She's A Girl That's Untangling

A few months ago as I was preparing for my first round of classes at Art Is You in Memphis--I took out my watercolors and practiced working on my "Girl Untangled" and couldn't help but notice how delicious these colors were sitting on my palette almost like little jars of hard candy ready for consumption.   Watercolors were my first love when I started painting years ago. I loved the free flowing movement you could achieve that was somewhat unpredictable and a bit softer around the edges.   At the time, I just needed to flow with out barriers. Working in that medium allowed me to do just that. Funny how you are drawn creatively to exactly what you need when you need it (if you are open to that type of inspiration)

You can see from my original sample that the background is a melding of many different colors but the added surprise elements come from the doodles and candy like colors surrounding this "Girl Untangled".   In addition to first loving watercolors, I have always loved doing portraits and have seen an evolution of myself with each and every one that I do.   Creating portraits whether realistic or stylized can be another way to immerse yourself into an almost meditative state of creativity. At least for me, I almost make up stories about my subjects.  I've been told that many look like me. Not that I go around with head dresses or crazy jewelry or outfits (well maybe sometimes), but it's hard not to capture your own likeness at times even in the smallest of ways.

Not all watercolor artists use pen in their work, but we aren't regular artists, are we?  As a mixed media artist, I tend to try new things a lot, see what works, what doesn't, and push the boundaries from the traditional method of operation.    Doodling and watercolor seem to go hand in hand to me.  It is fairly portable, a great way to get lost, and most definitely a fun way to de-stress while still creating beautiful pieces of art that aren't exactly 'traditional'.

I'll be teaching this class again in October at Art is You in Stamford, Ct. If you are looking to explore watercolor (we will be using Twinkling H20's that I will be providing for you!!),  doodling and portraiture, consider taking this class with me.  We touch on drawing facial features so that you have a well rounded understanding on how to not just paint, but draw your "Girl Untangled" as well. I step out each of the steps for you and with you before we go on to our main project.

As you can see from this picture and my sample projects, I am one that uses a lot of color, even in my faces.  I don't know about you, but even without makeup, my skin tone is about 40 colors. :)  I can help you think outside the box and explore the 'not-so-traditional'.  You don't have to follow a formula.  You can just be you.  We will be working on traditional watercolor paper for this class, and truly, other than a few brushes and some pens--I have most everything taken care of for you.
Consider joining me and see how you can combine Twinkling H20s (watercolors), doodling, and portrait work in a relaxing atmosphere full of creative types just like you.  You'll walk in the class room by yourself or with a friend and walk out a new person with a new sisterhood of people just like you (oh and a super cool work of art, too!).

Take a look at some of the lovely students from Memphis and their girls in progress.  You can do this, too!    To find out more information on this class offering: Girl Untangled  click HERE.


UPDATE--PLEASE NOTE:  Registration for Art Is You this October in Stamford, CT  closes September 15th!!!! You need to register before then to get the classes of your choice and participate in the event.  (You can add on classes later if avail and not sold out..but you have to pick your main selections before the closing date of September 15th).
*******************************************************************************

My other classes at Art is You:
Pod-Tastic

My Gellis-HeART

AEDM Project 3 Reach For the Stars Journal Page

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful and creative weekend!

I actually found myself out of the studio most of the weekend but still fit in creative adventures in other ways. I think so often we feel it either has to be a 5 hour session or it's not studio time. Or even it has to be in the studio to be creative.  At least that had been my mindset for awhile until I realized at some point that unless I got out and did other things in the world (some relating back to art, some not), that my 'well' quickly dried up.     Saturday we took a drive up to Raleigh and checked out the World of Art show at the convention center. It was quite interesting to me,  there was a huge amount of contemporary and fine art from around the world.  Big pieces, sculptures, paintings, book arts, watercolors..and everything in between. 

The prices on some of the work was a sticker shock to me. It just showed me that I have a long way to go before I've really 'made' it.  However, as soon as I say that I want to stop myself and say that success wears many hats and is not the same for everyone. I feel successful in that I have art around the world in private collections.  Maybe not a ton..but it's out there.  :)  And it's also gratifying to know I've had the good fortune to teach other aspiring artists around the world both online and in person.  

The more I think about what direction I want to go in and what steps I need to do to get there, I just know that "There is no Maybe".  You can do whatever you set your mind to.

The road you take may not be the one you intended on taking but just as long as  you keep moving forward and continue to "Reach For the Stars" you will achieve great things.

Certainly you will achieve many more things than if you never had tried at all. And I'm not just talking about art...it's whatever you desire to do.  It could be running a marathon or writing a book,  changing careers, or buying that dream home in the mountains or along the beach.

Take the steps necessary to start working towards whatever it is you desire.

Sounds simple enough, and it is. Not to say it's easy, there's a difference between simple and easy.

Most good things that you want to do or achieve require hard work and even some sacrifices.

But it's worth it in the end.

Yes.

I just started thinking about all of this and more while immersing myself in the journal page. I had previously sprayed some ink through stencils and added some Twinkling h20s to the page. Preparing journal background pages ahead of time is a great way to just grab and go when you have a chance. Rather than starting at ground zero, you already have a good head start.

 

And then simply just do whatever comes to mind. It may be collage work, it may be doodling. Or a combination of everything.  

My themes sort of manifest themselves based on whatever it is I'm feeling or thinking at the time.

Sometimes I don't even realize xyz is on my mind until I start going.

It's all about being open and not afraid and just starting.

 It is very possible. Trust me, I know. I'm doing things today I'd never imagined I'd be doing 4 years ago.

Have fun on your own journey.   Don't look back unless it's to see how far you've come:)

Artfully Yours,

Jodi

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

Have you checked out my new online class?  It's not too late to join, stop by and see what it's all about:

Coastal Reverie and a Giveaway, too!!!

Think about the possibilities.  If the world is your canvas, then truly you can create it as you see it. Or as you choose to see it. Once you let go of the boundaries instilled in your mind,  there are no rules as  you unleash your creative heart.

 

This painting is a good example of just that. I  went into my painting session with an idea and a very loose color scheme, something that I changed up a bit as I went along. What I did have was a vision though...a vision of something I had seen many years ago but with time had faded to just a blurry haze of color and shapes.

Snorkeling.  Yep..that was the inspiration behind this painting,  a dive in the Caribbean waters many moons ago, About 15 years ago at least maybe more. While I don't remember much, what I do recall is much more than blue waters floating by, it was crayon box of color , texture and MOVEMENT,  underwater. Everything is moving with every wave that goes by.  Does it look like this exactly? No. But that's okay.  The painting doesn't have to even resemble the underwater scene I was envisioning, if someone wants to believe it's a explosion of fireworks...that's okay with me too.  It's just a canvas. It's a memory. It's a feeling.  It's going to elicit something different from everyone who views it. 

 Our individual canvases can go from one feeling to another rather quickly, at times it just may be simple and understated like the canvas above.  Still, the colors evoke a feeling...to me, they bring me back to a cottage I once knew well by the lake,  a little store nearby full of penny candy and freeze pops and a line up of boats anchored near the shore. I imagine this board nestled in a vignette of fisherman's net and starfish, maybe sitting on top of a treasure box full of memories of a summer not too long ago.

Art does that for you. It brings you back in time.

It retells the stories before they are forgotten.

The colors chosen can further remind us of that time when....

Or the time we wish we were a part of...

Art, like life, is a medley of memories, told in bits in pieces.  But put together, you begin to see the bigger picture.

I was recently interviewed by Mo of Artful Living Group about my upcoming exhibit at their gallery:

Coastal Reverie

..and as we were talking about the show, she picked up on the fact that I seem to use a lot of houses, communities, fun coastal themes and a lot of positive words or affirmations in my work.  We talked about overcoming odds and making a better life for ourselves,  and using art to tell our stories..and it was like an aha moment for me.  Consciously, I knew what I was going to do for the show yet in a lot of ways, I have been preparing for it for years.  Bits and pieces of all my influences have found their way into each of the pieces I will be showing.  Some tell color stories, some tell stories of summer love and taking chances, others are about surviving and regenerating,  flowing with what life hands you, staying positive while living each and every day to the best of our ability

A subliminal dream. 

From the shores of Lake Erie to the Coast of Carolina.  It's about where I grew up and where I have planted my roots now. It's all in there, and I hope you stop by to see it come together from June 6th-June 30th with an opening reception June 6th from 6:30 to 8:30 at Artful Living Group on Cape Fear Blvd, in Carolina Beach NC.

To celebrate my first ever solo exhibit,  I wanted to share some color inspiration with some of my favorite products from Splash of Color!!!  whoooohoooo! Who doesn't love a giveaway?!  Included in this goodie pack are some Silks Acrylics,  Small pots of Twinkling H20s and some larger pots of the Twinks, a jar of Inka Gold, and a black  Pearl Pen. That's what I have now, If I get over 100 entries (in the form of comments), I will add a few more goodies for you  (I'll update you with another picture if that happens).  **Fingers crossed it does because I want to bless you with even more goodies!!!!!

Oh heck....let's add one more thing right now to the package....I'm going to hand pick one of my One of a Kind   Sweet HeART magnets and throw it in to the goodie box.  Total mini fridge art that is uber cool!

UPDATE...we hit the over 100 mark of comments! Thank you everyone that stopped by! I swear, I've been reading every comment, shaking my head and just lovin' on your 'aha' moments. They are a great motivating read in and of themselves!

Well as promised, since we hit the 100 comment mark, I am adding a few more goodies: 

*mini print, a post card of my original art, bookmark with some of my funky houses, one of my fav pencils, a set of Turner Guache, texture material, and a sampler pack of awesome paper for collage!  Yay what a great prize this package is going to be!  Keep sharing!!
I really appreciate you helping get the word out about my show and the prizes you can win here!

Okay so how to enter?

Simply make a comment on THIS post and tell me if you care to share any "Aha" moments you've had in this first half of 2013, it can relate to life, art, career, family, love...whatever you want to share. And if you don't want to share, that's cool too...just make sure you leave a linky so I can get a hold of you if you win.

**Bonus Entries** 

I'd love if you shared this post to get the word out on my exhibit....and the freebie giveaway!

If you share this post, just simply come back here and make a second comment.

*One extra entry person please:))

Giveaway runs from today May 28-Sunday, June 2nd.   I'll announce the winner on Monday!!

******

*If you happen to go to the show on June 6th, why not stay an extra day and take my class at Artful Living Group, "Lazy Days of Summer" journal making class.

When:  June 7th

Where:  Artful Living Group,  Carolina Beach , NC

Time:  10-1

*Most supplies are included but if you want to bring copies of pictures, any favorite papers or odds n ends to add to the journal, or favorite colors of paint, you are welcome to do so.

*Cost  49.00

Everyone will get come away with a journal that you can capture all of your summer memories as well as learn several journal page techniques during the course of this class!!

hey...it's early but if you want to bring a mimosa or a bloody mary to class, go for it! :)) Just bring me one, too!  jk

Seats are limited so be sure to call today and reserve your spot!

Phone	(910) 458-7822
Email	info@artfullivinggroup.com
Website	http://www.ArtfulLivingGroup.com

In a Nutshell....lotsa Artsy Goodness Goin' On!

I know...I know...I've been a bad blogger again.  Just when I think I have it all together,  something happens and gets me distracted and before you know it, things fall apart.    But the good news is, I've been having lots of fun while being distracted!  :)

 First on the list was finishing up and getting ready for the launch of 21 Secrets which started April 1st. OMG.  What a line up of instructors, a huge variety of classes on journaling, art making, upcycling, creative prompts, book making and more!
If you haven't taken a peek at what all the hub bub is about, hop on over to the website and check it out.  21 classes all for under 60.00; access them all from now until December 31st! 

You'll be playing with students all around the world!!!  Plus a private facebook group to bond and share tips, pictures and make friends.  What more could you ask for?

In my lesson, I show you how to make your own journal, create prints from COOL tools from the hardware store, and how to put it all together in a page, along with MANY jumpstarts on the PDF workbook (66 pages) from all the teachers.

Also in March I was one of the featured artists at a shop up in Raleigh, NoFo at the Pig (great food and tons of arts and fine crafts)...check out the display of spring goodies.   After the show is taken down, I'll be bringing some of the pieces to Aria Gifts in Apex.  

For the second year in a row, my friends Nancy and Frank have held an exhibit called "Double Takes" at their gallery, "Eye Candy" in Southern Pines, NC; where a photographer and artist are matched up to showcase their 'take' on the same subject--my partner and I ended up being a quadruple take with a photo, my painting, a bracelet and scarf all inspired by the photographers photo (June White):

I had so much fun doing this painting, it may not look like it in the picture but this is a 30x30....I LOVE painting big!!!  I really really want to do more large scale paintings.  In fact..I have a canvas that was bigger than my old car sitting in my bedroom (width wise anyway..lol) that I've been SCARED to do.  Why?  Just do it. I'm going to. Soon. As soon as I catch up! (my conversation I've been having with my self for some time now!)

(Mary, Angie (owner) Me, and Jean) at the Arestry Hideaway in Beaufort, NC

Unfortunately, I didn't get to the show opening because a few fellow artists friends and I made a trip to the NC to fill some galleries with some new spring items.  I made a ton of beach houses and other funky inspired paintings to sprinkle along the crystal coast and grand strand:)

 We returned just before Easter and I swear, I was worn slam out.  The delivering part, preparation, being 'on' for business, and just thinking about my next steps, where to go from here, am I on the right path, am I doing the right things....so much to consider and it definitely can be draining at times, but in a good way.   Doing something you love and trying to be successful at your own business is OOOOOOOHHHHHH so personal.  It's hard not to take any less then successful venture personally, and at the same time, its easy to forget to celebrate the successes because you are worried about the next thing and how long it will all last.  

Nothing is certain.

Ever.

But it is personal. And I do want to be successful, at the same time I need to remember to breathe and take it all in.   Mistakes and all.  They are what make you who you are.  And I'm not saying I'm making huge giant mistakes other than ONE big one last year which is a story all in itself, it's just the figuring out the path to take and second guessing myself when I overestimate either how much I can do, or how well I will do. 

Anyway...along came Easter and I took a few days off to enjoy it with family...my boys are getting so big. All grow'd up:)

The boys and Charlie:)  

This week has been a whirlwind, too...coming off of Easter, this week has been about the launch of 21 Secrets and getting ready to kick up my heels and load the car till the bumper hits the ground full of artsy goodness and head on down to yeehaw Nashville, Tn to take part of the Art Trunk show of Art Is You Retreats, Nashville

This event is open to the public at the Sheraton Music City hotel, from 9-2pm April 6th. I hope I see some of y'all down there!

So yes...this week I've been tying up some loose ends, finishing more paintings and getting my art on!! Can't wait to see all the artsy peeps at the show!

April 12 marks the roll out of session 2 (a re-release) of my class Twinks on Yupo.  If you didn't have a chance to take it in January, you don't want to miss out on this go around--you will have just enough time to make some fantastic paintings for Mother's Day along with learning super cool watercolor techniques using Twinkling H20s,  Yupo Paper and various other textural tools and mediums.  This is one of a kind class that not only will you get 4 weeks of classes, you will have 12 months of access to the class AND get a 30.00 coupon to buy Twinkling H20s for the class!!

Wowza.

Check out more details here. I really hope you join us, the students from the last session are still creating paintings and showcasing them in our facebook group!

There's even more going on then what I can fit in this post...but we will save that for later and perhaps do a giveaway next week of some sort. My peace offering for you sticking around despite my slackerly blogging ways.   

Much love and creative goodness from me to you...

Jodi Ohl

*****

See what's new in my shop this week! LOTS of summery fun goodies!

Just Do It! Free ART Friday :)

TGIF!  Or at least in some countries it's Friday!

I hope your week was magical and productive. I spent the week doing a lot of learning. We are never too old to learn, right? I've been taking a couple of creative business courses this month which I put a lot of effort into this week,  along with just simply sitting my butt down to figure out things I haven't done yet but have had on my 'to do list' for awhile.

For example, I sat down and created a skeleton of a website I hope to grow into something a lot more flourishing than it is right now. But it's there at least, right? It's farther along than it would be if I was just 'thinking about doing it it' . I actually did it.

Here it is if you want to see it. I mean I should hang my head by even posting it because it's not 'complete'  by any means, but by putting it out there, and I know you will be looking...it'll coax me into keep improving it.  :) I have to use reverse psychology on myself from time to time.

I also learned how to thread my sewing machine this week. HA! I know that's not a biggie but it's something I haven't done in almost a year so I totally forgot how to use it. I couldn't even remember how to sew  in reverse. How sad is that?

But look what I made...well it's not perfect but it's pretty cool. Again..it's a lot cooler in person than just an idea in my head that I never got out. It's here in the world because I forced myself to at least try.

I'm working on several projects for 21 Secrets which opens April 1st.  I have to say, it's been a little bit of a struggle for me because I've moved more away from journaling in a book to  just playing with printing with anything I can get my hands on, sketching in a note pad, doodling on something else, scratching out ideas on loose papers. Journal pages and painted papers are  EVERYWHERE!!  That's actually part of the theme for my class, "Diary of a Highly Effective But Inconsistent Journaler"  you may journal here and there, but it's not consistent, heck it may not even be in a book..but what can we do to make it more a part of our artistic routine?  What are some ideas to reel it all into  one or two places so we CAN use our journals for a reference for future art or just to play with ideas. And just WHAT do we journal on? Do we have to journal on the same type of paper all the time?  

All good questions...and I don't know all the answers but I will share with you several things I've learned along the way and assure you we are in this together and that we can make BEAUTIFUL journal pages..even if they are different from the rest  of the world.  That's the amazing part of journaling. It's totally owwwdilly all about YOU. 

 My other aha 'educational' activity was today when I created my  

Free  ART Lesson

 video for the week.  (haha...like the name?  I had fun playing with some of my facebook friends today trying to come up with a name for my tutorials that I'll be doing weekly) Kinda going off topic here but my idea was to work with some of my partner company's products (as well as other assorted projects)  and share tips or lessons with  my friends and followers on a weekly basis, Friday namely... and come up with a name for this project. 

Free ART Friday or Farting on Friday came up as one of the top choices.  Okay so maybe that's not the best choice, but a funky playful name is trying to be born as we speak but I'm not there yet:)

 

 

 Any whoosers,  in doing this video, I just wanted to do a voice over narration. I had no idea how to do that. I mean, I've done MANY MANY videos before.  I've never narrated a video. No clue.  I literally spent 3 hours trying to figure out how to do it, where the button was, how to get there..then how to edit it once I figured out how to do it.

The videos is just over 3 minutes.  3 hours (not including actual creation time) to do this little ez peezy project. Maybe not the best use of my time...but there again....I LEARNED something and  in doing so...that something I surely can use down the road in other projects. Right? Hopefully! Yes, I know I can use that little nugget of info in future things;)

So are you getting the drift of my article today? You never stop learning.  Even when you haven't done something in eons, you can pick it back up and do something even bigger and better than before.  Doing SOMETHING is a heck of a lot better than doing nothing at all.  When you don't know how to do something..sit your butt down and figure it out...or go ask for help (after you've at least tried to make a go at it). 

Magic will happen, I can assure you.

And last but not least, don't let fear paralyze you from doing the unknown. It doesn't have to be perfect either the first go around.  It gets better and better the more you do it.

Okay so with that said, here's my perfectly IMPERFECT video on creating a 

Faux Stained Glass Journal Page using Twinkling H2O's, Pearl Pens on a gessoed substrate. What am I using for my substrate?  Umm....You'll have to join my class at 21 Secrets to find out the rest of the details.  C'mon, you know you wanna! :))

Enjoy your weekend,  make it fun..play art,  enjoy family and friends....and relax.  You deserve it!


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

Have you signed up for my newsletter? I'd love to share more art tips, specials and exclusive discounts with you! (I send out only once and OCCASIONALLY twice a month)

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