Life Lessons


"Figuring out our gifts in life is part of our journey to becoming enlightened human beings.” – Allison DuBois

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A Moment of Zen



Song - Painting Pictures - Adele


A morning of painting is usually like meditation for me. Especially if I can get into that "zone".

This morning I went to my favorite painting class and that was just what this girl needed.

Our teacher, Marcy Wheeler creates a wonderful supportive, fun environment that also encourages us to step outside our comfort zone.

Some are more willing than others.

Joanne Taeuffer (detail)



(I tend to be a little "pokey" in that department.)

Today, I brought in my Sergio Romo painting and although I thought it was close to being finished, there were several suggestions made that really improved the painting.  As soon as I add all of the raindrops, I will post it for you.

Everyone in the class is at a different level and each has their own personal style but each of us respects that style and each other.

At the end of class we all participate in a critique of our current work.

Patricia Dallacroce


I have been painting with Marcy for 6 1/2 years now.  She still amazes me with her insight into art, design and life!


Thank you to the Thursday morning painting group and especially Marcy!




If you live in the Bay Area and are interested in painting please check out Marcy's website at
http://marcywheeler.com/

Joanne Taeuffer -  http://joannetaeuffer.com/

Patricia Dallacroce - http://www.dallacroce.com/#home

And many other fine artists in the group!



“As long as one keeps searching, the answers come.” 
– Joan Baez



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

30 Paintings in 30 Days


just yesterday,


I posted about my 

One Little Word?



And that word is
Simplify

 .......oh my.


I am on Day 1 - January First - and my life has already gotten a little more complicated.

Today I just signed up for Leslie Saeta's  "30 Paintings in 30 Days"

A Cloudy Day by Leslie Saeta



Leslie paints with thick, lush colors using a palette knife. Check out her Painting Website HERE

My intention is to paint more often and if this challenge gets me in the studio every day, then it's a good thing.  My theme will be "FACES" that way I can paint both people and animals.

The most I have ever done was 14 paintings in 2 weeks. (See some of them below)



If you are an artist, please join in!  The registration is still open!

Come on, it will be fun!


Now for the complicated part - not painting 30 paintings but learning how to add a "Buy It Now" button to my blog.

Happy 2013!

"In the game of life it's a good idea to have a few early losses, which relieves you of the pressure of trying to maintain an undefeated season." - Bill Baughan




Monday, December 31, 2012

2013 One Little Word


Song - While My Guitar Gently Weeps by George Harrison


Wishing you A Very Happy 2013!

I still have a house full of "Christmas" because I am painting like crazy to get some new pieces ready for a show going up next week at the Lafayette Gallery "Tokens of Affection"!

It feels so wonderful to be painting again!!  Yippee!

Here is one of Sergio Romo on the final game of the Division Championship.  I still need to work on the rain, the shadow color under his arm and the background crowd a little but I just love the energy in this painting!




The GIANTS have clinched the NL Championship


I will show it to you when it's finished!



If you have never heard of "One Little Word", check it out on Ali Edwards site or on Big Picture Classes.


 

In 2010 I chose the word "intention" for me to use for the upcoming New Year. It turned out to be a great word as I would pause and set an intention (or game plan) before moving forward.  



Last year it was "balance" which ended up being too general of a word for me. 

During the last month,  I have been "feeling out words" for 2013.

I have narrowed it down to several which each has a pull for me.


Grace

Inspire

Lighten

Mindful

Purposeful

Serenity
 
 
 



But one word that is sticking with me is "Simplify".  As my life gets more and more complicated, simplifying feels like breathing room. 

A concious effort must be made to simplify anything - paperwork, household possesions, shopping, eating....every thing that piles up!

According to the dictionary -

: to make simple or simpler: as
a: to reduce to basic essentials
b: to diminish in scope or complexity : streamline <was urged to simplify management procedures>
c: to make more intelligible : clarify
 


 

‘In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty poverty, nor weakness weakness.’ ~Henry David Thoreau










Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...