29 Faces Challenge: Face #15

I like my little houses stamp as you can see.  I use it a lot, like here at the bottom.  I started this page in my journal a long time ago to see what some new pastels I had purchased would look like.  Today I decided to paint a face over the background.  I couldn't get the gesso to completely cover the background, so there are different lines peaking through her face.  I've decided I like her that way.  So today's painting was started with pastels and I used the black micron pen and acrylic paints to finish it off.

I think my husband will be happy when this challenge is over!  I'm so obsessed with making sure I get something finished to post everyday that I've sort of been neglecting some of the usual housework...Oops!  I need to start selling some artwork so I can hire a housekeeper...Right?!*

Finding Balance between Life and Art: Setting Short Term Goals

I've been feeling really guilty about not creating much this summer, and for neglecting my blog and facebook for the past few weeks.  On the other hand I also have a guilt complex about not spending enough time with my girls while I have the opportunity this summer.  So, for the past few weeks, I've put my art on the back burner and focused on my kids and family.  I've been assistant coaching my daughters select soccer team (and I'm loving it!), and I've been trying to spend more time playing with the girls, taking them and their friends inner tubing, or just hanging outside with them while they swim in the lake and play.

But now it's time to dive back into art...and I'm excited!  My long term goal is to simply SELL MY ART!  I have several short term goals that i've set to help me reach that goal, and I intend to accomplish each of these before the first of the year.  I'm listing them here so I can be held accountable!

1. Reorganize all art supplies and give away what I don't need, want or use.  
2. Apply to be a part of a local art gallery and bring some of my smaller paintings, prints, cards and      jewelry to be considered.
3. Continue improving my blog and website.
4. Create at least one more video tutorial.
5. Complete at least 2 pieces of artwork each month.
6. Revisit and complete some of the online courses I haven't been able to finish.
7. Submit something to either a Somerset or Cloth Paper Scissors Reader's Challenge.

I think that ought to do it!  I'm going to be a busy girl!  But I'm ready and eager to get started!  What are your short term goals?  It helps to get them out there, on your blog, facebook or just verbalized to someone you trust in your life to hold you accountable.  I am notorious for having goals and then getting distracted and leaving them by the wayside.  My best intention is to stick to these few things and see them through.  I have 3.5 months right?

Here is a link to an article that tells a story, illustrating the importance and effectiveness of setting short-term goals.  Maybe reading it will help you to set your goals, both long and short!

A Mother's Love...

Mother's Love

Here's another one to share with you.  I finished this one this weekend and was a little disappointed with my lettering and spacing, but oh well!  I like it overall!

Wake Your Dreams

Many of us have dreams that we've kept to ourselves, dreams that we thought weren't possible, or dreams that other's wouldn't support.  It's time to wake those dreams from their deep sleep and start to make them a reality.  Believe that you can...and you will!

Here is my latest entitled "Wake Your Dreams"...hope you like!

The Out Cast

Here is a new watercolor I did while watching the news last night.  This was done in my moleskin watercolor art journal, using sparkling H20's and my  Koi Watercolor travel kit.  I also used Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens in black and grey, and a white gel pen here and there.

Let me know what you think!  I love to hear your comments, feedback and/or gentle critiques!

i don't understand: An art journal page

i don't understand, a photo by Artenvy on Flickr.

Here's another moleskine watercolor journal page. I love how well the paper takes paint and wet media without buckling. This is now my favorite journal to carry around with me everywhere!

Twinkling H2O Watercolors for skin tone

i'm thinking, a photo by Artenvy on Flickr.

I discovered that using the colors nutmeg and jasper red work really well for skin tone in my moleskine watercolor journal. These paints blend so easily and are perfect to travel with a refillable water brush. I did this while waiting at the doctor's office. Of course she's not finished yet, but just wanted to share my new discovery!

Looking 4 Inspiration

Looking 4 Inspiration, a photo by Artenvy on Flickr.

Here is another watercolor journal page done with the Twinkling H2O's.

Silver Lining

Silver Lining, a photo by Artenvy on Flickr.

This is a watercolor moleskine journal page that I did using the Twinkling H2O's watercolor paints. I love these paints, they are very vibrant and have a sparkle/shimmer to them that doesn't really show up in the photo.