Monday, February 23, 2015

Magnificent Intentions



  When I came across this quote I immediately thought of a swan but wasn't sure how I'd work it out on paper. Thanks to another section of inspiration in the book "Art Journal Courage" (pgs. 112 - 116) I was able to combine various elements to complete my page. Dina's books certainly have helped me tremendously to be freer with my mark making, lines and sketching! For this page I used solely acrylic paints, Stabilo - All pencil and mechanical pencil. Linking to Art Journal Journey (theme is "birds, beasts and humans") and the Simon Monday Challenge Blog (theme is "no rules"). Of course, I also thought of my friend who loves swans:).

  I refuse to go on about the weather that continues here but  I will show you how I've been dealing with it. First off, when I'm sitting and either reading or watching TV this is how I get comfy:

 Our heat is at a very reasonable temp but I still get so cold I actually wear fingerless gloves in the house!

 I also do more cooking and baking-much to hubby and son's delight :)  I tried another new Indian recipe (didn't tell hubby it was Indian or what was in it-although it was quite mild and tame for Indian) and he liked it!


It was a rice and peas dish that uses a bit of turmeric, saffron threads, cinnamon stick chards and cardamom. Not  at all spicy but very aromatic and delicious! I've even eaten it for breakfast a few times:) That and a pot of hot mango tea was a perfect warmer. Joining my friends at T Stands For Tuesday hosted by Bleubeard and Elizabeth.

 On an exciting note, I just signed up for an online class called "Radiant Faces" hosted by Effy Wild. You can click on the badge near the top of the sidebar for the link. One of my goals for this year was to learn to draw and paint faces, not as in fine art, but in mixed media style. The offer of this class at a very nicely discounted rate was too good to pass up. What I love about it is that there are 9 different artists/teachers with  a variety of styles. There are in depth lessons from each via many videos and PDFs. Also, Effy herself does all the other teachers' lessons and shares not only videos of her creating the art but also notes and PDFs of substitutions she used for products - a huge bonus! I have only begun looking through it all and already I am SO impressed with all the content! Well worth the $45! ( I know, I feel like it's practically free :). The class is self paced and I can download all of it up through October. I was so very close to taking Life Book 2015 but wasn't sure I wanted a bigger class that would mean a bigger commitment. As it is I think Radiant Faces is going to keep me very busy for quite awhile. Of course, as I work on classes I'll post my pages. Anyone else taking or took this class when it opened live in October?

 Since I plan on staying in I will be around to visit, and get started on some lessons:) Oh, and Spring is officially 25 days away!

"Not everything you create will be a masterpiece, but you get out there and you try and sometimes it really happens. The other times you're just stretching your soul."   Maya Angelou



22 comments:

  1. I can relate to your being cold. I am, too, sometimes to the point where I can't even take photos because my hands are shaking too much. Of course, MY house is not all that comfortable (grin).

    Your tea looks very lovely and warming, and your Indian dish looks like something I would really enjoy. I'd probably have my hands wrapped around that lovely and warm cup of tea.

    Good luck with your new on-line class. I look forward to seeing all the new faces you create.

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful swan, your tea, and the way you stay warm with us for T this week. Stay warm, dear.

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  2. Love your journal page with the swan - thanks for joining us at Art Journal Journey! Valerie

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  3. WOW .. I like your swan page so much Linda! Fantastic!
    Funny with this fingercloves....poor girl ! I feel with you .-- I so hate coldness too!
    Wish that there will come warmer temperatures to your area soon!
    We got some sun yesterday but it is still very cold, especially during the nights here!
    And snow is not all melted yet.
    You seem to be an excellent cooker. Always a delicious meal here on Tuesdays!
    Have much fun at the radinat faces! Looking forward with what you will come up after joining this event!
    HAPPY T-DAY Linda and
    thank you so much for joining Art Journal Journey so often this month!
    Yippieh!
    xxx
    Susi

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  4. Linda, love your quote. It's so true! And I love your swan and your lovely Indian recipe. It is yummy yummy. Here is hot as hell and we are eager to Fall.Good luck with your classes. It's always good to learn new things!Have a blessed day, my friend!

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  5. I'm always hungry after I visit your blog, but the best thing is I am always treated to your lovely art, too! Hope you enjoy the mango tea!

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  6. Oh Linda!
    Your swan has me swooning = SO so lovely!!!
    and how exciting about your new classes.
    I have no business even looking at another online class as I am signed up for several (WHAT was I thinking! ... often it is such a good value so I am not stressing and just doing what I can and enjoying what comes of it)
    Your husband is funny and very lucky to have you cooking and baking delicious treats.
    Stay warm sweet friend and Happy T Day
    oxo

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  7. GREAT swan Linda! Love the quote you chose to go with it...perfect.

    Weather???? You've seen all the pictures I am going to post about our weather. It is what it is and will soon change to something else. I sometimes wear a sweatshirt and cover with a light blanket to watch tv..................and I'm in CA........LOL Do what you can to stay warm and cozy (I really think cozy is the most important......grin)

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  8. To cold to type should be what T stands for this week haha

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  9. Wonderful swan page and great tips for those of us that feel the cold

    Love Chrissie xx

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  10. The Swan page is fantastic!!! and I love the quote with it. We are keeping our heat much lower this year than ever due to overly high electric bills. So I am always wearing a hat in the house which helps tremendously . The finger-less gloves are nice too but usually get in my way and get taken off. I'm adjusting to the colder temps I guess... but not necessarily liking it.

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  11. I think I'd like to pull up a place at your table :) I love that tea pot!

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  12. Beautiful page, Linda! Love your fantastic swan and water effects. Great quote too.

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  13. Beautiful and creative art work ~ Love the Swan and how you are handling the weather ~ xo

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  14. I just saw somebody at home on youtube wearing fingerless gloves! Hummm...
    Swan and quote are perfect. Have fun with the class. I have always admired people who could draw faces...or people at all. ;) Happy T-Day! :)

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  15. I'm sure i will be much like you with gloves on when we move to Arkansas next winter... my blood has been thinned by living in TX and CA... brrrr...... i may be one very cold person next winter... Love the swan! And the quote at the end of your post. Thanks so much for sharing. .. Hugs! deb

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  16. Nice art with the quote. I like Indian food a lot so when you talk about it I'm right there imagining a taste.

    Darla

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  17. Your swan is perfect for the quote. I LOVE Indian food .....bet it was delicious. Have fun in 'Radiant Faces'...a bargain. I looked at it but Jane's class is a big enough commitment for one year.

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  18. I love your wonderful swan..... I'm impressed yet again with your use of that book!!!!

    Great nails with your fingerless gloves!!! It's hard to move when you eventually get warm.... I have a blanket too for watching tv! I really dislike being cold. My OH really dislikes it when I am cold! I get very grumpy!!!! We actually managed some gardening here today - so things must be looking up! Your turn soon :) Indian food = good idea, heat yourself up from the inside out....

    Can't wait to see what you get up to in Effy's class.

    Karen x

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  19. Love your swan and the quote Linda, glad to see you are surviving the cold with art and cooking! My kids in Boston have had just about enough!

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  20. Love your beautiful journal page. The sentiment is great. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!