I write to you this Thursday morning as a tired but content girl in the desert. And I have an art journal page to share.
I also have the downloadable coloring sheet and some thoughts on coloring with Copics; scroll down for the art talk.
I'm woefully behind on Things, like laundry and cleaning and putting oil in my car (as my spontaneous Trip Into The Mountains took a lot out of her!). Replying to emails and comments and Instagram. I've been busy with work (not to be confused with The Work, aka my calling as an artist and generally adventurous soul).
Working takes a lot out of you, especially if you're a Spoonie (and here's a link to explain that term!). I often come home bone tired, collapse into my chair, and watch a movie. There's little energy to pull out paints or play with color. There IS reading and curling up in bed and listening to thunderstorms. Music and friends and just BEING.
Here's a bit of The Work that's sprung up in my life: questions about my tattoo.
I don't really wear a lot of bracelets while working, so it's right there, a stark black reminder of all I've been through and all I am capable of. And as I'm right handed and motion with that hand, I have lots of customers inquire as to what it is/means.
And then a bit of magic happens as I candidly answer (because it's all out on the internet, so what's one more stranger knowing?): they smile, they say kind words, they give me a high five.
They share their story.
They talk about recovery and how they're doing.
They celebrate with me for stolen seconds.
This magic is infectious. I want to talk to more people. Share with people younger than me who might not know what's going on. I want to hug everyone who's been through the same struggle. I want to buy cupcakes and laugh and get frosting on my nose.
So I come back here, to my dear old blog, and say: Today is going to be a good day. You've got this.
That's what this art journal page is about. That feeling of overwhelm but knowing you can do this. That you've already been through so much, conquered so many fears and demons, that there's nothing you can't overcome. Even if you don't think you can do it -- you can. I know you can.
Beat down on me like a waterfall because I can take so much more than I had ever dreamed.
Still in the drawing process. I needed the pep talk at work one night so I started working on this during a break.
Once I finish drawing, I start on shading in grayscale. It's super relaxing but intense work and I love it. Done during an art date with a friend.
Once I get the shading done, I start picking out colors. Here I have my little hand made swatch book and all the tests to make sure the colors will get along. I'm finally beginning to understand the Copic numbering system and will write about it - actually, a video wod be easier!
Here's a trick I use - black and white photos while I work. They help me get tone and balance right, two things that can be hard to see in color. See if you can spot the differences - and how little tweets can make a big difference.
The full spread a little before I finished. I use the left to collect colors and thoughts and lyrics while working. This helps me the next time I sit down to play! (Also, look - red and khaki!)
