20 Years Ago Today

I am sharing this post as a reminder to myself (and anyone else that might need to hear it) that dreaming big and not being afraid to go for it can lead to some pretty amazing adventures.

Today marks the 20 year anniversary of that time this mural (and my friend & business partner, Zoë, and I) were on the Oprah show after a whirlwind trip to Racine Wisconsin (and Chicago!) to paint a surprise mural for one of Oprah’s angels, Julia Burney (now Witherspoon).

In April 2001, our mural and decorative painting business was still just a fledgling company... I was a young, wide-eyed dreamer who was only a few months away from getting married. When Zoë and I saw Julia’s inspiring (and close to our hearts) story, I had no doubts about what I wanted to to. I wanted to volunteer to paint a mural for her new reading center, so I immediately emailed Oprah... No second guessing, no hesitation, no questioning whether or not it was a crazy idea.

Looking back, there is a lot that I can learn from my younger self. So, to celebrate this special day, I thought it would be fun to share some of the things that I knew then (without even realizing it!!), but need a reminder of now:

1. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. So, you might as well PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE.

2. POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS, if you...

3. DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, and GO FOR IT!

4. It’s okay to be nervous... Feel the fear, but DO IT ANYWAY! And, finally...

5. FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD.

If you’re interested in reading more about my time on Oprah, you can find the whole story on my website HERE.

I would love to hear about what big dreams YOU are dreaming today!

(Please share them with me in the comments!)

2018: 14/365

I believe that in order to keep the creative well full, it's important to spend some time outside the studio.  Today I wandered around Buffalo ReUse gathering inspiration.

2018: 1/365

Happy New Year, Friends!

Whaaat? The subject line from an email I received today. (My name is not Jeff.) Hahaha!

It is probably no surprise that I've been doing some reflection the past few days.  I love beginnings (especially the start of a new year)... but, as a recovering perfectionist I also have a tendency to put a lot of pressure on myself.  This year, I've decided to approach 2018 a little differently...

My (very well-timed) fortune!

The new year is usually about putting your best foot forward and trying to fix imperfections...  But now I'm wondering what if...

I decide to accept that life doesn't have to be perfect to be good?
I find a way to accept the wonky bits & maybe even enjoy them?
I share more?  (Even the not-so-pretty stuff.)

Pulling back the curtain...

This is scary for me, folks.  In a carefully curated internet world, it can appear that you're the only one who doesn't have it all together.  As I write this and commit myself to sharing more, I feel nervous.  But... I'm hoping that you can relate to my desire for authenticity, and that you'll join me as I journey into 2018 (messy parts, and all)!

p.s.  I have decided to *try* and share something about what I'm up to every day (Creative Every Day style).  In order to take some of the pressure off and set myself up for success, I've decided to keep my post titles simple to reduce "decision fatigue".

p.p.s.  You can click here for an article I found very interesting about "decision fatigue" and "the science of simplicity" 

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/

My Very First Video Tutorial!

I am so excited!!!

I am a BIG believer that creating art doesn't have to cost a lot of money.  I believe in saving money where you can, so that you can splurge where you want.  I am also a huge fan of sharing ideas.  (I have even created some written tutorials in the past.)

Today, I am so happy to share my very first video tutorial that combines my belief in saving money, and my love of sharing ideas... How to create a professional looking wrapped gallery canvas using things you probably already have laying around the house!  

I've shared the video over at the Willowing blog and I really hope you'll check it out... Who knows, maybe you'll end up saving so much money on canvases that you'll finally be able to get the supplies you've been wanting to indulge in, or sign up for the class you've been dreaming about taking...  Either way, I hope you enjoy!

My Word of the Year

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 4

I have to admit I have been a bit back and forth on the whole "word of the year" thing...  On one hand, I like the idea of having a central focus or a beacon to come back to and guide you through the year...  On the other hand,  I've never been a big fan of labels because I find they can be very limiting, and sometimes paralyzingly dangerous.

But, when pondering it at the beginning of 2015, there was one word that I kept coming back to.  Then, a dear friend sent me an eerily word-relevant email that seemed like divine intervention that the word that kept popping into my head was truly meant to be...

So, without further ado, I am officially announcing that my word of the year is:  MAGIC!

Kristin Dudish   #dudishdaily 3

I definitely believe in it, 
and I am looking forward to finding it this year!

Recharging My Creative Battery

My original intent for this post was to do an ICAD update, but instead I've come to a pretty big (and pretty scary) decision...

I've decided to "unplug", except for my behind the scenes work with EVA at Paint Party Friday, for the remainder of the summer.

Yesterday was Tyler's 7th birthday... If you've been reading my blog for awhile, then you may remember me mentioning that we celebrate "Birthday Weeks" in the Dudish house.  In the midst of the merriment I became a little bit wistful thinking about how fast time seems to be flying...

I was reminded recently (by a couple of wonderful blog friends) of how truly precious each moment is.  So, as a result, I have decided to enjoy the school-free time I have with Tyler and savor each and every moment!

I'll be back, creative battery recharged, in September...

(I hope you will all still be here!)

Kindness Gone Viral

For the past week, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I have struggled to find words.  The post that I had originally planned to publish last Friday suddenly seemed so trivial... As a result, I avoided writing anything at all.

Then, yesterday I read about Ann Curry's #26Acts of Kindness.  

Moments later, I read an email from a woman who was interested in purchasing the original or a print of my "Take What You Need" heart.  Well, the original is now at home in Scotland, but I am happy to say that prints are free to anyone that wants one! 

(More details further down...)

I believe wholeheartedly in the power of kindness.  I believe that all acts of compassion, both big and small can make a difference... In just the space of a few minutes, my mission was clear and the voice that I thought was missing had returned.

(download your free copy here)

In honor of Ann Curry's #26 Acts, and as a tribute to the precious lives lost in Newtown, I have added a kindness page on my blog where you will be able to find links to downloadable and printable kindness art including the "Take What You Need" poster above.  It is my hope that these posters make their way to bulletin boards, lamp posts, and utility polls around the world.

p.s. You'll also find a link to my free downloadable and printable kindness cards!

(Another great way to spread good will.)

"If you do good, you feel good."

-Ann Curry

Wishing you a holiday season (and beyond...) that feels good!

xo

Kristin

What I've Learned...

Today's post is inspired by a few questions for #reverb12:

#3: What do you really wish for?

#4: How will you celebrate YOU?

#6: What did you learn?

(I'm going to answer them in reverse order.)

2012 taught me not to take a single moment for granted.  A series of very serious family health emergencies that started in 2011 (and lasted up until last month), made it abundantly clear that life is very precious.  I have tried to become more actively aware of how I am spending my time, prioritizing, and focusing my energy on the things that are most important to me.

I think that paying attention, and really, truly living (rather than just existing), is the best way I can possibly celebrate myself.  I'm slowing down, taking notice, and enjoying the little things so much more now.

I have set many goals of things I hope to accomplish in the coming year, but the things that I really wish for are the health, happiness, and strength that are required to follow though on those intentions and aspirations.

Have You Got A Minute?

Frosty Window Art

Then you have time to make some art!

This time of year always seems to get craaazy busy, but I still think it's important to squeeze some art making into a hectic schedule.

Toaster Strudel Art

One of the easiest ways to cram some creativity in, is to think outside the canvas and get a bit inventive with materials!

Steamy Mirror Art

I truly believe that making time for art every day (even if it is just a minute or two), can ignite the imagination and keep the creative spark alive (so that you're fired up and ready for when you have more time)!

Do you have any tips or tricks for fitting art into a busy schedule?

It's Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  

In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on 

instagram or facebook.

Makin' Art Everyday

I believe the road to inspiration begins with creating some type (any type) of art every day.  It doesn't matter if you dash off a doodle or pour yourself into a painting... A little bit of art each day is good for the imagination.  (Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference!)

Today marks the beginning of Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on instagram (my latest addiction!  Oh, how I love instagram!) or facebook.

Last Night...

We went bowling!

And, although it is (very) obvious none of us will be going pro anytime soon, we had lots of fun!

I am a big believer that each and every day should have a little (or a lot) of playtime, merriment, silliness, and general tomfoolery... I think it's very important to make the time to step out of your usual routine.

Wishing you all a weekend of whimsy... Enjoy! 

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

I Believe...

(Sidewalk Love)

...In kindness.

Since my word of the year is "Believe", I thought it might be fun to create a new weekly series where I proclaim (in a post) something I believe in.  What better way to start than with kindness?

It really seems like an obviously simple thing... And it is!  Anyone can be kind - from easy acts like letting another driver merge or holding open a door, to a grand pre-meditated gesture - any kindness will do!  It feels good for the giver and the receiver, but the greatest thing about it?

Kindness is contagious!

Sending you a great big smile...

Pass it on!

p.s.  The very kind, and always inspirational Liv Lane, has started a new series (and future  blog hop) called "The Little Bliss List" based on her word of the year ("Bliss").  Please be sure to check it out - I think it is a fabulous idea!

p.p.s. I'm curious... If you have a word of the year, how are you putting it into action?