It's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Season! May 18th our produce deliveries are going to be starting. Interested in joining a CSA and receiving weekly fresh organic produce? Check out Local Harvest's website to find a local farm in your area. Below are a few Journal sketches I did last season.
Art Getaway - I will never forget
An Art Retreat on Bainbridge Island with two of my favorite Artists? What could be better?
When I found out that Serena from Nurture Your Creative Seed was hosting an art retreat with Junelle Jacobsen and Christy Tomlinson, I called my husband straightaway.
Being a supportive husband he said "Book it!". I immediately messaged Serena and found there was still room! Since taking my Utah art trip, I dreamed of going on an art retreat that lasted more than a day. This was simply providential. The perfect teachers and the perfect location. We have family in Washington state and were in desperate need of another road trip.
I didn't document the retreat like I should have, because I was so involved in all the artsy fun. But I did manage to take a few photos along the way.
Look at the treasure Junelle found! Isn't it the cutest little Lamb head?
This was the trip of a lifetime! Christy and Junelle were delightful teachers and Serena spoiled us rotten. I even met a few friends along the way. If you ever have the chance to go on one of Serena's retreats, take it! You wont be sorry.
Look at all these beautiful and talented Ladies!
Photo with my fabulous art teacher; Junelle
Christmas Time Is Here
Nature Art Journal
Nature Art Journal - Inspiration by Junelle Jacobsen
This little Nature Art Journal makes me so giddy. It's just a "little fellow" made from a 5X7 vintage book that nobody wanted. Poor little guy. He is now very wanted and much loved. I usually gesso my books as I create, but because this is going to be my little travel book, I pre-gessoed all the pages. Now every page is a blank canvas ready for my art.
Blank Canvas
When I don't have room to carry my travel journal with me, I make sure to at least carry a couple pieces of gessoed book paper in my bag. It takes up little room in my purse so I can watercolor on-the-go and paste it in my travel journal when I get home. It also takes the pressure off of perfection because if I don't like it then it doesn't go into my book.
It's so fun to have an art journal with a theme. What I love about a nature theme is that it can carry over into every season. What will your next art journal theme be?
Susan Branch - Book Signing
Its not very often one gets to meet their inspiration. I had the privilege of meeting mine this weekend: Susan Branch. I have admired her art for as long as I can remember. I would buy anything I could get my hands on that she created. During my dating years, I used her stickers to create love notes and gifts for my Harrison. I have always loved art, but it was Susan Branch that lit the fire for my love of watercolor. She even shares my love of vintage delights. Kindred Spirits!
She is such a down to earth and friendly soul. I adore her. Harrison and I drove down to where she was signing for her new book: A Fine Romance at the Remnants of the Past Antique Show. Her new book is a handwritten diary of her trip to England. Inspiration at every page!
I even made a simple little watercolor picture to give to her. Susan started watercoloring at age 30, which happens to be my age. I am just a beginner in watercoloring, but maybe one day I can be as talented as she is with watercolors. There is something so special about creating art that touches peoples souls. Susan Branch's art touches my soul and this dreamer's imagination.
If you find yourself in San Luis Obispo you must stay at the hotel we stayed in: Apple Farm Inn, Restaurant and Gift Shop. Don't forget to try their warm apple cider! It just doesn't seem like fall until I have a cup of their apple cider and watch "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon". Have you seen that movie? I highly recommend it! Doris Day and Gordon MacRae are delightful in it.
Art of Goodness - Online Class
Its that time again! Time for a holiday online class taught by Junelle Jacobsen. I cant get enough of my favorite teacher! The Art of Goodness has now begun and I am just giddy with excitement!
Do you want a sneak peak? click here!
Today is day one and I have been hiding out in my art room all day painting and watching class videos. This is a three-week class full of so many wonderful holiday projects. The inspiration in this class is just overflowing. Come join me!
One of many class projects
Fall color Palatte
Somerset Workshop - Junelle Style
When I found out Junelle Jacobsen was going to be featured in Somerset Workshop magazine, I knew I had to get my copy as swiftly as possible. To my delight, 39 pages were dedicated to Junelle. She showed how to create 5 unique mixed media projects along with more inspiring photos of her art work. I rarely spend money on magazines, but this magazine was chalked full of so much crafting inspiration, I couldn't help myself. It was Love at first sight.
My take on one of Junelle's projects in the magazine
Imperfectly Perfect - Watercolor Inspiration
Dabbling in photography is the perfect tool for me to capture inspiration. I get such joy when I find the composition that inspires me and provides me with the perfect snapshot to keep for when that artsy mood strikes. Being a novice photographer, I was thrilled that these photos needed no editing. I love it when that happens! I found these gorgeous wildflowers on vacation in Park City, Utah. They were nestled in a valley surrounded by an Aspen forest. With the Aspen leaves rustling in the wind, I couldn't help but soak up all the colors, shapes, and textures of God's creation. The beauty just dazzled my mind.
On the car ride home, I couldn't help but pull out my watercolors and start painting the flowers you see below. If you struggle with perfectionism like I do, creating art in the car is the perfect way to help stop that horrible habit. If you notice the yellow flower above, the petals aren't perfect. In fact, the petals are imperfectly perfect. Its the imperfections of the petal that make it beautifully perfect. When you let go of perfectionism, you open up the door to growth. Strive to make beauty out of the imperfections and the more you practice the more beautiful your art will become.