Monday, August 29, 2016

Simply Happiness



Happiness is an inside job.
~William Arthure Ward


I saw this quote and thought it was a nice, simple reminder.  There are a lot of ideas out there to go looking for happiness, or seek happiness or find happiness, but it is an art form to be able to make your own.  Finding happiness inside, each and everyday, that is the journey.

This painting: I am still having fun with watching watercolours mix  I have also been enjoying the simplicity of a little paint on a white background.  For this quote, I was thinking that if a blue flower can be happy, because of her internal happiness, then who can't?

Monday, August 22, 2016

Looking to the rhythm of nature


Wilting and transitoriness are part of the rhythm of nature.
~Happinez Magazine

For me this is a soothing reminder that there is an ebb and a flow to life.  Not everything can be all shiny stars and diamonds, sometimes the boring or dirty bits remind us of how sweet things can be.

This image:
One of these exact purple flowers made a cameo in one of my last Creative Quotes.  Now the bouquet is dead, but still holds a stark beauty to it.  I read this quote in one of my FAVOURITE magazines- Happinez.  It is full of inspirational articles and all types of colour and beauty from all over the world.  Through life's ebb and flow, it is lovely to have those things that keep you wondering, striving and appreciating the beauty of life- even if it is just a dead bit of baby's breath.  

Monday, August 15, 2016

Outside our comfort zone...



Step out of your comfort zone, for that is where the magic lives.
~Sofiah Thom

This week is inspired by two women who have been so amazing for me lately.  I have been taking a course called Temple Body Awakening, given by Sofiah Thom, and this quote was part of one of her latest Facebook post.  This year I have been taking many courses to keep me growing, and it is so true that when you try new things and get away from the usual, great things can happen.

This piece:
I am taking this fun and helpful course called Vitamin Sea, given by Jane Davenport.  This mermaid was inspired by one of the lessons.  This piece is much more luminous in person, as I have a thing for metallics, but that doesn't show through so well here...  but, just like this mermaid who is enjoying time on the land, I am trying new things and finding I love them!

Enjoy your week, Jennifer

Monday, August 8, 2016

The balance of colour play


Extremes are easy.  Strive for balance.
~Colin Wright

Still seeking balance.  I was actually looking for a quote with the word "mixture", "bleeding into" or "mixing", but I didn't quite find what I wanted to share about the play of these watercolours mixing on the paper.  So then I found another quote about balance, and there that word has returned again...  Just as I am about to begin a new school year.  I guess it is reminding me that there is always a chance to strive anew.  (You can see how easy extremes are, just by watching the political scene right now...)

This image-
When I was playing with circles in a watercolour course I took on Creativebug, I also had made this little crochet stone and loved the look of it on the painting.  This week I added one of the flowers from the blooms that Jason bought me. 

 I like that moment when you brush the edge of one circle to touch another.  The push and pull of the colours is often surprising- to see which flows in which direction, and which ends up dominating- and how it all dries in the end.  This reminds me of the precarious balance I am still seeking in my life- too much time for one thing and the whole circle is just red again, but a bit more balance and there you have may hues in one place...

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Learning from each peak


Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.
~Sir Martin Convay

There is something about mountain lines for me this year.  You may have noticed it in many of my pieces...  Maybe it is the horizon- adding a bit of interest, but also it may be the implied challenge that we all seek.  The fading layers of earth can be so intriguing, and soothing at the same time.  

This year I have cultivated a more reflective life practice, and so looking back on the peak and identifying what you did learn is something I am working on.  

This painting:  
As I mentioned before I am having so much fun with watercolour.  For instance I purposely put salt in the yellow sky to suggest clouds and in the grass for texture.  But the splash type shape in the top mountain dried like that all on it's own.  Oh the surprises that creating brings.

Watching for the sweetness and joy.


There is in all things an inexhaustible sweetness and purity,
 a silence that is a foundation of action and joy.
~Thomas Morton

I have been working on seeing the purity in all around me.  Even in the city, even in people.  Each morning I start the day by listing things I am grateful for.  This has been a beautiful practice, instead of the first thing I reach for being something connected to the internet...  

Having such a simple image here might help us notice the sweetness!

This painting:
I have been playing with watercolour and what it can do- the way two colours that meet can mix, and the way that sometimes it dries in a unique pattern or colour that you didn't anticipate.  I began this flower as a lotus, but really it reminds me more of a dragon fruit like shape.  Either way, the colours are working for me!

PS We are back to being human- here in this pristine piece is a lovely spelling error.  Well, I am learning a lot from this Creative Quote challenge- and not just about art!

Listen to the voice of the sea...


The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.
Kate Chopin

Doesn't it?  For me, it does.  I created this on a two week trip in Baja, Mexico, where we spent most of our waking moments on the ocean or sea.  Just relaxing, rejuvenating and lovely.

Often, it doesn't matter what the voice of the sea is saying, life is just better when you consistently include the ocean.  Maybe you aren't near the ocean, but feel the same about the forest or mountains.  John Muir did!

Wishing you a lovely week.