Inspiration:Bottles

I have always loved bottles... old ones and some new ones. Blue, brown, green, pink, clear. I have just a tiny collection of old bottles and some newer ones, more then shown here. I love the shapes, colors, and textures.



I find them inspiring and I love to put little flowers and branches in them. My husband found the brown and large clear one in the woods. Some I have bought, some were given to me.




I have decided, or at least it occurred to me that my word is going to be clarity. I know I am a bit late in finding but really I think it found me.

Some definitions found around the web:
Clarity-
Clearness of appearance: the clarity of the mountain air.
Clearness of thought or style; lucidity: writes with clarity and perception.
Clearness or lucidity as to perception or understanding; freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity.
The state or quality of being clear or transparent to the eye; pellucidity: the clarity of pure water.

So this word I think will be good for me. In many ways. I hope. I am still painting and still waiting. Waiting to love the process AND the outcome.

I am also thoroughly enjoying my books. So many aha moments and feeling like yes!! This is me!

Because I can't wait

I know it is still just January but I can't wait for warmer days. Lovely colors and shapes!


1. unikot (poppy), 2. Ranunculus, 3. Tulips from my garden, 4. Multicolored Ranunculus, 5. Iceland White Poppy (Papaver nudicaule), 6. Topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus), 7. Allium giganteum, 8. Ranunculus #1, 9. Digitalis Purpurea

birthday roses

My birthday was great. There was a small party at my mom's with lunch and this Hershey chocolate cake. I also received some wonderful gifts. In the evening we had pizza and a carrot cake made my my husband and two muchkins. The bug that has been making the rounds in my family grabbed a hold of me that day. I am feeling a bit better today. I haven't been up to speed, just resting. I watched Project Runway last night. I am so happy it is back on and back in NY again. Aren't you excited?

Random thoughts

My family has been ill. Pink eye, ear infections and colds, a bit of a bad reaction to food. I think everyone is fine now. Thankfully. I just feel so sad when the little ones are so sick. They bounce back pretty well though.

I have been reading my old copy of Sarks Make Your Creative Dreams Real: A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day. I have discovered I am a perfectionist with my art. The description fits me perfectly. Ughh..

I have a birthday coming and I am going to treat myself to these two books. I love books!! Taking Flight by KellyRae Roberts and Living the Creative Life by Rice Freeman-Zachary. I am very excited to get these two books. I have checked them out in the store and they are great! I also bought a watercolor block and a new palette. So there will be lots of cake ( I am not worrying about calories) and no cooking for me. I will let you all know how the day goes.
Also, along the lines of the previous post... there is summersville sketch, a new blog that artist and designer Lu Summers, of Summersville started. She is trying to stretch herself by making a small piece of mixed media art every day for a year. She has done some nice work so far.

And I know having a word for the year is so popular. I don't have one. Not yet, and maybe not at all. I do love this idea. What is your word?

Sketchbook of Jane Reiseger
Sketchbook of Jane Reiseger
Sketchbook of Jane Reiseger
Sketchbook of Dee Beale.
Sketchbook of Dee Beale


The other day I was reading Stephanie Levy's blog and she shared that she had an interview with Nottingham Craft Mafia. They took a sneak peek into her sketchbook, which is wonderful. It led me to the sidebar and to sketchbook peeks. You know I love sketchbooks and seeing other peoples sketches. So I was in heaven. You really must go check it out. I really love the sketchbooks of Jane Reisger and Dee Beale. I love the raw creativity that is found in a sketchbook. They are free and unrestricted. It really is a place to play and have fun.



I created two new wreaths this week. Very springy... I am enjoying winter but I am looking forward to spring!!

It has been awhile I know. I guess I have been doing alot of thinking about art. And getting quiet to realize what it is that I am passionate about and want to share. For me color is a driving element, followed closely by texture, form and pattern. I think with my training as a textile designer these things will always be with me. I started thinking about my wreaths and I what I love about them. Again, color plus the different textures and materials.

I tend to get caught up with what "everyone" else is doing. About whatever the "trend" may be. I tend to be very curious about artists who sell alot of art. I have realized that it is o.k. to be curious and try and learn a thing or two from established artists but it should end there. I really am so inspired by all of the beauty that is created. However, I don't want to try and analyze what drives and inspires them. I just need to know what drives and inspires me and go from there. When I see established artists work in a certain style and subject I sometimes wonder if they ever get bored with doing that particular thing. I think I worry that I could become bored with doing the same style work. Like does someone who creates bird art and is known for this ever just want to go and paint portraits? I guess there is no one saying you can't do this. Or maybe it is just me and I am just thinking too much. Which I have a tendency to do.

I did open a shop for my art. There is nothing in there at the moment but I will let you know when there is. It may be awhile.

I did want to mention micromovements. SARK talks about this in her books. Small movements that lead to big actions. Here is a short article on this simple but powerful tool. What is a micromovement?

Sketchbook

I have been working with my inspiration boards and also a big, beautiful flowers of the world book and creating sketches. I have also done some paintings but I am still waiting... waiting to do one I really LOVE and want to share up close. I really like the looseness of the sketches but it seems when I go for the painting the looseness gets lost in translation. We took down our tree and put away all of the Christmas decorations. It feels good to get a fresh start.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! Just some shots from the last few days. Art being worked on, snow being played in. All of the non "art" shots were taken by my four year old! I am so proud of him!
I am wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy new year! May all of your dreams come true! Now we are off to sled!