Have you ever wondered what Art Journaling is?  Do I have to be an artist?  Well you already are so no excuses.  You’ve been an artist since you we’re a child.  Come join us for this introductory workshop where you will re-acquaint yourself with the artist you’ve always been. Art Journaling is a way toward self-discovery, expression, exploration, and many other things using art and words.  If you can write and pick up a paintbrush you can do this.

The free workshop will be on Saturday, May 25 from 9:30 to 1 p.m.  I will introduce you to lots of art journal samples, some great painting techniques and a schedule of upcoming workshops.  If this sounds like something you’d like to know more about, please secure your spot by sending me an email ASAP, as space is limited.

darlene@badbirdstudio.com

I’m working on a new line of greeting cards.  I started drawing these years ago using Adobe Illustrator, but now I’m working in ArtRage with a stylus and it’s a lot more intuitive for an artist.  Plus, I’m polishing up my airbrushing skills.

So here’s the deal:  Look at the image of  ”Peggy” then below at the three possible captions.

Peggy

A: Peggy hadn’t planned on going pink but it made her feel a bit reckless.  Woo hoo.  Time to party.

B: I got you a birthday present but my cat, Mr. Alec Baldwin, barfed on it.  I can assure you he will be punished.  Party on.

C: Generally there’s no good reason for me to get dressed let alone color coordinate my accessories.  But it’s your party so I made an effort.  Whoop-Di-Doo.  There’d better be cake.

Choose caption A, B or C, . . .or . . . write your own and submit it in the comments section.

If I use your caption, I’ll send you a free “Peggy” print!  Be sure to include your email address so I can contact you for a mailing address.

I’ll be posting this on Facebook also and you can write your comments there if you want.

Thanks for participating.

“Create Don’t Hate” by Darlene Seale
Digital watercolor 14 x 19 Giclee print on paper

Why do people try to change the world with hate?  It doesn’t work.  It only serves as a glaring character flaw.

This morning, watching all the news reports on the Boston bombings, it came to me that the creative spirit comes from love not hate.  When God created, it was from pure love.  When I paint, my heart soars with enjoyment and love.  I can’t paint when I’m angry, troubled or riddled with anxiety.  In fact, if I have those feelings, painting or even baking cookies in the kitchen will get me out of my self-pity and put a smile on my face.

If those who were passionate about changing this world would do it with creativity, think of the amazing accomplishments we would all experience as a result.

Boston, we are praying for you and dreaming of the day when we could never imagine anything like this happening in our world.

Bad Bird Studio

I just had to get some awesome photos of my garden overlooking the art studio.  Sages are blooming. Hummingbirds are buzzing all over. I’ve seen blue birds and oriels.  Of course there are the ravens, cruising all day long to and from the spa and pool for a drink of water. They crack me up as they parade around the rim of the spa like they own the place!  Between the ravens and the hummingbirds there’s a lot of air traffic at Bad Bird Studio.

Workshops are being planned for the late spring and summer:  

Painted Journal Pages Techniques – this workshop includes lots of textures and layering techniques for creating quick  backgrounds for your beautiful art journal.

Make and Bind Your Own Journal - Wanna start from scratch and create your own hand-bound journal?  This workshop will show you techniques of binding a journal of your own, from found, reclaimed and recycled materials. Instead of throwing re-usable items  in a landfill why not put them to good use and create something beautiful and valuable?  Come learn and exchange materials for a special work of art you will treasure.

Multi-Media Treasure Baskets – In this workshop, we will build a wire frame for a small basket and use a variety of materials to weave through the frame.  No previous experience is required.  This workshop is another “Recycle Star” opportunity, so start collecting and gathering your favorite treasures.

More Jewelry workshops will be announced . . . including woven rings, textured metal pendants, chains, etc.

If you are interested in attending a workshop, or even planning a small gathering of friends to celebrate an event with an art workshop, contact me directly at

darlene@badbirdstudio.com