Spring Forward

Finally we have some decent weather.  Well, amazing weather!  I am currently enjoying the outside while my two oldest boys run around re-enacting the Angry Birds Go races.  It is this time of year that I want to make everything better, almost make a resolution.  I don't know if it is the sunshine, warm air and birds chirping; but I feel like making a fresh start or do some spring cleaning with my own daily routine.    

I encourage everyone to shake off those winter blues and get outside.  Open up your windows and breath in the fresh air.  You will feel amazing.  

I am excited to share some new things I will be starting with my boys and with the blog.  

We are going to make our Spring To Do List today and I am looking forward to what the boys have picked out to do or make. (pictures to come)

I am working on several paintings at once, but mostly excited about a particular project that is extremely close to my heart.  As emotional as it will be to complete, I am going to put aside other pieces to focus on this one.  

Ill give you a hint; the heart of a mother is a deep abyss and at the bottom you will always find grace and forgiveness.  

What Dreams May Come

Have you ever had a dream that you are running from something?  Or, that you are trying to run from something that seems dangerous but you can't get your legs to work or even go at a desired speed?

This is a common dream of mine and it doesn't take rocket science or a fancy interpreter to know what my subconscious is communicating.  I am in fear of something and my poor self esteem and confidence is holding me back.   

There is a great quote by T.E. Lawrence that says; "All men dream, but not equally.  Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."  

I want to be that "dangerous man" to make my dreams a reality.  Instead, I bury everything, telling myself I am not good enough, strong enough or talented enough to become successful at the things I have secretly been wanting for so long.  

Recently I finished two paintings and you can definitely see that I am craving the Spring season.  However, one piece titled, "Balloons" has me thinking about my current dreams, because, I too am standing in this exact field.  The clouds, the wind, and the balloons are all present, but I am not running.  I get stuck, every time.  I know there is something better, exciting, and purposeful if I would let myself go and explore, but I become paralyzed from fear.  

Roosevelt was right, fear is the only concern of our lives.  It can cause us to loose opportunities, become stagnant from extreme indecisiveness and procrastinate indefinitely rather than risk the possibility of failure. 

My oldest son is a lot like me; perfectionist, analytical and cautious about almost everything he faces.  These can be great attributes to certain areas of life, but like everything in moderation; personality traits can also hinder ones own growth and milestones.  I would love to see him more of a free spirit, letting the wind sweep him up.  His abilities were created and given to him for a purpose, not to be a hindrance.  

A lot of people claim; Fear is not from God, but I disagree.  It is what we do with the fear that is ungodly.  Letting it debilitate us and immobilize our efforts to live as the beings He desired for us is not from God.  Using the fear as a tool to grow closer to God, leaning on the Spirit and having faith; that is our gift.  For, we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.  But, it doesn't mean that we aren't going to stink at it.  It just means we will never be alone to experience the successes and failures.

The girl in the painting is me.  I am running, playful and free.  Throughout my creative process, I could feel myself letting go and willing to take the risks in whatever I  have tugging at my heart.  The balloons could represent a lot of things; my three children, my identities as a wife, mother and individual, or my past, present and future.  

Either one, I realized it is time for us all to get up and run and to go toward whatever it is our heart craves.  Stop dreaming during the night with our eyes closed but during the day with our eyes wide open and our faith in the One that placed them within our spirit.  

 

"Balloons" available on Etsy

"Wildflowers" available on Etsy

Bring on the Sea

I am so excited that it is finally starting to warm up outside.  I am blogging this from my front porch while I watch to my two youngest children play.  The fresh air is theraputic and there's something about the sunshine which makes you feel so content.  

I wanted to share another piece that I have completed titled "The Shore." This was a difficult piece for me to complete.  It was not the technicality of it, but the distractions and life pressures that were pulling at me while I was painting.  

Everyone goes through their ups and downs in life, but lately mine feels like an extreme roller coaster.  I would like to say that my painting helps me to quiet all that noise from uncertainties and struggles, but not all the time.  It is crazy to look back at my art and see what I was able to accomplish throughout all the distractions.  I love my children, but being able to paint while they are awake is a challenge.  Someone is always hungry, thristy, has a "boo-boo" or just plain too loud!.  

Right now, painting is a labor, not a love.  I have realized this doesn't mean I am to stop, because I wouldn't stop with my marriage when things aren't so "lovey dovey," but I need to get back to why I paint.  I can't even answer that question right now.  I have such a long way to go within myself as an artist and my identity within the creative world.  

What I do know is with each painting and every brush stroke, I do learn something.  Whether that is; "Don't ever paint, before dinnertime!" Or, "That new technique I just used is definitely not for me." I find something to add to my foundation and develop myself as an artist.  

I hope you enjoy "The Shore"

progression

It has been a long time since I posted and want to committ to keeping this up to date more consistantly.  I wanted to share a piece that I am currently working on.  It has a little ways to go, but thought a sneak peek would be an even greater motivation for me to keep going and finish it.  I am missing the beach terribly and with all of the crazy winter weather across the country it is nice to dream about what is to come.  Stay tuned for the completed project.   It already is making me want to take a trip back to Charleston.  

snowfall

Thanks to the media and social networking, the entire country witnessed the disaster that was Atlanta during the attack of the "Polar Vortex."  As a resident of the Atlanta Metro area, this has been the worst Winter I have ever experienced.  Temperatures dipping below 0 degrees, pipes and water mains bursting from  extreme freeze, no sunshine for weeks; and this was just the beginning of January.  Then, there was "Snowpocalypse." I thought I would like the snow and it would be magical and romantic.  Nope, it is awful and this southern girl just wants to wear her flip flops again!

Mental health professionals state that there is something called the "Winter Blues;" a temporary psychological disorder brought on from seasonal changes.  I totally get it!  For weeks, there is gray cloud cover, and icy wind gusts that take your breath away.  Unfortunately, I don't blame my anxiety completely on the weather; but the fact my over enthusiastic, 75 lb dog tries to take me ice skating whenever he needs to go outside. 

I miss wearing my tank top and shorts and slipping into my sandals to go on my merry way.  Currently, I have to put on socks, shoes, warm pants, long sleeve shirt, sweater or hoodie with  heavy coat, and gloves. Just to be outside for 5-10 minutes.  I know people in the Northeast think I am being ridiculous complaining, but this is Georgia.  It is not suppose to be 5 degrees and I don't ever hear of anybody retiring to Minnesota.  
I did find something beautiful amidst this punishing Winter.  My two oldest children have the best view in the house.  It is a really large window that looks out to the woods of our apartment building.  We are on the third floor, so when the blinds are drawn up it is quite spectacular to take in the sights from that height.  Throughout the snowfall, I loved to see the colors contrasting with the pure white of snow.  Everything seemed angelic; as if God had just sifted flour on top of us. Glad I was able to capture the memory, because I won't be pining for the snow once I am poolside. 

 

"Winter" Vision In Paint/ Etsy Shop 

"Its Better to Light a Candle Than Curse the Darkness"-Eleanor Roosevelt

I have been committing to turning in early every night because lately, I have been "burning the candle at both ends."  Fortunately, last night I chose to stay up late and was able to finish another image to share with everyone.  It wasn't an easy task and the process to find something to paint is utterly frustrating at times. 

I have been experiencing bad creative block and a tanked self confidence, leading me to believe I somehow lost my abilities to put my brush to canvas.  I tried 3 different pieces in the past 6 days and every single one was terrible.  While I was trying to force the creative process and convince my mind what I was attempting is "okay," my spirit wrestled and fought against me. So, I finally let it all go.  To remember what I enjoy in art instead of trying to figure out what someone else will enjoy.  

I love to paint images within a natural light.  I am drawn to light and its ability to make the most mundane objects seem irresistible. 

Light is emotional. 

Remember an image of your child or loved one outside and the rays of sunshine streak across there head like a thin veil?  Or when you looked across the room at that Christmas Eve service or a  memorial, and witnessed hundreds of individuals holding lit candles.

Light is comforting and inviting. 

My 4 year old checks every night for his nightlight making sure it is on and in working order.   Lets don't forget, you always know on Halloween, the homes with their light on, or Jack-O-Lantern lit that they are welcoming and participating in the festivities.  

  

Light is spiritual.  

Growing up in church I have always recognized Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  That connection with God is our North Star; burning light which can be spotted anywhere giving an affirmation you are headed in the right direction. 

Only the light can drive out the darkness. 

 Vision In Paint

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

For My Little Minion

My middle son turned 4 yesterday and we had a great time celebrating his special day. We are still new to our area so right now our parties are small, but what I want to share most is how inexpensive I was able to keep everything, all while giving my son something memorable and fun! 

All of my little minions are huge fans of the Despicable Me movies, naturally this is a great theme because we already had some decor.  By using their little toys they have collected, I was able to decorate the table and some of the house.  I did all of the decorating the night before, so when he woke up in the morning he was excited to see the "minion invasion." 

The minion plates were fashioned from these free printables! This site has great inexpensive ideas creating your own celebrations.  Originally these "minion goggles" were to be fashioned on yellow paper for kids to wear as hats, but I cut them out and used packaging tape to make a custom plate.   I then used a permanent marker to add the mouth.

I put the smaller strips of yellow minions (from the same site above) around juice glasses and filled them with my son's favorite fruit, pineapple.

We had "purple minion juice" (purple kool-aid) to drink.  I found a great printable here.  There also other places throughout Etsy that offer really nice printable images of almost anything, instantly downloadable at minimal cost.  I created the hair myself because I didn't have anything else on hand.  Some other ideas for the hair are; purple tissue paper, tulle, or even a purple wig taken apart.  I have seen this individually done on each drinking glass or on rolls of toilet paper covered in purple construction paper for homemade poppers or guest gifts. 

The main component of any child's birthday party is the cake and my son has been talking about his minion cake for weeks.  He wasn't super picky about how it was done.  He probably would have been happy with a plain cake and a minion toy sitting on top.  However, I wanted to give him something more without breaking the bank and eating up so much of my time.  I found this tutorial and it couldn't have been any easier or straightforward. 

For cost and the fact I couldn't find certain things, I tweaked it a little bit.  In the tutorial, it asks for you to use tootsie rolls covered in silver sugar to make the goggles.  I couldn't find silver sugar and I wasn't about to go all over town to pay a high price for something I was only going to use once.  I decided to stick with just the black licorice to create the goggle effect.  I also wasn't able to find the licorice in black that could peel-apart, so a great pair of kitchen scissors helped to make the hair.  Instead of buying a huge bag of Hershey Kisses to only use 3, I chose to buy the Hershey Drops that are cheaper and in the checkout line.  There aren't as many in the bag...........its chocolate and I am just very weak when it comes to chocolate.  I also didn't purchase a separate container of blue frosting, I just bought another of whipped frosting and used blue food coloring.  

I did go to the local party store to purchase a little bit more decor; a banner, table decor and hanging items.  After that I used what I had around the house.  Like, my own blue tablecloth, dinnerware, and kids toys. 

My son was very specific about how he wanted his day to go; Chick Fil A (mostly for the playground), bounce house (I got free admission tickets from a school carnival back in November, thinking ahead always pays off) and a MINION party!  

All in all I spent around $45 for everything we did at home, which included the food.  

Yellow plates $2.95

Yellow napkins $2.95

Party store decor $8.00

Printables FREE

Tablecloth FREE

Glasses for pineapple FREE

Pitcher for juice FREE

Cake (everything included) $15

Pineapple $2.50

Ice cream $3.50

Pizza $10

Juice (kool-aid) $0.30

This was just a small gathering for our family but could easily be converted into a larger party still keeping a thrifty price!  I love being creative with special days and I am already planning something fun for Valentine's Day. 

What would happen if I lit this on fire?

Sometimes creativity can be an incredibly turbulent force.  For me, getting into a creative mindset can be volatile, and disruptive to my already preconceived expectations and standards.  I go through phases (like most), where I am churning out ideas, compositions and images at record pace, I may even actually like a few.  Then there are those lulls where I look at my current projects and feel pure hatred.

What I really want to do is find a match or lighter, take it out back and watch it burn. 

Most creative people are introspective and very attached to their craft.  I often find my identity within many of my pieces, which makes acquiring advice and criticism very uncomfortable.

I, however, am my biggest critic.  I am very harsh, judgmental and just mean.........to my own work.  I used to believe it was my method of perfecting my technique.  Now it has gotten out of hand.  Literally! Today, this demon of insecurity took the paintbrush out of my hand and it won. 

So, I decided that I am going to try something different for a change. 

1. Prioritize my day-"Plan your work and work you plan!"  Currently, I have been all over the place with my time management.  I understand some days will be crazy, because I do have 3 boys.  My littlest has decided to try climbing, so "that's (not really) fun!"  
   
2. My main focus is to incorporate time to pray/meditate and clear my mind.  I am completely overwhelmed with insecurity and fear.  I have tried to handle it on my own too long and of course it isn't working.  Biggest question:  Why do I paint? Who am I painting for? Believe it or not, I don't have the answers.
3. Be influenced by others-the only way I find myself starting to think more creatively and those juices start flowing, is when I allow myself to learn something new, read an article or just observe others' creations. 

I will share my progress throughout this blog, what I have learned and new advice I have been given.

I feel like I am starting a journey and instead of being skeptical of its outcomes I am excited to eventually look back and see the progress I will have made.  I want to be able to SHAPE my mind into accepting and loving all that I was created to become. I aim to let go of all the struggles and mistakes, and to get rid of all the lighters and matches.......just in case!  

Spiritually

Hatching

A

Purposeful 

Existence

     

 

Sunflowers and Strawberries

I have finished two more paintings and I am so excited to share them with everyone.  Remember to visit my Etsy shop if you are interested.  Vision In Paint

"Strawberries" 6"x8" acrylic on canvas panel

I think this piece is cute and fun.  Paired with the "Oranges" and "Apple," it would be a great collage perfect for your kitchen or dining room. I used high quality acrylic paints and chose the canvas panel because it can be put easily into a glassed frame of your choice, or hardware mounted on the back for a free-style effect. 

"Sunflower" 18" x 24" acrylic on canvas panel

Most people that know me or even visit my home instantly recognize that I have a deep love for the Sunflower.  Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" was one of the first paintings I studied as a child.  I stood in about 10,000 acres of sunflowers in the South of France and this flower was also featured throughout my wedding.  The sunflower's meanings include longevity and loyalty and it also mirrors the wonderful qualities of the Sun; warmth, energy and contentment. I promise......this is not my last painting of a Sunflower!

I hope you have enjoyed these paintings and remember to keep visiting my Etsy shop.  

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” ~Albert Einstein

Do Work

I am so excited to share that I have officially opened my own Etsy Shop!

VisionInPaint is small and I only have 7 items available right now, but I am currently
working on several more. This venture is a little strange for me.  I don't necessarily put myself out there for the public to criticize and judge me, especially my art.  However, I believe trying new things bring growth and positive change.  What is most surprising about this whole process is how much work goes into it.

I realized there are some key steps into starting your own online business. For example:

1. set up domain name
2. define your product
3. Be social
4. develop your style
5. set up an eCommerce website
6. advertise
7. promote
8. promote
9. promote

My life just became a "bit" more busy, but I am so excited to see what it brings!

 11 x 14 canvas panel $100.00

I don't make resolutions

I had a conversation with my husband recently about New Year's resolutions and he was a bit surprised when I told him that I don't usually make them.  I find the stereotypical resolution to be an obligation even a burden.  Many people, like myself, eventually dump our resolutions after the inevitable failure of eating that piece of chocolate cheesecake after we vowed to obliterate sweets from our New Year's diet. 

However, I do believe in fresh starts and there is something about opening up a brand new calendar that makes you want to do something different and momentous.  So, instead of resolutions, I have come up with "revolutions" to enact change into my 2014.  I have chosen 5 different areas in my life that I would like to alter, begin, or continue to flourish throughout these next 12 months.

1. My Children

• I want to continue getting to know them on individual levels and giving them each unique quality time that speaks to their personalities.  

Having one child is difficult.  Having two children is difficult.....I have three and it is difficult.  Nonetheless, I don't want them to feel like their Mom and Dad don't know who they are as their own person.

This is an awesome book and if you have read Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages you understand how important it is to know how each one of us loves.

    

      2.  My Marriage

• My husband and I have been through a lot in 2013.  Having to short-sale our home, moving to another state, starting a new job and school, all while operating with one vehicle due to a car accident 8 months ago that totaled our "family" car.  Things have been difficult and I feel beat up emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  To still have moments of laughter and delirious happiness has been vital to survival.  I know things may get worse.  I hope and pray the opposite, but if not, I will try to always see the silver lining.  

 -"whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8   

      3.  My Art

• I want to be able to paint, draw, scribble, sculpt at least once a week.  I will not worry about the laundry, dishes, vacuuming etc. if I am at the end of my week and I have not yet put my brush in paint.

      4.  My Body

• It has always been hard for me to commit to losing weight at the beginning of every new year, but today I want to make a conscious healthy change to my life, not to just lose weight.  But, if one day, or two or three I decide to not workout and eat that big giant brownie, I will not give up and say "screw it."  I will forgive myself.  

      5.  My God

•  I want to continue to pursue a relationship with my heavenly Father.  I am really horrible about keeping in touch with people and sometimes this bad habit trickles into my spiritual life.  What is most comforting about all of this, my God already understands.  

 

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_change.html#wszOObMwded8wQmu.99

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Maya Angelou
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_change.html#wszOObMwded8wQmu.99

"If you don't like something change it, if you can't change it, change your attitude."---Maya Angelou

 

Full of Hot Air

Today I learned that the first successful hot air balloon flight was accomplished in Paris, France.  Anyone that that knows me understands this is exciting, as I have a deep connection to all things French, (just wait until you hear my love of sunflowers).  My love for balloon air craft came from when I was a child and my grandparents would take me to annual festivals during the summer.
I have always been impressed with the immense size, color, and how each balloon is unique.  I don't know if I have ever seen two of the same.  To see them at night is breathtaking and very romantic.  To ride in one is penned into my bucket list (so to my very loving husband, if you are reading, 'hint hint').
Lately, I have been struggling with inspiration for new art pieces, but as my mind wanders, I see images from my past.  As an adult, meandering through your childhood memories can be comforting and the hot air balloon has always been a favorite of mine.  What is so great, I am capable to preserve this memory.

 "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!"

   Psalms 148:1

Every artist has their niche. 

Claude Monet was known to paint the same subject over and over again, but when you put these pieces side by side, you see his attraction to the way the light and how it changes throughout the day.  Mark Rothko's attraction to mythology and primitive art gave way to his trademark of flat rectangular shapes and rich colors. Pablo Picasso, and his style of the brush created an entire movement in art.  To this day, whether you are an art enthusiast or not, you recognize a "Picasso."

I am struggling to find this style, or niche. 
 
After almost 4 years, I am picking up my paintbrush again but not as a student or apprentice, but as my own artist.  This is overwhelming.  For as long as I can remember I was told what and how to paint.  I was given my subject or perimeters in which to choose my subject.  Today I am free to paint and create whatever I want and I am at a standstill.  It could be artist's block or lack of self confidence setting in but it is keeping me from doing what I was born to do. 

As I pray about it, I have always been drawn to nature first and foremost.  I believe my God wants me to show the world what Heaven is through my paintings.  Many of us don't understand how beautiful the world is just outside our window.  Taking a second to absorb our surroundings, the idea of Heaven and its glory with our Maker becomes exciting, inspiring and reminds us that our Earth is a vision handcrafted by the most perfect, inspired artist of all time. 

I will start here, and through my devotion to Him and his gift of my talent I will find what God wants me to paint.  I am enjoying the opportunities to explore new techniques, mediums and perspectives.  One day, maybe someone will recognize a piece of mine and say; "That is a Stradcutter!" 

Dreams take one day at a time. 

Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve is different when you are almost 30 and have 3 children, but doesn't mean you can't have just as much or more fun.  This year was the first time that my oldest two stayed up until midnight.  I knew that I would have to keep them occupied if I didn't want them turning into crazy purple minions from exhaustion and sugar overload.  

Here is what I came up with:

1.   Balloon Countdown.  I didn't use the clock printable here, but with permanent marker I put the time on the outside of the balloon.  You can get really creative and decorate plain balloons with paint markers, glitter, or stickers.  Also, let your kids in on the fun and have them decorate the balloons however they want.  I strung them up with leftover sparkly Christmas ribbon and each our one of my children traded off who would get to pop the balloon. 
2. Made New Year's Resolutions.  I usually don't make resolutions, but, I found an awesome printable here.  We then went around and read aloud what we hope to be in 2014.  
3. Along with the balloons as decorations I made confetti out of construction paper and utilized leftover Christmas bows by taking them apart to create a table scape for dinnertime.  I also used these materials to put into the final balloons to pop at midnight.  I might even add candy or tiny trinkets next year!
4. To bring the in New Year's Day with some style, I made the boys sparkling Jello in "fancy glasses."  I got a box of regular Lemon flavored Jello and added 1.5 cups of boiling water.  Then I refrigerated it about 15 minutes.  Finally after 1 cup of ginger ale or club soda to get the bubbly effect; I poured it into whatever wine or champagne glasses I had and let them set in the fridge for a couple of hours. 

Happy New Year, 2014!!!