Sneaking around....

I'm working on a couple of 20x20 canvases today. It feels great to be sneaking in a little time in the studio!! Haven't decided on titles for these yet but in the first painting, vintage dictionary text shows the word "artisan" on the far left side. And the symbolism for daisies is associated with purity, innocence, loyal love, beauty, patience, and simplicity. Still contemplating...

This second painting shows vintage dictionary text at the top center "you" and bottom right just above my signature "invincibly". Thinking about titling this one "Purely and Invincibly You".

It's my party!

Summer is for family, fun, and making memories!! Ours is off to a fabulous start. Two grown kids and a son-in-law should make me feel oooollllldddd. But it doesn't! I couldn't be more proud of them or enjoy them more!

My birthday was such a special day. Lunch with Cory, and a special dress-up dinner with my hubby. Actually we celebrate birthdays as birthday months because we had a great time earlier in the month visiting my parents and grandmother. Then later when Bre and Trent came. And even more this week with Rick's family! I love birthdays!!!

Then there is precious little grandbaby.......melt my heart sweet.

We played and played....inside, outside.......doing what a Grammy does!

Grandpa says this is the best playground ever!

Yes......we are happy campers!!

#26 Don't Force It

I love this list I saw on Etsy today.....

33 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE

1 Make lists

2 Carry a notebook everywhere

3 Try free writing

4 Get away from the computer

5 Be otherworldly

6 Quit beating yourself up

7 Take breaks

8 Sing in the shower

9 Drink tea

10 Know your roots

11 Listen to new music

12 Be open

13 Surround yourself with creative people

14 Get feedback

15 Collaborate

16 Don't give up

17 Practice, practice, practice

18 Allow yourself to make mistakes

19 Go somewhere new

20 Watch foreign films

21 Count your blessings

22 Get lots of rest

23 Take risks

24 Break th e rules

25 Do more of what makes you happy

26 Don't force it

27 Read a page of the dictionary

28 Create a framework

29 Stop trying to be someone else's perfect

30 Got an idea? Write it down

31 Clean your workspace

32 Have fun

33 Finish something

Blogger Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Blog!! It has actually been almost one year that this blog has been here allowing me to share, holding me accountable, causing me to pursue dreams, and recording my creative journey.

Looking back, I can see where doors have opened for me in places I didn't know there was a door. The support and encouragement and acceptance I have received has been an unexpected amazing experience! So much has happened that I never expected in this year. And....art is still my passion! I'm loving this new, creative avenue!

It's time, now, to set some new goals, use my New Year's word....SEEK....to inspire new ideas, and take everything to the next level.

As Summer is approaching, I am realizing how much we will be away. At first, I began to worry....how can I have time to keep producing fresh ideas?...which was putting an undue pressure on myself and stealing the joy of the fun and exciting things we will get to do. It was also stealing the joy from my art time! I can really do a number on myself and have to give myself these little talks to work through it all. I have now decided to make the choice of enjoying my time with my husband and family this summer and if I have time for art great and if I don't fine too! There will be PLENTY of alone time again when school starts in August for me to hit it hard. So, I am off to enjoy a wonderful time of travel, and great times of memory making this summer!!

Day of artsy fun

This was a day of super spontaneous fun with a great new friend that loves art just as much as I do!! It was so much fun to spend the day in Houston with 'C'!! We started at the Musuem of Fine Arts inspecting the impressionist exhibit so closely that we had to be "reminded" to stand back 12 inches!! Seeing the originals up close is amazing.

Our next stop was meant to be Texas Art Supply....a favorite that we eventually got to but could not pass up Adkins Antiques. They have so many great architectural pieces, doors, columns, knobs, and on and on in a fantastic old house.

And....swinging into High Fashion Home was definitely not a mistake. This place is THE place!

To end a wonderful day without going to The Chocolate Bar first would've have been a sin so.....we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of choc.....o.......late! Thanks, C, for a fabulously fun filled day!

Art Exhibition

3rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Forsyth Center Galleries in Downtown Bryan 3rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition Regional Artists Work on Display Come out this summer to view some of the best of local and regional artists. This year's exhibition will feature contemporary art of various media including photography, sculpture, jewelry, painting and more. A reception will be held for the exhibit on May 20th and the public is encouraged to attend. Many of the artists will be present, you are encouraged to come meet them and ask questions about their work. Awards will be announced for the top works selected by the jurors. If you are not able to attend the reception, visit the Forsyth between May 20th and July 22nd to view this unique exhibit. "The Canyon" by Barbara German Where & When 110 N. Main St. Bryan, Texas 77803 May 20th-July 22nd Tues- Sat 10:00AM-6:00PM MSC Forsyth Center Galleries 110 N. Main St. Bryan, Texas 77803 forsyth.tamu.edu Join Our Mailing List!

Art Fair Pictures!

What a nice Street and Art Fair! A little windy in the beginning, but it settled down for a day full of art and music. Zip ties are now on my "Get Ready for an Art Show" list! Lots of pictures of my booth as well as Mary's. "Work in Progress" was given away in the drawing....congrats, Melissa! The booth was 10x10. Thank you to those who voted this booth the "Community Choice Award"! What an honor! My sister, Mary, and me. Our booths were right next to each other. Mary's tree dangles......even trees need jewelry! Flowers to brighten up your greenery....weather, deer, and bug proof. Great pendant display! Beautiful handbuilt and glazed vases.

My camera didn't capture the beautiful turquoise of Mary's wall plaques. And in the foreground, the bread and butter....stars and crosses. They always make great gifts.

Mary's website: http://www.marytbarton.com/

Mary's online shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/bartonscreations

We had a great weekend and enjoyed the show. Thank you to all who could come!! And to those who sent encouragement.....thank you, too!!!