Quality Time Memories

"In family relationships, love is really spelled T.I.M.E."
~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I had SO MUCH FUN creating with my nephews visiting from Colorado last Friday!

Alcohol Ink Paintings by Nephews, Dillon & Cody Yates - First-Time Inkers!

We covered a lot of ground, did a bunch of different techniques (on tiles, Yupo and black vinyl),

had a lot of laughs and created some wonderful memories.

Cody and Dillon were naturals.

  I only had to explain things once to them.

They both quickly grasped all the techniques I shared.

Not bad for first timers!

 They are very pleased with their accomplishments and I am very proud of them!

Cody and I pose with the Sandarosa Sentry

Dillon and I with the Yard Guard

So grateful I was able to spend some real quality time with two super great guys. 

 Maybe someday they will find time from their mountain biking and snowboarding

and take up art. I know they both have a real aptitude for it!

"Spending time with your family and your real friends keeps you grounded."

And Don't Forget About -

 GIVEAWAY ON INSTAGRAM- OPEN to ALL MY FOLLOWERS THERE! 

 and ... the FUNdamentals of Alcohol Ink E-Course.

Summer 2018 Class Opens June 6th

Thanks So Much for Stopping By

X ♥  O

Be Yourself, and Accomplish Your Goals

“To be yourself in a world that is

constantly trying to make you into something else

is the greatest accomplishment.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hummingbird symbolizes joy and love
and accomplishing that which seems impossible.

ANNOUNCING A

 GIVEAWAY ON INSTAGRAM- OPEN to ALL MY FOLLOWERS THERE! 

 Just LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE - ANY OF MY HUMMINGBIRD PRINT POSTS

for a chance to win two prints in this #Hummingbird #Print #Giveaway … 

On #MemorialDay, May 28th, I will pick 3 winners

of two unmated 5 x 7” hummingbird prints each (of your choice). 

These will fit into a standard 8 x 10” mat and frame.

Open to everyone - world-wide! See print selections here:

 and ... the FUNdamentals of Alcohol Ink E-Course.

Spring/Summer 2018 Class Opens June 6th

Thanks So Much for Stopping By

X ♥  O

The Drive to Strive and Overcome Struggle

"All artists struggle to some degree with their emotional and creative output."

~  Michael Fantuz

6 x 6" Framed Alcohol Ink Tile ~ $129.

I have heard some instructors state that learning is painful. No pain, no gain and all of that. I have been serious about my art for very long time and know this struggle to be true. There were times when I'd had a bad painting day that I wanted to scream or just rip my hair out. But in hindsight, what did this feeling, this attitude, this anguish accomplish? Very little, I'm afraid. 

Since then, I've learned that struggle needn't be so painful if you adopt the right attitude. I've come a long way since then, and I want to tell you that it just isn't all that serious! Setbacks and throw aways are to be expected in the learning process, especially during the first thousand paintings or so, lol. It usually takes time, and lots of just doing it; again and again and again.

When we are struggling and making mistakes, we need to understand that it is all part of the learning process. I continue to learn so much more from my re-dos than from my keepers. And, we can't be afraid to take risks and "ruin" what we are working on; because that step beyond OK is usually what separates the good from the great. Yes, it's a struggle to get there, but it needn't be painful when the right attitude of accepting the process, experimentation and discovery are in place. Instead of asking; "why didn't this turn out?", it may be more helpful to ask, "what did I learn?".

My philosophy and teaching appeals to people who want to learn new approaches that free them from limiting thoughts, fear of failure and anxiety. Focusing on the process and embracing the joy of creativity, my students move into that happy place where time fades away. Here, we are in touch with a universal spirit, truly living in the moment.  Here there is no struggle, only go with the flow, create and learn.

Without putting too much emphasis on the end product, making mistakes, solving problems and building on positive experiences, the learning process isn't painful or frustrating. With my guidance, I see creativity, achievement and fulfillment blossom. When the right foundation has been laid, living with art and experiencing the joy of creativity can help us to live life now, with more engagement, love and enjoyment. See more ...