Journal Week 52: Holiday Celebration and Happy New Year

We do celebrate Christmas, but we always gather on Thanksgiving. One person (grandson) was missing. We all had a great time. My 2 daughters Debra and Tambra in top photo.
Bottom photo: Andrew, Meghan, Tambra, Amanda, Me, Stephanie and Kayla.  Andrew is Tambra's son. The rest of them are Debra's including the missing Christopher.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for a great Paint Party Friday. A wonderful way to celebrate your art.

Happy New Year.

Blessings,
Janet
 When writing the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.

Journal Page ~ Arrows

For Week 51 our assignment was Arrows.

You all know I want to live in the country . . . here is my barn with a weather vane pointing the direction the wind is blowing. I used Pan Pastel, Prismacolor Art Markers, Faber-Castell color pens.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for the wonderful weekly Paint Party Friday. Giving artists an outlet with feedback is a joy.

Blessings,
Janet
Fantasy asks us not just who we are but who we want to be.

Week 50: Fantasy Vacation

Week 50 of our Documented Life Journal: Fantasy Vacation: Scotland and my ancestors Buchanan Castle.  I would pack a camera, maps, art diary and walking shoes.

The castle is in poor shape. They had to take the roof off for taxes.  Six months later the law was rescinded but it was too late.  The castle has trees growing out of it. The latest pictures show it crumbling. I sketched it, and added pictures from the Internet. I had put a few pictures and the flower on fabric, then put it in a picture frame.  The maps show Scotland in relations to England and Ireland (my ancestry came from Ireland) plus the 2 maps on the right show where the Buchanan lineage is in relation to other lineages.  The tartan plaid is on the right and the Buchanan symbol on the left.

This was a fun journal page.

Thanks to Kristin and Eva for a great Paint Party Friday and all the artists for the tips and creative energy that gives me the incentive to stay active in my art.

Blessings,
Janet
“I can do nothing about it if my paintings don’t sell. The day will come, though, when people will see that they’re worth more than the cost of the paint and my subsistence, very meagre in fact, that we put into them.” ~ Vincent van Gogh (personal letter to his brother Theo; 25 Oct 1888)

Journal: Trace Hands

Week 49 for the Documented Art Journal is to Trace hands.  I decided to trace a Ranch Hand. I watch the Rodeo on TV.  This week they are in Las Vegas for the Finals. . .and All next week with the winners at the end on Sat. Dec. 13.

I used Pastels, Watercolor pencils and Faber Castell Pens.  I also used clip art and cut outs.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for a wonderful way to show our art and reap the benefits of advice, critics and help.  Paint Party Friday is quite an art party. Be sure and visit all the artists.

Blessings,
Janet
 Each day provides its own gifts.

Fashion Illustration

I always wanted to be a Fashion Designer.  They also have to be able to illustrate their designs. I took a college night course in Fashion Design.  Illustration Board is a totally different type of material. I made 2 different designs and couldn't seem to get the face right, so he said to practice  up top. . .which I did. So this is the result. This was quite a long time ago at Illinois State University. I eventually went back and graduated with a B.S. in History.

I remember the professor had been through a 'bad' divorce and he was favoring one of the lady students (at the time I was married withe 2 children). There was a 'projector' that 'she' used that projected the image and you copy it. I felt that was 'cheating' at the time. However, I realized how useful it could be much later.   I do not use it now, I do all my own drawing as I did at that time.

One of the drawings where I did use the projector was one of my favorite people to read Zelda Fitzgerald.  It has been told that F. Scott, he husband, used some of her writings to write some of his books.  She was an author herself, but not prolific or widely known. That was then, this is now. I thought she was amazing.  I'll look up the drawing and put it up here at some point.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for a marvelous and creative place for us to meet, discuss, and show our art.  Please visit Paint Party Friday and the variety of talent and cleverness of the many artists.

Oh, Dear, I just noticed the date.  Today is my anniversary. . . had he lived.

Blessings,
Janet
“I wish I could write a beautiful book to break those hearts that are soon to cease to exist: a book of faith and small neat worlds and of people who live by the philosophies of popular songs.”
― Zelda Fitzgerald

Pan Pastel Blue Bird

I experimented with gesso first on Bristol. . .a stencil, pan pastels, Prismacolor pencils and Faber-Castill Pitt pen on an ACEO card.  I haven't used many stencils except as part of a drawing. This is all stencil.  I was thinking about the wall, not the art. Having fun playing with different ideas. 

Thank you artists.  Thank you Eva and Kristin for a wonderful place to learn and be a part of Paint Party Friday each week.

Blessings,
Janet
Today your book begins, the rest is unwritten.

Watercolor (practice) Ocean, Palm Tree and Turtle

I didn't use watercolor paper, so it is a bit wrinkle.  This is purely practice. Watercolor is a mystery I want to solve.  I just took out 4 watercolor books from the library and I watch PBS every noon for my painting exercises.

My favorites are Bob Ross, Frank Clarke (PBS took him off . . he is a fave watercolor) and Jerry Yarnell (watercolor and acrylic).

Thank you Kristan and Eva for a wonderful place to hang around with so many creative and challenging artists at Paint Party Friday.

Blessings,
Janet
 Live intentionally. Have an aim, a plan and act on it.

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker

I tried posting this early this morning and it didn't happen. Sorry.  The picture is from the Internet, however it is my painting.  Prismacolor pencils, fabercastil pen and pan pastels.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for throwing a great creative incentive for all artists to play in at Paint Party Friday. 
Blessings,
Janet
Live intentionally. Have an aim, a plan and act on it.

3 Baby Ducks Playing

I decided that since I walk down to the canal and feed the ducks every day, I would paint baby ducks. . .hoping to throw a little hope into the wind. I haven't seen baby ducks for awhile.

I used Faber Castill Pitt pens and pastels.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for the Paint Party Friday creativity and Fun. Visit the other artists to see many varieties of supplies and mixed media.

Blessings,
Janet
“I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.” ― Frida Kahlo

Orchids

 Photograph of the purple orchids

Easy decision to draw them.

Of course, I had to add the Yellow Cottage.

Yes, I used my new stencils "J" because I claim it.

I used Pentel Pencil, Pan Pastel, and Prismacolor pencils.

 

I thank Eva and Kristin for this great Paint Party Friday opportunity for artists to show they talents, art supplies and lessons for us to learn more new avenues to explore. Be sure to visit all the artists.

Today is my Birthday (Friday) what a neat way to celebrate.

Blessings,

Janet

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” ― Pablo Picasso

Art Supplies and Fashion designing hats, bags and 1 pair of shoes.

 4 sizes of lettering and masking tape with girls faces on it.
Who knew Office Depot had art supplies!

3 Gals. . . I used 3 faces from the tape.

Under that I drew their hats and bags. Middle hat has flowers and a bird. I used Prismacolor pencil. Only the middle gal decided on a pair of shoes too.

The polka dot book is a date book for 2015 and the Index cards will be used for recipes. I need to get a new box though, the two I have are crammed full of recipes.

Designing bags and hats is a fun thing to do.

Don't forget to see the other artists at Paint Party Friday. Some have videos but all are creative featuring different types of art.
Blessings,
Janet
“I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.” ― Frida Kahlo

Mel

Sketch of my late husband, Mel.  He passed in 2001.  

Thank you Kristin and Eva for Paint Party Friday.  Always a fun and interesting variety of creative artists.  Please visit the other artists.
Blessings,
Janet

“Painting is the silence of thought and the music of sight.” ― Orhan Pamuk,

Sketch 14 x 17 Doggie in doghouse.

This is Lady. She lived in her own doghouse just outside the house in the country. She had straw for the winter.  This is my sketch of her under a tree.

I used Charcoal pencil.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for a wonderful place (Paint Party Friday) for us to show our work and receive feedback. I appreciate everyone who visits and leaves a comment. Thank you.

Please visit the other artists and let them know you appreciate their creativity. A lot of them have video's and/or photography with instructions. A good way to learn.

Blessings,
Janet

I am not weird. I am a limited edition.

Ms. Witch and her cat posing on her broom for a picture

 As I was walking around the neighborhoods today, I saw that someone had put up their Halloween decorations.  So, that brought me to thinking. . .I love all the Halloween decor . . .I need to draw a picture. . . . And here she is.

Her night sky isn't light enough that you can't see the stars.  She decided to hold steady so we could catch  a good picture of her and Ms. Kitty.

I used graphite, Prismacolor pencil, pitt pen, acrylics and watercolor pencil.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for throwing a great party for creative artists to participate with each other. Paint Party Friday is the best.
Blessings,
Janet
“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” ― Vincent van Gogh

New Journal page

We were asked to use real feathers or to draw them.  I had found 2 bird feathers and decided to draw my (still looking for) Yellow Cottage.  It will be at the end of my rainbow.  My love of birds is shown with the feathers.  All in all my pastel painting is my dream.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for a great artists party every week. Paint Party Friday artists are creative, teach, show videos of their work.  Check them out.

Blessings,
Janet
Leonardo da Vinci — 'Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.'

Farm sketch and Doodles plus Crochet and young Dove.

 The house has a turret because my daughter keeps saying she wants a castle.  I sketched it all and then used soft pastels to make it colorful.

The Doodles were sketched while the TV was on.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for the wonderful Paint Party Friday each week. So many creative artists share their work, art supplies and their knowledge.  We all learn from each other in a creative environment.

I've also been crocheting huge flowers. I will use them as decor, either for pillows, clothes or put them together as a scarf, valance. . . 

Christmas

 all occasions

 Halloween

When I arrived home, look what I found under the hedge.

Just a little one. .  .  very skittish.

Blessings,

Janet

Value your mistakes as a lesson.  If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not trying hard enough.

Who Took My Worm?

I decided to draw another bird.  He is totally graphite.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for providing a wonderful and creative outlet for artists where they can receive feedback, Paint Party Friday.  I love visiting the artists and seeing everything from mixed media, to water color and videos of learning.  A fun, exciting and creative place where people are humble, vibrant and teachers of the best kind. Be sure to visit all the artists.

Blessings,
Janet

“Please, no matter how we advance technologically, please don't abandon the book. There is nothing in our material world more beautiful than the book."

~ Patti Smith (Punk Rock and Blues singer)

Graphite Pencil Drawing of Squirrel

I used the graphite pencil and Generals white chalk pencil for the squirrel drawing. I decided to stay with the animals this week.  I haven't had much luck with finding squirrels to feed and photograph lately.  This little guy was up the tree at the end of my street. I had just come back from my morning walk.  I love to see them scamper and play.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for a great Paint Party Friday each week.  Be sure and visit All of the wonderful and creative artists.

This week I had breakfast at Panera and Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.  Two of my favorite places.  What are your favorite places?

I have just started reading Louise Penny's latest mystery just out this week, The Long Way Home.  I am 1/2 way through it and I definitely recommend it.

Blessings,
Janet

Seeing someone read a book that you love is seeing a book recommend a person. ~ unknown

Starry Night and Sea Cliff

 WELCOME to Paint Party Friday.

Starry Night . . . Paris. . . . one girl's dream.

I used Prismacolor pencils, stencils and pastels.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for hosting a wonderful creative place for all artists to go to show their works and their use of  supplies.  There are a variety of artists, media and mediums.  Enjoy each and every one of them.

I also gave the water color pencils a try. Seascape with palm tree and huge rock/cliff on island.

I am still practicing and getting use to the various mediums.  The art supplies are endless and so much fun. I love the feedback and I thank you for taking the time.
Blessings,
Janet

"Everyone has talent; what is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.”

New art supplies. . . Rainbow, Palm, Yellow Cottage

I used the Perfect Pearls Mist in Blue Smoke for background. It appears to be too dark. I used the Pan Pastels for the colors. . . and a marker for the outlines.  Just trying to play around with different types of supplies to see what pops out.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for this wonderful spot of artists to land and share their creativity. Be sure and see the artists and their works at Paint Party Friday.

Blessings,
Janet

We must each learn to feel comfortable in our own uniqueness by rising above the fear of being wrong and the aversion to being different. ~  lyanla Vanzant

Fox Sketch

I haven't sketched for awhile. I thought I would attempt the hair on a fox. Pencil.  I used Lee Hammands Draw Real Animals.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for the great Paint Party Friday's you throw every week. The party gives us a creative outlet and we learn so much from each other.

Blessings,
Janet

Misty the Cockatiel and Little Bit, the Parakeet

Once upon a time I had a Cockatiel, Misty and a Parakeet named Little Bit.  I miss them, so I drew them for this week's Paint Party Friday.

I used Prismacolor Pencils, gel pen, Pitt Pen and Pan Pastel.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for hosting this great party of artists. There are so many creative artists using mixed media, paints, stencils and showing how to use them through a blog or uTube. Please visit and utilize their talent and knowledge that they so generously supply.

Blessings,
Janet

Brown Bunnies

I saw a beautiful brown bunny and wanted to paint him.  I used Prismacolor pencils, Faber Castel pens, pitt pens, white gel pens, and pastels.

Always getting into the garden.  Like father, like son.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for hosting a great artist party.  Paint Party Friday has many wonderful artists to go see, learn and have fun.

Blessings,
Janet

Pastel Paris Stencil Dreams

I used a stencils, Pan Pastels, watercolor pencil and Dreams.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for a wonderful Paint Party Friday.  Sometimes, I'm late. . .but because of my love for art, I always want to be a part of this wonderful Party.

There are so many great artists and creative geniuses here. Be sure and visit all these treasured artists.

Blessings,

Janet

What you resist persists. Open your heart and welcome new experiences and conditions. Change is good. . .go forth to meet the good that awaits you.

Mixed Media

I used Pan Pastels, Prismacolor pencil, Faber-Castell pens and Pitt pens. My yellow cottage in the forrest with a pond and flowered lane. I've only seen dark clouds lately because of Arthur.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for putting on a great artists Paint Party Friday.  Take a look at all the artists and their varied skills. They share their creativity, their how-to with video, instructions and a lot of humor. A fun place to check out.

Blessings,
Janet

Pan Pastel and Ducklings

I used pan pastels, watercolor pencil and prismacolor pencil.  They are what I see almost every day that I walk. Of course the two brown ducks are now teenagers and the yellow duckling has changed color.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for a wonderful Paint Party Friday.  Visit the other artists and have fun trying new art supplies and creative challenges you will find there.

Blessings,
Janet

Water Color ~ Gradually gaining experience with different paint supplies

I am gradually gaining experience with the different paints.  This week it's watercolor on an ACEO size card.  I view Bob Ross weekly on PBS, however, I do not use Oils.  I also watch Frank Clarke which is watercolor.  It has been a challenge trying to figure out how to use the techniques that Bob Ross uses and translating them into watercolors, Gouache or pastels.  I'll eventually get the hang of it.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for offering a place for artists to experiment and teach so that we all may become creative and original. Paint Party Friday is a wonderful place to visit, show and comment on everyone else's ideas, creativity and learn something in the visits.

Thank you so much for visiting and please leave a comment, it helps me so much.

Blessings,
Janet

Art Journal weeks 19-21.

Week 19 Document a random act of kindness: I've been writing a Middle-Grade book Monster Rules. Rose my friend and neighbor broke her hip and is in rehab. I read my book to her as I am writing and she is helpful, interested and I am grateful to her.  She enjoys the company and I am glad that I am able to be there for her. She is 93 years old, mostly blind and has a fine mind.

Week 20 Use a Stamp in a new way: I used the stamp on a piece of fabric. "Reach for the Stars."

Week 21: Add embroidery or embroidery floss to the page. I crocheted with floss a girl with a hat and bead.

Another fun page.  I used Rose's picture to show her. Beautiful lady.

I thank Kristin and Eva for providing a wonderful place for artists to show what they do and how they do it on Paint Party Friday.  A lot of interesting creative artists that share they work, their creativity and their supplies.
Blessings,
Janet

New Art Supplies Pan Pastels

I had never tried Pan Pastels before and only purchased blue and green.  The other colors are just pastels and ink.  I love them. I used a make up sponge for the first time with pastels and now I like it for all of them.  The whale looked better before I tried to make him stronger. the sandcastle has footprints and the turtle has a trail from the ocean.

I truly love the Pan Pastels (I love pastels better over the years anyway) and am glad I found them. The artists on Paint Party Friday offer a great variety and tell how they use these art supplies. Visit and see for yourself.  Thank you Eva and Kristin for hosting this wonderful creative place.

I love seeing all your comments, thank you so much.
Blessings,
Janet

New Art Supplies ~ First gouache painting Moon & Stars

Thanks to the many artists on Paint Party Friday, I have new art supplies and have begun to experiment.

Gouache is difficult for me to get use to.  Fingers and Q-tips do not play a part.  It's not like acrylics. . . more like watercolor, but not, albeit water does play a big part. Whoa. 

There is a sailboat. . .a tree, a lake, moon, stars, tree, yellow cottage, path and flowers. 

The  Paint Party Friday is like a learning center and a art center hosted by Kristin and Eva.  Thanks so much to these two very talented and creative artists.  PPF artists are teachers that are so helpful describing and/or using different art supplies, video's, and at times, step-by-step instructions.

Be sure and visit them all.

Blessings, 

Janet

Shoes. . .NONE! Inspiring Quote, using a stamp a new way.

The Documented Life Journal

Week 17: Photograph or draw your favorite shoes. As you can see, I am barefoot most of my life and anywhere I go, the shoes come off. I do NOT have a favorite pair. Only 4 shoes that fit.
My walkers are very comfortable, but they are too klunky for church. . .
I have a pair of sandals (which is cold in the little bit of winter we have here).
I have a comfortable pair of semi-tennies. . . but the asphalt is too hot for them during the summer.
The thongs are fine but no support.

Back to barefoot. . . .

Week 18: I drew an eye to Look for Beauty which to me are birds, ducks, etc. An ear to Listen with Love, your heart; and to Live with Intention and Week 20: which is my Friends (that are flowers that never Fade) a stamp. These pages are fun. I love to think up all the creative ways to remember who I am.  I usually mix up the weeks, because I can't get to them all the time and because as I live my life, I combine to live it fully.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for this great place to show and share our creativity at the Paint Party Friday.  All the artists are unique, different, and share there wealth of knowledge, talent and wonderful new art that comes out. I would never know about these new things or even how to use the old art supplies without their wonderful help.  Thank you artists. Go see for yourself at PPF.
Blessings,
Janet

Another Girlfriend

I have another girlfriend this week.

I was without a computer last week and most of this week, therefore, I was unable to visit,  to put up any of my work.  I also have a journal page. My daughter put the first picture in and I finished it.  We used Prismacolor pencils and Faber Castell Pitt pens. . .but also I used pastels.

The artists at Paint Party Friday are wondrous and full of creativity. They share their craft and teach in the process. There are many new products to learn about and they offer videos, instructions and lots of fun. Thank you to Eva and Kristin. 

Blessings,

Janet 

Going to lunch with a girlfriend

I have the neatest girlfriends.  They know how to dress and they know how to have fun. Addy has such a cute aura.  We talk about all the things we will plan to do during this year.. ..

Thank you Kristin and Eva for this wonderful Paint Party Friday.  There are so many different creative and talented people.  A lot of them teach, show new art supplies and how they use them, and the techniques they us show us how to be as creative as what is inside of us.  Be sure you visit all of them.

As Bob Ross, Painter, says, "there are NO mistakes, just happy accidents. "

So go do what you love. .. and share.

Blessings,
Janet

ART Journal ~ The Documented Life

Weeks 12 my name with embellishment, 14 cut out pictures from magazine (mine was from calender of France, 15 Monochromatic hues

I was so far behind.  Week 13 has been shown because my daughter drew a picture on a page, my next project. . . Week 13.

I enjoy doing this, but hard to find time. My next BIG project will be living room wall. I want to make it look like a nature preserve since chances of my moving into one is nil.

I used Prismacolor pencils, pastels and Faber-Castell Pitt pen/brush.

Thanks so much Kristin and Eva for the fun, entertaining, and creative place to play.
Happy Paint Party Friday and please visit all the other artists for more fun, creativity and vids.

Blessings,
Janet

Pastel Yellow Cottage Drawing

I am trying something new. . . .my yellow cottage through a haze of pastel and an ink duck. Of course, I have to have a duck by my pond.  Yes, I'm still looking for it.

Thank you Eva and Kristin for your Paint Party Friday site that gives all of us an art outlet to share out work with others. I appreciate all the work you do and I thank the rest of you for the comments that are always there. All of you keep me going in different directions. . . . experimenting and keeping up with the latest art supplies I had no knowledge of.

Blessings,
Janet

Art in Life Documented Journal

We were to put a bird on the page. I drew the upside down Duck in the water. I used Prismacolor pencils.  I had done this picture before but it was ACEO size. He is 6 x 7 1/2 inches.

Thank you Kristin and Eva for this fun, wonderful, informative, creative artists Paint Party Friday. Be sure to visit all the artists.

Blessings,
Janet

More Zentangle

I am still playing around with Zentangle.  I seem to remember a time with the Moon and the Star was an important decor at one time.

Please visit our wonderful artists at Paint Party Friday. They are so very talented in so many areas of art. They all love what they do and passing their creativity on to others is a big part of that. There are videos and others give step-by-step instructions.  Thank you Eva and Kristin for hosting this fun learning experience.

Blessings,
Janet