Joyful Purpose

Draw what you love!

When in doubt draw what inspires you, what you have a passion for, what you love!  If that is chickens, tea cups, hearts, faces, or critters then so be it!  I find that we often fight our natural urges to be creative for fear that it isn't current or hip or "artistic" enough.  When you are true to what you are passionate about it shows.  

For me more often then not that is horses.  They have been a constant part of life and being since I was 7yrs old and still are to this day.  I can't imagine my life without them.  For a long time I fought this constant attraction to put them in my artwork for fear that it wouldn't bode well with others.  I finally came to accept that hey, this is who I am!  I love horses, chickens, goats, owls, ravens, hawks and pretty much any furry or feathered critter.  LET FREEDOM RING!

So today be free to draw or paint or collage the things that you dearly love!




 

Awkward Teenager Phase

All paintings go through the awkward teenager phase.  I don't care how trained, accomplished, or fabulous you are; there is is always a point in the evolution of a piece where it looks awkward.  You will want to toss it and start a new all the while doubting your abilities to even put brush to paint.  Thoughts that may arise  - I don't know who I am kidding, I'm not an artist ... I really am wasting my time ... who do I think I am ... really? seriously?  to mention just a few.  But hold tight!  This is normal and even necessary!  Stick with it!  It is the process of the painting.  So I am showing you the evolution of my work to see that I really do practice what I preach.

I find it helpful to work on two paintings at once so when you are totally frustrated with one you can set it down and grab the other.  It is amazing with some time away how the spirit is refreshed!

 

 

 

sketch

 

 

 

 

laying in background

 

 

 

 

 

Layering (awkward teenager)

 

 

 

 

Starting to mature

 

So stay tuned .....

Progression with Paint and Horses

I often work on quick studies in my journal in preparation for the finished pieces - often just working on line and color as above ......

Here is the progression of my watercolor painting of a horse so far.  I often start something and leave it for months and just stare at it before I actually start work on it again.  So after doing some quick studies last night I woke up to feeling it was time to begin on this guy.  Stay tuned ....

Playing with Portraits

 

I normally don't paint people.  But the way to grow - to get yourself moving is to stretch and do something new.  I teach many online classes, but I take them as well.  I believe we can never stop learning - there is always room for more.  So I have started two new classes this week - Misty Mawn's Open Studio Workshop and Pixie Campbell's Soul Lodge.

 

Studio Work

Come take a peek into my studio and see what I worked on today ...

come a little closer ...

closer ...

closer ...

Horse Sketchin

For Morgan

" ... without a horse in my keeping I would feel as if I had lost touch with the earth "  - Beryl Markham

In May of 2008 I felt like I had lost touch with the earth ...

My beloved soulmate Ebony passed.

 I never thought I would get over my grief.  It was through my art that I did.  I still miss her each and every day but now it is more sweet than bitter.  A friend told me while I was grieving that one day Ebony's spirit would come to rest inside of me.  That one day I will feel her strength and love in every breath.  Now indeed I do. 

Recently, Morgan, lost her long time four legged soulmate and is feeling like she has lost touch with the earth.  So Morgan this is for you - an understanding, a comfort in knowing that one day your sweet one will come to rest within you ...

A Remembrance Book

HEAVEN

being on the back of a horse makes me feel like I can fly ~

Journal Thoughts

Journaling from the Lake

We got to our beloved Priest Lake, Id on Sat. and have been enjoying the beauty, peace and bliss.  I love to  watercolor journal when and I am here. 

The view the first night we were here


morning view from the deck of the cabin




supplies