Hello friends! Like I promised in a previous video, I have completed the art journal spread that I have titled, Out of the Ashes, that I started in Late 2023. This spread is more than deeply personal; it is somewhat of a demarcation point due to the life change this spread has helped me work through. 

My father passed in January of 2023 and my mother passed in January of 2024. 
So my grieving process has included the very intuitive and spiritual practice of my art journal. 
As I have worked through my loss, I have expressed those emotions through gouache paint, fabric, stamping, collage, oil and water soluable pastel, plus embelishments such as sequins. So many layers have gone into this particular spread. 

I started with an idea of using a floral motif in the center of a night sky with moonbeams coming out, as a way to express Coming up out of the ashes (which symbolize the passing of my parents) with the idea of growing through the process and learning to live anew with my parents in spirit. 

So I cut strips of fabric (which you can see in the first video below). Then I had the idea of putting splashes of paint on the substrate (see next video). Then I started collaging papers, both brown paper, and paper from dream notes I take in the morning) and adding layers of gesso in between. 

I also used several stamps in the process: one was a small floral stamp to unify the floral in the center adding green highlights with oil pastel crayon; another was a clock/watch stamp which represents the passage of time, from childhood til now; then I used letter stamps to spell out Ashes across the page in between the fabric strips (which I did toward the end of the process.) 

Once I was satisfied with the layering on the substrate, then I put down the fabric strips that feature a night sky with moon and stars. I see the strips as moon beams. 

Then I hand lettered the words "out of the" using oil pastel and water soluable pastel crayon in black and white on brown paper. I did the same with ASHES, hand lettering. And then adhering. 

Then I used silver, black, white and green pastel highlighting the fabric strips, accentuating the idea of moonbeams. Lastly I added green sequins as an embellishment. I wanted to brighten things up a bit. (I've had these sequins in a jar mixed with beads and buttons for many years! It pays to gather supplies when you see them since you never know when you'll use them!) 

I wanted to finish this spread, Out of the Ashes, by year's end, to have closure with my parent's passings and move into the New Year with a fresh start. I'm glad I did. I have had 4 sessions over the holiday season, following my intuitive nudges with each session, noting what was working and what wasn't working. (I decided against buttons which was the original idea with my design and instead used sequins to accentuate the design elements. 

I really wanted to share the finishing of the project with you as I have given you glimpses of my process with videos over time so you can see the ins and outs behind the scenes. 

It is important to me to share this process with you so you can be along for my journey. Thanks for warching, reading and subscribing to my YouTube Channel in support of my work. 

Your presence here means the world to me; I wouldn't want to do this without you! 
So thank you for being here. 

My delight is to continue sharing my artistic/spiritual journey with you in the coming year of 2025. I hope to see you here! 

Happy New Year And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

As I have been experiencing the sights and sounds of the Holiday Season, I have been encountering memories of old from Christmases past and other childhood moments. 

First I will share one in honor of my Dad. 
I was exiting one storefront and could hear very old fashioned Christmas music, Big Band style, wafting from the speakers across the street from where I stood. Hubby was with me and I recalled to him how Dad would have loved this music. So I began doing a little jig down the sidewalk, which immediately brought me back to a moment in the Mom's kitchen and Dad wanting to dance, so I said, I'll dance with you, Dad! So we did, down the hallway and back. It was sweet and poignant. After we would dance, he would kiss me on the head and say, "I love you, kid!" with a warm smile on his face. "I love you too, Dad." 

Gosh I can hear him chuckle like it was yesterday. With his wide smile and gentle way with me. One day, Dad, we will dance together again; in the meanwhile, I know you're watching and dancing too! 

Now I will share one in honor of my Mom.
I was recently shopping at one of my favorite stores where I live (a 2 story antique shop filled with all kinds of treasures!). As I went from booth to booth, I saw so many little Christmas trees, of all sizes, and colors, and in fun containers of sorts. I was wondering if I would find one that would be perfect for my art studio space. 

As I was looking at one in one of my favorite vendors, I heard Mom say to me, Mit-mas Tree. She would always have ways to shape the English language to her own liking. When she said this word, it was always with a feeling of fun and sensory joy.

I then said aloud, I hear you, Mom, I hear you. I felt like she was looking at those little trees through my eyes, as if we were shopping together for the holiday. It was a sweet poignant moment, with a tinge of sadness mixed in. But I was glad of this experience. I didn't find a small tree to take home with me but I brought home that moment in my heart. 

I love how her love of decorating for the holidays was the connection we made in spirit together. I don't decorate like she once did, turning the whole house into a Christmas treasure, but I remember the fun of seeing the space come to life. The joy it brought her may not have been visible to me as a child, but I could feel it in my heart as I shopped that day. 

I did end up bringing home other treasure, which I am grateful for. 
But the treasure of family cannot be bought. 

This is the first Christmas where both of my parents are in the same place in spirit. 
I am grateful for my memories of Christmases past and of my childhood joys. 
And staying "in touch" with them in ways that touch my heart are what I will carry with me always. 

Enjoy your Christmas, Mom and Dad, as you are together again. 
You will always be remembered. 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle where we share a slower pace and get creative at the same time. 
For this post, I will be sharing about an Art Journal Spread that I've been working on since late 2023 (now that's going gentle!) 
I've been slowly making progress with lots of layers, fabric cutting and using stamps and making marks with oil pastel. 
My goal is to complete this spread before 2024 has concluded. 
Right now I'm in the midst of adhering the layer of fabric that I cut many months ago as part of the design element. 

The video above shows my process of adding a watch/clock stamp in varying places with pattern and overlapping, showing the passage of time I am expressing through the deeper meaning of this spread. 

I also use black and vibrant green oil pastel, by Faber Castell, making marks in various places. 

I do not include any narration in the video. I recorded it on the weekend while I was home with hubby. I do add a few notes to the screen clarifying what I am doing. So if you want a peek behind the scenes of playing in  my art journal, this is for you! 

My delight is for you to be inspired with your own creative pursuits! You are welcome to engage in whatever inspires you creatively while you watch. It's an 8 minute video, so just enough time to do something fun and inspiring! 

If you haven't already, and if you enjoy the video, please give it a like, leave a comment (either below or on my YouTube, and subscribe. I truly appreciate your support. 

I had fun filming this for you and I trust that fun with translate to you as you watch! 

​Remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle, where we pace ourselves and do what we love to keep balance in our lived full of responsibilities! 
For this post, I will be sharing about 2 of my favorite art supplies as a response to the Question from Karen Abend who is the host of Sketchbook Revival! I had so much fun watching some of the art sessions from varying artists that Karen interviewed, and I decided to share my favorite art supplies, both below and in a video where I actually demonstrate why I love them so much. 

I had so much fun demonstrating the different things I love to do with these two supplies that I use daily. From lettering and illustrating to coloring and choosing how to highlight the bits I draw.

The Pentel pen is EXCELLENT for fine detail in my lettering and illustrating, and the Neocolor IIs are great for vibrant color and texture! 

Come join me for some fun art inspiration as we celebrate our favorite art supplies together! 

What is your favorite art supply and why do you love it so much? You're welcome to share below in the comments! I'd love to hear from you. 

I so appreciate your view on my YouTube Channel videos and your subscribing; it means a lot to me. 
Enjoy and remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle! I love sharing the easy approach I'm taking to the Inktober 2024 event where we draw with ink from a prompt list provided; and I am getting inspired!

For Day 9, Sun was the prompt and I decided to put my own artistic twist on it and drew a fashion ensemble inspired by the Sun! How fun is that? 

I love the spiral as a design element and used it to create a sun motif for fashion I created from my imagination! And how fun is that? 

Sunshine on my shoulders! Yes, the top features a sun-patterned motif with sun-patterned scarf with a sunny pleated skirt, also with sandals and jewelry to match! I really enjoyed bringing this "vision" to life on the page! 

I initially used fine pen to draw the basic structure, which includes some highlights to create more depth and dimension, plus oil pastel in yellow and gold to liven it up with some color, since fashion just inspires me to get creative with color. I would so wear this if it existed in form! (hey, you never know...maybe some day!) 

I really enjoy drawing my own wardrobe choice each evening in my sketchbook journal so I thought I would take a similar approach with this Inktober prompt of sun for Day 9. 

The video shows my process from start to finish. There is a bit of light wash-out toward the end since I had a light in the background as well as on the desktop, just so you know. But you can still see the design being created.  

Thanks so much for reading/watching as I share my Inktober journey with you! I am having so much fun and thought you would appreciate the fun vibe too! 

Are you doing Inktober? Let me know in the comments! 
And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle, where we talk about making things easier and paying attention to what works for us! 

For today's post, I am sharing a video about a certain collection I created for 2024, my LAUGH Collection, and how the collection served its purpose until it didn't. I describe the decision making process for making a change to something I intended to do for the whole year and why I decided to take a different approach. 

It's important to pay attention to the Collections in your bullet journal and whether or not they are serving the original purpose for which they were intended. 

It's always about how your life is improved, organized, inspired or how you can create a focal point that you look forward to working/playing with in your journaling practice. 

My Laugh Collection worked for several months, but as time waned, not so much. So I found another approach that I describe in the video! 

It's ok to change things up to suit your own aesthetic. That's what I love about bullet journaling. It is so customizable from month to month, as I make my pages, I can evaluate what stays, what goes and what to add if there is a new focal point that has come onto my radar that is worth paying attention to in its own space. 

If you are new to bullet journaling, I wanted to record this video to share with you my experience with my Laugh Collection and what the purpose of it was and how it has worked (or not) up until now. I hope it helps you with the decision making process as you make pages in your bullet journal each month. 

Let me know how it's going for you! I'd love to hear about your journaling practice! It's one of my favorite subjects! 

Thanks for watching/reading and subscribing to my channel. Remember I have The Art of Journaling videos right here on my website with tips and prompts for you to run with, as well as The Art of Journaling Prompt Play Book & The Art of Journaling Toolbox! Enjoy! 

​And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome back to Going Gentle! I happen to be involved in drawing the prompts for Inktober 2024 this year, but I'm taking it as I have time, being gentle with myself with not doing too much, in addition to my other art practices.  

(If you would like to see the first post featuring Day 1 & 3, click here.)

So Day 4 prompt was EXOTIC. I had no clue what I wanted to do for that. So I asked hubby, Bill, what was the first thing that came to mind with the word Exotic. He said, A Flamingo! We both love birds so I wasn't surprised he chose wildlife with birds in particular as his reply. 

So I decided to run with that. Flamingos are gorgeous birds! And I had fun with this one, with the feathery detail and the distinct characteristics, which I've never drawn before. 

Wildlife or animals in general on not my usual fare for the most part as far as subject matter goes. I'm often doing faces or fashion, or little illustrations of my activity from my day. So I'm broadening my horizons and hopping onto those observation skills to get my Inktober on! 

I've included an image of the final drawing, but I've also provided a video above of the process, 7 minutes on higher speed. My delight is for you to be inspired to get your creative on too! I'm having fun, so I thought I'd invite you along for the action! 

​Enjoy and remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome back to Going Gentle! Today I am excited to share some sketches I've done as I decided to take part in Inktober 2024, where you sketch (daily if possible) from a list of subject matter. 

I managed to get a day one sketch of my backpack which you can see below. I worked on this one last evening (10/2/24) after I did my usual journaling practice of narrative and illustration. 

Today I decided to run with the boots subject. I was closer to the boots so they are larger and didn't fit into the page fully. I also determined to record my session on video so you can watch my process. At first I come from the right side, and then I change to the left so you can see better my process as I'm sketching. 

I really enjoyed the process and my delight is for you to be inspired with your own creative projects whatever they may be. 

Enjoy the video and leave a comment about what you're working on right now, whether it's drawing or something else entirely! Let's support each other in community, shall we?

And remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Hello and Welcome Back to Going Gentle, where we talk about being in the moment, taking it slow and paying attention to detail, all with a gentle approach! 

I'm excited to share with you an In the Studio "moment" When Inspiration Struck Me and I ended up doing something fun and spontaneous just to see "what would happen." In other words, EXPERIMENT! 

I absolutely love it when inspiration strikes, especially when it's spontaneous, in the moment, not over thinking, but just PLAYING, really...do you ever have moments like that? When you least expect it? 

Well, I did have something that got the whole thing started. I was watching Day 1, Session 2 of Sketchbook Revival with Janine Vangool sharing an inventory of art supplies. After a watching for a bit, I decided to bring the recording in to my studio space and use that active inspiration to do something with my current art journal spread...

So I did! And I show you clearly in the video what I experimented with! 
I used several items: 
Packing paper with cutouts
Roller
Black Gouache paint
Scissors
Matte medium for gluing

I show you what I was attempting to do and when I ended up doing instead. And you know what? I took a very gentle approach with the whole process. No expectation, just experimentation and the joy that comes from trying things! Yes!
​
And then I decided to record it in the moment (with messy hair and all!) and share it with you! 

I trust you will be inspired to get going on something that has been waiting in the wings or starting something altogether knew that you've been thinking about...

What did I learn? When Inspiration Strikes, Seize the Moment! Yes! And enjoy the process to the full. 
You deserve to take the time to get creative. You just never know what you'll discover! 

Journaling Prompt: 
Describe in detail the last time you felt Inspiration in the moment and what you did about it. How did the process impact you? Were you encouraged? Happy? Energized? 

I have also included videos from previous segments of this art journal spread I've been working on in case you want to review up until this new one I'm sharing. 

I hope you get seriously inspired and seize the moment...today! 
Remember that Gentle is Magic! 

Welcome Back to Going Gentle, where we focus on what really matters to our heart of hearts! In this post, I am sharing an unconventional sketchbook flip through starting back about 6 years ago (2018?) This sketchbook covers a LOT of ground and with changes in media over time. 

In the video, I share a non linear approach since it involved many projects, from pen and marker illustration to making colored pencil and pastel art for my Podcast, The Way I See It, to doing pen illustration combining cartooning and fashion. It's all in there and I share the visual and talk about each project in depth. 

Some are super special, like family member pencil or marker and pen sketches; others are more for visuals that I used on my website. 

Coming up with visual art for content I was creating was deeply satisfying and fun. 

Some use sketchbooks for urban sketching with buildings and people out in public spaces. Some use it for sketching wildlife and nature. 

In this sketchbook, it was more about illustrating (whether faces or fashion) and some cartooning since those subjects have always been of interest to me. 

I love being able to change up my media to keep things fresh so I don't fall into an artistic rut which can lead to boredom. I am blessed to have various tools of the trade in my studio practice, which, of course, has taken years to acquire and use with skill. 

I dove into drawing with pencil as a child and dabbled with pen and ink later in my youth, so there's that history I have experienced over time. 

I still love trying out new tools and learning how they work best for the effects I am looking to create, that are the most visually appealing and satisfying to my eye. To me, that's all that matters. If I'm happy, then I know I'm on the right track. 

Oh, and FUN. I say that word frequently as I share different projects from my sketchbook in the video. 
I'm always looking and enquiring about how I can inject fun in to my sketchbook, whether this one where I'm showing drawings and illustrations or the sketchbook I use for my daily journaling, where I use hand lettering to illustrate what I did in my day as well as my wardrobe pieces, which you can see on my fashion page here. 

If you desire to start a sketchbook, don't worry about what others are doing and compare what you're doing. Of course there is a place to be Inspired by other artists (I follow many!) but I always come back to what makes me happy. Faces, fashion, and hand lettering. Always go with subject matter that you are drawn to, no matter what it is. And look for inspiration in varying places. Not just online. But what's right in front of you. 

Follow your curiosity and see where it leads. Follow your artistic heart! 
And let me know if you keep a sketchbook practice for any reason; I'd love to hear about it in the comments! 
​Do enjoy the video of my sketchbook flip through and remember that Gentle is Magic!