January 1, 2013 brought the start of Life Book 2013 with Tamara LaPorte. What a line-up of teachers she has as well as the lessons she's teaching. Every week is a new lesson with a fun piece to work on. We started off creating a Fairy Art Mother/Father to watch over us during the year.
Birds mean a lot to me for a variety of reasons. My mom used to call me "chickadee" (hence my blog's name), my dad loved birds...watching them, feeding them. I love watching them, identifying and creating art with them. I've had parakeets throughout the years and have one in my studio now. I think it would be so amazing to fly. Plus, flying has many meanings...taking wing with an idea, taking chances, leaving safety.
Our next piece was to show the start of our art journey for the year. Clouds were to contain our blessings and flowers in the foreground was supposed to show some goals. A road and mode of transportation for us to travel were elements as well. Tam drew and painted an adorable car for her travels. Again, a bird came to mind.
My art friends are truly a blessing in my life. It's like being with people who speak the same language but on a much deeper level. They "get" you in a way that family often does not. I do have a friend who probably would never call herself an artist who supports my habit by bringing me interesting bits from yard sales and from her parents' stash of things (particularly the older things...sewing notions, trims, photos). She encourages and believes in me in a way that all of us love. Cheri is named in my cloud. Of course, my family is my rock and while they don't always "get" what I do, they support me and humor me in my crazy art frenzied times. :)
Our most recent lesson was taught by Monica Zuniga in Mexico City. She's amazing and the video was nice as we were able to see where she creates, too. Our challenge was to create an art doll. I doubt that I will be able to stay on schedule with watching and creating for the whole year, but I'm off to a good start. I used Outside the Margin's wonderful Color Mists for the background on Fabriano hot-press paper. On that note, I love Color Mists. You get nice lay-down of color and it's a sheer layer so it's hard to over-do it. They clean up easily off your hands (which not all mists do...some stain terribly). Then I raided my stash of images in files and on DVDs. I mulled over things that have meaning in my life and some things I want to work on and some things are on-going from previous years.
Yep, once again birds. Can't help myself. I'm sure it will change and vary but it's what my muse seems to want at this time. I hope you've enjoyed the journey so far and maybe it will make you think about what you want 2013 to bring for you. I send you my best wishes for a great year.
Comments