gifting art is so meaningful

Recently I was asked to do an Anniversary tree...I had done a wedding tree for one my sons' wedding and now was being asked to do a tree for a 50th wedding anniversary.  I changed it up a bit from the wedding tree but used some of the same handmade paper.  The guest stamped their thumb prints as the leaves and the bride and groom of 50 years were really happy with the event.  I gifted the painting and it made me feel probably better than the recipients!





cheers,

dana

make it a great day!

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

Who Inspires me...KRISTIN DUDISH...

Kristin opened my eyes to a huge world of art!!!!  She accepts artists' at all levels, her comments are always kind and ENCOURAGING!  I first read about Kristin, not sure where, but was so impressed with a project she was involved in with Oprah Winfrey.  Kristin started her art business painting murals...
WOW, I freak out at paper that is 5 x 7...WALLS, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
Once I started following her blog, I was mesmerized by her talent and wit!  How does she come up with these connections.  My brain tried and I had to laugh at myself...She finds inspiration to put all these things together and at the end - her heart (a favorite found symbol of hers ) is felt in every piece.  Some of her work is serious and others magical.  All of her work is vivid - even the soft pieces.  I love just looking at her portraits - intense but not.
I commented once on a small piece of hers and BAM, next thing I know I receive it in the mail!

Each time I abandon some art at the local bus stop, I am reminded of how I felt receiving her gift.
 She reaches out to all of us that love to create.  I don't have a picture of it, but my step-daughter, a Dairy Vet, has a Dudish hanging in her office of a PI-COW-ASSO.  We all love it!

Kristin and fellow artist Eva, help expose artists' to each others work,  We all draw immense inspiration and encouragement from a site they created for us to gather.  Paint Party Friday - a must visit!  I can't tell you how many times I was down and out about my work; posted there and someone always said something to keep  me going.  Kristin and Eva's willingness to take all the time they do to keep this Party going shows a love of giving to others!  I posted for quite some time and then fell into a super art slump, so I haven't posted much but am always peeking in!  It is from PPF that I found the first three artists I have written about!  I also have many artists that I follow, am inspired by and in awe of their work:
Ayala Art, Ann Hyde and her dog William, Kristin and her girls (both on canvas and in life ) and my Michigan native born soul sister Robin Panzer with her Chigirie hand torn paper art!!! (which we have a treasured piece of her work hanging in our home)
I would have never been exposed to all these amazing artists without Kristin and Eva's dedication to build this community!  Thank you ladies!
So each time I see a heart out in nature I am reminded of Kristin and her ability to find inspiration in everything!  Life is good!

Update on class with Tracy Verdugo...
I am working a lot of hours right now and finding it very hard to make time.   I have pieces started all over the house, literally.  My husband is like, "what happened to you working in your art room, oh I see the table is stacked and you are out of space!  oy."  Good thing he loves me!

hummingbird with blooms

Tracy had us save our paper paint palettes from our first lesson - now to take those palettes and find a painting...

LOBSTER IN PROCESS

REALLLLLLYYYYYY??????










Believe it or not I was able after looking at these for several days to SEE images...
So they both have been started along with my dream catchers... hoping to complete these this week.
This is the most amazing class...sure wish I could be going to the Indiana retreat as originally planned but next year I will get an in-person experience.

Now - to get some time with the canvas...
cheers, 
dana
life is short - go enjoy it!

Week three of who inspires me... Juliette Crane

Juliette Crane's class BLISS... gave me just that, the feeling of BLISS each time I picked up my new found favorite pencil. (General's Sketch & Wash)  She taught me to sketch .  I didn't think I could do that.  I thought each time I wanted to draw something - I had to find something to copy, no way could I just put pencil to paper and come up with something....WRONG!  I CAN!!!
Sitting with my dogs, drinking my coffee in the morning quiet...I sketch...it is a great way to start a day.  I always get up to get ready for work with a smile on my face when I practice this.  It calms the mind and soothes the soul. It brings BLISS!  While taking Juliette's class I developed my character Pearl!  I love her and have sold a couple small paintings of her.  All of my paintings of her carry the title Pearl's Wisdom.   ...she is different every time, yet similar and always wearing pearls.

from my sketch book....






Juliette's class was so inspiring the way she creates her backgrounds and her characters.  Her husband's music always in the background.  Layers and layers and never giving up until you bring out what is inside.  Her book is beautiful and I love just running my hands across the pages.  I try to always pick up anything she is published in talking about how she creates.  I have one of her prints...it inspires me and brings about my dream state...a lovely place to be!

Thank you Juliette for BLISS!

update of my Paint Mojo e-course with Tracy Verdugo:

She has us making Inspiration Bundles...what an amazing exercise in pulling out your creativity...expanding your mind and working freely!

I won't go into the entire exercise...you should take her course and absorb the entire experience - the images I used were hers...and my poem that came from them is completely different than what she pulled out of the same prompts, so interesting so the the different outcomes by each person that looked at the same pictures.




The rooster speaks,
in many languages.
Love Lives Here is his message.
Hearts whirl with soulful touches,
Knowing love is delicate and makes one vulnerable.
Release fear, let loose the heart and mind.
Remember soft petals of he loves me, he loves me (knot).
Stitch together the moments of bliss with those fallen petals.
Pattern the colors of the heart with brightness.
Find a place of solitude to remind yourself...
of the precious golden freshness of life with love.
Tie all these memories in frayed little bundles to be opened
and remembered at a later time.

I so loved doing this and wanted to share some inspiration, so as I often do...I abandoned my art at this bus stop.  I always include a couple bucks and a free coffee from McDonald's.  Not much but this bus stop is used by people that live in low income housing and many have disabilities.  I hope the person that found this the other day in the sub zero temps at least got a smile.  This exercise really made me think and pull things out of I don't know where - the words just came...I loved it but felt I couldn't keep it to myself.  Thank you Tracy Verdugo!
I am still only in week one and week three has started - I need to win the lottery so I can stay home and just soak this all up!!!!
Life is Better with ART!

cheers, dana

Pearl's Wisdom copyright dana strickland, sinderella's studio 2015

Week two of who inspires me...

Tracey Fletcher King!!!
Art and Illustrations, is what her header says...but she is sooooooo much more.  I have followed her for a few years now and there is not a post I read that doesn't elicit emotion.  Most crack me up, so honest about the reality of everyday life.  Some bring deep joy and fill my soul.  Others, bring tears of sharing her journey.  Not that I have conquered anything of the magnitude she has...be she writes in such a way that you are in her path - feeling what she is going through.  A lover of  her family, chocolate, tea and tea cups, and perfume bottles.  Her colors and composition amaze me!!!

She is a survivor - a pink warrior - an inspiration to all!

Here is a journal page sketch that I loved so much, she scanned it so that I could purchase it.  I will someday own one of her originals...I love this steam tea pot.  Tracey has a story to go with this and I have my own story that made this a must have piece.  I treasure it!
Please visit her blog and meet this amazing woman/teacher.  She is teaching Soul Food 2015...
check it out here and click on the Soul Food 2015 button on her sidebar!.

my inspiration wall

Thank you Tracey for helping me learn some very important life's lessons!  Always move forward, never give up!

Update on current projects:
This is my next piece for the ART for ALS that I am doing with my grandkids, Island Girl.  I am doing a series of faces as well as the S.E.W. go blue series!

mixed media

I used techniques that I learned from a class with Juliette Crane...BLISS.  I sooooo enjoyed her gentle way of teaching and how she creates from within.  Learned about some new supplies too, Dorland's Wax Medium and water soluble oil pastels - true love.  I will talk about her next week!

Now my first week of class with Tracy Verdugo - mind blowing!!!! I have only been working on week ones first video of three... I am taking my time.  With working full time I am not going to short change my experience by "cramming" this artful journey in - I am taking the journey.  I had so much fun making a scratched on foam print and am working to finish that exercise.  I have never done that - didn't have the scratch board so used my craft foam sheets that I have for the grandkids to cut out and paste onto different projects we make.  I have vowed to work with the supplies I have on hand!.

Can't wait to complete this lesson.  I have four prints in the works and it is mesmerizing to see them all develop.  The other artists' in the class are so inspiring and supportive of one another!  The pieces that are being shared put me in awe and motivate me to keep going!

cheers!

dana

go out and MAKE a great day

all work copyright dana strickland, sinderella's studio 2015

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

I am back....

Once again inspired by my Aquarian Artist Soul sister, Joss Rossiter...  I shall begin to blog again when I turn 58!!!  To be an artists is NOT about age!

http://www.thepalettepages.com/2014/11/18/joss-rossiter/




She didn't even start painting until she was 58.  Now she sells her work all over the world.  I am a proud owner of one of her prints....

So this Friday - the 13th - I will embrace that I am 58 and an artist!

cheers,
dana

Juliette Crane's BLISS course is exactly that!

Still don't have my supplies together or my work space cleared off BUT I am still participating!  Journals are buried - so I grabbed a piece of paper that I was paying bills from to do this mornings quick painting sketch.  I am doing a small block painting for one of my nephews and he wants a fox - good thing Juliette's characters included a fox!  I am working my way thru a video each morning...haven't figured out how to post on the facebook page or in the photo gallery - but I will have some time next weekend to try and figure all that out!

I can't explain how doing this morning exercise helps to start the day in a positive way.  You kind of get sucked into this peaceful place and your mind stops thinking life - and relaxes!  Then jump in the shower and go forward with a clear head!  This is therapy at its finest! (sort of like riding my Harley).

So here is my little fox:

journal page not in a journal, lol 

So, now the block piece I am sending to my great nephew Max...

What does the FOX say???

Hope he likes it, now to finish his brother's peacock! 

Thanks Juliette Crane for giving me BLISS !!!!

life is short, make sure you LIVE it!

dana

Morning Journaling

I have never been good at journaling.  I feel like I am not digging deep enough or am short sighted because I am not writing deep thought provoking prose.  This week starts an online class I am taking with Juliette Crane, BLISS.  I have not gotten my supply list together, I haven't cleared space in my art room to even put a scrap piece of paper down.  I am, as usual, totally unprepared BUT I am determined to follow and do the exercises, experience the art through this class.  I have decided the only way for me to do this is to get up and grab my paints. 

We have had an emotional couple weeks here with the death of two separate friends...so, I still decided I needed to get online and start.  I have only so far watched a couple of the intro videos ...AMAZING!!!  Yesterday after watching I scribbled a peacock in a random notebook on the desk.  Today I added some color.  No, not a masterpiece, but it's not intended to be.  Juliette says she starts everyday in her journal with a painting.  I have to tell you, both this morning and yesterday - with all that is going on - this was a beautiful release.  It also helped me find peace with the death of our friends.  They both suffered greatly and are in a better place. 

I have been running almost every morning since December1st of 2013 - to get myself back to my better self, physically and mentally.  I have added this morning painting to the process and shall continue to do so.

I am excited to really get going with Juliette's class - and if it takes my all week to get through the intros and finally get to lesson one then that's what it is.  Scrap paper, watercolor paper, real journal, notebook, whatever is in front of me shall take on this new process!  A new journey begins!!!!

prince of peace

Live is short - live it!
dana

2014 LIBERATE YOUR ART POSTCARD SWAP

Once again, Kat's swap brought joy to my mailbox!  This is my third year participating and it is so much fun going to the mailbox. . . no bills just beauty from around the globe! 

The first card top left is a beautiful photo of an old building with rocks and flowering weeds bringing it life!  It is from Sonya Versluys www.sonyaversluys.com - her work amazing! 

Then a much needed shared cup of hot chocolate from Maddy at www.maddy-moo.blogspot.com
Her card came on one of the many snowy days we had here in the never ending Michigan winter, made me smile!

The sunset skyline with small bird in the trees is so peaceful.  It has a soulful beauty from Vicki at www.outofhand-alteredbooks.blogspot.com

Once again another photo that gives you peace the minute you look at it!  boats out on the water with an amazing skyline!  from Dee Vlasak at Instagram

A shoreline pic of Lake Erie from the Ohio side of the water!  Love it, as I am from Michigan and have visited this shoreline my entire life!  Gorgeous!  from Shelley at www.shelleyshockley.com

And of course from Kat herself!  Layered Autumn www.kateyestudio.com
I love getting Kat's postcard as the finally - it just pulls it altogether.  It is sad too because now you know it's done - over - complete - ahhhhhhh, but there is next year!

Hope those that received my A-moo-re enjoyed the love!

I took this photo while in New Mexico visiting my husband's dairy vet daughter.  This is NOT photo shopped.  They check cows for pregnancy - marking them with different colors for stage of pregnancy, twins and other things.  She checked 600 cows the day we were with her.  Wow, I have a totally different view of cows now - and the strength it takes to do what she does!

Like the card says:  live, laugh, love!!!!
dana

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,

Intuitive Painting

I have been reading - searching online - viewing art - dreaming of putting paint on the canvas - and then just starring at it. . .  for most of last year.  The age old dilemma of my work isn't that good so why do it?

Answer - because it makes ME HAPPY!!!!

So, with my book by Flora Bowleybraveintuitiveyou.com , I started  a large canvas for my granddaughters room - at the request of my daughter-in-law.  Dipping my fingers in the paint and with my new huge Sharpie marker that my husband had put in my Xmas stocking wrote the word Sisters on the canvas.  There, I started!  Then questioning myself I stared at it for quite awhile.  More inspiration and courage please.  Tracy Verdugo artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com, more intuitive pushes.  I had no idea she started her work with words painted on the canvas.  Painted some more - put on my music, my art shirt my husband gave me, my fingerless gloves  my sister-in-law made me and my Harley bandanna!  Kooky but it works, puts me in a different place and the paint starts to flow.  Again, alittle stuck...sign up for Journal Soup with Kate Crane,
thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com, ahhhhh more paint goes down.  FINISHED. 

paint party friday

Anxiously awaiting Tracy Verdugo's book on Painting Mojo.  I am fasinated with her intuitive painting.  In following her blog & facebook postings from retreat participants, I think I am getting an understanding.  It is time to get my head out of the dark & my brushes out if their cupholders into my hands! CHEERS, dana

Celebrating Life with Tracey Fletcher King

Today we in blogland are celebrating a true friend, Tracey Fletcher King !!!

An artist and courageous woman who shares her talent and soul with many of us around the world! Tracey's artwork always makes me smile. Intense colors with soft subjects of everyday life. The contrast makes her paintings pop off the page. Her stories that go with her work make you think and many times laugh.

She shares her world and somehow it makes mine better!

Here's to health and happiness - many more cups of tea to be shared!!! Thanks for reminding me to look after myself! and not to be afraid to put paint on the paper!

Much love, prayers and cheers!

gettin my mammogram!

dana

sharing across the pond. . .

for that matter, around the world!  That is what I love about this artful blogging community.  For the last five years I have been learning about blogging and working on my art interests.  Sometimes I have obsessively blogged and then been MIA countless times.  Whether I am consistent or not this community still encourages and supports.  I wish the world could be like that!  Just imagine if everyone was supportive and encouraging...makes you wonder.

Anyways, in my meetings of artists', Joss has been a cosmic bond.  We share the same birth month - we are Aquarians (that does explain alot).  We are both mature - well, numerically anyway.  AND we both have a love of art.  She is an accomplished artist - showing and selling her passionate pieces of her soul.  Which leads us to the name of her blog, Soulbrush!

I am fortunate enough to have a piece of her work!  I am in search for the perfect frame!

She also has shared a piece of her spirit with me when my spirits were down and needed a hug.  So I wanted to say thank you and celebrate her new studio with some light!  Sent it across the waters to let her know that she reaches many!

your soul and your brush reach across the pond

cheers, dana
life is short, make sure you LIVE it!

all works copyright dana strickland/sinderella's studio 2013

Under the Sea swap complete!

Clare Lloyd received the tags I sent for my part in the swap.  So I will share them with you now!

I had "chicken of the sea" - a fortune telling mermaid and swimmers!  These were really fun to do!

                         this was an extra chicken of the sea I did...I was cracking myself up!!!!
For any of you that aren't in the states, chicken of the sea is a brand of canned tuna here.

Not much but hope it makes you smile.  Thanks to Kirstin McCulloch for hosting the tag swap!!!

Also sending a piece across the pond to Soulbrush! So, once it has arrived I will share!

cheers, dana
life is short, make sure you LIVE it!

copyright 2013 dana strickland - sinderella's studio

Yep, I am still alive!!!

Received my Under the Sea art tag today!!!!  It is soooooooooooo me!  It is funny how cosmic the art-blogland is!  People and art that are worlds away and have no knowledge of you send art that is YOU!!  I am always in amazement each time this happens.

I signed on with Kirstin McCulloch's art tag swap - Kirstin's Big Eyed girls are a favorite of mine. As I said, themed: Under the Sea.  I who love the ocean could not resist.
Kirsten paired me up to receive from Lillian Mederak.  COSMICALLY SPOOKY!!!  Lillian does an art retreat every year in the Keys!!!  Anyone that has read my blog knows I am a Key West loving girl!!!!  So how crazy I get to receive something from an artist that lives in Canadian but retreats in the Florida Keys every year. More cosmic.  I love green.  Now green is a color you either like or don't.  It is not usually an in-between color.  So my tag is SOOOOOOOOOO me - My fantasy Key West self.  The words Lillian has applied to the tag - I am sure are about her but seriously...it's me too.
"Have I dreamt I am a Mermaid -or- Am I a Mermaid dreaming I am Me?"
does it get any better???!!!  I think not.  The tag is absolutely a treasure!  Thank you Lillian!

My tags are off to the UK...I posted them five days late but they are well on their way.  I shall share them once I know that Clare Lloyd has received them.  Hope she enjoys opening her package as much as I have enjoyed mine!

I posted 2 weeks ago my side trip to Lake Michigan to help get me in the mood to create!  I did a sketch in my journal and worked a bit on it while floating and basking in the sun.  I finished the page and need to go back to do another.

cheers, dana
life is short, make sure you LIVE it!

all works copyright dana strickland, sinderella's studio 2013

water time on Tuesday

I am participating in an art tag swap and the theme is "under the sea".  For inspiration I went to the shores of Lake Michigan yesterday and floated about.  I had a bag of random art stuff along with a journal.  Packed a sandwich and my floaty.    Plopped my butt in the sand, took out my journal, dug through my bag to find out my tools were really random!  oh well, it is an adventure day anyway!  Just did a little sketch - then went out and bobbed around in the water for quite awhile - just soaking up the day!  Came back to my journal - added some colored pencil then some watercolor - using lake water, of course.

I am going to keep going with this - too much fun to just leave as is...then onto my tag project.

So as I was leaving town to head home...I had to get a photo of this incredible house...it is THE perfect Practical Magic house!  Don't you agree???

Once at home the sun was shining through the most beautiful spider web.  A day filled with beauty and inspiration!

cheers, dana

live is short, make sure you LIVE it

all work copyright Sinderella's Studio/ dana strickland 2013

merry monday

no art just planning a day on the shores of Lake Michigan tomorrow.  Just me = some paints, crayons and a journal!  will share my day on Wednesdy!
cheers, dana
life is short, make sure you LIVE it

dark spaces are not always friendly places...

darkness

Guilt cast a dark shadow.
Sorrow draws the dark curtains closed.
Strength pulls the blinds back open.
Faith restores what I need to know.
Courage lets me step forward.
Love restores my drive.
Teach so others may be inspired.
Share your lessons & the you - you know!

soul prayer - white light, white light, white light


                                                   
 time to remove the weeds from my mind:

I watched The Secret of the Wings, totally by accident, my grandkids weren't even here...it's amazing how fairies make life seem so much nicer!  Time to get my glitter back on!!!

glitter

cheers, dana