Artist of the Day

Pablo Picasso

Picasso makes the audience see shapes, forms, and color in a new light.  His visual art stimulates the senses with a dynamic aesthetic of juxtaposition of figures.  I can appreciate the abstract of his subject matter and his efforts during the "Cubism Movement."  Reds, greens, golds, and oranges breathe life into his subject matter.  I own a great book with lots of his work and I find myself picking it up from time to time reading more about Picasso's life and the art he gifted to the world.

"The Girl" in the mirror shown here is reflected with a darker and sort of shadowy image looking back at her.  What do you see when you look into the mirror?

Just Because

Did you ever think that you would be where you are today?  No matter how small the steps you took to get here, you still keep treading forward.  I think it's worth it to celebrate where we are no matter how far we think we've come.  Every step we take is going to propel us a little closer to our goals and anything worth is having is certainly worth fighting for.  Celebrate YOU...just because...

Sketchy Moods

Ok...so what if I'm a little rusty...but at least I can admit it to myself and possess the guts to put pencil to paper and create something.  It's a challenge but it's making me focus and it's pretty therapeutic.  So...Here's to creativity my friends!

Artist of the Day

Roy Lichtenstein

So much can be said about many pop artists like Roy Lichtenstein but I personally can appreciate the approach he took on his work.  He utilized color and images that sort of stick with you in that comic and nostalgic way.  I also like boldness of his subject matter and I always think of my favorite comic book superhero...who is of course Wonder Woman when I see Lichtenstein's work. 

There's a story in these images that make you go hmmm...what else is next?

What do you do for inspiration?

I find that so many things inspire me on a daily...it can range from a quote to the aesthetics of a simple photo.  Life is so much more amazing when we find and acknowledge what inspires and drives us.  I'm loving every minute of it!

Random Chit-Chat :)

This morning I felt the urge to bake...so I baked up a pan of banana nut muffins to go with my French vanilla coffee in my favorite mug.  Before starting...part of me felt like no, don't do it...it's just too much work...but I wanted to create a moment that could bring me satisfaction and I did want to enjoy coffee and some muffins...and the aroma of the muffins made my kitchen smell divine.  Was it worth it?  Absolutely!  The best way to get out of a "blah" mood is to act!  Move forward in your day and do the sweet things that you don't feel like doing.  Just get your act together! 

Thelonious!

Who else can appreciate this?...old school jazz and sass with Mr. Thelonious Monk...ahh...music to feed the mind.  Vibe...and enjoy this link! 

https://youtu.be/LRgkZ7JDWNk

Abundance in Living

As we try to make sense of the lives we lead, we should seek to live it abundantly.  There is a time and place for everything, but do we make the most of our time?  We should strive to develop a program of intense purpose to magnify every experience. 

Even the teeniest tiniest moments count in developing our collective sense of self and our well being.  People say it but do they intentionally seek to live abundantly?  I choose to make this year one of the most pleasurable and memorable years of my life.  Hey...at least I started a blog which has been a
little extra something that adds diversity into my life...and yes...gives me another form of communication.  What are you doing differently to shake things up in your life?  I'd love to hear about it!  Post your comment below.

Artist of the Day

Jackson Pollock

I'm always drawn to abstract art and one of the artists that I admire as far as skill and talent in regards to his visual artwork is Jackson Pollock.  The level of intensity of his paintings can be seen in this piece called Autumn.  Pollock expressed art that was produced in his subconscious mind that some consider a little controversial and sort of weird, however as an artist appreciating all art forms I sort of understand a little of what he was trying to achieve.  Art in an avant-garde manner that was coming from a deeper nature.  Trying to tap into that mentality can be therapeutic to some degree for any artist but may also draw upon the dangers of over thinking or analyzing which can decrease the fun of being creative.  Anyway, somebody out there may choose to agree or disagree with my take on this...either way I will still appreciate the input just the same.  Here's to an amazing day of talking, thinking, living, and breathing in the "art" around us!

Hooray for abstract expressionism!  Conforming or nonconforming...what do you think?

Happy Easter!!!

Reflecting on the spirit of Easter and Good Friday...God bless on this special weekend my friends...so grateful for all that HE has done and continues to do...may we magnify and give Jesus all the glory, praise and honor!  Have a wonderful and Happy Easter as you spend time in fellowship with friends and family.

What will you be reflecting on this Easter weekend?

Artist of the Day

Bob Ross

I grew up loving all types of art especially the old master's...but I thoroughly enjoyed watching Bob Ross paint on PBS.  My dad and I would watch Mr. Ross for hours as he took a laid back, no nonsense approach to painting.  Though I've studied art throughout high school and college and watched Dad, who was my first art teacher create his own paintings...I still remember him introducing me to Bob Ross via television. 

Bob Ross was a great example of a person who "enjoyed" making the world beautiful and being satisfied in his visual art profession.  Wish I could've met him because he always seemed so humble.

The Art of FASHION!

A visual art form that everyone can enjoy is Fashion...You live it and wear it whether you make yourself a part of it or not.  Your fashion statement is much a part of your self-expression...Make it fun and show this part of your voice in the most amazing light.  It's my favorite form of art...hooray for fashion and for the designers who give it LIFE!  Hey...use color and fabric to enhance your best self.  The world is your runway...Let's stroll!

What are you expressing in your fashion choices? 

Happiness

It seems that everyone is searching for happiness these days.  It's so important for people to first realize what "really" makes them happy.  To do this one must reevaluate their lives and list all of the relevant things that produce joy in their lives.  Generally, things that bring instant gratification are not the things that give us joy, but they are the long-lasting investments in our daily living and gratitude for being aware, conscience, and content with where we are and where we are going in life.  Take thought in the process and be happy in the here and now because each day can awaken a "newness" to the things that were always there, yet we neglected to be thankful and appreciative of them in the past.  Strive to be happy and grateful in the life that you possess...God bless my friends!

Ahhh...The blue birds take no thought of tomorrow's troubles yet they face each other like old friends and seem happy to just "BE."

Astrud Gilberto, João Gilberto & Stan Getz - The Girl From Ipanema

Artist of the Day

Claude Monet:  Haystack Painting

Claude Monet is one of my favorite artists...As one of the French impressionists, he captured images at different times of the day.  Greatly known for his water lily paintings but he was so much more.  I even named my last child Monet because of my admiration of this artist. 

Daily Chronicles

I like using my journals to chronicle my journey...jotting down thoughts and ideas is very therapeutic.  How do you document your path?  Have an action plan, or goal to manifest your ideas and dreams...

Illustrate Your World

This is a year to create different experiences, meet interesting people, and get out of your comfort zone.  Start living, creating, and exploring.  The world needs to hear your voice and feel your existence. Began the day with your coffee, tea, or beverage of choice...and share your journey. Thanks for visiting my page...and sharing in art and thought!

Poetry Flow

Invictus by William Ernest Henley

One of my faves...I remember when my mother recited this in the family kitchen one day...My mom...the educator who taught me that Yes...I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul.
Check this and many other poems out here my friends:

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/182194

Thankful for All Days...

We use our senses to smell the rain and breathe in nature.

Whether rain or shine...every day is an awesome day when we awake!

Sketchy Moods

One of my late night sketches... :)

Me, Myself, and I

 Just me being ME!

Spring!

Dreamscape of the DAY!  Spring is here!!!

MUSIC ANYONE?!

Music is another form of art that can be just as intensive as visual art...if you were a musician...what would you portray to the world?

Artist of the Day

Edward Hopper

Featured Painting:  Automat

Edward Hopper casts his paintings with real life formula and I like the way he utilized urban city life in his art.  This young lady could be thinking of lots of things...hmmm?

The gift of life that we have been given is an awesome one.  We can embrace it and seek to change the things in it that we have fault with, however just acknowledging that it is an extraordinary gift should make one want to live it to the fullest.
Here's a bit of inspiration for your world...

Beauty is what makes the world easier to thrive in.  Despite what an individual considers beauty.  For it is beauty that stamps out the ugly in our world.  I choose to cherish the art and all of its expressions that surrounds us.