Abstract Color, Musings and Paintings

Creativity is a way of life. Even when I take time off from painting, other ideas battle for dominance in my mind! My Etsy business for vintage items is up and running and I have lots of new ideas! The holiday season is closely approaching! So how does all this activity effect creativity? A recent question in an artist forum got me to thinking....When life gets too busy how does one stay inspired? The word means "to breathe in". I suppose my question to self is..."what am I breathing in?" Inspiration can be elusive at times, but that still small voice can be heard if one takes the time to listen. Check it out for yourself. Step outside in the brisk autumn air....listen to the birds singing...the squirrels scampering about, a waterfall thru the trees....that's inspiration talking...Listen well...

Here's a new technique that I learned from an online site WetCanvas.com. Check it out if you're an artist...it's free! and the forums are filled with helpful information on all mediums! This is an unfinished painting begun recently in a mixed media workshop. I demonstrated how to begin a painting with black gesso, aluminum foil and a brush but that demo is for a later date. With a good background of acrylic paints, I covered the area with acrylic gel medium (matte) and then applied several torn pieces of paper from an old dictionary (thinner paper is best). Even an old phone book works well. After applying the gel medium and papers, I used blue painters tape in strips over the paper. Allow to dry overnight. First I pulled off the tape which brought some of the paper with it. Then I spritzed with water and rubbed off the rest of the paper revealing the text and images below! This is a close up of the effect...and I love it! Will be using this often in my mixed media

Recently I have noticed an incline in the problems with my knees! So of course, the researcher that I am, the internet became a first resource. What happened was my findings on how walking can actually aid in so many ways...strengthening muscles, reducing stress, even helping with creativity! So...my findings have given me the incentive to challenge myself to a short walk at least 4 or 5 days a week. I volunteer at a local thrift shop and walk there for hours...but it's not for relaxation!  Here are a few of the benefits that I discovered during my research... A walk outdoors can lift your spirits! Revs up metabolism! Could mean that some extra pounds will diminish! Daily exercise can actually add years to your life! And I'd really want to enjoy my grands for many years to come. Walking means I save money on the gym membership! And my neighborhood has plenty of uphill paths! Walking reduces stress! And there are more...which you can find with a search on google! S