An Online Auction Not To Miss!

Monday, December 12th is the Big Day!

 Behind the scenes I've been working on many....did I say many??? I mean a ton of new work for a special project that is finally almost here!  I'm super excited to announce that I will have a solo day during the 2016 Handmade and Holiday Auction with Stephanie Gagos!  This is a huge honor and quite a thrill to be chosen to have a special day in the 'sun' during this amazing 14 day event.  My work will be closing the event (scary...I hope everyone has a bit of moolah left..haha!)  I've been watching from the sidelines and even purchased a couple goodies myself from the fantastic artists!   

It's scary to put yourself out there for the world to see though I have to say--especially during an auction because my fear is no one will bid or worse yet even comment on my offerings haha!  That's my 'workmare'!  

The truth is, putting yourself out in the world is a necessity if you want to do amazing things.  There are going to be hugely scary moments and then there will be moments when things come together like magic.  In order to get to the magic, you have to just trust you are doing the best you can do at this time and people are going to respond to that positive energy (in the form of art) that you are manifesting.

This is a special heads up on when my auction day is--we are supposed to keep it hush hush but I received special permission to share with you when my day is.  So mark your calendars and join in on the auction on or before December 12th, 2016 ...at least stop by to say 'Hi' :)) It would mean the world to me!   

Here's is a little collage featuring just some of my work.  I'll have roughly 30 originals and 4 prints included in the auction.  All offered below my normal listing price so there's a great opportunity to snag a BIG bargain. Also included are many pieces of art never offered online before as they were created specifically for this event.   

Take a look at just a few of the features! I'll have work representing my Zen Painting Collection, Abstracts,  Whimsical Art, and a few prints.  

How do you sign up to participate in the auction on Facebook?

Very Easy.

1.  Click this Link  or search for 2016 Handmade Holiday Auction by Stephanie Gagos.

2. On the right hand side, click "Interested or Going"

3.  When you see an item listed as "Auction" you'll note in the description the starting bid, description, and shipping information.

4. If you would like to bid on an item or simply leave a word of encouragement, type it all in the comment field.

5. Have fun Bidding!

6. Winning bid will go to the artist via paypal immediately following the auction so please only bid if you intend on purchasing the item.

Lastly-if notifications bother you, look for three dots at the top right of the event page, if you click those dots you'll see notification settings.  There will be a drop down box with radio buttons to click on your preferences.  Just be sure not to miss your items if you chose this option! :))

Once again--here is a link to the auction event-- hope to see you there!

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Don't want to bid anything but you'd like a piece of my art for yourself--stop over to my Etsy shop and seen what's new!

AEDM project 15 Closure

 The act of opening yourself up for better or worse can be scary,can't it?

Would you love me for who I am?

...if you knew I like to wear socks to bed.

I sleep with the tv on.

 I can be messy at times.

Quiet and reserved on occasion, the life of the party on others.

My studio is messy, but full and active.

My hair is graying but am very grateful for Miss Clairol.

 I don't always have a rhyme or reason why I do something. I can drive people nuts with that type of attitude.  I find it hard to let go, so I practice it in my art.

It's my own form of closure, often silent and even at times painful.

To be not afraid of covering things up and moving on.

I know there are a lot of layers, years have gone by since I've admitted many things, ignored other things, and made peace with still more areas of my life.

To peel back or to add on and move on?

What is ordinary anyway?

My mind wanders when I paint for the good or the bad, if you could walk a mile in my shoes (or brain) we might have a movie of the week..lol

So whether you love me for who I am, or not...at least I am getting better at moving on in life to something better than it was before, step by step, layer by layer.

"Reveal Yourself"

24 x 36 

Mixed media Art

One by One They Fall

Hello friends! So much going on that I barely know where to begin, other than I know I just need to begin again with something.

  

 Inspired by my trip to CT last week and the AMAZING trip up the state to our destination of Mystic on a side road trip after Art Is You,

 

 I wanted to share a project with you that I previously did for Luminarte in September.     Even though this is a post featuring a past project, it is in perfect time for these chilly but cozy fall days.    I'll be back later this week with SEVERAL exciting announcements and some recaps on my latest adventures.
(You can be sure to be one of the first to hear the announcements by signing up for my newsletter HERE)

 Okay so now onto the project with a little slideshow Tutorial:

If you'd like more information on the project and supplies used, please visit our blog post over at Luminarte:)

Thank you for visiting today!  I'll be back soon with more fun artsy news and tutorials for you!

In the meantime, please visit my shop to see what's new~!

---Jodi Ohl

Lots of Creative Goodness!

Whoooosh!  Lots going on here over the last few weeks and it doesn't stop here....my artful life is gearing up for one busy season this summer and into the fall and I couldn't be more excited to share this awesome news.....my blog is featured in the new issue of Artful Blogging!! Amazing is all I can say!  I've been drooling over this publication ever since it came out and loving all the featured artists and writers issue after issue, and now....here it is, I'm actually a part of the publication!  Talk about a dream come true.  They featured LOTS of my art as well as several journal pages....I'm kinda half blushing over a few of the entries I had on the journal pages...lol...I was in a very sad ticked off mood when I completed one of the pages last year and wouldn't you know, that's one that they chose to feature!  Maybe it was that emotion that resonated with the editors, whatever is the case, I'm happy to share myself with those that are interested in my art or even ramblings about my topsy turvy life!  If you haven't seen the issue on your news stands, you can purchase online HERE.

I'm super excited to be traveling to Ga for the art festival in Dunwoody!  I've never done this show before but I heard it is one not to miss, so if you are in the Dunwoody/Atlanta Ga and available this Mother's Day weekend, be sure to plan on visiting the festival!   Added bonus, there will be plenty of opportunity to pick up a beautiful and unique gift for Mom! (can you spy one of my paintings in their website banner???!!!!)

Lots of 'goings' on, be sure to check out the Spring issue of my Artsy Newsletter by clicking HERE.

 

Last weekend we enjoyed a wonderful turn out for the annual arts and crafts festival in Southern Pines, NC "Spring Fest".   It is now my 3rd  year doing this show which was also my first show ever. Hard to believe it's been that long!! 

For more pictures of my booth during the show, please click on HERE to go to my flickr photo set.

That's about all for now...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by and sharing your precious time with me!  Until next time,  may you have lots of moments of laughter, joy, and creative goodness in your world.

Hope to see you in GA this weekend!

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PS.....Don't forget, there's two ways to save on my art running now through Mother's Day....Hurry don't delay!  Click HERE for more info!

Everyday Moments

So much to celebrate....its hard to know where to begin. I believe you just begin by being grateful for life's little moments as there are far more if those then the bigger ones. Celebrate today's occasion.     
Celebrate. ...my new work in progress. 36x48

What one moment today did you have that caused you to celebrate?  

Walking Towards It

I've been away most of the week so would you believe I haven't painted since last weekend??? Shocking I know.  I have messed around in my journal during my travels and this is one of the faces in my new journal that came out of my time away.    I used a magazine model as a reference and you know how those models are...

Their features are so pronounced and unique that its hard not to look either almost character like or in this case a little sinister..lol.   She looks like she is giving someone a glare like you've just shit in her cornflakes and she finds it not in the least bit funny.  :))  I do like her lips....full and pouty kinda Angelina Jolie like.   The eyes are a little witch like.   and the writing I just screwed up totally..lol.  But if you put those things aside...not too bad overall!  Journals are our place to play. If things don't come out like you want then the hell with it, move on and go onto your next page.  It's not going to stop me from doing another page and another......

Just like I wrote here...I had a vision and it seemed too hard and so far out of reach....until I went and walked towards it. I know I can do it....I just have to practice and it will get to be more like I envision.  If we stand in place, the dream or goal doesn't get any closer.  If we walk towards it, even if we take the wrong road or a short detour, we are making progress. It's all good. :)

 

 

 

We have a Winner!!

Yayyyyy We have a winner!  After taking all the entries and extra entries and listing them out, and consulting with my crystal ball.....errr Random Number generator :), The winner of my online class, "Let's Face It" is:

Shari Sherman

Stop by her blog:  Dashboard Hula and say congratulations :)))))

Thank you ALL for the amazing amount of entries, supportive comments and enthusiastic responses on my upcoming class!!  You all have made me smile 100 times over !

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 For those of you who would like to join my online work shop as well, please visit my page over at Creative Workshops 

"Let's Face It"

Starts September 27th,  2010

Honestly--I'm still discovering who I am every day.  I learn by doing, learn by observing, learn by discovering, I learn by creating.  By far, painting, journal writing, and creating in general has opened my eyes to so many possibilities and enlightened me in ways I never would have imagined. I hope to help you find a little slice of yourself through my upcoming class.  

Till next time--remember, Failure is not an option.....you will succeed....you will grow by leaps and bounds.  Never give up and always believe you can :)

  Jodi Ohl

The Wind is Blowing

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been knee deep in creating projects for upcoming classes, shows, workshops, and restocking my Etsy shop with new pieces. It's inspiring to try new things, test out art supplies tucked away that I have forgotten about and to play with ideas or at least new ways to convey ideas that are fresh and lively. I've had so much fun preparing for my last class and these two new projects that I have decided to do 2 new collections around them that will debut at the Spring Fest in Southern Pines, NC. Did you ever feel so energized by something you are doing that you could do cartwheels? Well, cartwheels would be an exaggeration for me..lol...but clapping and high fiving at least ;)
If you've never been to Southern Pines, reserve April 24th and take a little road trip to visit our beautiful little southern gem!

I'm not going to abandon my little house series as I still have a few more places I've lived that I have yet to chronicle. I would hate to leave a project undone....but I am feeling the need to expand on some new ideas and it only makes sense to flow as the wind blows when the muse is gently nudging me along.

Thank you for encouraging me a long the way...you comments and emails are always welcome bits of inspiration and support :)

To THANK YOU...I'm offering a little giveaway on my facebook Fan page.
Stop over and take a peak! Giveaway runs through February 12th.
Jodi Ohl, Visual Artist

So where are the winds blowing you lately?? Do you have new visions that are just begging to come alive in your creative world?
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If you are looking for inspiration and wanting to give visual journaling a try? Why not join my new class, Artist Journaling.....Your Way over at Creative Workshops.
Class begins February 28th, 2010
Cost: $45.00
hint...you can enter to win a gift certificate good towards the class by visiting my FB fan page!

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Final note, when you are feeling the need to change or to do something different, move forward bravely and without reservation. The reward is having tried.

Live to Create!

Come and Journal with Me!

This Class starts Feb. 28, 2010
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Whether you are new to journaling or a seasoned art journaler, Artistic Journaling...Your Way...is geared towards creative's of all skill levels! The work shop will be especially helpful for those who are interested in art as a healing tool. You'll find yourself expressing your thoughts through writing and freestyle creativity at it's finest.

During this fun and innovative journaling class, we will:

*Demonstrate techniques that you can incorporate into your artistic journal
*Jump start your creativity through inspiring prompts and motivating excercises
*Provide gentle guidance to express yourself freely in a safe environment
*Help you embark on a regular routine of journaling and creating daily

Through videos and PDF files, the students will have a variety of prompts to spark unlimited creativity and 5 (or more...who knows we may get especially inspired) great excercises to showcase your new skills or newly inspired artistic skills with journaling. Join us as we all find "Our Way" in this world through ARTISTIC JOURNALING together, one page at a time. Sign up today!

You can sign up HERE!!!!

New Article in Cloth Paper Scissors!

Each new time I see an article I wrote, or a piece of art work I create published in a national magazine, I get that (whaddya call it...) warm and fuzzy feeling? I'm pursuing a dream that I started long ago but left on the table until the right time came along again to pick up the pieces and embark on the journey once more. It doesn't happen magically though, and that's really the main theme in this article. You have to begin somewhere to 'begin'. A simple concept but one that escapes us when we let other things (people, ourselves, activities) get in the way. Developing good creative habits that enable you to pursue what ever it is you want to pursue takes focus, determination, and good old fashioned elbow grease. Set goals for yourself, chip away at them day by day and you will succeed by simply having started.
Please check out the full article and start pursuing your dream today!

Would you believe this Spring will mark my 3rd year as a working (part time) artist? Wow. Where does time go? I love creating these little collages as a fun reminders of how ideas and dreams can materialize right before your eyes. You simply have to start.....
To celebrate my 3rd year as an working artist, I'm offering a special discount:

Here's a special coupon code for custom work from me--$25 dollars off a $100 (or more) order. How to redeem?
Email me at johl3@windstream.net with your request and ideas to discuss options further!
Offer good until March 31st, 2010
Code MM10

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So how are you doing on your 2010 creative goals? Are you working on making them happen? What about your personal resolutions or achievements you are striving for? Tell me about your progress!

Interview with the Artist--and win a $25.00 gift certificate

Stop over and visit Stacey Merrill's blog and check out an interview
with me and some creative musings!
Leave a comment and win a $25.00 gift certificate!

(working on several different types of journal spreads for my new class in January at Swank)
January 23rd, 4-7pm
$40.00
swankgirls@gmail.com

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I hope you have a Happy New Year's!
I'll be back tomorrow with some reflections, aspirations, goals for 2010--what are yours???

Portrait Complete!

And she is completed...
12 x 12 Mixed Media Portrait on 1 1/2 inch canvas. Layers of color include yellow, gray white, turquoise, green and black. Enhanced with charcoal, graphite pencil and gel pen. Collage first layer. Hanging hardware applied, and varnish with spray matte for longevity. Signed and dated by the artist

If I told you the story behind this portrait, you'd never believe me. Suffice to say, someone I loved disappointed me or betrayed me is an even better word for it, for the last time.

Good does come from bad--and even though I have been broken, I am not going to be lost.

To see the progression of this painting see the post HERE

More of my flickr photos HERE.


*****

I'm working on something to jump start my art online again, stay tuned for a big challenge for me coming in January!

"

Broken But Not Lost

"Broken" work in progress....
I've had what was once a pure yellow background forever. It just sat on a shelf, waiting for me to be ready for it.
I took it down last week and began working it--adding black, gray, splatters of white. Scratched into it, beat up the canvas as I created what was inside of me. And then, this portrait began taking shape. Perfectly representing what I have been feeling lately.

Not knowing where to go with this.....

I'm still working through my strokes as much as I am my feelings.


Little by little, with every layer of paint, her destiny is becoming more clear.

Despite the fact she is 'Broken' and many tears have been shed, she is not Lost. I know she will be all right.
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Stay tuned for the finished painting :)

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Hope you had a very Merry Christmas or Happy Holiday as you celebrated all that is joyous in this season. I had a great Christmas, filled with lots of friends and family. Both boys here together, an abundance of food, laughter and fun. Late at night I did sit and reflect on this year and how many things have changed for me. It's good to sort things out with your own soul before you breathe them to the rest of the world. I'm still sorting and hoping to have answers as to where I want to go next soon. Or, perhaps the answers will come to me later. Either way, I am going to make some changes around here. I'm feeling the need to move forward after being held back for so long. In reality I did move ahead over the last few years but it was doing so with a anchor weighting me down. Now the anchor has been released, there's no telling what's ahead.

What do you hope is in store for you in 2010? If you had to choose one or two things, what would they be??

Check out some of my work for 2009 in this Flickr set:

CLICK HERE

Good Things (not like Oprah but still pretty darn good)!

Good Things
Here's some shots from my demo at Jerry's Artarama last Sunday, working on some Mixed media portraits.

I'm VERY excited and very proud of my new article coming out in the January/February issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, "A Beginner's Guide To Beginning", a feature chock full of tips, suggestions, motivation, gentle nudging to get your creativity on! Be sure to pick up the issue, it's FULL of great articles, fabulous art, and tons of inspiration. I also have a mini feature in their homework section, so be sure not to miss it!
You can see a few more of my pieces here as well:
Online Extras at Cloth Paper Scissors



Very cool--check out Jenny Doh's new venture, Crescendoh. Her new site is set debut in March and it promises to open a wide new world of artistic community. Full of Art Saves stories, links to limitless forms of inspiration, how- to's, hot products and more! And guess who is participating as one of the guest curators??? YIPPEEE ME--stay tuned during the week of May 31-June 5th where I will be one of 4 guests over the course of the week sharing a bit of me and my Art Save story, and pointing peeps to other creative sites to visit during the course of the week.

In January I have a new class coming up!

Jump into Visual Journaling-January 23rd from 4-7 pm $ 40
Location: Swank Handmade Market in Southern Pines, NC
Start your New Year off right by living artfully through a visual journal. During this relaxing and fun class you will create backgrounds, and jumpstart page ideas for your journal. Bring your imagination, a few supplies and be ready to create your way into a productive and peaceful New Year!

Suggested Supplies: Moleskine Journal , watercolor sketch book, or several sheets of water color paper (140 lb), variety of paints, magazine or other decorative papers, double sided tape, gel medium, scissors , stamps, sharpie pens, white paint pen, and any other art supplies you want to come and play with.

*For those that do not have any supplies, I can offer a kit for decorative papers, water color paper, a gel pen, paint pen, and a few other assorted supplies for $15.00 Orders for the kits would have to be in a week before the class to allow time to gather and assemble the supplies.
For more information--please email Jessica or Petra at swankgirls@gmail.com


***Stay tuned, behind the scenes I'm working on a new online class for Creative Workshops!
*pssst** take the class and it will feel like you are coming HOME!

In the meantime, if you haven't taken my Fun with Faux Encaustics class, there's still time to participate.
Click here to find out how!

***

Stepping back, reading all of your comments in the last post and thinking about so many of the events of my life over the last 6 years, has really given me so much inspiration to make some drastic changes. Someone mentioned to me in their comments, You can't move forward if you are still, holding on. So true, indeed.
Brushing off those knees and getting ready to ride back out into the road with the wind at my back.

Thank you again--I'm overwhelmed by your support.
Thank you, thank you.

Happy Holidays to all!!

Ordinary Moments Around The Table

As I prepared for our first Thanksgiving in my new house, it dawned on me that I was missing something (besides all of my family) to make it as complete as it could be.

You can see part of it to the right of Josh...

...a new kitchen table.

Isn't it funny how we try to recreate things we had as a child as we grow up ourselves?There are so many things that happen at the kitchen table. Conversations late at night, hushed so not to wake the little ones in bed. Homework and paper reading. Plans for the weekend as we laugh and recall the events of the day. List making and grocery unpacking. Family dinners and early morning breakfasts, sharing thoughts and learning more about those we love and hold dear. Holiday buffets and cups of coffee with friends. All of these things and more happen in the center of where we gather in almost every home.
The table symbolizes the bond that holds a group of individuals together that we call family and it provides us a place to come together as one. Having a place to gather and reveal all of the magical every day things that make up our moments in this world, is really important to me. I knew I had to have a table before Thanksgiving if for no other reason than to try to show my kids a little bit of what I had growing up during the holidays. But I hope it will become something more as time goes on.

I hope it becomes part of their memory of how simple and ordinary moments can mean everything to you as you grow older. After all, the ordinary moments are far more plentiful, at least in my experience they have been, and they are what I remember as I reflect back on how thankful I am for all that I have been giving and all the wonderful experiences I have had in my 40 years.

The paintings I'm featuring today are part of a project I'm working on for a friend. I've been commissioned to make a painting for a friend's friend. That friend of hers, daughter passed away at the young age of 16 (or 17) last year after a very short and surprising battle with heart disease.
How quickly life can turn makes one realize how very important it is

to gather together and hold our angels so very tight as we share
the ordinary moments
created and remembered
around the
kitchen
table.

So much to give thanks to, and forever grateful for.

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
Jodi