REFRESH WITH DAWN HERRING: WHERE IT'S TIME TO PLAY!
Picture
  • A TIME TO PLAY!
  • About Me
  • ART
    • Dawn's Art Demo Videos
  • MUSIC
    • Dawn's Spiritual Music Videos
  • JOURNAL KEEPING
    • The Art of Journaling Videos
    • The Art of Journaling Toolbox
    • The Art of Journaling Prompt Play Book
  • FUN WITH FASHION
  • Blog Hub
    • A TIME TO PLAY
    • Going Gentle
    • Beginnings
    • THE WAY I SEE IT
    • The Sweet Spot
    • Refresh Daily Blog >
      • Your Authentic Refreshment Blog
  • The CAT's Meow!
  • Inspiring Resources
    • Walk & Chat with Dawn
    • The Way I See It Podcast
    • My Favorite Sweet Spots
    • Keepin' It Sweet Show

12/7/2023

Facebook Live: Live Music & Updates

0 Comments

Read Now
 

Live Music for the First Time!

Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, experimentation, exploration and creativity! And I am excited to share with you a video that was originally recorded as a Facebook Live, where I shared all the new updates to my new website, plus new videos to celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Beginnings blog. And I played several songs on the piano which was a first for me, having never played LIVE before! So exciting! One of the songs I played has never been released before, titled It's Possible. I read the lyrics in the video. I also played the very first song I composed for the piano when I first got my piano keyboard almost 3 years ago. Of course, the melody has been upgraded so to speak, so I'm excited to share that with you today. 

Videos mentioned are my new Welcome Message which you can view here on the home page, A Re-recording of the Beginnings theme song which is at the bottom of the home page. Plus a In Real Time video of creating the new logo for Beginnings blog which you can viewhere. 

You're welcome to check out this Live Video (which has been edited) in celebration with me! 
Thank you so much for your support and interest in my content here at Refresh with Dawn Herring. It means a lot to me. 
Thanks for giving my videos a thumbs up and for subscribing to my channel. 

My goal is always to be a source of inspiration and encouragement to your own creativity. 
I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 
Picture
Dawn Herring

Share

0 Comments

9/17/2023

I Believe: Making Melody with Dawn

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
This illustration emphasizes the message of protection from Spirit, know I am not alone. Image Copyright 2023 Dawn Herring

My Song: I Believe

Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings, where we talk about fresh starts, new cycles, exploration, experimentation and creativity. 

In this post, I will be sharing with you some Music I’ve released, including lyrics and my reflections on what the song means to me, as well as some journaling prompts for further reflection. 

I always get excited when I’m ready to release new music so I can share my joy with you, with the intention and hope of your spirit being lifted in some meaningful way as we traverse this world at the same time in history. 

The new song I’ve recorded is titled, I Believe. 

I wrote this song several years ago (I’m not exactly certain when, but it was within the past 4 years since I’ve been writing music for about 5 years, just to give you an idea.) I’ve had this song in my piano book for a long time, but recently it has really been speaking to me, and I’ve been playing it with a new cadence that is deeply meditative, with a supplications vibe toward Spirit, and for me, it is a deeply empowering message. 

Here are the lyrics below: 
I Believe 
by Dawn Herring

HIDE ME
SHELTER ME
KEEP ME SAFE
I BELIEVE

LOVE ME
PROTECT ME
I BELIEVE
I AM SET FREE

IT IS ALL 
DONE FOR ME
I BELIEVE
I CAN SEE

WHEN YOU SEE 
THE TRUTH IN ME
YOU WILL BE 
TRULY FREE

(Words and music copyrighted to Dawn Herring 2023)

When I wrote this song, it was in response to my scripture study and prayers in connection to my song writing, which is a natural outpouring of what Spirit speaks to me in the moment. 

In the process of writing the words, stanza by stanza, I sensed a supplicating essence that I could feel within myself. My desire to feel safe, secure, loved and heard was deeply resonant. And as I made my requests, I could feel my faith rising up, knowing I was heard and was not alone. Then a deep realization of what I actually truly have in Spirit came upon me, I felt more awake to what was alive inside. 

Then, in response to my faith and supplication, I sensed a reply and directive coming from a deeply loving essence of Spirit that shared the importance of vision, clarity and truth and how Waking UP to this reality brings Freedom. Yes! What a victorious response that lifts my spirit, bringing me hope that I AM FREE. 

In this world filled with so much uncertainty, we all feel the need to be protected and loved; we need that assurance that we will be ok. That we are not alone. That we can see. And with what we can see, we are Free. Free to be Who We Are. Not bound by societal standards but only the boundaries we set for ourselves, for protection and care. 

Spirit is there for us when we need Spirit most, during those moments of the deepest fears, doubts, insecurities, overwhelm, and uncertainty. 

As we reach out for what we need, as we seek, we will find. 
And when we seek together, we can support each other through the toughest of times. 
And experience freedom in community! 
Sounds like the Best of Beginnings to me! How about you? 

Below I provide some journaling prompts for further reflection. I trust they will help bring clarity, focus and freedom to your life in this moment. ❤️

JOURNALING PROMPT: 
Make a list of the times when you have felt most free, whether in childhood or whatever time comes to mind naturally. What is the common thread that you can see on this list? People? Places? Activities? Pick one from the list and detail it as much as possible, reliving that sense of freedom you felt. 
Do you feel that way now? What has changed or what is different? 

When have you felt the most protected? Was there someone who came to your aid, such as a good friend or mentor or a family member who really gets you? 

List times when you felt the most heard. What was the conversation about? Who was listening? How did this impact and change you for the better? 

What is your truth right now? What can you come back to again and again that grounds and centers you no matter what you’re facing? 
Write this down on an index card and keep it in a place where you can be reminded of this central truth. ❤️?
Disclaimer: journaling prompts are to be used at your own risk. If you feel overwhelmed or emotionally distressed, please seek out a counselor or therapist or call 911. 

Share

0 Comments

7/20/2023

Making Melody with Dawn: My Choice

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
MY CHOICE illustration Copyrighted to Dawn Herring 2023

My Choice: It is, Isn’t It? 

Hello and welcome back to Beginnings, a place where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. For this post, I am sharing some new music I’ve released, a song titled, My Choice, along with Lyrics and Reflections on what this song means to me. If you choose to watch the video on YouTube and enjoy, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel, if you haven’t already. And if you have, thank you! 
Now on the the music. 

First I’ll share the lyrics to the song, MY CHOICE, and then I will share my reflections on how I first perceived its message and how I see it now in my current life experience. 

MY CHOICE 
by Dawn Herring

What looks good to me
May not always be
Deception often plays into my mind

What I think I should do
And where I should go
May not always be from the Divine

I must choose carefully
Knowing it will always be 
My Choice

It’s really up to me
How I choose to go

I realize I need your Grace
To know the choice that reveals your face
Help me choose to follow you
No matter where I turn

I must choose carefully 
Knowing it will always be 
My Choice

It’s really up to me
How I choose to go
Repeat


Upon the initial writing of this song, my first impression was the possibility of temptation to go down a road that might not be best for me or might not align with my values or might be a distraction from where I really need to put my energy for my greatest well being. It’s easy to get distracted by things that can steer you off course and waste your energy, even if it might look like a good idea at the time. I realize it’s always best to listen to your Higher Self and Spirit when it comes to making choices like these. 

In the past few months as I’ve played and sang this song to Spirit, it has taken on a more layered meaning for me. And when I discovered what that was, it really gave me food for thought. Sometimes, when we feel like we should do something, even if it feels heavy or off or misaligned, and even influenced by outside sources that are not aligned with our values, or if we feel obligation that is not the best for our well being, it can be easy to assume that we should or ought to do that something even if it upsets us or we feel disrespected by this action we are expected to take. 

When I came to realize this with some really important subject matter in my life, even coinciding with my father’s recent passing in January of this year, it really had me thinking about how important my life choices are for me, more than ever. I must take care of myself first; self care is essential, especially when I’m in the midst of mourning my father’s loss of form in this world. 

Gentleness, compassion, love, comfort and slowing down are leading sources of what is needed, and if the choice I make doesn’t give me that kind of energy, then it’s essential and necessary to say no. 

I must choose carefully knowing it will always be My Choice. And I don’t take that choice lightly. When I make the choices I do, I must come from a place of Love and personal power to move forward with my day full of confidence and assurance that I am taking care of myself as I need to. No questions asked. No second guessing. No matter how tempting it might be to do otherwise. 

We all have choices to make in life. And we should feel Good about those choices—always. 
Because it creates the right energy for the Best of Beginnings, which is what I wish for you! 

Journaling prompt: 
Are you faced with a difficult decision and you’re not quite sure what to do about it? Detail this decision laying out all the pros and cons for each side of the coin you’re dealing with. Once you have it visible to yourself, ask this question: Is doing this thing taking care of YOU? If so, how? Really choose honesty with your answer. Be careful not to allow outside influences to determine what is right for you as you answer these questions in your journal. 
Try dialogue with your Higher Self and ask the questions that have been eating at you concerning this decision. Let the dialogue flow and see what naturally comes to mind. Don’t censor or second guess. 
Feel gratitude for any clarity or insights you experience or recieve as a result. 
And when you make that decision based on taking care of you, move forward with confidence. 

Copyright 2023 Music and Illustration by Dawn Herring 

Share

0 Comments

6/22/2023

Dawn's Art & Music Update Week of 6/19/23

0 Comments

Read Now
 

Dawn shares new art and music

Hello and Welcome Back to Beginnings where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. In this post and video, I share a new illustration, talk about specific art supplies and how I've been using them. I also discuss new music I'm working on. 

I'm all about experimentation with new supplies and with new approaches with different substrates. 
With my new illustration, I share my art supplies from CaranD'Ache and Prismacolor and when I use the water soluable qualities of the colored pencils and pastels. 

In my previous illustration that I shared in this video/post, I did not use water. I just used the art supplies dry. 
But I desire to stretch myself as an artist and try new things and see what works and what doesn't. Yes, this requires some risk taking! But it's essential to explore with my art tools to see what they can do and the effects I can create with them. Some I love and some I don't. I take note mentally of what works and what doesn't. 

I use scratch paper to test supplies and wet them to see what they will look like before applying them to my illustration. 
Sometimes even after application, I have to learn how well the pencil or pastel works. And I also note how the paper holds up with repeated application. 

Strathmore is my go to substrate of choice; in this video I show the size pad I used and how that worked out for the size of the illustration. 
I show the actual result of my work in the video. You can also view the illustration on the website for Bill's Quality Electric, LLC on our electrical safety blog here. I have really enjoyed writing scene based posts for electrical safety which I talk about in the video as well. 

I also share the two new songs I've been working on plus my most recent song I've composed for piano and what that experience has been like. 

I trust you will be inspired watching and reading and I wish you the Best of Beginnings! 

Journaling Prompt: 
If you work with art supplies, what are your favorites and why? What are you go to tools to create what you love? 
If you work in other contexts creatively, what is your favorite aspect of this activity? How often do you engage in this activity? Do you want to make more time for it? If so, what time would work best for you? How do you feel after a session in your creative space? Note this in detail in your journal. 

Share

0 Comments

6/16/2023

Dawn's Comeback: Thank You & Art/Life Update

0 Comments

Read Now
 

Thank you & Good to See You

Hello and welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity. This is a special post since I am sharing a new video where I've come back to say hello and share my new Life Cycle, New Art Studio and some art I've made in the past few months that you may not have seen already. 

You'll see two illustration and an art journal spread that I shared in a previous post. I also share what's going on with my music and my new art studio space and how I'm processing some major life changes that I've shared in previous blog posts. 

I'm not referring to this video as a vlog. It simply an update so I can say hi and share from my heart to yours. 
I hope this video is an inspiration to you in your own creativity! 
You're welcome to leave a comment either on YouTube or here on this post sharing your life update or a new life cycle you are currently experiencing. I am here to support you just like you have supported me and have been part of my journey. 

I also would appreciate it if you enjoy the video to please give it a thumbs up and if you haven't already subscribed, to subscribe if it is beneficial to you. This helps my channel get more visibility. I so appreciate your support. 

Thank you for watching and reading and I wish you the best of Beginnings. 

Share

0 Comments

6/15/2023

Always My Father: A Tribute

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture
My Father: P. Daniel Bel-Tempo

He Will Always Be My Father

This is my first Father's Day with my Dad, P. Daniel Bel-Tempo, in Spirit. I felt I must celebrate his life and honor him in this way since he passed back in January. The last time I saw him in person was back in 2019 on January 1 (he was in New Jersey; I live in Texas); we had only a few hours visit we shared together. I can almost feel his arm around me as we sat together on a hotel couch. 

On that day, before he left, he sat in a hotel chair waiting to leave in a wheelchair, as he looked at me and said, "We couldn't love each other more than we do right now, could we?" 
And I said, "No, we couldn't, Dad." 
Then he stood up in his black leather jacket and gloves, and we hugged and kissed goodbye. I knew that would be the last time I would see him in person. And it was. 

I love him so; I always will. 
Below I am sharing a poem I wrote my DAD for his birthday in 2022; it is titled, "ALWAYS," which encapsulates his essence as human, Father and musician. 

ALWAYS
BY DAWN HERRING

YOUR SMILE
YOUR CHUCKLE
YOUR HUMOR PERVADES

THERE ARE PARTS
OF YOU
THAT NEVER FADE

YOUR RHYTHM
YOUR TIMING
MUSIC IN YOUR BONES

IN THIS
ESPECIALLY 
I AM NOT ALONE

YOUR DESIRE
TO ASPIRE
TO CREATIVELY EXPRESS

TO FIND
SATISFACTION
NOT JUST TO IMPRESS

EXAMPLE 
TO ME
YOU WILL ALWAYS BE

YOU'RE FOREVER
ALWAYS
MY FATHER

I have also shared a music video of the last song I played for DAD on my piano titled, "The Evidence." This song will always have a special place in my heart since it brought comfort to both me and my Dad. 

Thank you for reading and watching and being a part of my Honoring my DAD on Father's day, the first I will experience since his passing in January. I appreciate your being a part of my journey. 

Copyright 2023 Music and poetry by Dawn Herring 

Share

0 Comments

5/8/2023

Coming Full Circle: Eclipse

3 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture

Coming Full Circle: 
Eclipse Art Journal Spread Tells a Story

Picture
Picture
Welcome back to Beginnings. It’s the place where we talk about Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity. 

It’s a been several months since I posted here on this blog, and this post will explain why. I’ve been wanting to share but had not determined the right way to do so until now. 

I will use the context of my art journaling practice to share my story since it seems appropriate and timely to do so. 

In this post I am sharing with you my most recently completed art journal spread. Just for context, I will say that my art journal is not a daily practice. It can sometimes takes weeks or even months to conclude a spread from start to finish. Sometimes I simply need to wait to determine the next step, and I take my time and give my intuition space to determine what that next step is. 

With this particular spread, which I named, Eclipse, I began (in the early autumn of ‘22) with an idea in mind, using circles as my main motif/geometric shape. I initially planned to use the spaces inside the circles from the overlap to collage fabric. I did so in the first session. 

Some time passed with work and life keeping me busy. But when I returned to it, my trajectory changed. I began using oil pastel to make marks and circles and color in the spaces between the circles. I was especially drawn to black at one point, as if reflecting what my body intuitively knew was coming. Like a premonition. I don’t usually reach for black since it’s such a bold color; vibrant color is usually my jam. But black felt right, good, timely. 
Picture
A glimpse of a vertical eclipse. Copyright image Dawn Herring 2023
Picture
Bold Black in between the circles. Copyright image Dawn Herring 2023
Picture
The letters of eclipse are buried in black. Copyright image Dawn Herring 2023
As I worked with black, I realized what it was reflecting: GRIEF. I decided to pull some black from my fabric stash and cut strips of it and attached the strips to interior spaces between the circles already covered in black, like an extension of it, almost like tears being shed. 

It was at that point, after the holidays came and went, and we moved into the New Year, that my GRIEF was fully realized, an extension of what I knew was coming; it was just a matter of time. 

I got news that my father, my DAD, had passed away. P. Daniel Bel-Tempo. My beloved parent who I had the deepest connection with, firstly with being raised by him in the most sensitive, respectful and compassionate fashion. Secondly, through our love of music. He was a drummer for many years, and also tried his hand at saxophone and a bit of piano. 

This news of the death of his form came as such a shock even though I was expecting it. I can still feel that shock as I write this to you. Yesterday (from when I write this post), May 8, was four months since he passed. It has been quite the life changer, a major demarcation point, for me. Life without my father present in this world. 

My creativity was hit hard. I still used my daily illustration to express my grief and life’s continuance after this event. I didn’t go back to my art journal spread for weeks. But I now knew what the spread would be called. ECLIPSE. I felt as if the loss of DAD in this world felt just like that. An Eclipse of My Heart.

​It was only a few weeks ago that I returned to finish the spread. That is when I installed the word, Eclipse, in several places, both vertically and horizontally, showing, really, the impact my father’s death has had on me, both in my day to day interaction and thought processes as well as in my Connection with Spirit, as I work through and process this major life event. 
Picture
This is the photo that Mom gave me to remember my DAD. It sits in a gold frame and I took a photo of it so you can see my shadow. I am my Father’s Daughter.
Picture
This is my DAD as a young man in his army uniform. Yes, he was an Army veteran, of which I am proud.
I have been desiring to share this very important and personal news with you, my dear reader. It is difficult for me to write this but I felt compelled to share this with you now for several reasons. It is time to share my Grief. And I have concluded this spread during Eclipse Season, which is timely and completely aligning for me. And finally, today (the day I publish this) would have been my beloved father’s 88th birthday. So I decided that I must HONOR his LIFE by sharing his Death with you. 

Yes, he lives on in Spirit. He is free. He is well. He is at Peace. He is no longer bound by form. 
And I know that I shared with him everything I wanted to say before his passing. And we were able to 
Connect on the deepest level possible. And for that I am grateful.

And when I sit at my piano and play my spiritual songs, I know he can hear me. And he will always have a special place in my music studio, as I compose, sing and play. He was and still is and always will be my inspiration. 
I know I have made him proud. 

I love you so much, dear DAD. Thanks for being you. And may you be honored today (and every day) for the life you lived as my DAD. 

And thank you, dear readers and friends, for being a part of my creative and life journey and sharing in this honoring of my Dad’s life and in his passing. Thank you. 

Yes, this is a Major Life Cycle come to a close; coming full circle, for my dad, and for me. And now I must move forward as a New Life Cycle begins. 

In my heart, my soul, my creativity. 
And You are welcome to join me as we Begin Anew together. 

Share

3 Comments

1/4/2023

Dawn’s Vlog 4: Happy New Year: Show&Tell, JOY Card Reading

0 Comments

Read Now
 

Happy New Year: 
Let’s Have Some Show & Tell Fun!

Picture
Welcome back to Beginnings where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Experimentation, Exploration and Creativity! Yes! And today we are celebrating the New Year! So excited for you to be joining me with this Fresh Start to our linear lives! 

In the above video is my 4th Vlog, the first of 2023; in it I share some Show and Tell which includes a sketchbook update with a pen sketch I’ve been working on so you can see the progress I’ve made and my take on some art supplies. 

I also include items that have been inspiring me as an artist and creator that I thought might inspire you too! 
I also speak of my plans for this week and what’s been on my mind that I want to accomplish. 

In the beginning of the video, I speak about styling my hair differently and invited you to “vote” for straight or curly; so if you have the fun initiative to do so, you’re welcome to leave a comment below or on my YouTube channel! 

I also share a bit about my Music Mind Bullet Journal Collection and why I keep it. Music is always in the Mind! (Thus is the life of this aspiring musician!) 

Finally, I share a new JOY Card Reading from my JOY Finder Game Card Deck which is my own creation; this one has to do with Life Messages! There is a time stamp for the video so you can pick and choose what topic interest you if you desire to do so, unless you want to watch from start to finish. 

This vlog includes just one day’s recording, January 3, 2023. I want to try keeping it a bit shorter, even though it’s 20 minutes in length anyway. Thus the time stamp! 

I appreciate your continued interest in my Beginnings as Artist, Illustrator, Aspiring Musician and Journal Keeper. I am always interested in what you are Beginning, especially as we enter this New Year of 2023.

Journaling Prompts: 
What goals do you have in mind for this New Year? What is vitally important to you right now? What did you dismiss in 2022 to make room for the new in 2023? What have you not tried that you are curious about that inspires you to go down that rabbit hole? Make a list of what is calling to your heart. Choose one to take action on this week. One small step can make all the difference to open your heart today! 

You’re welcome to leave a comment below about your Beginning, your Fresh Start. 
I am here to cheer you on! 
​Happy New Year and I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 
Picture
Dawn Herring

Share

0 Comments

12/20/2022

Dawn’s ‘22 Year in Review

0 Comments

Read Now
 

Here is my ‘22 Year in Review

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! In this final post of the year, I will be sharing with you my 7 Topics I chose to focus on that were the most important to me concerning my activity and content here at Refresh with Dawn Herring as well as my growth as artist and aspiring musician. 

Many of the points I share about in Vlog 3 (above) in more detail, especially with my specific art supplies so you’re welcome to check that out as well, and join me for an impromptu Christmas Holiday Party! 
Below I have listed off these 7 Topics along with links to varying content that is available right here on my website, in case you haven’t seen it or read it yet and would like to. 

First on the list is my One Year Anniversary of Playing Piano: I go into the details of my song writing and experience with learning to play my spiritual songs in this post, Music Life Lens: Celebrating One Year of Piano from my The Way I See It blog. Learning to play an instrument to accompany myself while I sing my spiritual songs has been a deeply satisfying and thrilling experience. Music has always been in my blood and this just solidifies it in a way I’ve never experienced before. And I continue to enjoy learning and growing as an aspiring musician throughout ‘22. I look forward to new horizons of where it will take me into 2023. Special Thanks to everyone who has supported me and watched my music videos on YouTube. You can access them here on my Music Page! 
Picture
The second item on the list is my The Way I See It Podcast which premiered on April 13, with the first episode, Three Keys to Aligned Living, followed by Sensory Power, A Creative Lifeline, Resistance or Flow?, Music Mind, Saying Goodbye and Give Yourself a Voice. Each topic ties in to Awareness, Attitude and Intuition and how they lead to Aligned Living, giving examples from my own life. Each episode comes with a transcript and journaling prompts for further reflection and empowered action. You can access each episode on my podcast resource page. 
It was also fun to create illustrations to accompany each episode, making it a visual reminder of the what are my truths expressed. You can view these illustrations on my Commercial Art Page. 
Picture
New music is next on the list! Yes, I already spoke about playing piano. But with each new song I write, there is always the possibility of it ending up being composed for the piano. Not all the songs I write are composed; some I just record for future reference. But the ones that do end up in my piano book, I then determine which ones I will share with you, my friends! And this year I chose to share several on my YouTube Channel: You Are My Friend, The Evidence, The Eternal Now and my newest song, which is the theme song for Beginnings blog, I just released last week on 12/8/22. These have been such excited and rewarding times for me, sharing spiritual songs that come directly from my Sacred Studies and Prayer/Meditation, which are my foundational actives to my Spiritual Practice. When I sense that a song may be a source of encouragement in Spirit, I choose to share it publicly. Again, I so appreciate those who take the time to watch/listen to my spiritual songs. (You can watch them here.) And my greatest hope, in addition to spiritual support from my music, is that the Beginnings theme song will be a continual source of inspiration, encouragement and empowerment for your in your creativity! 
Picture
The next category of items to look back on is my ART. Art is such a fun and vibrant part of my creative practice; I would never want to live without it. For this year my main focus has been on illustration, both in my personal journal to highlight moments in my day that I want to remember as well as illustrations I create for my content here at Refresh with Dawn Herring. 

My first point of reflection is with switching out the design of my personal journal illustrations. I show examples of how I did this in Vlog 3 specifically. Initially when I learned to draw myself as a cartoon figure, I introduced it inside one of the letters of my word doodle. But after doing this for a while, I decided I wanted to give more space to my illustration and less space to the word itself. What a difference this has made for me as an illustrator overall. I can put much more detail and surrounds into these “spot” illustrations which give me more room to express all the things that matter to me. It is so much more fun as well. 
Picture
Here’s an example of the original design of word doodle with cartoon figure inside a letter. I used markers and pens for this design. Image Copyright 2022 Dawn Herring
Picture
Here’s an example of how I’ve switched the way I now illustrate. In this one, the word is behind the figure with notes to the side. She’s thinking and looking at the clock trying to figure out what to do when. Image Copyright 2022 Dawn Herring
My next item focuses on the Art Mediums I used in my illustration work this year and how I changed things up to experiment and explore and see where it would take me. I was working with fine point and brush pens from Faber Castell and Tombow for the first couple of years. This year, I decided to play with pencil and pastel! I use both regular and water soluble pencil as well as water soluble pastel (Prismacolor and Caran’Dache brands). I show these in Vlog 3 as well if you want a close up view of what I’m using and my favorite colors. It has been fun seeing what I can do with pencil and pastel since I hadn’t worked with it in quite some time. Pen and marker had become my go to for so long. Pencil is pretty straightforward but when adding water to the mix, it takes on a whole new vibe! I plan to try more of this in 2023 now that I have mixed media paper to create future illustrations with. The Commercial Art I created for my Refresh with Dawn Herring content was also done in colored pencil, but I start my commerical art with sketching pencil rather than pen for these. My personal illustrations are always started with a fine line pen and then filled with color. I look forward to doing more experimenting with these mediums and see what new work I will produce and have fun with! 
I also wanted to add here that I got back to sketching with just fine black pen this year, getting Back to the Basics, as I like to put it. If you would like to see my pen sketches, I show them inVlog 1 and Vlog 2.  
Picture
My next point in review is the launch of my new Blog, Beginnings where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! Woot! This has been a such an exciting venture so far, sharing art demos, new music, and talking about what’s on my mind as a Creator with you. My aim and goal with this new blog theme is to encourage, inspire and empower you in your creativity. Those of you who have read my posts, watched my videos and left comments and thumbs up are so deeply appreciated. Thank you! You make it fun and worthwhile, letting me know what is inspiring you.  I look forward to sharing more of my Beginnings in 2023! 
And my final point of review of ‘22 is with my brand new venture of Vlogging, giving you a Behind the Scenes View of what I’m up to. It has given me a place to chit chat with you about all kinds of subjects, plus show you some art and play bits of music to inspire you in your creative path. I so appreciate those who have already watched the first two vlogs I released, and now the 3rd vlog with this new post. Your comments and thumbs up are so greatly appreciated. It’s exciting to have a new format in which to share my creative life with you, my friends! I’m having FUN! And I trust you are too! 

Well, that wraps up my 2022 Year in Review! It’s been a fun ride, an interesting journey and I look forward to what is in store in 2023. I do hope you will join me as we continue our creative journeys together; that makes it so much more fun, doesn’t it? 

I am always here to cheer you on, to encourage and inspire you and even empower you to take those first steps, choosing courage as you determine where you will express yourself as only you can do! 

Thank you for being a part of this journey with me! 
Here’s to 2023! 

​And I wish you the very Best of Beginnings! 
Picture
Dawn Herring
All images, artwork and music shared are Copyrighted to Dawn Herring, 2023. 

Share

0 Comments

12/15/2022

Dawn’s Vlog 2: Music, Art, Social Media, & more

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture

Dawn’s Vlog #2 has Come to You! 

Welcome back to Beginnings, where we focus on Fresh Starts, New Cycles, Exploration, Experimentation and Creativity! 
In this post, I am sharing my 2nd Vlog, a new venture here at Refresh with Dawn Herring, giving you a peek behind the scenes, where I share my thoughts on what I’m up to, topics that are of interest to me, plus wardrobe selections. And I’m having fun! 

The topics I cover in Vlog 2 are an inside view of my new theme song, Beginnings, which you can watch on my home page here on the website. I also chat about my take on social media, why I choose to be present in various outlets, especially in connection with you, my friend! I also share a sketch update and do some “show and tell” with art supplies. 

I also chat about decluttering and what a difference it has made for me. (If you want to read and watch about my decluttering process, please click here.)
And another topic is about my 2 decks of cards I use for insight and connection with Spirit and where they come from. (Not tarot related.) 
And of course, my wardrobe picks! 

If that is of interest to you, then you’re welcome to watch the video! I have chosen to create a time stamp so you can choose your topic of interest if you’re thus inclined unless you just want to watch from start to finish! 

Vlog 2 encompasses 4 days, 2 in late November and 2 in early December. 

I hope you enjoy, are inspired and leave a comment about your favorite subject matter that I chat about. I’d love to hear from you. Your feedback is highly appreciated. And you're welcome to share what Your Beginning is right now. I'd love to support and celebrate with you! 

​And I wish you the very BEST of Beginnings! 
Picture
Dawn Herring

Share

0 Comments
<<Previous
Details

    Author

    Dawn Herrings is an Artist, Illustrator, Aspiring Musician, and Avid Journal Keeper. She enjoys spending time writing songs, composing for the piano, playing with all kinds of art media, including colored pencils for illustrating, exploring design and textures, having fun creating spreads in her art journal and writing about her day, her dreams and her vision in her journals. Dawn is also Office Manager and partner in business with her husband, Bill, of 33 years. 

    Archives

    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022

    Categories

    All
    Animals
    Art
    Art Demo Video
    Artist
    Art Supplies
    Balance
    Beginnings
    Cats
    Creative Process
    Creativity
    Death
    Decision Making
    Decluttering
    Faith
    Fathers Day
    Fruit Of The Spirit
    Grieving
    Illustration
    Illustration Pic Of The Week
    Jewelry
    Journaling Process
    Journaling Prompt
    Lessons To Learn
    Life Cycle
    Making Melody With Dawn
    Mental Health
    Music
    Piano
    Poetry
    Q&A
    Reflections
    Self Care
    Song Writing
    Spiritual Life
    Time Management
    Video
    Visiion Board
    Vlog
    Walk And Chat
    Work

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • A TIME TO PLAY!
  • About Me
  • ART
    • Dawn's Art Demo Videos
  • MUSIC
    • Dawn's Spiritual Music Videos
  • JOURNAL KEEPING
    • The Art of Journaling Videos
    • The Art of Journaling Toolbox
    • The Art of Journaling Prompt Play Book
  • FUN WITH FASHION
  • Blog Hub
    • A TIME TO PLAY
    • Going Gentle
    • Beginnings
    • THE WAY I SEE IT
    • The Sweet Spot
    • Refresh Daily Blog >
      • Your Authentic Refreshment Blog
  • The CAT's Meow!
  • Inspiring Resources
    • Walk & Chat with Dawn
    • The Way I See It Podcast
    • My Favorite Sweet Spots
    • Keepin' It Sweet Show