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Friday, January 02, 2015

Creating Good Habits and a Giveaway!

There's so many things in 2015 I want to do both professionally and personally, one resolution hardly seems like enough to cover all the bases, does it?     I think I've done a lot of things right in 2014, but what I want to do more of this year  is to focus on the things that make my heart sing, projects or activities that don't stress me out or cause me to run circles around myself, and focus on making room for doors to open up to the  bigger and better adventures.

If I had to pick one word that could encompass a lot of different things it would be:  Flourish.

This word is especially meaningful because it actually is part of a title of my new friend, Julie Kaminski's book in which she used one of my paintings as the cover photo. (How cool is THAT!!!)



I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I want 2015 to look like over the last several weeks and I'm still thinking of possibilities. In some ways, I feel under the gun to decide what I want and how I want to get there right now, today. It's 2015 already for cryin' out loud!  But life doesn't work that way, does it? We are constantly changing, evolving....the pieces and parts in front of us are always changing like a kaleidoscope of opportunities.  I do know that I have come a lot further than I ever thought I could and there's more to come. Rather than beat myself up for what's not done or hasn't been decided, I'm going to just do my best, each and every day...with an eye to a future full of possibilities.

I mentioned in my last post, I want to paint bigger paintings more often. I'm doing that right now. I'm actually working on a large painting for Julie (mentioned above) so she can have her own version of the "flourishing home" in her lovely and 'flourshing home".  It's a 36 x 36 so quite a lot of work and many details to cover...but it's so gratifying seeing it come to life.   I hope to have it finished in the next couple of weeks if not sooner.

In the plans and actually already started, is a major de-cluttering of my studio. I have a new table and lots of new toys but at the same time, if I can't find what I'm doing or have room to move around my space, it's hard to stay inspired and efficient!  Efficient is more the problem rather than inspired. There's enough of that certainly but when time is wasted finding things, it's more than frustrating!  Bye bye to messy clutter!


I spend a lot of time working admittedly but I also love spending time with my boys who are the light of my life.  Josh (on the left) and I made a New Years resolution this year to be more spontaneous and to do...DO..more fun things together.  What's up first? I think we need to take off for a weekend anywhere and just have fun doing something different.   I want lots of those weekends, days, and hours to be a part of our life in 2015 and beyond.

 and more time with friends doing spontaneous things. Here I am with one of my besties on a day trip to NYC on our way to 'somewhere'. :)

Painting on my canvas is fun and I love it don't get me wrong, but I also want to make more time for trying out totally new ideas and just experiment.  After all, you never know when you are going to uncover an idea that will be life changing.    These little guys are one of my experiments from last month that I want to keep exploring.    Who knows what's next!
I also want to get back to more writing of articles and tutorials in 2015.  I love to write about art and show others not just in a classroom setting but through articles and blog posts how to do some 'coolio' things!   Here's a sneak peek at some pieces and parts for an article coming out in Cloth Paper Scissors soon using TintIT sprays and Grafixarts supplies for my project.  I love trying new art supplies so be watching for tons of new projects coming up featuring products from  some of the sponsor companies I work with for classes!
Here's a peek at another new product I received from my friends at Colourarte.com to try sample and come up with some projects with.    These are Radiant Gels. Think modeling paste but in a gel form with color. Dimensional paint with the same hues you've come to love with Silks Acrylics and Twinkling H20s. Now you can get even more texture and dimension with these!




Speaking of writing, another goal of mine is to take the 'book' ideas I have in my head and actually send out proposals to my favorite publisher.  Who knows if anything will come of it. I did take the first step to get all the information I needed to get started, now I need to just clear my slate so I have time to focus on what's really important to me. In 2015 I will do just that.  I'm not sure what topic I'm going to submit, as I have a couple of very different ideas....it's hard to know which direction to go but I'm sure I will figure it out.   Is there anything you'd love to see me write about in a book?? Curious minds wanna know!

I think I've mentioned in previous posts how much I'm loving abstracts and have created a lot of really interesting and fun pieces in 2014.  I've been busy exploring ideas behind the scenes for a new collection and a new class just on abstract composition.  This piece is one that sort of exemplifies some of the ideas I've been exploring.  What do you think?

In the winter time I love to draw. I love to draw anytime really but especially when it's too cold outside to do much. These pieces I'm going to show you are drawings but they are DIGITAL drawings. In the process of cleaning out my studio, I uncovered (aka unburied) my wacom Bamboo pentablet and remembered that I had a goal last year that I really didn't follow through on to explore digital drawings and compositions.  I did several in December which were super fun to do--take a look:
A digital portrait and layered collage...

 A fun little sketch exercise from a magazine ad (again, digital sketch)

A digital design created with my own photos then 'painted' in my digital program.
Digital drawing collage that I worked through to try to get some painting composition ideas.
And more facial parts sketches (digital). I did this yesterday while waiting for one of my videos to render.   I'm not very good at committing to things for more than a couple of weeks when it comes to creative challenges on one topic but I'm going to do my best to take January and continue to explore what I can do with my 'toys' and hopefully it jumpstarts more ideas for future projects and really, just help me become, well...better.

So those are just a few ideas I have for 2015..there's plenty more but I need to save some info for future blog posts and articles...after all, that's one of my goals to do more of in the coming year for YOU and for ME :)

**************************

What are you going to do more of? Less of? Learn in 2015? Bring into your life?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and and anything you'd like to see from me either class wise, article, tutorial, or ummm..BOOK wise!

Share your thoughts and I'll enter you in my giveaway for a 2015 goodie box of fun inspirational art supplies, magazines, or other creative stuff from some of the companies mentioned in this post.
*I'll be sure to include enough goodies to make the package worth over $50.00 probably a lot more! (hey I'm letting go of stuff in 2015, right?  My stash can be your stash too ...lol)

I'll take entries from now until Sunday evening. 
Share this post and come back to comment for another entry!

Oh BTW--Icreatflix.com has extended their 25 % promotion using code:  New Year 2015 until January 4th. It is a site wide promotion but if you want to see my classes over there, click here for more info!

Until Next Time,  Make Today Count!
Jodi

79 comments :

Sheila said...

WOW Jodi! Loved this post, your energy and enthusiasm is inspiring!My brother gave me a book on digital painting for Christmas, and I am looking forward to playing and learning :) I would love to see tutorials from you :) Your style is so playful and free. FUN! Have a joyful 2015 :)

CRITICAL ART CONNECTION said...

My goal for the New Year is to try and work outside my safe zone. Your blog is a constant inspiration for me to try more and go outside the box.

It's Sunny on the Eastern Shore said...

Love your post, Jodi. As always, you are an inspiration. Your Gelli class at Create 2013 (?) was the first art/crafts class I had ever taken and now I can't get enough.

2014 was a rough year for me in some ways, although I expanded my art play enormously. I tried a lot of new techniques in the past year and even hosted a Crafty Open House where I invited friends in to use my supplies & tools. My husband made snacks and played music in the background. While our guests had many options available, every single person honed in on the Gelli plates. I channeled my inner Jodi to give each arrival a quick lesson on what they could do with Gelli plates and then set them loose. Awesome fun.

Thanks so much for welcoming my on this journey!

JE said...

I want to DO this year...I've spent enough time looking and learning and now just to DO it! I would love to see a list of items that can sustitute for other items...i.e, matte medium > watered down white glue? > mod podge (watch out for stickiness) ...etc.
Have a great year!

Mary Hurlburt said...

I'm still contemplating what I want my 2015 to be. I've been saying for some time that I want to narrow down my art interests to one or two things and then concentrate on those things. Maybe this will be the year, but then something interesting comes along and I'm off again.

Karen said...

Great blog post! Happy New Year!! Got my feathers today and I love em!

Robin Panzer Art said...

Wonderful post Jodi. 2015 came up so fast and I have so much I want to accomplish this year and it starts with a fine arts gallery show in March and an Artist Studio tour in April so first things first I have to create enough pieces for both events, this will keep me burning the midnight oil for sure. It's a different focus for me this year for the last 3 years I've created as many commissions as I could possibly fit in my schedule, scheduling them 2 years in advance and while flattering to be in demand it has kept me only creating one type of art and I'm feeling ready to blossom out further so I scheduled these shows to allow me to create some new things of my own inkling and I'm so excited. I also want to experiment with burning paper...yep burning to create art, the ideas have been burning in my brain for a year now and I can't wait to get to it! Thanks for sharing! What a great giveaway!

Giggles said...

Wonderful post I love every style of art you share...your use of colour always has me in awe! I think you have so much information to share of all the different styles...I'd be first to buy a book for sure!! You probably have a series of books in you! I'd love to take some of your classes but they are a little over my budget!! For me this year I plan on compiling things I've done already, that's my big goal for the year!! Happy New Year to you, I hope your year is abundant in good health, wealth and joy!! Your boys are adorable and so are you and your friend!! Awesome studio too!! Thanks for sharing all your hopes and dreams!!

Hugs Giggles

Unknown said...

Love what you have to say about future ventures. I am planning on two shows that have already been booked. I really want to experiment with different media combined with acrylics to see what happens. 2015 is going to be an adventure for me and you seems.

Diane Humphrys said...

Loved the post, Jodi! My goal is to be creative everyday and pass on all the wonderful ideas and techniques I've learned to my art camp students.

Lanie said...

I just want to create more! This was a beautiful post!

Lanie J. said...

I shared on my Facebook page here... https://www.facebook.com/LanieJAndCo?fref=nf

Gabriele said...

My goal is to give more Nana workshops and trust more in my own creativity and artwork. I love to teach voluntary needy people.

Anonymous said...

My goal is to NOT travel so much and focus on putting my life back in order. My 2014 word was THRIVE; I'm going to carry it over. I might have thrived in my art, but the rest of my life needs work, AND, I need to stay home long enough to do some art and maybe find my own voice.
Love your in person and online workshops and can't wait for Podtastic to start!!

brenda bliss said...

Wow..2015 is already here....my studio is in such a mess...first I will clear out all of the Old stuff! Time for new and exciting! And my goal is to create at least 3 times a week....
What I would love to see from you my friend are mini urges--urging us to use color, feelings, supplies...just a gentle nudge.....

Jo Anne O. said...

I love the whole flourish prompt, I had been trying to come up with one for a themed journal I am about to start, but it is hard to come up with just one word! flourish seems to hit the mark on so many levels! I am totally into abstract, so love seeing your work! Thank you for being a constant inspiration!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm back, I posted this on my FB timeline. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.ovenden/posts/10205340939541962?notif_t=like

katilady said...

i posted on facebook as well!

my word for the year is DISTILL. I want to let the extraneous evaporate into the ether, so that the magic of what remains is more potent and has room to shine. to that end, i have been letting stuff go and focusing on the stuff that's important!

Unknown said...

Awesomeness Jodi,
My goal for 2015 is to meet you in person and take one of your great classes!! I have been watching you blossom into an amazing artist and am so envious of your motivation! Hope my dream comes true! You are an inspiration to us all! :)

Unknown said...

Shared your post on my page ~ thanks Jodi!

Janet Hickey said...

2014 was a year full of activities related to moving from GA to NC. I'm 80% complete in unpacking my supplies - yeah. I took time out to take classes at Random Arts (thanks) and complete a few projects. I'm anticipating an outstanding 2015, learning new techniques and new supplies.

KimC said...

Personally, I love more abstract paintings and things. That would be my suggestion for your upcoming books...yes, plural. Love the idea of one abstract (pods and such) and another more whimsical, then perhaps one on faces too! Would love and my fingers are crossed for your give away....lol! I need to clean up and clear out. I need help though! I just get stuff and never delete stuff, I can't function in my room as it is. My goal this year is to get into my room and do some playing!

KimC said...

I shared your post for other friends to check out your art and perhaps win the giveaway....though, I am keeping MY fingers crossed! LOL! Happy New Year every one! Jodi, hope you reach the goals you've set for yourself this year! xoxoxo

Louise said...

Flourish is a great word and these words have so much power- we really can manifest our dreams. I love your work Jodi it is very inspirational.

Tricia said...

I'm going to get more exercise, more creating art....less worrying and less staying inside. More positive affirmations too!
Thanks for the chance!

Tricia said...

Posted link on my FB ;)

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this. It is clear I have not come to a place where I can clearly define my goals. My principal ambition for 2015 is to live more outside my mind. I am constantly thinking about what I could be doing but not committing to it. Completing visions. Sums it up.

Karen Balon Art said...

Great blog post! My goal this year is to bring more PLAY into the studio. Experiment and Explore. Also, to let go off perfection and that critical voice in my head. Which is why I signed up to do the Painterly in Pink course as it's a completely different genre and medium then I am use to working.
Looking forward to a playful creative 2015! :-)

KarenS said...

I want to continue exploring watercolor, including making watercolor pages to use for collage.

Annie Hooten - Art With Heart said...

So much of what you have written resonates with not only me but I'm sure anyone who reads your wise words. There are so many things in my head and ideas I want to explore that at times I feel overwhelmed and can't even figure out where to start. So this year I am going to take many deep breaths, center myself, try new ideas, not be afraid of failure, and enjoy every artistic moment I can find in the day.

rebecca said...

When I first started reading your blog you had not yet left your day job - it has been such a treat to follow your growth! Makes me believe in possibilities.

This year I'm not counting how much I get done - what is important is how much I learn. I want to experiment more - not putting the full face into the frame - working with individual features - working with expression - and perhaps return to abstracts, which is where I started. I've been painting with watercolors and acrylics and dancing around working with oils...just maybe...

Terri H said...

I am going to do more "doing" and less reading, investigating and thinking this year!!

Anita Tillman said...

I'm going to do more art and be braver ... I chicken out of things way too much and end up missing out! I would love to see maybe a Jodi Ohl journal class showing off your layering and fun bright colours!

Anita Tillman said...

oh and I'm back to say I've shared on FB!

Unknown said...

I want to continue doing daily paintings, even if they are small. This year I want to focus on less, like your studio, mine is over flowing into the living room and spare room. Time to share those items so someone else can get inspired.

Unknown said...

Hi Jodi,
What about a book on drawing Mix Media Faces. I've seen you do a variety of different faces ranging from cartoon like to very realistic. I think a book that focuses on different face styles might be really fun. You can do one that focuses on faces in art journals and in paintings.

Unknown said...

Wonderful give away! I hope to get organized and create more in 2015! Happy New Year!

ann @ Whimsyville said...

Jodi - glad you have decided to proposal a book. Best wishes, the lucky acquisitions team ! I am planning on spending 2015 developing a series with more depth. I do most things one at a time - which sometimes is fine - but it doesn't lend itself to lots of depth. I hope all of your plans work for you ! Happy 2015.

Unknown said...

2015 is the year I'm going to take more RISKS. I want to start art journaling, playing with layering paint, stencils, ink etc (I guess that means I have to buy more art supplies!). I also want to start selling some of my work- I'll probably start with a craft fair or 2. I look forward to seeing you at Art is You in Oct!

Jacqueline Smith said...

My goal for 2015 is to create for the joy of creating instead of doing it for someone else. I want to try new things like how to do faces. I have signed up for a lot of online courses and now want to finished them. Happy New Year Jodi!! Can't wait for your new class to start!!

Textile Recycler said...

Thank you for the inspirational post and sharing your work, which I love to look at. My plan for the year is to become more free is my creativity, try new media and be happy with what I've created... in other words, to grow! Happy New Year!

Claudia said...

My word for 2015 is "practice". I think the only way I'm going to get better in my artful endeavors is to practice and play and evolve in what I create. I love the things you make and look forward to seeing how you use the radiant gels. Happy New Year.

Victoria Burgess said...

Great blog this month Jodi. I wish you luck with all your goals and look forward to seeing your books in the future!
I don't necessarily set goals for the new year since it's too easy to break them but I would aspire to working more on my own techniques and writing down more of my creative ideas which I tend to forget if they do not make it to a notepad! :(
Grunge ink has helped reel in my need for control in my artwork. I would like to read about "letting loose" and also the business side of art in your book(s).
Toriburgess@rocketmail.com

anna maria said...

There are so many words that come to mind for 2015 that I can't pick just one - which has always been a bit of a problem in many areas of my life!
So here are few, who says it needs to be just one.
Focus, connect, open, work - and - play.

Em Jane said...

Very fascinating post!! I so hope this year that I will be able to break out of my binding mindset, to not feel so lonely, to be able to create, to have the guts to create the life I would like instead of just following along the path of mediocrity (so 2014!) I haven't been happy so my wish is to be happy through breaking through....

Kathy said...

Shared on fb also. You go, girl, go. Love your art!

marilynn rask said...

My very first was Jodi class. I had so much fun, she is very detailed and I learned so much. As I am a full time caregiver for my husband is has MS and is a parapalegic my time with my art (if you can call it that) is my therapy. So looking forward to any new classes and would love to see you do a new journal class thank you

Unknown said...

This year I am going to take one of your classes, still debating which one. It is so hard to pick! This year I am making my art a priority so I will be doing way more art and way more studying. I am trying to let go of worry and stress.

Anonymous said...

2015 is going to be a huge, difficult, big changing year with many very scary huge decisions to make and follow thru. i am going to rely very heavily on art to get me thru this year. my wod is believe and i need to both believe in myself and that i CAN do this. you are such an amazing, talented, muti-faceted artist that i hope to be able to take some of your classes, finances allowing. thank you so much for the chance to win, i could sure use anything to elp with my goal. my word for 2015 is believe....believe i can get thru 2015, believe in myself (a really hard one) and believe that i can make the right decisions. much love and many hugs. wishing and hoping. xoxoox

lurabrown@gmail.com

donna joy said...

wonderful post and giveaway! my goal for the yr is to de-clutter my house but mostly my art room so i am better able to concentrate on creating, not cleaning.

anna maria said...

I just finished watching the videos for Grunge Ink and really loved the class. Love your art and your teaching style. I'm so inspired and can't wait for my Yupo sheets to arrive from Amazon UK
I've also signed up for Podtastic.
I wanted to leave this comment under the videos but couldn't figure out where. Oh, just remembered there's an FB page. Duh.
I also wanted to give you a heads up that the supply list says "High Flow INKS"....:-)
See you in class.

Jean said...

Wonderful inspiring post! My word is brave. I need to be brave about creating. It is just for me and it does not matter what others think. I must quiet the voices in my head. Thank you for sharing your work. It is inspiring!! Thank you for the chance to win!

Maureen Hayes said...

Hi Sweetie!

You are such an inspiration to me. You have been so brave and really gone for it with both your professional and personal life these past few years and I couldn't be more excited for your successes.

I am trying to go where the peace is in 2015. I am all alone in Atlanta, missing my mom back in NY, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. My birthday is tomorrow (Jan. 4th) and it will be my first with no family or friends around, so I am kinda not looking forward to it.

I hope we all have a happy and healthy 2015!

Maureen Hayes said...

I shared the post and giveaway on FB! Thanks for the additional entry.

lysrian said...

I want to commit to create more this year in maybe about a blog about it.....

Art Expression said...

Great post as always. My goal this year is to do more painting and creating instead of spending all my free time in the internet watching others create. I wish you a Happy New Year!

Art Expression said...

I shared in Facebook =)

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed this as always, Jodi!! I'm still exploring. I love all the different media and want to dip my fingers into everything. Try a little bit of everything. I just bought more clayboard to work on some techniques I learned from you at Create13. Thanks for a chance to win!!!
Marcie Aspras

Anonymous said...

And I posted to Facebook! Marcie Aspras

Anonymous said...

I just want to find time to make art. I always put everything else in front of it…going to try to be so much better this year! Thanks for sharing so much information about yourself and your passion!

PamelaSue
psthompson9@cox.net

Prerna Poojara said...

I am going to create more, be visible more, and embrace my bigness more. I need to get out of my hiding. more love and light is on its way

Mary Hurlburt said...

I shared on facebook.

Magdalena said...

i'm hoping to allow for more simplicity and spontaneity, less mental stuff and more intuitive, and i'd love to explore 'surrender' on even deeper, more intimate levels.

i find everything you do hugely inspiring, so i have no particular wishes or expectations :)

cardamomkisses-at-gmail-dot-com

Theresa Collins said...

Shine. Shine is my word for 2015, moving from "connect" in 2014. I "connected" all the way around from relationships to goals. Now, it's time to Shine.. an example is to Shine every day with a grateful heart and have grace for the not-so great days where I just can't get it all done.. or Shine in a way that makes others want to Shine, too. Shine through my art and my work.. and most importantly, Shine so that my daughter learns to Shine, too :)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the personal note, Jodi. I also shared on Facebook!

Faith W said...

Your post are so inpsiring. I'm a list person so anything including top 10 art supplies to create; 5 quotes to find your inspiration etc would be perfect for me. I'm still looking for my 2015 word. I must admit flourish is a great one. Thanks for seeing the artist in us all.
~Faith

Rebecca said...

I love a fresh start! One thing on my list is to finish some half done projects I've been kicking around for awhile. Oh and to try new things, I say that every year! Happy New Year!

Amy M said...

My words for 2015 are Joy, Gratitude and Balance. Creating is part of that. Thank you for sharing yourself and your art as inspiration.

Cristiana said...

I will try to be much more consistent with my art and creations and to loose behind my laziness! This 2015 will be a fresh start foru mojo!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jodi! My goal and plan this year is to be focused on ME! That will mean head, heart, body and soul. Spending more quality time in my studio will complete this goal with no problem. I am not planning any art retreats this year, but rather focusing on a few on-line courses that I can do on my own time and re-play as needed. I am looking forward to seeing your posts and hopefully taking Podtastic later in the year!

Annette Maloney

Bendy said...

My new resolution for 2015 is to get my hands dirty and enjoy colors and creating again. I recently moved across country for a new job and I'm trying to get used to my new life here. I have not been as creative as I used to be and I've decided that I need to start focusing on my art as it usually makes things better. I recently signed up for both you are grunge class and your twinks class. I found you on YouTube recently and really enjoyed your art. I'm just waiting for my art supplies to come in. I'm really excited to try something new. Thank you for the inspiration.

Karin Husty Art said...

Ahhh 2015. Can't wait to begin a fresh new year. Goal to be more healthy and exercise regularly and creat with abandonment! use up my supplies and stop buying MORE! Take more classes and learn more. Spread my wings and Soar! Yeah. And can't wait for your podcastic class to start on the 7th. Wahoo!

Unknown said...

I have a feeling I am going to be following you a lot more in 2015, which may be awfully distracting! I have been wanting to paint bigger and I do have a show coming up where I have to do wild animals. I was stumped, am still stumped but your creativity is inspiring me. They never said real wild animals. I love your feathers too!

Sarah L said...

My word of the year is flourish too! Thanks for sharing all your projects, one of my main focuses for the year is going to be creating, producing, MAKING. :)

Anonymous said...

Jodi, I've watched you over the last few months and I'm so impressed. You have inspired me to reach out to my artistic side again. I've missed it. So this year, my goal is to begin art journaling and see where that leads me. I've been crocheting and doing needle work but I'm excited to start sketching again, painting and getting my hands dirty. Thank you. Dengler

Ayala Art said...

What a great post, full of eye candy!

clkern@aol.com said...

For 2015, I am using my mother's initials as the "mantra". She was AED and for me that means Art Every Day. I have had a cast on my right hand since November 19, 2014, and that is too long to go without making things. Jan. 1 I went on a two day "Art Bender" and feel much better now!

Unknown said...

Was a winner posted and I missed it? Lol

Jodi Ohl said...

Yes..lol I posted it last night :) The winner is Kim C. :))