Shannon's Studio

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #6 Shoes

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

ART JOURNALING • WEEK #6 SHOES

INSPIRATION:

Shoes

INTROSPECTION:

questions

Q. When did I get my first high heels?

Q. What is my worst shoe experience?

Q. What size do I wear?

Q. What types of shoes do I own?

Q. What are my favorite pair of shoes?

IMAGINATION:

application

A. collage photos of your shoes

A. design a pair of shoes

A. make a shoe print path

A. draw the anatomy of a shoe

A. collect shoe brand typography

Image by A Little Color Everyday

Image by Happy Shack Designs by Kelly Warren

Image by Kelly's Art Journaling

Image by Nofretiri

Image by Rebecca Anthony

If you're feeling brave, upload to Shannon's Studio Facebook page

Art Journaling - Real Life

2011-10-06T12:12:00.002-05:00

I am so behind. This is real life. See, this is why I need this. I have a painting to do tonight and tomorrow so I should get to my art journal pages after that. Wish me luck.

In the mean time, here's a little artsy idea that I thought I'd pass along from Dandee for a children's watercolor party. It could easily tweaked and translate to adult's party.

Image from Dandee-Designs.com

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #5 Songs

2011-10-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

ART JOURNALING • WEEK #5 SONGS

INSPIRATION:

Songs

INTROSPECTION:

Q. What songs move me?

Q. What is the list of my favorite songs and their common thread?

Q. What song makes me cry?

Q. What type of song would I write and what words would I include?

Q. What songs have been handed down in my family?

IMAGE MAKING:

• Cut out sheet music and paste page into journal

• Calligraphy the words to a favorite song

• Draw music notes across the page

• Add images of your favorite recording artists

• Write thoughts around a giant music note

Madzie Me

Celebrating Me • Art Journaling • Week #4 My Hair

2011-09-23T18:42:00.000-05:00

Art Journaling • Week #4 My Hair

INSPIRATION:

My Hair

INTROSPECTION:

Questions

Q. What is my hair like?

Q. What styles have I worn and what was my favorite?

Q. What hair routine do I have?
Q. Do I have hair attitudes?
Q. What hair memories do I have of haircuts? Others?

IMAGE-MAKING:

Applications
A. Do a hair timeline
A. Use a hair dye to write or design
A. Cut out mag pics of styles you've warn
A. Cut a lock of hair, frame it, design and write around it
A. Mod Podge page, Cut strands of hair & lay on page, take tissue paper and cover entire page, mod podge over the top to seal, then write

Once again I'm leaving you with ideas from other's art journaling pages.

Image from Amber Gibb Art

Image from ArtJournaling.ning.com

Image from Balzer Designs

Image from RGRDesign

Record something. Celebrate!

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling My Voice

2011-09-23T18:15:00.000-05:00

Here is my art journal entry for My Voice. Truth be told, I almost forgot to do it because I have homework on my mind. But, I'm glad that I have this Celebrating Me • Art Journaling challenge to remind me of important things I want to record. I hope that you got to record your thoughts on you.

My page looks much better in person that in this scan. It took me about 30 minutes. I did silver ink with glitter embossing. Then wrote with a sharpie pen. I love silver. And glitter. I never tire of it.

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #3 My Voice

2011-09-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

Art Journaling • Week #3 My Voice

INSPIRATION:

My Voice

INTROSPECTION:

Questions

Q. How do I describe my voice? How would I never describe my voice as?

Q. How do others describe my voice?

Q. Was there ever a time that I couldn't use my voice?

Q. What can or can't my voice do?

Q. What remedies have you used to soothe your voice?

IMAGE MAKING:

Applications

A. Put your lip prints on the page and write words coming out of them.

A. Stamp one word/phrase 3 - 4 times without re-inking, so that it fades like an echo.

A. Record your voice talking on your smart phone, use watercolor to make the background, painting how you feel listening to your own voice

A. Use curved lines, starting in one corner, make wave lengths and add text on each line

A. Make left side background darker & the right side lighter, the image fades off like a soft voice

Here are a few art journal pages of others.

They aren't about voices, per se, but can be influential in your image making.

A Paper Bear

HandmadeByJessica

SomethingTwoCrowAbout

T'rinaLockary

Victoria LeFeure

On Friday morning, upload a photo of your celebrate me • art journal page on

Shannon's Studio Facebook page

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • My Hands

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here's my art journal page for last week's theme - My Hands. I know. I like green. I'll mix it up another day and do other colors. But, for now this is what I wanted to do.

What I did.

• Used a green stamp pad for my handprint.

• Traced my hand with a yellow crayola marker.

• Ink pad the bar at the top.

• Black inked my fingerprints.

• Wrote my text.

• Sprayed green watered down paint.

• Black ink stamped letters at the bottom.

I hope you recorded some of your thoughts this week. I'm pleased that I'm finally doing some record keeping about myself. Celebrate Me is making me think about it. I'm already thinking about what I want to record for our next one.

Are you going to share? Over at Shannon's Studio on Facebook. Be brave.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shannons-Studio/163713903699596?sk=wall

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #2 Hands

2011-09-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #2 Hands

INSPIRATION:

My Hands

INTROSPECTION:

Q. What do my hands look like?

Q. What do my hands do?

Q. What are the most significant things my hands have done?

Q. What is the most difficult things my hands have done?

Q. What would I miss doing if I didn't have my hands?

IMAGES:

• Ink pad my hand and press and print

• Trace my hands

• Draw my hand

• Paste magazine photos of hands

• Glue in a glove and doodle on it

Here are a few art journal pages of others. It might be help get you excited.

Kelly King

Familycraft.about.com

NickieBlog

Donna Dugone-Anami

Craftside.typepad.com

Amy Grennell

On Friday morning, everyone can upload a photo of their

celebrate me • art journal page on Shannon's Studio Facebook page.

Celebrate Me! Art Journaling • My Name

2011-09-09T02:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I hope no one was expecting a masterpiece. It's not. But, it is exactly what I hoped for - to record insights and image making. Mine. To celebrate me and my life. I don't think I've recorded some of those thoughts ever. It was so simple. Having this blog helped me do it. Thank you.

Here's how I did it.

Took a green stamp pad and rubbed all over the page.
Took a dirty paint brush (it had sparkles in it) and rubbed water all over it.
Sprayed a different color green dye in places.
Let that dry. The page curled a bit but I could straighten it out.
Printed my font.
Used a light table to trace the lettering. See here.
Freehand drew the ribbons as I went.
Wrote text.
Colored in ribbons with crayola markers.
Added the date.

Are you going to share? Over here at Shannon's Studio on Facebook. Post your journal page.

Oh!! I'm not going to wait until Monday to post the new inspiration word, introspection, and image making ideas. I'll post it at 5:00 tonight. I figured it would be nicer to have the weekend to work on it. We'll post again next Friday.

Art Journaling Tip- 5 Step Lettering

2011-09-06T16:39:00.010-05:00

Since our art journaling inspiration is our names, we will be putting names to pages this week and I know that can be a little intimidating.

Some of us are perfectionists. And when it comes to penmanship it's no different, maybe even intensified. I've worked with women who refuse, yes refuse, to attempt hand lettering. They hate their writing and they can't get past it. I don't always agree with them but that frustration hinders the creative spirit.

When it comes to lettering, I'm in both camps, but it depends on the day. If you're one who's stopped by the idea of your own writing not being enough then I have a tip for you.

This will help with letter loathing. It's a light box done a couple of different ways.

1) Design what you want to say, in the font you want to say it, in the size you want.

2) Print it off on a thin (lower number pound) paper. It will let more light through.

3) Place the journal page that you are going to draw on over the top of your printed page.

4) Hold it up to a window (left photo) or over a light box (right photo).

5) Trace.

All of a sudden lettering isn't so labored.

Good luck on the image-making and introspection into what your hands mean to you.

See you Friday.

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • Week #1 My Name • Begin Now!

2011-09-04T23:01:00.010-05:00

Celebrate Me! Art Journaling • Week #1 My Name

This weekend was about getting your BOOK • BOX • BELONGINGS. (If not, read this post.)

Since this is the first day, I'll let you know how we'll proceed. You won't have to go this alone.

Every Monday will be Q & A, as in QUESTIONS & APPLICATIONS Monday. Questions for introspection and application ideas to help with image making. There will also be a word, phrase, or quote meant to inspire the whole thought process. Use any or all of the ideas.

INSPIRATION:

a single focus word (or maybe a phrase)

INTROSPECTION:

questions to explore your thoughts and life

IMAGE MAKING:

applications to experiment with

There's a few ways to go about this.

1) Do the images first and think about the inspiration word. Then record your most important thoughts around or on top of the images.

2) Or, write your thoughts and let images come to your mind and recreate you mental images after you've recorded your ideas.

3) Or, a combination of back and forth with words and images. Images and words.

Anyway works.

One last thought. Don't stress yourself over the image making. This might be the most uncomfortable process. If at first you're nervous, look at other's art journals for inspiration. Mimic their layout. Use their color palette. Incorporate their use of text. It will get easier and you'll become more uniquely expressive as time goes on. Don't worry. Start somewhere. Just begin.

OUR FIRST ENTRY

INSPIRATION:

MY NAME

INTROSPECTION:

Q. Who inspired my name most?

Q. What other name were my parents considering?

Q. Have I always liked my name?

Q. Does my name have any significant meaning?

Q. Do I have any memories related to my name?

IMAGE MAKING:

A. Create a background of markers and ink stamp your name over the top

A. Put the title "Celebrate Me" along with your name and text

A. Take a photo of yourself, glue it into your book & repeatedly write your name over the top of it

A. Do an ink character self portrait and use watercolors or pastels to add color & add your name

A. Print name in a font you love, put your page over the top of it, use a light table and trace

For the next few weeks, I'll add other people's images to get your imagination going as well. This will hopefully give you ideas and ease you into making your own images.

REMEMBER, this is about you, for you, to celebrate you.

Candice Windham

JK Bees

Cafepress Primitive

BlueBazaar.com

Whimspirations

Ohhhhhhhh! I almost forgot.

On Friday morning, everyone can upload a photo of their celebrate me • art journal page on Shannon's Studio Facebook page. You can't not share with us.

It's not a critique of your expressions, it's a celebration of each of us. Let go. Do it. Friday.

Art Journal Tabs

2011-09-03T21:24:00.004-05:00

Julie was talking about sections in her art journal over here on our FB page. I came across this gal, Mary Macilvain, and saw her photo of a journal page with tabs. It looks simple to do. So, I thought I'd share the idea in case other's were looking to section off their journals.

Celebrate Me • Art Journaling • How Do I Begin?

2011-09-01T00:01:00.006-05:00

Let the Celebrate Me Art Journaling Journey begin!

Art Journal Short Definition:

introspection and images in a book

Art Journal Long Definition:

a personal point of view which can include

wishes, wonders, wisdom, workings, warnings, war-ings, and worthwhile times,

recorded in the form of doodles, drawings, designs or dressed up words and images

all bound in a book

So, those are the definitions that I've come up with. That way we are thinking the same things when we're talking. There are tons of art journaling sites on the net. A lot of them are just about image making. Which is nice. But, I happen to think pictures and text are a powerful combination. Then, when you add a person's life into the mix, it becomes extraordinary. It's the personal point of view that is the intriguing part, seeing the person and what they're about.

Journaling is something we usually do as kids. I have several diaries from back then. I've always thought is was important to keep a record of life but life got busy and my entries sporadic. I've missed some memories that are important to me. We can't be all things, to all people, all the time. So, I'm not going to beat myself up about missing some of the past. But, that doesn't mean I can't record some of the present or thoughts on things now.

Our art journaling will focus on finding out more about you (say, "me".) It's about celebrating. Celebrating your (say, "my") life - past, present and future. It's record-keeping with images. And you don't have to be an artist to do it but if you're worried, I'll share ideas to bring out your creative side. Because it's a little intimidating here's what you'll need to get started.

1) GET YOURSELF A BOOK

It can be anything. If you are going to be using wet medium (watercolor, acrylic, glue, etc.) then you'll want a book with thicker pages. A craft store will have a good selection with the cost being from $5 - $15. I'd go ahead and invest so that you can experiment and not worry.

2) GET YOURSELF A BOX

Not everyone has the space to have a studio, but you don't need one. Just get a box so that you can put all of your stuff in one place. It's ready when you're ready.

3) GET YOUR BELONGINGS

Gather up all your art belongings into the box.

Markers, pens, colored pencils, watercolors, white out, glue, small blow dryer, tape, ruler -

things like that.

BOOK • BOX • BELONGINGS

BAM!! YOUR READY TO ROLL

Get the stuff this weekend. This weekend. Then we'll get started. Monday. Every Monday.

I started a Facebook Page just for Art Journaling and sharing pages. Like it here.

ShannonsPortfolio.com transitions to ShannonsStudio.com

2010-07-20T12:12:00.005-05:00

I have transitioned my website ShannonsPortfolio.com to

ShannonsStudio.com

which also means I have a

new blog attached to the new website

When I started my website 5 years ago there were not that many great website DIY services. I remember it took me several weeks to figure out how to do it. There are so many user-friendly services available now. Plus, I wanted my blog and website on the same site. I also was not thrilled with my current service provider's brand personality.

So, I decided to make a change.

ShannonsStudio.com is still under construction but enough is done to work with.

October is National Arts & Humanities Month

2010-07-20T05:00:00.001-05:00

I know it's still July and I'm letting you know that October is National Arts & Humanities Month but I have a purpose. It's only 10 Fridays until October. Ten Fridays! (I know, see how close it is.) That doesn't give us much time.

I know every year when October rolls around you have been in a quandary as to how you are going to celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month. (I know, me too.) Well, actually I didn't even know it existed. But this year is going to be different for all of us.

We are going to get ourselves ready for National Arts & Humanities Month with a 10 step process. (Get it 10 Fridays?) And you could actually use some of these Friday steps for great go-out-together evenings. And when October rolls around you won't be riddle with all that guilt that you've felt every year:)

Check back Friday (on the new blog) for your first step into the Arts.

Carl Bloch's Mary and Elizabeth - Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T23:28:00.004-06:00

Carl Bloch's

Mary and Elizabeth

41" x 23"

oil on copper plate 1890

One of the most beautiful images of Elizabeth's joyful greeting of Mary. This painting is technically (composition, color, content and craftsmanship) wonderful and I am inspired by the moment he chose to paint. I wish I could see all his paintings in person but I have only seen one. (Healing at the Pool of Bethesda 111" x 126") Its size is majestic and the paint quality amazing. I wish to paint like that. Go to Hope Gallery for more information on this and other Carl Bloch paintings. Merry Christmas.

Painting - Nauvoo Sunstone

2009-10-08T04:00:00.001-05:00

Here is a painting that I did this week. It's just about finished. Should have done a video but I didn't know how fast it would go. But I did take a few photos during the process. I like painting stone and I love this perspective.

Nauvoo Sunstone oil 16" x 19"

Art Exhibition - Types and Shadows

2009-10-06T07:51:00.006-05:00

Since my genre for painting is allegory, metaphor, and symbolism I was interested in this Exhibition - Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity. I can't go see it since it's in Utah but I looked it up online. Brigham Young University Museum of Art has an added bonus of artist's podcasts. I enjoyed listening to what the artists had to say (very short sound bits) about their own paintings. For you art enthusiasts I have included the links to the site and podcasts. Ideally, listening to the audio while looking at the artwork aids in understanding what the artist is talking about. Consider it your art edification for the day.

Click here for Artist's audio podcasts of their artwork in this exhibition

I particularly like David Linn, Christopher Young, Wilson Ong, and Brian Kershisnik's audio. I've included links to their professional websites.

David Linn, ...And Then I Looked..., 2005 17.5" x 24.94"

Wilson Ong The Daughter of Jairus, 1996 41" x 34"

Painting - Shatto Milk Bottle

2009-08-21T17:37:00.004-05:00

Shatto Milk Bottle - Untitled 35" x 15"

Detail Shatto Milk Bottle

I really liked the size of this painting (35" x 15") and how it's cropped. I loved painting the glass, well, love is such a strong word. It was a challenge to paint glass but I enjoyed it (along with the Farm Fresh glass.) And painting white... ohhh... I do love painting white. I am going to do at least one other one in this Larger Than Life Locals series.

Painting - Farm Fresh

2009-07-10T17:00:00.003-05:00

Play the video below to see it come together

Two hours well spent yesterday. Finally.

Small Paintings @ The Great Frame Up in Parkville MO

2009-05-13T20:05:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the small 8" x 8" paintings that are for sale at THE GREAT FRAME UP in Parkville, Missouri. Thanks to Eric, Jason, and Randi. They're great people.

The Great Frame Up #591

6325 Lewis St. Suite 115
Parkville, Mo. 64152
816-741-6464

Reminder - My Studio & Me on Rate My Space

2009-05-08T17:26:00.003-05:00

As I've posted before Dan came and did the filming for the Rate My Space showing starting Angelo in January. We've known for months that it was going to view in May. Well, it's airing TONIGHT. Guess who just almost went to the movies? Yes, moi. How lame is that? Hadn't thought about it all day. Still don't know how I remembered, it just popped into my head. Lucky. I figured if I forgot that you might have forgotten - so this is a reminder if you were going to watch it. It's 7:00 Missouri time.

Why I Like It - iPhone

2009-05-06T21:35:00.005-05:00

This has been a very busy week. But, I had to post my new 'why I like it'. My new iPhone. I know people already know this but it is very cool. The guy, Josh (above left), at the Liberty, Mo AT&T store was GREAT in helping us (my daughter got one too). I would highly recommend asking for Josh S. when you go in. All I have to say is... iPhone - that's why I like it.

Print of Fortune Cookie Painting in Hillary's Kitchen

2009-05-03T01:23:00.003-05:00

It was totally fun to get this photo in my email tonight. Hillary sent it to me of the print from one of the fortune cookies that I painted. A little while ago she responded to one of my posts and I mailed it to her. Just wanted to share and say thanks to Hill for taking the time to do that.

News- HGTV's Rate My Space Episode to Air Soon

2009-04-27T14:29:00.004-05:00

One of my posts a couple of months ago was about being filmed for HGTV's Rate My Space. The show is coming up soon. It is May 8, 2009, at least that's what is posted today. A couple of weeks ago it was going to air on May 6 so I am not sure if there will be a change or not closer to the time it airs. In any case you can check for yourself looking for HRMR - 306 in their Episode Guide.

Since I am not a main player in this show and I have no idea what they will include from all the filming Dan did I might only be on for 3 seconds so you'll have to watch closely or you'll probably miss me. The show will feature part of my studio as an inspiration space for some other folks. Here's hoping that they found some good clips to use.

Painting - Naataanii's Hoop Dance, Honorable Mention

2009-04-21T05:00:00.002-05:00

Naataanii's Hoop Dance 20" x 30"

Greenhouse Gallery's Salon International 2009

Honorable Mention for Artistic Excellence

Awarding Judge: Daniel E. Greene, N.A.

Video - First Attempt, Oil Painting Jared

2009-04-18T14:14:00.006-05:00

This is my first (successful) attempt ever of making a video and uploading it. I am doing a small one here and one on YouTube

The quality gets better as it goes along. Well, maybe.

Oil Painting Jared 8" x 10" hope you like it.

Free-for-All Friday - Forever, Marriage Metaphor

2009-04-17T18:20:00.004-05:00

This is a painting I did a while ago. It is a metaphor on marriage. Obviously the wedding rings represent marriage. Putting 'marriage' on a pedestal shows high regard for it. A pedestal is a support or foundation of which marriage is that for a vigorous, productive society. Classical column design suggests the highest quality and antiquity. A polished river stone to show that over time imperfections are smoothed out by the course of 2 people learning to live together. It also stands for marriage as the basis for the construction of bigger things, one being a family. As well as a marriage can become 'rock solid'. Forever is etched deeply to show the commitment that is takes for a successful marriage and that it can last eternally. Some of the meanings of my marriage metaphor.

If you see more or something completely different do share.

Think about it Thursday - Reasons for Marriage

2009-04-16T00:16:00.000-05:00

Think about it Thursday is about marriage. A painting series I am doing is an Allegory on Alliance - Marriage & Meaning. So I am curious, what are the reasons for marriage in your mind? Why marry? What is essential in a marriage? Think about it.

Why I Like It Wednesday - Princess Bride

2009-04-14T23:56:00.008-05:00

This week I have been spending a lot of time thinking about marriage. (For a future series of paintings) On Why I like It Wednesday I am posting one of my husband and my favorite movies - Princess Bride. What does it have to do with marriage?

Well, the movie is such a favorite that I had one of the quotes made for the wall of our bedroom.

True love, you think this happens everyday

Princess Bride, True Love, and My Marriage. That's why I like it.

Blog Content

2009-04-13T15:59:00.002-05:00

Well, I waited for more comments on the blog content and didn't get many. Well, one, thanks Tricia. So I talked to a few people about what they liked and didn't. And all of the stuff others liked or I liked. I thought I was going to pare topics down. Instead I will do the same topics just not every week but a couple of the things each week. Also, Monday is not my best get it going day so I won't do Mondays. Seems like a no-brainer but it did take me awhile to come to terms with that one. I like the art collaboration with the blog family so I want to continue that with you. It is the best. Thanks for checking in.

Free-for-All Friday - Pulling out a Domino

2009-04-03T16:23:00.002-05:00

It's cause and effect week and I have been thinking. There have been several things that have caused my schedule, if I really have one, to not be on schedule. So I am pulling a domino, so to speak, so I can take a look at things. Besides the several things that have come up I have a couple of things that are coming up. I don't want to get my dominoes too tightly packed. So I am evaluating several things, one of them being my blog.

I have my own ideas about my blog but I already know those. So, I am looking for your opinions about it. What's good about it? Not so good? Are some posts pointless? Any ideas about it at all? As always I like the comments and insights given here. (Like when you gave ideas about my website, which I haven't been able to figure out yet exactly what to do to make the changes.) So feel free to share it will have some effect I am sure.

Why I like It Wednesday - Pop Up Books

2009-04-01T16:34:00.005-05:00

Pop Up Books are my why I like it today. I think the tie in is obvious - paper, glue, scissors, imagination = pop ups and opening the book causes the pop up to well, pop up. Cause and effect.

Robert Sabuda is a master at the pop up book. I visited his studio in NY in 2004 and listened to him talk about his pop up books and passion for them. I need not say anymore after you see one of his books.

And here is another book I got that has some how-to info on making pop up books. How-to books are cause and effect type books in and of themselves. I loved making the few little pop ups that I have with the help of this book by David A. Carter and James Diaz.

Looking at these books and playing with the pages it's easy to see that, that's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Iconography

2009-03-31T13:42:00.006-05:00

ICONOGRAPHY
\ˌī-kə-ˈnä-grə-fē\

an image, subject, or style that is traditionally or popularly used to

represent, symbolize, or associate meaning to another thing

a visual image used to represent a religious figure

symbolism associated with an image

A classic example of a contemporary icon. The iconography of love has long been associated with the heart. It's symbolism is recognized by most people.

It relates to cause and effect because the creation of an art image can become an icon with associated iconography without that being the intent of the artist but the effect nonetheless.

Mini-Monday Painting - Cause & Effect

2009-03-30T20:01:00.008-05:00

3/31/09

I love to push the first domino and watch the series of each hitting the next and falling down. It's pretty predictable seeing how they are set up but not always. Sometimes we stack things up nice and close in our lives and wonder when one thing is whacked why everything else seems to fall as a result. Sometimes you can grab a domino out of the line further down the series and it stops the falling process.

This week's theme is Cause & Effect.

The 1 domino represents a couple and each successive domino things they choose in their lives. The last domino off to the right represents over time a growing family. It happens to show the 2 for my husband and I and the 9 for the 8 children we have and 1 son-in-law. The domino laying down shows inaction, inability and no risk. It's safe. It won't have the chance or opportunity to be knocked down. It also is blank to show emptiness, lack of growth, immoveable on the one hand and calm, stability, and rest on the other. The curvy pattern for the twists and turns in life.

3/30/09 I didn't want you to think that I dropped off the end of the earth so I am posting Mini-Monday even though I haven't finished it yet. It's about half way done. I have a couple of things to do tonight, like pick up my Mom from the airport, and I didn't know when I'd be able to post later.

This week's painting inspired by having to shop for a car after the car accident.

Art Talk Tuesday - Happy Accident

2009-03-24T05:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY ACCIDENT

[hap-ee ak-si-duhnt]

the development between ability, action, and accident toward a delighted outcome

There isn't a definition that I found for the words painters use to describe the happening of a happy accident. I'll describe why I came up with my definition.

First, ability. There has to be some kind of ability or aptitude that the person is putting forth, some starting point for the process.

Second, action. It's in the doing that there is opportunity for discovery.

Third, accident. In the process there is some expectation from the deliberate ability and action. In the accident there is a misstep but isn't defined as a mistake because of the fortunate or lucky outcome.

In my research I think 'happy accident' is similar to the original meaning of serendipity, the 1557 definition, not today's definition.

Serendipity: 'were always making discoveries by accidents and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of'

'the unintended consequences of intended actions'

'looking for one thing and finding another'

'discovery of things unsought'

(from the 1557 publication in Venice of The Three Princes of Serendip)

Serendipity: How the Vogue Word Became Vague - link here

Today's definition doesn't really take into account the sagacity of serendipity. Today serendipity is just a chance discovery with a chance event without any deliberate effort. Despite most artists possibly not being able to define it they definitely know it when they see and feel it. Though I can't remember a specific painting I know I have had it happen.

Mini-Monday Painting - Accident

2009-03-23T21:46:00.006-05:00

You'd think I'd do something like spring given the time of year. But, this week's theme is ACCIDENT, since my teenage daughter had a car accident Friday afternoon and our car is totaled. And the other car. So accidents have been on my mind a little this weekend. (She is fairly fine. Very sore.) We spent the afternoon in the hospital for tests. My other daughter, Alisha, flew in the night before to visit for the weekend so she was part of this adventure too. And that is who inspired today's Mini-Monday.

Alisha works in a state mental hospital and is familiar with difficult patients. Because of her aptitudes she is often asked to accompany patients to the hospital. She was in her element when she got in 'work' mode with her sister. It was different to see her in that way. But it's made me think of how helpful it is to have someone who can assist, aid and give relief during times of stress, like accidents.

The painting has folded metal to represent the metal of the car accident. It's a cup because I often think of people as vessels, things being put in and things going out with the ability to store for future use. Alisha is a no frills kinda gal. The X & O to represent the emotional and physical love and relief. Green because of the renewing affect that the aid generates. Not much of a vacation but it was a help and pleasure to have her here especially in response to the accident.

This week's painting inspired by Alisha.

Free-for-All Friday - New Nickname

2009-03-20T09:38:00.002-05:00

Not a whole lot was coming to me for today. I mean, there were lots of ideas flowing but for Fridays the idea has to have some element of fun and out of the ordinary. That's why some of my ideas get axed. But here is one that is interesting and definitely I don't know where it will go. For today's Free-for-All Friday i'd like you to come up with new nicknames for me. Some of you know me well, some of you know me only from the blog. It doesn't matter where you know me from. I haven't had any new nicknames for a long time so this can be fun. I'm curious what will show up:)

Think about it Thursday - Your Nickname

2009-03-19T20:53:00.009-05:00

I stayed up until 6 am last night/this morning, got 3 hours of sleep, then went to go pick up another daughter from the airport that is visiting this weekend. Then I slept an hour this afternoon. So it may be Thursday night for you but I think it's really only Thursday morning for me.

Think about it Thursday is about your nickname. What sorts of nicknames do you have? And how did you get them? Or if you don't have one why is that? Do nicknames change us?

I have a few nicknames. One my extended family and a few close friends call me - Shan, Shannie, or Shannie Wannie. Then there is one my Uncle Wayne gave me Tai Tai and pretty much he and my Aunt Les are the only ones who call me that. It came from some movie of a woman being very submissive and servant like. Hummm... so not like me, it was given more as a joke but it's one that has stayed. Another one. My middle name is 'Francine Kuu Iini'. When I was young I couldn't say KOO-OO I (the i like in ink) I-knee. So I would say 'Queenie' my shortened version. From that I've always had this underlying queen-thing going on. I had a couple of teen nicknames that weren't necessarily positive, though no one meant to be mean with them, and they never connected with me.

Mashaide posted that she has several nicknames that she only likes her family to call her. I understand the feeling. I remember one time someone using one of my nicknames, who hadn't previously used it, and it startled me because it felt like an uninvited intrusion. But, then over a short time it became very natural. These nicknames make a special connection with me and the person using them. I think it's changed me in that I feel like I belong in a special place to someone else. That is a good feeling.

Why I like It Wednesday - Color Me Mine

2009-03-18T22:30:00.012-05:00

I just realized I hadn't posted for today. That's what happens when playing catch-up, forgetting the day you're on. Well, I finally did remember and for Why I Like it Wednesday and nicknames I wanted to post this painting -

and talk about a place that I really, really like. First, the nickname I use for my husband is Boyfriend. I don't know exactly when I started using that but it's been years. I won't go into all the reasons why I call him that because it's not part of this post but I painted this cup (that I painted in this painting, if that makes sense) for him at a place called Color Me Mine. It's a little creative shop that has bisque pieces that you can choose from then paint however you want. They fire them and you can pick it up a few days later. I am all about personalizing things, making them unique. And in this shop you can do that. You can make it all your own. I've done several pieces and have gone with friends and family members and you don't have to be an 'artist' or a 'painter' to express yourself a little. If you have one near go try it out, let the creative inner painter out. It's fun. That's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Signatures

2009-03-17T22:30:00.007-05:00

SIGNATURE

[sig-nuh-cher, -choor] –noun

a person's name, or a mark representing it

the act of signing a document

one's name as written by oneself
a distinctive mark, characteristic, or sound indicating identity

any unique, distinguishing aspect, feature, or mark

dictionary.com

The idea for an artist is to make the signature unique and recognizable without taking away from the image. There are as many different ways as there are people. Here's a sample of other artist's signatures -

Christopher Thornock signs with an iconic T in a square

Carol Maine uses 2 different signatures, her initial and her last name

Otto Lange uses and O with a number above it and to the right, the number represents the year

and I use my name (mine's bigger not out of some psychological superiority thing but because I have access to larger file sizes than are available from other artists)

Everyone is unique and their signatures show it.

Mini-Monday Painting - Cupcake Jessie

2009-03-17T21:51:00.007-05:00

oil 8"x8"

FINALLY! This is a first - Mini Monday on Tuesday. Truth be told I started exercising last week. And it's something that I'm not so fond of and takes me half the day to work myself up to do. So I have not been working my normal painting routine. I may have to change a few things here. But, for today here is the painting. It is inspired by my daughter Jessie. Her nickname, given to her by her great-grandmother is Cupcake. I don't even remember exactly why but that's it.

Most nicknames are given in affection, tenderness or some connection. It's a soft spot someone has for someone else. That's why the soft colored background of spots. The reflective foil surface is reflective because it mirrors the nicknamed's personality. The cupcake is served on a plate because we usually get 'served' nicknames from others. And the circle dragees because it is mostly an inner circle of people that use the nickname. (I actually meant to add a line on the inner edge of the plate to represent that too but forgot until this moment reading my notes - oh well) So, there you have it.

This week's painting inspired by Jessie & Gram

Theme for this Week - Nicknames

2009-03-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

I was gone for the day and just got home a little while ago then spent some time with the family around the fire pit roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Glad to take the time to do that but I am behind today on the mini monday. Though I know what I am going to do and I am excited to do it. I will probably post it tomorrow morning some time instead of tonight so look for it then. Sorry, about being late today. This weeks theme is NICKNAMES.

Free-for-All Friday - Eat Rejection Fortune Painting

2009-03-13T10:29:00.005-05:00

Actually, there were 2 things that were a toss up to do for Free-for-All Friday. One was to take some of the paintings I consider 'rejects' and give them away today. But, I went through them and they were rejects in the extreme and I just couldn't bring myself to even give them away for free. So that idea worked in theory but not practice so they'll stay in the garage. The other idea which wasn't what I was leaning toward now looks a whole lot better.

When I came across the quote "Learn to eat rejection, it makes you stronger" I just kinda had a laugh and connected with it. I've been wanting to do a fortune cookie painting for myself but the fortune I was going to use didn't motivate me as much as this. I did this little painting a couple of days ago. So for today if you'd like a little 4" x 4" computer print out on canvas or paper (whichever one ends up looking best) then post a comment that you'd like one. This time I'll have to get $4 for package/shipping as these fun things can add up. Just mail it to me.

And thanks for the comments from yesterday I agree with them all, though I've really never tried the batting cages idea. I see the possibilities.

Think about it Thursday - Rejection

2009-03-12T09:34:00.006-05:00

Blue oil 2004 approx 20" x 20"

For Think about it Thursday of course I have been thinking about rejection. It's something artist's definitely have to come to terms with in their profession. But I think almost everyone experience's rejection at some point in their lives. So, my question is how do you get over or move on from rejection in your life? What do you think? What do you do?

Why I like It Wednesday - ASW & Creative Mark Brushes

2009-03-11T21:08:00.014-05:00

Why I like it Wednesday goes along with the Rejection - Brush Off idea. It is the company and paint brushes I order from. I buy cheap paint brushes, (Creative Mark Pro-Stroke White Bristle Brushes) well, no paint brushes are cheap but I buy the least expensive ones. When painting I will sometimes get called away from my work doing something for the kids, home, or whatever. I will leave my paint brushes, thinking that I'll only be a minute, only to come back later or the next day to find that they have dried paint in them from when I left. GRRRR!! So I don't need expensive brushes to ruin, I can ruin the cheaper ones. Don't get me wrong they still are very serviceable and the filbert (flat with tapered edges) brushes are my favorite. ASW is an online company I order from with reasonable prices and a good selection. And I can order in the middle of the night. That's Why I Like It.

Art Talk Tuesday - Rejection

2009-03-10T10:16:00.006-05:00

REJECTION

noun [ri-jek-shuhn]

to refuse to have, take, recognize, accept, grant, recognize, discard

to deny, repel, eliminate, renounce, consider, dismiss, rebuff

Here are some of the ways we artist's receive the news.

From my personal "Rejection" file, thank you very much.

EX: "not accepted" on a postcard

EX: "the entry has been declined - we sincerely thank your for your submission"

EX: "we regret to inform you" hidden in a lengthy letter

EX: "we hope that creating your artwork was rewarding, regrettably..." followed by an invitation to see the works that made it in

Artist's have to figure out (as well as other's) how to deal with rejection and put it into perspective. Here are some good quotes to help in that direction. These apply to more than art.

The following quotes are from The Painter's Key - Rejection Art Quotes click here

There are more on the site.

Learn to eat rejection – it will make you stronger.

(Bob Ragland)

[My new motto!!]

There is a large degree of trust in working creatively... people are so defined by their work, it becomes very personal: you reject an idea, you're rejecting a person. (Nina Sadowsky)

Rejection is a speck, like a bit of unwanted debris, imbedded like a pebble in our psyche, and it stays there niggling away and undermining our self-confidence until we feel strong enough to pull it out. (Janet Warrick)

How you react to rejection is important. It is not the rejection of others that truly affects us, the problem occurs when... that rejection by others causes us to "reject" ourselves. (Chris Tyrell)

We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful there is no other way. (Earl G. Graves)

Rejection is the natural course of things. (Eric Walters)

Mini-Monday Painting - Brush Off

2009-03-09T21:51:00.006-05:00

Brush Off 8" x 8" oil

For Mini-Monday's Painting I could have gone in all sorts of directions with the topic of REJECTION but I ended up with Brush Off a play on words. It is symbolic of being rejected from exhibitions - particularly 3 shows (hence the 3 paint brushes laying flat) that paintings of mine were rejected from last week. The paint brushes in the can are for shows that I do get into. Rejections and Acceptances are just intertwined in the process. The background is a palette representing the amount of work involved in finishing a painting. The used, chaotic paints on the palette are kinda like the feelings one has when being rejected or brushed off.

Inspired by the 3 Exhibitions that I didn't get into.

Monday

2009-03-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

I am back at it today and will post my painting later. This weeks theme - REJECTION.

Tuesday

2009-03-03T19:44:00.003-06:00

Well, I have taken the advice of The Perry Family from yesterday. I am officially taking the week off. (Taking the month off would be glorious but insane.) I am playing just a little too much with the husband home and making the time off 'official' I can really enjoy myself. So until next Mini-Monday have a good week.

Mini-Monday Painting - Day Off

2009-03-02T18:59:00.006-06:00

The husband got back after 5 weeks away and I just couldn't bring myself to work. Sorry, no painting today. Have a good evening.

Free-for-All Friday - Dream Makers

2009-02-27T05:00:00.007-06:00

I want to encourage the dream makers that posted yesterday. Good for you. For Free-for-All Friday I'd like to send a little copy of the painting I did on Monday - Dreams - as a reminder of the dreams that you've shared, or are still working on getting. I've printed it on canvas from my computer. (It won't be especially light-fast so take care to not place it in direct sunlight.) If you get a chance send me a pic of you with the canvas, that would be nice but not necessary, so that I can post a couple of them here. Here is to you dream makers for believing that the possible might be had from the impossible.

email me your address

Think about it Thursday - Dreams & BYU

2009-02-26T05:00:00.005-06:00

2005

Of course, Think about it Thursday is about dreams. Not the ones that happen in your sleep but the goal kind. I think they are called dreams and not goals because of their nature. They are usually a little more 'out there', difficult, out of our foreseeable path, unknown to others, maybe a little crazy. I think we also call them dreams because we ourselves might not even see how they can be accomplished. I had one of those dreams.

At 17 I went to BYU. I was ill-prepared for college and didn't do well. Add a boyfriend in there, Allen, and well, I ended up academically suspended. (You really should attend class and finals, you can keep the boyfriend) I have always regretted those choices and I dreamed of going back and doing it right. It was a dream because we lived and planned to stay in California, we had many children and life was just happening. I really saw no way of how that would or could ever happen.

Well, many things led to others and almost 25 years later I graduated from that same school. (Also, my 19 year old daughter graduated from the same school that same day.) Another one of my dreams was to learn how to paint people and I learned that there. I am totally amazed that all of that even happened and subsequently those dreams have turned into great blessings in my life.

That's a long time to wait for a dream. After that much time, I think that if I didn't have the dream (of returning to school, that school, or of wanting to paint people) I might not have recognized the opportunities and more importantly, taken them.

So, for Think about it Thursday take the opportunity to search a little for your dreams. Let them surface, at the very least to yourself, and recognize what they are. Even if they're crazy. And if you feel so inclined and bold share them with us.

2005

Why I like It Wednesday - Sephora

2009-02-25T05:00:00.001-06:00

Art is about the visual. And I would say Sephora is about the visual of the face. Okay, it's all about makeup, that kind of visual. I wanted to try some new makeup so one of my daughters suggested Sephora. We went to the new one in Kansas City at Zona Rosa. As visual as I am, I am not so much into the makeup thing, I like it, I just don't know that much about it. So, that is where Stephanie comes in. She's a make-up artist (see I told you this was visual) and consultant. Long story summarized Stephanie is excellent at what she does. So you might wonder what this has to do with dreams, well, as we talked Stephanie shared one of her dreams. I was excited to hear her goal and judging from her confidence, determination and great people skills I think she will succeed. I highly recommend her. And I got some great makeup. That's why I Like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Surrealism

2009-02-24T07:28:00.006-06:00

Salvador Dali Persistence of Memory

SURREALISM

Surrealist, n. — Surrealistic, adj.

A 20th-century literary and artistic movement that attempts to express the workings of the subconscious and is characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition of subject matter. A controversial movement... in which the artist attempted to portray, express, or interpret the workings of the subconscious mind; in painting it found expression in two techniques, the naturalistic (Dali) and the abstract (Miró). The Free Dictionary

I'm not much into Surrealism because I can never figure out what they're trying to say. Obviously, the artist is trying to convey something because of the way things are juxtapositioned. It's almost like talking with someone in a foreign language or reading a foreign language and becoming frustrated because there is no real communication. There is something lost. And Dali may have left enough text behind to explain some of his work but it is not available to most of us unless we research it. So, we are left with the image and title of the painting.

That is why I try and make my images something that can stand alone without text. I add meaning to enhance the painting but if that is lost I want a viewer to be able to still enjoy it on it's own merits.

This is a different direction than I am thinking this week for 'dreams' but this is the closest (subconscious mind) to dreams I could think of. Enjoy your day and the art talk.

Mini-Monday Painting Dreams

2009-02-23T18:45:00.011-06:00

Dreams 8" x 8" oil

This weeks theme is DREAMS. For Mini-Monday it's a symbolic painting representing dreams. The swirling pattern on the heart is for the swirling of emotions that - as in wishes, aspirations, wild fancies, or hopes - often whirl through us as we dream (like-can I? I can, maybe not, why not?, this is dumb, no one does this, not me,...). A heart for the personal nature of our dreams. How close to us that they are. Things we don't want to tell others. Or that when we do tell others that we know our dream will be safe with them. It's hanging in the open because we expose our vulnerability when other's know our dreams and when we fail or we succeed. Dreams show what we think about ourselves or the world around us. It hangs by a ribbon because of the circumstances that dreams hang on. Sometimes by a thread but at other times it seems like a gift. I chose the ribbon for the gift side of it.

Inspired by my daughter, Leila, who is visiting, and her dreams many of which she has accomplished and the one's in the future.

Free-for-All Friday Website Critique

2009-02-20T11:50:00.004-06:00

Okay, for Free-for-All Friday I tried to get my adult daughter who came in to Missouri yesterday to do a little self-portrait for fun and then I was going to post it as part of ffa-friday. Well, she wasn't too keen on the idea and being an adult and lawyer she effectively evaded the situation. Kids. So.....

Here is the other project that's been consuming me. The re-do of my website, see the screen grab above of one of the pages. For Free-for-All I would like a critique of my new site. You can comment about anything - images, content, layout, flow, whatever. I promise not to get mad with what you suggest (I am quite familiar with rejection) if you promise not to get mad that I might not use your idea. Fair enough. As always, I value other's opinions so this is a sincere inquiry. Thanks ahead of time.

Why I like It Wednesday - HubSpot & Art

2009-02-18T23:19:00.010-06:00

Since I am really just in the beginning of my art biz getting all the info I can on how to get my art 'out there' is important to me. The website and blog for HubSpot really has nothing to do with art but I use it all the time. It gives me a pulse on what is happening now in the business world of marketing, specifically in-bound marketing. (Don't know what that is? They have all kinds of articles to tell you about it.) It's just a great way for a non-business person like me to understand and take ideas and help my art career along.

- living rural (ie, isolated and away from resources) the internet is such a great tool and they tell me how to really utilize it

- they blog with great articles, all archived and easy to find topics I'm interested in

- tv spots

- webinars, the one I listened to, David Meerman Scott, a couple of days ago was excellent

- geeky videos but I think they're funny

- a cool grey/orange color palette, just had to throw that in

Maybe I'm a business geek under all this paint. But that's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Conceptual Art

2009-02-17T00:01:00.002-06:00

CONCEPTUAL ART

(kn-spch-l) (ärt)

The beginning was in the 1960's. Not surprisingly a reaction and challenge to the traditional definitions of art and beauty. It is art that is concerned with the idea, or concept, first and foremost with its construction not limited by any boundaries in material. It deals with more of the senses in the mind than the senses of the eye. It sets out to create mental sensation by being provocative, shocking, controversial, or extreme. This gave birth to the ideas of Installation and Performance Art.

sketchbook concept

I connect with conceptual art as far as the idea or concept goes. After that I part ways. I am a traditionalist in skill, craft, medium, and aesthetics. But the concept, the beginning of the painting, that is the creative and exciting part to me. I have ideas all the time that I put into sketchbooks. Often I have more words, questions, and thoughts than I do images. After the conceptual part come working with visual aspects.

Mini-Monday Painting - Apple halves

2009-02-16T18:13:00.006-06:00

oil 8" x 8"

Today's Mini-Monday painting is an apple cut in half. I will name it later. I think I am having a need for brighter colors lately. Maybe it's the winter weather. I don't know but I like them. I don't know that I'd like these colors larger than this format though.

I liked the idea of seeds for beginnings because of the obvious. But, apples also have many prior iconic meanings that have tie ins to beginnings. Like Adam and Eve (and the apple) in the beginning, Apple of someone's eye - their favorite, Newton and the falling apple linked to gravity, seeds and Johnny Appleseed who supplied seeds to pioneers, and then there is my favorite Apple (MAC) in the beginning of the personal computer industry.

Well, maybe you have some other connections. Let me know and happy Monday.

Update: This painting is inspired by my Mom who has been there since the beginning for me.

Weeks Theme - Beginnings

2009-02-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you noticed last weeks posts. They all kinda revolved around one theme - LOVE.

Monday's post was a symbolic painting about LOVE, Allen and my relationship. Though I didn't really elaborate on it. (Every Monday painting will be a symbolic painting of my connection to someone.)

Tuesday's was art talk about Sentimentality, similar to LOVE.

Wednesday was about how I LOVE the internet.

Thursday was about what kind of art you would LOVE to buy.

And Friday was the painting with the conversation hearts and how I LOVE my blog family.

The theme thing helps me focus my thoughts a little so I am better able to share with you. Most of the time I will stay with a theme. This weeks theme is BEGINNINGS. So look for that connection in this weeks posts.

Painting - Happy Valentine's Day Blog Fam

2009-02-14T08:15:00.005-06:00

8" x 8"

Happy Valentine's Day Blog Fam!

Paton

Leila

Bob

Dacia

Mashaide

Alisha

Daina

Chels

Allen

And even you two... Hillary and Anon - what do you two think that I stay up all night:)

Thanks for being with me. (Late for a portrait painting class - GTG)

Update: Thanks to the other bloggers that didn't leave a name I want you to feel the love too.

Free-for-All Friday Candy Hearts Painting

2009-02-13T00:01:00.002-06:00

Since tomorrow is Valentine's day, today's Free-for-All Friday is a candy hearts painting. It is one dedicated to my blog-family. On one of the hearts will say "2 My Blog Fam". What I'd like from you is for you to send me your name (in the comments) so that I can add a heart with your name on it. Even if it's your first time to post here you can leave your name. If you happen to have any ideas for more heart conversation sayings that have to do with "blogs" send those along too. So...

Your name for my conversation candy hearts painting.

Why I like It Wednesday - LOVE the internet

2009-02-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Well... I LOVE the INTERNET! This might seem very strange for some of you but for us that remember life pre-internet (PI) this is an amazing tool. Things I can do...

- talk and see, for hours (without if costing a fortune) real-time, my husband when he is thousands of miles away. Everyday.

- have a 5 way (missouri, arizona, nevada, utah and nigeria) instant messaging laugh fest with family members. It's crazy how easy it is to keep connected now.

- desktop design anything and send it anywhere. When I got an electric typewriter (with changeable font dials) I thought I was really a design diva.

- research and answer any question, any time. Whatever random wonder comes up I don't have to stay ignorant about it.

- virtually meeting people I would NEVER have met before. Our social circles are as big as we let them become.

- be a stay at home mom and start a successful (not quite yet, but I'll get there) art career in the middle of nowhere.

- being in magazines, being on tv, ending up with opportunities that I never glimpsed before.

Is the internet great or what? These are just some of the things I couldn't do PI-Life that now I can. That's Why I Like It.

Art Talk Tuesday - Sentimentality

2009-02-10T00:01:00.005-06:00

SENTIMENTALITY

[sen-tuh-men-tal-i-tee] noun

falsely emotional in a maudlin way [syn: mawkishness]

extravagant or affected feeling or emotion

induce an emotional response disproportionate to the situation

In the art world sentimental art was not a good way for one's art to be described. Here is a quote that sums up, quite accurately, how the art community views sentimental art.

"....blameworthy because it simplifies the object of our attention. Sentimentality depends upon quick, predictable, and familiar reactions. Such reactions are....shallow, trite, or clichéd, and moreover they become habitual, routinized. Sentimentality makes no demand on us, requires no struggle, involves only a narrow range of feelings, arouses no thought or feeling about the real world, and both contributes to and is supported by a general failure of the imagination. Sentimentality prefers the obvious and avoids the ambiguous. A sentimental response is somehow unsophisticated, unlearned, undisciplined....sentimentality leads us away from active, cognitive engagement with the ambiguities and complexities of the real....toward the over-simplified, the distorted, the falsified, the fantasized, the fictional. Sentimentality encourages complacency....[and] it transforms the aesthetic into the anesthetic." Nick Capasso quotes Deborah Knight http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/5aa/5aa192a.htm

Here are some other words that you might hear someone use when describing sentimental art: sweet, quaint, precious, polite, idealized, nostalgic, cliche, softer emotions, victorian, anti-intellectual, emotional lies, or synthetic emotion.

One such artist in this camp is Norman Rockwell. I happen to like Rockwell.

Mini-Monday Painting

2009-02-09T18:49:00.000-06:00

8" x 8" oil

Painting - Bracelet Project

2009-02-08T08:11:00.000-06:00

All the women involved in the bracelet project - I have not finished photographing them. Sorry for the delay. Please give me a couple more weeks. Then I'll mail them back.

Free-for-All Friday Time to Trade

2009-02-07T19:27:00.010-06:00

Again Free-for-all Friday was a new, experimental, out of the ordinary experience. And I never know what to expect from the blog family. As for the offers...

Allen's offer: the funny husband, you know I don't want the chickens we have let alone my own personal ones. No trade.

Dacia's offer: well it really wasn't an offer. If you would have offered an apron (one to match my studio) like The Perry Family suggested I might have jumped at it! No trade.

The Perry Family's offer: I often do the same thing - offer someone else to do something. Keeps me out of trouble. And you 'got nothing' to trade? Hardly. But, does that mean I can expect something from you when I pick you up at the airport? No trade.

Cranky Old Dood's offer: This was really intriguing to me. I REALLY wanted to do something with this. Maybe do a podcast interview for my website/blog? But, I didn't know if I could, how it would work, if it would work. Too many un-offered variables otherwise this would have been my first choice. I was disappointed. No trade.

GlassJaw's offer: Very fine offer. Who knew you were so talented. But, alas, too fragile for my house of less than careful children. Thanks for the pics to help me know your great work would have been destroyed here. No trade.

Jessie's offer: You already have to do those things for me for free. Whaaa haa haa! No trade.

Jonika's offer: I was tempted by the slug bugs. You knew I would be from my earlier blog. But I didn't know what kind. No trade.

Leila's offer: You silly lawyer, you should have used the leverage before you agreed to go. No trade.

Anonymous: I really want one of those cans. I am thinking of another way to work a deal. No trade. Today.

Kiran's offer: So Kiran, that leaves you and me. So uncross your fingers and let's trade! You didn't send a picture but I did see the others on the website and I liked them all so I figured I was safe. I love both green and silver (as attested to by my studio decor) so either one. If I were a real wheeler dealer I'd work both of them out of you. Send me your address in an email (shannon@shannonsportfolio.com) and I'll send off the painting this coming week. I hope you will like it.

Thanks blog-family for all the offers. I will definitely do this again sometime. And who knows maybe there is someone else here that you'd like to trade with. (Ask the husband for some of his chickens. Pleeeeze.)

Free-for-All Friday Exchange, Let's Trade!

2009-02-06T10:28:00.007-06:00

This is a study I did a little while ago. Lunch 11" x 18" My kids are always coming home and telling me what they got and traded at lunch time. They seem to enjoy this little bartering system. They are always pleased and satisfied with the exchange. For Free-for-All Friday I want to do what kids do all the time at lunch.

Exchange. I want to trade this painting for something you might want to trade with me.

Put in the comments what you are willing to trade. It doesn't have to be 'equal' value. Be creative. I'll consider all trades until tomorrow night around 6 PM (CST) then post who I'm exchanging with. Let's trade!

Think about it Thursday - Blog Comments

2009-02-05T07:40:00.006-06:00

Think about it Thursday. Hummm. I had a conversation with one of my sisters and we started talking about my blog. She said her daughter often goes to my blog but never leaves a comment, not even when I ask for one. Now that got me thinking.

I understand not wanting to leave comments. Sometimes it's uncomfortable to put myself out there or to 'introduce' myself online. Other times it feels like I am interrupting a conversation already in progress. Sometimes the conversation's just not worth it or I don't want to invest in long term talking. Some moments, I don't really have anything to say. (I know some of you find that hard to believe.) I kept thinking about this.

Then I thought about the blogging from the other end. From the 'receiver of comments' side of things. I totally enjoy and am enlightened by my blog-family (even new 'family' members.) When I throw something out there I am excited to hear what other's have to say, what other's think. And since I have a blog and especially since I ask for thoughts I am expecting people (even strangers) to talk back at me. But, the funny thing is, is that they don't stay strangers for long.

Now, back to my never-leaves-a-comment niece. Since I actually know her I was so disappointed that she didn't, doesn't, leave comments. She is bright, articulate, funny, sweet, thoughtful. She is someone I would especially love to hear what she thinks. So, Niece of mine that never-leaves-a-comment on my blog or anyone else's. For whatever reason you don't leave comments it's okay that you don't but I would love it if sometimes you did.

Blogging - posts and comments - is a new way of life. For me, I am enriched from my little blog-family circles and I end up getting more than I give. Is it the same for you? Think about it.

Why I like It Wednesday - VW Bug Collection

2009-02-04T10:57:00.004-06:00

So today's Why I like it Wednesday is about collections. My VW Bug Collection. I don't really have too many collections but this is a fun one I do with one of my sisters and mom. It started with the Slug Bug game that my kids play. I don't know why or how the three of us got started but we would play it too. (Minus the hitting.) Still do when we are driving together. I think I may have been the first one to buy a toy VW and tell the other two that I had more than they did. (Hummm, a little subconscious competition need going on?) Then I felt guilty about having said competition issues so I bought them one. Then the next thing you know they are buying them, I am buying them, they are, I am, on and on. It's been a couple of years now that we've done this. I know very juvenile, BUT, guess who's winning? That's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Collaboration

2009-02-03T02:12:00.001-06:00

COLLABORATION [kuh-lab-uh-rey-shuhn]

the act or process of collaborating

working together on a common project

to work together, especially in a joint intellectual effort

One of the reasons I really like this blog is that I get to collaborate with others. And it isn't just 'art' people but regular people connecting in an artsy way. It gives a totally different perspective when others can join in on naming, adding symbolic meaning, or picking content to a painting. I hope others have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Mini-Monday Painting - New Beginnings

2009-02-03T00:25:00.006-06:00

The Mini-Monday painting is New Beginnings 6" x 6" oil. I actually was really done on Monday... that is until I dropped it. My husband and I were webcaming together apart (he's in Africa) and I lifted the painting to show him. Bam! On the floor. Oh and it had to hit the drawers on the way down. Of course. So I had to fix it.

This obviously is a lousy photo so I will post another one later. (2/3/09 I replaced the photo for one in natural light) And I'll try not to touch it again until dry. Since I started so late, 10:30, I needed something a little simple. I had this little broken egg that one of my daughters brought in. Robin's egg blue is a beautiful color.

2/3/09 Posted this Mini-Monday late last night. Originally titled it "robin's egg blue" which I liked. But looking at it this morning I had different feelings. (As opposed to the feeling last night of just getting it finished.) I thought about the different direction, really a more focused direction, I am going in now with my artwork. It seems more symbolic of me. It's a new vision about my art and this is apropos - New Beginnings.

Free-for-All Friday Fortune Cookie Paintings

2009-01-30T12:04:00.006-06:00

Okay, last Free-for-All Friday I said I was going to do a little fortune cookie painting. And I had a ton of things going on and I really should have picked something else, like the self-portrait paintings we did at the meeting. That would have been what I was doing and easy. Duh! But, I didn't. And I asked for your input and you came through for me. And I didn't do the painting. THAT has bugged me all week. I've thought about it all week, about why it bugged me. And I felt like I walked out in the middle of the conversation. I just walked away without a response. That happens sometimes but it shouldn't happen often. And somehow it has to be made up. I realize that these conversations are valuable to me. So....

I decided to re-enter the conversation. I went ahead and did the painting. But I did one for each of you who added a fortune. (Well, I have one left to finish after this post) This for me is a gesture that shows I appreciate my blog family because I do.

Wade - "you soon will be blessed with unlimited opportunities"

Jared - "windows error 404, reboot cookie"

Anonymous - "your life is unfini..."

Leila - "the harder you work the luckier you get"

And Tricia - "live simply and simply live"

I did these in a little over an hour (timed myself so I didn't get crazed doing them) so they are just quick sketches but I hope you think they are fun. So, please accept my apology and I will not make a habit of that. That's today's Free-for-All.

I'll mail them in about a week. 6" x 6" oil

Think about it Thursday -

2009-01-29T11:46:00.002-06:00

You might have noticed I'm not exactly a morning person so all my posts usually end up later in the day. If this were my husband's blog you'd have something at 4 in the morning instead of 4 in the afternoon. How do people so off schedule from each other get married? But, that's not the Think about it Thursday topic - though it could be interesting. No, it's about art of course.

Art and the economy. So, in this economic climate (bad) why would there be any art market at all? Why would people still spend money on art? Should they? Would their reasons for buying art change? Does it change the reasoning of the market at all? Would you be more or less inclined to buy art now? As an emerging artist in the art market this is on my mind. Think about it.

Why I like It Wednesday - Books on CD

2009-01-28T13:16:00.005-06:00

OK, so I am thinking, "What happened to Tuesday?!!" My computer is saying that it's Wednesday. I don't think I had a Tuesday. Well, any way I look at it, it is Wednesday, so.........

I am loving books on CD. Since I paint just a bit it is so nice to be able to listen to some of the books that I would like to read. And when I have zoned out a little I can back it up and listen to what I've missed. Then after some time has passed I can listen to it again. Love it, books on CD.

That's why I like it.

Mini-Monday Painting

2009-01-26T17:54:00.002-06:00

1/29/09 This photo is closer to the actual color, taken in better light.

Mini-Monday painting. Oil 8" x 8"

Free-for-All Friday Fortune Teller

2009-01-23T07:46:00.005-06:00

For Free-for-All Friday I am going to do a little painting of a fortune cookie. And of course fortune cookies have fortunes. So for today I'd like you to be a fortune teller. Tell me a fortune (you have to make it up) that has to do with... I don't know... I was going to give a topic but i'll just be surprised instead. I'll use one of the fortunes in the painting.

So, make up a fortune, or two, or.....

I have a dinner meeting tonight at my home (only about 25 people, ha!) so I have a few others things going today so I am not sure when I will sit down to paint. I'll leave this open until I actually do. Plus I have the KCAC donation painting to finish and take to Kansas City tomorrow. Oh, and Samantha's 10th birthday party tomorrow and.... It may be LATE tonight.

Think about it Thursday - #5 Wrath

2009-01-22T12:08:00.005-06:00

For Think about it Thursday I am posting a painting (not done yet) that I am donating to Kansas City Artist Coalition's (KCAC) Annual Fundraiser. It is part of the 7 Deadly Sins Series (or I might name the series Vice) #5 Wrath. I kinda like Vice #5 Wrath for a title, it's a little shorter, though 7 Deadly Sins is more well known. (Vices - Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride) I've made 2 of the masks for the series already - Wrath & Pride. I am going to do a series of Virtues next. Okay, I am wandering.

Anyway, I've added symbolism in this painting but I wanted to hear what you think about wrath and what symbolism you see. Think about it.

Why I Like It Wednesday - Bassenian/Lagoni Architects

2009-01-21T21:43:00.005-06:00

Bassenian/Lagoni Architects

These are 2 books from these designers. I actually bought them. I hardly ever by hardbound large books like this. But... I love this style of architecture and I want a house like this someday. I've always been drawn to the courtyard idea but not too many house plans have that and I haven't seen any as well laid out and beautiful as these men produce. That's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Drawing

2009-01-20T23:35:00.011-06:00

Okay, it's 11:51 pm - still Tuesday - it counts.

my sketchbook

DRAWING

[draw-ing]

a graphic representation by lines of an object or idea, as with a pencil; a delineation of form without reference to color; a sketch, plan, or design, esp. one made with pen, pencil, or crayon; the art or technique of making these

Here is a quote that sums up how I feel about drawing -

"Drawing is the supreme way of blotting out your ignorance of a subject... establishing wisdom in its place.... Drawing is learning. It is discipline, a measuring stick with which to see if there is honesty in you. It's a confessional; it will reveal everything about you while you imagine you are revealing someone else [in portraiture]. Drawing is the poet's written line, set down to see if there be a story worth telling, a truth worth revealing."

Irving Stone The Agony and the Ecstasy: A biographical Novel of Michelangelo pg 78

Drawing THE basic in art.

Free-for-All Friday HGTV Rate My Space Show Taping

2009-01-16T18:29:00.004-06:00

Free-for-All Friday is about doing something new, experimental, unexpected, and out of the ordinary. Well, today was just that - at least for me - but, not so for Dan of Pie Town Productions (Los Angeles & Chicago). Taping a show for HGTV's Rate My Space is business as usual for him. And he's good at it because I actually had fun doing the taping! (Now that was unexpected on my part.) Well, I can't say much more about it, except that I'll post more around the end of May (if you're interested look for Episode #306) it won't be aired before that. Again, I can't say enough about how personable and professional Dan was in working with us. Thanks Dan! (Shout out to Alisha for suggesting that I upload the pics to RMS)

Presentation - CMS Art Classes

2009-01-15T18:34:00.004-06:00

Presentation to CMS Art Classes

Here is the the art instructor over at CMS (Ms. Leeper), Wade and I. We gave an art presentation and demonstration for all of the art classes there. It was really enjoyable and I got about 100 wonderful thank you notes from the kids. These kids were very attentive, practiced some of the art principles, and asked great questions. Ms. Leeper has taught them well. One of the things I learned was that I talked more than I painted which made me realize that I should break things down into 2 presentations - 1) demonstrating painting and 2) talking about becoming an artist. So, next time I'll choose one or the other... or both at different times. But, I am glad I did it. Thanks, CMS Art Students!!!

Think About It Thursday - What's Your Passion?

2009-01-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

Think About It Thursday is a Question - What is your passion? Not the kissy, kissy kind. (Though that's loads of fun!) But the kind that makes you want to hurry up with other things so that you can get to it. And when you are working on it, it doesn't feel like work at all. You are excited. You have ideas. You loose track of time. You're in some enlightened zone somewhere. That kind of passion. Where you'd do whatever it is just for the sake of doing it.

Mine is to be creative. I HAVE TO BE CREATIVE. I loose sleep being creative. I forget to eat needing to be creative. I forget I have time commitments in the midst of being creative. I love when my day (and long nights) when they revolve around being creative. I can't not be creative. I've done so many things over the years just to get that creative fix. I love the rush. Did I mention my passion is being creative? Yeah, I'm a little bit of a junkie.

What's your passion? Think about it.

Why I Like It Wednesday - Gary Vaynerchuk, The Wine Guy

2009-01-14T06:00:00.002-06:00

I was reading an article about marketing that had a link to this guy, Gary Vay-ner-chuk. I went to his site and watched his vid on wine tasting - for 12 minutes. 12 minutes! I don't even drink wine. Or anything else he'd sell. Yet I watched for 12 minutes. Amazing. I was caught up in his passion for what he was doing. His wine site linked to his biz site. Now that's something I can get into. And I have and love his videos and inspiration.

It has nothing to do with art. But, there is tons that he talks about that I have applied to my art biz life. After viewing several of his vids in a row I got out my pen and paper and just kept writing idea after idea I had on things I could do. Here is some of what he's about...

1. He's a little hyped but it works for him because that is him. He talks about being authentic, always.

2. He has short tidbits of info on video. Nothing you have to buy. Just sharing some brain power.

3. He has enthusiasm for ideas. Ideas, ideas, ideas.

4. He has some great wine spots. Even being a non-drinker I like them. Liked the eating dirt part on Ellen.

Funny, a studio gal subscribes to a wine guy's site. But, what he does helps me, it might for you too. That's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Studios

2009-01-13T12:47:00.004-06:00

STUDIO [stoo-dee-oh]

the workroom of an artist, aka an atelier [Fr. atuh-lyey]

a place for instruction or experimentation

I am surprised at how pics of my studio seem to inspire so many people. My studio was posted on Addicted to Decorating by Kristi. I mentioned before that it was posted on HGTV Rate My Space as well. (more news on that Friday) With the comments of others I have come to the conclusion that most people need some kind of space to do what inspires them. To be creative. Usually we just think of artisans when we think creative but creativity isn't limited to artists. Everyone needs some kind of 'studio'. Whether it ends up being a suitcase, study, shop, or studio the space isn't as important as the activity that's associated with it. Sometimes we forget that. I haven't always had a studio but I've always looked for ways to be creative in my life. And I think I love my studio more because I haven't always had a space like this. Figure out what kind of little space you can carve out for yourself and let yourself be inspired.

Mini-Monday Painting - Hershey Kiss

2009-01-12T23:24:00.012-06:00

1/29/09 Updated - This is closer to the actual color of the painting. The one below is taken in artificial (warm yellow cast) light. The one above in natural (cool blue cast) north light, which is what I like to paint by.

It's 11:26 pm my time so technically it is still Monday. So I made it. I really like the colors.

Mini-Monday's painting - Hershey Kiss

Gesture of Affection

8" x 8"

oil

Mini-Monday Painting

2009-01-12T16:13:00.002-06:00

Anyone looking for my Mini-Monday painting it will be a Mini-Monday NIGHT painting. So I'm still going to do it just much later in the day than I thought it would be. Sorry it's gonna be late today.

Free-for-All Friday Painting of the First Person is Jared

2009-01-09T16:57:00.003-06:00

oil approx 8" x 10" Jared

Thanks to all who sent me photos. I would have liked to paint all of them. But, Jared was the first. Jared isn't this age but it is him. So... here it is. When you photograph a painting you see mistakes more quickly and the one I couldn't stand and went back and fixed is the un-level ears. I didn't take another photo yet. Again, this free-for-all Friday was fun for me. It is one I will do again too. Jared, hope you like the painting.

Free-for-All Friday Painting of the First Person

2009-01-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today for Free-for-all Friday I will do a black and white 8" x 8" (approximately) painting of the first person to send me a photo of themself. It has to be of you. Please save me some hair-pulling by sending a decent resolution photo of decent size. It doesn't have to be black and white, a color photo is fine.

I'll post the photo and the painting sometime Friday. (I make no promises of when.) And mail it to the person in a week or so, when it's dry. I'll only take about 2-3 hours doing it so don't expect world peace from this. Just something new, experimental, unexpected, and out of the ordinary - just like free-for-all Fridays.

Send it to shannon@shannonsportfolio[dot]com

My Mistake - Sorry

2009-01-08T22:49:00.003-06:00

It was brought to my attention that those who didn't have a google account couldn't leave comments. UGH!!! I didn't realize that. So sorry. Hopefully that problem has been rectified. (Alyson Stanfield emailed me to let me know, see, I told you she was good) Again my apologies.

Think about it Thursday - Self Portraits

2009-01-08T05:00:00.001-06:00

Self Portraits - artists do them frequently. I have done a few. This one is colored pencil of me when I was a baby, not to be confused with one I did as a baby. (That would be talent!) Many portraits are a traditional head and shoulders view. Many aren't. They add things to represent more of what the person is like.

So, if you were doing a self-portrait today what would it look like? Would you do only your face or your whole body? What would you be doing? Where would you be? What would be its mood? Would you add other elements? Things? Special objects? Would you add text? Would you add textural objects? What would you make it out of? These are just a few questions to get your mind going. If you're so inclined make one.

If you had to capture you at this given time what would you do? You would be leaving a piece of your history. Think about it.

Why I Like It Wednesday - ArtBizCoach.com

2009-01-07T09:58:00.011-06:00

I was thinking about what I was going to post for I Like It Wednesday yesterday and hadn't come up with anything I was really excited about. Then at 12:30 am I thought to myself, "Self, if you are up at 12:30 am looking at this website then you really like it. Post it."

So, my post is about ALYSON B. STANFIELD'S ARTBIZCOACH.COM. This is a site that caters to artists working on art marketing skills. Before you stop reading (because you're not an artist) hear me out. I often go to sites that have nothing to do with 'art' and find all kinds of relevant information for my art life. So, you might be selling plants or selling yourself in the PTA but when you find good, solid information, like on Alyson's website, then you can find something that applies to whatever you're doing.

Here are some things to get an idea of what she does...

1. She sends a regular newsletter to subscribers - I don't have to remember myself to regularly check for new things, I just click if I find something interesting. Which is more often than not.

2. She makes it easy. Easy. I am all for taking extra steps out of my life.

3. She always has new things. Speakers, articles, ideas.

4. She has some things that are free. Of course she's in it to make money but she is generous as well. There's a nice balance.

5. She has valuable products. I have purchased some audio and her book. All have been excellent.

6. She's personable. Even online. Life's too short to work with cranky people.

Check it out. See if there is anything there for you but.... That's why I like it.

Art Talk Tuesday - Painting Orientation

2009-01-06T15:29:00.016-06:00

Basic Art Training Tuesday is just learning a little art talk.

ORIENTATION

Portrait or Landscape

There are 2 ways that rectangular paintings are referred to in their orientation, or position. Portrait or Landscape.

Portrait is where a painting is taller (vertical) than wider (horizontal).

Landscape is the opposite.

Landscape is wider (vertical) than taller (horizontal).

It is easy to remember - when we look at a person we look up and down and with a landscape side to side.

It is the measurements (horizontal to vertical) of the rectangle not the content of the painting.

PORTRAIT ORIENTATION Jessie 20" x 15"

LANDSCAPE ORIENTATION Alisha with Letter oil 16" x 19"

Mini-Monday Painting .44 Mag

2009-01-05T16:37:00.013-06:00

Here is today's Mini-Monday Painting -

.44 MAG oil 8" x 8"

Inspired by the husband

Free-for-All Friday Painting Named

2009-01-04T19:03:00.008-06:00

Okay, the Free-For-All Friday thing is supposed to be new, experimental, unexpected. And that's what it turned out to be. And hard. I didn't realize when I put this out there that is would be difficult to pick one name. (No, I am not just flattering you all.) So, I did the narrow it down thing. First I started with my three of my laugh-out-loud favorites -

Favorite pot caught in the disposal

64 cents a pound

Obama's Promises

If I had a better sense of humor I would have used one of these. Even though I had a great laugh I'm not really looking for humor in this series. So then I started with my other top ones -

"Autopspolygon - a seeing of one's self from many angles"

"Alumination" or "Foiled Alumination" (A combination of two of Travis')

"Foil Me Once..."

"Moldable - Shaped By Others" (A combination of Perry Family & Dacia)

"Crumbled Leftovers" (A combination of Leila & Pasty)

So, then I had to narrow it down some more. So I took out the combination names. I figured that no one would mind that I combined them but that it wasn't one of the original titles. So then this is left -

"Autopspolygon - a seeing of one's self from many angles"
"Alumination"
"Foil Me Once..."

So, that's where I have been stuck for a couple of days. I was actually going to post sooner but I couldn't pick one. And at the beginning of this post I still hadn't settled on one. (You're kinda getting the thinking out loud version now.) I think the thing that has made me narrow this group down is the added meaning to the name. So I chose -

"Autopspolygon - a seeing of one's self from many angles"

The only real difficulty I had with this name was, "How do you say the dang thing?" So, I emailed Jared and asked him. He responded, "A TOPS POLLY GONE". Well, I get that. So THANK YOU JARED for naming my painting. And if you'd like I'll give you a print of it.

Now, I would like to thank all of the rest of you for throwing yourself out there with names. It is not always a comfortable thing and I recognize that. So, my thanks is sincere. I would also like, with your permission, to save some of these names as possibilities for the next foil paintings in the series. Even the combinations. If that is okay leave a post in the comments to let me know. I will let you know if I choose one of yours when the painting is done.

Glad to have you all participate and I hope that everyone had fun with this. It was really exciting for me and I am going to do this again in the future.

Free-for-All Friday Name this Painting

2009-01-02T10:17:00.006-06:00

Today's Free-for-all-Friday is naming a painting. Particularly this painting. It's on my easel. It is NOT done yet, but done enough for it to have a name. So far it is Foil #1. Not too interesting. This is a series. So there will be other paintings along this line. The symbolism is not strongly developed yet. The name will work into that. So, things to know when picking a name....

- it is part of a series

- the symbolism isn't strong yet so don't panic about that

- the base of each painting will be a different color

- each foil painting has a different shape foil

- this is not finished, there will be more dark/light areas

- it is about 30" x 24"

- you can suggest more than one name

- you can pass this along for others to try naming

- how the name came to be will go with the history of the painting

I will consider all the names, pick one and post it in a day or two. If you have questions post in the comments area. Someone else might have the same question. Have fun naming this painting.

Blog - New look

2009-01-01T21:41:00.005-06:00

New look for the New Year. Not really all that new but just making it consistent with my website.

Think About It Thursday - Greenwich Workshop - A Fundraiser

2009-01-01T10:51:00.007-06:00

James Christensen Print for fundraiser for Jennifer Mosher

Greenwich Workshop is sponsoring a fundraiser for an artist, Jennifer Mosher. She is battling cancer and you can read her story here. I don't personally know her nor have I seen her work but I can feel for the situation she is in.

Thinking about something is the start of feeling things. And feeling a thing is the start of actions. And action is the start of making a difference in lives. I am not saying that you need to donate to Jennifer specifically. But, I think that after reading about her you will think something and have a feeling to do something. All I am saying is make an opportunity to do what you feel, whatever that is.

Make some kind of difference - think about it.

Why I Like It Wednesday - Quote

2008-12-31T01:00:00.000-06:00

"IT'S NOT THE LOAD THAT BREAKS YOU DOWN

IT'S THE WAY YOU CARRY IT" Lena Horne

I've had this quote posted in my studio(s) for a long time now. It just makes me think. Everyone has struggles. Everyone. If it's not money, it's health. If it's not friendship, it's career. If it's not a sound mind, it's love. If it's not one struggle, it's another. It reminds me that I am not alone in my struggles. We don't necessarily choose the conflict but we choose how we'll carry it. Will I bear it well like my grandmother did? Or will I cuss, complain, and cut out on life? What makes me a stronger person is the better choice.

When I read this I hear in my heart - Carry It Well. That's why I like it.