Art Aspirations


In order to keep the creative process fresh and exciting, every year I try to make it a priority to learn some kind of new art form or techniques.  Sometimes I get to it right away (took up jewelry making as soon as I felt the urge,) but sometimes my art aspirations get pushed aside by life’s many responsiblities.  It took me roughly 6 years before I could fit in proper time for watercolor painting lessons… finally allowing myself 20 solid hours of actual class time felt fantastic!  And now that I’ve learned the basics, I’m very excited about the practicing part which will hopefully open up new creative avenues…we’ll see.

Here’s a look at my first painting attempt.  Of course I had to begin by honoring my love of birds…

which I combined with some scraps (well, I did a second variation on my first bird) to create this:

I included some sewing…

some sparkle…

and simple details.

I’m so excited to continue my exploration of painting in 2011.  Perhaps I’ll stick to watercolor paint, or maybe dabble deeper into acrylics, or maybe something else altogether…who knows?  Just thinking about all the options gets me all revved up…how about you?  What are some of your art aspirations for the upcoming year? 

I hope that the New Year will bring you all good things…peace, joy, love, adventure…cheers!



21 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. robin

    It’s adorable Becky! From the beautiful bird, detail of the branch, fantastic sparkle, to the shabby clothespin…..it’s a wonderful piece. You are on a roll, do some more!

    Hugs,
    Robin

    December 27th, 2010

  2. Cheryl

    Sweet little painting.
    Inspirational to your readers. I’ll think of that tiny bird each time I try something new in 2011.
    Thank you!
    Happy New Year.

    December 27th, 2010

  3. miss lynn

    yep.
    inspiring
    as always!
    these are
    just beautiful!

    i am anxious
    to give it a shot!
    thanks for being
    so willing to
    share with us!
    happy new
    year, dear becky!!!

    December 27th, 2010

  4. theresa mARTin

    Lovely Becky!

    December 27th, 2010

  5. Becky,
    I love the piece you have stitched withnyour watercolor. Just right! What a great idea to challenge yourself tom use a new technique!
    Hugs,
    Suz

    December 27th, 2010

  6. I really love how you have combined so many different things here…watercolor, paper, sewing and even something shabby. It turned out great. Keep painting! Happy New Year!

    December 28th, 2010

  7. Oh, Becky, this is precious!!! I love that your tore the paper and added your painting to the little collage! And the glitter…..! Perfect!

    So nice to see you back. I hope you had a nice Christmas.

    Blessings,
    Diane

    December 28th, 2010

  8. each layer issimply beautiful. i like the sound of 2011 being adventurous. here is to adventure.

    December 28th, 2010

  9. elk

    love
    these
    paintings …

    birds… always so much to love about them

    December 29th, 2010

  10. Love birds, love the thought of ideas soaring and new creations taking flight!

    It is really beautiful and a great reflection of the past year! I hope 2011 is
    a year of taking many new flights and seeing things with a fresh view!

    Happy New Year!

    December 30th, 2010

  11. Oh my Becky! Your painting of the bird is lovely! I LOVE the mixed media piece you created to show it off! I would love to learn to paint like that, good for you, and so inspiring for me! I have been practicing my crochet chain stitch, because I would just love to learn to make those little crocheted flowers to use in my art. I only know the chain stitch though, so we’ll see. I just might have to get out my watercolor paper and paints now!

    December 30th, 2010

  12. Becca, thanks for the reminder…I’ve been wanting to learn how to crochet too. And I can’t believe that I haven’t gotten around to this yet. So much to learn, so little time…I suppose this is a good problem to have right?

    December 30th, 2010

  13. Ann Marie

    Oh! I love him!!!!!

    December 30th, 2010

  14. Your little bird is beautiful. I have never really tried painting *well… once.. a long time ago… * So maybe I will try painting as well…

    December 31st, 2010

  15. Hi Becky!

    Running in to wish you the funnest of New Year’s Eve’s and much happiness to you and your dear ones in 2011!

    Oh my gosh, it feels like a long time has passed since I’ve commented, sorry! For some reason, this year has been especially hard for me to keep on top of stuff – the world is speeding up and I’m slowing down. 🙁

    Hope you’ve been keeping warm and toasty and I look forward to catching up on all your news. Your bird is so lovely, makes my heart swell for you!

    Happy happy 2011,
    Sally xoxo

    December 31st, 2010

  16. Lizzie Calais

    What a sweet, friendly little bird. She makes my heart sing! Do keep up the painting; you’re off to a great start.
    Your website has a place of honor on my “favorites” bar. When my brain is exhausted I soothe my soul with your website. I LOVE the soft angelic jewelry of hearts and fibers. My fingers just want to reach out and touch them all.
    My art aspirations for 2011 are metalsmithing and pottery. Years ago both media were part of my college curriculum and recently I completed an online metalsmithing course with Stephanie Lee. Her jewelry creations are fantastic also.
    Wishing God’s many blessings to you,
    Lizzie

    January 1st, 2011

  17. What a wonderful job you have done with your painting, I just love it. Its always nice to find some time for yourself and do something that really makes your happy.
    Thanks for sharing.
    love me 🙂
    Happy New Year

    January 2nd, 2011

  18. I agree with Robin… I look forward to seeing more of your painting, no matter the medium 😉

    As for me, I’m still hoping to try my hand at pottery, maybe this will be the year.

    January 6th, 2011

  19. what a lovely vintage bird painting

    January 12th, 2011

  20. I love your little bird painting and collage – so sweet, especially with the little branch. My art aspiration for this year is to collage more (I am new to the technique) and try a bit of beading and wiring. Not so much jewellery because that is beyond me right now but dabbling – a bit. I look forward to seeing more of your painting trials!

    January 14th, 2011

  21. Wendy

    I love this little bird, however …. I’d have just adored to frame it … as is!

    I am new to this who site so have no idea if any of the items on here are for sale, or where to find sale items, if they are for sale … Would you please let me know how this site works?

    It’s sooo interesting … I love it … Thanks!! 🙂

    Cheers,
    Wendy

    July 25th, 2011

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