Sunday, June 3, 2012

The Calmness of Coloring...


I love to color; doodle, journal, make squiggles, whatever you want to call it I love to do it.  There is something very soothing about just putting your pen, or marker, or crayon to paper.  Not really thinking about what to draw - just drawing...


I tend to draw flowers, lots and lots of them.  In fact I sometimes wish I would draw other things.  But then I start thinking too hard about it and it's no longer relaxing.  So I have to remind myself that I am drawing for me, no one else, and if I want to do nothing but draw flowers and squiggles around them that's okay...


I have been very busy with life lately, all good things but stressful just the same.  Busy to the point that I have not made enough time for me to do what I love - making art!  As most of you moms/artists know, that little thing called guilt (guilty for not doing the laundry, for making art instead of cleaning the kitchen etc.) can really get the best of us.  So I spoke with Lesley Riley at http://www.artistsuccess.com/ and boy did she kick that old guilt right out of my head...


I completed a questionnaire that had me thinking about what my goals are and what I really want to do with my art.  It ended up being pretty soul searching.  Then I had a thirty minute phone conversation with her.    Just hearing the things that I already know from someone else  - especially when that someone has been making art for more than thirty years and has been in my shoes,   really made  a huge difference in the way I see my art making.  It made me realize that it's OKAY for me to say "today I am making art".  THANK YOU Lesley for giving me the boost I needed!


And finally - I have decided to send all three of you lovely ladies that posted your favorite summer memory a magnet:)  Please send me your email addresses at cshella@yahoo.com.  And keep doodling!  It lowers our blood pressure:)

4 comments:

Leah said...

I am completely lacking in your raw artistic talents of doodling and drawing, but being a creative person none the less I know just what you mean. This last year was been a real pivotal change for me creatively. Photography and writing has become my creative re-charging. {the thing yes, I feel guilty about when I do instead of laundry and scrubbing away the out of control mildew in our fridge} So glad you were blessed to hear truthful words of encouragements. Thanks for the magnets too!
Glad you are blogging again.
Cheers,
Leah

Heather said...

Drawing and coloring are so fun! I cant remember a time when I didnt do it :) and you're so right about that artist mama guilt....the pile of dishes in the sink get my every time. I always say "I will paint as soon as I get this done..." but it never seems to get done!
Thanks too for the link to Lesley Riley. I was just writing on my blog about how I feel stuck in a rut...this sounds fascinating! What a cool program for artist!

Jenny Petricek said...

Such wonderful doodles! I love the flowers! They are so happy and have a great homespun look!:-) As a left-hander who's always had horrendous handwriting, I've never felt comfortable with the idea of including writing/markings in my own hand on my artwork. You've inspired me to take the plunge and DO IT!

Kelly said...

Good for you- making art always has a way of having to wait... unless you make it a priority, doesn't it? Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.