Creating My Own Art

Created this morning

I have been on an Art Journey for quite some time now.

With each new day I grow as an Artist.

I am inspired by so many others,

their techniques, style, color choices,

designs and their own personal journeys.

I have taken some wonderful classes,

in person and online

with some pretty spectacular teachers!

I have learned one technique here,

one there

and all the while I was developing

my own personal style of art.

Implementing the skills and techniques I had picked up along the way.

I am grateful that there are so many artists

out there willing to share their style of art,

write books along the way

and teach creatives like me!

I myself have taught many classes,

I have loved sharing my process to others.

I feel I now have something to share.

I think it is important to learn from others.

We are all together on this artistic walk of life.

Fellowship with other creatives is a must!

Whether just getting together as friends,

going on retreats, taking a workshop ...

certainly whatever works for you.

We need to be with like minded souls.

It fills our vessels for those times we can't be together.

I have learned a strong lesson along the way ...

I needed to take what I had learned and 

create my very own style.

I don't want to copy someone else's work or style,

I want to create my very own.

I do believe I have ...

I finally am comfortable in my own creative skin!

I create only what I want to create now,

and that is such an important lesson to learn.

My wonderful hubby reminds me all the time

that my work is unique,

my colors choices are great

and he loves my work above others!

(It is nice to have your own personal art cheerleader)

I created this small watercolor journal to play in

and created the cover work this morning

Early morning play on the art table

I began with a small sketch,

added watercolors,

then ink, then splatter, some oil pastel,

than pen and just kept going!

I wanted to just play and see what I came up with

for my blog post this morning.

It is all about the process for me,

not always the end result.

I have learned to create from Intention.

I needed the process to speak to me ... and it did!

Art is a way of life for me,

whether I am creating with inks, paints, 

or even my palette of threads.

A peek at my Tapestry table in progress

I create my art for ME,

(sometimes as a gift of love)

no longer for sale.

I went down the Etsy Shop journey years ago,

and found great success; but I wasn't happy.

I was creating just to refill the shop.

I was even part owner in an Art Gallery,

again I found myself creating to fill my little area ...

Art wasn't fun anymore, it had become work.

Now I create mainly for me.

I need to create ... it certainly calls to me.

Handpainted silks by Mirrix Looms

for my next Tapestry Project

I create because I need to.

Because I am called to it

Rather than filling my mind with

mindless television and wasted time,

I return to my studio ...

over and over again.

Each time might not be perfect,

or I may not create a beautiful work;

but I am there

granting myself the gift of peace,

quiet and serenity.

That my friend is worth it's weight in gold!

I don't want to copy anyone else,

trust me with social media these days

it would be easy to just imitate what I see.

There would be no originality in that.

I create my own art

because I love it,

I am finding my own true voice

through my work.

It has taken me years to like my work,

trust me ... there were times I did not!

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!

What inspires you?

What is your creative process?

What does your Art mean to you?

We had a beautiful 62 degree day here yesterday

in Virginia Beach,

today is very windy and dropping to 30 degrees!

I feel my studio is calling me ...

wonder what else I will create today?

Donna Lee

Good Morning February!

A recent watercolor play of mine

Today we woke up to a new day,

a new month,

the second month of our new year!

I love beginnings don't you?

This is a great time to stop and re-group, again!

Your January is gone,

you made all kinds of promises and goals for yourself,

how did that go for you?

One month gone . . . ask yourself if you are still on track???

If you were honest with yourself, 

you would probably say NO you are not,

like me!

My January was filled with creativity,

caring for family,

emotions about our nation's future,

a bronchitis slow down for days,

reconnection with friends

and so much more.

So here are a few thoughts running through my head . . .

Election years create turmoil...

I'm exhausted from it all

Creating Art is healing for the soul ...

spending time in the studio is a gift

Spending time in quiet is much needed ...

I just need to hear myself think

Leaving the television off is a good thing ...

The news is so biased and negative

Staying away from social media is an even better thing ...

I'm tired of Facebook ranting for sure

My Grand babies love is the best gift ever ...

their smiles and hugs are just what I need

Not always expressing my thoughts out loud is good for me ...

it is definitely a form of discipline

Watercolor painting is soothing and gentle ... 

It grants a certain kind of peace within

I am a bit overwhelmed with what is happening around me ...

I feel like I'm losing my grounding a bit

I know I need to surround myself with positive souls ...

 Stay away from emotional vampires

There is so much beauty in our world ...

You just have to look for it to see

So happy beginning of a new month today!

May you step a little lighter

Smile at a few more people along the way

Find time to love others

and

be good to yourself as well.

Take the time to give yourself what you need right now!

 Watercolor version #2

I'll be here next week for sure!

Donna Lee 

Finding time to just play

Just a small vignette 

Sometimes we just need to find the time to PLAY!

The holiday rush is over, 

thank goodness the Election is over,

the voting, the elections, the inauguration, the news comments.

WHEW ... it sickens me to absorb and watch it all.

Never have I been more disappointed in the political system.

Facebook became a political place to throw up

our opinions on each other ... it just isn't the same anymore!

I don't enjoy visiting FB as when I began so many years ago,

I am torn to stay or leave,

 because I love keeping in touch with my creative friends,

and my family members all over the country.

So for now I have to pick and choose the parts of FB I can accept.

I also believe that creating art is a most beautiful thing,

I am renewed every time I am able to create something!

I also know we don't always have the energy to create elaborate works

all of the time . . .

sometimes we just need to get our hands dirty,

pick up a paintbrush and just play . . .

to calm the soul

and soothe the nerves.

Art heals every time!

I took an e-course with the amazing and fun Jane Davenport years ago,

through 21 Secrets ... (an online course with 21 different teachers!)

She was fun, vibrant and so full of creative exuberance!

If you don't know yet, she has an entire line of art supplies

in Michaels now.

So I purchased one of her watercolor sets, and two of her 

water brushes,

I wanted to try them out.

The colors are vibrant and fun!

My new palette of colors to play with

So I began creating some fun little watercolor flower pots,

added some ink with my Micron Pens, size 02

and created some fun mini 5 x 7" vingettes.

I am always seeing fun things on Instagram

and on Pinterest,

so these little watercolors were inspired by what I saw,

and embellished my way!

I think watercolor and ink is such a fun medium.

Flowers are so fun and easy!

While I was creating these fun little works,

I decided that they would be

"Pay it Forward" gifts.

I plan to write a small message on the front

and leave them in fun areas

for someone to receive.

So watch out Hampton Roads ... a fun artwork is headed your way!

I love to do that with my Zentangle® works,

this time it will be with Watercolor cards!

Here are a few I have created . . .

Each one is a little different

The very first one I created,

I sent to a friend ...

I created a card and sent to her

while she was resting after surgery.

Soooooooooo ...

my message to you is 

find the time to just play,

with crayons and coloring books,

(they are certainly a hot craze these days),

sketch in your sketchbook,

(don't be perfect, just draw what you see!),

play with your set of watercolors

(I know you have some stashed somewhere),

pull out your beads and make a bracelet 

(We all have a little container of beads)

Just play for the fun of it,

don't overthink it,

relax and just enjoy the play.

We need to escape 

from the noises we are filling our vessels with.

They can certainly take over if we let them.

So tomorrow morning,

I plan to leave my first little painting,

right where the sugars are ...

at my local Starbucks

with a message saying . . .

Just Breathe.

So as January of 2017 quickly comes to an end,
I faithfully wrote a blog post every Wednesday,
I enjoyed NOT teaching any art classes after the holidays,
and I am totally loving my year long e-course
with Elizabeth from Squam,
the MAGIC of MYTH
It was a gift I gave to myself and it is off to an amazing start!
I promised to be good to myself this new year,
and that is exactly what I'm doing!

Be well, be happy, be creative
and please find time just to play just for the fun of it,
you won't be disappointed!
I promise!

Donna Lee

A dozen positive thoughts . . .

Found along the Lake Shore last weekend

I have been battling Bronchitis

for ten days now,

(just passing grand baby germs back and forth!)

I could say I haven't felt very well, (woe is me)

and didn't want to do a whole lot.

When our bodies are weak,

so is our spirit.

I've been working on my watercolors lately,

I am always drawn back to them,

here is a peak at my art table lately

I really love it don't you?

My creative safe haven

I decided to get over the sickness stuff ...

be positive and think about the good things,

so here are my thoughts on this Tuesday Summer Morning!

Life is a gift each and every day . . . don't take it for granted

Dwell on the positive, never the negative

See the beauty all around you . . . I promise you it's there

Kindness goes so much further than you know

See the good that is right in front of you

Lending a hand to others helps you feel so much better

Creativity stirs the soul in a very good way

Music and Dancing are life desserts

Family is a treasure ... mend those broken fences

Grandchildren's hugs and kisses are the best ever

You do make a difference in this life of ours . . . never forget it

Quiet your heart and mind ... the calmness will come 

Drawing always slows me down

May your week be filled with beauty

Look for the good in all things

Be creative in anyway you can

Spread love to your neighbors

Do something totally different

I'm looking forward to the long holiday weekend,

how about you?

Donna Lee

Where we Create . . . finding our own special place

Happy lights are a must!

I have always thought

that where we create our art

is as important as

what we create.

Created for me by Deja New
(in the Outer Banks)

There is always a sense of wonder

that comes over me when I enter

my little studio,

I feel at peace and excited

about what is about to happen

and

before I know it,

hours have passed

and I have totally been in the moment.

 Painting completed currently on my easel

My forever treasured Flora Bowley piece

My studio is my third bedroom

(which used to be my son's bedroom)

I took it over the minute he moved out and bought his own home!

(He always jokes me about that ... I was moving in before he totally moved out!)

My Daddy and I painted the walls while listening to our favorite

Frank Sinatra music

and slowly but surely,

all of my art stuff was finally in one place!

I will always carry a happy memory of that day,

just me and my daddy fixing up my art studio!

I treasure it even more now since he has passed away!

My yarn cabinet!

Inside yarn stashes

There is my weaving loom and all the fibers,

an art table for painting,

a book shelf for my large library,

a daybed for resting and reading,

carts, cabinets, lighting

oh my .. The feeling that comes over you,

when your room becomes a place of your very own ...

A place to step into at anytime
and know good things will happen there!
Oh My

Meet my "Gracie"

Every studio has to have an Ikea cart, right?

My studio has evolved with time,

new tapestry loom moved in, old one moved out

my paintings and artwork on the walls,

more books bought,

mementos from retreats

and gifts given by precious friends,

always precious reminders of a great experience.

My Donna Lee created especially for me 
by the amazing Mindy Lacefield

My photo frame created at Art and Soul
Catherine Anderson's technique

D is for Donna

Having a creative space is so important,

and I realize not everyone is able to have

a room of their very own.

Try to carve out a little corner,

somewhere in your home,

to fix it up and make it your own.

Make it as special as you can!!!!

"Bloom" by the amazing Mandala artist Kathy Rose
(Of course it has little dragonflies all over it!)

Window adornments for gazing

Every studio needs a creative library

My prayer flags by Lori Portka :)

Hope you have enjoyed my photos,

I wanted to share my special place with you.

What a joy it is to walk into my creative space,

feel the creative energy,
shutting the outside world away for just a little while

and work on something that is calling me!

Share with me your studio stories,

I would love to hear about it!
Here is one of my favorite pieces from my studio ...
Remember to always
Scatter Joy 
whenever possible!

My smudging feather created by Mindy Tsonas

Donna Lee

Participating in Love Notes

Photo Postcard created by Jennifer

I keep in my planner for daily inspiration!

Let me start today by saying just how much I love 

Jennifer Belthoff

and how I adore her Love Notes Project!

I have been participating since she began,

(I have missed a few rounds)

but I participate as often as I can.

Everytime I jump in,

I gain so much out of the three week experience!

Jennifer created Love Notes

to connect others

from all over the US and countries abroad!

Each time (about four times a year)

participants grow and grow.

We begin by being connected with one writing partner,

we reach out to each other

and the magic begins.

Jennifer gives us a writing prompt to contemplate

during the week,

and then we send a postcard  . . .  a love note in the mail,
responding to the writing prompt.

It is not overwhelming, just post card size!

It lasts for three weeks ... three different writing prompts.

Don't we all love recieiving a bit of love and attention??

The postcard can be purchased or created

(I always choose created by me!)

In the past I have Collaged, Zentangled®, Watercolored,

used Mixed media and more.

I love creating my three in a series,

so my partner has something to keep!

My current set of three postcards for this go round!

Week One mailed out

Here is one of my favorite past cards I created:

Created a Zentangle® postcard my last go round!

I love the experience . . .

of reaching out to someone,

of writing something and sharing my heart thoughts,

of getting my hands into my art for a purpose.

 I love supporting my precious and dear friend Jennifer.

She has taught me that my words matter,

that I am important,

and that connecting with others can be a gift.

The link is on my side bar,

click on it and visit Jennifer's site.

Step out of your comfort zone . . . 

the next time she is offering this project just jump in!

I promise you will love it

and

you will have three wonderful love notes to keep

and look back at them with fondness.

You will remember the connections you have made

each and every time you participate!

If you are lucky like me . . .

you may actually get to meet your partners

face to face

Now that is a fun experience!!!

Sending love out to you today,

Donna Lee

Living and Teaching with An Artful Spirit

I love how the words "An Artful Spirit" sounds!

It took quite awhile for my creative partner

Suzan Thompson and I

to come up with a name for our

creative workshops ...

then finally Artful and Spirit came together so beautifully

(as we brainstormed for quite awhile).

We each had a word we wanted to incorporate into our title,

each expressing how we felt about creating art ...

I think we magically put it all together!

We wanted to create day long workshops

where someone would be able to escape for a day

to experience fellowship, to create a deep sense of self
and learn for just a short time.

We wanted to offer a safe environment

 of encouragement and learning,

choosing a new technique to explore 

with each and every workshop.

I believe we have truly done so!

I have learned so much from co-leading and teaching

our workshops.

The participants have each brought their own

beautiful energies

and have returned over and over again!

It warms my heart to see that.

When we began this workshop concept,

over three years ago,

I truly wouldn't have believed

just how much I personally have grown,

in confidence as a teacher,

in wisdom of art techniques,

of brainstorming and planning

future workshops.

The friendships that have grown out of our gatherings

and the beauty of each and every self expression,

surprises me over and over again!

I truly believe that I strive to live

with an Artful Spirit each and every day.

Looking for moments to express myself.

When I am not able to create my art ...

I find myself out of sync,

restless and yearning to create just one small thing!

I love Art ... it truly saves

it nourishes the spirit

it is a gift we can give to ourselves.

I find that my purpose is to 

lead others to find their own artful spirit as well!

Just enjoying sharing today ...
and wishing you a truly artful spirit filled kinda day!
Donna lee

Tangled Visions

A mixed media recent work of mine!

I've been teaching a lot of Zentangle lately,

and I am loving every minute of it.

It's hard to believe that I became

a Certified Teacher last fall,

and since returning home so many

teaching opportunities have opened up for me.

With each class I gain confidence, make new friends,

create beautiful works and grow deeper in love with

the creative process.
So many doors have opened up for me
and I love sharing this amazing art form with others!

I have been experimenting with other mediums 

 into my Zentangle work as well.

In the picture above ...

you can see that I used my watercolor in the piece!
(My other favorite art medium)

I blocked out where I wanted to Zentangle,

and painted the rest!

When dry, I was able to add Zentangle designs

into the piece!

I have an original work of art for sale 

here in my Etsy Shop!

I entitled this blog post Tangled Visions,
because I am beginning to see my world even more closely,
observing opportunity and learning new lessons
always open hearted and wide eyed. . .
(in fact I am considering changing the name of my blog!)

What I see ...

Life isn't always as easy as we want it to be
We must listen to our inner voice
We must recognize new opportunities as they come along
At times we have to step away from what is
Everyday is different
Loving others truly matters
You must trust the process ... whatever it is
Slowing ourselves down is crucial
Living simply and without want is true living

The heart always knows the way
Taking care of self is crucial
This life of ours is truly a gift

I hope that your Wednesday is amazing!
Thank you for showing up here

Donna Lee

It's the Simple Things

Welcome 

I did just return from a precious weekend

at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

now celebrating 

41 years!

I have been coming for over 20 years

and each year I take away something new

that I have learned.

This year the idea of Simplicity

kept coming to mind

for it is truly the simple things

that matter,

that are sweet,

that keep us wanting less not more.

I am always reminded here at the festival,

that doing things for the joy of it,

is important to the soul.

Obviously the shepherds think this way,

for they are truly living a simpler life,

taking care of their flock,

living humbly

and loving their animals.

The weaver is enjoying the yarn that is produced

from these precious animals,

the spinners love to take the time

to spin their own yarns, 

(not buy them from a yarn manufacturer)

to create works of sincere beauty.

The artists love to produce beauty

in their handcrafted art,

the dulcimer music I hear playing

 is reminding me of softer times,

taking the time to appreciate the good in life,

even in playing a handcrafted dulcimer.

There is so much here at the festival

to remind me

to just slow down

appreciate the simple things in life,

put the cell phone away,

create with my hands,

wear something hand knit by me,

that took gentle slow hours to create.

I have returned home with a freshness,

lots of precious treasures,

and heirloom tomato plants

I can't wait to plant in the garden.

I am grateful that I get to travel

to this festival every year,

it is a tradition for me,

it is a soulful renewal for my spirit.

Here are a few pics to share ....

Booths full of yarn treasures!

Spinning right from the Angora Bunny! 

My favorite booth of all ... Kiparoo Farm!

Yarn Bombing was everywhere! 

Sheep to Shawl Competition!

My favorite time is seeing the sheep in the barns! 

How I love to watch little ones with the animals!

Just taking it all in!

Fiber Heaven!

Mandala Artwork

"She searches to find herself

in all kinds of places

Yet here on this page

it feels just right

it feels safe"

She found herself again ...

for it has been too long

(Created 2-28-2014)

Whenever I find myself restless

I return to my Mandala Artwork.

Each one is different,

each one has it's own identity,

each one speaks to me in a different way.

My journals are full

of different designs

and I don't think I could ever pick a favorite one,

because when each one was created 

 at a time I needed clarity,

understanding and vision for something

that was going on in my life.

I always found the guidance.

so each one carries

significant meaning.

Mandala Artwork

has taught me to slow myself down,

listen to my instincts

and follow my own intuition.

I have worked out problems,

thought about so many things

and most especially

calmed my heart right down

during the process.

I am excited to be embarking

on a new e-course with Louise Gale

Mixed Media Mandalas

in April,

taking my artwork to a totally new level!

Louise is such a beautiful soul,

what a gift it will be to study

what I love most 

with an amazingly talented artist!

Please come and check it out!

She also has Mandala Mondays on her blog,
this piece was inspired from her
and I wanted to try out my new
Mixed Media Art Boards
by Strathmore

I have always been drawn to circles,

to patterns, to creating,

to painting with bold colors

and

my mandala artwork

reflects all of those creative choices.

"Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart"
William Wordsworth

I think if I were asked to give up

all of my creative adventures 

and just choose one thing I would keep,

it would be this.

Thank goodness that choice will never have to be made!

May you find yourself at peace this week
May you always find happiness and joy
Think about complaining LESS
May you jump into rain puddles
and experience adventure!

Donna Lee