Two Tents

I was listening to someone talk about contentment. There are two kinds of tents, they say, contentment and discontent. Discontent is not necessarily bad. There are some things we should be discontent with such as injustice or racial prejudice for example. So this got me thinking. What is contentment for me? I truly do not believe it is about things. Although I am as guilty as anyone that has way more art supplies than I need. For me it is being out in nature, being with family and friends and creating my art. 

What makes you content?

Spring Fades and Summer Beckons

What happened to a week of spring break? Time is flying. I think I often get so busy with the general busyness of life I don't slow down to enjoy it like I should. I did spend some time at the beach with my parents over Easter which was nice since we had not been together for a while. As much as I want to see them more often, the more difficult it is to be really with them. Every little thing becomes a big thing. I am impatient. They are impatient. When did things change? They are so different from the way I have always known them. They have always been active and on the go. They are in their eighties now and slowing down a lot. I think I have just finally slammed into a wall called "Age and the Passage of Time". Will I need to parent them? How? So many questions. I am so thankful though to have my brothers, husband and other family for support. I know that even when life can be trying I am blessed.

 My husband has been taking lots of nature photos lately. I think he has a real eye for photography. Spring has been beautiful, my favorite time of year. We have had some nasty weather in my part of NC. One school in our county was destroyed in a tornado. However it has been awesome to see the community come together and help out where there is a need.

I did get to spend a couple of days at Art and Soul in Hampton, Va. Two of my classes were with Susan Lenart Kazmer who is wildly creative and has enough energy to get anyone inspired. I really enjoyed working on jewelry pieces that were outside of my usual design realm. My friend, Donna, and I go every  few years or so. It's a good venue and always fun to see and be around other artful souls.

Okay Murphy, say goodnight. 

     

Post Artfest

Ahh...what a way to vacation. Several days to just create art, be with like minded people, and not to have any laundry or dust bunnies calling your name. I returned from artfest last week all excited to share what I did and ready to spend every spare minute painting or creating jewelry. It did not take long to be back into the ebb and flow of everyday life here. BUT, I have done some, actually more art work within the week than I usually do. All of my classes were wonderful. I thought each time I learned something I would think "just this is worth coming all the way here." Misty Mawn taught us to make some funky paintings but I think I learned mostly to loosen up and play with the lines and paint. Just to let it flow naturally.

I took a second class with Nina Bagley. What a sweet soul. It was wonderful to be in another class with her. She is so patient and willing to explain techniques over and over until you understand. The class was called the Necklace of Affirmations. How wonderful to know that when I need it I have only to read through these affirmations each day to remind myself of who I am and what I am about.

I have also admired Lynne Perella's work for a long time so I signed up for her "Foreign Intrigue" class as my third class. I have a few of the stamps she has designed and have always liked the way she uses bold colors and unique collage compositions. She is a great teacher that inspired a lot of confidence in what I am doing and affirmed that maybe continuing with my painting and mixed media art work is the way to go for me. Thanks to all of those that were there to teach and so graciously share their knowledge. I'll put up some photos of artfest soon.

Hurry Scurry

I have almost....yes almost finished my trades for ArtFest. I am getting awfully excited and I have been thinking about being there for months. Now to help host a baby shower, finish Bible study, make lesson plans for the sub next week, and pack! Packing should be no problem as packing my art supplies takes priority. I figure a pair of jeans and a couple sweaters...what else could I really need to wear? We'll see. I always over pack. If any sees me in the Seattle airport, I'll be the one with paint oozing out of my suitcase and bits of fluttering ephemera will be in a scattered in a trail where ever I go. I'm sure I'll have lots to tell when I return and loads of pictures.

So Much Art...So Little Time

This weekend will be dedicated to creating trade items for Art Fest. It's amazing how quickly it is coming up. I hope to get several ATC's made and maybe some charms to swap while I am there. I also have been working on designing business cards. I'm thinking of either going with Vista or Moo. The option of Moo Minis is great, but Vista is more affordable. Anyone have their favorites?
I'm struggling to come up with an idea that is not trite for this month's Sketchbook Challenge, "spilling over". I'll share when I decide on a few sketches. Given the stress of work lately I am finding I more and more want to draw, paint... just make art! So much so that I am dreaming of the day I leave full time work to focus on creating.  If you haven't seen it, there is a great article in the new Somerset Studio on Kelly Rae Roberts. Happy weekend!

Six More Weeks

I cannot believe in six weeks I'll be in Seattle. Being able to go to Art Fest this year has been the carrot I've chased to get me through the past few months. I was in Kelly Rae Roberts' Flying Lessons online class last summer. She told how Art Fest was what really got her to decide to become an artist and to take a leap of faith. ( I am paraphrasing of course) When I saw registration was open I decided I needed to take the leap and go...just go. Do you ever get an instinctual feeling that something wonderful is going to happen? That's the way I've felt lately. Like this is the beginning of what I've always wanted to do. Make art.

I had forgotten how much I really enjoy drawing and painting. I've been sketching for the Sketchbook Challenge and I find myself lost in it. Here is one sketch I did for the February theme of opposites.

Apples and Oranges
I'm working now on ATC's and other trades. I'll share later as I don't want to give away any surprises. I suppose I should also work on how to pack one suitcase with art supplies and a little bit of clothing.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We came within a few hours of having a White Christmas this year. While it does snow in our area sometimes, it usually comes in January or February. We also usually get only a couple of inches.

We measured 7.5 inches in the morning, but we maybe had more as it kept coming down all day.

Here are a few more photos of our winter wonderland.