Week 35

This one is called, "Giving Courage".  Sometimes we need that little push.  That little nudge.  It's finding the courage to step into the unknown.  The courage to stand strong.  The courage to be who you are.  I try to give that to you through my art.  Simple messages of hope and encouragement.  My words are not fluff.  They stand solid.  They sometimes doubt, but they always find a way of coming back around to the truth. 

Week 34

So the words I see in this image, but just didn't have the heart to stamp are these:

"Sometimes when you give your whole heart away....it comes back to you."

Some unusual things have been happening in my life lately.  Doors are closing, old doors are re-opening, and some doors are coming off the hinge.  I've so much to say right now, and for a first time I don't really know how to say it or where to start.  I've so many ideas for the future of my art.  And perhaps that is why there is so much openness right now.  My body is trying to absorb it all because one day it will happen.  It will.  I was reading another artist's website the other day and found myself so excited with her direction, her motivation and her drive to create happy, meaningful art.  I've often felt I need to apologize for the simplicity of my work.  Or the whimsical nature of its' content.  But ya know what?  People need to see and hear from people like ME.  So I'm going to keep trucking on making art that includes lots of birds, heart balloons and bikes.  I'm also getting back to working on a real website(that I started 2 years ago).  One that will engage you and make you just slap happy happy.  Because that is what I want to put out into the world.  I am not a Debbie Downer.  I am not a half-empty girl.  I am half-full, and excited about the potential that lies within my hands.  I get wound up about the silliest things.  And I am passionate to a fault about others.  I love to blog, but I need to share my story in one platform.  So the story remains strong and the same.  The truth told once.   In blogging we tend to share more intimate sides of ourselves.  Our ups and our downs.  They happen all right.  And they suck.  Of course we all grow from those don't we?  And I love to share this side of me.  But I also want everyone to know what is behind the paintings, who is behind the paintings.  And be able to see this in one glance, not read 3 years of blog posts to figure it all out. 

Anyhoo...like I said so many thoughts....kinda random post.  But you get the idea.  I gave my heart away, and it came back.  And now I'm ready to start again.

Week 34

Well....my computer at school went nuts on Thursday, then my home computer went out.  Someone's trying to tell me something I suppose.

Anyhoo.....week 34 painting is so pretty.  I can't wait to share it with you.  When I get my computer to the doctor and can access the photos again.  For now....I'm just going to go unplugged this week.  I obviously need a break from cyberland.  I'll be back soon!!

Week 33

Ok.  I have a confession.  These last few weeks I've had a very hard time finding the time to paint.  At school, at home, anywhere.  Ours little lives have gotten super busy.  And honestly I don't even know what with.  Usually I can sneak a little painting time in during my lunch at school.  But not lately.  I joked on FB Saturday that I would get into my studio or else.  And then proceeded to photograph the clock in the Jeep as the day went buy and I was still playing chauffeur!!  I did finally get into my studio at 3:00 yesterday.  Only to have to leave again by 5:00 for a family dinner.  By the time we got home I was bed bound.

Today though, after church I was well feed both spiritually and physically so off I headed to the studio to paint week 33 and put some finishing touches on products for the Marist Show.  It was amazing being in the studio.  It was quiet.  Everything was where I needed it.  I had my paint brushes, not yucky school brushes.  It was perfect.  I got SO MUCH DONE.  So much so, that I took a break and went on a 6.5 mile run.  I love it when everything seems to flow seamlessly.  Today was one of those days.  I am ever grateful for anytime I have in my studio.  And know that the time will come when I can spend countless hours down here.....family first right now though. 

So onto the painting.  I started it at school on Monday.  And this is what it looked like when I started today at 2:00.  Not liking it too much.  I love a plain white background.  That seems to always make things look better when I'm in a quandry.  So that's what I did.

 Here's coat #1.  Looking rough, but very inspired by what is coming through.

And then I went for green.  I never ever go green on birdies.  But today I did.  Love that I got outta the box.

Lily was super glad to have me in the yellow chair too.  I love her company while I paint.  Her little warm belly makes me fuzzy inside.

So here's a close-up of one green birdie.  Loving the combinations.  The stark white against the cool colors is lovely.

So here it is all done up.  Complete with the stamped words, "Share Your Heart."  I've been sharing a lot of myself lately with friends and family.  Being kinder, gentler on myself too.  I'm even painting my fingernails.  As Amber noticed on instagram yesterday!  Simple acts that I've not done in years.  And I may even be using a different perfume everyday.....maybe.  I do have enough to last 2 weeks without repeats.  I love perfume a lot.  Didn't know that about me I bet!

This coming week I already have the idea in my head.  It's a little personal....so get the tissue ready.  Just warning ya!!

Week 32

I've been working in a new sketchbook like crazy lately.  Seriously.  I found a  7" square hardbound book at Hobby Lobby recently.  And for some reason the newness of the pages has me all inspired!  This week I was going to paint a bird cage...but instead ended up using some of the doodles from the pages I am swiftly filling up.  And I love it.  I do.  Sometimes I really don't like my work, honest to goodness.  And other times I want to give myself a giant hug 'cause I love it so much.  Hugs were happening in the art room this week!

I'm still obsessing over Delta Creative's Soy Paint.  I'm telling you folks they need to send me a box for upcoming workshops so I can get all my students hooked too! (hint hint Delta is you are listening!!) It is the best paint ever.  The colors are so vibrant and rich.

I'm calling this one "A Lovely garden".....right now our rose bushes are blooming again.  The bright red blooms with a hint of pink are a welcoming site to the front of our home.   I suppose these inspired the red blooms.  The orange birds...well it's about time I changed up the bird color.  Besides I keep finding tiny pink and orange irredescent bird feathers near my mailbox.  I'd love to see who is leaving them behind.  They are so delicate and beautiful.

We have a family filled wedding weekend coming up.  I'm sure my instagram is going to be off the charts all weekend.  If you follow me sorry....if you don't follow my instagrams you might want to (artsyorange).  Where the wedding is being held is magical.  I'm sure my work will be infused with this place next week!

Week 31...Scattering JOY

Last week before my big run I blogged about it....and you guys sent the BEST well wishes a girl could have hoped for.  And then after the race I posted about the whole experience.  Again, I was blown away at the kindness you threw my way through comments, emails and texts.  Some were uber kind.  Tickled my heart.   I knew exactly what I was going to paint this week.  Even if it scared the heck out of me!  I was going to paint a self -portrait blowing kisses your way.  Awwww....I know.

First I had to get a good portrait in the pose I wanted, which was me blowing a kiss.  This was funny....hilarious actually.  I made some pretty bad pics....just sayin' a profil pic  is not my best shot with the nose I inherited!  Wowsa.  Tiffin shared with me a new lensapp and boy did I go to town with that any extra second I had.  Love the heart filter!! 

And then came the painting part.  I took lots of pics of the process.  I should share them with you.  But I'm not.  Because they are really, really scary.  Like holy cheesecracker can she paint?  Bad.  Blah.  This painting took me literally all week.  I took it to school and worked on it before my punch in the clock hour.  So this little painting took about 6 hours.  Since I finished it yesterday in the studio.  I do not like to take that long on paintings.  I get bored with them.  Ants in the pants type of thing.

On Friday it was on my desk all day because every second extra I had I was painting on it.  The kiddos couldn't help but see it since my desk is grand central station in the room.  Those kids totally gave me an ego booster...and made me realize, okay I can finish this thing!  One kid said, "So when do we get to be as good a painter as you Mrs. Horne?"  Awwww....shucks!!!  Of course none realized it was me.  One too wise for his own britches 3rd grade boy told me the hair was much to yellow and needed more bronze and gold highlights.  (Wonder what he's gonna be when he grows up?)

Saturday I added the hearts and doodle lines.  Overall, I do love it.  Not planning on becoming a painter of people though.  I think I stick to flowers, bunnies and birds!  haha...

Week 30

I was trying to figure out where to start with this week's canvas.  So in looking at all the canvases hanging I realized, "I've not painted a truck!!"  So here it is.  A happy pinkish truck.   Yummy fun.

Have you ever thought about your happy place?  I mentioned on my studio blog that I just love my screened-in-porch.  But honestly it's the whole dang house that I love.  I still drive up to it in awe that I live here.  I was telling Melissa at PSW this weekend that we used to live in 1000 sq feet.  Her eyes bugged out and she said, "You went from 1000 sq feet to THIS?  You must be in heaven here then!"  Yes Melissa I am.  And thus why I really never want to leave my house.  Why sometimes I wish my job was just 3 days so I could have 2 days in the studio.  Wishing....dreaming....one day!  For now we are loving our weekends with limited activities.  I also love Friday nights...the only night of the week we don't have a somewhere to be.  During the week we flow effortlessly through the house doing what we do.  It's a good place to be.  It's a place to be happy.