Getting Back in the Groove

I seem to be doing a lot of work in my journals. After the noise and activity of the holidays, I think this is a way for me to re-focus. 

My pages are all over the place and this is probably good for later painting inspiration. 

I am loving the many layered look and unexpected outcomes. The challenge now is to get back to the larger canvas. I have 2 paintings that I am working on that have "revealed" a direction for me to go...

This one is my favorite. I am going to try and take pics of my process on this piece from now on to see how it evolves.....

Happy New Year Rituals

I love working in books. I always end my year by reviewing my journals and sketchbooks and "claiming" my new ones. It is a ritual I have come to look forward to. There is nothing like starting anew, blank books waiting to be filled, a clean slate. I keep a journal that is just for recording my thoughts and life events. I am always rewarded on New Years eve, with reading what I have written. The record of how much I have experienced, family events and accomplishments, gives me pause. Once I read them they get tucked away and I am ready to start again. 

Some years I am better at recording than others, but I am never disappointed in the end. I also keep a sketchbook that travels with me everywhere and a "studio" book that stays put and houses my experiments with paint and other media, ideas for painting series and photos of works in progress. I claim my new books by decorating the fronts, making them mine. 

These books are separate from my "art journals" that serve as my playground and a place to warm up before I start on my bigger paintings. I work in these until they are filled or no longer calling me to add to them.

I have a lot planned already for 2013, so I have selected the word "BREATHE" to keep me grounded and focused. As I drink more water (a resolution) I will take a deep breath and start my forward motion, recording my steps in whatever book is near.