Journal Page Complete

My first journal page is complete for "The Goddess and the Poet" class with Suzi Blu. I love this journal page so much and I really love working in a journal. I could never really understand what the purpose of an art journal was until now. I always thought it was a waste to work so hard on something that was just going to be closed most of the time, but I was so wrong. I feel so free when I work in it; like I'm more willing to take risks and have fun.I can't wait until it is all full and thick with embellishments. I'm going to sew in it and experiment with things that I wouldn't dare do on canvas or wood. Why did I wait so long to do this?? I think what finally sold me was that I feel like this would be something I could pass down to my son when he is an adult. I'm not so sure he would like to have paintings of girlies all over his bachelor pad, from his mommy. A journal would be something he could always have and put it wherever he wanted to.

If you don't have an art journal, I would HIGHLY recommend starting one.

A few works in Progress!

I am now taking two online classes with Monica Zuniga and I am having a great time. Monica is an amazing artist who does mostly realistic portraits. Well, I'm more into the whimsical style girlie (as you know); So these classes are a little out of my comfort zone. She shades waaaay different than I do too, but it is really interesting and challenging to learn different techniques. Her backgrounds are beautiful as well. I really like the new techniques I have been learning so far and I enjoy a good challenge (which I am definitely getting). Check out Monica's work here if you get a chance.

Commissions complete!

Here are the three commissions I just completed. They are all siblings and my client wanted the backgrounds to be similar because they may hang them in their livingroom. I am very pleased with how they came out. I especially love the tree. What do you think?

Works In Progress

I have 3 commissions I am working on right now. Here is one of them. I rarely show works in progress, so I thought I would start doing it more often.

Also, my addiction to online classes continues. I am taking one of Monica Zuniga's online classes. This one is called "In My Garden." I have been a long time admirer of Monica's work and have always been curious as to her process, so I was delighted to find out that she was offering online classes. The only problem? She has FIVE of them!! It was very hard to choose one and I am scrambling to try and figure out how I can gather enough money to pay for ALL of them (LOL!!). The really cool thing is she shows you how to alter a book and then each class will be painted on the pages in the book. I really love this concept. I took one of my son's old "Blue's Clues" Board books (shhhhh don't tell him) and am using that for the classes. You have to check her NING site out; it is super cool (and so is she).

Here is my work in progress for the Garden class

SHOP UPDATE!!

I have just added some hand painted laminated ACEO cards to my Etsy shop. ACEO's are artist cards that measure 3.5X2.5 in size. These cards are great if you are not in the market for more expensive original artwork, but would like something original from an artist. These cards will not be duplicated and are one of a kind.

Please stop by and take a looksy!!

I WILL BE MIA FOR A FEW DAYS....

I am going away for a few days and when I come back, I will post LOTS of pictues...I'm so excited, but I am going to keep it a secret for now.

I will leave you with a little ATC I completed last night. I hope you all have a great weekend!!

Three Angels (Work in Progress)

I am painting a commission for my aunt and she wanted it done on canvas. I haven't worked on canvas in awhile, so this has been a lot of fun so far. I am really loving the way it is coming along. I have been trying to achieve this color red for hair for a long time and I finally got the color combination down. Burnt Sienna with some burgundy mixed in. I am trying to use some of the techniques I have learned in the online class "Creative Textures" . Creating texture is not as easy as it seems, but I will keep experimenting.

Thanks for taking a look!
Shonna

I have been on Jury Duty!!!!

I was selected for a Jury on Monday and have been going to court everyday this week. We wrapped it up today and found the defendant guilty. It was very interesting being on a Jury and if you are able to do it I would highly recommend NOT trying to get out of it. Anyway, sorry I have been away but I was doing my civil duty.

I have been feeling very uninspired lately as well; just kind of blah!!! I am desperately looking for inspiration and am coming up short everywhere I turn. What happened to my creative mojo??? Is it lost forever??? Ok, I know I am being a little dramatic... I am taking an online class right now and I haven't even started this weeks assignment and it is due on Saturday....AGHHH!!

On a positive note, I have been given another blog award...wait...a TRIPLE blog award. I feel so special!! The giver of this award is Nicole from "A Little Mouse Said". She has a really cool blog and etsy shop, so go check her out. THANKS NICOLE!!!!!

Hopefully the next time I will have some art to share!!! Wish me luck!!!

Peace!!!