Wordless *Leap* Wednesday

Leap Day History: http://goo.gl/e2sUD

One Tip Tuesday

New feature! Since one of my objectives with this blog is to share creative techniques and practical things I've learned in working to get organized and grow my business, I am going to get myself rolling with a baby step. This will be easy to commit to, since it will be short and sweet. I hope it will be a collection of tips and ideas that will help and inspire you, and things I can read back through for my own benefit. Sort of like notes, ideas, simple steps for making being creative easier. I'd love to hear from you in comments with your own approaches or better ideas! While I don't expect to post every Tuesday, One Tip Tuesdays will hopefully become a regular feature that will help some of us get it in gear :o)

So, without further adieu, the first, super simple One Tip Tuesday tip:

Plastic resealable bags are a great way to protect photos and other small objects when you're using them for reference in painting.

Drop the photo/item in the bag and seal it, and never worry about paint ruining them again. I figured this one out after I accidently got oil paint on a special photo I was using for reference. :o(

Thanks for reading- here's to lots more tips!

Friday on Fire

Today I kinda feel artistically invincible, ha. It is amazing what a little rest and reflection can do (that caffeine can't) for the creative spirit. So I've been like a little Tazmanian devil, whizzing around fixing one thing, finishing another, confirming some things, starting others. And feeling like my to-do list is a constantly refreshing feed in my brain (in a good way) as I get things done. I am working on some things behind the scenes that will hopefully be revealed very soon, and am excited for what the next few months hold for my work (think new series, technique sharing, new venues, demonstrational videos). I can't wait to share, but I'll just have to wait a little while longer. :o)

And now, back to the fray.

Oh, and here's to the weekend- enjoy!

Atlanta skyline from the top of Stone Mountain

Wordless Wednesday

The Clock Strikes February

So it's Jan. 31, 2012, roughly 10 minutes away from February, and I'm looking back on the month, feeling, for the most part, satisfied with what I've accomplished with the first month of my new year. Have to be- no turning back! I can say I'm thankful for everything that I've enjoyed this month, from new friends and fun, to progress in my work, challenges that forced me to "up" my game, and plans for new projects. A major accomplishment for me personally, especially looking to the next 11 months, has been greater organization and time management. I know it sounds hum drum to some folks, but everything I can do to make it easier, happier, more efficient and more fulfilling to do my creative work and make a living at it, is a good thing. Heck, a great thing.

I am a dreamer with a realist streak, and while I have big dreams about all the projects I'm anxious to complete, and all the ideas I'm itching to share with the world, I have to also be a doer. For this reason I am so thankful for a God-given passion for creating. It's one thing that I could have never learned. It had to be there from the start to whisk me off on the road to these dreams. And now it's midnight, and February is here. I'm looking forward to all the opportunities and inspiration that await. Are you?