Dream up a good life

I came across this little video narrated by Jim Carrey today and thought. "I need to share this".

I was inspired and thought maybe you would be too. :-)

Inspired Art

Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson

I came across this quote months ago, and it sat as a reminder on my studio desk. Propped up against the computer screen, I would look at this beautiful little collection of words and know that it needed a place on one of my canvasses.

Mixed media acrylic canvas with inspirational quote.

The canvas was one sitting half finished. Waiting for that special something. It had been sitting aside for over 12 months and I knew that at the right time, inspiration would hit on what that special something was to add to finally say that it was complete.

The canvas was created by throwing down in a very haphazard way broad strokes of  a mid toned paint in some nice pastels using a pallet knife. While this was wet, I scribed some special words and pressed stamps in then sat it aside to dry.

I loosely drew the leaves and stem then layered more paint with the knife over the whole lot avoiding the leaves. Some areas were dry brushed to keep the detail of the inscription and stamping.

The quote was printed onto organza then glued in place. I then used some rub on embossing pigment to bring the image together.

Oh and I did use some sparkling fibres to create a a bit of zing!  

I'm not sure if she is totally finished yet, but that seems to be one of my banes! I generally go to hubby and ask him. For someone with no formal art training, he is one of the best sources for design or colour ideas when I am stumped with my art! I knew there was a reason for marrying him. ;-) 

Making your Soul Grow

Just thought I'd share this.

Contemplation

A Winters Day

You know its 'one of those days', when all you want to do is hibernate.

I find peace in a certain amount of solitude.

I need regular 'time out'.

Is this an artist 'thing'? Or maybe just one of those 'woman things'?

Where we attempt to be all things to all people?

Lakeside Canada

I did not know what I was going to write about today

And was looking through some old pics

when these caught my eye,

They are memories.

Of quiet times

Quiet places

Cable Beach Australia

Places to reflect

To be at Peace

To find your way back home.

An Inspired Life

Earlier this year I decided it was time to put brush to canvas again. I had been too long away and had been focusing on the textile arts and crafts and was missing the lusciousness of working with liquid mediums.
Christine Skeggs from SkeggsArts in Bunbury was holding mixed media workshops in Busselton, so I had no excuse!

Christine (on the left) with a few of her art students.

It was time to play again! Yay! Christine has the same affinity with mixed media on canvas as I, so was the perfect teacher to get me going again.
Unfortunately, with this last term getting busy for me with my online stores I was only able to attend one term. But I will be back next year Christine! It was so much fun!

She holds an end of year exhibition for all her students work and luckily I was able to complete one painting. ( I do have another part completed sitting in the wings) This was great for me as I was able to see the amazing creations of other artists in the area.

A beautiful honey eater on display.

My piece (below) was inspired by both imagery from the book Wabi Sabi Workshop by Serena Barton and the words of Lao Tzu from one the books of the late and great inspirational author, Dr Wayne Dyer.

“This is called the Hua Hu Ching, written by Lao Tzu. It’s the unknown teachings of Lao Tzu. Number 51 says, ‘Those who want to know the truth of the universe should practice the four cardinal virtues. The first is reverence for all of life. This manifests as unconditional love and respect for oneself and all other beings. The second is natural sincerity. This manifests as honesty, simplicity and faithfulness. The third is gentleness, which manifests as kindness, consideration for others and sensitivity to spiritual truth. The fourth is supportiveness. This manifests as service to others without expectation of reward.”

This verse above plus another was used as part of the design.

My canvas was created using tissue, wisps of wool fleece and a fine fabric mesh donated by another member in the class. Then washes of colour painted on then wiped off to leave just a tint. I'd wait for one layer to dry before applying the next. 

An Inspired Life

Wayne Dyer had only just passed away a few days before working on this piece and I was feeling quite sad at the loss of this great mentor in life and felt I needed to somehow convey something in this canvas to show my respect for this great man.

He was inspirational in so many ways and in turn was inspired by the Tao Te Ching, so it seemed right to include this verse that was so important to him into the image.

Me

So thank you to both Christine and Dr Wayne Dyer for your inspiration!

Note - This painting is for sale. If interested please inquire.