My Creative process, Style, etc.

“Art is when you hear a knocking from your soul — and you answer.” ~Terri Guillemets


The amazing and fabulous Leanne with  From Chaos Comes Happiness has asked me to answer a few artsy questions about myself. This has been a VERY enlightening experience to say the least....I had never given these questions much thought until now. Thanks so much Leanne for this challenge!

What am I working on? Currently I am obsessed with stencils, spray ink and creating backgrounds.

Background in my Documented Life Planner...also playing along in the Color of Summer Challenge using turquoise, yellow and hot pink.

I find when I am knee deep in watercolor paper, art journals, paint, inks, stencils, stamps, vintage images and letters my creative spirit is unleashed and I get lost in my art. It is the best feeling ever!!

Some of my favorite images to use are vintage girls. I use them in most of my work.

I am also playing along with Tammy from Daisy Yellow...her ICAD Challenge is the BEST! The above image is one of my index cards from last week. The Summer of Color Challenge and Documented Life Challenge are also keeping me busy this summer. And I am finishing up The Walk with Brave Girls Club. LOVE their classes!!

Another ICAD from last week. The prompt was camera.

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?  The Words and images I use are what's in my heart. Yes, I am aware that so many people use vintage images and birds and butterflies, etc...but what I am saying...what I am creating comes from ME. It's what speaks to me. We all have a different story to tell...my art is MY story.

A page from my art journal

3. Why do I create what I do? To encourage, uplift and inspire. Seriously...those words are in my heart...and when I create I want what's in my heart to be revealed in my art. 

One of my fave pieces of my Brave Art

I was at an art show one time...with all my art laid out on display. It was my first show and I was scared no one would like my work. I will never, ever forget this woman that came up to me, clutching one of my business cards to her chest. (my biz cards have my art on them) She looked at me and said "What can I give you for this?" I replied with a puzzled look..."Ma'am that is by business card...those are free." She answered..."Sweetie, your work is beautiful and it is speaking to my heart. Please never quit doing what you do." Then she handed me a dollar. She told me she couldn't afford to buy anything but she wanted to have something so she took my card. Oh my goodness!! I will NEVER forget that. If I never sold a piece of my work again...her words were enough. They filled my soul up that day and continue to do so!

Another favorite of mine to create are sweet, little houses.

4. How does my creative process work? I rarely go into creating something with an idea. I think that's why I love making backgrounds so much. I have no agenda...just my supplies, my favorite tunes and time. Once I get to spraying and inking and painting an idea will come. It so often depends on my mood, what's going on in my life at the moment. Quotes are a big motivation for me. Also images...I love working with these!!

To create pages like this...

Nowhere near finished but it's an awesome start!

I am a VERY visual person so I LOVE looking at Pinterest, Somerset Magazines and other blogs for inspiration!! My FAVORITE magazine is by Somerset Studios.

I didn't start creating until I was in my early 40's. When I was in 8th grade my art teacher told me I had no chance of ever being an artist...all because I couldn't draw. Ha! I have learned art is so MUCH MORE than whether or not I can DRAW. It is so sad to me that I let what she told me keep me away from my creativity for so long. I know that's why NOW, today I LOVE teaching mixed media classes to other women. I never, ever want a person to think she is not creative. We are ALL creative beings and have something to share with the world!!:)

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about me and my creative process. Please be sure and stop by these creative ladies blogs to learn all about them, too. They will have their post up next week!!

Jodene Shaw...one of my FAVORITE mixed media artists ever!! LOVE her work and her sweet spirit. Her faith appears in ALL her work!!

Joanna Grant....I "found" Joanne through my FB group Mind.Body.Soul.  Her backgrounds with the Gelli Plate are AMAZING!! Love her work and I can't wait to hear about her creative process!!!

Thanks again for sharing my creative process with me...be sure and stop by Jodene and Joanna's blogs next week for more inspiration!!