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