Hello, Spring?!?

"Spring Turtle"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

My new motto:

If you can't actually have Spring (the cold and snow just keep hanging on!), you have to create a little "spring" for yourself!

This week's theme over at Inspiration Avenue is "Hello Spring...".  I had to dig deep for this one because I am finding it hard to remember what Spring is like. Ha!  (Can you tell I've had enough of winter weather?!?)

And since a Sunday just wouldn't be a Sunday without some Sunday Sketches, I offer you a (somewhat scary) glimpse into my head:

These pages are a pretty good indication of the crazy chaotic thought processes going on inside my noggin these days!  As I look at these pages, I think they would probably be a good submission for this month's Sketchbook Challenge theme: "Spilling Over".  My jumbled thoughts are definitely spilling over (all over my sketchbook pages)!

Sometimes, when I'm looking for ideas and searching for inspiration I flip through my old sketchbook pages.  This week while flipping I came across this page:

This is a page I created at this exact time last year.  (Before I started blogging.)

I thought this page was particularly interesting because I'm feeling that creative restlessness again.  It makes me wonder if there is something about Spring (or waiting for Spring) that causes these feelings...  Wanting to try something new... The need for experimentation...

I'm curious, are you "creatively restless" too?

Please be sure to visit all of my friends over at Sophia's blog to see how they're creatively handling the change in  seasons.

Paint Party Friday... Mini Paintings

Another Paint Party Friday means it's time for a...

"Shellebration"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

Shellebration!

(Hee hee!  I just couldn't help myself!)

"Patchwork Turtle"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

I was so inspired by last week's Paint Party Friday... Quite a few of the partiers created ACEOs and mini paintings.  Since I don't normally work so small, I was definitely intrigued.  I started by doing one of my reverse paintings. (It's definitely a challenge at this size!)

"Turtle Universe"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

If you read my last post, you know I've been working with a turtle theme.  Well, I guess I wasn't quite ready to give that up just yet - I've been having too much fun learning more about them.  Some cultures believe that the turtle carries the world upon it's back...

"Flying Sea Turtle"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

And I was fascinated by the way sea turtles look as though they're flying through the water.

"Floating Turtle"   2.5x3.5 ACEO

(available here)

It's time for me to take off... I've got a party to go to.

I hope to see you there!

p.s.  I just had to share:

You might remember the fabulous fortune cookie that Heather Stillufsen shared at last weeks party?  Well...I bought it!  

It arrived today with the fantastic "Paint Party Today" illustration she also did last week!  What a wonderfully thoughtful and amazing gift... Thank you Heather!!!

To say I am thrilled is a huge understatement!

(I'm a big believer in supporting other artists by buying their work when I'm able to... Look for a post soon that showcases art I've recently purchased.)