My Visit to Grayton Beach

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week in a huge beach house on Grayton Beach. Need I say more?

It was more than a "week at the beach". My daughter went with my friend's youth group, and I tagged along to cook the meals (well, most of them) for 13 youth.  I can't say anything but what an adventure to stay for 7 nights in a three-story house with these kids. We had a craft project for a children's shelter and on another day we went to a homeless mission to cook a meal and help in their clothing shop. The youth were amazing to get to know. They helped me in the kitchen, and we had many laughs over lots of silly things.  I cried when we walked the streets of Grayton singing Hillsong United's "Oceans", while their leaders prepared a special surprise for them at the house. It was a week like no other in both mine and my daughter's life, and got closer to one another over the week as well. God never disappoints. Here are some photos that need no words.

I entertained myself while on the beach by posting "celebrity" photos on my instagram. My friend were sad when my trip was over because they were getting a kick out of the, so I will be going on another trip soon, so if you like quirky stuff, follow me and see what this busy beach girl is up to this summer.

On the drive home, I had the idea to create a painting from the "Oceans" (Where Feet May Fail) song. Here is the painting, which I named "Take Me Deeper". It's mixed media. 

I am still painting more island / beach themed art. I''m currently taking commissions until August 15 for beach themed art (or any art, but right now my mind is on salt and sea). Thanks for stopping by!

Springtime in Paris Mixed Media

I had so much fun working on this piece. I have had Paris on my mind since this spring, so when I started my "Let It Go" mixed media class, I made a collage background using papers that made me think of springtime in Paris.

The Paris inspired piece is the larger one with the "lady" image.

I painted my design on it, and started painting on the background for my students.

 It was going so great. Then I left it behind while I went on to other projects and paintings. But, alas, Paris is still in my heart! I picked it up last weekend and, at least in my mind, I was there - in Paris.

I shared an in-progress piece on my facebook page and within the hour (it seemed) I had someone wanting it. I shipped it to California a few days later. It always makes me so happy when a painting speaks to someone and it finds it's way "home". It's even a bigger honor when your art is in an avid art collectors home, hanging in the collection of noteworthy French artists! I wish I could tour that home!

Thanks to my readers, those that follow my facebook page, and better yet - my collectors. Life is good today...As I write this blog, I'm enjoying some of the bluest waters and sugar-white sands in our great nation - the Gulf Coast, half way between Panama City Beach and Destin,

I'm soaking the sun, breathing salt-water air, and enjoying the great company of merry hearts.  I'm posting photos on my facebook AND on my Instagram. Follow my Instagram Here.

And mixed media artists - don't forget to take part in the Mixed Media Monthly Challenge blog this month. We have TWO prizes to randomly give out from DieCutsWithAView - our July sponsor. Thanks for stopping by and happy creating!!

Queens and Wings Mixed Media Inspiration

I had such a blast teaching a mixed media class. We met once a week for six weeks. I met some truly wonderful ladies and even got reunited with a friend I has not seen in years! Most of the ladies ended up creating a "girl" of some sort, personal to themselves, and included an inspirational title, quote or sentiment on it. I am so amazed at their sense of adventure to jump in and go for it!

I posted last week about the girls we were doing with some pics. Here is the girl again.

After I painted my girl and started defining spaces, her wonderful dress magically appeared. It was noticed by one of my students. A perfect lesson about letting the painting create itself! 

The sheet music I used on her was about chasing rainbows, so I played on that and chose a phrase that went with the theme. Again, going where the painting wants to go.

I used two sets of alpha stamps for the words.

I used the same method with my second girl. I layered the papers and then painted her on top. The papers on this piece seemed to have a more softer feel, so the second girl was given wings. 

One of my students found some tissue paper on clearance with Mothers Day items that was cream with black inspirational words on it. She gave me a sheet. I used it for the wings. I felt they were symbolic of women... We all seem to have invisible wings... Sort of like super powers. 

And what do wings do? Help you defy gravity. 

I auctioned these pieces on my facebook page. Follow me so you don't miss out on fun things like this! The lady that got both of these pieces told me they are for her twin daughters who just got their own rooms. How cool is that?

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.