Art Journaling

     This is my latest art journal spread. At first I did not like it but now I think it might be one of my favorites!
The page on the left started out by scribbling with crayola crayons. Then I layered on some black gesso and wiped that off before It could dry, Then I reinforced the colors with more crayola crayon and a black sharpie. Last I took my white pen and embellished a little bit!
      The page on the right started out with my adding some old zentangle  pages and then painting with watercolor and gouache - I just love that bright red streak! Then I finished with black circles that sort of reinforce the artwork I think. On the red streak is gold pen handwriting. I hope you enjoyed this pic as much as I enjoyed making the spread! 
      Art journaling is very freeing and actually for me, has a purpose-- I can explore and paint what ever I want- whereas my regular art creation is more refined and has a much more narrow focus.
     My bromeliad painting is coming along -- the next time I blog I hope to show you the finished painting!

Here is a link to how you can start art journaling-- you don't have to be an artist and it is FUN!
 http://www.artistsjournals.com/instruction.htm

    "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

Back to Creating Art and Blogging!

I am getting back into the groove of creating art and other creative things... I will share with you on future posts:)  As you know I can be a serious procrastinator, so I have been searching for the cure- which I don't think there is one ... but there is help! This free app uses the Pomodoro technique :

The pomodoro technique is a time management methodology created by Francesco Cirillo. Pomodoro enables you to take the stress out of deadlines by breaking down your day into segments, you work solidly during these periods and remove all distractions. At the end of the pomodoro session you reward yourself with a break.

Read more about the pomodoro technique… 

                              FREE Focus Booster APP for PC or Apple
 I will let you know if it helps me!
 Now I have a new art project started (to fill up the space above my bed in the master bedroom) and I have been showing  some of the stages on my FaceBook page  https://www.facebook.com/TerriWestArt
 I do intend to make a free PDF file of the project so that if you are interested -- you can get more info!
Here is where the project is right now:

 I already have the next painting that I want to do and it may turn into a series!- I am so excited!

I have to give credit to Sunu Philip of Clothed in Scarlet for helping me get motivated and getting me going on some changes that will be made in my business, blog, Facebook page and new products that I am developing. I had made the decision that the time was right this past New Years Day- God cleared a few things from my busy calendar and was calling me to come back. Out popped Sunu and her business and a cool art journal class http://shop.kristalnorton.com/e-courses/art-journaling-roots/ by Kristal Norton to get me going. Then I got into a group called Artist'sKiss run by Robin Pedrero and now I am busy! Busy!

“We artists are indestructible; even in a prison, or in a concentration camp, I would be almighty in my own world of art, even if I had to paint my pictures with my wet tongue on the dusty floor of my cell.” 
― Pablo Picasso

October All Ready!!

I cant believe it! It's October! 
This is a large sculpture piece found in downtown Orlando, Florida, out front of the Cinema Plaza. I was down there for a pleasant art walk which ended at dinner at the Dessert Lady restaurant- can you say divine!!! I always have to marvel at this art piece and others scattered around the area...so beautiful! Try to get out and see the wonderful art all over Orlando if you live here or are just visiting.

Are you getting ready for Christmas yet? I have a new Zazzle store where you can purchase my Christmas painting image called "Escaping Christmas Trees" on  cups, postcards, Christmas cards and even postage! http://www.zazzle.com/terriwest

I have been training for new part time job and also dabbling in art journal book classes at http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/. I am afraid my journal pages are not as pretty as some online LOL! They are for me right now... perhaps later on I will share them here!

 I have decided to revisit an old favorite Charles Sovek as a way to reconnect with painting again from the ground up I know that a lot of my art buddies know about this website and maybe some newer ones don't - so enjoy!

 Is anyone participating in  the Oprah Life Classes?  I don't have time to watch them in the evening but I do record them and see them the next morning. So far I think they are  thought provoking. By the time I do the questions the wall is down so it wont record my responses to questions. I thought about saving them in my own journal on my computer but they are so personal I decided not to... as a way of moving on like Oprah says ;)

I am after 3 years, going to be professed as a Lay Carmelite- taking what they call Temporary Promises in November. It has been a long journey to this point. I have had many dark nights as in The Dark Night of the Soul as well as periods of wonderful mountain top clarity. It all culminates in me wanting to go deeper into the prayer life as a Lay Carmelite following Jesus with the contemplative heart of Mary.

God Bless and enjoy the beautiful fall weather! Terri

2012 Sketchbook Project, Gardening, and Fall Season Art Exhibits

Sketchbook Project

I just received my blank Sketchbook for the 2012 Sketchbook Project- I am so excited. When I have it finished I will photograph the pages and post here before sending it off for display and archiving in the 2012 show! To my artist friends: are you participating in this? Let me know! I would love to see your books as well!















Cucumbers in the garden!



Poblamo Peppers
















I have a small garden that is winding down somewhat.... this is a lonely cucumber that managed to hang itself off of an empty planter stand in my garden. There are a few more flowers so we shall see if I get to have any more cucumber salad! And on the right is a pot of Poblamo chili peppers- so yummy on top of pizzas and in salsas!

Last night my husband Bruce and I went downtown to the Gallery at Avalon's beautiful "Dresses" Exhibit and The City Art Factory's opening season show and then ended up at The Dessert Lady Restaurant for a PMS Martini and a bite to eat! SOOOO yummy! We are going to go back for sure!

I Won!

 I won a bulking dummy book in a raffle on the website Craftside --a wonderful site I found while surfing one day.

 What is a bulking dummy book?

A dummy book is a small model of a book. It has no content except for page numbers and optional hand written information.  Here is Craftside's explanation of what it is: "Let me explain what bulking dummies are. When a book is in development, a sample is made with the paper in the size, finish type (matte or shiny) and hard or soft cover before it's printed so the designers can get a feel for the book. They are all different and could, as you can see, contain writing or be an actual printed cover with the inside blank. ..."  So what am I gonna do with mine? -- Make an artist journal of course!! Stay tuned!