I'm doing cartwheels!

I am so frickin' excited over here!!!!   I'm doing cartwheels!!!! (in my mind, of course)  

I just learned the portrait I entered into the Cloth-Paper-Scissors Mixed Media Portrait challenge was accepted as one of the finalists. 
Wanna do a "hApPy DaNcE" with me?

Challenge accepted

Recently one of my customers asked me if I could transform brand new terra cotta pots and trays into something that looked old.  She will be planting geraniums in them and they will become center pieces for a baby shower in early summer.   Her criteria was for them to looked aged and look like something you would see in Italy.  I said, “Sure, I can do that!”   I have never done anything like this before yet I was confident enough to accept the challenge.  

I saved coffee grounds and bought some potting soil.

Invited my friend, Alix, over to come play in the dirt with me.

(we had a lot of fun, too!)

After several layers of dirt,drying, joint compound, drying, sanding, sealer, drying.

Mission accomplished.

They are transformed and they look aged.

Lesson learned:  

~ accept a challenge or the unknown with an expectation of success ~

~ our thoughts are powerful ~

Vulnerable, yet standing.

I've been feeling the urge to challenge myself.

To learn more about who I am as an artist and what I am capable of.

To take more steps out of my comfort zones.

That's when I happen to come across this on-line workshop by Jeanne Oliver  

Reflections: Paint Your Story - An Art Journaling Workshop  

It spoke to me.

I joined.

I am excited to "paint my story".

I've watched several of the videos-I couldn't wait to dive right in.

Still in my nightgown, I cranked up the music (really loud to drown out my inner critic).

I stood up to my easel, charcoal in my hand, and I began.

The intention of this practice was to draw and see what shows up.

I used a charcoal stick and gesso in my journal. 

About 75 minutes later she arrived.  Imperfection and all.

Titled:  "Vulnerable yet standing".

Resistance

A couple weeks ago I was asked to paint another original piece of art like a previous piece.
I had never done this before and quite honestly I was a little reluctant to even attempt it. I could list all the logical  reasons not to do it and every reason could be quite convincing.  Yet I was drawn to the idea.  Not in a negative way, it was more like a urging to move onward.  I chose to sit with it.  Meditate on it.  My thoughts began to shift.  I no longer viewed it as a challenge instead I saw it as an opportunity for growth.  Once again to overcome resistance (otherwise identified as fear). 90% of the time I create art from my heart,  I do not document the paint colors, the techniques I did, etc.  Which was the #1 item on my list of reasons not to do this.

What I discovered, by following thru with creating this piece is the essence remains the same...it's

Art from my Heart.

I am so grateful that I believed enough to conquer any imagined fear.

What are you resisting that could potentially propel you forward?

intention + hot glue = cool art

I was given a challenge to create a piece of art within 

5 days from conception to completion.  

I questioned if I could do it or not.  

There was a call for art for this book that I heard about.  I emailed the woman in charge and told her I was interested.  She informed me that the deadline for the initial entry had been a month previously.  Dang!  I had gotten up the courage to submit and this was my response.  I apologized for being late and told her that I felt the Universe had guided me to her and this was my first ever submission to a magazine/book.  She proceeded to  followed up with the word BUT, which is an interesting word that can indicate many conclusions.  She said someone had just backed out and she would accept my art if I could have it to her within 5 days to meet the art submission deadline.  The art was to be created around a choice of one of two quotes.  I told her that my word for 2014 was YES, therefore, I would accept the challenge.   With a chuckle in her voice she said, "you are really going to like one of these quotes".  When I received the quotes, I heart smiled within.  She was right.  I recalled pleasing with the Universe saying out loud,  "OK, Universe, help me with this one!"  

My intention was to create something original.  For 3 days I worked on my art and on the 4th day it was completed.  I was pretty darn pleased with the results.  I took photos and submitted it.  Within a week I found out that I had not been accepted into the book.  It's peculiar because when I got the news I wasn't crushed.  I will admit that I was just a little disappointed, yet not crushed.  I learned much from the experience about myself and my capabilities.  I overcame the obstacle of submitting my art.  Even tho I was not accepted I didn't feel defeated.  If anything the whole experience has lifted me to another level on this creative journey.   She suggested that I wait for another month before publishing it online anywhere in case she did another book and I could re-submit.  I've waited now for over a month and decided to share my finished piece. 

Check out the quote at the bottom left.  It truly fits with my word for 2014.  The art piece measures 

11" x 14" and is made on a sheet of canvas panel.  The background began by first layering with drywall tape, adding multiple layers of paint while utilizing several techniques to apply the paint. The beautifully colored poppies along with the buds and stems are all made with hot glue. Yes, I said, Hot Glue.  The poppies look 3D because they are.  I  adhered them to the stems so they "pop" right out at you.

I will be attaching it to a canvas panel that has a shadow frame around it.  That canvas panel will be painted as if it were lattice to give the overall garden appeal.  I am working on it now and I will post the completed project here.  Then I will add it to my website on-line store at  http://www.teresacash.com

Have you been to my store, yet?  Come on over and check it out.  You may find something that is unique and just the right gift for someone.  Mother's Day is right around the corner.