A Breath of Fresh Air

I am refreshed today. I feel like our walk down to the river did wonders. The earth has such gifts for us to enjoy, the beauty, finding earths treasures and the simplicity it offers yet is so complex if you take a closer look at it. I am grateful for how the outdoors can give you a breath of fresh air and renew your spirit. When is the last time you were able to renew your spirit? What things do you do to renew your spirit and creativity?

You've got to keep the child alive; you can't create without it. Joni Mitchell

I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright. ~Henry David Thoreau

Feeling Blue

I have to admit I am feeling a little blue today even with all the sunshine streaming through my window. Why? I am not totally sure. But, Sammie gets out of school early today so maybe I'll change it up a bit, take a walk, play a bit and soak in some fresh air! A new look at my art and sit down to start fresh with more clarity. Do you ever just have one of those days? Meet you back here with a little bit of art and a smile. ~Theresa


Smile, breathe and go slowly. ~Thich Nhat Hanh

Focusing on the act of breathing clears the mind of all daily distractions and clears our energy enabling us to better connect with the Spirit within. ~Author Unknown

Art Journal Pages Guide Me "Buddah"

I am always in awe of spiritual figures. The vast array of religious beliefs that can be had.
Spiritual figures remind us of humanity, our wish to transcend to another space when creating, to lead with your heart, to hope for a future beyond our physical world, to be able to reach for guidance and acceptance of our own selves.
I am truly inspired to do more spiritual art and angel art when I look to the masters of the Renaissance Period and other times.
What period of art inspires you? Have you done a spiritual inspired page in your journal?

" The artist has a special task: that of reminding men of their humanity and the promise of their creativity" Lewis Mumford

Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. John W Gardner

Simply Sunday

I always look forward to spring with all its glorious blooms in the garden and scents from every direction whether it be the air right after the rain, fresh cut grass, or flowers such as Narcissus or Jasmine. I found this quote with the author unknown but it captures the feelings of spring.
Be still my heart for in my garden is beauty and fragrance.
What are your favorite spring scents? What is your favorite flower in your spring garden?
I hope you are able to keep your day simple and enjoy Sunday for all it holds for you. Join me next week for another "Simply Sunday" posting.

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout

Spring On The Central Coast of California

Magnoli trees in bloom 45min south of Paso Robles
Flowers on the fields of the hills just west of Paso Robles
Coastal drive near the ocean near San Simeon
Bushes with Mexican Salvia in bloom right near our house

I wanted to share a few pictures from around our area to give you a sense of what spring views are like around here. We finally are having a year with a more normal amount of rain. Everything is green. So many things are starting to bloom. The past few years have been dryer and the fields turn brown very quickly. The summers heat starts in May and lasts until October. I always long to be closer to the coast for relief of the heat. We are 45 minutes east, distance wise that isn't a lot but temperatures can be 30* plus difference in summer (similar to that of Arizona at weeks at a time). Spring and Fall are my favorite times of year around our area. The temperatures are mild and you can enjoy the outdoors. I can't wait for a break in the rain to take my camera out and share some more photographs of florals and scenery!
What is are your favorite times of year? Do you enjoy photographing outdoors? Do you ever use your photographs for inspiration when painting?

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams

There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in, and enjoy it for what it is! ~DeGriff

Adore

I am a dreamer. I have lot of ideas swimming in my head but I adore it when I start a painting and it just falls right into place. Sometimes it can be simple other times complex. I experiment quite a bit with different materials on my projects. Like this girl today I am longing, longing to get to my brushes and do what I love. Create with paints and wonderful treasures found or purchased. Yes I do love to find treasures whether found or bought and incorporate them into my painting. Sometimes I use scrapbook materials and use them in different ways.
Here I have taken pieces of a Making Memories kit and used components in my mixed media piece. It has been created on 1/8" wood.
I truly believe art has no rules and that is what I love about it. Art allows you to dream, experiment, make mistakes, and mostly to grow at what you love! So if you thought this could be for a Valentines post, well sure! But I adore it for today and what it means to me finding what I love to do and creating art!
What do you love about creating art? Are you a dreamer? What kinds of treasures do you love to use in your artwork?

Art is the colors and textures of your imagination. ~Meghan, Los Cerros Middle School, 1999

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. ~Scott Adams

Simple Sunday

Spring is right around the corner so hold on tight while we ride the last weeks of winter! I am ready for sunshine, ice tea and painting on the patio. Some of you may recognize the art from a journal page I did way back in the beginning of last year. I have put a little message on it to inspire you today! I hope you are able to keep your day simple and enjoy Sunday for all it holds for you. Join me next week for another "Simple Sunday" posting.

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

"There is a sort of elation about sunlight on the upper part of a house" Edward Hopper