Wow, a month has passed already!

So much goes on day to day....work...family...stuff...
Back to painting!

So far just really looking at week one and two with Tracy Verdugo Paint Mojo... totally immersed and wish I didn't have a job that I had to go to.  It would be so amazing to really take this class and be able to give it my full time attention!  Alas, I have bills to pay!
My first dream catcher ended up gifted to a young dreamer, so happy to share it with her as she embarks on a worldly adventure!

Then my second which was to include a face.  I actually incorporated some of my lessons from Juliette Crane, Bliss and Jodi Ohl, grunge.  I committed that when I wasn't able to go to Tracy's retreat in Indiana that I would take the e-course class spending no additional money - using whatever supplies I had on hand and make it work.  So, this second dream catcher is on Yupo paper I had from my class with Jodi Ohl.  It is fun to work on - way different than canvas or watercolor paper.  I used my character face from class with Juliette Crane's Bliss and her finishing layers, fixative, mod podge with some blue added and Dorman;s Wax..  Juliette has a new class Paint Happy - hoping to win a spot in her drawing!!!

So, not exactly the assignment but Tracy said it was okay to be a rebel and not follow the "rules", which there are none!

Then last but not least - my second palette of possibilities - finding the pic within the blob of left over paint!

Crazy how you can find something in what appears to be nothing.  I am still working on my canvas immersion...


Ready to really put some time into that this upcoming week.


Make art.  Be happy, share your world!
cheers,
dana

TODAY EMBRACING 58 years... and my ART

Hope you read my previous post about Artist Joss Rossiter, Soulbrush.  As I was about to stop painting because of a long list of reasons, oh wait, I think excuses if truth told...anyways - once again she inspired me.  A published interview with her stated that she ONLY started painting at 58... I can't give up my soul-soothing passion now!

I have followed Joss and am always inspired by her talent and humor!  I have a piece of her work, a treasured print on our living room wall!  Makes me smile each morning when I come down the steps, it is the first thing I see!  Bright colors to keep dark days away!

Joss Rossiter, Soulbrush

I hope you take a minute to click on the pic and enlarge so you can feel all that this piece offers the viewer.

So, I am back and getting my studio room organized as I start an e-course from another artist that I follow.  Tracy Verdugo.  I am sure many of you are super familiar with her name and work.  I purchased her book Paint Mojo and had signed up for her retreat in Indiana this year.  Circumstances changed and I was not going to be able to attend...I decided don't bail, sign up for the e-course!  Woot Woot, birthday gift to myself and it starts tomorrow!  Perfect timing!
My morning sketch of a Tracy Verdugo inspired elephant. . .

Tracy inspired ellie

Now a piece I am currently working on, almost done - needs to have one more layer of wax and then be mounted on aged wood!  This piece is going to be part of an ART for ALS day.  My grandkids and I are going to have an event in honor of their grandfather that passed way to early as a result of this horrible disease.  We are pumped and creating!

S.E.W. - Go Blue series, Pelican

Here is who I love to paint with most, my fellow ART for ALS contributors...from left to right...
Cameron, Landon,  Nolan, Cloee in back....and solo is the Mason man.




There is my update.  Can't wait to get the Paint Mojo going and continue creating!  I plan on each week sharing an artist that has been a soulful inspiration to me...next week Tracey Flethcer King! and more on my first week of class with Tracy Verdugo!

cheers, 
dana
copyright dana strickland, sinderella's studio 2015

back to blogging

I have been absent for quite some time and am hoping to get back into my artful zone.  My last post was of a painting that I did for my granddaughters and one I am most proud of!  It is difficult to find time to run, paint and blog with a full work schedule outside the home.  Last year wasn't my best and since December I have made true committment to myself physically and mentally to get back to being me.  Happy to say I am feeling great.

We have some very serious illness with close friends and family members that reminds you that life is short.   Do what makes you happy - because that in turn makes others happy too.  Celebrate the small things!  Be with the ones you love!

That in mind I will be posting the pics from the Liberate Your Art postcard swap of 2014, some scribbles and babbles about life and...want to share this:

Tracy Verdugo is an inspiration and I love love love her work.  I recently picked up the spring copy of Somerset Apprentice and she has a great how to article - I have her upcoming book on pre-order and have signed up for her retreat in Newburgh, Indiana 2015.  Now she is about to offer her first e-course, yes, I am on the mailing list to get the info! Visit her blog - check out her amazing work, and her inspirational mindset!

http://artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com/

Off to put some paint on a canvas!  before jumping into the shower for work! 

Make a great day!  If you work on making your day, you will surely make someone else's.
cheers, dana,