Sweet Repeats

Artful Gathering 2012 Blog Hop Continues!!

2012-01-29T07:39:00.002-05:00

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share out knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

Two Runner Up winners will also be chosen at random for a chance to win a $25.00 e-gift card from Jerrys.

Each week I will announce the next featured blog for you to visit, and there you will find a new secret word or words that you will need to collect along your way from blog to blog. Once you have collected all the words from each blog you visit, they will work out to say a very artsy phrase. Here are the rules:

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing Mixed Media Jewelry Artist...

Kecia Deveney

http://lemoncholys.blogspot.com/
;
(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

Week Three of Artful Gathering 2012 Blog !!

2012-01-22T05:44:00.001-05:00

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing Animal Portrait Artist...

Elizabeth G. Johnson
http://windandhoney.blogspot.com/
;
(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

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If you have missed any of the posts for the secret words, check back on each of the Sunday posts on my blog. They will lead you to the GRAND prize over the next couple of weeks.

*****

While you are visiting me I just wanted to let you know that I have 1 special ending today for my latest online class, "Fearless Faux Encaustic" save $15.00! This class is open ended and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week :) Stop by my Etsy shop and read more about it!

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Happy Sunday!

Watercolor gone Wild! On Yupo Paper...

2012-01-18T20:11:00.001-05:00

Just a little eye candy for you :)

A couple of years ago I was introduced to the wonders of Yupo paper at Jerry's Artarama....where I often fill in as a demo and workshop artist (one of the many wonders I've discovered at my favorite art store)...but it wasn't until last year that I really began to experiment with it. It is such a fun product to use, I am hoping to share the love by offering a 6 hour work shop on it with my friends at Art Is. My proposal hasn't been accepted yet so I can't be sure I will get in but these are a couple of the fun samples I will be offering to them.

So what is Yupo paper anyway?

It is essentially a sheet of very thin plastic and uses are intended for water colors or other water soluble products, as well as alcohol inks. Where traditional watercolor paper is absorbent, Yupo paper is not. The pigment washes will evaporate on yupo leaving behind just the color pigment. It is not easy to work with because the color easily slides off and moves around so there is a fine line between too much water and not enough..as well as controlling the movement of the washes.

One of the exciting properties that Yupo paper is the extreme vibrant colors that are achieved through even the lightest of paint applications. I am using a watercolor brand that Jerry's asked me to demo for them called "Soho" watercolors, their colors are very rich and are said to go on with using a 1/3 less color then some of the leading brands of tube watercolors. I do believe that claim is true! YUMMY colors for sure!

You can even draw with water soluble pencil, or detail with india ink.

Make a mistake? Erase it off!

Stay tuned and I will show you even more exciting possibilities that can be achieved when I teach this course (fingers crossed) at Art Is in Petaluma this September, and in Stamford in October.

I promise you...you will have a colorful and wonderfully exciting time using this product! We will have the most colorful paintings in the event ;)!!

I'm off for few days to go help my friend at a trade show in Orlando...I'm going to be her helper so this is totally new to me as we are doing a wholesale show this week. I don't know what I would have that would fit the wholesale market unless its my prints...I don't know if I can bare to make 100s of my magnets even those would be good for wholesale. Those puppies are cute as can be but way time consuming!. I'd rather spend the 6-8 hours making 25-30 of those magnets doing a 30 x40 painting..lol but one never knows what opportunities lie ahead...and I am hoping to learn a lot about sales, marketing, show set up and even make some contacts while there.

Of course I'm bringing a rolling cart of art supplies to play with. I just can't leave home without them!

Till we meet again,

Live a life of purpose, purposely live your life.

xoxo

Jodi Ohl

The Second Time Around

2012-01-17T06:14:00.001-05:00

I think Love is in the air....everything I want to paint and all my themes are related to hearts, love, companionship, connectivity...maybe it is and maybe I'm just ready to move on with my life. Whatever it is...I'm making lots of art so it must a good thing!

I thought I'd share a few things that I made in the studio between this Friday and yesterday.I wish I had completed more but I wasn't feeling good over the weekend...self inflicted wounds..I went tanning and burnt the heck out of myself..lol. I know..I know...that's not good for you but I am going to Florida for a working trip on Wednesday through next Tuesday...I was hoping to have a little time to indulge in the rays or at least wear a sundress or two and I didn't want to blind anyone with my florescent white legs!!
The above two abstracts are part of a series of paintings I have going that are in the color family of magenta, teal, white, black and red....mixing and glazing these colors to create contemporary abstracts has been so fun! I am naming this grouping, "Love Expressions" fits in with my themes lately!! These two pieces are actually PAINT OVERS. GASP how could I?? Well I took a couple of paintings from 2008 that hadn't sold and instead of tossing them away...I simply added gesso and said out with the old in with the new..we are going to try again! And I love the added texture I would not have achieved had there not been another painting underneath. I think they are much better the second time around.

Maybe we are all better the second time around in things. You can't expect to get it right on the first try all the time. Sometimes you do have to forge ahead and practice practice practice...even change things up in what you do ...change things up in YOU.

These new collage story blocks you are viewing are part of my "Confessions of the Heart" pieces which I will be teaching the techniques as well as other options for the style of painting at ART IS in Stamford Ct this October. Underneath these lovelies are lots of confessions I have admitted to...

Lots of dreams I aspire towards.....

Probably one of the most important goal to me lately is to find love again...I've said good bye to my past long ago but the past kept trying to come back to me and haunt me...and unfortunately I let it because I thought that's all I was worthy of...but I know now that there is more and that I am worth being number one to someone and having someone by my side that I can TRUST and feel at peace with..not always sleeping with one eye open waiting for the world to crash down on me when I turn my head.

I know its out there....I know hes there...I have hope everything will turn out like I dream.

Until then I will manifest it all in my art...after all...isn't that what artists do? Create another world with their hands and minds?

This is not an abstract painting though. I want this to be REALISTIC. I'm not asking too much am I??

In case he's reading this...Hello...I've been waiting my entire life for you. :) I've been writing to you in my art I hope you don't mind..lol. I hope you sell well at the shows this spring. JUST KIDDING. Haha

Stay tuned for more expressions of the heart and when my dreams become reality..you will be the first to know my friends....as you have also been with me since the start..the ups, the downs, the wins, the losses, the achievements and and the heartbreak.....and such is life and always will be, we forge on not in spite of our past, but because of it.

The second time around we learn from our mistakes and make the next time...so much better.

Here's to a great week ahead!!

Artful Gathering Blog Hop Continues!!

2012-01-15T00:23:00.001-05:00

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing
Laura K. Aiken
(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

http://www.laurakaiken.blogspot.com/

;

2012 What a Journey It Will Be!

2012-01-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Thursday on this cold but sunny January Morning coming to you from me in the Sandhills of North Carolina. I hope the holiday hoopla has you excited coming into the New Year full of hope and promise for the adventures that surely are ahead for us all!

Over the last few weeks I have had a bit of a break from shows and classes to percolate ideas for upcoming workshops and retreats that will be held not just locally but around the US!! I'm so excited to travel to new places and meet a host of wonderful and talented students. I have several new classes in the works for not just in person but for online workshops as well.It's a challenge to come up with a ton of new and exciting ideas but a GOOD challenge as I am put in a place where I have to constantly formulate new ideas...and plan out how I can convey artistic processes to all of my students. It's a good problem to have because in doing so, I can see myself advance in my skills and talents.

When we try new things and constantly try to perfect our skills...~~.good.~~...GREAT things happen.

Come and take a look at just a few things coming up:

Planning new classes for events at Create and Art Is

Behind the scenes myself and a host of tons of other talented artists are gearing up for a PREMIER online summer art retreat at Artful Gathering 2012. This week we started our promotions with a Blog Hop Party and my blog was the first stop along the way....be sure to check out my post as not only are we advertising our event and introducing you to all the instructors one by one...we have a game you can play that will culminate into a chance to win over 200 dollars in art supplies from Jerry's Artarama!!

You must visit all the blogs in the next couple of months to be eligible and collect the prize 'tokens' to win though....so don't delay...join in on the:

Blog Hop Party

Over the last few months I've steadily been adding new items to my online shop and i wanted to extend a sincere thank you to my loyal customers and fans by offering a special 15% coupon off your ENTIRE purchase throughout the month of January! Be sure to stop by often as I have several new things to add...but don't delay, part of my plan for the new year is to keep the shop fresh by constantly adding and taking out merchandise to restock galleries....If you see something you like, be sure to pick it up while you can!! :))

As if the online shop special wasn't awesome enough...be sure to take advantage of my NEWEST online class special, Fearless Faux Encaustics. For the first time ever, I am offering this class at a discounted prices of 50.00, normal price is 65.00 . This will be a limited time only special, good now through 1/22/12


	As a special bonus, my local friends in and around the Moore county NC area will be treated to two mini workshops at the end of January and beginning of February. "Doodlicious: Flower Power on January 29th. To sign up for local workshops at Swank, email Jessica or Petra at Swankgirls@gmail.com

I'm also SUPER DUPER excited to announce that I will be teaching at the incredible and inspirational studio of Jane Powell, Random Arts in Saluda, NC. I have never taught there nor have I ever been to that neck of the woods in NC so I am doubly triply amazingly excited to be heading west and hanging out with all the creative peeps at Random Arts. I will be doing two workshops on March 3rd and 4th. On the 3rd we will be doing abstract paintings then composing a funky face over the background. I have included two samples for you to view. Then on March 4th we will enjoy a day of journaling on an altered children's board book. I will be concentrating on face painting again but slightly different exercises using a variety of fun tools and techniques. To sign up for either (or both!) classes, be sure to visit the Random Arts website and or contact Jane Powell.

RANDOM ARTS.

Last but not least, my dear friend Sharon Digulio has delighted me once again by asking met to come back in 2012 for not just one work shop but THREE workshops at Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh, NC. If you have never taken a workshop at Jerry's...you don't know what you are missing--the vibe is so cool not to mention if you don't have a certain supply...well folks it's like a candy store there for creative types!! whoooohooo! I can't wait to go. My first workshop will be On March 10th where we will be doing a journal exploration of painting with crayons and pencils. I'll review a lot of options for drawing material that can be activated with water for a bounty of creative fun all the while composing in our journals. (I will be featuring Strathmore mixed media journal).
My workshops Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh NC. Click HERE
*****

For a full listing of upcoming workshops, I have added and updated a new page on my blog specifically for workshops! I'm getting close to filling up as many as I can do up until October, but if you are interested in setting up something with me, feel free to contact me at jodiohl@hotmail.com and I'd be glad to discuss options available!
*****

Until we meet again, may love fill your heart and creativity guide you into the world full of color, happiness and peacefulness!

Artful Gathering 2012 Blog Hop!! Let's Get the Party Started!

2012-01-07T23:59:00.000-05:00

I'm the Spotlight Artist for The Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Follow along with me for fun, creativity, and a chance to win a
$200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!

This summer I will be teaching TWO fabulous premiere video workshops at
The Artful Gathering Online Art Retreat 2012

Sweet ART

From June 6 to July 17

Come join me for 6 weeks of magically Sweet ART painting instruction. Over the course of this class we will be creating both a funky cake as well as a cupcake painting to brighten up your home in sweetness and color. Experimenting with a variety of gel mediums and layering techniques, I will walk you through the process of developing your backgrounds, adding fun textural elements then culminating with enhancing our pieces with shading as well as whimsical doodles.

And...

Who Are You?

From July 15 - August 25

I will be teaching my second workshop called, Who Are You? We'll celebrate WHO YOU are during a ‘semester’ of creative play. We will be painting with acrylics, experimenting with several mediums while we design a set of 3-4 8x10 paintings on canvas of funky owls in my very special whimsical style. Play with quotes or motivational words to tie your collection together as well as learn a variety of awesome techniques to add dazzle and texture to your paintings which you can apply to numerous other projects.

Come Hop With US!

Hop Rules:

If you would like to hop with us and meet all the super awesome Artful Gathering 2012 Art Instructors, and have a chance to win a BIG prize in our random drawing, then hop with us! Each week, I will announce the blog for you to visit, and off you go to meet them, and to pick up the newest secret word. Your chance to win prizes....

To be eligible for the Random Grand Prize Drawing for this Artful Gathering 2012 Event Blog hoppers will need to follow the hop along and collect the secret words each week from the featured instructors blog. All Blog Hop participants with the secret puzzle words collected from each instructors blog are eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, One Grand Prize: $200.00 e-gift card to Jerry's Art Arama

Runner Up Prizes will be chosen at Random from ALL hop participants who have collected all the secret puzzle words. Registration to Artful Gathering 2012 is not required, but blog hoppers still need to collect all the secret puzzle words from each blog to be eligible to win a runner up prize. Two Runner up Prizes: $25.00 e-gift card ea.

A new blog will be announced each week, until we reach our final destination blog, where you will find the last puzzle word.

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need them to enter the prize drawings!

This weeks word is ......NATURE

Next week, I'll announce the next person to hop to. Good luck!!!

Here's to New Beginnings...2012 and beyond.

2012-01-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

The Beach in January??? Why the heck not?!

Let's try new things in 2012. Be open to new adventures and throw out your tendencies to do things just because they are expected or you have gotten into a routine!

Open yourself up to a new perspective in 2012. See things through another person's eyes. See things new and fresh through your own. Be open. Be THERE. Be Grateful that You CAN.

Don't build up your walls so high that you can't see through to the other side. There's a whole wide world out there that you will never notice if you are locked in your own, protected, safe guarded, and closed in...be free to step past those walls and explore. I am going to do that this year...explore new things...be more open to new experiences....be more open and giving with myself. Let go of the protection, even if it leaves me vulnerable to hurt. There's nothing to loose and everything to gain by doing so.

Take time to play. Hop on the ferris wheel....talk a walk along the beach...run in the wind and get your feet wet in the water. Life has been so much about work and yes we do need to work hard...but work hard so we can enjoy the fruits of our labors. Know when its time to shut down for the day and enjoy your loves around you whether it be people or doing the things you love to do. That's why you work so hard...to enjoy life. Don't let it slip by like a grain of sand through your hand.

Love....awww sweet and precious love. I have so many loves.....and I am growing more in love with those around me every day. And growing more in love with what I do and who I am with. Whether it be family, friends, art....or a special someone...be there for them. Be giving and stay connected. Don't loose touch, don't loose that spark, don't take for granted the blessings you all ready have. When you show true gratitude and live a life of gratitude...more wonderful blessings are bestowed upon you in amazing ways. Like magnets scattered around the earth...the things that are meant to....will come to you. Trust that is so.

The waves roll in and gently recede out at times. That is the way of the world....but they come in for sure and they always will...and when they are meant to..they will come back. You must let some things just be and enjoy them for what they are. You can't change everything or everyone, but you can change yourself, even if it is of the mindset alone. Actions come later, attitude comes first.

Everything meets and comes together perfectly. Again, perspective is a wonderful thing that we are enabled to view from many different angles. Try new angles in your every day. With eyes wide open, see....truly see what is out there in the great big exciting world.

and then walk closer to those things you want....

and tread carefully around the things you should avoid that can do harm to you. Trust your heart to know the difference.

Break the rules...beaches are not just for flip flops and sandals. You can easily walk on them with boots and a jacket. Who's to say you can't? Only yourself. YOU are your biggest critic and your biggest obstacle in this world. Don't let YOURSELF get in your way to greater things.

There are many people who came before you and many who will come again after you leave. Make your mark in this world while you can. And know, that you do not walk alone. Be open to those things or feelings that will be the wind at your back when you need it, and cheer you on for the times you fly solo.

Don't be afraid of the curves in the road and the changing paths. Some roads may be smoother than others and may be navigated so much more easily. But in the end, every road holds an adventure of sorts. Keep your eyes open to the sites along the way.

Here's wishing you a New Year of wonderful beginnings. A year full of adventure and reflection. May achievements be plenty and joy abundant, the lean times few and far between and dreams captured and wrong turns abandoned. I wish you a year and beyond of true love and personal growth, surrounded by family, friends and all that you hold dear.

Don't be afraid to do the unexpected and walk around the walls you may have built so you can see the beauty waiting for you on the other side.

It's been waiting your entire life for you to find it.

xoxo

Jodi Ohl

Day 10...Video Highlights

2011-12-29T13:30:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends...Happy almost end of December. I wanted to leave you this month with a video montage of some of the work I've done throughout the weeks. My page for today is one of the last photos in the video, 2012....what does it have in store for us? Time will tell, hopefully lots of goodness! I may not be posting my daily challenges as frequently as I was before but I'm still going to be doing them personally. Thank you for hanging out with me this month and for your sweet comments. Today's work was completed using SOHO watercolors available at Jerry's Artarama. I will be doing a FREE demo at their Raleigh store on February 18th from 1-3, if you are in the neighborhood, please stop by. Have a great Thursday! xoxo Jodi

Day 8 Morning After Challenge....Love Happens

2011-12-28T12:27:00.001-05:00

"It's not easy to let go...to...."

Hello my friends and Happy Wednesday to you!

Thank you for sticking with me and allowing me the creative freedom to take a few days off from my daily posting challenge of my journal pages/illustrations. I sometimes bite off more than I can chew but who doesn't every here and there. No sense in beating yourself up over it!

It's been an exciting week in a lot of different ways. Coming down from the holiday high, I've been trying to get my house back in order and the studio as well. I have a lot of different projects going on in my space so it is VERY full of creative goodness. My journaling illustrations have become a welcome part of my daily routine and I really feel there's a lot to be said about developing great habits whether in art or regular life.

"To Trust and Love Someone...."

but once you start, you truly start and get into a routine, life becomes simpler because you know what you need to do and do it without thinking about it or over thinking it. I've made a decision to continue this as long as I can but no less then 30 days....and who knows where it will go from there....

"...Fully And Completely....but when you do...."

It's been 3whole months since I left my day job...I can hardly believe that much time has past! Every single month and most every day has been different and exciting and new...and I wake up with a smile on my face looking forward to what i have to do. Sure it's been stressful at time when there is a lot going on to get prepared for, whether it was classes, shows, commissions, articles...but this is what I want...this is what I desire and I hope that if you dream of doing something like this...something for yourself and your future, you make it happen. Just don't dream it...do it!!

In my day to day life when its a regular day, I am still formulating my work schedule. I have to listen to my head and heart as far as what I'm inclined to do best and when that time is. For instance, I am a morning person in a lot of respects but for so many years I've been engrained to do book work, planning, conference calls and meetings in the morning...I almost feel like I'm playing around if I go into the studio too early.

So, I am now listening to my head and I do my marketing, writing, planning, book work, emails, and journaling in the morning.

Next I take a break, shower, clean the house a bit, run errands...and then I take my studio time in the afternoon until it's time to make dinner.

"Life Will Bloom True..."

...and if I'm lucky I can head back into the studio after dinner for a bit. I'm truly a painter who loves to paint in the evening....I do my best work after dark when it's quiet and I can concentrate....it works for me.

Whether you create full time or for a hobby, you just have to listen to yourself and understand when you are best equipped to do what you do best and when you can do those things. None of us are wired the exact same way. The most important thing is to just do it.....I've had a lot of questions from my beloved fans and customers on how to get started with their creative business, and I'm thinking about writing some articles on what it's been like for me but I'm not an expert, I'm not the best out there....but I know that I am better than yesterday and but less then tomorrow....every day I learn. Every day I do something to reach towards the dream. Every day I do..... and so should you. Don't over think it. But do plan. Don't wait for the best time or the best product or design to come to you. Don't fear your own success...fear breeds inaction and that's the worst thing to do...nothing at all.

So here we are, developing good habits, improving our skills...reaching out to others, and in turn, learning more about ourselves. I'm sharing with you a very special page with you today I illustrated yesterday but didn't finish in time to take a picture. I'm feeling so good lately, it's hard to explain. A lot of things are going right for me now personally and I'm loving the feeling I have inside. It's new and exciting and well..I hope to share soon what's been brewing.

In the mean time....my happiness comes out in my art..colorful, imaginative, full of possibilities and different yet familiar as I try new things and discover the world all over again each day.

I love my life...I love the people in it more then they will ever know....I hope I show gratitude enough because that's what I feel each and every day.

...yes my friends, love happens when you least expect it to. It comes in many different forms, in many different ways. Go out and discover your own love and fill your world with

passion and happiness for what you do and who you are with.

It will make your world bloom true and bloom beautifully.

Till we meet again,

xoxo Jodi

********

Don't forget, I am having a HOT special on 3 of my online courses from now through New Years Day....only 20.12 for each of the courses!

How to purchase?

You can go to Creative Workshops and click on the tab for workshops on the site and find my classes (Artistic Journaling Your Way, Let's Face It, or Fun With Faux Encaustics) ***does not include my newest class Fearless Faux Encaustics.

OR alternatively,

You can purchase on my Etsy shop...if a class sells out check back because I will renew as needed as soon as I'm added.

Click here to go to my shop!

***

Another work shop I am participating in is Tamara Laportes Life Book YEAR LONG course! That is starting in just a couple of days peeps! If you haven't signed up yet, you can view the info here and check it out. Close to 600 artists will be in class with you so don't miss the creative party...a year full of learning and friendships will be

Click here to view more details

SALE!!!! Online ART classes for only $20.12!!

2011-12-26T18:51:00.003-05:00

If you only knew how happy I am...you would be dancing with me....there are so many good things going on right now that I wish I could share with you but I haven't received all the confirmations yet....however, I wish nothing more than to share my creative muse with you in hope that it can catch you and ignite the happiness that comes when you find your creative voice, too. It changed my life in more ways than I can even share.

In honor of my wish, I want to offer a DEEP discount on 3 of my classes from now until the New Year...an unprecedented sale to end all sales, it will not go lower than this I can assure you, so if you've been on the fence, now is the time to sign up!

These three workshops: Artistic Journaling Your Way; Let's Face It, and Fun with Faux Encaustics regular price are $45.00; so from NOW through 1/1/2012 they are going to be ONLY!! $20.12

Simply click on the WORKSHOP portion of the Creative Workshop page and you will see all the classes offered and you'll see each of the classes of mine (excluding my newest class, Fearless Faux Encaustic workshop).

I just received a new laptop for Christmas, a new video editing program and new photoshop elements...so I am all set to get busy again developing new classes for YOU. I already have 5 in the works between my LIFEBOOK (which is starting in just a few days!!!!whooooohoooo I can't wait to play ) appearances and my 2 classes this summer for Artful Gathering...and more in the works for Creative Workshops. Oh my goodness, life is full, life is grand, and I wake up with a smile on my face every day.

What are you waiting for?? Come join along!

xoxo Jodi

With Gratitude.....Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T11:23:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to all! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and it was full of family, friends, laughter and love. I will be back to my regularly scheduled morning after challenge tomorrow....I decided to take a few days off to really be there for my family and enjoy the time we had together....art is my love too...but now that it is my full time profession, I need to draw the line more than I did before so I still make time for everyone. :)

In the mail Christmas Eve was my contributors copy of the Jan/Feb issue of Cloth Paper Scissors...and I am soooo excited and proud of this article. I did a piece that is a shortened version of my new online class, Fearless Faux Encaustic Discovery over at Creative Workshops. The full class really delves into working with a variety of gel mediums to create a layered look that mimics encaustic painting without the expense of all the supplies. I hope if you get this copy of CPS you enjoy my work!

This week was so much fun cooking in my kitchen with my lil man who really helped me make all of the dishes for the holidays that we enjoyed with our family and friends......there is not much better in life than to be around those you love and create together whether its in the kitchen, in the art room, or just making memories of any sort :)

My kids are comedians in case you didn't know...they have the best personality and are quite hams when it comes to picture taking. I bought them crazy shirts as a joke and they were totally game at posing and taking pictures...even wearing them for our Christmas Eve party! I had all I could do to not crack up uncontrollably while taking these pictures :)

Years from now we will look back at these pictures and just smile and laugh from the memories. Isn't what life is all about? Creating memories big and small? I feel so blessed in more ways then I can even say :)

For Christmas Eve I carried on a tradition my Mother started by having a party for friends and family. Since moving to NC I have been doing the same as she did but on a much smaller scale, this year I had the biggest party ever with my girls from my old work, and my wonderful art chica bff's and their families. My small house was full of laughter, good food, and great fun.

The Karoake machine was a big hit and we all laughed at the silly performances everyone took turns doing. I have to say that I sound a lot better in the shower...LOL. Maybe it was stage fright?? All I know is that I love being around my friends and family, they make me smile on the inside and out. We all know how to laugh, laugh at jokes, laugh with eachother, and laugh at the silly things we all do ourselves. Believe me, they all are quick to call me out on my quirky ways and my funny behaviors that you just have to understand how I am and decide to love me anyway despite it all :)

Of course the next day, Christmas was chaotic and fun and full of laughter and silliness and good food.....it look like a train wreck in here but in a good way. I love the fact that my boys put on a production with every gift...and the faces and poses the kids make when opening each present just tickles me. I get such a big kick out of it!

The rest of the day was spent playing with the toys and games, enjoying company and just reveling in the gratitude we all felt for be blessed as we are. I'm not sure how we can top 2011 but I know each year will be better and better. Why? I have a feeling that life will become even more full than it already is as I can feel it in my heart. Once you you follow your heart and go down the path you are supposed to be on, and give thanks every day for the blessings you have....your life becomes even more enriched. Its not just about working and having things, it's about enjoy the people in your life and working to live....

I leave you with a wish for a wonderful week leading up to the New Year..may your life be full and enriched because of the tiny moments and memories you have with those you love.

Peace

Love

Happiness.

With love and gratitude,

Jodi Ohl

**Stay tuned for the return of my "Morning After Challenge" tomorrow :)

Day 7....Following your Heart

2011-12-22T21:52:00.001-05:00

Today's post is going to be just a drive by....I'm soooooo tired you would not believe, having so much trouble sleeping lately and have been up since 3:00 in the morning again. The good news is that I get a journal page done early...the bad news is that I crash and burn mid day and that's not good when there is a bazillion things I need to be doing. Am I just excited for Christmas??LOL

Today's page is about following your heart.....wouldn't you agree, magical things happen when you do?

Hope you have a wonderful night and are in the midst of following your own adventures led by your heart and soul.

With love,

Jodi Ohl

Day 6....One and Only..... and a SALE!

2011-12-21T16:51:00.001-05:00

First off.....4 more days till Christmas!!!! whooooohooooo! I can't believe it's almost here. YIKES...I'm not ready! LOL I'm excited though, can't wait to see the look on my boys faces as they open up a few special things. There is one gift each of them are receiving that i think is just so funny...the look on their faces should be priceless!

I know that it may be a little late to send gift to your special someone from my shop but you can ALWAYS treat yourself to an after Christmas holiday gift purchased at Sweet Repeats Studio Shoppe, my online shop! Added bonus points...I'm offering a 25% off coupon off your entire purchase (not including commission work) from now until Christmas Eve. So what are you waiting for? Check out some of my NEW updates this week.....several new pieces loaded to the shop :)))

How to redeem? Simply type Holiday2011 in the coupon code portion of your shopping cart and your purchases will be reduced by 25% whoooohooo!

Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement all year long!!

Day 6 of my Morning After Challenge.....Can you guess what song I was listening to before and during the creation of this page?? I can tell you I was swoooooonnning over it. I love love love the song. If you don't know I will share a link at the bottom of this post. Wouldn't want to leave you hanging!

I used watercolors, prismacolor pens, white gel pen, and I also incorporated Neocolor II crayons for the soft look of her skin and face.

She is just a character I created, no real portrait copy....just a pretty little girl waiting for her knight in shining armor to come and sweep her off her feet.

Hmmmm well she may be me after all :) I have a little bigger boobs then her and curlier hair. haha!

I'm so loving this challenge and hope you are too..I have more ideas swirling around my head. The best thing is that it is allowing me to try things I've been wanting to try but haven't made the time.....making the time for things you love and the people you love is what life is all about. Why wait?

Have a wonderful day, hold tight to the season.....hug those around you and create and live with joy. Life is too short otherwise.

Click here to view the song I was listening to....

With love and Gratitude,

Jodi Ohl

Day Five Again! Peace Love Joy Believe.

2011-12-20T11:18:00.001-05:00

Day 5 Revisited

A journal page a day isn't so hard to do unless you are sleep deprived, running around like a crazy woman trying to get the holiday preparations organized, tying up loose ends on special orders, and distracted in a good way with friends and family, not that that's a description of me or anything ;)

I did manage to illustrate the page yesterday and finish it this morning and I really love it. It's bright, fun, whimsical, and speaks in the words to the season.

Peace

Love

Joy

Believe

Gratitude

I remember the first year I left my retail job and started working for the bank. Christmas was sooooo wonderful that first year, the best I had in a long time because as you know or can imagine, when you work in retail, the holidays are non stop craziness. It's hard to enjoy the season when that is your busiest time of year. If you do have time to bake, it's at 11:30 at night when you get home......forget shopping...that happens in October or it doesn't happen at all...maybe online but that's the only thing you have time for. That first year I was still working full time but full time at the bank and full time in retail are two different things. 40-45 hours at the bank, 70-80 hours in retail. I baked like there was no tomorrow and wrapped gifts like I worked for Nordstroms. It was heaven.

Pure Bliss to have my life back again after many years of running, running, running during the holidays and the rest of the year for that matter.

Now again, I'm here with a first....my first holiday spent working for myself. I work more than 80 hours now...but it never feels like work. I have time to do everything I want to do (for the most part) and am doing it with a smile on face. I have time to reflect upon the season, reflect upon my year....looking forward to the future, and finding gratitude for all my..all of our blessings. Life is truly good....even though I have a long way to go to become the artist, the person, the mother, the friend, I want to be....every day gets better. Some days we have set backs, other days we move far alone. I've found out a lot about myself over this year...not just from leaving the bank and deciding to go off on my own as a full time artist...I've learned how to live a better life. Being more generous when the situation calls for it. To being more forgiving when I need to be, and for standing the line in other situations. Giving to others when your hand is needed....the light begins to shine brightly on you as well.

2011 was (is) a turning point in my life. I'm grateful for having the season to reflect and enjoy the fruits of our blessing. Life goes by too fast to let those moments slip through your hands. I'm ready for even bigger things in 2012 and beyond. I need my winter's nap right now...quiet time...time to plan, time to gather energy, and time to breathe, and time to be around those I love near and pause for a moment for those who are far away or no longer with us. It is because of you I am doing this.

Tis The Season.

Happy Holidays to all!

***

Today's prompt:

Find your holiday inspiration right in front of you...is it your tree, is it an ornament? Table top knick knack, stocking....sketch that and reflect upon your own thoughts of the season. Enjoy!

Day 5 Interupted for a bit of Serendipity

2011-12-19T17:34:00.001-05:00

WELL phooey patootie. I didn't finish my journal page in time to take a decent picture of it...DANG! I did do one, but I had to put it on the back burner so I could finish this lovey dovey bird.....my newest painting, a commission piece I'm naming "Serendipity".....I had some very serendipitous moments lately so I thought that was quite fitting. I love it......and have a couple more companion pieces I'm working on for a new collection as I truly am enthralled with this color combination.

Do you have a color combination that floats your boat? That makes your heart go pitter patter? I love color..it really is my world. :)

So you see, I really was productive today. I only pulled out my NEW Karoake machine and took a singing break for 1/2 hour. HAHA. gooooo Adele.....I will give you a run for your money sweetie. NOT. :) My throat is killing me from belting out her tunes. Okay maybe not belting...mine were more more like screams and not quite as sultry as hers ;)

AND....AND...I listed a bunch of NEW abstracts today in my Etsy shoppe....a big shop update so be sure to stop over and check them all out. I am loving this non representational look, almost tribal in a way. So fun to play with. AND this is in a much more subtle pallet then I normally use.

Sometimes...just sometimes you can teach an old dog new tricks :)
Ohhhh let's hope you can anyway :)

Before I forget.....LIFE BOOK is a bout to start!!!! WhOOOOHOOOO!! You know all the doodle padoodles I've been doing? I'm going to do a special add on workshop for Tamara in addition to my main one teaching you all about doodling with words and watercolors, some of my tricks of the trade, supplies I use, how I use them, what I've found that works for cool compositions.....so don't delay, sign up today and you will have an entire year of ARTSY GOOODNESS!!

Click here to view more details

Today's Prompt:

Think outside the box and try a new color palette! Pick 3 colors and 3 colors only plus black and white. You can mix colors but you can't use any others. See what you come up with. Does it challenge you in new ways? Does it help you stay focus? When you are all done, bring in another color with say chalk or oil pastels and see how that adds to your piece or your page. (I did the same thing with the birdie up above..used RED, COBALT TEAL and a RASPBERRY color along with black and white. Then I brought in an orange pastel at the very very end. The orange tied it all together and really popped. Love color. Hope you do to.

Day 4 Morning After Challenge: Beauty is More Than Meets The Eye

2011-12-18T09:54:00.003-05:00

....Good Morning My Loves.....

So here we are on Day 4 of my challenge....and I'm sharing with you an sketch that I had in one of my journals that I forgot about truthfully but happened upon when I was thinking about what to do last night for my page of the day. I decided to tweak it a bit , take the sketch and turn it into a pen and ink painting. The concept came from a page in a magazine. While a lot of times, I just make up my portraits, more or less concentrating on the technique rather than the outcome, sometimes I like to look in fashion magazines for inspiration because the models features are so pronounced and unusual at times...it's fun to try to recreate.

That's the thing about beauty of a person. It often is more than what you would assume is traditional beauty. And what is beautiful to one, isn't nearly as striking to another.

Those that may appear beautiful on the exterior are quite harsh and ugly on the interior.

.....but the eyes....they tell so much about a persons soul. They are the windows to someone's heart. They reflect the beauty that resonates on the inside of one and speak volumes even when all else is silent.

there is so much more than meets they eye.....and yet, it has to be the eye that catches one's heart first and foremost before the rest walks away in a rush.

Once you've captured someone's eye, the rest begins to reveal itself. It's only then you can decide if it's the type of beauty want to bloom into something more. :)

***

Today's suggestion: leaf through some magazines. Find a photo of someone that has eyes that speak to you.....work on recreating those eyes in your 'own words' with your own strokes. My advice is to use a pencil first and foremost, a 2b and maybe a 4 or 6b for darker shading. A blending stump helps tremendously with shading and smoothing out the features. You can do it!! :)

Have a great Sunday....may your day be filled with moments of great beauty and joy.

xoxo Jodi

Day 3 Morning After Challenge :To Be Number One

2011-12-17T17:41:00.002-05:00

You know what they say....better late then never. I actually truly did finish this page in my journal early this morning but didn't get an opportunity to post this morning as lil man had basketball today. We went out, did a little shopping after the game, had lunch with a friend, and then came home and I totally got distracted. A whole afternoon distracted. :) That's okay, sometimes that's what weekends are about. A quiet distraction from the every day chaos.

Today, I felt compelled to do a portrait in my altered board book......I'm actually preparing for a class at Jane Powell's shop in Saluda, NC. I'm so excited about that! Dates have been changed slightly so as soon as I have the final confirmation, I will update you. Truthfully, the journal though is not going to just be about class experiments. This page was almost like one of those letters you write in the heat of the moment and let it all out..every raw emotion you are feeling, right there, in black and white on paper. Everything YOU wanted to say but didn't have the courage to. You feel better after you write it out...healed or at least relieved when you finish writing. And then it gets put away and never sent. It may even get thrown out. But you feel a lot better. I wrote two different letters on this page and then covered it all up with white gesso and my girl...and then covered the remaining portion other than a few words/phrases here and there peeking through. I'm calling this piece, Number One.

Shes looking away, she's looking to the future, the off shoulder dress suggests vulnerability but the strong look in her eye reflects strength and determination. She deserves to be number one....and hopefully will be someday. Not number one in anything tangible, it's not a race, or a game, or a challenge.....just number one to someone else....simple but why is it so dang complicated? Not number two or an after thought or I'm sorry now that you are gone I made a mistake number two....number one. plain and simple.

It'll happen. Someday soon.

My new little hobby....making paper wreaths :) This is my 200 dollar craft project. As it took me about 10 hours to finish and a variety of supplies. Kinda like my 80 dollar tomato plant. :) Long story. Anyway, lately I've been challenging myself to try out new things and experiment with my supplies. Beautiful things can come out of items you all ready have. Speaking of new things....take a look at a new project I've been working on for an upcoming class.......more details coming soon. I have to say I love it :) I think you will too, when you see the whole piece.

I hope you are finding some quiet journal time to play along with my 'Morning After" Challenge in the midst of all the holiday hustle and bustle. If you are stuck on a theme for today, try writing 'that letter' then paint over and draw a portrait representing yourself (whether or not it actually looks like you). I promise you, you will feel a million times better.

Until we meet again, sparkles and sunshine to wash away the rain..

Jodi

Day 2 Morning After Challenge-Be Patient

2011-12-16T10:25:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Friends!

Happy Friday! It's Day 2 of my "Morning After Challenge" and I completed a large piece for a big book I'm hoping to make 11 x 15. Basically one of my owl characters doodled up colored in with SOHO watercolors (one of my demos I did at Jerry's Art of the Carolina's recently) . I have to admit, this piece took longer than I really should have spent on it...but once I got started, I couldn't stop! If you are stuck for something to do with your pages, try taking a simple illustration and doodling it up. It's lots of fun! Tomorrow I'm going to change things up a bit and do a page in another journal that's vastly different then what I've been featuring. :) Stay tuned!

****

I hope you have lots of goodness planned for the weekend, I'm sure it includes at least a little holiday preparation, cooking, cleaning, maybe shopping, if you are lucky perhaps some time out with some family and friends. I know I have all the above planned plus arting of course. I never stop 'arting' at this point, it's more then just a job, it's an obsession, a passion...something that I want to do almost all the time. I want to be better and better at what I do. I think about things to do all the time and often get caught up with having several things going on at once because if I have an idea, I start doing it somewhere or in some fashion. Maybe it's starting a new painting, or perhaps its writing a few notes down. Sometimes I'll journal it. Or if it's something I don't have, I stop what I'm doing and go get supplies for it. There in lies the problem...starting and stopping stuff. Not having patience to just wait. Wait to you are done with something else, wait for a better time. I need to get away from the I want it now and want it done now mentality. I have come a long way in some respects. Still others, I have a long way to go.

As I say that, I have learned over the last few months especially that not everything you do equates to instant gratification. Sometimes it's about putting irons in the fire and letting things percolate. You have to build your business, build your customer base, but most of all you have to build on your skills. None of which happens overnight....but you must do it to have sustainable growth in all aspects of your life. Those that rush into things hot and heavy and at a sprinter's speed often crash and burn. I don't want to do that professionally or personally.


Sustainable growth, patience to build and learn everyday whether or not you can see tangible results right then and there....and remembering that good things happen to those who are patient. I should also say that good things happen when you take time out to breathe. It's very easy to get caught up in the mentality that you must work. all. the. time. I feel it, believe me. The pressure is on...but at the same time, I need to get out there and spend time with the kids, meet up for coffee or lunch with a friend, heck even go out and enjoy an evening on the town here or there. I've been trying to fit in all of those things weekly although the nights on the town are few and far between. I just don't do that much. I'm glad I did this week, I met some interesting people that I'd love to catch up with again. I had fun meeting with one of my best friends for lunch. Josh and I enjoyed a evening watching movies and eating popcorn. Practice yes. Take a break, too....all very necessary. With that said, I'm going to a Christmas party at the shop which represents a large amount of my work and it's going to be great.....even more of my friends will be there this year, more friends because I've made more friends this year and more because several of my local artists friends are now represented by this growing shop in town. Maybe I'll even meet new friends.....who knows what this break tonight will lead to.

(featuring a new commission I did for a customer this week:)

If you are interested in a custom order, please email me at jodiohl@hotmail.com! I love commission pieces :)))) (even though they stress me out!!haha)

Have a great Friday!! xoxo Jodi

Morning After Day One Challenge: Letterific!

2011-12-15T13:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday Friends!

Today's the official first day of my challenge to work in my journal and post on my blog "The Morning After" and I have to admit it was hard for me today to muster up the energy to finish my pieces from the night before because...well....I had a big time last night celebrating my birthday with a friend of mine. Just being honest. LOL Normally I don't go out during the week but it sounded like a good plan and since I'm the boss and I hardly take any days off....I said what the heck and I'm glad I did because I had a lot of fun and it was good to get out of the studio and talk to someone other than myself!

So my project for the last couple of weeks has been to work through the alphabet, creating funky black and white doodle letters. I completed letter O and P yesterday::

My goal is to finish all of the letters before the end of December and then to work through doing bigger pieces in color on watercolor paper and use those to sell in my Etsy shop. I think they would be so cute to hang up in your studio or to offer as custom orders. What do you think? If you are stuck on a subject to work with in your journal, why not try working through your own alphabet and see where it takes you. I bet you'll have a blast and love the ideas that come to you. Try to challenge yourself to make up new patterns of your own or create different patterns with each letter. When I'm stuck for inspiration, I go to this site and peruse the designs: Tangle Patterns

Just for a little color I wanted to show you a separate page I did on Tuesday. I have another goal of working through a big canson watercolor pad 11 x 15 with all separate pages of doodle designs. Once finished I may send them in to get published...who knows what will happen, right? What's the worse that could happen? They are going to either say yes, or say no..and if you don't try at all....it's a definite no! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

Window Shopping:

I totally get how busy this time of year is so if you are too busy to play along every day, no worries. If you can take ten minutes out to journal each day and that is it....FANTASTIC...it's better than nothing at all. I have a ton of things to do today and I got a late start so I'm going to close by saying this--have no fear when creating, even your biggest mistakes can turn into the best opportunities. Just do it.

xoxo Jodi

Update...Morning After Challenge

2011-12-14T18:56:00.000-05:00

Here's the challenge....

I'm hoping you will join in with me in my "Morning After Challenge" which is to create a page in a journal, or a tip in page (loose page) for the next 30 days and post it on your blog. Please leave a comment on the daily post here if you've made a page so I can come visit you!   Why do this right now in the midst of holiday craziness? That's exactly why...to wind down, to let it all out, release some stress...to get some ME time...to practice and then practice some more...

Other good reasons to join along:   Do you have some ideas percolating and just need to get out? Do you want to practice a technique whether its doodling or watercolors, collage, or painting...whatev' it's all good and there's no pressure, just create and say whatever is on your mind!

...I have some ideas I need to get out....I love to write....I want to be more regular blogging, and I need to develop some good repetitive habits that will help me launch BIGGER ideas.

                                                   Why call it "The Morning After Challenge" ?
Well, I'm all about cozying up on the couch in the winter time late at night while it's all quiet and putting some thoughts down on the page, even penciling in some ideas, maybe even using a pen or ink to the page and then the morning after when I wake up...I grab a cuppa joe and color in the page and tweak it a bit and wallah...I have a sweet journal page without much discourse of the regularly programmed schedule. Think of it it as your late night and morning pages :) Doing a little at night and a little in the morning makes it doable...YOU CAN DO THIS!

Who knows where this will lead to...new ideas, less stress, fine tuning your skills, maybe even publishing or building a body of work to make prints of for sales.....but most of all...it's just to enjoy :)

I created a smaller badge for you to use if you like...please post a link to this blog post if you use it. I wish I could give you some code but I have no clue how to do that..lol. There are some things I'm still learning.
                        Morning After Badge:

.My pages from today and the last couple of days in case you missed them:

Looking forward to seeing what the next month brings for all of us that participate!! Until we meet again, create to live, and live to create! xoxo Jodi

The Morning After Challenge

2011-12-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

So its the day after my birthday and I'm feeling good still. Not sure what I expected as I head further into my 40's then I'd like to be....but I still feel the same as I did 10 years ago. Heck, 12 or 15 years ago. Maybe a little wiser. Maybe a little more wrinkles. Maybe a little more sure of myself. Maybe a me with a little more direction then I had back then.

Sure, I was always career orientated and I was raising my boys back then and still am today--but I find that I've finally found my grove with most things. I know somewhat where I want to go and I have a pretty good idea on how I want to get there. I know who I want to be and I am always trying to improve upon all the above.

I 'm pretty proud that at the end of 2010, I decided that 2011 was going to be the year that I did 'it'. Resign or take an extended break from my day job and pursue my art full time. 2012 is going to be about fine tuning my business, making sure I have income streams coming in on a regular basis and just really get much better and efficient at what I do. It's time to add some more goals to my list for 2012 and there are a couple of things I'd like to either put in the works or do this coming year. I'd like to write a book and I'd like to travel overseas to conduct a workshop and also travel to create....just create for me.....create for inspiration.

As I created this page last night I was staring at my Christmas tree to the left of my couch, front and center of our living room and baby boy was to my right. He says Mom, I'm pretty proud of what we did together. The house looks good and our tree is beautiful. I smiled on the inside and outside. It's those little moments that make the difference in the world and truly MAKE up your world. The big moments are few and far between. I wrote down some goals and put out there that I do want to move ahead with my personal life. I've put that on hold too long too as I recovered from the many disappointments, heartbreak, drama, and truly abuse on a lot of different fronts. And despite a few hiccups and wrong decisions I"ve made over this last year.....it's finally put me in a place where I'm ready to move on with my WHOLE life, not just my career and passion.

It may be a challenge to balance it all...but that's what I do best.

Speaking of challenges. I'm going to try to do a page in my journal, or a tip in page (loose page) for the next 30 days and post it here on my blog. For several reasons....I have some ideas I need to get out....I love to write....I want to be more regular blogging, and I need to develop some good repetitive habits that will help me launch BIGGER ideas.

Join along if you will. I'm calling it the Morning After Challenge.

Why morning after? Well, I've found for me I can make this happen by starting my journal page late at night while watching tv....and then the morning after I color it in and tweak it. That's how I've been managing to get them done. If you decide to join in, please post a link to your blog on a comment so I can visit you!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's page...this is going to be fun!

And what else am I doing today? I'm working on ideas, samples, and plans for new classes at retreats across the country....stay tuned for more details as I (hopefully) get accepted to new ones...and stay tuned for my new pages to have links of my schedule. (Another one of my plans is to finish updating my blog pages and start a website....whoohooo!! So much to do, 24 hours to do it. Make the most of your day, each and every day :))

xoxo Jodi

Update--here's a smaller blog button to use:

Reflection in a Doodle

2011-12-12T19:59:00.002-05:00

Well...I bet you thought I feel off the face of the earth....didn't you? No, not at all...I've just been hibernating a bit doing some couch art. haha...that could be a great new series of work...what can we create while cozied up in our blankies (or snuggies;) watching a little tv or listening to music. Perfect winter down time activities :)

Ever since I bought a set of Peerless Watercolors from Joanne Sharpe, I've been inspired to doodle a bit and create some funky pages in my journal. Joanne is a firecracker to be around, love her! She is good people ;) and she is offering a new class around her wonderful lettering and and coloring techniques in February but the registration is now open. RUN don't walk to her blog and see what all the hub bub is about!

I've been working on creating a funk alphabet and fun illustrations for a local class (at Swank in Southern Pines) of my own as well as for Tamara Laporte's Life Book course (which is only a FEW weeks away!!) I'll be doing a few different segments over the course of the year and one of the courses will be on doodle pages!

I've finally had a chance over the last few days to catch my breath after 2 months full of shows, demos, meetings, workshops and more. My new morning routine is to work in my journal for an hour or more...sometimes I start the page the night before....

And then color it in the next day. Look what a little bit of color can do to your page. Playing with the design, practicing lettering, work on my drawing sketching...all part of the fun.

It's also given me time to think and ponder what I want to do over the next year, where do I want to be at this time next year....what do I need to do to get there? Taking stock of your aspirations give you inspiration to move forward. Leave the baggage behind. Don't let anyone hold you down or make you feel less then worth it...because you are and you are able to become anything your heart desires.

Tomorrow marks another turning point, changing of the age if you will....another good time to take stock...not just in my professional life, but my personal life...if you want to call it that. It's time to not be an option, but to be a priority....to not be second best to anything or anyone but to be top of the list or higher. I've wasted 7 years of my life being less then worthy, walked on walked over, and even though I've moved on.....I truly have, I find myself willing to compromise when I shouldn't. So yes, this year-I will be sure to move my career forward and to become worthy of being a priority. It's all in your head (my head). I always was and YOU are as well...but it's easy to make compromises or fall back in the same routine if you are not careful. Make 2012 a year where YOU rise above and conquer fears, overcome obstacles, stretch your self in many ways, and not accept anything less then you deserve.

Hope you enjoy a creative week and are having a wonderful holiday season.

SPECIAL Alert!

2011-11-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Special NEWSLETTER just posted--be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of my latest updates!

(just a sneak peek at what's inside.....click the link HERE to view the article!)

Hope everyone's Turkey hangover has subsided and you are ready for another GREAT week ahead!

I'm still recovering.....my purchase of a super soft extra squishy pillow was my most treasured goody I found this weekend while out and about. zzzzzzz it had me at snooze ;)

Have a creative and joyful week ahead!!!

xoxo

Jodi

The Day After The Day After

2011-11-26T09:50:00.001-05:00

Happy Small Business Saturday!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed the company of family and friends as well as having a bountiful table full of goodness before them.

I so enjoyed having my boys together, my oldest lives in Myrtle Beach so our times together are getting further and further a part since he is growing up and not into coming to Moms every other weekend anymore. :( But we all had a grand time cooking and playing and shopping together this weekend.

Yes we did go out at 1:00 am to shop on Black Friday and it was fun, almost like a sport and surprisingly enough because we went just after everything opened we didn't encounter lines that were that long. Picked up a few deals and got the shopping season started with a bang :)

But today is the day that hopefully everyone will consider staying local and shop with your mom and pop shop, local crafter, online or other wise--artist and small business owner. Step out and travel down town, take a peak at what Etsy has to offer and support those that are making a living on their own and who count on your support to survive.

In honor of Thanksgiving and my gratitude to you, I had a giveaway for simply making a comment on one of my posts here on blogger, and my two facebook pages. I took all the names and drew a winner this morning and drum roll please.....the winner is:

Carlanda Brown Williamson thank you jodi. i am thankful for family and friends and health and art! i love the little villages and your girls. xo
Congratulations Carlanda---I appreciate you playing along and all of your support throughout the year!
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Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I 'll be working feverishly to get ready for my show at the Lark Artists Handmade Holiday show next Saturday in Asheboro. 11-5 at the Exchange in downtown Asheboro. Tomorrow I will be heading up to Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh for a FREE demo using the Matisse brand of paint which is sold exclusively at Jerry's and is just as good if not better than Golden paint! (and less expensive which we love....) so if you are in the neighborhood, stop by and see me between 1-3!

With love and gratitude, Jodi Ohl

A THANK YOU!!! Gratitude Giveaway!

2011-11-24T11:18:00.001-05:00

It's been a great month...November, thank you for all the adventures you bestowed.

Thank you...for following along and cheering me along the way, I am uplifted because of you.

These last few months have been so rewarding, I'm glad I've had the opportunity to step outside of the corporate world and make a living from my own two hands and the ideas that unfold from within. While life is uncertain, I am at peace and loving my choice that was made.

Taking time out to 'be there' just be there...and be able to be there....removes so much anxiety I've had at home over the last few years that had been intensifying as my responsibilities on the job grew. Now I'm able to be a Mom again first and foremost.

I'm grateful for sons that are growing into people that I am constantly amazed by, laugh with, enjoy to be around, and love so deeply. Life is good.

I want to share my love for my artsy friends and followers...while I am not having a black Friday sale, I do want to offer a 25.00 gift certificate to my shop:

Simply leave a comment and tell me what you are thankful for this year big or small....we all gain joy from hearing about goodness and gratitude.....And if you can visit my shop and share the love of your favorite item on facebook or your blog, that would be wonderful (not necessary to win however the comment is :).

As I leave you today, remember there are angels everywhere....you have an opportunity every day to be one on earth as well.....give to others without expecting anything else in return and your life

will be rich beyond words.

Love unconditionally simply and sweet...

It's not just the big moments in life we have to be thankful for...it's the little ones as well.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours......Thank YOU for being there. Enjoy!

COMMENTS taken through Friday and drawn late at night so you can enjoy your gifty this weekend !

25.00 gift certificate to my shop can be used at anytime :)

Fearless Faux Encaustic Winner and other Art Everyday Goodness

2011-11-08T08:18:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe less than a week away, my relaunch of FEARLESS FAUX ENCAUSTIC workshop will be live (November 14th, 2011)! I'm so excited to be sharing this workshop with all my friends, those I know and the friends I have yet to meet. This class promises to lead you through making a collaged painting, full of juicy layers and delightful mystery as we encase our work with a fun mixture of mediums that mimic encaustic painting. ....no it doesn't smell as sweet as honey like encaustic does, but you will be sweet with artsy goodness for all that you will learn over the course of the videos and PDF files! :)

To check out some snippits of the class, click on the video and enjoy!

To celebrate the opening of this class, I offered a giveaway for a class tuition and we now have a winner!! Wooohoooo.....I apologize its a few days late though, I didn't plan the dates well enough as I was out of town for the last few days attending the wedding of my beautiful cousin in Rochester, NY. Take a look at a couple of snapshots....

Sniff Sniff...I remember when Julie was a wee one and kept asking all of her cousins and really anyone that would listen if she could be in our wedding.....when were we going to get married, when were we going to have kids.....and here she is now, all 'growd' up looking radiant as ever and about to start a life of her own with her handsome husband.

.....oh yes we were just about to reveal the Winner of the giveaway....is it you???? Well if you are this person , then you are the lucky winner"

francine said...: Hi Jodi, first of all I love your work and seeing all these great artists has taken a lot of my fear out of doing my own artwork I was always afraid to do art, even though it was always in me, and now I am doing it! Thanks!
2:30 PM

Congratulations Francine!!! Doing the happy dance as I send goodness your way :) Please send my you email address so we can send you an invite to the workshop next Monday!!
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Even though the contest is over, the registration for the class is ongoing so don't fear--in fact, live fearlessly and try something new with me! You will have 24/7 access to the videos and content while a student AND the class is guaranteed to be up for a year, total cost for the class ends up being less then 20 cents a day!! How can you beat that? Stop over to Creative Workshops for more details.
Creative Workshops
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In addition to having a wonderful but short visit with my family (ohhh how I miss them soooo much!), i did bring some art supplies with me but the one I ended up using the most was my camera....It's Art Everyday Month over at Creative Everyday. I enjoy this challenge every year because it really sets the tone for the new year. By reigniting the creative flame by simply creating every day, you will be amazed to see how much you can accomplish in the span of a month with little investment (can be as small as 10 minute increments) or as much as you can spare (a 3 hour journal fest or 5 hour paint splash would be heavenly). Anyway with being away I really just used my camera to extend my creative voice.....take a look (plus see pics above;):

Perspective can change the whole look of a photo:
I'm trying to pay attention to light sources and opportunities to capture a unique reflection:
Taking a moment to decide where to shoot from to take advantage of natural juxtapositions :; And just being ready to snap a moment that would have otherwise been lost.....it doesn't have to be a grand scene to say a lot about that moment.

So there you have it...some pics from this last week, the first week of November and the first week of Art Everyday Month.

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One last mention and this is a BIG one....oh my, Tamara Laporte just sent out the line up and class schedule for her Lifebook course that is starting January 2012 and it is JAM...I mean JAMMMMMM packed full of events, lessons, interviews, videos, prompts, ezine, and more........you will be missing out BIG time if you bypass this workshop!! I'm honored to be teaching 3 different lessons and doing an interview with Tamara during the course of the year as well as playing along!! If you haven't seen what all the fuss is about, be sure to click the image to be taken to the Lifebook page...you won't regret it!!

Click here to view more details

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Well that's all she wrote for now...I'm off to clean the studio, unpack from my trip and make way for one heck of a creative day....hope you enjoy yours! Cheers!!