Getting Back to Creating ...

You know ... thinking back through my projects - it seems to me that I tend to paint and create when I have a reason to, as commissioned work or gift-giving - - rather than just for the sake of creating. I am wondering if I will be able to shake this routine - even when I am consciously attempting the 12-week course of The Artistic Mother --- Which, by the way, I am part of a large group of like-minded gals who are attempting this feat as well. Check on my sidebar for a link to where you can also pay visit to other artistic women who are on a similar journey ... an artistic sisterhood, per se - - it's nice to know one has company! :) If you would like to join us - stop by at http://www.artisticcreationswithtrudy.blogspot.com/.

Getting back to creating ... Friday and Saturday held a paintbrush in my hand - and, Dear Lord - it felt good! The reason for the painting? - because you know there is! - my mother-in-law's birthday. Right away, I pictured something for or representing her flower garden ... and so, the process began ...

Worn wood from old basement shelves - - character, I say ... after swiping off a few cobwebs! Although, my mom declares that cobwebs simply add texture! LOL!

This may have been the most fun! Throwing paint around & loving that blue!

Adding some warmth and wear with stain.

The makings of a Chickadee - I have such a soft spot for these birds. Funny thing, too, is that my mom-in-law seems to have one of these little characters in her garden that attempts to chase her out each morning. So, it seems appropriate that a darling chickadee must be included.

There he is.

Wild roses ... these are the most fragrant and beautiful roses I've ever seen. And, lucky am I, that a bush has been transferred to our yard. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that it will dig its roots in and bloom this summer.

Hollyhocks ... can one have a cottage garden without them?

Meadowsweet.

Sweet William.

Within my Garden ... Magic lives.

It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way. So we must dig and delve unceasingly.

- Claude Monet

Finally! A spark!!

Trying to will myself to be creative was not working. Days passed and to no avail. I worried that my paintbrushes would dry rot from complete lack of use!

So - - yesterday, while my daughter was still recouping in her room - while my husband and son were off trekking through the snow - while my pup was taking his daily nap ...

I popped into my computer one of my most favorite films ...

If you have been following my blog for any length of time, you will know that films tend to be a muse of sort for me ...

When making homemade pancakes in the morning, I like to have You've Got Mail playing in the background (don't laugh!) ...

When painting holiday/winter scenes, my pick is The Family Stone ...

When painting warm, light magical pieces, it's Miss Potter.

Truly, if you are an artist and have not seen this movie - - you must treat yourself. An enchanting film that captures the inspiring life of Miss Beatrix Potter - set in the beautiful landscape of The Lake District of England. - how I would love to pay a visit!! But for now ... I experience it magic through this film - and really, it is just enough to, finally, spark my creativity.

So ... Peace & Quiet ... Miss Potter - my muse ... and the action of actually pulling out my paints & brushes. Quite glad that I had my hubby bring up some old wood from the basement!

Images of spring - gardens - light - magic are unfolding in my head ... Hmm - - I wonder just where my paintbrushes may take me ... I'll keep you posted! :)

Use your mind to flourish within self-imposed restrictions. Find your own muse within your little world.

- Beaman Cole

Bumps Along the Way ...

Well - - life hit some small bumps and knocked me right of the bloggin' wagon (again.) ... those small bumps disguised as snowy roads, school delays and sick days that have left me feeling sucked dry of creativity and not an ounce of mojo to kick me into gear. It is in the early morning hours when taking our pup outdoors that I swear I hear Old Man Winter's laughter in the wind. Sometimes, I feel as though the devil himself is creating obstacle after obstacle to interfere with my ability to sit down with my paintbrushes.

So, today I find myself with that time ... and how do I feel? Uninspired.

Oh, you should hear my bitter laughter. I must keep it down though, as my daughter is still upstairs mending from her nasty bug - - third day home. Poor thing tried to head to school this morning, and was back in bed within the hour. My son is with Grammy and Pappy today - - mercifully, they offered to pick him up from school for a shopping trip to the mall ... thank you.

He was so excited that he woke this morning and dressed himself before heading down the stairs - - interesting pairing of shirt and pants (*smile*) - - I suggested something warmer and he reminded me that, "Grammy & Pappy don't care what I wear and, Mom - God made me!" Well - I guess he told me! So, off to school he went ...

And, now, I sit here ... pondering what to do. One thing that my mind is churning on is a design for a gift that I need to make. I do believe that it will be the creative project that will pull me from my gloomy mood and sprinkle a good dose of brightness to my day. You know what else brightens my day? - - - Candy-coated chocolate that doesn't melt in your hands ...

Hey! Who ate all my M&Ms???? How 'bout that - - my hind end answered ... apparently, it was me.

In order to get from what was to what will be, you must go through what is.

- Anonymous

A Day for Nate ...

Sunshine to warm the air;

Giggling boys & sweet wide smiles;

A race of socked feet & furry paws;

Matchbox cars lined up for miles.

Lunchtime is called up the stair;

Sleeves are rolled - little hands delighted

Messy sauce & yummy cheese -

Two friends on stools sighted.

A boy's story is the best that is ever told.

-- Charles Dickens

A Fresh Start ...

Over a cup of tea this morning, I poured over the words and images of The Artistic Mother, and began the first step towards my goal of incorporating creativity into my daily life ... My Artistic Vision Statement. It is said that this Statement "reflects how you want to live your life - of ideals for which to strive ... Think big!" So ... here goes ...

I am a creative woman who is in love with life. I am creating a body of work to reflect me and the blessings that surround me. I do this every day - no matter the obstacles - experiencing a part of the creative process to keep my soul uplifted.

I am creating a body of work that captures my view of life and my children through photography, mixed media and poetry. I am a whimsy soul - focusing on the wonderment of each day - and bringing forth that element into my art.

I honor God, my husband and my children with all I do, feel, think and say.

Along with this declaration comes Long-Term and Short-Term Goals. These lists will, undoubtedly, be amended or added to over time, but it is a starting point for me.

Long-Term Goals:

• Take stunning photos of my children.
• Develop an art workshop to teach in the next 5 years.
• Exhibit a work of art in a gallery.
• Create a line of greeting cards.
• Create a line of wall art.
• Contract boutiques to carry my art.
• Be published in a creative magazine.

Short-Term Goals:

• Take 5 decent photos of each of my children.
• Complete this 12-week course! :)
• Experience at least one element of the creative process daily.
• Post on my blog each day.
• Go to the museum.
• Make one craft with my children each week.
• Attend local gallery shows.
• Make one homemade gift each month.
• Schedule a weekend at an artist retreat.
• Research local boutiques for needs.
• Take my camera each time I leave the house.
• Take my children on summer field trips each week.
• Research teaching art classes to children.

Whew! I feel joyful! ... and so very anxious to dig into this journey. Thank you to Donna and Nicole for your words of encouragement ... your continued support through my random absences have truly meant so much! And, thank you to the author of this incredible bound of creativity ... Shona Cole. You all may be interested to know that on her blog she is offering a chance to WIN a copy of this very book!! Stop by!

Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.

~Leonardo da Vinci

A Promise to Me ....

I have been feeling starved for months now ... no. NOT for food (Lord knows He equipped my husband with the love of cooking and I with a love for food. Dangerous combo - - ask my hips!)

No ... this starvation is to satisfy my soul. My heart pangs for daily creativity ... and I've just been overwhelmed with family life and other obligations/projects to enter that nook in my over-crowded mind; so that I can just let go and explore the ideas and imagery that have been trying to find room to blossom up there.

When I feel this way .... it's almost as if I feel suffocated and I tend to just flounder through the day. To pull myself from this rut, I need to be inspired! I will visit my favorite blogs ... pick up charming magazines ... research other artists ... and when that doesn't do the trick - - I head to the bookstore!

So, it was there that I found myself on Saturday afternoon. And, it was there that I found exactly what I needed ...

I am taking this week to explore this wonderful book - create my plans to incorporate art into my daily life - flow that creativity into raising our children and bringing back into our world a bit of whimsy.

Childhood is fleeting. And, I no longer want to just "get through the day" by doing the chores, running the errands, making sure all the "have to's" are done. I want to bring enchantment and wonder back into our lives. I miss it. There was a time - not so long ago - that car rides on old country roads were for finding fairies hiding in the trees, and warm, sunny days were for picnicking along the riverbank with crayons and paper to capture the ladybugs and pretty leaves.

Perhaps its the season ... cold, snowy, icy ... we are all ready to climb the walls for fresh air! Well - - I cannot wait for good ole Jack Frost to be done with us ... I need to bring the sunshine and warmth into our home - - and I think that daily artsy whims will be the rays of light that'll do the trick!

So, next week starts my new commitment to creativity ... a daily exploration of some sort. This book contains a 12-week art course and I am anxious to plunge into it!

I read that accountability is the key to keeping yourself on track ... so I choose you - - my readers. I plan to post my progress daily .... a HUGE step for me - - as you know, I've been off and on so much lately!

My goal is to create a fulfilling life for myself creatively, as well as our family. Perhaps you would like to join me in this venture? No time like the present! Ask yourself ... are you living artfully? (*smile*)

What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.

~John Updike

Dear Weatherman ...

"Winter Storm Warning - expect 4-10 inches" ... it appears that they were a bit off the mark ... AGAIN! 23 inches of snow later - - over one evening ... Sledding even seems to be out of the question with this much snow!

The most that we can do right now is ... Shovel. UGH!
I look at this day as a day to relax with the intermittent chore of shoveling (mostly done by my hubby - thank you, Hon!) ... a day to kick back in our PJ's, play games, read a book or do whatever our hearts' desires may be. My daughter apparently is still stuck in school mode ...

Humph. She just can't kick having having a "scuedule" ... :)

Happy Saturday!!

Spring has sprung ...

... at least inside our home - - outside is another story. For those who know me (and love me anyway!), know that I am a seasonal decorator who dedicates a good week to make the switch from one season to another. I change our home's decor according to the weather outside - - So, needless to say, I feel as though I am floundering a bit as I pass through a room with silk posies and cherished seashells and meet Jack Frost's breath the moment I open my door. I feel quite unbalanced at the moment ... Let's see if you feel the same -

Inside ... ... and outside ...Humph. You got bit, didn't you? :) Well, this too shall pass - - six weeks, right Phil? Certainly not forever. I am determined to make the best of my clashing world ... paint in bright hues to warm my soul and sip hot cocoa to ward off the chill. Sounds like a plan ... :)

The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination.

~Ward Elliot Hour

For the LOVE of HOME ...

I had experienced the most loveliest of pleasures during Christmastime this past season ... I was commissioned to create two home portraits as Christmas gifts; or, as I would like to refer to them - - heirlooms, as I do hope they become that to the families that receive them.

The first touched my heart tenderly. It was created for my client's mother-in-law who will be leaving her homestead, which she and her family fondly refer to as "The Ranch", to move into a retirement facility without the companionship of her husband, who passed away just months before.

First are the photos from which I worked from, and the portrait follows thereafter --

Truly, there were times when painting this portrait that my heart felt full and tears filled my eyes. There are moments that I feel stunned by how quickly time passes ... families grow and change .... generations move on. I reflected on how I would feel in her shoes ... as if a chapter were closing -- but in my 90's, would I feel as if a new one would begin again or would I simply hold tight to the memories of what used to be? It reminded me of my grandparent's home that I continually drive past even though it is not a convenient route. Gram is in that very same facility and Pap is gone. Our family dynamic changed - life changed - and yet time keeps rollin' on, never pausing. The nature of life is delicate, and noting that, I comfort myself in the blessings that it holds .... faith. love. family. home.

The next portrait is of home that houses a family who truly does live that motto. This painting was almost playful for me as it was requested that I dress it for Christmas. How fun!

May you all hold dear on to your faith, be wrapped up in love, blessed with the joy of family and nutured within the dwelling of your home. Happy New Year!

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

~Thomas Jefferson

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

... did you sing-song the title? :)

One would think that I would be hyped up and ready for the season ... and, honestly? That is farther from the truth than anything! I can hardly believe that it is the eve of December 7th and not only have I not pulled together recipes (let alone bake them!), but I haven't even shopped!! Of course, this is not completely unusual for us - - it would not be the holiday season if I were not cross-eyed with exhaustion and nearly cutting my fingertips off instead of ribbon while watching Christmas Vacation for the hundredth time!! It's just how we roll ... it's tradition. However, one of these years - I swear! - I will have gifts purchased and wrapped before December - - how lovely that must be for those on the ball (sigh).

The one thing that is checked off of my list - - we are decorated and the tree is up! Truly, an accomplishment as this year was trying ... we were all suffering from head colds and what normally takes me a couple days of decorating, took me practically a week! It was making my son crazy ... he kept reminding me of our need to decorate (as my dining room table was HEAPED with decor!) and how Santa will be so upset with us - - too cute! Then, I would find little decorations placed here and there, and when I would go to move it, he had a fit saying, "I'm decorating! Go lay down and rest." :) My helper.

So, I decided that since my daughter was having major drama over our tree being in a different place this year ... really? Does it matter? ... I figured that I would have to put up the village. Lord knows that a hissy fit would have occurred if all of our tradition took a different spin this year! So, up went the village ...

My ode to Charles Dickens and Norman Rockwell :)

Some other new do-dads to note ...

A large, grungy ornament...

A sweet, little Christmas mouse ... perched atop my favorite flea-market find ...

... that also houses my seasonal books and snow-bound memories. BTW, loved this book! Dorothea Benton Frank ... awe, just the best!!

... and something not so new - - our nativity. It's as old as I am! Just don't ask HOW old ... :) My dad had built the manger when I was a little girl ... I love having this in our home.

Something else treasured ...

My daughter's skates. The last ornament given to my daughter from her great-Pap-Pap.

And, finally ...

... our tree.

I'm thinking that our visiting elves should be arriving this week to spread a little magic - - perhaps that will be the kick in the pants that I'm waiting for!

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

~Burton Hillis

Pining for evergreen ...

So, my mind is planning the de-autumn-izing (new word!) of our home, as my eyes are weary of all the orange and rust that seems to be everywhere. Don't get me wrong ... I love fall. I was so anxious to pull it out and drape it everywhere in August! Now, I am pining for my evergreen! Truly, I could never be one to live in an area that does not receive all four seasons - - they are such gifts! Yes ... our winters do seem to last FOREVER ... but I try to look at it as "longer sled riding weather!" You should see my sister and I race down my mother's hill - - it's exhilarating - but quite a sight! ... especially when I am decked out in my husband's hunting suit - - hey, that baby's warm! And, yes - at first, we all try to hop on the sled - kids and all. But, then - my daughter likes to fly solo and my son - well, he prefers to eat snow. We've guided him against the yellow .... :)

Back to decor - - Realizing that the autumn wall hanging in my living room would not look so great next to our Christmas tree and I really did not want a bare wall (I'm not a sparse decorator by no means) - - I decided to turn the wall hanging over and paint the other side! BTW, the wall hanging is made from the same canvas that I use for the family tree wall hangings.

I wanted a winter scene - not Christmas - as I want to be able to keep it up until spring has sprung. So, I decided on a tree (shocking, I know ...) and the kiddos. Hmmmmm. What shall they be doing? My daughter suggested ice skating - already did that. Building a snowman? - already did that. Humph.

Cardinals - they must be part of it! You see, cardinals hold a very special meaning in our family. They were my pap's favorite bird (as well as my Gram's - didn't want to leave you out!), and every time that the kids and I, as well as my mom and sister, see one - we like to think that Pap had sent it from heaven to remind us that he is still watching over us. Silly maybe ... but it gives us such comfort.

So - we have cardinals. Cardinals = Birdhouse ... Birdhouse hung in tree ... Feeding the birds - - can you see my brain churnin'? LOL.

I settled on my daughter hanging the birdhouse ...

... and my son feeding a bird ...

And, the cardinals? Why, they are nestled in the tree ...

This is the illustration for our Christmas cards this year, as well as a decoration in our home ...

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.

~Edith Sitwell

Break out those Christmas Carols ...

... because I'm ready! Now, by "ready", I mean that my holiday mindset is in place and I'm feeling all sorts "Joy to the World" nostalgia. I, in no sense of the word, am "ready" by way of preparation! Heavens no! My core make-up is one of a procrastinator ... which usually suits me fine, with the exception of excess of clutter and lack of sleep that usually accompanies such a trait. But, since my husband is incredibly easy-going and my kids seem to fuel their creativity from my paints and pencils strewn on the counter tops - - then, so be it. :)

Now, you may ask ... what prompted my release of sweet, silver bells prior to their airing on the air waves?? Why, illustrating Christmas cards!

I created these for a friend from high school that I was blessed to have just reconnected with (gotta love that Facebook!), and it turns out that we are neighbors! Not next-door neighbors - I'm really not THAT unfriendly! - but another street, a few house down.

She requested an illustration to capture her two daughters baking Christmas cookies and to include her two pups.

So, I popped one of the favorite holiday movies ...

Can you guess which one it is?

Pulled out the ol' Coldpress and began sketching ....

Next, I brought out the acrylics ...

And, about three this morning, I set down the paintbrush ...

A Christmas Illustration for the Comperatore Family ...

(BTW, the movie ... "The Family Stone" ... by far - one of my most beloved films!)

Meredith: So, you never told me what I was doing in your dream ...

Ben: You were shovelling snow.

Meredith: I ... What?

Ben: You were just a little girl in a flannel night gown. And you were shovelling snow from the walk in front of our house. And I was the snow, I was the snow. And everywhere it landed and everywhere it covered. You scoop me up with a big red shovel. You scoop me up.

- Sarah Jessica Parker as "Meredith Morton"

Luke Wilson as "Ben Stone"

The Family Stone