Tag Archives: paper

International Soul Art Day 2015

Soul-Art-studio-shot-2015

Ready to play.

I need to apologize, I am having some temporary issues with my site. It may load slowly, or the images may not load at all. If you do not see the images, click on the title, and it will lead you to an attachment page.

This is the third year I have participated in Laura Hollick’s International Soul Art Day. The day is so much fun, and it is so inspiring to be part of such a large community of artists. Beginners and professionals come together for this enlightening experience.

I started the morning by going through the worksheets that Laura provides. She guides you through the body mapping, and questions you, for insight into your intentions, and desires. She opens up your creative expression and helps you to deal with creative blocks.  The activities really get you thinking, and lead you to your spirit action – your intentions for your Soul Art journey.

For me, this day was all about breaking through my creative blocks. I have not been painting as much as I would like. And I have neglected my blog as a result.

No paintings = nothing to blog about.

I gathered my supplies, and decided to work with a brush that would not offer me a lot of control. I wanted to stay loose and not focus on details.  You know that is a constant problem I am trying to overcome. I chose an inexpensive sketch paper, so I wouldn’t be thinking I needed to create a masterpiece.

I let the colors choose me. Speak to me. I know that sounds, hippie or foo foo. But I did not start by having a theme, or plan, or result in my mind. I simply started applying paint to paper, and let it unfold. I was just making marks.

These first marks revealed a fish to me. I could see it, even though it was incomplete.  I splattered paint on the clean paper, splattered water to help the paint move on its own. I started with yellow, then pink, some blue along the bottom.

I added marks, not shapes, not formed ideas. Just colorful marks. I let the colors mix into each other. In the end, I added the black pen.

I thought about the ebb and flow of the water. The gentle, soothing sway. The quietness. How even in the darkness, there is light to be found.

You can read more about my piece in the Soul Art Gallery. (Don’t know how I forgot to include my last name.)

Soul Art 2015. 9 x 12 watercolor on paper. © Sheila Delgado 2015

Soul Art 2015. 9 x 12 watercolor on paper. © Sheila Delgado 2015

I love this piece, because of what it represents to me. A break through. A release. Connecting to my inner artist.  Listening to that inner voice, and silencing the noise from the outside world. It is not a fantabulous work by any means. But I share it proudly.

Soul Art Day is open to everyone. If you would like to take part in next years event, you can connect with Laura Hollick for more information.

Happy creating to you!

 

 

Paper Preparedness

I am a watercolor artist, but this is not about watercolor paper. Still, this paper is important to my creativity. It needs to be strong, durable and absorbent. Any guesses?

I am talking paper towels people.

I found these towels, I don’t know, about two years ago. Then I ran out and when I went to buy more… I could not remember which brand I had purchased.  Yes I am forgetful. Yes I am getting older. But that is not why I forgot. I forgot because it took me SO LONG to use them all.

I know, this is not a life shattering cure for the common cold. But I was ECSTATIC when I finally found the paper towel I was looking for.

OK, so enough teasing Sheila, tell us already. My perfect paper towel, is the Walmart store brand. I had tried a cheaper generic brand, but I was replacing the paper each time I worked, and often several times in the same session. These towels are thick, and really last, sometimes for weeks. I can fold them over, and use a clean side, and, fold and repeat!

Watercolor work set up

I take them off the roll, and fold them in half, three times. This is the perfect size for my desk. I also place an old wash cloth under the paper towel. I use my desk for the computer as well, but I keep my tools at the ready.

Paper towels are not just for cleaning up arty messes, check out my Google+ friend Val’s post. Awesome ideas for creating! Paper Towels and Other Things.