New background technique.

Hi gorgeous,

I have a new background technique for you today. Experimenting is sooo much fun. Making videos is fun, but I'm far from a pro at that. My equipment is not great, but I do the best I can with what I've got. It's better to share new exciting things than to strive for perfection in everything. Art often happens by accident, doesn't it?

I have been on a high when it comes to producing art lately. It seems to go in cycles, and I welcome the wave when it comes to sweep me away! 

My latest technique involves acrylic paints, water, alcohol, and salt. Yes, you read that right. Salt makes cool patterns in the paint.

I made this video using an old painting I painted in 2004 as inspiration, a star angel. She sends out the stars into the night sky.

Click here to access the link to the video.

 

Art journaling has become a real obsession for me. It is so much fun and you can try all kinds of new techniques and ideas without ruining an expensive canvas. Speaking of canvases, I did finish a mixed media piece as well last week. 

 

Broken Dreams 12x12"

Portraits are always a challenge, but fun to paint. Every face has its own expression.

What are you working on lately? I would love to hear about it.

xo

Maria

P.S.  I have a free motivational e-course on how to get unstuck creatively. If you feel stuck, try it. Learn something new and get excited again! CLICK HERE.

You can also sign up for my newsletter HERE.

Discovering the epic.

Dear reader,

It is about discovering the truth of who we are and what we can share with the world, not just the small stuff, but that which is truly epic.

I was asking myself that question this morning. I have no problem producing artsy things to share or sell, but I thought about the perspective of my sphere of knowledge. I have lots of experience, but in the big scheme of things, what I know is small, not anything epic by a long shot.

I share where I'm at now. It's like walking down a dark road with a weak flashlight that also flickers. Stuff out of scary movies, right?
But I take one step forward, and that's as far as I can see.

I guess that's living in the now.

And that's all there is.

My fearful little self doesn't like it, not by a long shot. Maybe the only epic action in life is to step off the proverbial cliff and see what happens. (I'm afraid of heights.) Epic is to do "it" no matter what. Maybe you have to risk is all to have it all? 

I look at people who have epic concepts and I wonder how they came across such knowledge. I believe we're all made to be epic in the best possible way.

What is the divinely inspired "thing" that sets me apart from others and allows me to create epic shit that only I can create. 

I honestly don't know.

I want to know. I go within and ask in meditation, but the Universe is strangely quiet lately. To my ears at least, or maybe I'm not really listening. I'm multi-tasking writing this blog post in my head and planning out my day. I'm just thinking of the few paces I can see ahead, and they are mighty small from an epic perspective.

So I miss the point of stepping into epic. However, I can only act from where I am right now.

What is epic anyway? I don't know. It's a concept. Frodo's struggle to bring the ring to the Mount of Doom was epic. In that sense epic is something that is greater than us. Frodo could not do it alone. He got help along the way.

To create something massively awesome that affects a lot of people in a good way is beyond one person alone, but it can be done with a little help from your friends.


To dare to create something, however small is an epic action since most people never create anything, just live day by day in zombie land.

Say you get an epic inspiration for something so big it scares the pants off of you. It's not like you can turn your back on that. It's like a "knowing" and once you know, you can't un-know it. But you have no idea how to implement it into 3D living.

All you can do is take one step forward and as the whole plan is slowly revealed people will show up along the path to help because it's epic. They can see the value of your inspiration.

Truth is you're the driver; you're the one who takes action every day.

I'm good at taking action.

Until epic strikes I can take one step forward, and then another one until I'm ready. Yeah, I guess that's it. It's very likely the steps actually lead to epic but I can never be certain.

One step at a time, and I'm golden.

What are you doing that is worthwhile today?

xo

Maria

P.S. Check out some of my non-epic stuff, but still good, lol. HERE
For an epic gift (only kidding, but great,) sign up for my newsletter! HERE.

Mixed media affirmation cards using playing cards.

Hi gorgeous,

I made some mixed media affirmation cards using an old deck of playing cards. It was so much fun. I shot some videos of each, which you can find on my YouTube channel HERE.

They are easy to make and lots of fun. I only used decorative papers, pictures from magazines, Mod-Podge, and permanent markers. 

Check out the pictures: 

 

Oops, a spelling mistake here...

 

 

 

 

You can always try to make some. Make a whole bunch! :)

If you want to share your creations, please join my art Facebook group HERE.

Hope to see you there!!

Enjoy your creativity.

xo

Maria

P.S. My e-course is available (I have a couple up, one is free.) Check out the link and see if anything attracts you. CLICK HERE.

 

Get unstuck!

 

Get unstuck!   I can help you move from limbo to purpose. When the kids are gone, your job is gone, and life feels empty, it’s time to take some good action!

I’ve been going nuts playing at being a techie and getting WordPress plugins to work.  It’s a nightmare, but I’m learning something new every time I tackle the never-ending computer tasks.  The secret is to never give up or work until your eyes can’t focus any longer or you drop from sheer exhaustion.   Yeah, that’s how I roll sometimes when I’m on a mission.  Life is short.

I’m really excited about my freebie e-course coming up. I put up a video today to introduce the program, and I think it will be well received.  It going to happen in email so if you’re not on my email list for this event, go over and read all about it  HERE.  

It is going to involve some art, but nothing that will be super challenging.  Anyone can do it.
I use art as a transformational tool. As I transform myself I can also inspire others to get going and never look back at the life that didn’t work very well.  I created a Facebook page for people who sign up, but if you’re interested in art and learning more about it, you can join.  Click here.  The more the merrier I say.

It is going to be fun!

I’m signing off now…

xo

Maria

P.S.  If you want a good challenge, you can sign up for my e-course Visionary Art Journaling.  I went in deep on that one, and so will you. GO HERE!  Art can truly transform your life.
….because life happens NOW!

Download instantly!

Hello gorgeous,

I hope you're having an amazing, creative day!

I revamped my giveaway these last few days, yaaay.

Download instantly when you sign up for me newsletter.  It is a 37-page manual on getting started with art journaling. Some of you are seasoned artists, but if you're just starting out, art journaling is a great way to get your feet wet. It's like a journal where you record your life, but with added art. You can still write in it of course. I like to write what is going on and then I cover it with art (sometimes.)

The 37 pages also include the Stargirl mixed media tutorial I offered before, so it's not lost. There is just SO MUCH MORE, and lots of pictures. My aim is to inspire...

...because life happens NOW!

You can download your FREE copy by signing up on this link HERE.
You can also sign up in the side bar at the top. 

Until next time, keep making art.
xo
Maria

Say YES!

Hello lovelies,

Say yes to something today, maybe even life. What does that mean? It could mean something as simple as saying yes instead of no when someone offers a new experience.

It could be as life changing as saying yes to a job in a different state or country. It could be saying YES to life, wherever it takes us.

I believe in exploring. Sometimes it's something small, like a wisp of a word that sounds intriguing, or some new online venue or tool, or as big as saying yes: I want to know what my life is about next.

We live in the small increment of now, and more often than not I walk through a tunnel with only a candle in my hand to light the way. It always shows me the next step, and that is all I need to know.

It's so hard to let go of control, to think that I have to fix everything myself. In reality, I don't keep my heart beating, something else does.

I know what I like, what I love to do, but that is not necessarily what is best for me. Eating ten donuts is never a good idea, for instance. I can choose to do something that is life affirming, like following my talents and do something with them.

And I do.  I make art to the best of my ability, but sometimes the pieces don't look right and I get frustrated. BUT, I spent that time making art, and it moved my passion forward and I learned something. Passion is something that makes me feel excited to get up in the morning.

It makes sense to follow where passion leads. I want to feel good. Following my passion is not easy but I learn a lot, and the knowledge is priceless.

Today I woke up tired and feeling blah for no obvious reason. I only had one beer last night and I fell asleep in the middle of a Netflix movie.

I took a look at my studio through the open door and saw the mess of frenzied former activity there. It didn't inspire, but after I write this, I will go there and I will make art. The siren is calling. If I clean the mess, good, if I don't, who cares. I have no idea what I will make, but I'll put pen to paper, or maybe a dab of paint on a canvas. I have several going. I have no idea what the canvases want to "say" but I paint a little here, a little there, and a theme starts emerging. Faith and patience go hand in hand.

What little thing can you do today toward your passion? One little step leads to another. When will your focus become a pinpoint laser that won't stop for anything until it lights up its target--YOU!

The key to living a passionate life is to move forward every day, one step at a time. A small, but sometimes difficult permission since we don't allow ourselves to do what we love. Duty calls first, and a day is lost in the fog of duty = possible misery.

Duty to others first. What would happen if you made the time to put yourself first? Maybe get up an hour earlier to draw something in your sketchbook, or write down what is on your mind? Swipe aside all the excuses and create a new life, increment by increment. It's a great way to live! The world expands with every step, truly.

(Image from Google pictures.)

To get my free Stargirl mixed media tutorial, please sign up for my newsletter HERE.

Truly, take a step toward changing your life if it sucks.

My two cents.

xo

Maria

Discover something new today!

Hi lovelies,

Discover something new today, step out of the comfort zone and try something you haven't done before, like parachuting out of an airplane (only kidding.)  I'm afraid of heights, so that would be a very uncomfortable challenge for me, lol.  However, I have explored new horizons in my art, combining intuition with art journaling. How much fun is that!?

My e-course on the subject starts on Monday, June 15, so there is still time to join. You will get six meditations that tie into our six senses, and six art spreads as inspiration as you explore your own. Videos and bonuses. You can discover a new layer within yourself, and it's exciting. To sign up for my e-course, go HERE.

To whet your appetite, here's an art journal spread I made about "how an orange tastes."  It's not necessary to know how to paint faces in the course.  Anyone can join and your expression is as open as you like it to be! No rules, but I will inspire you.

 

If you haven't signed up for my newsletter you can do so HERE.

This is going to be fun!

Hope to see you in the course. 

xo

Maria

Only two days left!

Hi gorgeous,

Only two days left until my awesome e-course starts. I made a video today for the course and it turned out beautiful. I just know people are going to get a lot out of it since it's both practical spirituality and art making. Couldn't get better, right?

Only two days left to make up your mind to join the posse of happy creators! Six weeks of goodies, and my aim is to help you keep going with your art, and never stop. Here are the particulars of the e-course if you didn't see them before.

VISIONARY ART JOURNALING -A Journey Of The Six Senses

The ultimate intuitive art journaling e-course

Are you curious about intuition and how it works?  What if I could show you some simple ways to always be in touch with your intuition?  Maybe you have read books about it, but can't seem to put it together. Are you going to do something about it? Learn how to break through and have some real experiences, not just book learning.  Find your inner guidance easily via art journaling.

Why take this e-course?

Visionary Art Journaling is perfect for you if :

• You never found a simple way to tap into your intuition in a consistent manner, or trust the information you received.

• You have been unable to follow through because the lessons or books bored you?

• Heart-centered art eludes you?

• If you're a beginner, but eager to learn to tap into your intuition, and quickly.

• You feel fears around art journaling or intuition.

Imagine making art with an easy flow, straight from your heart!  No experience needed.

Visionary Art Journaling e-course takes all the mystery out of the art and intuition process.

Personal benefits:

• Unleash your creative side.

• Tap into your innermost self and gain confidence in all areas of your life.

• Support from me personally online and from other artists in the group.

• Experience less stress and worry about the process of art journaling.

• A sense of pride and accomplishment for taking steps to deepen your art dream, or even start a dream!

Art benefits:

• Learn how to create a fun background that fits what you experienced in the meditations.

• Learn how to create exceptional details that describe your vision.

• How to avoid pitfalls as you move through the art spreads.

• Learn about the practical side of interpreting what you feel onto a journal page.

• Get your creative juices flowing.

• Make new discoveries that inspire you to continue on the journey.

Now is the time to get started on your dream to get more deeply into your art!

Visionary Art Journaling e-course consists of intro videos, 6 meditation audios, and 6 downloadable art instruction videos with a multitude of examples and suggestions that cover all you need to know about art journaling, and the six senses. All the materials are yours to keep.  Again, no experience necessary to follow this e-course.  The guided meditation audios are very relaxing and about 7 minutes long each.

Audio 1: Deals with the sense of Taste

Audio 2: Deals with the sense of Smell

Audio 3: Deals with the sense of Sight

Audio 4: Deals with the sense of Touch

Audio 5: Deals with the sense of Hearing

Audio 6: Deals with the Sixth sense, your intuition

Bonus videos with more tips on honing your intuition.

After finishing the e-course you will have a clear picture on how to put together an art journal spread, using what tools you have.

You will have a clear and easy understanding how to access your intuition and how it works.

You will feel confident that you can create similar art on your own.

You will have a way to keep your inspiration flowing, using your inner senses that never grow stale!

JOIN ME FOR AN EXCITING LEARNING EXPERIENCE!

Suitability:

This e-course is suitable for beginners and for those who are art journaling veterans.

The art journaling pages will provide inspiration to add your own style and imagination.

If you like putting in the work up front for better results later, and have fun along the way, this course is definitely for you!

This is great for you if you like to take online courses and implement the advice. If you do the work, you will have excellent results.

If you are ready and eager to learn this kind of approach to art and see quick results, this e-course is definitely for you.

Let's get started!

Visionary Art Journaling will help you to:

• know where to go next in the art process. It takes all the guesswork out of creating an art journal page.

• take the mystery out of the tools used.

• plug all the elements into your art via intuition.

• keep the excitement going for eternity. :)

Follow your dream of exploring art. Seize the day now, learn something new. Get excited again. Allow your talent to shine. Give yourself the gift of creativity.  Get re-inspired if you lost the spark.  Come along on the journey.

SUPPLY LIST: CLICK HERE.

BUY HERE.

I hope you join. Get your creative mojo on! Starting Monday in your mail box.

xo 

Maria

Important!

 Hello gorgeous,

Important? you ask. Yes, what I have to say today is important. Every day I wake up and want to live my life to the fullest and sometimes I get a real "slap" in the face when I notice how many times I live small and frightened. Fears that are totally ungrounded come over me, and I berate myself for falling for the whispers in my mind that tell me "you can't do it," "why would YOU step out and do something big?" "You'll go bankrupt!" "You'll lose everything!"

The truth is I actually stand to gain everything that is good, things I have been working on, like making art a much greater part of my life.

I can do it!  Between the clouds of doubt there are the clear skies of possibility of a great future. I can see it very clearly, and that is the part that is important.

The rest is like a teabag that broke and leaked all the tea leaves, a nuisance but not the end of the world.

Fear is basically what holds me back from experiencing new things.

What are you afraid of?  What holds you back from stepping into the greater you? Lots of nonsense I suspect, and a belief that the system is the only thing that can support us. Don't step outside the box!

But it's outside the box where the fun, the shining stuff, the adventures are. I step into my greater possibilities and I'm awed, full of fizz and joy.

Art is a bridge to the greater self. Art is gentle, art unfolds, shows us what is possible, what we are capable of. Surprises us.

Fear makes us stuck, paralyzes us as we try to create something bigger. But all that is needed is one brave step, and everything opens up. The more steps you take, the more the opportunities open up.

The more you move forward the more you learn, and also you fail, but in a good way because you learned what not to do. All ends up in the basket of experience and all is worth its weight in gold.

I highly recommend failing at something worthwhile in life!

And then get up and do it again. And again.

And then succeed beyond your wildest dreams! 

Let's do it together. I need your support and inspiration and I will give it back in return. :)  If you want more inspiration, please sign up for my newsletter HERE.

Check out my easy art journal page on YouTube: Follow Your Star!