what IF and little bird on a branch...

This ended up being far more collage than anything,

but it was still fun to do

and such a relaxing way for me

to end the day.

That's my new motto. 

Is it fun?

Great!

Then do it!

Does it help make the day just a little better?

Great.

DO. IT.

We spend far too much time

justifying art.

It is what it is

and if it makes you happy -

do it.

So i spent over an hour last night

in my little blue room,

with good music,

a glass of wine on the left

and brush water on the right ;-)

and I played.

I've realized in the past year or so

how essential this playtime is for me.

Twyla Tharp calls it The creative habit.

I sometimes call it play but in reality, it's work.

It is my life's work

and it is no less important

than anyone else's life work.

And sometimes...

while painting and collaging...

when your mind is free,

and you no longer hear the chatter

you may even find answers

to some of your own questions.

little bird wishes you all a wonderful day...

filled with more color than you can handle.

:-)

oncology center...

I can be changed by what happens to me

but I refuse to be reduced by it.

Maya Angelou

I went to the Oncology center again today.

Mom begins chemotherapy again...

after a break that was much too brief.

Every time I go there,

I'm reminded of what I have,

what others have lost,

and how fragile life is.

True wealth has nothing to do with money.

The only true wealth is health.

We all walk around like we have

all the time in the world

to do what we want,

to go where we want,

to be who we want.

We neglect,

we procrastinate,

we find every excuse in the book

to do it later.

Tomorrow.

Next year.

When the mortgage is paid off.

When the kids are gone.

When i have more money.

But when i see the faces

in that sitting room at the Oncology Center,

i know that many no longer have the energy

nor the will

to follow their hearts. 

They have become too busy with survival

to be concerned with dreams

and passions.

All they want is to feel good again.

That has become their dream.

What

are

we

waiting

for

?

Do one small thing today

that makes you feel one step closer

to your dream.

Even if it's just

writing it on paper,

and claiming it as yours. 

xoxo

funky girl & happy Monday!

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.

Erich Fromm

Last night's play time.

A bit of collage for starters...

at this point, i rarely know what i'll be painting.

 

A quick little sketch...

At first i just wanted her to have curly hair,

but then it quickly became out of control. :-)

I usually sketch the outline on the canvas/collage with charcoal...

she seemed more sad than my sketch...

sometimes i mix the paint on my palette,

other times, i put the paint directly on the collage (as i did here)...

I kinda like the orange lips... 

  

having fun with the hair & gave her

a bit more of a smile...

added black, white, and a bit of detail

and there you have it.

Happy girl with funky hair & snazzy flowers. 

I use tissue paper for part of the collage

and i love how the fibres overlap.

Wishing you all a great week

filled with sunshine & lollipops. 

:-)