Sunday, March 9, 2014

My Art Journey and......International Girlz-Japan COMPLETED!


Well, it's been a while since I posted here, but as you read along, you'll see that I have been emotionally growing in my hiatus from blogging.

I am feeling better about drawing and painting faces. It took a lot of research, a lot of practice, and the investment in COPIC markers (and yes, I am officially addicted) to become comfortable with faces and skin tones.

When I started painting (to keep busy when I didn't have commissioned scrap pages to do), my pieces were rather personal. They were inspired by my hopes of seeing some good in me, instead of always trying to 'fix my faults'.

Also, I was raising a grand daughter who was coming into her teen years with a tremendous lack of self esteem (gee, I wonder why?).

So I braved my first painting of a girl with a message for my grand daughter. It didn't take long to realize the message was for both of us.

Let Yourself Be Amazing


I loved the process and was very proud of my work. This little giddy pride made me realize that my own self esteem needed some work.

So, I ran out to Michaels and purchased a 6 pack of canvasses. I put my hands and mind to work wanting to build every girl's and woman's self esteem.

I painted one; I painted another and then, another.









I was hooked...I was having fun...I was proud... and I saw my painting getting better. My "Whimsical Girlz" Series grew out of self healing.
You can't see see it, but I am smiling as I write this.

But, like any artist, you just can't get enough. Though I love these Girlz and what the process has meant to me, I wanted to improve even more, to be courageous and grow.

More thought, more research (YouTube is awesome) and before I knew it, I WAS getting better. See for yourself. My new series "International Girlz" now has three paintings.

"I am unique and there is nothing more beautiful."
Prints of this painting are currently available in my Etsy Shop, Ya Ya Scrap and Print.
"Your eyes show the strength of your soul."
Prints of this painting will be available 3/10 in my Etsy Shop, Ya Ya Scrap and Print.
"Virtue appears from good deeds and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind."
Prints of this painting will be available soon in my Etsy Shop, Ya Ya Scrap and Print.


I've mentioned this before, but I think you can never forget your ANGELS. Nothing regarding my art would have been possible if it wasn't for the 'kudos' I have gotten from my family, friends and the group of artists I met through two phenominal art groups that I belong to.

One group is affiliated with Kelly Rae Roberts. She is an amazing artist, author, possibilitarian and an inspiration to all who cross her path.

The second group is affiliated with Tracy Weinzapfel-Burgos. Her art has been published in various magazines and she hosts Mixed Media Mondays on Ustream each week at 7pm.

Both of these artists have inspired me and convinced me that "I AM" (Tracy B. will love this) all that I thought I wasn't worthy to be. They taught me I am not alone in my failures and I am not alone in my successes. I have the support and encouragement of other artists  in these groups (and my sister, of course... my biggest fan) and they constantly challenge me to move forward.

So... whew... that is my journey up to now and if you are still reading along then give a sigh of relief. I'm done. Thank you for 'listening' and I FEEL WONDERFUL!



4 comments:

  1. OMG!!!! I didn't see all of these. I LOVE them. Like I said, you need to teach.....You are great!!! I just love your work and wish I could draw like you. I love whimsical and you do it beautifully. I am so proud of you. You should be proud of yourself, you are an amazing person inside and out.

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    1. Thank you, Donna. You are one of my biggest fans and your support is exactly what I was talking about in this post. I always know that you are truly cheering me on and your support is heartfelt. Hugs, girlie!

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  2. Aww how sweet you are. But believe me, you don't need me to cheer you on. Your an artist beyond what you think you are. You need to find a gallery or something and start selling your beauties. <3

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  3. Look at you!!! I love your series so far and love your art. You ARE a very talented ARTIST and I always love when I see one of your posts. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Huggsss,
    Yvonne

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