Friday, November 30, 2012

Inspired by...Dawn Sokol

This is why Dawn Sokol inspires me! Her journals are so much fun to look at!

Dawn's NaNoJouMo is immensely popular, and even though I don't always finish, I love doing it! I also followed her through a December Daily last year and I'll be doing that again this year. She's changed it up quite a bit, so it will be interesting to see what happens...only a few days to go!

The following pictures are from last year's December Daily. I followed her lead with a board book and journaling a little each day (or couple of days!). What an easy and fun way to keep up in an otherwise busy month! Of course, Dawn's work takes a bit longer because she's such a gifted doodler!










I can't wait to see what she's cooked up for this year!

Dawn Sokol

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Mixed Media Mosaics...


I'm gonna do this. Really. It's like a shadow box without the box, and I love the way it looks! I can see lots of xmas gifts coming out of this if I just get off my lazy buttsky. I just feel worn out and so very tired....like iron poor blood...I need some Geritol! :)

Monday, November 26, 2012

I'm so proud of him!

This fabulous drawing was done by my 14 year old (grand)nephew! We're all so amazed and proud of him that I just have to show the world! Isn't it cool??!! I'm sorry for the glare, tried to sharpen it but it just doesn't get any better than this. And the kid gave the original to some (undeserving) girl! Ack!
Yep! He's an Artist! :)

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Inspired by...Dina Wakley!

Last Saturday I took my first "live" art class with Dina Wakley and I'm SO GLAD I did!! Oh my goodness, the energy in that room! It was just AWESOME!

From the minute Dina walked up and introduced herself, I felt as if I'd known her forever. She's probably one of the warmest people I've ever met, totally approachable and outgoing, with a natural talent for teaching. Each time we were called to "gather round" we eagerly did so, and watched as she explained the next step in our process. If you don't know of Dina you probably live under a rock. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that you've seen her art in your travels. Her gorgeous grunge style artwork is easily recognizable, and it's everywhere! I'm tellin' ya, this girl ROCKS!

I'm pretty used to working at my own pace, which is a great deal slower than those who are two or three decades younger than me, and with the quick pace of the class, I didn't do my best work. But it was fun, and creative, and Dina told me that my pages were gorgeous! So inspiring! Did I tell you that this girl ROCKS!?

An added bonus was Dina's "Ipod" version of her upcoming Faces class. Within minutes, we were drawing our own faces! Okay, I didn't draw a face, but several of my fellow students did. I think I need the whole class for that, but if I happen to add a face to my book, I'll let you all know.

The sad news about this class is that it wasn't long enough! Apparently, we were enjoying ourselves so much that time got away from us and !poof! it was over! I tried to take some pictures but everyone was saying goodbye and moving about, and the commotion was non-stop! Dina was hugging everyone, and I was hugging everyone, and it felt like I was saying goodbye to my BFF's! It was an inspiring, crazy, whirlwind of a day and I can't wait to do it again!

Thank you, Dina. Can't wait for your return!

DINAWAKLEY.COM

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

NaNoJouMo Day 7 & 8

I'm still lagging behind but I'm sticking to it! I think my taste in music isn't quite as hard rock as Dawn's (guess there won't be any Motown afterall) but that doesn't mean I'm not enjoying it! Quite the opposite. All of these songs are familiar to me and I probably appreciate some of them more today than I did back then! There's still time to join in and see all the great art that music makes!

Day 7 - Who Are You? ~ The Who

Day 8 - Tiny Dancer ~ Elton John

I had a little fun with this one - wondering if anyone will notice.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Day 5 & 6

I'm so behind! I was only a couple days behind when I took the weekend off and had fun! I went to a class with Dana Wakley and I'll tell you more about that later, but know this.....Dana rocks!

Day 5 - Gimme Shelter ~ Rolling Stones

Day 6 - Crystal Ball ~ Styx

Happy Monday! I hope it's a beautiful one!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

NaNoJouMo Lives!

I've been slowly putting my pages together for NaNoJouMo. The theme this year is "Classic Rock" from the 60's and 70's. We're 8 days into it and I haven't seen one Motown song yet. Where are The Supremes? The Temptations? Just kidding! I'm sure we'll get there. These songs can put you in another place and time so quickly, and Dawn is really digging deep into the past for these babies. My first four days:

Day 1 - Take It Easy ~ The Eagles

Day 2 - Shine On You Crazy Diamond ~ Pink Floyd

Day 3 - Paint It Black ~ Rolling Stones

Day 4 - Walk This Way ~ Aerosmith

I love this last one with those crazy legs I've been saving!

Have a great day and see you soon with more NaNoJouMo!