Art

The definition for art by some wise person is the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.  I rather like that definition.  I think the part of the definition that was left out was the part that should have been tagged onto the end that says, "to the one displaying it!"  Art has ALWAYS been beautiful in the eye of the beholder!

I think ALL art is beautiful.  Why?  Because its an expression of the one who is doing the art!  Any time a person has the courage to outwardly express who they are on the inside to me, is beautiful.  Your eye sees something different from my eye, and that's perfectly ok!  Art is personal and intimate and its all your OWN!

Since it took me awhile to figure the above sentiment out, this is my space to express me!  I love art and I love to draw.  I have never had any formal training as such and really don't know that I desire to.  I like figuring it out as I go sometimes.  Especially in art.  I hope to share some of the things I enjoy doing, art wise on my page here.

I love to nature/watercolor journal!  I'm not really good at drawing people or animals, but I love drawing nature.  It's more fitting because I LOVE the outdoors!  I am a hiker and would live in the woods if I could!  We are a camping family and I hope I convey my love for the outdoors to my girls through our camping experience and my art.  I think they will appreciate it in years to come.  I have only been nature journaling for about a year and a half (as I said, I am just coming out.....ha ha) and I am still learning the art of doing that.  Each page is a new journey and new learning experience! 

I have several nature journal artists that I just love, and who I follow regularly on their blogs or websites.  I am still working at putting links to their blogs on my home page so you can check them out.  I hope to be sharing some of their fabulous work here (linking to them as I get permission).  Some of my favorites are Mary McAndrew, Cathy Johnson, Gay Kraeger, and Claire Walker Leslie, just to name a few!  There are so many wonderful nature journal artists out there and I try learn tips and guidance from all of their inner gifts!

One of my other favorite loves is Zentangle!  I actually came across it on accident when I was researching for my art journal!  Since I cam across it, I have been hooked!  It is so much fun and TOTAL creation of yourself!!  There is no wrong or right way.  It's just completely what you want your pen to do while drawing structured patterns.  Zentangle is a registered art form and was founded by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas.  You can go to their website here to find out more about this fun, expressive art!  The one thing I take away from Zentangle that Rick and Maria state is "Anything is possible, one stroke at a time!"  True right and I'm on my way!