Day 30 - time to reflect

Well this is it. The last day of November and I've done some form of art every day!! I have a big grin on my face... However, it's not really that difficult to pick up a pencil or dip a paintbrush in some luscious colour - not when you love it as much as I do!

I can't believe that I let art drift out of my life for so many years. Rediscovering this missing part of me less than three years ago was a true turning point. OK, so my lounge has never been the same since - we rarely get to use the dining table for eating because it's always covered in half-finished 'masterpieces'! However, look at it this way - I am using the table - it doesn't just sit there all alone with a fancy cloth and a vase of flowers on. It is a part of my creative process!

I would love to have had a peek into the homes of other famous artists over the years. Did Rosetti keep a tight ship? I very much doubt it! Was Van Gogh a neat freak? Unlikely!

Not that I am suggesting I could ever compare myself to these legends of course! I am merely getting in their creative vibe. I am just a girl who loves to paint and above all harbours a true desire to get better; to keep learning; to become a proper artist!

This month I've not had huge amounts for time for creating, but I've learned that it's possible to create some really fun pieces in less than 30 minutes. I found myself creating my series of 'Girls on Book Pages' by accident really, but I don't think any of them took very long to show themselves on the page. The best bit though was the wonderful support I received from you... yes YOU! Thank you so much for all the encouragement to keep at them. I have been very flattered by the interest shown and want to thank everyone for their kind words.

The picture up top has three of my favourite girls framed! It will go up on the wall today. I did struggle to choose which three should go in, but then again, it doesn't really matter. I can just keep swapping them out so they all get a turn eventually!

Art Every Day has not just meant sticking a paintbrush in my hand though. I have also been on a virtual gallery tour with some incredible artists. What wonders we have all shared this month. What inspiration! I've made new friends and connections, marvelled, been intrigued and taken on a wonderful creative journey!

I would like you all to join me now in raising a glass to toast our host - Leah Piken Kolidas. Thank you Leah - for bringing us together, for the friendships we've formed and for bringing all that delicious art out of us!

Cheers!

Serendipity

Susannah

Yesterday I wrote on my to do list for the week - set 2012 goals. For the past 3 years I have had at the back of my mind 'write a book', but you know how it is. What kind of goal is that to send out into the Universe? What kind of book? What about? It's woollier than a Alpaca wearing a sheepskin overcoat.

Did anything happen? Did I sign a deal with a publisher? No.

I did get to meet one of my favourite authors - Lisa Jewel. I have made contact with people who've written their own books... All teensy tiny steps in the right direction.

I also paint a lot of pictures on old book pages (here's one up top that I prepared earlier!).

I write a lot of blog posts. I write blog posts for other people. I write articles and award submissions. I am a writer.

But none of the above has actually got me a book deal. It's not going to come down the chimney with Santa next month. It will require some effort on my part.

The Universe was getting very fed up with me so clearly decided I needed a cattle prod in the right direction.

This lunchtime I wandered onto Twitter and followed a link from Susannah Conway. She's interviewing Danielle La Porte (who I've dipped into a little recently - she's on my 'one to investigate further' list). It transpires that Danielle, together with Linda Sivertsen is running a workshop on how to write a book proposal. It's called Your Big Beautiful Book Plan. But it's so much more than that ... Read more here, but here's some blurb from the website.

•A self- and career-inquiry process that gets to the grit of why and what you need to write, plus target audience clarification, self-promotion + pitching exercises, and a bevy of creative-hermit practices.


•Techniques to capture the content that is…your life. Because your book has already been written — in your client work, blog posts, email chains + cafe conversations. We’ll show you how to spin your “undiscovered work” into gold.

•Strategies for building your platform as your create your product.

•Empowering lessons for rolling with rejection, hearing your muse, and gathering testimonials.

•A pro’s + cons drill-down of traditional vs. self-publishing options — with been-there insights from both sides. Timely, no?

•10 (Sexy + Thrilling) Ways To Finish The Damn Book—because writer’s block isn’t in our vocabulary, and the finish line is closer than you think.

•8+ hours of audio + video interviews with agents and high-profile authors
 
To say I was a little bit excited was something of an understatement. Here is that exact kick up the bottom I needed. I signed up quicker than a cheetah trying to break the land speed record!

And for the record, I've now committed to it here on my blog - Universe... Are you listening? I'm working on it!! Promise!
 
I have to dash... I'm on lunchbreak and need to get back to work...
 
I'm very excited!!

PS: Posting for Art Every Day Month - I had to name her Susannah as a thank you for being right there at exactly the right time!

Aged Beauty

It's very interesting how these girls just tell me their names. I think that perhaps Dickens' ghost influenced this one. He whispered into my ear a tale of an aged beauty sitting in front of her wedding feast mourning the day that never was, and her young ward Estella.

I'm trying not to listen to this spirit though for I don't really think this is either Miss Havisham in her prime, nor the haughty Estella. She is just girl whose portrait has been somewhat battered by the ravages of time. Indeed it appears that, at some point, it was painted over. Who could have committed such a travesty? A jealous lover? An ignorant painter & decorator? Well, clearly Estelle (a softer version of Pip's friend), was having none of it. Her determination to see the world once again peeled back those layers and here she is!

Estelle

I love the crackle - you might need to click to enlarge to see it. I am contemplating covering her in wax next. What do you think?

Posting for Inspiration Avenue, Art Every Day Month and Sunday Sketches. Big thank you to Tammy who kindly purchased the crackle glaze for me and shipped it across the ocean (because I couldn't find any in Blighty!)

Nearly finished

I was going to head this post up 'Still not finished', but that's rather glass half empty isn't it? I'm ever the optimist. Mind you, she is taking a while. However, it's not for want of trying. I've just had another incredibly busy week.

Below is a photo that just goes to prove exactly how hard I've been working... I was dressed in a wet suit - and no, you don't get to see a picture of that! I wonder what Brooke and Imran will think when I share the good news that I'm featuring them on my blog today...?

Imran in particular, might be interested to see Audrey. He had to (somewhat sensibly) rein me in when I wanted to include her in a company-wide communication earlier in the week - that's the thing with these A-listers. They think they can just appear any place they like! She was anxious to secure an invite to the Christmas party. I've got one Audrey and you haven't.... nah nah nah nah nah.... Oops, best not upset her, or maybe she will set her alter ego reflection after me....

If you've been following the progress of this painting, I could try and pretend to you that I intended to paint over her reflection all along - so it becomes more subtle and alluring... You might believe me or you might just wonder if trying to paint a mirror image of 'one you prepared earlier' is a little on the tricky side so I helped her melt into the background a little. The truth is out there; I'll leave you to draw (or indeed paint) your own conclusion.

Maybe I'll finish her this weekend.... or perhaps I'll get bored and start something fresh. I never was a very good completer/finisher!

Posting for Art Every Day and Paint Party Friday - just follow the yellow link road for more magic...

Soaking up

Kara

Looking for inspiration tonight, I mopped up a paint spill with this page and Kara decided to show up. She has a bit of a wry grin on her face. I think she looks a bit wrung out - must be all that excess paint she soaked up playing havoc with her features.

I would ruminate more and maybe take her on an adventure; but it's late and I'm tired and I need to go to bed!

I'm still doing Art Every Day - even when half asleep. It is indeed a most relaxing pastime... I also have some soggy, salty paper drying and a few doodles to show for this evening - and two very large bags under my eyes... I did check to see if there were any art supplies in them, but they're just full of dark circles...

Talking nonsense again... Time to sleep....

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Hormones and other distractions

Funny things really, hormones. At least I'm attributing these 'mythical creatures' to how I feel today - either that or I'm slowly losing my grip on reality. One minute I feel like I'm falling into a pit of despair, then the next I'm bouncing around like Tigger on Speed and laughing just for the sheer joy of the sound. Luckily for yours truly and indeed everyone around me, the latter is the more prevalent emotion. It may be a bit tiring for them to cope with but at least I'm attempting to bring joy!

My energy levels spike and dip as and when they feel like it. Lately I seem to be full of beans just as it's time to go to bed, then deep in another world when the alarm starts singing seemingly five minutes later.


I've also got ideas racing round my head jostling for pole position - there's a voice inside giving a running commentary ...

"Yes, and she's just remembered she was supposed to go on Twitter last night and engage in conversation with attendees from the conference; it looks like we have a clear winner.... but hold on... what's that? It's Hootsuite coming up on the left - it's pushing its way through.... oh no, they've both spun off leaving the field open for Art Every Day - is there time to post yesterday's progress before the 9am finishing line when it's time to start work.....?"

By the way... has anyone noticed that the sky is missing? We've had a proper pea-souper fog for days. What if someone has stolen the stars and moon?

PS - the mood I'm in this painting is in danger of turning into something very different by this time tomorrow. Best make the most of her (and her) while you can!

In need of some repair

Early stages for this piece. It's going to be a 'proper' painting - rather than one of my recent series of quick concoctions - I'm even using real drawing paper! Just laying down the first layer of colour and shade. It's from a stunning portrait and reflection of Audrey Tatou in the latest Chanel No 5 advert.

Funny how she sat so comfortably on the page last night but then this morning her eyes are too big and slightly out of place, and the mouth in her reflection is terribly wonky! (That'll be the wine I suppose, plus drawing while having half an eye on the X-Factor didn't help!). Thank goodness for the forgiving properties of acrylics which are going on next!

I'm going to let the Muse dictate where she goes (though dressed as she is, I suspect it may be to a party!).

I've been feeling the need for a little external self-repair too. Lately I just seem to busy to pay much attention to myself, so the last few days have attempted to redress the balance. Hair styling, a glamorous make-over at a Mary Kay party (including some special treat purchases) and a bit of pampering are definitely in order. Special thanks to my friend Tina for managing to organise this as precisely the moment it was needed!

Well, I'm off to get dressed now and play with my new make up.

Posting for Sunday Sketches and Art Every Day Month

Hoosming

No, it's not the name of this girl - more on her later... It's a new word. I just invented it when I mis-typed something. It was one of those captcha words if you're wondering what crazy typo this might have been... the correct spelling didn't make sense either! Anyway, the Muse got very excited and insisted I get it down 'on paper' at once so we don't forget it.

We're not sure what it means yet, so we're going to have a quiet think and get back to you!

Some time later...

Well what do you know... we figured it out. It's when you pop into town to buy your sister a birthday present and end up having a total restyle at a trendy hair salon - complete with massage, lovely coffee and just all round pampering customer service.

I arrived a down-trodden and tired 41-year-old and left feeling 10 years younger. In fact, it felt so good that I went out an bought a sparkly dress for a Christmas party... It was a hoosming afternoon that's for sure!

So, the girl. For all you caffeine addicts out there I should tell you that she's part made of coffee beans. Yes, I was on a bit of an arabica high when I created her; but more importantly, much of the brown shading and splatters you see actually is coffee. She smells lovely! Let's call her Mara.

I made her inspired by an art challenge, but this week being what it is I am not entirely convinced I can remember where I saw said prompt, or if indeed I didn't dream the whole thing. I think it was The Butterfly Effect; let's pop over there now and see if I'm right...

Oops - was right place just wrong week... But all is not lost - Coffee & Tea are the theme for next week!

It's still Art Every Day Month though... phew!

NOW FOR THE VERY FREAKY PART....

I only just noticed after publishing what the text reads right in the middle of her face...

"Milk and sugar?"
"No sugar. Just a little milk..."

... which is just how I like both my coffee and tea... Serendipity.

Why do I take on so much?

Does the word "No, not today thank you" not exist in my vocabulary when it comes to accepting work? (I am fine when someone tries to sell me double glazing though...) Am I genetically programmed not to accept a challenge? Can I 'just get by with minimum effort'? Nah, don't think so!

Is it because I thrive under pressure? Do I perhaps create my best work when I'm up against a deadline? Am I an adrenaline junkie (but without the heights and speed)?

This week has been somewhat manic in the work department as my fingers race across keyboards and my mind maps to strange places in the land of creative inspiration. When I finally switch off corporate writing mode, do I collapse on the sofa in a heap or retire early to bed with a romance involving dashing Highlanders and wenches in tight bodices?

Nope. I continue with my quest to perform an act of art every day this month AND I start an online surface pattern design course. And I try and blog. And I help my 7-year-old son set up his own blog. And I don't do any housework...

Am I tired? Yes... very! Have I gone to bed early (in my brand new set of bedding). No.

Am I a crazy fool? Probably....

These Harlequin's are for Inspiration Avenue's challenge this week and Paint Party (surely it can't be) Friday (already?). And Art Every Day Month... Phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it!

Feeling small

And quiet...

Some flower pencil sketches given the PhotoShop treatment.

For Art Every Day Month.

PS: I did do art yesterday, but just didn't post it!

PPS: Not as quiet as perhaps you thought I might be...

PPS: Going now... Until next time!

Getting a touch predictable

You've got to feel a little bit sorry for the X-Factor contestants. This ridiculous rivalry between the judges sees them swinging between moaning that the poor hopefuls are too predictable to telling them they should stick to what they're good at. Still, it all makes good telly.

So, at the risk of being called a one-trick pony; I'm afraid that my November is not exactly demonstrating much diversity (yet!)... It appears I must stand on the stage once again with a girl who fell asleep in tears a sheet of tabloid newsprint and awoke with the story of Frankie Cocozza's abrubt talent show departure upon her face.

Hmm.... now maybe that would have been a more original idea. I could have drawn a whole bevy of girls over Frankie's headlines.

I did try a new arrangement this week with my sketch today though - gone for a close up. Maybe I'm just finding my groove. Plus tomorrow I'll be approaching my art from a whole new direction as I take up my Surface Pattern Design course.

Something to share for Sunday Sketches anyway and proof of my commitment to Art Every Day.

PS - Apologies to those of you who haven't a clue who Frankie Cocozza is, or indeed the X-Factor. It's a Brit-thing. Helps us take our minds of economic doom and gloom and other 'real' news.

Junkie

Kirsty

I can't get enough of online courses it's true. Amy's been hosting live lessons where we all paint along together (and some of us drink wine too.... and eat marmite on toast - mainly those of us in the timezone  where a) consuming alcohol at that time of the day is socially acceptable; and b) we have eaten marmite long enough for us not to question its looks and taste.

Last night Amy had a little help from Manon who taught us how to create her quirky girls. As you can see I put a lot of effort into her face, but regrettably by the time I got to clothing, limbs and background the wine was starting to have something of an effect! I quite like her though. She makes me smile! Seems fitting to post Kirsty for Sweet Saturday too.

These sessions are naturally helping with Art Every Day Month - it's a real community feel as we all sit across the globe dibbing and dabbing with our brushes and colours.

On Monday I start another course. This time something very different for me - Surface Pattern Design. I met our teacher Rachael Taylor at the Do What You Love Retreat earlier this year. She is quite an inspiration (and also The Happiest Person on Twitter!). More on this to come! (Can't seem to get the picture to work - there's a tiny box underneath this sentence that will take you to more info!)

Sybil goes to Cuba

Remember Sybil? She was plain old charcoal a few days ago and now look at her. She's hopped on a plane to Havana and h as gone all tropical and mixed media!

Mind you, she looks a bit worried - like she spotted something untoward in the bougainvillea. Relax dear girl and take a sip of your Mojito, then step out and salsa on that dance floor!

Sybil is part 2 from Amy's live class. She's a mixture of collaged tissue, acrylics, watercolour and coloured pencil. The original sketch was graphite and charcoal, but rather than risk creating a large black smudge instead of a subtle painting, I printed her off again before applying her layers. I might repeat the exercise tomorrow and put her in a different location. Where shall we send Sybil? Do share your ideas - her passport is fully up to date and she has all required visas and vaccinations.

I'm writing so much at work these days and so tired by the time I reach 'me time', that I find it hard to be sensible when it comes to this blog. I seem to have written an awful lot of nonsense in the past few weeks, but at least with Art Every Day Month I'm forcing myself to do art.

Once thing it is worth talking about today though is the date 11/11/11 - Armistice Day. Let's all share a quiet prayer for peace. Some friends of mine started a Facebook group Hands up for Peace.They've nearly got 100 Likes - let's see if we can give them a few more... Why not pop over and put your hands up for peace.

It being Friday, and this being a painting, I'm also sharing for Paint Party Friday. I should point out though that when I woke up this morning - or more accurately, was dragged kicking and screaming from slumber by my alarm clock - I hadn't a clue what day it was. At first I thought it was Monday!

Getting around to it

No art to post yet for Art Every Day Month. I have been 'making', but just nothing worth sharing (maybe later in this post)...  I'm making a 'thing' and it isn't quite finished yet. It involves sewing which frankly is almost as unlikely an occurrence for a Lisa as Ronald McDonald becoming a vegetarian. Me and needles don't mix. Well, to be honest, it's not strictly the needles that's the problem - I'll happily take a flu jab or donate blood rather then sew on a button. No, the trouble with stitching and me tends to involve the thread and our little reisdent fae - the Knot Fairy. I do believe I've mentioned her before (and I understand that she has many siblings scattered in every corner of the globe). I'm sure you're familiar with the tangles appearing in strings and cables, cottons and cords seemingly by magic!

My parents have finally switched onto the online age and are regularly reading my blog - Hello! My Mum will no doubt be shaking her head in despair as she reads this and wondering what on earth happened to all those sewing lessons she gave me. Sorry Mum - I'm much better with a paintbrush!

A bit later...

Sew... where were we? Oh yes. My 'thing' and knotted cotton. I am blaming my chums at Inspiration Avenue for this one - you see they set a seamstress challenge and I felt obliged to leave the old comfort zone while still sticking to my mixed media roots. And this is what I came up with - this 'thing'. It consists of various layers of collage glued and sewn (yes, Mum, that's right... sewn!) together and topped with wax. The buttons are glued in the wax as this way they will be far more secure than if I had attempt to fasten with needle and thread. It's a kind of rebels' button box or maybe a 'round tuit'... one day I'll sew them back on the items they belong to...

It looks a bit like something my son would bring home from school as a present for Mother's Day - something cobbled together from bits and bobs from the craft box. Maybe I'll go back to drawing girl faces on book pages...

Do you really want to see it?

Here goes... don't say I didn't warn you!

Mixed Media 'Thing' with real sewing! That's the Knot Fairy in the middle. She was trying to unpick my stitching when she got stuck in the hot wax - that'll teach her!

Art in the making

This art every day for a month game could put unnecessary pressure on an already fraught girl; but I remain mindful of my words of wisdom to others... It isn't a contest, it's learning for yourself what the discipline of creating every day can give you. And, above all, we don't need to create masterpieces. The experience is totally about us. I just happen to choose to share my attempts daily on my blog.

So today, we don't have painting or drawing because frankly I ran out of steam where they are concerned - and I have been slaving at the pc at work all day! Instead, just a few experimental photos of the implements that help me create. I love happy accidents. For reasons best known to itself, my camera just wouldn't focus properly this evening. Undaunted, I went with the flow.

I also added a little je ne sais quoi in my darling PhotoShop.

My experimental art teacher Amelia would be very proud!

PS - I really should get some clean water for my brushes!!

Ladies and ladies

Sybil

Day 7 of Art Every Day Month. A change is in the wind. Here we have a monochrome portrait drawn in a sketchbook rather than a yellowing page from a book.

The coal is running low, the water is barely bubbling.... Is the steam is running out on my 'girl on a book page' series...?

Well, actually yes and no. Sybil here was the result of working alongside Amy and the gang again during a live chat and online class. Unfortunately, she only got this far before my feed dropped and I couldn't log back in again. We were going to add colour and collage and all sorts for the full mixed media ensemble... but I can catch up later when she posts the video.

It was interesting that I lost my connection just as the final episode of Downton Abbey was about to start on TV. I had planned on recording it for later in the week, but felt it was fate decreeing that I should pour myself a glass of wine and watch it 'live'. It was as I was viewing that I realised she looks awfully (or maybe a teensy bit) like Lady Sybil!

Now back to the book page ladies... Three more to show you though I'm not very impressed with any of them. Time to take a break I think. I feel some collage coming on...

Comfort

Sereena - fae of the woodland

Lisa

(She reminds me of my buddy Priti Lisa - check out the pic of her dressed as Frida, although she doesn't have the white make up with animal markings!! It's on her sidebar just above the followers box -  It's her birthday today too. Happy Birthday Lisa!)

Astrid

Astrid

Just one girl book girl to show you today. The second is still WIP which is worrying. Has the flow stopped? Is it time to move onto sketching caterpillars or cars? (By the way no idea why those two subject matter possibilities popped into my head... perhaps The Muse is trying to tell me something!).

Astrid likes playing in the snow and wearing crowns the elves make her.She is my favourite so far. I found her posing in a Gudrun Sjödén catalogue. She has actually already inspired several paintings by me - something about that head gear has always appealed. She is a Winter Princess; woodland royalty.

One of the most magical places to be is ancient British woodland. In a land that is so crammed by people and our creations, there are few spots left where the fairies can live undisturbed. I am building a board on Pinterest of likely spots where they may dwell. Sometimes there's evidence of people having been by - moss-covered ruins, coppicing and carvings in the stone, but by and large the fae keep control of these kingdoms weaving spells to keep away all but those who believe...

Sharing for Sunday Sketches and Day 6 of Art Every Day Month.

Err...

Eva

Well, it looks like I just can't stop drawing these girls on book pages... Last night I wasted a lot of time working on a bird piece that was collaged and painted and waxed and tweaked... But in the end, it just didn't tweet it for me.

Then, just as I was about to go to bed, the Muse gently nudged me back to the art table. "Go on... just one..." she urged. What could I say? When the Muse calls you listen (or she sulks for days refusing to come out to play). Then one face turned into two and the clock ticked way past my bedtime...

I love how I can get away with giving these girls messed up hair. In this sense they are very self-portrait. I have never been able to tame my fine mane. That's 'fine' as in thin and weedy, rather than a spectacle of luxurious coiffure.

Still there's plenty of other parts of me that chug along happily without being tamed. My imagination certainly enjoys being free to roam. Last night I scored a golfing hole in one in my dream. Everyone bought me a drink. It was very jolly... But later I was trying to find my way home and lost in Brighton while looking for Waterloo Station. It promised to be a long search as it's about 60 miles further north in London! Then before I knew it, suddenly I had match-side seats to watch Liverpool play some other team at football, but all the guys I was with said they'd prefer to go to the cinema... It's a strange old world that subconscious...

Samphire

(I knew it wouldn't be too long before a mermaid demanded to be included in this set!)

Day 5 of Art Every Day Month - I'm having so much fun!! It's never too late to join in.

Group therapy

Rebecca

I am so buzzed! I've just spent two hours in the company of other artists while we created together. I enjoyed a glass of wine while I painted Rebecca here. Not everyone thought it was appropriate to be consuming alcohol - it being 9am in the morning and that... But I was OK because it was 8pm for me :)

That's the beauty of the online live art demonstration - we're all in the comfort of our own time zones and homes... Big thanks to Amy. She showed us how to paint a cat on fabric and then seal with wax. It's amazing how cat-like this piece is eh? Well, I confess I did do the cat as well, only I don't do fabric and sewing, so attempted to use a flocked piece of scrapbook paper and it didn't quite go to plan. So, as I'm addicted to faces right now (see most of this week's posts), I just couldn't resist another one - especially as everyone has been so encouraging - thank you!

You may spot a subtle difference with this piece, it being on sheet music rather than yellowing prose. It's all part of a cunning plan to multi-task. See, this fulfills the criteria for The Butterly Effect music prompt and of course Paint Party Friday AND Art Every Day Month. Phew...

She has a very wonky-shaped face, but I'm cool with that. I'm literally slinging these portraits down - I'm more interested in the shading and taking a really loose approach... Maybe tomorrow I'll try and fix her up a bit.... Maybe not.... I wonder what I'll create next?

Getting a little addicted

Ingrid

Day 3 of Art Every Day month and Lisa is addicted. She comes to the diary room to share her thoughts with Big Brother.

"Oh Big Brother, I can't quite stop creating these faces on top of old book pages.They are so quick and easy, but most of all they are incredibly relaxing. Right now I'm too tired to write, I'm just wanted to create...

I know they're not perfect with wonky eyes and features but I'm not looking for symmetry. I'm limbering up and stretching! Ingrid had the words 'I am' on her bottom lip which seemed perfectly appropriate. Bobbi's got a mouthful ready to pour forth in song.

Maybe you'll see something different tomorrow... maybe not...."

Go to bed now Lisa... you need to be sane for tomorrow...

Bobbi

Art Every Day 2 or more accurately, still day 1

OK, so this is going to be a slight confusion, since I actually created this yesterday evening. Thing is, I'm not going to have time later to create AND post - I'm a busy girl don't you know?

Last night was actually rather lovely. I had to do some work after my son had gone to bed, but once finished, I was bursting with creativity and inspired by my earlier work I attacked old book pages and drew faces. I wonder if it was some subliminal uprising against writing. I'd been crafting words all day... clearly I needed some escape!

However, I WILL create today... It will just have to wait until evening. It's time to start work now, so must dash...

Join in the Art Every Day of November challenge here.

A date for your creative diaries... Tomorrow the wonderful Amy is hosting a live workshop. Well, I say evening because that's what it is here. It's 2pm CST (whatever that is!). Here in the UK we have the 'proper' time - GMT (I know, it's 'mean' but what can I say... some bloke in Greenwich decided he wanted to own it and so he did! We can't knock him for taking the initiative).

Today's/yesterday's piece is oil pastels, coloured pencil and acrylics on old book page.

A new diet

It's all about the Art...

Leah is once more hosting Art Every Day Month. I joined in for the first time last year - it's a real tonic and I unleashed so much creativity. Imagine yourself in a fancy schmancy health spa having your inner creative pampered from head to foot. Sessions with therapists will reveal how the mere act of creation - rather than the end result - is great for the psyche.

You'll find your skin changing to every colour of the rainbow - usually on fingers and hands, but let's face it, paint gets everywhere! What you feel inside will be reflected outside. You'll relax into your art, immersed in colour and texture and, best of all, you'll be surrounded by a lovely bunch of fellow artists all sharing their wonderful outputs.

Art Every Day Month is not about creating 30 masterpieces (though naturally that wouldn't be a bad outcome!). Instead, it's an opportunity to flex a few creative muscles and maybe try something new. All this will come from you - there's no training or videos to watch. It's just about you practising the art of creation every day and seeing what happens.


If you need help though, there's plenty on Leah's blog and of course there are so many art challenges around that can give a nudge - there's Inspiration Avenue for one. This week our theme is Art Nouveau. Just google away and you'll easily find that a plethora of online courses, YouTube vids, books... inspiration and guidance is everywhere. Or why not just see where your Muse takes you. Grab a pencil and a sheet of paper or some scraps of torn magazine and glue and just see what happens.

Today I was inspired by Lynne Hoppe (via a link on Amy's site - Amy's hosting a live tutorial on Thursday - check it out!!).

Mixed media on old book page. Took about 20 minutes. I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.