Live in the Sunshine

It's been blizzardy here.  We had about 15 inches of snow.

We had school cancelled today and tomorrow because of the snow.  Before that I was at home sick for the 2 days prior.  I'm starting to get stir crazy!  I'm actually a bit bummed about having school cancelled the day before winter break (I know, that sounds crazy).  Usually the last day before school gets out, everyone is in a super cheery mood, lots of treats and excitement, handwritten Christmas cards from kids, and we were going to have our Market Day (where the kids sell their handmade crafts and sweets for each other.)   I have a pile of gifts and cards to give to some of the school staff and my student helpers.

So today I stayed home with my darling daughter and we played outside a little bit and made some chocolate pretzels.  Isn't she sweet in her kitty hat?  And catching snowflakes with her tongue, so precious.


“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”― Ralph Waldo Emerson

I love this quote from Emerson.  I had been working on this collage painting for awhile and it seemed fitting to finish it today on a very dreary blizzard day.  

This is a hybrid art journal page.  The collage elements were physically cut and pasted in my journal. Then I scanned the page and added letters using Photoshop.

This is a collaborative art journal page made with my daughter.  She and I drew on the page with water soluble colored pencils, added water and spread the colors around.  Then, I collaged scrapbook papers and a sticker around the border.  Finally, I added acrylic paints to tone down some of the colors.  I'm in the process of adding words and other imagery to this page.

I signed up to do Reverb, but I haven't really done too many.  I did one or two as a journal page, but then sent that off somewhere and didn't take a picture of it.  Reverb gives you questions to reflect on from the year, to close out the year and start the next anew.

Reverb #6:   Compare the “you” from the beginning of 2012 to the “you” that you are now. What new skills or talents have you learned or discovered this year?  I have learned a few things about writing articles and interviewing artists for Featuring magazine.  It has been a great learning experience and a thrill to see my articles in print!  I learned the basics of Adobe Illustrator to create a design for my school.  I dabbled in glass fusing at a local shop and tried it with my elementary students.  I have learned to recognize my limits.  I have discovered that I have an abundance of ideas that I want to do someday, but I need to just pick one and go with it.  I've learned that when submitting your artwork to publications or competitions, rejection is a part of the process and that process shouldn't define my artwork or minimize my enjoyment.

Reverb #9:  What was the best book you read in 2012, and why? (And by "Why?" I mean: Why did you read it? And why was it your favourite? Although these answers could be one and the same...!)

The best book I have read this year was The Invention of Hugo Cabret.  Charming story, amazing cross-hatched drawings!  I love everything about it.  The movie was good too.  If you have not read it, take a look at it if only for the beautiful pictures.


Reverb #13:  Please post your favourite picture of yourself from 2012, self-portrait or otherwise!
This is one of my favorites because it reminds me of my trip to New York for the National Art Education Association conference.  What a blast!  This night I think was the night I walked about 50 blocks across New York city.  The lights.. the people.. so much going on.


More Reverb coming later!!

Linking to some of my favorite places:
Art Journal Every Day
The Answer is Chocolate
It's a Hodgepodge Life
Paint Party Friday


23 comments

artfullycarin@gmail.com said...

I totally get that you are a bit bummed about school being cancelled just before winter break. Those days are usually so much fun.Looks like you had a good day with your daughter instead though,

Your artwork is stunning as always! And I love that Emerson quote. Also love the things you learned about in 2012...good lessons in there.

Ginny said...

I too get being disappointed that school is cancelled right before the holidays. Those are always special days. Your artwork is great and I love the quote.

Debbie said...

Love your bright, cheerful journal pages. The quotes are great! Snow days are great, but I know what you mean about that last day before vacation. You and your daughter sure had a special day, though!!

kat said...

I love your art work, you're so lucky to have all that snow, I love snow, we don't get that much our way! Merry Christams! xx

PaintingWrite said...

All that snow looks amazing but I can understand why you were disappointed not to get the last days of school - if I can remember that far back they were always good fun when we didn't do any school work but had parties and games instead!
Your daughter looks adorable and looks to be having a blast.

I can see why you loved that photo - New York is the most amazing place on earth - I hate cities normally but New York is in a league of its own - we spent our time wandering round open mouthed at all the diversity and vibrancy of such an amazing place!

Happy holidays!

Anne Manda said...

Love your art, so happy and cheerful, great colors! Happy Holidays and Happy PPF! :)

Nathalie Nayer said...

that page you made with your daughter is gorgeous

Lynn Cohen said...

What a wonderful snippet from your life. I enjoyed reading it all! Love the rejoice art and the fresh air quote!

Unknown said...

So bright and beautiful - your daughter and your art! Love it all.

Molly said...

you got snow just in time for Christmas! (that's the only time I actually like it!) i'm sorry it put a damper on your school festivities, though!

as always, i love all your bright colors-- and that quote from emerson is a favorite of mine, too!

enjoy the holidays!

Mary C. Nasser said...

What a wonderfully inspiring post with your photos and artwork!!
Chocolate pretzels sound delicious!! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF and Happy Holidays!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Anonymous said...

Rejoice and Be glad, indeed! Love it!

Adorned From Above said...

I love your art work. It's beautiful. I have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this with everyone. It runs from Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Here is the link to the party.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/12/6-crafts-and-recipes-and-wednesdays.html
Debi @ Adorned From Above

Alexandra MacVean said...

Your daughter is very cute...and your doggy adorable. :) And I really like your collage art - so bright, vibrant and happy. I hope you continue to feel better.

Carolyn Dube said...

I agree- snow days right before break are not much fun! Love all the color and happy in your Live in the Sunshine! Happy PPF!

Anonymous said...

gorgeous art and I love the quote from Emerson too.

Christina Minasian said...

Beautiful colors in your collages! Love them! Hope you are feeling better.
Happy PPF!

Valerie-Jael said...

Love your style! Your daughter seems to be having fun, in the snow and helping in your art work! Valerie

Linda Kunsman said...

I love your bright and happy journal pages!! Your daughter is adorable. I have to say I am so thankful we haven't gotten a real snow here in NE PA and quite honestly I hope we don't get any all winter! Happy PPF and a very Merry Christmas!

EVA said...

Sounds like a great Christmas season, and reflections so far! And lovely journal pages!

Merry Christmas, Marcia and .happy PPF too.

Elisa said...

What a special moment with your daughter! And I love the cheery pages you have done.. such positive thoughts. It's as if the sun is shining through the blizzard. Stay safe! Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Monica said...

Merry Christmas Marcia! Love your cheerful and bright art journal page! :)

Adorned From Above said...

Great inspirational sayings. Thanks so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop.
Charly and Debi