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?