the weekly hangout video chat

I've been filming content, classes, and tutorials all week, as well as working on my Etsy shop and my new website (oh, you're going to love it!). Still digging out from under last week's forced "break" from the computer, but trying to stay on top of blog comments!

I wanted to post this information early, just in case you haven't heard about this awesome new thing I'm trying out!

Technology today is amazing, connecting people from all over the globe. I wanted to have an honest discussion about being an artist with others who are regular, every-day people. Hobbyists, professionals. Jewelry designers. Fashionistas. Anyone who craves creative expression is welcome! 

Our first chat morphed into authentic sharing of art, fear, thoughts, and ideas we're psyched about. It was amazing, and I want to host this discussion every week! 

This discussion happens every Friday at 8pm EST/5pm PST. 

Yes, this is about 1am in the UK. 

Here is how you can join in: 

Go to my profile on Google + and leave me a message saying you'd like to join. 

I will open the Hangout 10 minutes before we start. 

Hangouts can only handle 10 people at a time. I'm going to work on a rotation system to get more people in to chat, or ask different people to join each week. 

You can watch the live feed on my YouTube page. 

Even if you're not in the room, you can tag me on Twitter, post on my FB page, or even email me to contribute comments and questions to the discussion. 

We'll be challenging ourselves to do something fun and creative each week that we can then share on-camera or via the outlets above with each other. We're creating a safe space to share where there are loving comments and suggestions and you don't need to be afraid of judgement. 

Knowing When to Stop & Rest When You Need It (born brave #2)

Still can't type for long, but love all the messages, comments, and tweets you've sent. I hope to be back for reals by the end of the week. 

29 Faces in May: Final

I thought I'd film the final face, the only side profile I attempted (I didn't realize this until I was nearly to the end of the month!). So check it out below! 

Overall, I had a great time attempting this challenge. While I may not have finished all 29, I did work on one every single day. On some days, when it was hard to do much art, it was amazing to feel accomplished for sitting down and simply drawing with a pen or pencil while watching a movie. 

Here are the rest, in order from the first to the very last...

(I wanted to post these so you could see my progress....and that sticking with something and working on it every day, even for a month, can teach you WONDERS. If I can do this with only ONE art class in my life, YOU CAN TOO!) 

(this one was done with OILS!)

You Guys Are Amazing!

I was going to type this all out, but decided I wanted to say it all face-to-face (or face-to-screen). I mean every word. I don't know how this will work as a successful business model, but I KNOW this is where I am the most happy, fullfilled, and serene. 

If you'd like one of the spots, please send me an email. Since this mini-class is open for donation, I didn't want to leave it open in the comments. 

Check out Kiki's blog post about her art journal diary! 

I have a new journal page makin' video for you guys to post tomorrow!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go wrap up in my bed and beg this migraine to GO AWAY! 

'contents' art journal flip [VIDEO]

Hey there love! Want to keep up with what I'm working on? Click here to join my mailing list. And if you're in search of artistic fellowship, why don't you join me and over 300 others at The Studio?

Many of these pages were created for Journaling Deep -- while they currently exist as PDFs, I've been uploading a 25-30 minute tutorial video every single week for about a month and a half, now, and am hoping to create an awesome video tutorial library for new and experienced art journalers alike. 

It's really ambitious. I'm pouring out everything in my head, all I've learned, all I've discovered and tried and played with. And for awhile, I was sad....sad that such a small percentage of y'all were interested in learning what I have to offer, but then my stubborn side said:

You've already done this for half the year and you're going to give up now?

I hope that in months and years to come, more and more aspiring journalers will be interested in the library I'm creating.

Plus, with each video, I learn more about how to frame what I'm recording, about how to use the lighting I have to make things clear. In how to explain what I'm trying to teach. In editing and packaging. 

So that's what I'm building toward. And proving to myself that I have a LOT in this head of mine to shared! 

I'm also working on a new class about overcoming resistance and understanding inspiration better, how to find ideas and build off others. It should be out in about three weeks or so! 

Don't forget that I'm also teaching journal making this Saturday at Jerry's Artarama! 

Okay, I'm off to paint for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, I'll be posting a very personal journal page & post about the health problems I've been having lately, more of an apology to everything that has fallen through my fingers as I struggle with a seemingly unsolvable problem. 

Art Journal Workshop Layers - 5 Years Later

5 years ago, I started sharing my artwork via YouTube using the iSight in my MacBook and iMovie. I started with a supply list, then shared a journal page progress video. It hit the front page for How To & Style and prompted me to create more and more videos. 5 years and nearly 100 videos later, I found myself nostalgic and re-watched that video. 

I found myself smiling at this younger me, and how I used materials I've long since fallen in love with. And wondered....

What would that page look like now?

I love what happened. What I created. And wonder what the next 5 years have to bring...

Mixed-Media Paper Match-Up: Strathmore vs. Canson

In this video, I tell you a little bit more about paper, and talk about the new mixed-media papers out there by Canson and Strathmore and gush about my new favorite. I also share some new journal pages in-progress and let the Mad Scientist Kira out of the studio for a few moments. 

Want to win a 6"x9" pad of the Strathmore mixed media series 400 paper? Leave a comment here or on the blog to be entered! 

Climbing out of the background rut & weekend plans...

I meant to get this up yesterday and post an art & pictures post today, but the video didn't work when I went to edit, so BAM! Video today. 

The Whispers (or the Divine, or Flow, or Possibility) had me at the hardware store today getting wood panels, the craft store to grab clear gesso, and put turpentine in my basket. This weekend will be spent prepping and painting on oak. 

What will be I be painting? 

I don't know. 

But I know something it trying to come through.

And I've gotta listen. 

(I'm also brainstorming a piece for a show called The Unsettled Body and think I have a unique perspective on it. It's currated by my teacher, Edna Dapo -- check out her work; she's amazing!)