my painting teachers

I played hard last night. Oh how I played. It was awesome. I've had this in me for a long, long time and last night I began to mix paints and choose which size of brush to use and the process was pure joy. I purchased two huge canvases, but in the end, I started with three little ones. The smaller ones felt like a better place to start.

As I worked I kept telling Rory how good it felt to play. I thought about the three painting "teachers" I have learned from, all though their blogs and books, and how grateful I was for the freedom they have presented in not judging the art as its being created, not worrying about the final product, but rather enjoying the process, embracing the imperfections and waiting with anticipation to see what unfolds.

I thought I would take some time tonight to share with you these three free spirit teachers whose art I enjoy so much.

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First, Donna Downey:

Lots of years ago I started following Donna Downey's blog. She is a mixed media artist who paints on canvas...just the fabric part. She makes awesome aprons and made a flower art project that knocked my socks off, so that I had to make one of my own. And then I got to attend one of her workshops when we lived in Nebraska, and that was about the greatest thing ever.

She's not afraid to get messy, and when I watch her Inspiration Wednesday videos, I always feel a freedom to create. Like there is no one right way to make art. She works with whatever happens as she creates and to watch the process is sort of mesmerizing.

I stopped following her a while back because I had to simplify my life and streamline my online time. But I still would consider her my first painting teacher. And I definitely still spend some good chunks of time browsing her site and her latest projects.

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Next, Kelly Rae Roberts:

I was introduced to Kelly Rae Roberts by my friend Shannon. Kelly Rae was pregnant with her son the same time I was pregnant with Ivar, and at first I just liked tracking the size of her belly compared to mine. I think we were three weeks apart. But now I read her blog not only for her candid take on motherhood, but also for her creative joy as she lives her life, makes her art, and runs her very successful business.

When I was in California with Rory this spring, I brought along her book, Taking Flight: Inspiration and Techniques to give your Creative Spirit Wings. I can't say enough good things about this book. It brought something to life in me that wanted to come to life and I'm still listening closely to that little voice inside of me that surfaced as I read through the pages of this book.

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And finally, Flora Bowley:

Kelly Rae introduced a friend of hers on her blog a few weeks ago. Her friend's name is Flora Bowley and she recently came out with a book that I purchased based on Kelly Rae's recommendation called, "Brave Intuitive Painting." It's a very free spirit book that does everything to empower you, encourage you to try and rid you of the fear that you might not actually be a gifted artist. Last night I kept thinking about her words, telling my critical self to calm down, telling my creative self to keep on playing. I read the book in one afternoon and still thumb through it for eye candy and inspiration.

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I'm going to paint again tonight. It's really fun. And a really great way to nurture my own self after a day of care taking. Here's to all things bright and beautiful!