Thursday, September 15, 2016

Working The Challenges


 Hey there peeps! I'm going to begin with a few questions for you and then it's on to the main reason I'm here blogging - ART! When you are facing a creative challenge do you procrastinate and set it aside before continuing? Do you face it head on? Or do you forget it and move on to something else? 
 I really had to ponder it all myself as I came upon yet another challenging lesson in the Radiant Faces online class. I knew I wouldn't give it up completely but it took quite a few days for me to get to my art table and just begin. I'm talking about the lesson taught by Tamara Laporte on "the inner child". I LOVE her style but it's also very different for me. Plus she uses the Caran D'ache water soluble crayons to "paint" her face and I don't . But guess what, it was all OK and ....I finished my portrait!

 Here are a few wips and the completed page:

 I am working with acrylics-my medium of choice but to give me time for blending I added drops of Liquitex Slow-Dri blending medium to my paints.


The finished page:


 My page is filled with things that have special significance to me- the red dress (I had a favorite dress similar to this when I was a child and red has been my favorite color since I can remember), the books, the dog, the music paper , French text and heart in the background.. And this is the affirmation I wrote:
 The best compliment I could have gotten came from hubby and son who both immediately said my painting was a self portrait:) Joining the multi talented artists over at Paint Party Friday!

Side Note: because of how good it felt completing this I signed up for Life Book 2015 Tam's Classes online so I can continue to not only make pretty faces but to have that deep connection with my feelings and art that Tamara teaches so well. Oooh, and I get to learn how to paint a masculine face too:)

 I have these cards for a few challenges I love playing in: Freshly Made Sketches, The Simon Wednesday Challenge, and Try It On Tuesday...




  Great sketch to work with, and perfect for the Simon Wednesday CAS challenge, and the coffee and cream challenge at TIOT. Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture the glitter I added to the peacock. Hoping to make more of these cards this weekend:)

 Products:clear stamps (Papertrey Ink); Staz-On ink-Spiced Chai (Tsukineko); The Natural Matstack (DCWV); Vogue Paper Pack (Craftwork Cards); cream card stock; Spellbinders die cut machine along with the stitched die and floral doily motif die ; flowers (Prima); rhinestones; Stickles glitter glue (Ranger).

 Will be around to see what creative goodness you've done this week! If this post appears a bit wonky as far as spacing or font I tried to fix it and spent  A LOT of time trying  but internet was acting up terribly. My apologies.

" The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place."           Barbara DeAngelis








40 comments:

  1. Your face is adorable, and the fact it is a self portrait, especially to your son and husband, is a tribute to your artistic skills.

    That's a great sketch for cards. It has great balance. I like all the cards you created, too. They are simply perfect for various sentiments. Very nicely done, Linda.

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  2. Beautiful work love your faces, and the cards are gorgeous. Thanks for joining us at TIOT, too. Happy PPF, hugs, Valerie

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  3. LOVING your face. I tend to either avoid doing it-but not avoid art-just the challenge, or just jump head on in. I find that thing start to flow as I work, not that I always love the results, but better to do something I don't like than to not do something. Happy PPF. Hugs-Erika

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  4. So much versatility and all wonderful. Love the cards!

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  5. Love your self portrait, and the cards are stunning as usual Linda!

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  6. The face looks very well...yes she is both child and adult at once. You as a child and you as an adult in spirit? I don't tend to do those types of creative challenges otherwise I would procrastinate until the cows come home. I tend to paint just whatever pops into my head. Happy PPF

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  7. I join classes and challenges all revved up and then I procrastinate or just don't finish them at all. I've been that way my whole life and as hard as i try to change my ways it just doesn't seem to happen. :( Love your face and the cards are great too. ♥

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  8. Your face came out mystical, beautiful.

    It varies a lot for me how I take creative challenges, what my mood is. Usually I'm fast and furious, sometimes feel quite the opposite!

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  9. Love the faces. I create what I want to create and when I want to create. I find it hard to work on prompts/challenges. That's why I don't take art courses. I applaud those who do.

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  10. I love that sweet (self) portrait, she looks adorable with her lovely doggie.

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  11. what a beautiful face and dog. I must remember to make some cards too now the kids are back at school..love your cards very pretty

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  12. You've been doing some wonderful things lately Linda. LOVE those eyes.

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  13. That is truly a compliment coming from your family. Your art this week is compelling and meaningful. Thanks for sharing it here!

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  14. Your girl in the red dress is beautiful. She has such a kind face. I can tell she really loves her dog. Also, I really like that sketch for the card. I guess it's OK for anyone to use so I will probably do some cards using the design too.

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  15. Wow I love the face and page you created. I feel a lot of emotion in it. I am a head on person in all aspects of my life. I love the cards you made as well.

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  16. It is a beautiful painting and I wish the course you signed up for goes well, I'm sure you will enjoy it.
    Thank you for sharing your fantastic card with us at TioT's as well.
    Yvonne xx

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  17. I love that beautiful girl with her dog and books!!

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  18. I absolutely LOVE your self-portrait, with all its symbolism and self-references. I also really like your cards, especially the second one with the peacock. Blessings, my friend!

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  19. Your little girl is awesome!!! She is so cute with her doggy, red dress and best of all...your affirmation. Your peacock is great too!

    As for your first question, I try to have several projects going just in case I get stumped.I do try to come back to it as soon as possible I will not push myself into being stressed out or feeling "less than" because I cannot finish. Some things are meant for another time in our life. I believe art comes from our souls and my best work is when I let my soul lead and the colors and designs follow. So I guess it all depends on where I am at the time. I think that was a little more babble than an answer.

    Your painting is beautiful and so is your card. You are so very talented!

    Big hugs, Rasz

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  20. LOVE LOVE LOVE your self portrait... and all the joy put into it! Yes I often abandon pieces then come back to them when the feeling strikes. I recently did that but I still didn't like the results...so the next step is a nice coat of white gesso... Looks like you are really having fun...great cards too!

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  21. What a beautiful expressive face, Linda. Love those eyes.

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  22. Nice Girl and beautiful cards.
    Happy Weekend ♥

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  23. Your girl is just LOVELY - so beautiful made and the cards are beautiful and delicate ! Great you joined us at TIOT again dear Linda wishing you a happy weekend and happy PPF!
    ♥♥♥
    hugs
    Susi

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  24. What a beautiful and lovely painting! I tend to procrastinate, but I would like to do so less...

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  25. You created a lovely face. Trying out new things is a good way to find your own style :)

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  26. Love your self portrait :) It is such a happy piece. It's just so adorable. Good for you signing up for Tam's class. Look forward to seeing more of your sweet faces.

    Beautiful cards too :)

    Sometimes the thing I find hardest about art 'lessons' is the length and number of the videos... sometimes that can be a bit daunting... especially with the lovely Tam! ;) Although watching a Tam video is like having her in the room with you - and I love that!

    I am a bit of a procrasinatior but when the time is right I'm all in!

    Thank you for visiting :) xxx

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  27. Wow! I love your face and the lovely place personal touches you added! I am also so pleased that you joined us at Try It On Tuesday! Chrisx

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  28. All of your projects are fantastic Linda! Love the sweet girl! Some days are more challenging than others to find my crafty MOJO. Just depends. Your cards are wonderful! Hope you have a great week!

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  29. Gorgeous cards and absolutely beautifully artwork! Thanks so much for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches.

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  30. This is cute, so much work for one page.
    Your question. Normally I have several pics I'm working on. Sometimes 'I know' when a work is going on later, when it's rubbish or I have 'the feeling' to finish it right away.
    I do listen myself...I have good and bad days :) - we all do...
    Have a creative week!

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  31. Here is some wonderful advice shared with me from another artist - make a mess, and then got yourself out of it! You will learn more by doing this than by carefully planning each step. So, when I feel things are going awry, I remember this and forge ahead through the mud into something fabulous! Happy PPF :)

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  32. your cute face put smile on my face dear lovely art work

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  33. Beautiful work, Thank you for joining us at TioT.

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  34. Wonderful CAS cards Linda! Your portrait looks fabulous too :)
    Thanks for joining us at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
    Mandy xx

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  35. Beautiful self portrait and so well done ~ She does look like you ~ and lovely paper creations too~

    Happy Week to you ~ ^_^

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  36. I'm a master procrastinator, unfortunately, I put off pretty much everything... I think you made the absolute best of the challenge - combining the new with what you feel comfortable with, and so make it yours. She turned out beautifully, and your cards look great too, I love that peacock image!

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  37. I love whimsy girls and yours is gorgeous! :)

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