My artistic journey began over 20 years ago with paint. I was about 21 when I picked up my first artist brush and tried my hand at decorative and tole painting. I never took lessons, but for what I did on my own, I was pretty happy with the results.
Several years later, I used paint to decorate t-shirts. Remember those sparkly tee shirts that were so popular in the late 80′s early 90′s? I painted roses, watermelons and all sorts of things…oh and even cows and watermelons…can you imagine? I actually wore a t-shirt with painted cows and watermelons on it! TACKY! Oh well….that was then…
So after watching yesterdays Cool2Craft show about all the different ways to use paint….I got a little inspired…okay ALOT inspired! My creative Sista’s, Heidi, Tiffany and Candace J. really rocked that show and inspired me to get out the paint…..And being that we’re in the middle of what seems to be a deluge here in Missouri, I thought I’d try some of my watercolor crayons for the first time….It’s been YEARS since I’ve painted anything like that other than faux paint on a wall…sooooo…..
It was a beautiful – sunny, warm, breezy day yesterday which made for a perfect day to sit out on my front porch and just let the creativity flow and draw what came to me…and paint what I just drew! The first picture is called Be Yourself…as I was drawing it, I was thinking about how we judge ourselves against other people and make silly comparisons…unnecessary comparisons….but really who does “US” better…than OURSELVES? I am perfect at being me…an imperfect me…but I’m the only one who can be “ME” ….so that’s how I came up with the BE YOURSELF – just a fun exercise…no real expectations…..just fun…and just being me….
A little later, Mariah joined me on the porch wanting to draw faces. There’s something about drawing faces and about making the little figures that I make in polymer clay that intrigues me….I love the creative process and creating expression..it’s addicting. I love to try all different shapes of faces…of eyes….and a little of the “what if” technique…So here’s a little girl – I call “Whimsey Girl” …. because I drew just what came to mind….
While Im not picasso…and never will be….I loved the time I spent destressing, doodling and coloring……It’s so relaxing and rewarding….
I hope you’ll take a moment or two to enjoy some outside time this week….take a pad of paper and pencil and destress too!!
Today, Im in the studio designing more projects for my next Creative Life show featuring the them of Outdoor Living and juicy watermelon embellishments…fun and whimsical – and a great way to juice up your summer!
