Good News and Adjustments

I am so thrilled to announce that I won Jill Badonsky's new Muse book at her Awemanac web page. I am so thrilled! This page is full of fun and inspiration. Us artsy types need fuel for our creative juices to flow. Jill provides inspiration in many fun ways. I can't wait to see her book and begin drinking in the magic!
Another happy gift came before I went away. Sue Rundle-Hughes awarded my blog the Lovely Blog Award. That was such a sweet surprise. I'll have to figure out when I can pay it forward. Thank you Sue.
Sue is a wonderful artist. If you have time, check out her web blog.

Sometimes it's challenging to share my creativity. I have been away for a couple of weeks in Florida. Just before I left, my computer failed. My daughter very kindly brought it to Best Buy for service because it's under warranty. They shipped it to their service agent and it's still not fixed. Until I get it back I can't scan the sketches I've done and I haven't had a chance to paint.

Creativity

I have just added a new badge to my blog for Jamie Riddler's Full Moon Dreamboards. For anyone who does not know her, Jamie is a creative coach and blogger who finds wonderful ways to motivate others. She helps others move things along in exciting, enriching ways. There are just not enough words to explain the positive energy that flows from her workshops, online activities and blog.

My painting is on it's way to Virginia. I finished it and delivered it at the end of last week.

Tomorrow night (Tuesday, 8/25/09) I am having a sale of some watercolor paintings. Christine at Feather's Wellness Studio decided to have a marketplace in the studio to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. This is the first time I will offer any of my paintings for sale. Hopefully, people will like them and buy them all.

Line Drawings

It's so fascinating where art can take you when you try a new approach. I was reading about Zentangles on Maria Thomas' web page . She is an artist with amazing talent who created this concept. I thought I would try some zentangles on my own. Here are my results...

Pretty interesting, I think.

They may not seem so to the observer, but to me they are amazing.

When I tried at first, I started with the heart and added the star as I reached that point in the design. My second attempt is what I call a fish - rather imaginative isn't it? The flowing lines of each of these made me think of a dress.

Because I'm experimenting, I may add some more details.

I'm not really sure where this will take me, but it's fun to find out.

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

MAGIC

I believe in magic. Not just the ordinary sleight of hand, but the kind of magic that emerges when my energy is moved. The first time I realized that I could create magic was a few years ago in my classroom. I found that the kids were wrapped up in our collective magic. They never wanted to leave (for the most part). This was powerful to me and I have reflected on it every chance I get.

This magic flows for me whenever I work. The flow grows and expands as I move my energy in creative persuits. Since I have been developing my art, my energy is expanding. When an element is added, magic grows. In many ways, it's like cultivating a garden. The magic of bright orange coupled with purple infuses energy into this photo.

Energy emerges permeating the composition with color. I can equate the art that I'm producing to this color composition. When I observe these combinations, I feel a sense of wonder and beauty. There is so much joy in these colors.
If this post is off topic, I am sorry. This is where my insight brought me.
I have been working on a picture book submission. I applied for a grant and now I'm researching publishers for my story and illustrations. These are some goals that I have for my art. With sheer effort and a little MAGIC, I'll move ahead.