Color Wheel

I continue to learn about mixing colors - I really want to remember how to make that blue/red black, indigo I suppose.  It is really rather amazing the colors that can be made from just three.

I was happy when I read the page about having a place for your art - because, I do!  It is right out in the living/dining room - always ready with paint, paper and brushes to sit down and….PLAY / CREATE / LEARN.

It’s Embaraskin’

I’m really rather embarrased to post what I call ‘my mud painting’, but if I don’t do this….  After being rather frustrated with mud I sat down to just play - and created the above.  Good, bad or indifferent, there they are, and I’m learning…

Mud

The ongoing story of my inability to mix colors - today I created a lot of mud.  Now here is the point where in the past I would get frustrated and quit, move on to something else; and quite possibly go out and buy even more already mixed tube paints.  But - Darn it! - not this time!  I will continue to work through this book.  And besides, how do I ever expect to get better unless I keep trying.

Actuuuaaally……I have this idea in my head……for a creative bit of art work taking all these “failures” and incorporating them into something else.  Making lemonade so to speak…  I’m learning….

Gratitude Meditation

Every day for the next month - through June 12th - I plan to spend time in gratitude.  As I posted in my Sacred Life Sunday post, I spend time each Sunday in gratitude.  Well, I intend to extend that to daily for the next month.  This is a transition month for me, on June 12th life as I now know it will dramatically change.  In preparation I thought I would spend time daily meditating/praying gratitude. 

This particular video comes from the Wild Divine production.  I don’t know how many of you are familiar with this biofeedback program.  I own two verisions - The Journey to the Wild Divine, The Passage and The Wisdom Quest.  I haven’t purchased Healing Rythms yet, since I’ve yet to fully explore these two, in fact I’m still exploring the first one.  You can check it out here:  http://www.wilddivine.com/

 

Exploring Secondary Colors

Ok, so I’m not really good at mixing colors yet, sigh.  Notice that my mixes are sort of backwards, I put in too much color and then take several tries to get it right.  Sigh, I have always been backwards, this is, apparently, no exception.

Ah well, on to red and blue….then some more intuitive color play.

Sacred Life Sunday #19

“A Good Day”, by Brother David Steindl-Rast http://www.gratefulness.org/index.htm

I try to always spend time on my Sundays in graditude.  I first discovered Brother Steindl-Rast years ago through his books “The Music of Silence” and “Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer” .  An Austrian Benedictine monk who mixes Buddhist and Christian doctrines, he was one of the earliest teachers of the importance of gratitude. 

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy — because we will always want to have something else or something more.  Brother David

This is a really beautiful video with a deeply meaningful message.  Enjoy.  I never tire of watching and hearing this.  I only pray that I can always remember to *BE* so grateful.

Capturing the Seasons (7) & (8)

Oops, I forgot a week.  So I’ve posted two pictures I took today.  It was beautifully stunning day today, and very warm. 

Finally a magnolia flower within arms reach, usually they are so high on the tree I’d need a ladder to get such a shot.  And was able to breath deeply and take in the heavenly fragrance.

And the squirrel? I thought this was so funny, belly down and gettin’ cool, I assume.  Or maybe chasing all those other squirrels finally got too much for him.

What I’m working with

This is the book that I’m currently working with, the source of the exercises I’ve posted, and will continue to post as I work through the book.  The author/aritist’s intent is to “..dispel your fears and help you experience painting as an enjoyable and magical part of your life”.   Perfect, just what I need.  And it works, my fear can run high, but as you know I’m having great fun.  I bought this book at a remainder store a year or so ago for only $6 - it is currently out of print and used copies are selling for $79 at Amazon, sheesh!  However, the artist still gives workshops based on the book, this year at Omega (among others), one of these days….  Here is the artist’s website: http://www.annlindsay.org/. 

The three colors I’m currently working with are an extra fine watercolor triad from Daniel Smith:  Perylene Red, Hansa Yellow Medium and French Ultramarine.  I’m enjoying working with them.  Thier limited edition triads are a great deal, I’ve bought several - and been sad because some I would have liked to have sold out and are no longer available.  I like that they are manufactured here in the United States.  Here’s Daniel Smith’s website: http://www.danielsmith.com/. 

More fun to come….. 

For Leah

Leah, Here is the poster that I mentioned to you.  I came across this during a time I was struggling, and I wondered why because there weren’t any particular stressful events at the time, those were over and dealt with.  So I was wondering why, and feeling a bit lost.  For some reason this poster helped, if for no other reason then when I saw it I just burst out laughing (in public no less)(coulda been hysteria).  At the time I could sooo feel what this baby was apparently feeling, and there were moments when I know I looked just like this, bowed with the burden (I even considered purchasing footie pjs :).  So now I keep this where I can see it as a reminder - because somehow this helped me to make sense of that which makes no sense (clear as mud I’m sure).

And here is the poem by David Whyte - I find this very powerful:

Lost

Standstill, the trees ahead and the bushes beside you
Are not lost. Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes. Listen. It answers,
I have made this place around you.
If you leave it, you may come back again, saying Here.
No two trees are the same to Raven.
No two branches the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a branch does is lost on you,
You are surely lost. Stand still. The forest knows
Where you are. You must let it find you.

When we are lost we must pay attention, be more attentive, then we ordinarily are in order to find our way.  This Native American advice is a reminder that we are not lost if we will but stop and listen.

 

Giveaway

I mentioned back on April 27th that I would post some books to give away once I cleaned my library shelves.  Well, I haven’t gotten around to that yet.  However, I did begin cleaning a video cabinet.  Here is list of some items that I will give away to anyone interested:

Book - “20-Minute Yoga Workouts” by Alice Christensen

Card Deck - “Yoga - 50 Yoga Exercises” from Barnes & Noble

Card Deck - “Pilates System - 50″ from Barnes & Noble

DVD - 10 Minute Solution Pilates

DVD -Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies

DVD - Keeping Fit in Your 50s w/Cindy Joseph and Robyn Stuhr

DVD - YOU Staying Young Workout

DVD - Yoga & Pilates by Louise Solomon

VHS - Yoga Remidies for Balance from Living Arts

This is everything that was on the bottom shelf of my video cabinet - that I haven’t used in quite a long time, if at all. 

If there is anything there you would like to have please let me know.

PS - I will send them to you at no cost, just send your address. 

Go Ahead and Live Out Loud

I ran across this blog today http://www.thebarefootceo.com/default.aspx?art=126 and was inspired.  View the video and then….

This month I dare you to try something new. Take that painting class you have always wanted to sign up for, go backpacking for the first time, start the business you have been dreaming about, plant the garden you have always wanted. Dare to dream, dare to have fun!

Maybe we don’t have to walk out on a limb, but we do have to live out loud!

(the Barefoot CEO)

What can I say but……..WOW!!  And as you watch the video do you notice how she didn’t succeed on her first, second or more trys - but she kept on trying till she succeeded, that is key. 

Three Colors Cont….

This time I wet the paper and used a lot of water with the paints - thus the very faded appearance.  I continue to be so amazed by what happens - that is why this remains such absolute fun - it is not possible for the critic to make an appearance.

Sacred Life Sunday #18

I spent the morning feeding the squirrels and enjoying the beautiful weather.   They are so much fun to watch.  At one point there were about ten of them chasing each other around and up the tree.  I discovered that I needed to place the seeds all around the yard and not just in the feeder to provide a spot for as many as possible.  I’ve leared that if I see a squirrel in the feeder staring fixedly at the house time to replenish the feeder! 

I decided to include this poem from Panhala I just received - very appropriate - ahhh, to always, always pay attention…… 

Mindful 

Every day
I see or hear
something
that more or less

 

kills me
with delight,
that leaves me
like a needle

 

in the haystack
of light.
It was what I was born for -
to look, to listen,

 

to lose myself
inside this soft world -
to instruct myself
over and over

 

in joy,
and acclamation.
Nor am I talking
about the exceptional,

 

the fearful, the dreadful,
the very extravagant -
but of the ordinary,
the common, the very drab,

 

the daily presentations.
Oh, good scholar,
I say to myself,
how can you help

 

but grow wise
with such teachings
as these -
the untrimmable light

 

of the world,
the ocean’s shine,
the prayers that are made
out of grass?

 

~ Mary Oliver ~

To subscribe to poetry from Panhala visit: http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Index.html

May Collage

Here is the collage I’ve created for May.  It has been sitting for a couple of days, I kept thinking it wasn’t complete - but no, it is complete.  I have no idea how/why I’ve come up with this collection of images.  But with an intuitive process you don’t always know why or what it might possibly mean.  Got any ideas?

Three Colors

Next exercises - use all three colors.  In this exercise I learned how to make a great black/brown - I’m just not too sure how I did it, darn.  And once again I used another brush - this time synthetic round #20 - and I wet the paper first.  I did get better control with this brush.

I’m getting so many tiny abstracts out of these exercises. 

SIDEBAR:  You may have noticed that my music is gone - sadly Sonific is no longer available - and as far as I know nothing else is available that will work on wordpress.  I miss the music….

I Must Share: David Whyte, poet extraordinaire

I LOVE, absolutely LOVE, the poet David Whyte.  I actually first discovered him as part of a work conference over a decade ago…..and I was lost at once.  I have many of his books, both in paper and audio.   I especially love to hear him read a poem….any poem.   I find his perspective on the world fascinating and enlightening and he has had a profound influence on me.  To listen to him is to think deeply and widely.  When I listen to him, or read his poetry or prose, suddenly, for me, everything that was confusing becomes clear…..my mind opens and even hums.

In this series of videos he is talking about the artist journey, more specifically in relation to this particular artist.  While for me this isn’t about the artist he is talking about, you might still want to check out the website of the artist he is discussing:  http://www.handsofalchemy.com/.

Here is David Whyte’s website:  http://davidwhyte.bigmindcatalyst.com/cgi/bmc.pl?page=pubpg1.html&node=1024

But listen to this as it relates to you and your journey towards artist - whatever your art is.  This might be of particular interest to the Artist Way group.

The above video is actually Part 3 of 4, here are the links for the other videos, all of these are well worth listening to:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8C_UEwVmIw&feature=related

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVLDvPh2DS4&feature=related

Part 3: above

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVLDvPh2DS4&feature=related

By the way, I have decided to include a post of/about poetry on the last day of each month.  I began this is March - although I didn’t say then what I intended.

More exercise fun…

I’ve been at it again - this time yellow/red - although the red does appear to me more dominant.  The first image is the full page.  I absolutely LOVE to create these little intuitive exercises.  I did take a magnifying glass to each one, as recommended, and was amazed at what you can find in the details of what is really no more then spreading water and coloring.

I plan to cut out some of my favorite bits and create tiny works of art with them.  Then I have an idea for the remaining bits as part of a work I intend to call “Intuitive Creativity”, or something like that. 

Meanwhile - on to the next exercise!  

Chant

I’ve discovered a new artist - Snatam Kaur.  Enjoy the new addition to my playlist.  http://www.snatamkaur.com/web7.html

There is power and healing in sound - I’m wanting to add music and chant to my meditation practice.  I find this extremely soothing.

Crown Chakra - visualize a violet lotus flower opening…..you blossoming…

Unique Idea

(image of journal from LunarMusings blog)

In reading through some of my favorite blogs I ran across this entry from LunarMusings http://lunarmusings.typepad.com/lunarmusings/2008/04/art-and-remembe.html - the idea of using a magazine as a journal absolutely fascinates me.  Perhaps, especially, because I’ve been having a difficult time sticking with a journal/journaling over the last year.  I’m going to put together some markers and give this a try.

And her journal creations are absolutely beautiful, with thoughful attention to detail, and well worth purchasing.  I will admit I haven’t purchased one myself - one because of the aforementioned journal issues - and two because I just couldn’t decide on one I liked best.  One day….. 

Check out her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5158601

Sacred Life Sunday #17

I spent some quiet time photographing the orchids in the early morning light.  Then this afternoon I finished the major redesign/rearranging that would create a meditation space.  I’ve tried to photograph it without success - they just don’t do it justice.  The living room feels cozy; and the in the library I’ve gained floor space for yoga practice and it just generally feels more spacious and comfortable. 

I still have to go through my books.  What I thought I would do is on the first day of the month publish a list of books that I’ve identified to get rid of - and if anyone who reads the post finds one they would like to have I will mail it to them.  Someone may get a book they would really like to have - and I’ll have one less cluttering my space.  If not, I’ll find a home them. 

Capturing the Seasons (6)

I have these ferns growing around my orchids.  I love this shot - a shy little fern preparing to open.  Of course the ferns have kinda taken over.  I placed two pots of these ferns at the corner of the house and forgot about them.  Well, they grew into the ground right through the pots and began to spread along the front of the house.  They like the shady damp spot as much as the orchids do. 

The weather has been absolutely beautiful.  The weather termperate, a slight breeze, the sky beautiful, the sun bright.  Yet I spent most of the day overdoing it to clear out the closet for a meditation space.  In order to move the bookscases out of the closet I had to move the piano - to move the piano I had to move the grandfather clock - to move the grandfather clock I had to move some DVD storage units - to move these I had to move a stockpile of canvases.  I am sore today and I still have the meditation space to arrange and the library to rearrange.  Whew!

I am reminded that I have too many books.  Once I get everything all arranged I’ll go through my books and have a book giveaway.

Exercise continued….

I had a really hard time photographing this one and getting the color right, hence the differences you see.  It could be because I did it this morning before there was any outside light in the house so the color depends on the table lamp or the flash.  It is not so orange.  Maybe I’ll try again later today.   I used different brushes this time, Black Velvet medium and small jumbo rounds, and I didn’t wet the paper first.  And I flipped the photographs upside down and searched for crops - it really is very different from another angle; hmmm, I should have tried that with some of the others.  See my little dino?  The second image is the full page.

I have the yellow-red to go (this is the red-yellow, I think, oh my I don’t remember) and then the exercises are complete.  The next exercise is to take your completed paintings to bed with you and a magnifying glass and “read” your work; I’ll do that, it is fascinating what the colors and water do.

Fun, fun, fun

This has been my favorite so far.  I did not wet the paper first - I just used the squirrel hair brushes which hold a lot of water and color - the colors came out brighter - then I spritzed with water.  The fourth image is the piece almost in entirety - I really like it.  Maybe it is the blues - I do love blue. 

My inner critic is not in evidence.  I’m learning about brushes and water levels and techniques.  I can try just anything I want without the pressure to create a “work of art”.   I’m loving this!! 

My husband can see like six different images in this, a seahorse is one, can you see it?

Improve your Creativity

(turn off my Sonific while you play the videos)

These are videos of Brain Gym exercises.  An artist I admire referenced the brain gym exercises, which were designed to help children with learning disabilities to improve learning skills.  She began using a few of the exercises to begin her art classes - and noticed that on the days they opened with just a few of the exercises the students’ stamina and focus was better - and they were more satisfied with the quality of their work - 100% of the time!

I think these are worth trying!  The key is that these moves balance the left/right hemisphers of the brain - I learned about the benefits of crossing the midline of the body from my gym trainer years ago.

You can get the book through amazon - and I hear that the teacher’s guide is the best one to purchase (I’m ordering that one).   Here is the brain gym website:  http://www.braingym.org/ for further information.  Here is the link to the artist’s blog entry on the exercises she uses: http://www.nancyreyner.com/painting-blog/index.htm .

This video is also really good:

More Playing

Ok, I’ve moved to blue and yellow.  It is really rather amazing - you play and just randomly paint - it looks rather ridiculous, somthing you would throw out - then you look at magnified bits of it and find something worthwhile.  It certainly points out the power of play and teaches you not to dismiss your “creations”.

And I already have an idea for the piece I’m going to create out of these.

This is fun!

This is such fun!  This time my paper was wetter so I got a more blended and faded look.  If you were to looke at the page in full it would just look like a big mess.  But up close it is rather like an ink blot test.  Can you see the dragon and the kitten?

Playing

I’m playing with watercolors - that is one way of bypassing the inner critic - just play.  The idea is to play with two colors - I also used two different brushes.  Then look at the details with a viewfinder or magnifying glass - I used the crop function of my photo software.  Interesting what you can find - I liked these bits.  I think I’ll go and play some more.

Sacred Life Sunday #16

Look for one way, each day this week, to practice finding inner peace in
the outer lane of life.  Dress a little different, use words that are more
reflective of your true nature, or offer an opinion that tilts the boat a
bit.  Be willing to be you.  It’s the best (and only) was to cruise
through life :).

This was from Cheryl Richardson’s newsletter this week.  Be willing to be you……I think I needed that reminder. 

Color Chart

Well, perhaps not the best of photographs, but here is the timeline of my watercolor color chart.  These are my student grade watercolors.  I had all but three of the Cotman colors, so I went out and bought those so I’d have a complete set of colors.  The Grumbacher are part of a pallette set I bought, these are of slightly better quality then the Cotman.  I’ve learned quite a bit about the qualities of my different colors and brands just by doing this simple chart.  And I really like being able to see what the colors actually look like and how they act on the paper, and how they differ in color from one brand to the other. 

I thought I might go ahead and do the color chart of my artist quality watercolors, but instead I think I’ll play with my student watercolors.  Do a color mixing chart with these. 

Capturing the Seasons (5)

Ah, Spring.  My magnolia tree is getting ready to blossom!  I love magnolias!  The light heady fragrance, the heavy creamy petals.  It is too bad that when I pick a blossom and place it in a bowl of water in the house it just lasts for a single day.   I believe for Arbor Day this year I will plant another magnolia on the other side of the back yard.