New Year! {2014}

I can't believe how long it's been since I've been on my blog! Well, here's what I've been doing with my creative time: re-evaluating it. I know I have it in me to be a successful artist- but that's just it, it's still with-in and it's time to draw (lol) it out. So, I've studied other artists techniques and styles. I've tried new products. I've worked with mediums I didn't have a clue how to use. I've taken several on-line art courses. I am expanding my horizons and it has been so much fun! I can't believe the things I'm drawing! Scenes. Animal. People. People!! I can't wait to apply all of this goodness into my folk art!

 These top two, I was experimenting with my backgrounds and with texture by adding modeling paste to acrylic paint. It was the perfect medium for frosting!

 For these two cutie sheep, I used Coarse Texture gel. What could be more perfect for wool?!

 Here's one of my six or so Holiday scenes that I made. I loved doing all of the little details. I also loved the smaller scale- I was able to start and finish a page rather quickly. Which is great, because when I get goin', I help but day-dream about the next 2, 3, or 4 projects I'll work on.

 My first girl! I'd never been more nervous. Or determined. I worked so hard on her! She's no where near perfect, but I love her. I wanted to quit so many times while I was working on her and now that I'm finished she's more of a trophy than anything else.

And this, my Artist Guardian with my word for the year: Mindful. I'm taking Life Book 2014 this year and the journey has only just begun- but I can feel it deep down in my soul that this class will change everything for me. Just thinking about it warms my heart.

This doesn't even include the clay houses I made and decorated and also the cardboard little village I cut-out, assembled, painted and aged. I've been busy, despite the little hiatus I've taken from amber engelh{art}. I'm so looking forward to combining all of this new knowledge to my folk art. In the meantime, the lessons I'm learning about myself, well, it's invaluable. And, I'm just plain thankful.