Who doesn't love a Bargain--Originals, Prints, Classes and more!

"Coddiwomple"

To Travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination"

-my inspiration for painting almost all of my abstracts, including this piece, 1 of 2 extra large paintings featured below:

I rarely put my shop on sale---but for this weekend only (and today is the last day of the biggest discount) I am making an exception.

 Up to 700 dollars off (yes you heard right!) Whether you have your eye on a few  of my favorite paintings or classes definitely drop by my Etsy shop for a great selection of originals, prints, note cards, bookmarks and workshops!

What are the details?

Thursday and Friday:   20% off my entire shop

Saturday-Monday:  15% off my entire shop

Specials valid November 23-27th, 2017

Tuesday--ooops sorry you missed it so don't delay!! :)

Hope you had a great  Turkey day with friends and family!  Here's to a fun filled shopping weekend ahead! 

Thank you in advance for supporting the arts, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs! 

Jodi

PS-I invite you to sign up for my newsletter where I share inspiration, special deals for subscribers only, words of wisdom and other artsy business a couple times a month.

To join in, simply subscribe by clicking HERE.

Happy Online Birthday !

It's hard to believe that I started teaching online 7 years ago this month!!  Holy cow!  That decision probably is one of the main catalysts that set me off on the path to working full time as an artist.

It was from there I built the confidence to send work off to magazine publishers and have now been featured in close to 30 articles and collaborative ventures internationally.

The teaching, however, has by far my most treasured experience. Through online teaching I have met literally 1000's of students and artists from around the world that have changed my life for the better.  They add to my life far more than I add to theirs.

Leaping from online teaching to face to face teaching around the country and in Canada most recently, I have connected with many that I met first initially online or some that have read about my work in magazines.    It's been so wonderful to meet the face behind the screen friend I have come to know!

Truly amazing how one or decisions in our life can lead to amazing turning points that can forever change us.  

This month my first online class turns 7 .  In celebration of that milestone, I created a special coupon code you can use in my shop as a thank you!

Use coupon code:   happyonlinebirthday from now until June 19th, 2016.

Save 15.00 off any purchase of 99.00 or more (That's the price of my latest class  Dirty Flirty Birds). You can use it for the class or any artwork over that price.. 

Take a look and see if anything speaks to you!

Thank you for following me in this journey!

xoxo

Jodi

Defining Moments in Life and Art

I must have heard something while watching TV the other night that guided me to making this page, I'm sure the words were always in me, it just took a trigger to allow them to flow out.  Creating doesn't always take a linear path as one might think.  There are a lot of moving parts that create the line that forms from the past, present and future.    Some of those little dots in life are what I'm calling "Defining Moments".

Those defining moments are the pivotal points in one's life that shape us into the persons we are today.   For all the good and the bad that may come before us, it is the path that we walk along and the turns we end up taking that shape us.  Most of those moments require faith in something greater than ourselves, if for nothing else, than to give us guidance when there is little else to hold on to.
The strength to overcome adversity or to endure in times when life is moving at a pace greater than the speed of life,  is drawn from where or who?  

Can you think of a few Defining Moments in your life? They don't necessarily have to be traumatic or negative moments. More than likely you have a mix of positive and negative events that have occurred that have shaped you into the person you are today.     I know for myself, I have had many turning points that as I look back on now,  are definitely categorized as the turning points for me.

This piece to the right is a copy of one of my first mixed media art pieces ever.   I remember that is was created during a rather dark period of my life yet there was tons of hope in my stride.  But the ability to shine that light was drawn from wells I never knew existed within me.  

Never assume you know the truth behind one's ability to shine......   Why some persevere and some falter is a mystery, but it often comes from something bigger than ourselves.  

During that time of my life, I decided to turn to art as my saving grace.   I have to believe that I had an angel surrounding me helping me to be brave and carry on.     The art that comes out from my heart and head is recipe from all the ingredients from those defining moments that are sometimes never spoken about or rarely focused on anymore....but they are there.  They will always be there.

The more in tune with yourself and your reason for doing what you do....the easier it becomes to allow that flow to surface during your creative sessions.    Turning your truth and recollection of history into a creative memoir whether it be a painting, poem, or short story, is a calling that is hard to ignore.  You never know when that truth will turn another's life around and become their defining moment in life.  

Until next time,

Jodi
********************************************************************************

New work in the shop!

Get it while it's fresh out of the studio!! ;)

Art Journal: A Vacation at Home

Last night I was working in my studio for the 3rd day in a row....late in the evening, immersed in some journal work and it honestly felt delicious and extremely comforting. I go in phases when working in my journal. I almost always have it out when I'm painting to use as a palette, cleaning off my brushes or stamps right into my journal, but it might take me days, weeks, or months to complete a page.  Not always, but sometimes.   Over the last few days, I completed a bunch of pages though and started a million others. Don't you love when creativity sparks an avalanche of activity??

The outcome of these messy pages are unpredictable. I know that's disconcerting to some.  It's not easy to let go and it's easy to go down the path of what the heck is this page supposed to be.  I rarely have a plan.  I also rarely finish one page at a time, rather I work on multiple pages and multiple books when I am in the journal state of mind.    Pretty much every supply under the sun is fair game, too.   I often use my journal to use up colors or supplies I hadn't tried in awhile.  It's a virtual playground, where ideas ebb and flow.  I do feel guilty sometimes if I indulge too much in playtime.  I have to admit, days off or playtime in general are few and far between for me lately.  I think if you push yourself too far, and place too many unrealistic expectations on yourself in any area of your life,  burn out is inevitable.  Taking time off to do something a bit different than your new routine can be that break you need so that you don't crash and burn.

 So yes, when I can't escape to the tropics, or take a full day off from the studio...art journaling is a little vacation for my mind and my regular day to day tasks.  

I'm grateful for having this outlet to 'think out loud' with, and breathe in and out a bit more slowly.

What do you do to escape from your everyday life or tasks when a vacation is not an option??  I'd love to hear what type of  tools you use to cope and take a break with!

Artfully yours,

Jodi

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

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop!  Back in December I had around 40 items listed but for the new year, I had a goal to increase that to 80--well now I'm pushing almost 100 items now!!! Lots of new items and even a few supplies!!

And New Note cards

Wait until you see this!! UNBELIEVABLE Limited Edition Giclee Print!

With a very exclusive print run of 50 for this size (24 x 36), you don't want to miss out on this spectacular piece for a fraction of what an original would cost yet enjoy an amazing reproduction that shows an amazing amount of texture and detail similar to that of the original.

Keeping Up With Change

It's funny,  I was sitting here this morning  putting some of my admin schtuff into my computer/spreadsheets and I was looking at the date of the month as if I was looking at it for the first time in weeks.  

February 19th, 2015

No no no...it can't be almost the end of February already! I was supposed to accomplish so much during the quiet of winter when I was not traveling so much.

Instead, most of the winter has been super busy which is a good thing but it's also been a time when I have been seriously in need of rest and just haven't been getting it the way I should.   I've been working in overdrive trying to make up for some business I no longer would be able to count on , and another opportunity I was no longer going to be a part of..and for the most part I pretty much made up for most of the lost income in a matter of 2 months which is a good thing..very good thing.

 It means I can breathe easier. It also means that while I was busy filling in the gaps, I also steered off course from what I intended to do with this down time and now I'm trying to figure out how to seriously catch up so I don't miss out on some other things I wanted to do this winter.

Can ever one catch up when life changes on you?  Or do you just pick up the pieces and follow the new course and set aside those old plans because maybe they weren't meant to be for you, right here, right now?

It's a vicious cycle trying to play catch up all the time. 

It doesn't make you feel good about yourself.

I don't like feeling scattered or not being able to follow through on some things I promised to myself.

After I have my own little pity party, I am able to wake up and realize, nothing stays the same. Life doesn't always go as you planned but most often it heads you down a path you should be on, one way or another.    I'm starting to come to terms with change.

Change comes in many shapes and forms.  

It can be in the form of surroundings,   job, friends, love,  even skill sets can change. You can do a better job at what you do or you can turn a 180 mix things up altogether.  hmmm.

Embracing change without letting it overwhelm you is the key I believe.   I just don't have an answer on how to do that day in and day out.   Most of the time, the way I deal with change is to escape in my studio to work out the details on the canvas while I paint my life in my head.  if that makes sense.

How do you come to terms with change?

How do you cope with changing courses in your career or personal life?

How do you get the rest you need when life is buzzing around you pulling you in different directions?

Nothing prolific today...just artsy and personal musings on the table while I drink yet another cup of coffee:) and think  write out loud.

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

Stop by the shop and see what's new this week!

Sale On Online Classes and a Question for YOU

Just a little heads up-I'm having a SWEET sale over at Creative Workshops from now until 2/14/15!

Save up to 15%

I started teaching at Creative Workshops  around 2007--can you believe that?    Since that time, I've had the pleasure of working with 1000's of students from around the world.  Pinch me!   It's been a great experience.    Many of these workshops are some of my first classes so they are great for beginners in collage,  acrylic painting,  faces, journaling and more.   

*Each workshop over at Creative Workshop (mine and others)  are lifetime of access, which means until the teacher retires the class you have unlimited access.  Most keep their classes up for several years as long as it's selling regularly. 

Believe in yourself

We are also including a GREAT special for my newest class,  a fun INTENSIVE course, "Podtastic". Intensive in a good way. It's not hard, but there are plenty of exercises to get you warmed up to the main event which is 2 full sized paintings. I'm also sending in this week a bonus lesson where you can watch me paint a circular pod painting from start to finish..so really you will have tons of journal and color mixing exercises along with 3 full size painting exercises.  Right now there are 25 videos and approx 5-6 hours of content.   

For more information, click HERE.

In addition to the workshops over at Creative Work Shops, I also teach classes at  icreateflix.com

Icreateflix.com  hosts 3 full length classes of mine including my hugely popular "Funky Little City Scapes"

And one of my newest contemporary abstract painting classes, "Grunge Ink"

A sample of one of the exercises "Graffiti Landscape"

*Classes over at Icreateflix.com (mine and others) are for lifetime access, which like Creative Workshops means you have access for as long as the class remains up by the instructor (or host).   My first class over at Icreateflix.com is going on 2 years of access for the students!

Sample piece from my class, Twinks on Yupo.

Last but not least, I also feature classes over at Colourarte , who is the manufacturer of popular art supplies such as the water colors, Twinkling H20's,  Silks Acrylics, and the newest line of Radiant Gels.  These classes use products from Colourarte in addition to other widely used mixed media supplies for the projects.

Did I mention that each of the students that join in on my classes over at Colourarte receive a 30.00 coupon for product at their shop so you can purchase and get familiar with their supplies! 

*Each class is a 12 month subscription*

Here's a sample from a couple of classes over at Colourarte:

Extreme Portraits

Take your portrait skills to the next level by using intense and unusual colors, texture and radiant glazes.

If you are looking for something NEW and totally fun,  try my course-"Texturize This" .  Tons of great exercises built around a 4 week format, video instruction that is over 4 hours for one low price.

Whether you find something appealing that is on sale right now or a course that is offered elsewhere, I want you to know that in all of my classes I strive to help you grow as an artist and stay active in all of my workshops (during the regular work week) to help you along via forums or private messaging.  

You'll always find a large amount of detail and techniques in all of my demonstrations.   While I do have some speed play in my classes, I only do so after I've explained AND shown you why I do what I do so you aren't left guessing on what I'm using or why I'm making a particular choice.

There's enough flexibility to do things YOUR way along with healthy doses of guidance around the projects so you aren't left floating in the wind of inspiration that may or not be there.

High quality videos taped in my home studio so you feel like you are right there with me painting along.

Anyway, I thought I'd share some of my creative instruction currently available to my students online.

Here's a Question!

Is there something you'd like to see me do in 2015?

I have a rough draft on some of my upcoming projects but I'd love to HEAR from you via comments or emails ( jodiohl  at hotmail dot com) on what classes you would love to see.

***Something I'm thinking about*** 

..would you be interested in a small intimate group of students who get more one on one attention in the form of skype/email conferences and group meetings around topics such as running a creative business,  setting up an etsy shop, blog, facebook and other social media marketing;  or painting/collage/journaling techniques and critiques?

Not sure if I could do it this spring but perhaps something in the early summer if I have enough interest.

Message me if this would be YOU and I'll add you to my mailing list for private instruction interest.

jodiohl at hotmail dot com

**********

I've been REALLY busy loading up my shop with tons of new items including fun bookmarks,  whimsical note cards  and post cards and of course, original art.  There truly is something for everyone!

Take a look:

30 x 30  Waiting for You

Get your Art On, Game on and Appetizers ON!

 Happy February 1st!  It's Super Bowl Sunday here in the US and we are looking forward to this evening's game day events and of course our football appetizers, snacks and 'beverages'  with family and friends.

I'm still not sure exactly what I'm going to make although I've bought ingredients for a few potential goodies after hunting Pineterst all week for ideas.   

So far I'm leaning on Quinoa Pizza Bites and Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower wings. 

I've heard rumors that the party I'm going to has lots of dips and meaty goodness so I'm assigned anything in the world other than Meat or Dip :))

I've never made either one. Is today the day to be an experimenter??  I guess there is only one way to find out!

What are you making??? 

New card styles in the shop!  "Block Party" flat notecard/postcard

 Well on top of Super Bowl Sunday appetizer talk, I wanted to tell you that today is the last day to use my special coupon code for my Etsy shop that created as a 'thank you' for my newsletter and blog readers.

What is that code you say?? :)

Glad you asked!

New card style in the shop:  "Dirty Flirty Birds"

Use coupon code:

15foryou

And receive 15.00 off a purchase of 85.00 or more. I specifically created it so you could take my Podtastic class at an introductory price, but if you've already taken the class or just aren't into creating right now and would rather buy art, then that code will work on on any purchase or a combination of items that are 85.00 or more.

18x18  Believe in Yourself

I've been busy all throughout January working on my Pod-tastic class (both producing it and working with the students online), but I've also been busy loading up my shop with new items. I started the month with about 40 some items and now I'm ending with almost 70!!!

Including originals, new classes,  several prints, new limited edition prints,  magnets, cards and more.

...and I still have pieces  have to list yet including this 12 x 36 super sweet  "Skinny Little Village" (new collection).  **If you are interested in this piece let me know, I can add it to my shop.   I was hoping to get better pictures of it and just haven't had a chance yet otherwise it would be in there!

As I mentioned before, January has been totally "Pod-Tastic!!"

 It's also been a fun month to experiment with some new things,  get ready for upcoming classes and really just get my bearings again.  Kind of.  I still have some work to do to fully feel that way.

And that's a wrap folks, hope you enjoy the Super Bowl if you are watching at home or over with friends-- I know awesome appetizers and  dips will be a part of the mix...be safe with the adult beverages. Have Fun!!  Game On:::

Stay tuned next week as I will be posting more "Burning Questions" from my readers.   I'm loving the feedback I've been getting so far on the posts, on facebook and via private email. If you have a question around the artistic life, art biz, techniques, marketing, sales,  anything on your mind...send me a message titled "Burning Questions" to jodiohl at  hotmail dot com  and I may use your question in a future post.

****

Don't forget, today is the last day to use coupon code:  15foryou in my etsy shop.  (15.00 off 85.00 or more).

It's a Pod-Tastic Birthday Month! Giveaway winners announced!

Happy Monday Everyone!  I hope you all had a terrific weekend! What did you do? Shopping? Decorating? Arting (I hope!!)  All the above?     For me, yep..all the above, plus work a little--went to a fun outdoor wreath making party and finally got my tree up! It's hard to believe that in just a couple of weeks, Christmas will already be here!!  EEEKK.  Still so much to do plus finish working on several projects, commissions and of course on my upcoming class which opens up January 7th Podtastic...which is actually why I'm here.... Last week you may recall I had a giveaway for not just one, but 2 spots in my class by simply leaving a comment on the post as to how YOUR 2015 New Year will be Pod-Tastic. Ez Peezy, right?

 Mysteries of the Universe (NFS-private collector)

If you haven't seen my pods or portals art collection, it's super vibrant in color, full of texture, doodles, inspirational messages and more.

I've had the great honor of many of these pieces having been already sold to private collectors, in addition I've had the pleasure of teaching several dozens of students around the country the process of Pod and portal creating (which I'm now just calling them all pods..lol) now--I'm going to offer the class,  "Pod-Tastic" online and add a few new exercises for you to really think in terms of color, contrast, patterns, design, and of course doodling and texture.  You'll learn tons of great painting techniques of course along with  journaling practices to help your composition and creative muse throughout the process.

Look Deeply

18 x 36

(Available)

So if you've been wanting to take the class but were unable to attend one of my in person workshops in 2014 or went and want to learn even more or revisit some of the techniques in the quiet (snicker...my house isn't too quiet but you know what I mean) of your home,  this is the opportunity you've been waiting for!  

For a limited time only (*until class opens), I am offering the workshop at an early bird registration price.   Save 15.00 off the regular price!!!!!

***This would make a great gift for those that are so hard to buy for...or YOURSELF..what a treat!****

(NFS-held by a private collector)

Kick off the new year right and ring it in with color!

Get your hands dirty in an ohh so fun way!

Be inspired to live a creative life.

Journal your thoughts, color ideas, doodles...words and more.

Learn tons of techniques that can be applied not just to this process, but to so many more mixed media applications.

For more information about the class--check out our page over at Creative Workshops:

I'm excited to announce the two winners of this course as:

Jackie Jones said...

I shared the link on my FB page. Thanks again for doing this great giveaway. Good Luck to All!

7:36 PM 

Cathy McClellan said...

Oh yeah, it's going to be a different kind of year! On Jan 1, I go with my daughter to live on a quiet Caribbean island while she is in Med school. Along for the ride and to care for her brilliant 3 year old, I know this is my year to focus on art. I'm excited. Have been gently gathering supplies to ship and have while there, since budget is a concern and I would love the opportunity to learn with YOU! And I think that is a great pod-tastic plan!

10:24 PM 

Congratulations to both Jackie and Cathy!!!!

Please email me at jodiohl@hotmail.com

NOTE--winners have 2 weeks to claim their spot, if we are unable to contact the winners we will choose another recipient(s).

Thank you ALL for taking the time to comment and stop by. I was soooo inspired by all of your ideas on how to make 2015 the most 'Pod-tastic' year of all!!!!! I truly think it will be amazing for us all.  It's up to each one of us to make it be so....and I intend to try my hardest to do my part as your teacher:)

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

This week is my BIRTHDAY week..haha...yes, birthday week or perhaps let's just say Birthday month.  I'm going to do lots of wonderful specials and offer surprises from me to you during the course of the month.  This giveaway was just one of the events I have planned. Stay tuned, later this week, I have something SUPER DUPER planned!!  Stop back on Friday to find out more info...or sign up on my newsletter to be the first to find out:  

Subscribe to my Newsletter by clicking HERE.

I can hardly wait!

whooohoooo!!

(Wander in the Wild  30 x 40 Avail at Swank Coffee Shop in Southern Pines, NC

email jodiohl@hotmail.com  or Lisa at swankgirls@gmail.com for information)

I hope this week has started off on a great note!

Sharing one of my favorite creative quotes:

“If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent van Gogh

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

Stop by my Etsy shop to see what's new this week!  

Be Mine Coupon Code

Just  a quickie post to let you know I am offering some additional 'love' today in the form of a pop up sale in my shop!

Use coupon code: "bemine"  to save 15% off of your purchase today only for Valentine's Day!

I hope you are surrounded by those you love today and have a very special day. Stay warm!!!!:)

 

I'll be back a bit later to tell you about our next stop in the ReMe blog hop...stay tuned!

Art Journal Collage Sheet Giveaway and New Workshop Giveaway!!

Updated!! Winner announced at the end of this post:))

*You can also still access the free collage/graphics sheet to use in your own journal (non commercial art). 

 I don't know about you but during the cold weather months, I like to take my artsy mojo to a comfy chair, maybe grab a cup of ummm...coffee...depending on the time of day of course ,and just create in my journal or sketchbook.     It's the artists way of nesting, I guess! It's also a great way to 'stock up' on ideas for future projects and have a fun visual diary of sorts to reference back when you need it.

  If you are looking for creative project so that you can join in on the visual journaling movement,  my class "Art Journal: The book" is an affordable (and super fun) workshop which shows you how to make your own quick and easy 'junk journal',  create fun printing plates from easy to find material and I also give you an overview on what journals are out in the market along with a sample page. Included in your workshop 'kit' will be an assortment of journaling prompts to get you started AND 3 free collage sheets.  The class has 8 videos and runs about an hour and half,  for a super low price!  I previously released this lesson during the workshop 21 Secrets 2013 but have brought it back by popular demand so that you can take the class now and view it for an unlimited time*!

*All of our classes at Creative Workshops are open ended and available until the teacher retires the class if they ever do:)

As my gifty to you for stopping by, I put up a free sheet on my 'work in progress' website for you to download.  Just go to this page and you can click the link to download the full color copy of this page:

During the workshop you will get 2 other sheets so you are getting 6.00 of FREE merchandise on top of  your class! whooohoo!

Class begins on Monday so join on the fun today!!   What?  You want more goodies??  Okay, I'll throw in one free tuition for the class for one of my blog friends who comments on the post. I'll randomly choose from the comment/entries on Saturday, January 25th .
If you by chance already signed up for the class or sign up for the class and win, you will either be refunded or have the option of gifting your winnings to a friend.  Win Win! 

All you need to do to enter to win is to tell me how you stay inspired in the cold winter months (or hot weather months...whenever your nesting time is). What do you like to during short bursts of time   or small doses creatively or otherwise to refill your well?   ALSO PLEASE be sure to either provide an email or an alternative way to contact you. I had a ton of entries last time that signed up without having an identity attached.  I need to be able to locate you without hiring a private investigator ;) 



Our winner is: 

Janelle Marks said...

I love to snow dye fabric in the winter, so that I have beautiful fabric to keep me inspired all year long.

2:47 PM

Lucky number 14 was randomly pulled, and miss Janelle was our winner. Congratulations! Thank you to everyone that stopped by. I enjoyed reading all your  winter inspirational tips...so many great ways to stay inspired or to get inspired rather than just hibernate:))) 



 If you didn't win, and want to join in the class--it's not to late, join in at any time by going  to  this

link HERE:)  Hope to see you in class!!


Good luck!!

While you are in the neighborhood, be sure to stop by my Etsy shop, I've uploaded tons of new paintings and some prints this week!

“You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
― Maya Angelou