Friday, June 8, 2012

Multitasking To The Max!


Oh my!

ICAD #5:  June 5th, 2012
The Summer of Color (Week 1)
"Rainbow Sherbet"


ICAD #6:  June 6th, 2012
The Butterfly Effect (Books)
"There was laughter and French toast"


ICAD #7:  June 7th, 2012
The Butterfly Effect (Books)
"it was quite a hat"


ICAD #8:  June 8th, 2012
Inspiration Avenue (Wishes)
"Firefly Wish"

Life continues to be a bit bananas, but I have learned something about myself during the craziness...

I need art.
(Yup, I really, really do.)  

When things in my life started to go haywire, I set my studio time aside so that I could take care of the people who needed me (it only seemed natural).  So, aside from a little bit of arting with Tyler, some sketchbook play, and much needed mess-making, things have been pretty quiet on the art front... Until now.

What I have discovered is that I need to make art.  That is why I signed on to the Index Card A Day challenge... By committing to an everyday challenge, I am committing to creating something each day (even if it is just a little).

For me, art is a release... It's therapy.  Instead of stepping out of the studio when times got tough, I should have been looking for any opportunity to get myself in there.  I am a much calmer person when I am able to make something, and as a result I am a better caretaker.

So, here I am, back to the challenges and artsy friends that I have so desperately missed! 


85 comments:

  1. So true that we need to create - something, any little thing. It is important to not turn away from that. You are so right in that we are better caretakers when we take care of ourselves too. Beautiful art. Happy PPF

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  2. That's fantastic! I love how colorful everything is. :)

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  3. I am with you on the art making thing... without it I am just awful to live with and even though sometimes I still get the guilts about disappearing into the studio... It is very necessary... I am so glad you are back and that you are making your gorgeous creations... I have missed it...xx

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  4. All your pieces are so beautiful, tons of color and clever designs. Again...Beautiful!!!

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  5. Oh my gosh so glad you stopped by and so great to hear you are doing the Summer of colour Challenge. I love what you create! I just can't stop looking at the jar...how did you do it? I need to know more...it is so real...please tell!
    ManonX

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    1. Hi Manon,

      Thank you so much for you kind words!

      This is how I created the jar:
      1.I drew it on the index card using a 01 micron pen
      2.I used making fluid to make the white dot fireflies
      3.I used watercolor in different shades of blue/purple all over the card
      4.Once it was dry, I removed the making fluid dots and shaded the jar with a white prismacolor pencil (I also colored the lid using a golden yellow prismacolor pencil)
      5.I added more highlights using white acrylic paint and a white gelly roll pen
      6.Finally, I added some sparkle paint to the letters, but you can't really see it.

      I'm always happy to share - Thanks for asking!

      xo
      Kristin

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    2. *it should say "masking" fluid, not "making" fluid! Ha!

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  6. Wow!!! Love the googly eye one. <3

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  7. Yay!!! So happy to see this :) I hope you'll keep sharing your daily treasures. You art brightens my world.

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  8. Oh you have been so prolific! You must feel wonderfully sane after such a creative week:-) Love especially your rainbow sherbet and fireflies!

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  9. I guess that's why I am enjoying my journaling so much right now. Its doing something even if not marketable. Its fun and a good release. Thanks for your comment on my blog. These are great small works of Art. Love them all. :)

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  10. So great to have you back, Kristin!!
    And glad you signed up for the Index Card A Day challenge...I feel the same as you...art really grounds me. :)
    Love all of the pieces above!! Especially love the butterflies as a hair-do! Gorgeous!

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  11. I especially like your firefly wish! So great!

    Sharon

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  12. I totally understand, I need daily art sessions. I love all your paintings, lovely work! Happy PPF!

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  13. and here I was all proud for squeezing in 3 challenges into one blog post. I bow down, ms. multi-tasker.
    soooo glad you're doing ICAD so I can see your beautiful work every day.

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  14. I'm loving all your cards. They make me smile and laugh! Thank you!

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  15. Love the toast! It goes perfectly with the egg one that I loved so much. Glad to hear you're mess making - yes!

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  16. I know exactly what you mean! I've had an off week, and I realized its because I haven't painted. I haven't felt like painting this week and haven't. I don't know which is the cause and which is the result, but I know that when I paint, I am whole (in every way) and naturally want to paint more as a bonus. Thanks for the reminder and especially love your firefly painting! Happy PPF!

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  17. Your cards are wonderful! I'm so glad you signed up for ICAD and that they're allowing you to keep grounded in your art.

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  18. Awesome stuff. Love the french toast! Happy PPF.

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  19. Oh I love these Kristin!! My fav is the firefly wish!! And that toast is too cute! I so know what you mean about art as therapy. I am trying to get back to creating more because I feel so much better when I do however my instinct is to run out of the studio when things are crazy.

    Glad you are making your way back in!

    xo

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  20. These are all so wonderful! It is really quite a hat!

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  21. what lovely work in the 'Kristin' style!

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  22. I feel the say way you do. Got to do art. Great to see you. I love them all, especially the Firefly. Reall great. Happy PPF!

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  23. I came from IA, but I enjoyed all of these beautiful pieces.

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  24. Glad to hear you are back in your studio. Yes art is very healing and therapeutic. I hope your life gets back to a bit of normal soon. Happy PPF! :-)

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  25. OMG! I absolutely love the firefly wish painting! Your work is whimsical and pretty! Thanks for sharing!!

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  26. These are great Kristin!! I especially love the Summer of color one!! Creating daily is so cathartic in many ways as well as rejuvenating!! I feel the same, I need it!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  27. I discovered that art is real therapy. You've been very busy creaying! Love all your pieces!

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  28. Wonderful art work...and I do agree when you say art is a therapy...it does heal :)

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  29. Love all the very creative art work and I agree ~ 'art heals the soul' ~ thanks, ^_^ (A Creative Harbor)

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  30. I feel the same way about my art time- I am finding if I don't get it I am not as nice a person. When I do have it, the world is in harmony again. Love all you created- the jar of wish, the fun french toast, the rainbow sherbert woman, the hat! So much creative goodness!! Happy PPF!

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  31. Love your French toast guy and Wish Jar and all your other dreamy, whismical and beautiful creations. Your hat made me smile. In fact, all your art is feel-good art and I do LOVE that about your work.

    Btw, the Index Card a Day Challenge sounds right up my alley! I will check it out, thanks. :)

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  32. wow, look at all the different things you have made!
    I like the butterfly effect a lot.

    Happy PPF!



    Mimi Torchia Boothby Watercolors

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  33. I love that girl with the butterfly hairstyle, is precious. Saludos

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  34. Amazing work Kristin!!!, and looking after people too! :D XXX

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  35. Oh, Kristin! It's wonderful!! I so admire your work and am thrilled to have you playing along with The Summer of Color this year - and thank you for helping to spread the word. Loving that Firefly jar too, xoxo

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  36. Yay!! So great to see you back and creating. Very good therapy with all the busyness of your life at the moment.
    ox
    These are all incredibly lovely and fun cards.

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  37. Love that Summer Of Colour piece!!!

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  38. I REALLY love your concept of the fireflies, such a great idea and totally inventive.
    Thanks so much for joining up this week.

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  39. HI Kristin..such a gorgeous post..all very beautiful! The first one totally captivates my soul..expressive and visually stunning..
    Shine on..all fabulous!
    Thankyou for hosting this fab party as always..
    Victoria

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  40. Your painting is wonderful!!! I'm envious! :)

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  41. Wonderful multitasking, my favorite is the butterfly haired lady, but I Have been into wierd haired ladies myself! Great pieces!!!

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  42. Its great to made a little something every day if you can. I love all your art, you are very telented. Thanks for sharing

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  43. So glad you're back to being creative. I always love seeing what you've been up to and am thrilled to see you've been so creative. Thanks for sharing. Your paintings are a delight.

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  44. I love the way your mind works, and how well you use your time and your space, too. The colors of the butterfly hair are still fluttering in my mind, yum!

    Um, I hope there are some holes at the top of that jar, so that the wishes can fly out, feed and come back to you ;-)

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  45. and what delightful art you make! these are all such fun and brought smiles to my face, delight to my eyes!
    French Toast indeed! butterfly heads and hats! All colorful and wonderful! HPPF on Sunday.

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  46. It's so true, art saves us. How else can we reshape what life throws at us and make it into something wonderful? Love all your new paintings, especially the French Toast. Glad to see you back at the party.

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  47. Lovely paintings, great variety and originality!

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  48. WOW...that's so much happening! Multi tasking to the core... Loved each piece of art...they are all amazing... Summer of color, It was quite a hat and Firefly Wish; rocking:)
    HPPF:)

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  49. Love all your entries and I totally agree with your post.
    Women take care of everyone and wear so many hats, it's important to reserve time for yourself!! You Go GIRL!!

    Stay Inspired and never give up your "me slot".

    XO
    Kim

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  50. I totally agree, art helps to cope and keep our sanity. Love all your pieces, especially your french toast. It just made me smile on this cold and rainy Monday morning!

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  51. I'm so sorry to hear that things have continued to be difficult in your life but am so glad to see you back - I miss your art. These pieces are all fabulous - I really want to take part in summer of colour this year and I intend to do just that - little bit of whimsy each week aside from the pieces I'm working on. Thanks for your comment on my blog and yes, I finished watching season 1 of Work of Art and was so pleased that Abdi won - truly deserving - and so very pleased that Miles did no - truly undeserving! I'm not watching season 2 and last week The Sucklord got asked to leave! It's sooo good - it's even the only reality show my husband will watch!

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  52. Wow, that is one beautiful painting - I love the butterflies around her head and I also love your use of delicate shading on the face - very beautifully done.

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  54. Love them all ` they are all sooooooo creative, colorful and dazzling ~~ thanks, ^_^
    (A Creative Harbor)

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  55. AMAZING! especially the french toast ;-)

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  56. I am so there with your with art being so necessary- I am not a very nice person when I don't get my art time! That said, I LOVE all of these especially the wish and the assorted hats. Wonderfully creative as always!

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  57. I love all the work you have produced.... but especially 'it was quite a hat' it's wonderful :)

    Keep arting!!!!

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  58. OMG! Busy Creative lady here! Loe love the butterflies in Rainbow Sherbet! XO

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  59. Good to see you back in your challenges....and wowsers ...i love your pieces...each and every one...so many beautiful things about each...but the wish speaks to me...it is pure magic...thankyou for sharing...xxx

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  60. These are all fantastically wonderful. Great job.

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  61. So glad you didn't give up. . . . Love the Firefly Wish. . . . I grew up with fireflies, however, they aren't in this part of the country. . . . Blessings, Janet, PPF

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  62. So true- Art IS therapy! Wonderful pieces for your challenges. :)

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  63. Hi there!!!
    some how I misplaced you!!!!
    What fun art here!!!

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  64. Hi Kristin. Love your butterfly girl, think she is adorable..

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  65. Votre blog est très gai et j'aime le visiter!
    Merci encore pour l'accueil PPF
    ;)

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  66. wow Kristin. Gorgeous work! Brave woman and creative! I am so inspired by you. I pray for you whatever you're going through. Art heals. We need that. Hugs to you!

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  67. Oh I've said for a long time that it's like therapy and even with all the supplies we buy I bet it's cheaper than 'actual' therapy too. I've had a dry spell for a few months where I just seemed to have lost my mojo, family things that you need to attend to like you say... and can honsetly say I have been so down. It's good to get back to it and get back to me.

    Your creations are amazing, gorgeous and beautiful... especially the butterfly hair :) French toast made me chuckle a LOT!

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  68. Loving your fab creations, Annette x

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  69. I love your creations! Come by for a visit!
    http://georgie-hornpuddinnpie.blogspot.com/

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  70. I'm glad your back and am tickled pink (or maybe tickled rainbow sherbet) at all your creations this week. I laughed out loud at the french toast.

    I completely agree about making time for art. On days where I don't find any time, I feel "off" and need to get back to doing SOMETHING at least. I like the idea of your ICAD challenge. I may try to hop in in the middle of that one! :-)

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  71. oh look at all this fab work. I love visiting.

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  72. Love the sherbet girl -- looks like batik! Is that some kind of resist technique? (I'm brand new to all this) Love the firefly jar too!

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    1. Thank you :)

      Yes - Exactly! I used batik as my inspiration for the sherbet girl... I used watercolor masking fluid to draw the butterflies, then splattered, dripped, and pushed around my paint.

      I love questions and I'm always happy to share!

      xo
      Kristin

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  73. Oh WOW!! Your rainbow sherbert artwork is stunning!! ..looking forward to your week 2 now!!
    Jan x

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  74. Such a wonderful realization--that we NEED art! I'm like you and tend to be tempted to put it aside when things are rough, but it's amazing how much better equipped I am to handle things when I DON'T stop painting! Praying you continue to feel calmed and strengthened in this way!

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  75. Love the girl with the curl.She is fabulous!

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  76. Oh I was wrong about her name.The girl with butterflies-I'm your 401 follower.

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  77. She is beautiful... love the french toast.. too cute.. I hear you on the therapy... felt better than I have for a long time.. just doing the little canvas for this ...
    Kath
    xx

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