A Journey back into Creativity

During covid, when we (BFA) went to remote learning, I was teaching from home and had some extra time, so I stepped into some art lessons. 

A few years before covid, I was teaching 5th and 6th grade art using videos from YouTube. My format wasn't working so I started searching online for something different and found Deep Space Sparkle. I began doing projects created by Patty Palmer and the students loved the lessons and the projects that were turned out looked amazing! I signed up for an art webinar through Deep Space Sparkle and met Anna Bartlett who began an Art studio and online classes from Australia called Happy Shiny Art. 

When covid happened, Anna started some Saturday evening watercolor classes that were free and an hour long. We pulled out our favorite mugs and painted with coffee, another time we grabbed random boardgame pieces and drew them with colored pencils. In May of 2020 or 2021, Anna did 5 minutes of art 'workouts' everyday for the entire month. I was having so much fun that I signed up for a year's worth of online painting lessons. Each month during the year, she records herself teaching paining lessons (mostly acrylic) which leaves the learner with at least 2-3 different paintings. I jumped right in and completed about 3-4 paintings. 

Then, things happened. I was teaching full time during an epidemic, I was working on my master's by taking one class at a time each semester, my mom got sick, she passed away a few years later, then I found out my dad had asbestos cancer in his right lung and went through his cancer journey, then he passed away, then I was preparing for another home assignment year and all the uncertainty that comes with transitioning out for a year. My first month in the US, I needed to work on raising support and God was so good to provide! 

Then, I stepped into my sabbatical and finally, experience sweet rest and rejuvination. As some of you know, I love 1000 piece puzzles with lots of color so I was doing a lot of puzzles while listening to my favorite podcasts, reading, cycling or running, taking my kitty for walks, Bible Study Fellowship homework, etc. 

Last week, I finally stepped back into these art lessons! I actually have about 2-3 years worth of lessons so I have lots to choose from! I finally felt like I had the mental space and surroundings to be creative and have been enjoying every moment! Here is a sample of what I have been working on. Enjoy! 

Sidenote: I was at first worried that the first lessons I purchased would have gone away after so much time, but they are still there! As long as her website is up and running, I have access to those lessons. I don't think her website is going away anytime soon. :)

This was a flower in a glass of water and I was surprised that I could make the water look real!

Apparently, 2023 was the year of the rabbit, so in January of 2023, Anna painted a collection of rabbits. So, I did too! With the third one, the goal was to make the rabbit not have angry eyes. I think my rabbit looks worried, so goal accomplished! 

I really liked the blue and white dotted pot with the pink/red/maroon peonies! 

This one is my favorite so far! This is inspired by a painting of an open window done by Henri Matisse of the French Riviera. Anna chose the colors you see here from a local Australian artist. Henri's colors were a bit different. My students have done some Matisse inspired paintings and paper cutting pieces in the past and they have always turned out really well. I love his style!