Layers

I'm trying to loosen up and let go.

It's pretty easy in the beginning.  Just making marks, enjoying

the colors and the shapes, how they interact with each other.  Layering

color over color over color.

Each layer adds depth and changes the entire painting in surprising ways.

Why have I never let myself just play with paint, like a child?  I'm amazed

at what I learn by just playing.

Until moths start calling me to fly to the moon.

Now...when do I stop?  I'm not quite sure.  Maybe now?

Maybe not?  Maybe one more layer. 

I'll let you know! :)

May you be forever drawn to the light,

but remember: The darkness defines the light...

and sometimes, the moon is beautiful.   

♥Shelly

“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”  

 ― Leonardo De Vinci

Friendship Flowers

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

I love flowers...all of them.  But my favorite flowers are those given to me by people I love.  Today, walking around my little garden...and it's a stretch to call it a garden...I cared for my little container plants, enjoying their new growth and blooms. 



I smiled when I realized the miniature rose my mom gave me had two new purple flowers opening.  Purple roses! As I admired their unique beauty, I remembered how much she loves me and helps me to bloom. 



Brilliant yellow esperanza flowers tickled my eyes.  The flowers have almost a paper-like texture.  They seem like they would be delicate, but esperanza is a tough plant, blooming faithfully throughout the summer here in this harsh Central Texas climate. 

My friend Tori gifted me with that plant.  My friendship with Tori is rather new, but is treasured as if it were old.  There's a special connection there with a kindred soul.  I'm thankful we both feel it and marvel at the miracle of the capacity for human friendship. 

Wishing you beautiful moments today! 
♥Shelly

Angels in My Studio

Am I the only one who puts off art-making because, well, I should be cleaning, or working on my "real" business, or....a million other things?  Then half the time, I don't do those other things anyway!  I'll go to bed finally realizing I should have just let my spirit play. 

I hope you don't have that issue.  I hope you make art all the time because it feeds your soul.  My soul needs feeding these days.  I came across an interesting e-course yesterday called Angels In My Studio and decided it would be just the thing to get me back to making art.  Bonus:  I love angels and want to connect with them in my life...what a perfect course for me!

In case you'd like to join the fun, you can find out more about the five month course at Painting Herself Into Being. Sheri Ann Ponzi organized the course and it's taught by a big group of fun and fabulous creative folks.

Today I completed my first lesson.  It was a lesson on intuitive angel painting presented by Cheryl Irwin.  You can find more about Cheryl at her website: CherylIrwinArts.com. 

I had a blast making this angel, it really helped free me up.  Next time, I'll try to remember to take
in-progress pictures, but this time, I'm just posting my fun little angel.

What I learned today: 

Don't let perfectionism keep you from moving forward. 

My mantra:

I am enough.

May you walk with angels today! 
♥ Shelly

Creating My Own View

I've lived in some glorious houses with beautiful views.  I don't live in a house like that at the moment.  That's ok.  I can always make my own view. 

I'm a firm believer in the maxim "To get what you love, love what you have."  So, I wake up in the morning to make my coffee and I relish the sun streaming through my little kitchen window. 

My plants love this little slice of sunlight too.  Their fresh, thriving beauty nourishes my soul every day. 

May your day be filled with sunshine and blessings today!

♥Shelly