11 Years of Paint Party Friday!

(A piece from the archives.)

This week's celebration at the PPF blog is bittersweet...

As we celebrate the 11th birthday of our paint party, we also prepare to say farewell to the weekly meet-ups. When EVA first approached me about starting the blog, I never could have imagined the community that would be created. What started out as a fun way to paint more with accountability and encourage others to do the same soon turned into so much more. Through Paint Party Friday, we have made lifelong friendships with artists from all over the world. We have shared moments that extend far beyond the canvas... we've celebrated joys and supported each other through sorrows. It has been an honor to be the co-host of a party that has helped people connect more deeply through their art. 

(A collage of some of my favorite PPF pieces from over the years.)

I would like to offer a great BIG thanks to all of the artists that have shared their art with us over the years. In addition to admiring all of your fabulous work, I have learned so much about bravery, authenticity, and vulnerability from all of you... It takes courage to put yourself out there, and our goal at PPF has always been to provide a safe space for you to share the art of your heart. My wish is that you continue to share your art and let others see all of the things that make you so special. Saying good-bye is hard, so let's not...

Please come say 'hi' on Instagram so we can keep in touch!

(A piece made many moons ago that still holds true today!)

Before I end my final Paint Party Friday post, I want to give a HUGE shout out to my amazing friend and PPF co-host, the incredible EVA!

Thank you so much for trusting me to be your partner in what turned out to be an unbelievable journey... none of it would have been possible without you.

xoxoxo

2018: 21/365

Happy Squirrel Appreciation Day!

I've had squirrels on my mind a lot these days!
I even "saw" a squirrel in the very first 
@3yroldscribble #finishthescribble I did...

And, I bought a squirrel messenger bag from Bolsa Bonita 
(one of my favorite Etsy shops)...

It appears I'm a bit "nuts" about them... Don't be surprised if more squirrel characters make their way onto the blog this year!

Happy Birthday Paint Party Friday!

Congratulations and LOTS of Love to 
my friend and Paint Party Friday co-parent, EVA!
Time flies when you're having fun...
It's hard to believe our blog baby is already 6 years old!

To my painting & partying friends,
Thank you for helping to make PPF such a fun community!

(Please be sure to stop by the Paint Party Friday blog because 
we're having a giveaway.)

January Update

Eggquiring minds want to know...

Did I come up with 30 ideas in 30 days for Storystorm?
Yes!  I actually came up with 46!  Woo-hoo!
(I know there are some stinkers in the bunch, but there are definitely some I'm looking forward to working on.)

Did I write the first draft for a new picture book for 12x12?
Yes!  (I also revised an old manuscript that I had set aside for years!!!)

Did I create a new picture book dummy?
No.  But... I did work on a number of new illustrations.

So far, so good...
The challenges seem to be keeping me on track!
(I'll keep you posted...)

Happy 2017!

Happy New Year, Friends!
I hope your year is off to a good start and that you are having 
lots of fun and productive studio time!

For me, the new year means lots of new characters and lots of new ideas!  (It also meant an explosion of masking fluid in my studio that led to an hour long clean-up and nearly having to cut my hair... Have you ever tried to get masking fluid out of a paintbrush?  If you have, then I'm sure you can imagine my near hair catastrophe! Hahaha!)

I digress...  Back to the new ideas...

In addition to the super fun projects I am already working on, I signed up for the Storystorm (previously PiBoldMo) challenge!  
The goal is to come up with 30 new picture book ideas in 30 days.  I have to say, inspiration is flying because we are about halfway through the month and I am already at 30 ideas!  (Some good, some not-so-much, but at least the inspiration faucet is on.)

I plan on putting some of those ideas to use in another challenge I signed up for: 12x12.  The goal of the 12x12 challenge is to write 12 picture book manuscripts in 12 months.  (I am giving myself the additional challenge of turning those manuscripts into roughly illustrated dummies... Wish me luck!)

I'll be sharing my progress here, so please check back soon...
In the meantime, I'll be in my studio 
(trying to keep the mess to a minimum)!

When All Else Fails... Make Art.

I have been at a loss for words lately.
I have been feeling all sorts of feelings, but I can never seem to find the right words to express them.  

When I was little, I was painfully shy.  (So shy in fact, that school conferences were arranged to discuss my shyness.)  While I had a difficult time speaking up in the typical verbal sense, I discovered a way to communicate that didn't involve words... Art.  Throughout my life, I have found that even when I don't know what to say, I can turn to my familiar friends, drawing and painting, to help see me through... It's my visual voice.

Since I currently find myself in the all-too-familiar predicament of struggling to verbalize my feelings, I was excited to read this post by Alisa Burke.  When she shared the #artistsforlove movement that a beautiful and generous group of artists have started, it felt like a call to the easel.  
This is my offering...

Click here for a hi-resolution downloadable & printable version.

Please feel free to download, print, and share this image.  Or, if you feel called to do so, create your own image for the #artistsforlove movement.  I love the idea of humans around the world creating beauty for a common purpose, don't you?

No matter where you live, no matter what you believe, I think we can all agree that we could all use a little more kindness right now.

(A painting I made of Patience in February 2014.)

Even though I often struggle to find the right words, I am very grateful to know people who don't.  My friend Patience Salgado is a kindness revolutionary, and her words are magic.  I am so happy to be able to share them with you...

Kindness is not doing acts to appease our guilt

or to try to prove our goodness,

Revolutionary Kindness asks us:

.....to be bold in our resistance to what we know is not right/true

for our fellow humans…

...to be honest with each other and ourselves about the state of our nation (and hearts) and the ways we have individually contributed…

...to be willing to be uncomfortable while we learn the nuances and implications of our white privilege…

...to keep trying when we get it wrong…

...to be quiet and listen to the groups of people who have a different

skin color, religion, sexual orientation and abilities…

...to be ridiculously bold in our belief of the power of empathy and kindness…

...to act, to serve, to give - not because we are good people,

but because we *know* and deeply feel our own humanity...

and know just how much we need each other

and how much we need kindness ourselves…

...to believe that kindness can change or touch something

when no one else around you can see or believe it…

....to take kindness to places where none seems to exist, or to seek and discover it in the unimaginable…

...to try, just try kindness as a way of understanding the world and yourself…

...to offer what we have and nothing more, not to save the world, not to fix, but to follow our call as humans - the outcome is not our business.

This kindness humbles you, makes you fierce, stretches you in ways you didn't see coming, checks you, heals you, reveals your biases, comforts, disturbs, empowers, surprises...it changes *you*. ❤️

-Patience Salgado

You can read the original post at:

https://www.instagram.com/kindnessgirl/

Around Here Lately...

I'm not sure what it is, but there is something about Spring that makes me want to clean up and organize everything!

my new website!

This year, that also means sprucing up my website, 
and de-cluttering & simplifying things here on the blog.

I still have artwork to sort and upload to the website, but I am very happy to have created a new "Freebies & Kindness" section (where you can download my well-traveled "Take What You Need" poster) , and a special spot for my collaborations with Tyler.  I have also dedicated a space specifically for all things silly & random that I can't wait to fill with all sorts of ridiculousness!

In addition to all of that, my first Life Book lesson goes live on Monday!!!  I had so much fun creating the lesson, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what everyone makes!  
(You can still sign up here if you'd like to join in on the fun!)

Random Thoughts On A Thursday

Tyler's note

I found this little message yesterday on a scrap sheet of paper... I love nine year old wisdom.

My heart sings every time I receive an email about my "Take What You Need" poster... It is so fun for me to hear about where in the world they end up! (If you'd like to download and/or print it, click here for a high-res. pdf version.)

I am trying to take some of my own advice and be kinder to myself.

One of the ways I've been trying to banish the negativity gremlins and self-doubt monsters from my studio is by listening to audio books that promote positive thinking while I paint.  (As a bonus, I have found that I am more productive when I do.)

I am a big fan of Kind bars... And not just because I love the name (although, I think that's pretty great too)!

I watched the movie "Wild", and now I'm thinking about reading the book.  Usually I read the book before I watch the movie, so that I can create my own images in my head... Do you read the book or watch the movie first?

A collaboration with Tyler.

It is supposed to snow this weekend.

I'm not ready for winter.

Seeing my "Tea and Cake with Gracie" interview is like a ray of sunshine on a chilly day...

I'm so excited to be offering a free art tutorial, a free downloadable print, and giving away the ORIGINAL Frida painting (in the photo above) to one lucky Willowing reader!  To read the interview and enter the Giveaway, please click here.

Warning: This Post Is A Bit Bananas...

If you read my first index card a day post, then you may have noticed a feast of fruit and vegetable puns.  I know that some people think puns are corny, but I love them!  If you love them too, then I will happily take all of the credit for the smorgasbord of silly.  But, if puns aren't your thing, then you can blame my dear friend Tracey Fletcher King for my current buffet of bad taste!  (Just kidding Tracey!)  It isn't her fault...  I just can't seem to help myself when it comes to wordplay... It's a sickness, really.

If you haven't already heard, Tracey is teaching an online class called Delicious Paint, and it is every bit as delectable as it sounds!  (The course is full, so I'm sorry to tempt you... But you can take heart in the fact that I'm quite sure this won't be the last chance to have her as a teacher.)

I carrot believe how much olive Tracey's take on teaching...  Her lessons are a masterful medley of appetizing approaches and tasty techniques.  I have bean berry peased with her dill-ightful methods.  I think it goes without saying that I'm having a grape time!  

Seriously though, Tracey has amazing talent and generously shares her knowledge with her students.  If you get a chance to take a class from her in the future, I highly recommend it.  (Don't hold my crummy comedy against her, that's all me... I just love to yam it up!)

Orange you glad you made it to the end of this post?!?  
(Thanks for pearing with me!)

Happy 4th Birthday/Anniversary/Blogoversary PPF!

Wow... Four years!  How did that happen?!?

When EVA and I started Paint Party Friday four years ago, we knew we wanted to create a site where painters from around the world could "get together".  We hoped it would become a supportive and encouraging community for like-minded artists... What we didn't expect is how many partyers would show up each week, and how many meaningful friendships would be made...  To say we're thrilled is an understatement!

I knew I was going to create a party portrait painting for the PPF blog, but since we invited everyone to create self portraits for the celebration, I thought maybe I should create a separate one for my own blog.  I was in a strange mood today, and that led to a strange self-portrait...

I'd like to end this post by giving thanks to my wonderful PPF partner, EVA... Thank you for your continued dedication, your creativity, your support, your encouragement, and your friendship!

And, to all of my PPF friends... Thank you for helping to make the Paint Party Friday blog such a fun place to visit, for sharing your amazing artwork, and for keeping us inspired week after week!

Coffee Blobs and Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration can come from the unlikeliest of places...

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 5

If you have been reading my blog for a while, then you know that I am a big fan of all things silly.  And when it comes to silly, Carla Sonheim is the "Squeen" (Silly Queen)!  Whenever I find myself in a taking-myself-too-seriously rut, I turn to one of Carla's books (Drawing Lab is my all time favorite art book!), or one of her classes.

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 6

Last week while catching up on some blog reading, I came across Carla's "coffee blobs".  As you may already know, I have a tendency to "see" things (Click here for an example, and click here for another!)... And if you're familiar with Carla, then you know she fully supports and encourages "seeing" things (check out this tutorial)!

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 7

Well, when I saw Carla's "coffee blobs" I immediately started "seeing" things, so I emailed her and asked if it would be okay for me to print them out, draw&paint on them, then post my results.  Being the generous Squeen that she is, she granted me permission and gave me her blessing!

I had so much fun playing with them, I was sorry to see I had reached my last...

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 8

Luckily, I've signed up for "Year of the Spark" so I have a feeling I'll be in for a LOT more fun, inspiration, and magic in 2015!

A Cheese Sandwich, A Teabag, A Dog, And Yoda...

Or, in other words...

Happy Birthday Tracey!

"Smarter than you think, Mushu is."

Graphite on teabag

My friend Tracey's daughter is a genius of epic proportions, and for her mother's birthday she is creating an origami Yoda! 
(How cool is that?!?)

Tracey believes Yoda will add wisdom to her studio, because her current studio-mate (her dog Mushu), is a lackluster conversationalist.  If you have read Tracey's latest blog post, then you know that she also believes Mushu is 
"about as bright as a cheese sandwich"...

"Bright As A Cheese Sandwich"

Prismacolor pencil drawing on a toast photo

(presented on a dinner napkin)

In honor of Tracey's birthday, I have created two portraits of her beloved "mutt"...  One as the "cheese sandwich" Tracey contends Mushu is as smart as, and one as "Yoda", because I secretly harbor thoughts that Mushu is much more clever than anyone knows.

(close-up)

The jury is still out on poor Mushu, but what I know for sure is that Tracey is absolutely brilliant and definitely deserving of some silly artwork on her special day...

Happy Birthday Snicker Buddy!

Happy Birthday Paint Party Friday!

(Behind the scenes party prep)

Wow... 3 Years!

When EVA and I started PPF, I don't think we ever dreamed it would grow into such an amazing (and supportive!) community!

We are so thankful for all of you... You are the reason Paint Party Friday has become such a fun place to visit and share!

EVA

I can't imagine writing this post without also tipping my party hat to my friend and PPF partner, EVA...

EVA is smart, funny, creative, supportive, loyal, dependable, and so much more...  She is the perfect co-hostess, and I am so lucky to be able to call her my friend...

Thank you EVA!

Me

Please be sure to stop by the Paint Party Friday blog as we celebrate 3 fantastic years!  (We're having a giveaway too!)

Happy Birthday PPF!

One Of My Favorite Challenges Is Right Around The Corner!

(Click on the image to learn more.)

See you then...
I can't wait!

To Tracey With Love (And Humor!)

(a page in my sketchbook)

I originally created this drawing for my Clooney-and-tea-loving pal, Tracey, in July.  Then, when EVA & I decided to host a tea party for her, I thought it might be fun to revisit this drawing and play with some new ideas...

It started off pretty harmless.  I printed my drawing and cut it out to try different backgrounds.  But, knowing how much Tracey shares my love of silly (and actually encourages my antics), I couldn't stop there...

So I took George for a ride.

(Yes, that's George Clooney in my passenger seat.)

I brought him with me to the post office.

And, I took him to the grocery store.

(It's pretty appropriate that this photo was taken by the bananas.  Because, if you are taking pictures with a cardstock cut-out of a George Clooney drawing, people are going to look at you like you are... bananas.)

Since George is truly a gentleman, he wouldn't think of attending Tracey's Tea Party without bringing flowers.

Or chocolate!

(I had so much fun with George, I can see why Tracey loves him!)