Day 9

As I do the challenges I go through mixed emotions.  We are continuosly

questioning ourselves, our decisions and where we are at any given time. 

Often where we are is where we are meant to be for that season. 

We try and find our place in the bigger scheme of things but when we understand

what we are meant to learn at each place and appreciate the gifts that will come.

Day 8

Day 8 painting reminded that even though we go though the hard times

our hearts will one day heal, It's my best friend Barbara's birthday this month,

it's been 8 months since she passed, I know we don't forget those trying times,

as much as while we are in the midst we will get though to the other end.

Day 7

This is mini journal I made out of recycled paper, started to do some mini paintings in, the images are not prepared before, I did the background then waited for the image to come out.  Letting go, moving on for me is about growth, we have to grow otherwise we stand still.

Day 6

This was day 6 sketch using pen and ink, I like the effect that you get with the pens. Been using the Faber Castell Pitt Pens, after this one decided to take a break for a few days and do some painting.

AEDM Day 4 and 5

Day 4

Still keeping with the pen and in theme this young lady came out to play. 

The bird is whispering the words for her to remember,

think I might add colour later.

Day 5

These women with wings are still my favourite at the moment, reminding ourselves that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully made' in the image of God. 

There are some inspiring work coming from other participants of the

Art Every Day Month challenge, take a look....

Art Every Day Month

Took a stroll over to Leah Piken Kolidas's blog and she is doing a challenge for November - Art Every Day Month, if your interested in joining in don't worry that the month has already started, there is no time like the present to be creative!

Here is my offering for today.  I am still keen on the pen and ink drawings, I find them quite soothing.  This is one that I have finished, and I am sure that I might use the image in some of my paintings and other smaller pieces of work.  I'm looking forward to doing some painting tomorrow... I've been creating backgrounds using whatever mediums come to mind as part of my 'Try something new for 30 days'.  There are so many great challenges to try and get inspired....what are you waiting for!  Stay blessed!

New Art Work... Gut Art

I first heard of Gut Art from Mystele and was intrigued about this style of expression. It opened a new way of working for me, especially using mixed media.  Here are a few paintings that I am working on at the moment. 

I am really quite excited about these paintings and enjoy working on them and seeing where they will lead.  I should have the first painting finshed by the end of the week.  Blessings xx

Challenge of the Sketch Book....

Been doing some sketches using a pen on watercolour paper, and just playing.  I have been finding it so soothing and absorbing, don't think it will be part of a longer challenge but as we know taking part in some form of creative activity can be very healing, so maybe will post at least one a week alongside other art work that I am trying to complete!  I will also be putting a page at the top so that you can see more of my art work.

Peace

Unfurled - September Sketch Book Challenge

September  brought the word Unfurled from the Sketchbook challenge.  It brought to mind the book ‘Unfurling’ by Misty Mawn which I recently brought and is full of inspiration and techniques. I had first heard about Misty when I saw her youtube video, I am an artist. which opened up thoughts of many possibilities.

The word unfurled, made me think of my journey as an artist, how much I’d grown and the importance in finding my voice.  Remembering when I first started out, the thought of being an artist seemed exciting, I always had other jobs so could support my then ‘past-time'’.  As time passed I realised that it was something that I really wanted to do, and needed to take it seriously.  Over the last few years I have felt myself grow and the many layers peeling back, coming into their own.  My voice is becoming clearer as an artist and I don’t want to quieten it as before.  I know that we each have our own creative voice which must be expressed, there is room for all our voices to be heard.  I listen to the many other artists voices on my journey knowing the process is the one to be celebrated.

I am learning to recognise my own voice and embrace it, nurturing it, knowing that I am not alone, for we have each been given a gift to be a blessing to others.  I have the faith that I am on the right journey, a ‘meant to be’ journey.  I know that someone somewhere around the world will hear as my artistic voice is lifted and be encouraged to make art, to pick up the pencil, paint brush or any other medium and then step out themselves and let their voice be heard too!

New Art Work...

Been busy trying to get more organised in my posting and bringing everything together.... recently finished these pieces of work.  Made the decision that I wanted to have more complete works than partially finished ones.

I really enjoyed doing these paintings, and love the use of colours and textures that you can get with the different mediums.

You are strong enough...

This painting started out with layers, then I looked for the image to begin to emerge

Imagine...

We are held back by the contraints of our own minds....

Imagine....a world of possibilities!  

How does your Garden grow?  How are you

tending to the garden of your dreams?

Got a few more on the boil, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day!  Have a blessed weekend!

Sketch Book Challenge

I have decided to take up another challenge here on my Art blog, it is a monthly one called Sketchbook Challenge.  It started in January, but better late than never, and you decide whether you want to participate on a montly basis, but I feel anything that will encourage and increase your creativity is a good thing. There are a range of artists who will be doing the monthly prompt and each month there will be a prize giveaway.

The theme for May is 'Can't Resist This', there have already been some inspiring contributions.  I will be sharing my contributions over the next couple of weeks.  In the meantime, think about the areas in your life and what you have needed to resist.  It might have been a creative opportunity that you didn't think you were ready for, or a new technique you are trying....whatever it is why not join the challenge and leave your contribution for others to share.

Looking back at April

I wrote about my reflections on the A-Z challenge on my other blog Realityarts and thought it would be great to bring some closure on this blog as well (even though it is the second week of May!). My posts here were more art related and gave examples of some of the products, techniques that I had been using and a range of other topics.  It's been great to meet so many creative individuals.  A big thank you goes out Arlee Bird and team for hosting the challenge, and to Elizabeth who gave me a blog award.

Next steps....Looking forward to taking part in more challenges and will be taking part in the Sketch Book Challenge. It started in January and there seems to be a really great gathering of creative souls.  Also working on a few paintings, and some smaller pieces.  Will be revisiting some of the sketches I did in March and doing more work on the images. Are there any challenges that you've decided to sink your teeth in?