A million and one thank you's for all the LOVE and celebrating that happened yesterday for Art Journal LOVE's first year anniversary!! I am so grateful...so completely overwhelmed with LOVE for the support everyone showers over me. You--yes YOU--I'm serious...YOU--are providing me with so much energy and fuel to truly live and embrace my dreams.
I am grateful, so very, very grateful..that words just simply fail me.
So, please let me shower you with the same goodness please. And let me start by providing you with an amazing July here on Dirty Footprints Studio.
I am super excited to share with you that tomorrow begins a HUGE project I have put together for YOU. Yes---YOU!! It is called....drum roll please.....
Starting on July first (that's tomorrow!!)---for 30 days straight--every single day at 3:30 pm PST (dontcha LOVE what a dork I am)---I will be posting an interview here with an Artist who is passionate about Art Journaling and eager to share their own Art Journal LOVE with the world.
Get it 30 Art Journals--in 30 days!!
This is huge!! If you are an avid Art Journaler--or just a nervous newbie--each day you will get the chance to learn from some of the most creative juicy-awesome Art Journalers in the world!
That's right...In. The. World.
Plus--to even sweeten the deal...for the whole month of July you will be able to join the party over at Art Journal LOVE Letters for a super sale of $24.99 and...I'm sorry...but that's not enough....I will also be giving away lots of Art Journaling goodies.....and....I have a big announcement about an Art Journaling Mini-Retreat on the horizon as well!!
ANNNNNNNNNNND I'm still not finished yet!! When I say Dirty Footprints Studio is gonna be rockin' this July....I mean it is seriously gonna be rockin!!
Woven through all this Art Journal gushy-mushy-steamy LOVE will be my usual posts--sharing my FEARLESS Painting and my experience leading my tribe of FEARLESS Painters through my newest online workshop: BIG!
So please......strap your Creative Juicy belt on and get ready....we're gonna party like the Creative Wildwoman that we are and swoon over some major Art Journal LOVEn!!!
A year ago today my very first Art Journal LOVE video (the one posted above) was released into the world.
Yep. Year ago today.
That's crazy talk....because honestly, it feels like yesterday.
Since then a multitude--no, a great abundance of wonderful, beautiful, awesome, out-of-this-creative-juicy-world, fabulouso opportunities, experiences, conversations, and most especially friendships have formed around both Dirty Footprints Studio--and especially Art Journal LOVE.
After my first Art Journal LOVE video I went on to create eleven more, plus a few Art Journal LOVE blog posts...and of course a whole Art Journal LOVE Letters workshop.
I have always worked in an Art Journal--even when I had no idea that's what it exactly was. But there was something so powerful-moving--and healing beyond words when I decided to extend my Art Journal practice into the public realm of both video and blog posts. It was not always easy to make my heart and soul vulnerable...but in doing so, I have grown leaps and have learned to take steps into my own truth.
Art Journaling has changed my life over and over and over again. It has helped me work through issues---reinvent myself--and find peace in my own skin. I want nothing more then to share this truth with you--to help you find your relationship with Art Journaling. That is how Art Journal LOVE Letters was conceived...in a wish to guide others deeper into their heart through the Art Journal LOVE I feel.
A year ago today...not only Art Journal LOVE was born...but the courage, wisdom, and creativity that I possess today to take me deeper into my dreams. Somehow, buried then, I knew. I knew what I needed to do--what I was meant to do in this life--even if I didn't fully possess the words or ideas to form that intention just yet.
I'm happy to say that this July, only a couple days away--here at Dirty Footprints Studio, I plan to celebrate and honor Art Journal LOVE the entire month. I have big things in store--like a huge Art Journal LOVE project with multiple awesome Art Journalers, give aways, sales, and so many more surprises. But for today, right now, I want to celebrate Art Journal LOVE by sharing it with you.
I am presenting this gift to the Universe today--in hope it finds the right people--those with a desire to ignite, deepen or begin a relationship with their Art Journal. I am offering Art Journal LOVE Letters registration at $20 as a complete gift of LOVE. Only for today--as today I celebrate and honor a major mile stone in my Life as well as I send my deepest gratitude to all the Lovely souls that have helped and taught me with their wisdom along the way.
If you would like more details about my online workshop Art Journal LOVE Letters please go HERE. If you are interested in beginning the LOVE affair today, at a price that is delivered as a gift directly from the gratitude and LOVE in my heart....then please press the button below.
I hope that you will remember to visit Dirty Footprints Studio often this July--because I plan to smother you--completely wrap you up and dribble Art Journal LOVE all over you!!!
Basically..it's gonna be a gooey, warm and fuzzy kind of month! The perfect environment for starting an Art Journal LOVE affair!
Thank you for celebrating with me! Please take a moment to leave a comment about your own Art Journal LOVE practice and how it has influenced your own Life!! Who needs champagne--let's get intoxicated on Art Journal LOVE!
Recently I was talking with a friend and started to express to her how anxious and bummed I was that I was now at the mid-way point of my summer break. In five weeks, I will be back to teaching in a school. And even though this time I will be in a new school, and part time, a huge, huge, HUUUUGE part of me is not happy about this. A huge part of myself is resisting it. Poo pooing it. Just doesn't want to go.
Now here's the thing. I'm good at creating a list of reasons why going back to "work" is a good thing in my life. Steady pay check, health insurance, "stability", lots of time off compared to any other part time position I might take, freedom to create lessons that I want to do, and well, I already signed a contract.
When I started to ramble this list off to my friend I accompanied it with how I was going to make "this work for me"--how I was going to create boundaries--and set up restrictions--so that what I really want to do--what I'm doing now--could still flourish-feel alive-and be a big part of my life.
My friend pointed out right away that when I talk about all this my breath gets shorter, the energy around me starts to feel heavy and forced, and she even could see that the words I chose to speak about this were precise and direct---lacking any kind of fluidity to them at all.
You see...my big worry is that by having to go back to work--I can't do it all. That my passion and energy for Dirty Footprints Studio is going to suffer.
My friend insisted that I let her guide me through a guided meditation. I won't go all into it, but what really happened is that I slowed down. I calmed down. I started to take long, fluid, deep, deep breaths. And all that frustration, anxiety, and distaste started to melt away.
I was at home. I was in my studio. I was in my body.
I wasn't even at any mid-way point of anything. I was simply here. Now. Present.
Wow.
Seriously. Wow.
In slowing down, and being one with my body--with exactly where I was and what that felt like--I was able to see things more clearly. I was able to see how all these things I wanted or feel I need to do--can fit perfectly into the same space. My space. My Life. My temple.
This past week--Belly LOVE came through as another HUGE break through for me. I learned how our bodies are the biggest and best tool we have to keeping us for going to the dark side. Over board. Out of control with worry, stress, fear, or expectations of the unknown.
Once I let myself slip into my being--slip into my own skin and feel the breath move within and through me---I get focused.
I've heard this for years in Yoga--how powerful the breath is.
But it took a guided meditation and a whole lot of angst--for all those lessons and instructions to show up at once and prove to me it's truth.
How often do you forget your breath? How often do we all forget that we are fully equipped with the world's greatest gift to unlock, release, and relax into anything?
Today, maybe take some time and turn off the computer. Pull out your paints, your pastels, your favorite art pencils--and create in honor of our Sister--the beautiful sea.
Turn Off the Computer--Make ART your prayer for healing of this planet.
Just recently my friend Tiffany Jones shared this video with me. I think it's quite an inspiration. Here are some of the main points the speaker, Graphic Artist, Marian Bantjes says....
--The humble attempt to make a living out of something I LOVE.
--The appeal of what I do is connected to why I do it.
--My work follows my heart and my interest and is guided by the ego.
--The more I deal with my work as something personal, the more successful it is.
--Does it bring joy? Is there a sense of wonder? Does it invoke curiosity?
--What is worth while?
--Who is it for? What does it say? What does it do?
I want to begin this post by being absolutely full and overflowing with gratitude. That is exactly how I've been feeling lately. Just overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation and awe every single day. All because I made a decision to follow what I know my heart has been saying to do for a long, long time. And to some, maybe it doesn't seem like much--or seem like that huge of a risk, but to me--it was BIG. Deciding to go down to part time next school year, and put my focus and energy fully into Dirty Footprints Studio was not only BIG--it was HUGE--GIGANTIC--ENORMOUS. It was me MAKING a decision in how I want my Life to look and feel. It was me MAKING a decision to put my creativity and my heart's dreams before anything else. It was me believing in myself so BIG that I finally came to the conclusion that anything is possible. That is how I have defined BIG in my Life. And maybe, (I'm hoping) down the road, I will do more BIG things....step outside of my comfort level even more dramatically....and allow my dreams to grow BIGGER--wider--more dense with possibility. But it all starts somewhere--it all starts with some kind of BIGness.
I created my upcoming online workshop BIG with this in my heart and mind. I know for me it was painting BIG that opened the flood gates of opportunity and passion in my Life. Painting Big empowered me--it spoke to me--it opened me up and made me vulnerable to myself. I can't promise you if painting BIG will do the same for you. You are the only one that knows if there is juice there in painting BIG. You are the only one that knows if in painting BIG lies the possibility of so much more for yourself.
How do you know?
It calls to you. It scratches at you way past the surface. It doesn't even seem like something fun you want to do...you know deep down it is something you have to do.
If this is you---if you are feeling that within you...if BIG even scares you--then you know that's where you need to go. You know that's where the juice awaits you.
If this is you, then I invite you to join us. I only want you to be a part of this, if you're committed to this adventure. I only want you to join us if you are ready for something BIG--even if you have no idea what that BIG may be.
BIG only has room for two more awesome people, and I was wondering if one of them was you? If so, go HERE.....we're waiting for you.
You see that painting above? I started it last week. Just pushing paint around at midnight when I should have been sleeping. I've had this idea of a series of paintings of women dancing with stars brewing for awhile.
Well...here's the thing.
Ever since that night this painting has been sitting in my studio. I don't like it.
I think it's trite. It looks ordinary and what's up with the hands--is she a crab?!? The colors are blah...and honestly, aren't we sick of seeing paintings of women with that same monotone face already? And the composition...kindergartners got it more together then I do. I just think the whole thing is garbage. Blaghh! UGhnh! Ick.
So there it sits, waiting patiently for me to hear what IT has to say. Not the critic that visits my mind from time to time and conducts brutal critiques. My painting has a message, but, in typical painting fashion refuses to yell louder then the critic--and instead waits till I'm ready to sit and talk about what's really going on.
Today, I sat with her. I looked at her, and I realized that she could just be me. That critic loves to step in from time to time and nit-pick myself--my body, my life choices, my decisions to do this or that, my relationships, and even how I keep our home organized. The critic has something to say for everything....and I just realized who the hell does he think he is talking about Art? (Yes my critic is a man....a man in a three piece grey suit who carries a slim brief case and has a cropped hair cut.)
The critic has never took the time to sit with the paintbrush. Seriously. How many times has the critic stepped up to the plate and said "paint!"--and there I go. Nope. The critic only steps in to criticize--to point out what he thinks is wrong in those moments where I am growing the most.
Did you catch that? That's what this whole belly LOVE post is about.......the critic only steps in when we are growing the most. The critic doesn't like growth--doesn't like change--so he figures if he scares you into not believing in yourself--you'll stay where you are--who you are--in what ever circumstance or situation you are, and he can go back to sleep. His job is done.
The thing is, what I learned and realized this past week is that we are all growing. Always. Our bodies are constantly changing and in flux. As we get older our metabolism shifts, so you know what--we have to shift our lifestyles and choices as well--so we have to grow. As we get older our bodies shift--wrinkles appear from years of laughter or stress--fat sits in places it didn't before--and our need for sacred rest becomes more prevalent--so yep, we have to grow. It's so important that we shift--change--and most importantly call a truce with the critic that appears to point out all the things that are wrong with us---because we have now found ourselves in moments of growth.
This past week I realized deeply that I am growing--in so many ways as once. I am growing as an individual--on changing the way I approach supporting myself financially and what energy I put into the world as I do this. I am growing in my Art and creativity. I am growing spiritually in courage to be exactly, truly who I am. And--I am physically growing. I have grey hair, wrinkles forming, and pockets of fat that weren't there years ago.
And then the critic has the nerve to come up and tell me that I'm fat--that I'm less then perfect--or I need to change things and make them better--fix that flabby center Connie, he says quite often.
Well, I'm here to get things straight. I don't need fixin' Mr. Critic. I am growing. And times of growth needs nourishment and learning. I no longer am fixing my body with exercise, food, and sleep. I am nourishing, supporting, cultivating, and rearing my growing body and soul with these things. I am shifting--moving--becoming more of me. I'm doing the work, Mr. Critic, now just go back to sleep.
Another thing--this past weekend I was interviewed about my Belly LOVE journey on the talk show radio station out of Minneapolis called Get Real. You can listen HERE to hear the fun conversation!!!
Last, for Belly LOVE this week I would LOVE to share this great video I found of Justine Bateman. Remember her? She was Mallory on the ol' tv show "Family Ties" with the young Michael J. Fox back in the 80's?!?! Well, she speaks about the critics out there commenting on her looks...and how aging has finally made her feel more confidant and happy with the way she looks now--that her outer looks truly reflect her inner self. I absolutely LOVE it!!!
Yesterday was the first day of summer and to celebrate the longest day of the year--I pulled out my paintbrushes and began some FEARLESS Painting!!
The thing about FEARLESS Painting is you simply begin. Don't think about WHAT you are going to paint--just paint---let the colors call to you---and let the brushstrokes dictate what you do next.
Total FEARLESSness! And hey---please be sure to watch the video below--not only do you see a little of my FEARLESS Painting process---I tell you about a super cool way to win a free spot in Art Journal LOVE Letters this Thursday on the Artistic Biker's Ustream Art Journaling Show!!
Fun, Fun, FUN Stuff!!!
PS Belly LOVE will be here a little later this evening...be sure to stop back!--BIG Hugs!
Photo taken by my beloved Hansel in Prescott, AZ. He so very rocks.
When I was little my Dad would read to me from the book of Nostradamus before I went to sleep. He was the first person to teach me how to draw in perspective and how to do Yoga in the morning. And he would take us to the park almost every other weekend when he picked us up--and we had to walk very softly--very quietly--so no-one would hear us. (Obviously some residue from being in Vietnam.)
Now, you have to understand, I barely knew my Dad. Around age 8 or 9 he got remarried and that was the end of that.
But those are the things I remember about him. Except honestly, his energy has lived with me through out my entire life. I've had to battle it--falsely befriend it--and now, I believe I've learned to dance with it. To wrap my arm around the small of it's back and waltz.
His energy no longer haunts me--hooray!
Or keeps me up late at night--haha!.
His energy no longer controls my relationships or dictates my decisions by tricking me to think the past will repeat itself in others.
Truth is, sometimes, we forget that our parents are human.
Sure--that is an easy thing to say--especially when they are actually in our lives--and their "humanness" appears in the things we dislike or might have hurt us.
But it's a different story when they leave you--fail tragically to be what is expected of a parent--give you a load of emotional hardship and pain to play with. It's difficult to cough it up to that our parents are only human.
Though I have lived with a father who has been present the majority of my life only as memory and energy. Sooner or later one arrives at a point where you need to release what no longer serves you, and honor the simple humanity of a being, whose pure absence has helped form and deliver you this one Creative Juicy, BIG, Beautiful Life.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. From the deepest seat of my heart, I am grateful for all the decisions that you made, and for the courage you have prompted in me to finally let you go completely.
Hey!! It's Papa's Day tomorrow....why not make a cute pop-up card with the kiddos!! I bet it will be way cooler then any ol' tie could be!! Check out these great tutorials made by Panda Blue and her awesome assistant Rebecca Stees of Art Yowza!
This is a good reason to turn the computer off and MAKE ART!!!
I was 19 years old and had a boyfriend. My first LOVE, if we're gonna get picky. And we LOVED each other madly in every possible way. He was a poet, and I proudly proclaimed myself a painter at that time--more then I do in my best days today....and, well, I was 19. Our passion for each other was at times toxic, and well, I was 19. We were always on-again/off-again and that's the way it stayed for years and days.
Tonight I've been painting. Thinking of what makes my painting FEARLESS...and painting softly...letting my brush strokes move slowly.
Precisely.
Delicately.
When these thoughts began to visit me.
When I was only 19. And me and him were off-again, again. I put on a purple silk dress that was short and sexy. Because damn it--I was 19. And before I left to attend this shin-dig, he dropped by and told me not to wear that...that he didn't want me seen in such a sexy little thang. So I walked out that door as proud as I could be, thinking I must be electrifying in this purple magical thang. Because, well, I was 19.
And what comes next, I can't believe, as I sit here painting meditatively. Why do these stories revisit me now--what lessons am I to retrieve?
So when I was 19, and dressed to kill in a purple sexy thang--the evening got late and I started to get cold and wanted to walk back to a friend's house to get a sweater to compensate. So two young men said they'd accompany me, since it wasn't a safe place for me to be traveling alone. And you see I believed them--because that is me--and they were good looking, and, well, I was only 19.
And when I turned the key to unlock my friend's front door, I remember thinking something was not right. But I was 19 and went inside anyways. Just seconds after, one of them attacked me and held me down, as the other one began to rip my purple short thang. I pushed, I screamed, and punched and kicked the hell out of them, and ran half naked down the street. I drove so fast hoping to fall into the arms of my off-again honey and have him protect me. Because, that's what you think when you are 19.
When he opened the door--and saw me standing there--his first words he said were "I told you not to wear that dress."
I'll never forget that.
But the funny thing is I thought I did. Then tonight I just sit here innocently, painting, and I have to deal with this all over again.
I'm gonna tell you the truth. I'm gonna tell you what happened next--after the arguments, tears, and reports to the police. After things settled, and probably after we were on-again/ off-again, again. I picked up my paintbrush and I began to paint BIG. I painted a series of dresses way taller then me that were oil on raw canvas. And right smack in the middle of those dresses was my purple sexy thang.
I was going to Art school at the time. I had my own little studio space there as well. And all the other Art schoolers, who didn't know me very well--thought my work was girly--and cliche. But I knew. I knew it was bold and in your fucking face--to paint those dresses so BIG and have them take up so much space. Painting them BIG meant taking back the power, those two young men tried to steal from me that night. Painting them BIG was my way of reminding them--that they picked the wrong 19 year old to mess with. Painting them BIG was my way of coping, dealing, working through all the things--that kept me tied to an on-again/ off-again nightmare. Painting them BIG was my initiation into a world that only women understand.
And when I was through...I put them in a dumpster and never looked back....until I sat here tonight. Painting.
One night, when I was in my early twenties, I was leaving a club super late at night. We're talking around 3:30ish am--and here I am walking the streets of downtown Cleveland by myself to my car.
When out of nowhere, a man with a horse drawn carriage pulled up next to me and asked if he could give me a ride....for free...since a young woman shouldn't be walking the streets at that hour.
I pretended that I had no idea where my car was. Or maybe, I really didn't know.
But I rode under the stars in a horse drawn carriage like a princess.
Out of nowhere that memory came rushing back to me as I sit here in a coffee shop trying to think of what to write.
Out of nowhere our fairy tale ending can suddenly appear. Out of nowhere our dreams can manifest.
There is no reason to keep wishing for the little things.... I believe there are other horse drawn carriages that are waiting for me and will appear out of nowhere.
Miss Jamie Awesome, how do you always ask, week after week, the right question that hits directly home? How did you inherit these magical Wishcasting powers?
That is exactly what I have been thinking about. Ever since I decided to go part time next school year at work--and declared to the Universe that I was putting all my heart and energy into Dirty Footprints Studio, the flood gates opened. Now I find myself doing exactly what I intended---I have my new online workshop BIG filling up fast, Art Journal LOVE Letters is still jumping full of energy, there are up coming workshops and retreats happening, and I keep getting painting commissions!! I am swimming and dancing in a sea of total Creative Juiciness and my gratitude is overwhelming.
But, I know myself. I've been here, in a sense, before. Last summer to be exact. And I know what can happen if I don't intercept now.
I can get so lost in this sea of Creative Juiciness nourishing my creativity--other's creativity--and all these beautiful, baby projects of creativity---that I forget the most important thing: to nourish Creative Juicy me.
I find it happening already. I miss meals, I put off my Yoga practice, and I don't take as long of walks in nature as I used to.
So, the fact that Miss Jamie Awesome brought up nourish as her focus of the week...I'm taking it to heart that this is the Universe speaking to me in a BIG way. I need to remind myself something I kept yakkin' about before summer started---and that is "I'm interested in making a life...not a living." A life--and at the core of that life is nourishment--of my soul, my body, my relationships, my home, my creativity. I need to keep the core strong and healthy--for me to nourish others through Dirty Footprints Studio. I know this. I know this.
I know this.
I just need to follow it to heart.
So this week...it's not even a wish...it's a plan, an agenda, a manifesto for my own Creative Juiciness. I will nourish myself....and then share from a center of strength and pure gratitude for this Life we all share.
I LOVE this photo Hansel took of me. I had no idea even that he shot it. We went for a walk in a park in Prescott, and he was busy snappin' away as I went and sat down on a bench just to think and wait for him to finish. When I saw this photo, I felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Like he captured a real deep moment for me in a magical way. There is something about that long trail and me sitting there alone that speaks to me in novels.
I don't know how else to say this, but I feel a bit alone. And this feeling occupies the center of my Belly. Sometimes it eats away at it in worry. Other times it spins like a wheel of fire inside fueling my passion and desires. Sometimes it's just a lump that I don't know what to do with. But all of this emotion sits at the center of my Belly calling the shots lately. Because honestly, I don't know what else to listen to.
Months ago, in a big swoosh, everything aligned up in the stars--and all the cells in my body responded. I knew I had to make a change, and that I needed to step forward into something unknown. So I did. I felt it in my gut--so I listened, and proceeded. My intentions were to create a LIFE not a living.
Now, I have this opportunity to do so. To make changes. To be brave. To keep that wheel of fire ignited and spinning in the center of my being. But there are these great moments where I feel so alone. Like I'm out there blazing along on unmarked territory--the things that once seemed familiar to me no longer do. I want someone to talk to..but I fail to find the words to fully express. I want a place I can escape to and get my bearings all over again. But I realized that this is only a wasted sentiment.
You see, this voyage started years ago...it's just now I can no longer see the shore. I'm learning that I have to let go of some things, some habits, some friends, and some fears. Let them sink away from me. I have to experience this aloneness---for the change I'm really needing, really craving from my Belly, will ever be explored.
This past week, I learned in a major, major way---our bellies are more then just flesh and a large set of organs....they are our compass on this great big road of Life. Something to be reverend and deeply respected. Something meant to listen to for some great advice.
Sometimes Hansel and I get in the car and just randomly drive.
No place in mind--just pick a direction and go!
He brings his camera, and I my pink tote bag of ART supplies.
(watercolors, oil pastels, colored pencils, and paper)
Isn't the fancy French way of saying it en plein air?
Some call it landscape drawing or drawing from life.
I draw from what I see...but I don't necessarily draw what I see.
These two drawings were done with oil pastel--in a fast and energetic fashion.
For me, being in the open air, and playing with color is purely intoxicating!
Throw my sweetheart Hansel into the mix snappin' away on his camera--plus the beautiful landscape we always seem to end up at...I consider myself a very blessed chica!
So I encourage you....I challenge you...I double dog dare you....
Grab some ART supplies, get in the car, pick a direction and drive!
When you finally arrive--somewhere--anywhere--
then create!! Color! Snap pictures! Dab in watercolor! Write poetry! Sing!
It's here Lovelies.....the next Dirty Footprints Studio online workshop: BIG.
Are you ready???
Painting BIG has changed my life. It opened me up--made me aware--strengthened my trust in my intuition--empowered me beyond belief--and gave me the courage to finally follow my dreams. I want to share this incredible gift of painting BIG with you. I want you to be FEARLESS and feel the rush that comes with painting BIG. I want you to believe in yourself--to know that anything is possible--and to start by painting BIG. I want you to join me--to laugh with me--to grow so stinking BIG that this world won't be able to handle all of us! I want you to invest in your creativity and trust in your BIGNESS and to paint BIG like you mean it.
Are you ready? Because this isn't small stuff. This is BIG.
This will change your life--not only your creativity...but your Creative Juicy Life.
BIG is less like an online workshop and more of a FEARLESS Painting Adventure. It will begin with a bang on Sunday, July 4, 2010 (and sure--it's ok if you rather eat corn on the cob and watch the kiddos draw their name in the sky with sparklers--BIG will be there waiting for you.). Because this is an adventure...I only have room for a few of you--that's right registration is limited--and I should add this adventure will last us six FEARLESS weeks!
Here's five (of the many) BIG things you can expect on this BIG adventure:
☞ We'll learn some nifty tricks on how to paint BIG in your own space--no matter how limited or expansive that may be. We will also discuss affordable ways to keep painting BIG without falling into BIG financial debt.
☞We'll have fun and get inspired by some of the BIG Artists from history that were pros at painting BIG--like Monet, Picasso, and Pollack to name a few.
☞Through inspiring, awesome, packed-full of valuable information videos--you will have enough juice to pump those creative BIG muscles into painting like a WildWoman. You'll discover your voice and feel the bliss of being in the flow. Oh yes, did I mention this adventure is only open for the ladies. Sorry guys, I LOVE you...but that's how it goes.
☞I will shower you with support, encouragement, LOVE, and professional feedback each step of the way. I know first hand how sensitive this adventure can be. I understand how vulnerable and exposed you will begin to feel as you venture into painting BIG. I'll be there for you--I'll challenge you to face your fears--and I 'll celebrate with you each time you embrace your FEARLESSNESS! We'll rock together.
☞By investing in BIG you will become an instant member of the FEARLESS Painting Network. In other words--you're gonna find your tribe. Dirty Footprints Studio is all about bringing kindred souls together through Art--and in BIG we will do this through scheduled online chats and live tele conferences. You won't ever feel alone in this BIG world.
Last, I want you to be a part of BIG. I believe in this. I believe in how powerful BIG will be in your life and I've decided to create four affordable packages of BIGness so that you can find the right fit to match your level of commitment and monetary abundance. Choose the BIG below that you feel comfortable with and get ready for a FEARLESS Painting Adventure into your own BIG!!! Remember, BIG starts July 4th and registration is limited--be brave, be BIG.
Registration for BIG starting on July 4th is currently closed.
But don't worry...BIG will return again this Fall.
To be the first to know when the next Adventure begins
please sign up for the Dirty Footprints Studio newsletter HERE.
This is Hannah. She's the daughter of the rockin' Moon Mama. She also is the Art Journal LOVE Letters Ambassador of FEARLESSNESS. That's right!! I declared her that...and so it shall be.
Here's the deal...Moon Mama signed up for Art Journal LOVE Letters and was off to a slow start until Hannah jumped in. As you can see in the photo--Hannah dived in with complete FEARLESSNESS--she got Creative Juicy and never looked back!
I LOVE that!
I LOVE how young people--especially young children create. When I'm at school hanging with a group of third graders for instance, they get inspired by the way two watercolors bleed into each other on a piece of paper. They get completely jazzed by the feel of clay on their fingers. And wow, hand them a paintbrush---watch out world here comes the passion!
We're born FEARLESS. Even if our early home-lives begin to condition us differently--our FEARLESSNESS as a young person will still be expressed in Art.
Watch a little kid. They aren't worried if they're painting something the right way--or if they got the right kind of materials--or are all tied up by the notion that it has to be perfect. No, they're just about the opposite. They create to create. They choose their colors totally by personal preference--they make a mark on their paper because it feels natural to do so. And most of the time, when they're done they either give their work away, throw it in the trash, tape it to the wall behind their bed half hazardly, or use it as a public service by decorating the front of the frig.
I say being FEARLESS means going back to being a kid when you create.
Choosing your colors by preference of that moment.
Laying down what ever forms, images, and lines come to you at that instance.
Not caring one bit if what you are creating actually looks like something...or is good enough.
Just painting--to feel the rush that comes with painting....that's FEARLESS babey!
So, for your last nugget--little morsel of goodness-- this week before the BIG announcement tomorrow....here's a little diddy of a FEARLESS painting I made inspired by the passion of young children everywhere.
Be sure to stop by Dirty Footprints Studio tomorrow for the BIG announcement....and, I'll be GIVING AWAY this painting in the video. Yep!
Staying committed to my exercise practice....is FEARLESS. Hiking to the top of the mountain with my girlfriends....FEARLESS. Going to Yoga class instead of sleeping in.....FEARLESS.
But honoring my body...taking a break when I know I'm doing too much.....is just as FEARLESS as when I push myself to do another five squats.
Accepting who I am, what I look like, what I feel like, how my body shows up right now-- right here.....FEARLESS.
Belly LOVE is like painting FEARLESS. You have to show up, you have to listen closely, you have to be consistent and committed for there to be change.
I practice being FEARLESS when I paint. It is helping me LOVE me more. It is helping me to be brave in everything I do. I believe it's even helping me get up and workout in the morning.
For this week, I want to honor four amazing women...who have moved forward into FEARLESS Belly LOVE...who inspire me to be braver....inspire me to commit to my own Belly LOVE deeper....who inspired me to paint this FEARLESS painting here.
Dear Lisa, Jenn, Christine, and Heather...I paint for you....
Please take the time to experience the FEARLESS Belly LOVE wisdom found in these incredible posts...
