Art journal: oceany goodness

It's been unseasonably warm for December - almost 50 today! Plus, I've caught wind of various friends' winter getaways to sunny tropical locales. This all got me in the mood to do an ocean-themed collage page (which isn't hard to do!). The purple-pink hues on sea fans are always inspiring.

Season's Greetings

I'll be taking a vacation from my blog 'til next week. 

I wish you and yours the best this holiday season!

Art journal: Caged bird

I painted and collaged this page a few days ago, but didn't know what more to do until today, when the Maya Angelou poem "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" came to mind.

Mayan Calendar Dec. 20

The inspiration for today's drawing...

December 20, 2011 starts a new 13-day cycle ("trecena") on the Mayan calendar: Ben. Taken from the Mayan Calendar Portal : Start Ben’s trecena with a small personal ceremony or morning meditation to offer your thanks and gratitude for your home, your family, and especially your children if you’re a parent. Nurture an atmosphere of tranquility, contentment and joy in your home, so that you and your family may have a sacred sanctuary to protect you from the stresses of the external world. 

At the core of your home is your own internal inner peace. Honor that inner home, that part of your soul that powers your waking consciousness and all other aspects of your life.

Floral doodle

The battle continues...this week has been better. It helps me to just journal about it while it's happening. Then it feels less like downtime.

John Lennon remembered

Driving home the other night, on the anniversary of John Lennon's death, I heard his song "beautiful boy" on the radio. "Life is just what happens to you, while your busy making other plans"....I didn't remember the lyrics exactly :)

Birds have flown south

This is the back inside cover of my NaNoJouMo journal, which I filled with art and doodle goodness the month of November. Right now I'm happy with the muted quality. However I may gesso some areas, then paint over them to make the colors more vibrant - I think the cardboard has a varnish coating. It took more than a couple days to dry.

Dog illustration revisited

The Morran Book Project is done, and Camille has put together a fantastic tribute to her little friend! My contribution (shown below) is on pg 134. I am honored to have been a part of it.
> Entire book preview/ordering info

Airy winter doodle

The fresh snow has influenced my drawings - not as dark or heavy.

Cathedrals of Desire

Below are two paintings from Michele Muldrow's Cathedrals of Desire Series. 'Twas on my mind as Black Friday came and went. I must say I like these depictions better than what must have been reality this past weekend. I'm shopping downtown small businesses and making gifts this year.