In the studio 1-13-13

Here's my current "Read List".  Notice the book, "Optimism", by Christian Larson.

My 2013 word (mantra) is ...

OPTIMISM.

Last year my mom and sister bought this book for me from Chinaberry's, which is one of our favorite places to shop north of Bossier.  I normally have a clear direction for my word each year, but it took a little longer on this one.  I always seem to have an epiphany and know exactly what my word should be when I come across it.  More throughout the year on optimism.

Some other books are school-related.  I'm learning some good stuff, and love my new job more each day.  Finally, before Christmas, I realized I was having fun LOL.  Another book was written by a favorite artist of mine, Kelly Rae Roberts.  She has words of widsom for starting a creative journey.  Also included is a new book from mom and dad about Clementine Hunter.  Oh how I love it !  

It's been a while since I've posted.  On the home front, I'm purposefully enjoying my time with my boys lately.  2013 will bring big changes in our household, and I'm pretty sure I'll just have to hang on and be optimistic.  J.T. will graduate from NWLTC in May and is looking for a new city/job so he'll be moving.  I'm so proud of him...all A's this semester :)   We pretty much spend our time watching movies and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  Kirk did very well, as always this semester and will be a senior in May.  He has a big decision coming up, and I just have to pray God's will for his life, because this mom is a little worried.  I'm claiming Romans 8:28.  The good news is I quickly realized the things I worried about in 2012 were so silly and a waste of time.  Yes, I can confirm, God always works things out for good.  

Christmas was just a great, peaceful time with family.  The boys and I took a road trip that was pretty awesome.   We went to the DFW area.  They enjoyed Bass Pro, Cabela's, rock climbing, and ice skating.  We saw a couple of movies and found a great hotel in Grapevine.  My reason-for-going was to attend a big warehouse sale by SUZANNE MCNEILL,publisher of Zentangle 8.  Suzanne sold her publishing company and is moving from a warehouse to an office space.  Her kind husband was checking air in my tires LOL...yes, that's how I work.  We had just enough room for the 3 of us to ride home LOL.  Let's just say I racked up.  I'll have to post a picture of my bowl hand-painted by Suzanne.  I'm calling it my color wheel bowl, but I would've paid more for that bowl than I ended up paying for a car full.   Ribbon 25 CENTS per SPOOL.  No, not per skimpy roll, per SPOOL.  Good grief.  Suzanne gave me a shout-out on her blog.  Check it out at blog.suzannemcneill.com  .  I met some great people, and I adore being around creativity.  It makes me happy,.

Speaking of which....

I thought I would just brainstorm a list of things that are inspiring me lately.  School consumes so much of my time, I'm not creating much, but to everything there is a season and I want to process all of this.  For now, I keep researching, and receiving direction for my creative journey.  I plan to break each one of these down, and share some information in a series of posts for you to read and see.  

So, here goes....

Romero Britto, Bob Ross and his happy little trees, Suzanne McNeill, Zentangles, The Dot and The Ish by Peter H. Reynolds, Circle Painting, millefiori, Russian nesting dolls, Clementine Hunter, Vera Bradley, Dan Dunn, Cirque du Soleil, George Rodrigue, mandalas, shotgun shacks, alla prima, and a long list of creative friends.

In the studio 11-1-12

And, here it is....4 pages plus the cover.  I was surprised Suzanne included the front of a thank you note I gave her after the workshop (JOY) mini card.  

In The Studio 10-24-12

My sweet friend, Kelley, went home to be with the Lord yesterday after a 3 year battle with stinkin' cancer  And, right in the middle of a broken heart, I get the most exciting news today.  God's good like that.  I can finally share the news:

My art has been PUBLISHED in a book, Zentangle 8.
 Can you hear me screaming?  Woohoo. Check out the author's website at blog.suzannemcneill.com.   She is an awesome teacher, and I sure feel privileged to learn from the best.  I illustrated the "T" and the "Z".  (Not the Z at the top) . I didn't know my designs would be on the cover too, so I was super excited today when I received the email. 

I think this may be just what I need to get out of this creative slump.  The last few months I have worked harder professionally than I have in the sum of the last 11 years.  I forgot how exciting it is to learn new stuff and I feel like I'm finally moving from exhaustion to excitement, or somewhere in between.  Stay tuned for more Zentangle news and photos of new projects we're doing in El Dorado.
Suzy

 

In the studio 6-17-12

It's been a nice, creative week. 

First, mom found this picture of me at 6 years old, and I had to share.  I love the braided pigtails. 

 On Thursday night quite a few Claiborne Parish friends went to Painting With A Twist in Shreveport.  We painted Irises (although I'm pretty sure mine are some other ...species).  It was a blast. 

I think I've mentioned before, but I love to re-purpose things.  The other 2 pictures are of things I have for sale.  I added owls to them.  That seems to be popular now, and hey, they are a symbol of wisdom :)
E-mail me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net if you're interested.  One is just on a piece of glass...like a door hanger, and the other things are bulletin boards.  They are a matching pair, but I will sell them separately.  $15.00  each.
I will be posting more pictures often of cute junk (ha) that I have for sale.  Let me just say I have ALOT of it.  I think I just had an epiphany..."cute junk" is kindof a good name, huh?
It seems everywhere I turn the Lord is speaking to me lately through others or things I come across.  My fabulous doctor reminded me we often limit God to being good.  I was claiming Romans 8:28...that He will work things out for my good.  But, He is really in the business of doing GREAT things.  I put on an old sleep shirt the other night and it was from our Sunday School class.  Our class is named "FOCUS" based on the verse Phil. 3:13.   While, I'm not forgetting the past I sure am looking forward to what lies ahead.  When I focus on that, things are exciting.  I have an interview tomorrow and I'll update with more information later. 
suzy

In the studio 6-11-12

Here's a look at my ZIA finished and framed.  It was a fun and relaxing piece to create.  No pressure.  That is when I get lost in my work :)








I still have some wooden circles calling my name.  I vision them all painted with a Vera Bradley type floral.  I discovered an artist by the name of William Morris the other day.  He lived in the late 1800's and yet his work includes the most beautiful floral designs I have seen.  I think he was the first to print repeated designs on fabric. 

I spent much of the day working on this week's Happy Project.   It's the big secret I'm waiting to share, so I will quit mentioning it until pictures can be included. 

Looking forward to painting with some friends at Painting With A Twist Thursday night.  It's an open invitation.  I think I need to train myself to paint like that more often.  I rarely, if ever, do a painting without drawing the design out first.  I like the idea of completing one in 2 or 3 hours.  I think the larger brushes make me paint faster, more freely and loose. 

Suzy

Happy Place

I just finished this canvas.  I think "happy" should have been my 2012 word, but one thing is for sure: I have been working "diligently" in the last few weeks to discover what makes me happy.    This canvas will be part of a series of paintings I call "Write-Ups".  This would be fun and easy to do for a class (using your choice of text) if anyone is interested.

Now, this was one of my stops today.  Does anyone recognize this?  Poor little fellow is gone now.



The last three pictures are of...you guessed it....Zentangles.  First there is a large piece that is a work-in-progress but I'm loving it, so it's moving quickly.  I have a frame waiting and will be taking it to the gallery.

Next is an even larger piece.  I'm guessing about 18x24.  I love projects that appear to be difficult, but really they aren't. 

Finally a sneak peak at something big.  Can you see the "Z" ?  This is a special little Z.  I plan to show you this as I progress and when I'm done I'll make the big announcement.  This is an official Zentangle.  Remember the other two I've shown you today are called ZIA's (Zentangle Inspired Art). 

Suzy

Happy Project...

A shout out to two of my Jennifer friends.  First, Jennifer F. and her mom took a picture in NYC of a flower stand and I have been hooked on making tissue paper flowers ever since.  That is what inspired me to attach them to stems and use black buckets for the display.  Here's a photo of my precious nieces with the flowers in their colors. 
Second, Jennifer T. used the term "Happy Project" the other day, and it has stuck with me.  It inspires me to do things that make me happy. 
Here is a picture of my first official Zentangle.  I learned that all that I completed before were actually called ZIA's.  (Zentangle Inspired Art).
Finally, at the end of the day, both boys are home tonight and that makes me happy.
Suzy