Tag Archives: doodling

Oct29

Thursday Time Out for Art

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This is what happens when you have time on your hands, and are too lazy to do anything else!

This little journal page was created last year, when I was having a difficult time creating something larger.  There are times when one just needs to contemplate, and be left alone.  I’m guessing this was one of those times……Journaling does the trick.  I don’t think there has ever been a time when slowing down to do little sketches, or doodling a little doesn’t help relax me, and open up the door to larger art.

Zebra Designs & Destinations sponsors Thursday Time Out For Art, and right now they are having a tough time with the weather.   Waves have hit on the beach of their little town El Matol in Ecuador, and things are looking very sketchy.  When storms hit their little beach  they erode the beach, and the waves get even closer to their homes and businesses.

El Matol needs all our positive thoughts, and prayers to help them.

Aug16

Happiness

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Mendala

Mendala

As I sit here writing a blog for Tuesday, I’m thinking how very fortunate I am, and how happy I am to be in this place, at this time.  I’m healthy, I wake up each morning,  still standing, still thinking, and doing.  How much better could it be?

One might say winning the lottery would help! Or, being able to buy a Tesla would be nice!  My answer to that would be, “It would wouldn’t it!”

But……..I don’t have to have those things to be happy!

Actually winning the lottery would most likely bring a ton of other problems we could never imagine.  Being able to purchase a Tesla, well…..bring it on.  For those of you who know me, you know I’m very environmental, and…….I’d Love a Tesla!

But I’m not willing to spend every penny I have on fast cars, and fast men!  My husband is fast enough for me.  We’ve built a happy place for ourselves, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m a wealthy woman!

You see, I have always considered myself a wealthy woman.  Through thick and thin,  there are lessons to learn.  No matter how bad it gets the lessons we learn are the same things that build character, and mold the person we become.  In a lot of ways having bad times, builds character, and strength!

In reading my email this morning, I realized I’m not the only one who is a glass half full person.  If you have a little time, try reading the post from Celebrating Sunshine, Hapiness is……

I consider myself a wealthy woman because……

First granddaughter Sarah

First granddaughter Sarah

All my grandchildren are not just smart but beautiful as well..…

Hula Pie

Hula Pie

I’m able to celebrate birthdays with my family…

Conno

Connor

Connor still wants to spend time with me!  This is big for an 11-year-old boy!

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Nolan wants to spend time with me, and can’t wait for his parents to go to work so I can stay with him for the evening!

Plumaria

Plumeria

I have beauty all around me!

Phoenix

Phoenix

I get to experience all the little critters my grandchildren are caring for, and learning from.  I think learning all the habits, and what these little pets need for food builds a love of nature.  My kids had all sorts of creatures from skunks to snakes, and everything in between, and they all love and respect nature, and the planet.

Phoenix the chameleon

Phoenix the chameleon

I am so grateful for my daughter in law for allowing this paint fest to happen at her home, and still clean up the mess when it was over.  She never held it against me for having thought of the idea,  the kids had a fun summer memory,  and I’m still in her good graces!

Sage & Nolan playing in red paint! Summer 2015

Sage & Nolan playing in red paint! Summer 2015

Our family is closely knit, and do many things together.  At the same time, know one gets upset if the other part of the family wants to go off on their own.  I have a wonderful husband who puts up with a crazy artist wife,  and puts up with all my crazy kids, and animals.   How could it get any better?

Life is good!

Aug13

Thursday Time Out For Art

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Summer Abstract

Summer Abstract

This little watercolor painting is something I was inspired to paint when I visited an old  friend.  She had picked some roses, and a few other things, dropped them on the top of her BBQ, and proceeded to do something else.  Once I noticed them, I couldn’t help but paint them.  They spoke to me for some strange reason.

Not long ago, I decided to  fill in some of the empty spaces with doodles.  First it was doodles with a fine point pen, then it was decided to use a paint pen.

Some of the most fun I have is doing something without pressure, and simply mindless!  This is one of those times.

Inspiration for creativity is provided by Zebra Designs & Destinations.

 

Jul23

Thursday Time Out For Art

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TAngling on an old painting

Tangling on an old painting

When I get stressed, or have been running around too much, there has to be away to unwind.  Getting balanced, and feeling calm inside is how I live now. Oh….I have to work at it, but when I compare how I use to live, and how I live in the moment now……there is a huge difference.  I might say, Night & Day!IMG_3860Painting rocks is one way to pull back, and that’s exactly what I do to start the creative juices flowing when I’m at a bottle neck in my art.  

Birthday heart made for Maxine Custer

Birthday heart made for Maxine Custer

But there is something else that I think is even more beneficial for calming the mind, and bringing  me back into balance.

 

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This small little exercise is doodling or zentangling.  It’s hard to believe that something so simple can have such a calming effect on anyone, but try it sometime before you say anything.IMG_3799

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For those of us who can’t wind down, or take life too seriously, this could be the answer.  I have two friends that use this method for pain relief. It doesn’t have to be perfect, that isn’t what makes this work, but if that’s what you want to do, really get into it, and make it perfection!

It works…..don’t laugh!

 

 

Jul10

Frantic Friday

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Doodled Greeting Cards

Doodled Greeting Cards

Whenever I get a little time, or something just hits me right, I make an effort to sit down and do some Doodling, or Zentangeling.  It seems like a waste of time, but there are times when the end of the day is close, and I don’t have the energy to do something big.  So in order to make it count, I’ve been making greeting cards.  There are times when sending an e-card just isn’t enough.

Ok  Ok, so a little part of me is still old school.  But there are times when it’s good to have a real card!  Here are a few more cards I’ve put together.  

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Are they finished, I’m not sure.

Sometimes butterflies end up on the cards

Sometimes butterflies end up on the cards

Sometimes being simple is better.  Sometimes Less is not enough, and more is better.  I feel that way about my paintings also.  I rarely go too far in a good way, and usually stop before it gets obnoxious.   That’s why it takes two painters to finish a painting.  One to paint, the other to tell them when to stop!   So maybe that’s a matter of opinion, that’s ok as well.

Boxes & boxes of blank cards are waiting for inspiration.

Boxes & boxes of blank cards are waiting for inspiration.

Sometimes I make stamps, and transfer them to the front of a card….  I’m very spontaneous, and unpredictable when art is concerned!

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May29

Time Out for Art!

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A Gourd full of Succulents

A Gourd full of Succulents

Last week one of the challenges that was given to the Blogging 101 class, was to join a blogging event of our choice, and participate in this group.  After searching through all the different events, I chose to join “Time out for Art!  I liked the idea, and after emailing the Leader of the Pack, I liked her, and the event even more.

You can find more about the Blog I’m following here at “Zebra Designs & Destinations!”

Today I’m posting a little sketch that I did while visiting with friends I hadn’t seen in years.  In it is a bit of  zentangle,, and a little creative thinking, and simply mindless doodling as we  chatted. They were painting with watercolors, I was playing with graphite, and pens!  Another Mixed Media problem…..it’s really difficult to drag all the stuff with you that is needed to work in mixed media, thus the journal sketching.

I’m going to make an effort to post a little sketch for the Time Out for Art Blogging Event which is to be posted by Thursday each week….we’ll see how that goes since I’ve had little time to paint recently, and that’s what I need to be doing.   But I’ll try!