Painting Bliss

Top 10 Reason Why it's Cool to be an Artist

 

 

 

 

 

Doodle a Day May

 

 

I'm an Instagram addict... I have nearly pulled myself from every social network, only visiting my facebook fan page to post my blog posts and that is it. There is no scrolling through peoples business, reading tweets, or whatever time stealing places... except Instagram... because I love the community of artists there and the ability to share my love of photography. '

 

(Prompt Word - Lunar)

 

While sliding down the list of images the other day I noticed that an artist I follow was participating in a little Instagram daily doodle prompt where each day of the month has a prompt word to ignite the creative soul. Of course I inquired and was led to the list and am now participating the best I can with a busy artistic and mommy schedule. I may miss a day here and there but I am attempting to participate as much as possible. I like the way it provokes my thought and how I end up with a piece of art I hadn't planned out in the first place. Also a sweet way to stock the ol' Etsy shop!

 

(Word Prompt - What your Eating)

 

I have thought about offering you a weekly word prompt for some time now... you can take the word in any way you want and create something... it doesn't even have to be visual! You can write a poem or something! The world is your playground! Before I go ahead and jump on that band wagon, what do you think? I am interested in hearing your opinion!

 

So hey, if you like either of those pieces and just know you need them in your life... they are right here!

 

 

Related articles

Cloth Paper Scissors - It's Here!

Cloth Paper Scissors - It's Here!

 

 

Being so humble and artistically shy it's not easy for me to share big ta-doo's... but I'm just about jumping out of my skin. I have had some minor publications in Somerset Studio, but I currently have my very first serious spread in the May/June issue of Cloth Paper Scissors!!!

Maybe you remember my sweet mixed media egg owls, maybe you don't... but now you can make one of your very own, for in the current issue I have a how to article complete with step outs and an adjoining article! I am so excited, delighted, and happy to share the news with you!

 

 

 

Opening up the box that I knew contained my complimentary issues was a bit surreal... actually holding, leafing through, and seeing my work on glossy pages next to other talented artists was just mind blowing!! I am so thankful to Cloth Paper Scissors for giving me this opportunity and for being so friendly to work with. The magazine staff was kind and super responsive... they made it so easy! I hope to send them more artwork in the future in hopes of more publications.

Hope you pick up the magazine and have a look see, thank you to you if you do!!

If you love my owls and would like to give one a happy home, you can visit my etsy shop here.

 

 

The Art Project of Houston

 

 

 

Graffiti art IS art. It's an amazingly colorful and inspiring medium I have completely no understanding of. The idea of using different tips on the end of spray cans to complete a larger than life perfectly blended piece of art just blows my mind. Who knows, maybe someday I will have the opportunity of trying out some can art!

After poppin' tags at the nearest thrift outlet we took a hop, skip, and not even a jump to a series of buildings amazingly decorated with works of evolving and ever changing art. This project is called the Houston Art Project, supported by the Bread of Life and funded by the Rice University.

Jax and I wandered down paint laden corridors as we talked in our best white girl street slang. Cameras snapping and lines like "I'll pop a cap in yo ass" echoed off the walls.

Here are images I took at the Houston Art Project. I was blown away at every turn, by every new amazing piece of WOW!

 

 

 

 

 I told Jax I would pay her a whole dollar to lay on one of those couches, but she declined (come on! lol).

In my opinion every town, city, and place should donate an abandoned building to this sort for cause. Not only is the cause great, but the public gets to experience graffiti art in a positive light.

 

It's all Happening

 

 

It's coffee and artwork every morning. Except yesterday when I woke up with the kids stomach bug! Even then though, I found myself back at the table come afternoon when I had a lull in between the throwing up - painting away. Working until I didn't feel well again just proved to myself how I can't even go a day without lifting a paintbrush (even if just for a short amount of time).

So many good artistic endeavors are happening, it feels good to be taken seriously... not only by the public, but also by myself. I think perhaps they go hand in hand. So your probably wondering why the lack of sharing of new artwork... well I'll tell you! I'm working on a new children's book! I was hired by a local lady who wrote a cute tale and needed an illustrator. One person talked to another who led her to me, and well everything happens for a reason! That's my belief in everything, and I have been busily creating her book for her. We are only into the first few pages and it's really looking beautiful!

Not only am I working on the above mentioned book, but I will soon be working on several pieces using just 3 colors... for Somerset Studio's series called "With one Palette"!! I couldn't be more excited!! If that weren't cool enough or flattering enough, I received the proof for the article that will be in the upcoming Cloth Paper Scissors May/June issue featuring a step out guide on how to create one of my wooden egg owls! (eek!) This dream of mine, it's unfolding... unfolding because I am going out and catching in my net like a skilled butterfly collector! I encourage those of you who have dreams too, to take life by the throat! Anything is possible, you are capable of it all!                                                           

Someone... ahem... likes all the devoted time I am spending in one place...

 

 

I am not appreciating the cat hairs in my pallette... but it is nice so nice to be snuggled and kept company!

 

Completed Portrait - Bring Your Own Sunshine

 

Finishing this lovely portrait, I just had to show you the completed piece. I hope you enjoy it and smile. Smiling is so important, smile for me. Better yet, smile for YOU... make rain no concern, bring your own sunshine.

 

 

 

 

91 Years is a Grand Long Time

 

 

My grandmother turns 91 in just a few days. I don't get to see her very often, but had the happy opportunity to do so yesterday. I spent time holding her hand, sharing hugs, and loving smiles. I miss our relationship, the way it used to be. Age is such a horrible thing, she cycles now in her mind and forgets so very easily. She is beautiful, and I love her. We had her favorite cake that my mom made, chocolate cake with homemade whipped cream. I couldn't believe after all the intimate years we shared, that I didn't know that. I'm the type of person that values knowing how someone takes their coffee/tea, I like to know favorites as well. I pride myself in remembering these things so when I can make someones beverage or favorite something for them they will know that I remembered and that I remembered because I love them and it was important to me.

My youngest helped blow out her candles and I made sure to wait until last when gifts were presented. I had painted a piece of art for her. I hadn't given her artwork since I was a child!

When I was young she had a canary named Rudy, he sang all the time... especially to the t.v. when it was on. She always had a love for canaries, so I felt it only right to create one for her.

The words I came up with, came naturally and quickly. I just seemed to know what it should say.

 

 

 

 

This piece will be available via my Etsy shop as prints and note cards in the near future!

 

 

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 2/10 - 1/17

 

This past week brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a spring-like day, and lots of artwork. Every single morning is spent not on the computer but with my watercolors, coffee, and other assorted art materials. The cat and I fight over my paint water, I dip my brush into the water just past his face as he slurps up what he thinks is deliciousness. Silly cat! Painting every single day is doing wonders for my skill. With each piece I see improvement where I thought there was no improvement before. Sounds a little conceited I think, for an artist is always improving and growing. I'm in love with my new work and soon the Etsy shop will be filled with a plethora of new pieces.

 

Like my photographs? Follow me via @Paintingbliss on Instagram

Thank you :)

A Nest Full of Reflection

 

 

I'm nesting.

No! Not like that! Goodness no, that won't ever happen again! But, yes... I have been creating nests.

It's amazing how much extra time you have when you give social networks a break. You almost have that "what do I do with myself?" feeling. Well? What did you do before all that computering? The really important things! It's been so easy for me to fill this time with artwork. I need this time, for life to settle in and settle out. I require peace now more than ever before. There is peace in my work.

I brew the morning "love" coffee, pouring the husband's cup first, then my own. Our dining room table finds us together, working on the things we each like. It's our time, weekend time, treasured time. We don't trade it for anything, and when we have to we stomp around like two year olds.

I squeeze watercolors onto my new white palette. I think about how they start out as petite and organized lumps but will dilute out into a hundred self made hues. I name the colors one by one to the on watching children. They know not that watching occurs without fingers so at least one ends up with a red, blue, or sap green finger. They are reminded, slightly scolded, then giggles follow.

This is what art is. What it should be. It is honest and non-pressured. My art is evolving. I am in a metamorphasis and I feel like a cocoon - twitching... slightly moving and wiggling in anticipation for something to come. Hormones come at 16, confidence comes at 20, rebellion/discovery/and self love comes at 30.

This is time quality spent with my paints and brushes. In these coffee moments I catch the husband watching me through my peripheral. I act like I don't notice, then offer a smile.

The nests come forth, first one then two... before I know it I have a dozen on the table that I swap between. Each one tells me what it wants, what it needs, and I obey... Gladly and willingly obey. In this time of stripping down to the essentials I find me.

Nests bring forth thoughts of safety, comfort, and needs fulfilled. These works in progress are coming together in beautiful ways. I catch myself looking at them between painting sessions... proud and happy with my efforts.

 

 

Related articles

Buddah Board - Temporary Messages

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 2/3 - 1/10

 

 

“the buddhists say there are 149 ways to god. i'm not looking for god, only for myself, and that is far more complicated.” ~ Jeanette Winterson, Sexing the Cherry

 

 

 

If you enjoy my work and/or photographs feel free to follow me @paintingbliss via Instagram

“We can't be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason why you don't have something better.”

~ C. Joybell C.

 

 

Related articles

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 12/9-12/16

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 12/2-12/8

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 12/26-1/1

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 1/2-1/6

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 1/7-1/13

My Week Through The Eyes of Instagram 12/17-12/25