Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings and Work in Progress: 158

Revisiting the Art's Way, spending time on walks
and looking to nature to find inspiration

Here's what I am finding inspiring today -

1. This Quote - “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” Edward Hopper
2.  Ways to get unstuck in creativity from a newsletter from my wonderful and creative friend Kat Sloma over at Kateyestudio.com 
   Here are four ways to jump start your creativity, suggested by my readers:
   1. Change mediums. There is nothing like dabbling with a different set of tools to open up a creative channel, is there?
   2. Go for a walk. Getting outside and moving helps you see things in a whole new way. Good for your body, mind and creative soul!
   3. Do something completely different. Go off and cook, work on a house project, and let your mind wander. The ideas inevitably come when we aren't wanting them.
   4. Journal. Morning pages are part of The Artist's Way for a reason, helping us to get all of those limiting thoughts out of our head and onto the page. 
   But most of all, they suggested, take the pressure off and let things be. Creative dips often come before a big step forward or a new project coming your way. Be patient, they told me.
3.  The brilliant and inspiring words of Julia Cameron every day with this book
4.  How my friend Minnemie sees art in the broken
5. Raise Your Hand and Say Yes

Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings and Work in Progress: 157

Working on doodles for my class with Diane Culhane
its pretty addictive to draw on these little watercolor pages

Here's some things that I am finding inspiring today.

1. little blue hearts - On my morning walk, I came across a box of chalk that some kids had left at the top of a very long outdoor staircase and trail.  They had done some street art but left their chalk.  I got the happy idea to take a piece of chalk and "share some love".  Little blue hearts now dot the stairs and trail to add a "little love" to the day of someone passing.
2. Cutter's Point coffee for charities. 
3. For all who love color
4. These lovely linocuts
5.  Poetic paintings

Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings and Work in Progress: 155

heart
encaustic 3x4

Here's what I am finding inspiring today:

1. The art of Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm.  I'm in love with her style and that she not only paints but also blogs about her life with the animals on her farm.
2. Blue bells. 
   
3. The upcoming on line Doodle class taught by local Seattle artist, Diane Culhane.  I'm all signed up and am really looking forward to it.  I hope you will consider joining me - here's the info to sign up and here's the inspiration:  https://vimeo.com/122874903
4. Rain in the forecast.  I actually do love the rain and that it brings with it cozy indoor studio time.
5. Setting intentions for the day - it works :)

What are you finding inspiring today?

Yes!, 21 Days and Forming Habits

Yes!  With a big fist pump for the victories.

It takes 21 days to make something a habit.  Its now past that in dates on the calendar.  I'm holding well to some of my resolutions and others - well... like going to the gym 3 days a week, I haven't yet reached the 21 day mark.  So, that makes 7 weeks I have to go to the gym 3 days a week to make my 21 days in order for it to be a habit.  I'm on day 9 - I'll be in double digits soon and halfway to a habit forming routine.  So, I'm feeling good about that.  Victory!
I'm also working on a 365 photo - take a photo a day.  I'm off a couple of days - but I feel I'm in the early stages of that one - I'm really counting on the habit part of it to kick in and carry me through days 200+.
Next, meatless Monday for dinner.. that's a tough one because 21 Mondays takes me to May 27 and that's a lot of meatless recipes I have to find to get me there.
Making my bed everyday - not doing so well on that one.  Already fell off the wagon for walking the dog every day and haven't even gotten started on my organizational plans. 
One of my other hopeful 21 day regime/habit forming things is to try and paint (or draw or sketch) everyday. Its a tall order - so really... to be realistic, if I get into the studio 5 of 7 days - that's remarkable and really, really good. Let's see... 5 days a week would make a little over 4 weeks to become a habit - so far, I'm in good shape.  Victory!
Its early yet - so no judgement.. there's still plenty of time to make things a habit.  With that in mind, I'll show you what I've been up to this week with my habit forming almost daily studio workings ..  Earlier in the week, I showed the Pinyon Jay and promised to show the other half of his panel:

encaustic, india ink, oil on birch 10x22

Happy Friday!

Tuesday Exchange #4

This is the last week for the SEA theme with my friend Ingrid. Hard to believe that these four weeks have gone by so quickly.  Something new next week - but you have to wait because we are still exploring the sea.  

Charts + Aquarium = some pretty fun stuff  

 Remember the charts I found at the Antique store?  And remember my trip to the Seattle Aquarium?   This is how things in the studio have come together. 

Starfish
encaustic and paper on birch panel 5x5

I find when I paint - just for me or for someone I love, that my paintings turn out pretty well.  I find that when I paint for some other reason - like to sell, or it has to be done by a certain date, or its for a project that I am feeling pressed about, or ________ (you fill in the blank), the paintings are a struggle.  They don't really come together and they are challenging.

Holy Mackeral x2
encaustic and paper on birch panel 5x5

 These paintings were all done for me, just for fun.  I loved doing them and they make me smile.

Anemone
encasutic and paper on birch panel 5x5

Now I have come to understand that when a painting is giving me trouble, I can ask myself "Am I painting for the right reasons?" 
Oh - and there is one more of this Sweet Suite - I've saved the best one for last.  Come back on Friday to see the last of the SEA paintings. 
And... those charts I bought.. I'm not the only one thinking they are cool.  More here.

A View From Here - Focus 52

-A View From Here-

Focus 52 this week is to show what its like where we are in the world.  Its interesting to think that really, I have many worlds in which I exist - my home, my city, where I play, where I work.  This is one of my worlds... my studio.  Its a quiet place where I listen to music and just zone out - or tune in.. depending on how you look at it.  It has great light, it looks to the east where I can watch the sun rise, its full of creative energy and inspiration... and its a bit messy.  I love it here where I sit by the window and create whatever comes to me.  This is my view.