Art Demo: To Begin Anew Illustration

To Begin Anew Illustration: Reflections on Design

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! I’m so glad you’re here and have an interest in what I share here at Refresh with Dawn Herring: Where Beginnings are Celebrated! It’s so much fun to celebrate together, isn’t it? 

For this post, I will be sharing my thoughts and creative process for the Illustration, To Begin Anew which you can see in the above image. In addition, above you will find the actual demo video you can watch if you would like a peek into the actual making of the illustration. (In it I include an explanation of what I’m doing, plus background music, a piano rendition of my spiritual song,  My Way Home.) 

I had so much fun thinking about the concept for this illustration. 
First was the element of Celebration, thus I determined the figure would have her hands raised in joy and happiness at Beginning Anew! Her eyes are raised in gratitude and anticipation for the inspiration she is ready to receive as she Begins Anew. 

Second was the element of New Growth, thus I chose the motif of leaves, vibrant in color, which continues the motif chosen for my Beginnings Illustration which you can view here. I loved including varying hues of green which represent newness, growth, vibrancy and life! 

Thirdly, there is the element of Trust; that To Begin Anew requires faith, not only in receiving what is necessary to make something happen, but faith in ourselves, that we have what it takes to bring it to pass. It’s believing in our skill set, in our intuitive knowing, in the magic that is within us to create! That is certainly worth celebrating! Yes! 

And lastly, there is the element of the Heart (thus the heart motif), where what we believe and see and desire to do comes from our hearts, and there is a pureness in our desire as creators in this life to make what only we can make. We love what we do and we want to share it with others so they can benefit as well. I think that’s such an important aspect in creating. There is a time for creating just for ourselves, but there can also be an aspect of joy when we share with others and they respond in a way that delights us. Community can be so important, especially when we might need a little boost in confidence when we’re in the muddy middle! 

I had so much fun creating this illustration, To Begin Anew, and I am glad to share it with you. My intuition is often my guide when it comes to the design elements I choose, the color schemes, as well as the energy with which I create that I bring to the table. 

Thanks so much for your interest in my art; it is a delight for me to share it with you, my friend! 

A Journaling prompt for you: 
What are you celebrating today? What do you want to celebrate but haven’t yet? Remember, even the smallest of things you accomplish are worth celebrating. Write a list of ways you can celebrate just with yourself as well as with others who support you and get your vibe! 
Where are you experiencing New growth? Are you excited about what you are experiencing? What is the dominant emotion and why do you feel this way? Detail it in your journal. List off ways you can encourage further growth from where you are right now. Do you Trust yourself to follow through on this new growth? What is your intuition telling you to do next? Your desires matter; give them space to get seeded and grow! 
I celebrate with you! 

And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 

Dawn Herring