A Mandala in Stages

I had taken these photos to help me go thru the making a mandala step by step for my class.  Thought I would post them here for anyone who is interested.  Sorry they ended up in reverse order!

Finding the Flow

I took about 4 or 5 weeks off from making any art.  Not really on purpose......just got busy with the holidays and I was enjoying my son's company while he was home from school.  BEFORE the holidays I seemed to have really gotten into a feeling of "flow" in regards to art making.  It almost seemed as if I could do no wrong while creating.  It was incredible to feel that way!!  Taking all that time off...........BIG mistake!  I have discovered how hard it is to get back into it after taking so much time off!!  I made several mandalas recently......none of them seemed to flow......they were like work, forced, awkward feeling.  It was very upsetting and frustrating!  Then I decided to try something a little bit different and make a larger mandala than I ever have before.  I had received an email from The Center where I take classes and where I am also doing a little teaching.  They are having a fundraiser later this month and were requesting artwork to be donated for a silent auction.  I thought that a nice BIG framed mandala would be a good thing to donate so I got to work.  I worked on the this for 7+ hours straight yesterday!!  I have never done that before!  I even forgot to eat!  And I believe I found my FLOW!!  I was afraid that it got a bit busy.......not being used to working this large I wish I had used more larger elements rather than so much small detailed stuff but......all in all, I am quite pleased!!  And ready to try another!!

The Centers fundraiser is called "A Night to Linger".  It is Thursday, February 21, 2013 at Hackney's in Palos Park, IL.  The are at 9550 W. 123rd St.  and it takes place from 7-10 pm.  Maybe I will see you there!  By the way, this fundraiser benefits the Farm and Ranch Camp scholarship fund.  It enables many kids to attend camp next summer that wouldn't otherwise be able to have this wonderful experience!

Featuring Magazine!

Latest backcover

The inchies on the backcover of Issue 3. click to enlarge

- Adrienne Knight – Carla  Persoon – Cindy Peterson – Hwee Ching – Isabella Bojda – Tanya Batrak – Lena Schreijenberg -  Lisa Morice – Madeleine de Kemp – Margaret Gammell – Nigel Roberts – Nigel Roberts – Tracey Fletcher King – Peg Englishman – Robin A. Neumann – robin cox walsh – Sigga Dís – Pam Parker – Angela Niman – Karen Isaacson – Terri Kinjo – Quinn McDonald – Quinn McDonald – Marit Barentsen -

Issue 3

About 6 months ago I received an email telling me that I had won an "inchie" on the back cover of "Featuring" magazine.  I forgot to submit a photo until the very last minute before the deadline so, I'm not sure I made the best choice.  I wish it showed up better.  But still........I'm just excited to be included!!  Mine is in the 4th row, 3rd from the left.  If you've never seen a copy, this is a really nice magazine with a lot of great artwork and inspiration!

It was a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Like father like son!

Family photo op.

A nice pile of presents but the best one is the one sitting on the couch!  Home from Las Vegas!!

Just a few holiday photos to share.  I'm hoping to get into more regular blogging soon!  Hope your holidays are VERY MERRY!!!!!

Just a couple more!

These are just a couple more mandalas that I created while teaching some of my neighbors how to do them.  I thought I may have gotten carried away with too many colors on the first one but, after it was all done......I kinda like it!  I have trouble taking pics of these.  I can never get the glittery effect show up properly!!

Misc.

Ethan ran into a couple guys from a band he's a fan of, Asking Alexandria.

                                                     A little gift for my sister-in-law.

A Card for a Friend

I don't normally do animals.  Or people.  But I wanted to make a card for a friend and thought I would give it a try.  This is her newest family member.  And while it doesn't look exactly like the real Windy, hopefully I captured at least a wee bit of her personality and spirit!!  Windy, you are one lucky dog!!  I am so glad you leaped into Jan's life!!