Whimsy

"Whimsy"  My latest painting

This past weekend I spent a lot of time in the studio!
I have been working on my e-course from Alisa Burke
"Sketchbook Delight".
I have been playing with my watercolors, crayons and ink pens.
I really love Alisa and she has taught me
so much with my watercolors.
I took her "Watercolor Bliss" class as well,
she has a style all her own and teaches
you to get excited about your painting,
but also to enjoy it and not take it so seriously.

I titled this piece "Whimsy" I think it fits perfectly.
I painted it without thinking about it and making it perfect!
I got bold with colors and just kept playing.
Trees are my passion, I truly love to paint them.
Trees are wise, they have seen a lot,
they are long lasted and carry such beauty.
As I look back at all of my photos,
usually a tree is present somewhere!

Whimsical . . . the art of being light and fanciful
sometimes I know I take my art way too seriously!
I worry about whether or not my work is good enough,
why is my Etsy shop so slow,
my work doesn't compare to  . . .
it has to be perfect.

This picture represents me . . .
I knew while I was creating it that it would be a good piece!
Art should be fun, it should be about enjoying
the process not the outcome.
I want my work to have a happy flair to it
and I think this piece shows that!

By the way . . . I have it for sale in my Etsy shop!
www.etsy.com/shop/yogiknitgirl
Come and check out other pieces of my work,
you won't be disappointed!

Next time you are in your studio,
don't think about what you have to get done,
just slow down and enjoy just creating,
relax with your art, see where it takes you.
Your work won't disappoint you!
Have a lovely day!
Donna Lee

Week 32 / 52 Photos Project / Twinkling Lights

Studio is decorated!


This week's photo prompt got me to getting my studio ready
for the holiday a little early this year!
After attending Serendipity Art Retreat this fall,
I was inspired to add colored lights to my studio.
In each of the cottages during the retreat,
there were colored lights everywhere!

After reading Bella's prompt, I thought about
driving around and trying to capture some
incredibly decorated house for the holiday,
but then remembered I wanted to
 add some sparkle
to my own creative space,
and so I did!

Twinkling lights, in all colors,
are happiness in a box!
String them where you want them
and you instantly have
something to inspire you,
something to make you happy,
something to boost your creative momentum,
something to giggle by while painting,
something to smile at,
just for me, myself and I!

Have a happy day.
Go buy yourself some twinkling lights
for your own creative space.
I have no intention of taking them down
even after the holiday is over!
So everyday can be a twinkling moment!
Donna Lee

Attitude of Gratitude

Seeing the beauty in the little things!

Gratitude . . .

 Thankful for my beautiful life.

Growing older with my hubby.

Being with my family is a blessing.

Watching my children grow into incredible men

The joy of having two loving and beautiful daughter (n-laws)

The time I had with two wonderful parents.

Having a sister and a brother

and an incredible extended family.

Being healthy and 

loving my life at 54!

I love this so much!  Built by my father-n-law.

Friendships that are a gift in my life,
no amount of words can even express.
Growing, learning and seeing with wide open eyes. 
Having a strong faith in God,
the messages given to me through His word.
Life experiences . . .  both good and heart aching.
A happy attitude.
A creative spirit that lives inside me.
The joy of candlelight.
The lessons my yoga practice has taught me.
Still growing at my age!
Being artistic and playing with paints.
Thinking outside of the box,
(how can I do it differently?)
Being an Optician after all these years.

Find a"new leaf" in life

Today on this Thanksgiving Morning

I took the time to slow my self down,

to think of all the things

I am truly grateful for.

It shouldn't be on one particular day

it should be every day we wake up

and are given a brand new day!

Life is truly a gift

and I want to make the most of it along the way.

My journey is simple.

I am grateful for so many things.

Gratitude is a spirit of the heart.

I promise to keep that attitude daily,

always looking, always growing

and always being happy.

Won't you join me?

Love and Blessings to you!

Donna Lee

(oh how I love that name!)

Where is your path leading you?

Love in my Heart

This piece was inspired by so many wonderful teachers!

This piece was created for my HeART exchange with Louise Gale!


I recently purchased a new size
canvas board
8 x 16
from my local Jerry's Artarama
and wanted to create a piece
that was inspired by so many teachers.
I wanted to use techniques that
I had learned in workshops,
through books, Somerset Studio, blogs and e-courses.
I had a blast with this one!
I started by collaging papers onto the board,
I stamped, stenciled and added "stuff"
all over the papers.
I scraped paint colors of
titanium white and cobalt turquoise
thank you Mindy Lacefield
for inspiring me at Serendipity!
I then cut out a heart of antique ledger paper
in the shape of a heart,
punched hearts and gave it wings,
I then added some words that
I wanted to say . . .
"Remember to listen to your heart and dance gently"
I am so happy with the results!
I then took a photo with my Instagram
using my new Iphone and added a few effects with the photo
and I love what you see here! So I wanted to share it with you!

To my readers . . .
you have my heart,
you have my love,
I thank you for your support,
your wonderful words of encouragement
and for giving me the motivation to keep sharing.

Love YOU! donna lee

Being creative with my pomegranates!

It begins in early spring

with the most beautiful blossoms all over the tree!

During the summer, the fruit slowly begins to grow

and the blossoms fade away

 The fruits become a beautiful red

and keep growing and growing

When they are finally ready in the fall to eat

There are the most beautiful seeds inside. 

They are full of antioxidants and delicious

in so many things!

Lots of yumminess for me to snack on!

My favorite is mixed in with vanilla greek yogurt!

Yummy!

The juice stains everything and can make quite a mess.

Then it hit me . . . wouldn't it make a nice watercolor?

So I tried it . . . .

I loved the beautiful color it produced on 

the watercolor paper.  

So I decided to create a mixed media little piece!

The mountain sky is pomegranate pink.

I then started adding my collage papers and stuff

I had seen this demo in the recent

Cloth Paper and Scissors issue this month

and of course, made it my own!

Here is my finished piece!

And to think it all began this spring,
with my little pomegranate tree!
I love to look at everything as a creative experience,
a time to explore something new
and see what I can come up with!
I would love for you to share with me
what you have been working on lately!


Have a blessed and most creative week!
Donna

Having Creative Courage

Courageous:  bold, bravery, daring, fearless, spirit, unafraid and valor

I have been working on an e-course that I wanted to share with you,

it is entitled Creative Courage with Stephanie Levy.

It has changed my entire perspective on Creativity

and Stephanie is such a love!

I entitled my blog entry today "HAVING CREATIVE COURAGE"

because I truly believe that we all are creative in so many ways,

but it does take courage to live creatively and artistically.

Sometimes it is not understood or appreciated by others.

Courage is an interesting word and that was why I related to this course so well.

I have considered myself an "Artist" for quite some time now,

but having the courage to actually call myself that to others,

was a whole nother thing!

I had been following Stephanie's blog and her Etsy shop for quite sometime, 

there was something so gentle and caring about her.

Her illustrations and artwork are amazing,

her written word was speaking right to my heart even more.

When she introduced her E-course, I was really excited about it,

and it was coming at a perfect time for me!

I try to enroll in different e-courses, to learn from so many

wonderful creatives as I can.  

I am like a sponge, just soaking up all the creative ideas and energy!

 The Internet makes learning and sharing so easy nowadays!

We don't always have the resources or the time to travel all over

attending wonderful art retreats.

The invention or creation (excuse the pun)

of e-courses was brilliant.  They are popping up all over, 

it is hard to pick and choose which one to take.

I love attending class with coffee in one hand,

and staying in the comfort of my jammies,

 all in the privacy of my own home,

 on my own schedule and with no make up!

All the while I am part of a community with my fellow class members,

sharing ideas, encouraging one another and developing new friendships!

It is truly an awesome way to learn.

Stephanie has taught us in so many ways with videos on Monday mornings,

everyday a post that inspires a way to live more creatively,

there has been exercises to work on,

interviews with fellow creatives,

I received a postcard from Stephanie (sent all the way from Venice),

smiles, ideas, creative projects, inspiring thoughts and conversations,

 our own private facebook group,

what a wonderful learning experience it has been!

I don't look forward to it ending soon.

It has been my early morning ritual for the past

seven weeks.

Thank you Stephanie, for leading by example.

For inspiring and sharing so much of your knowledge with us,

for encouraging the inner artist (the fellow creative inside all of us)

to come out and play, 

to have confidence in ourselves and in the artwork we are producing.

You truly did inspire courage for me to step forward even more.

I recommend this course over and over again,

and can't shout it's praises enough!

She is starting another one in the new year, don't miss it.

I leave you with one of my favorite exercises from the course!

Stephanie gave us a list of questions to ponder on

 and gave us the freedom to add any more that came to us   . . . here is my list :

I believe that I can . . .

I have the courage to . . .

I welcome . . .

I celebrate  . . .

I listen to . . .

I am grateful for . . .

I wish that . . .

I know without a doubt . . .

I love myself because . . .

I create because . . .

I hear deep within . . .

I am happy because . . .

Creatively and Courageously Yours!

Donna Lee

My Serendipity Experience

What I am feeling this week!




S e r e n d i p i t y

 I don't even know how to begin to describe the magic that happened this past week at Serendipity Art Retreats in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  
It has taken me days to even be able to write about it!

I decided that the best way for me to describe it
is with word descriptions that keep popping in my head,
and are remaining in my heart 
so here it goes:

Friendships, so many smiles and hugs, giggles, art, 
creativity, walks on the beautiful beach, 
watching the strong waves,
delicious food, laughter and dancing, magic,
 quiet time, self reflection, bonfire on the beach,
beautiful sunrises,
opening ceremony and setting intentions,
Michelle sharing those intentions,
my heart skipping a beat,
meeting new friends, reuniting with old friends,
happiness and more happiness,
watching Elizabeth knit in her pigtails,
twinkle lights everywhere,
late night painting and laughter, 
reaching out to someone new
story telling, always sharing, 
opening up our innermost feelings,
beautiful oceanside room,
homemade granola,
lots of photography, 
teaching a friend to knit 
and watching her get it,
incredible teachers, 
servanthood,
class time and more creativity,
talking and laughing, 
smudging with Pixie,
  savoring gratitude with Michelle,
yoga and massage,
intuitive painting with Mindy,
yummy food and fellowship time,
Michelle's homemade cobbler for dessert, 
reading a friend's heartfelt poetry,
stolen moments with special friends! 
That special wave goodbye at the end of the driveway
 when it was time to head back home, 
I will never forget!

I realize what an opportunity it was to attend
this beautiful experience.  It is one I will never forget!
How rare it is when a group of 30 or more women
can come together and retreat together.
Going home more centered and with new friendships formed.
Struggling with re-entry and missing what was.

Women need girlie times together.
Women need to get away.
It makes us stronger, it makes us happier,
and it pulls together all the inner feelings
that are rumbling about in the head and heart.
Life is busy and I know for my own self
I am calmer and more at peace
 for taking the time to get away
 to create and learn new things,
What a gift it was to bond with
my Serendipity Sisters.
What an awesome experience it was,
my heart is over filled!
I am truly not the same.


Please stop by and visit my flicker site,
you will find lots of my fun photos of Serendipity!
Hope to see you there!

With love and gratitude,
Donna

52 Photos Project / Week Twenty Five / Handwriting

Always playing in the sand!

This week's photo prompt for 52 Photos Project was Handwriting
I thought about this a lot, it could be our own interpretation, we could
write a message, a word, anything and take a picture.
Knowing how I love the ocean, and love my watercolors,
off I went down to the ocean.
I carry my watercolors everywhere I go, never knowing
when I will be inspired to paint!
I never want to miss a creative moment.

I took the time to contemplate on a word, or message,
something that would come to me to share
the above photo is the result of my contemplation!

Dream 2011
When I think of the word dream I think of things I want to happen.
When I dream I am thinking about something in the future,
something I long for,
something I wish I could be.
We all have dreams, don't we?

I dream of a world filled with peace.
I dream for a cure for cancer.
I dream of retiring to the Outer Banks.
I dream of one day being called grandmommy.
I dream of being a better artist.
I dream of painting on the streets of Paris!
I dream for my Etsy shop to explode with success.
I dream of being a fantastic photographer,
and having the gift of insight and perspective.
I dream of being a stronger Yogini!
I dream of the perfect body size
and aging with grace and style!

As I look at my life I see
that it truly is a dream come true.
Married to a wonderful man,
two beautiful boys and their precious wives.
A family that is healthy and happy.
A creative heart and mind.
Beautiful friendships.
A God who loves me and has blessed me
oh yes,
I am living my dreams.
What are yours?

Donna Lee

"Sistas"

What a special group of friends!

I have just returned from four days in the Outer Banks! 

Four days spent with my amazing group of 

"Sistas"

No we are not the sisterhood of the traveling pants, 

We are just friends who have been together for a very long time.

We share a love for singing alto together, 

(we are the rowdy back row altos!)

We share a love for the Lord,

we share a love of creating together, 

we share a love for each other,

 and we have endured life's journey together. 

That is what a SISTA is.

Girls who you can truly be yourself around,

wear no make up around,

watch movies in your jammies together,

eat out and have fun together,

have little girl play time together,

sing together to oldies music,

take long walks on the beach together,

laugh together,

cry together,

or just sit together quietly, not saying a word.

We console each other when one loses a precious parent,

each one of us has experienced that,

and we were there for each other.

This weekend was a time of rest, fellowship, 

renewal and creativity!

I had recently gotten a Zutter Binder and we all

made journals.  I wanted everyone to be able

to take a keepsake home with them.

Just imagine, two large tables in the cottage,

filled with papers, glue, yarn, book stuff everywhere!

We were all is the creative zone!

You know that place where amazing things happen.

Everyone was able to create a book for themselves,

some did one, some did more.

How fun that was!

Here are the ones I made . . . I love them!

It was a weekend of fun and fellowship,

yummy snacks, eating out at fabulous OBX places

 and just being together.

Restoring friendships

and loving each other.

How blessed I am to have such a group!

I hope that you can think of your own group of Sistas.

I leave you with my morning view from the deck

each morning in Corolla, 

it was simply

magical!

Layered Impressions

This past week was pretty exciting for me . . . I began my new online course Layered Impressions with Katie Kendrick.  I had signed up for this awhile ago, gathered my art supplies and eagerly anticipated its arrival date!  I love having a reason to visit my local Jerry's Artarama!  On Monday of this past week, the course did not disappoint in any way.  I decided that I wanted to share my work with you, raw as it is. The more I look at my faces that I completed the more I am liking them!  I am not comparing my work with any other classmate, just enjoying the creative process, it feels so good to free myself.  Working on these faces were only the first art exercise, I haven't even finished my collage face yet!

all of my creative faces

Katie had us using old phone book pages and drawing with our left hands, getting a creative release.  Her course has lots of info, links and videos.  It is like having her as your private instructor right in your very own studio.  This first exercise was about just freeing yourself, not worrying about the finished piece being perfect, but learning to just play and create.  As Katie said . . . no judgements!!!

left hand drawing

my first creation

I like learning new things, and stepping out of the box.  I have been working so hard on getting my Etsy shop opened, that just relaxing and playing just hadn't been in the cards for me.  Anytime I can get into my studio, get paints in hand, I consider it a beautiful day.  In creating these phone book page faces, we drew with a marker, or paintbrush, we did image transfer, or glued the pages to hot pressed paper with gel medium.  We accented colors with watercolor crayons and gesso, and began blending.  Each face, even though I drew them pretty much alike with my left hand, came out differently and took on a personality of their own!  I just enjoyed the process of it all, thank you Katie, you are so gifted.

(I think this blondie is Donna Lee)

Can't wait to see what is in store this week!  I have admired Katie's work for so long and being able to learn from all she has to teach us is indeed a privilege.  I can't wait for her book, to come out in the near future.  I encourage you to hurry and pre-order it now, it will be a wonderful addition to your creative library.

The name of this e course is Layered Impressions . . . it got me to thinking about my life and all the things I layer onto my days and my life . . . work, friends, needs of others, sickness, chores, obligations, thoughts, demands and so many things that tug at our energy every day.   I am determined to balance it all as best as I can.  I always want to find time to be with me and my creative self, it is so important and helps me to be the person that I am today.  Art is saving . . . Art is love . . . Art is sustaining . . . Art creates balance . . .  Art is energy . . . good energy! Calling myself an Artist is a compliment of all good things!!!!  Creating art in my life is a gift I keep re-opening, over and over again!  So my words to you:
                        
                        B A L A N C E &  R E T R E A T,  P A I N T & C R E A T E