Let's Make a Cake...No Baking Required!

Let's Make a Cake...No Baking Required!

This little cutie is one of my favorites!  I made the whole thing (pretty much) from stickers and papers I purchased at our new Hobby Lobby.  I hadn't purchased single sheets of paper in years, but it was so fun picking out the papers to make cakes!

 There's nothing quite like the solid dimension of a thick, wrapped canvas to make my heart sing.  I loved punching out pieces of old paper with a circular punch, cutting them and placing them around the sides of the canvas to add to the decor.  

 This whole cake was painted on the canvas (sort of willy nilly) and I used a sticker for the "I love my life," part.  When I bought the stickers it seemed like a good idea, but the first one I put on a piece got ripped back off because I hated the shine from the sticker that make it all too obvious that it was a sticker.  Cut to a few months later, and I've learned a trick I'll tell you now.  If you have stickers that you want to put on a piece but you hate how they end up looking WRONG in the middle of your wonderfully painted piece....because of the shine of the sticker....go over the sticker with Elmer's glue.  Just paint a layer of it over the sticker smoothly with a brush and let dry.  The sticker above had that terrible shine to it that separated it from the rest of the piece until I added the layer of Elmer's glue.  Now it looks like a piece of vellum that I just collaged on.  It gives the piece a totally different look....one with which I am much more satisfied.  Try it!!!

Another thing I did when creating these cakes was to search on the internet for cute little cake sayings.  Found a bunch I liked and some I made up in the process and wrote them all down to use in future pieces.

Some of you might be like me, and have bought just a ton of scrapbooking embellishments over the years because they are so cute and you just can't help yourself!!!  I have done this for many a year....and have quite the collection.  Making these cakes has given me an opportunity to make use of the gazillions of letters I've collected and more.  (I knew I'd find a good use for them one day....SOME DAY!!!)  I even used wallpaper for the bottom layer of this cake shown above.  Painted it the light blue color and then went back over it with a piece of yellow ochre chalk to bring out the raised details (the raised print of the wallpaper.)

This last one is still a work in progress, but it gives you an idea as to my process.  I love adding the falling dots with daubers...it's like, "sprinkle it with fabulous!!!"  

I even started adding little cakes to the journals I hand paint....thinking they would be a lovely addition to the kitchen where you can glue stick your dessert recipes (or any recipes) for future reference.

OK.  That's what I've been up to...how about you???

Thanks for letting me share, 

Cynthia

Life is Tough...Bring a Helmet!

"Life is tough...bring a helmet:)"

Life can be a real challenge....sometimes it might seem like an overwhelming challenge that we just cannot live up to.  As it turns out, we can deal with life on life's terms, one minute, one day, one challenge at a time.  We can be the 'best' version of ourselves...it just takes work;  and we must be willing to do the work.

But with the challenges and the work comes the great sense of accomplishment;  a feeling of self worth.  As we step forward and do the "next right thing," life inevitably gets better.  

How about all the fallout we've caused?  Damage we've done?  To others?  What about those relationships?  

We can try to restore trust through our actions.  We can be patient...lord knows others have had to be patient with us. We can try to be the best we can each and every day...and when we don't rise to the occasion occasionally, we can shake it off--remember we are only human--get up tomorrow and continue on knowing that ALL YOU NEED IS RIGHT INSIDE YOU.  

(By Cynthia Anderson Brock, 2014)

I have recently embarked upon the life adventure of "getting my life back and truly living it!!!"  You see, I am one of these people that can do great things, if I can stay focused on the positive and not let the sadness and sickness in the world get me down.  All too often I see things going on that effect me so greatly ...in my inner being.  Circumstances, situations and things, coupled with physical ailments, as well as, mental ailments (like depression- which is so prevalent these days) can compound upon a person and make them feel like totally giving up and self medicating until death. Obviously, this is not the answer, though it may seem like it at the time.  

If you are struggling in life, reach out and ask for help.  If you seek real and true help, you will find it.  Know that there are so many out there struggling as well, and we can each help the other.  Get out of your mind, get out into the world.  Start to remember all the things you love about life...all the things you truly enjoy doing...and do them!  Go to a support group, make friends, ask people out for coffee or a walk.  Get some exercise, and by all means, FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE.  Let go of that old movie playing in your head...and every time the negativity monster tries to take over your thoughts...ABSOLUTELY DON'T LET THAT THING IN!!! Remember, YOU ARE THE BOSS OF YOU!!!  You can allow your mind to run amok and ruin all the fun, or you can turn it off, put in a new tape, and make the best of whatever comes your way.

Choose today to be happy.  Choose today to be grateful.  Choose today to get up and live your best life.

OK...an artful post is coming up next...so don't miss out on the fun! I'm making cakes....and it's soooooo much fun!

Peace out,

Cynthia

15 Things to Give Up to Be Happy with Your Art

I have to give credit to Balzer Designs, Handmade Art, by Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2014/09/15-things-you-should-give-up-to-be-happy-art-version.html.  Saw this posted today and thought a lot of people I know could probably use it!  The original article was created by Luminita D. Saviuc, as stated below by Julie.  Enjoy!

"A friend recently sent me a link to a great article by Luminita D. Saviuc, called "15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy."  As I read down the list, I started to think about how the list was filled with things that I tell my students all the time. So here is Luminita's list, with my comments on how each one can be related to art-making!"

"1. Give up your need to always be right.

You guys, art making should be fun!  Needing to do it "right" can be very inhibiting to the creative process.  I believe that coloring outside of the lines and using materials in ways that feel good to you -- even if they're "wrong" -- is awesome.  

2. Give up your need for control.

Watching every brush stroke and needing the finished piece to look like the image in your head can be very discouraging.  I work very hard at embracing "mistakes" as creative opportunities.  I try to let the art take me where it wants to go.  I believe that spontaneity is vital to art making.

3. Give up on blame.

We all wish we had more time, more talent, and more supplies.  I think that when you get rid of that blaming talk and embrace what you do have, you're a happier artist!  Do the best that you can with whatever you've got and be proud of yourself for it!

4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk.

Tell the voice in your head to shut up.  Mine is very loud, so I crank up the  music in my studio so that I can't hear it.  Someone once said to me, "People are always going to tear you down.  Why would you give them a head start by tearing yourself down first?"  You are an awesome artist!  Say it every day and one day you'll start to believe it!

5. Give up your limiting beliefs.

I have heard so many people say, "I can't draw," or "I'm not an artist."  I've said those things myself.  They're not true.  I always felt that because I couldn't draw a photographic representation of something that I wasn't an artist.  I've learned two things: that's not the only definition of an artist and I am a better draw-er than I thought, especially with disciplined practice.  Whatever belief is holding you back from being the artist you want to be -- let it go!  You can fly!

6. Give up complaining.

Complaining takes away energy and focus and makes the arting process less fun.  Focus on what you love about your studio, your supplies, the art you're creating...all of it!  I once read a happiness study that blew my mind.  They tested people's happiness and then divided them into two groups.  Group one was left alone as a control group.  Group two was told to write down five things they were grateful for every single day.  Guess what?  At the end of the study group two was markedly more happy than group one!  Focus on the positive rather than the negative and you will be happy with your art making!

7. Give up the luxury of criticism.

Criticism and critique are two different things.  Looking at a piece -- yours or someone else's -- and analyzing what you like and don't like about it and why, is a good thing.  It's a learning experience.  Simply criticizing art -- yours or someone else's -- is a negative experience.  I believe the trick is analyze why something works for you or doesn't.  If you can't answer why, it's not useful feedback because the issue can't be fixed or learned from. 

8. Give up your need to impress others.

Man, oh, man, this one is tough for me.  I want people to love what I do.  On some level Ineed people to love what I do.  I have to remind myself daily that my worth as an artist is not tied into blog comments and instagram likes and Facebook comments.  It's difficult.  That said, some of the best art I've ever created was when I let go of doing what I thought was "cool" or would sell, and did what I wanted to do.  

9. Give up your resistance to change.

It's so easy to get stuck in an art rut.  Something works so you keep doing it and doing it and doing it and doing it.  Remember, you learn more from failure than from sucess.  I believe that to grow as an artist I must keep taking risks and doing things that make me uncomfortable.  That's why I love my art journal so much!  It's a super low risk forum for exploring new ideas and materials.

10. Give up labels.

People ask me all the time what kind of artist I am.  

I'm the kind who makes art.  

I'm also a crafter.  I'm also a scrapbooker.  I'm also a beader.  I'm also a quilter.  I'm lots of things and having to shove myself in one box is silly.  It makes me feel limited.  Labels are limiting.  Why do we need to define creativity? 

11. Give up on your fears.

"We have nothing to fear but fear itself."  Or how about, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it."  Fear is a self-imposed limit.  Don't limit your art.  What's the worst thing that can happen?  And even if that terrible thing did happen, we're not talking a life and death situation, right?  I say, kick fear in the pants and keep pushing onward!

12. Give up your excuses.

Sometimes it's easier to find a reason why you can't make art than to go into your art space and get going.  I'm a great believer that you'll find time to do what is important to you.  If art making isn't important to you, that's 100% okay.  Excuses are guilt-inducing.  Art is guilt-free zone.  Seriously, it has no calories!  ;)  And, anyway, we all go through phases. There are plenty of times that I don't feel like making art.  Rather than make an excuse, I embrace my mood and go do something else I enjoy, guilt free!

13. Give up the past.

So you were told that you couldn't draw or you weren't creative. So what?!  This is now.  

So you tried art journaling or scrapbooking or crochet and you weren't good at it.  So what?!  This is now.

Don't let the past dictate your future.  Art making is a practice like any other.  Practicing daily is the key to getting to where you want to be.  Looking back isn't helpful.

14. Give up attachment.

If you take away one thing from this list, please take this one.  The single biggest leap in my art has been from letting go of the preciousness of things I liked in my art.  By being brave and covering it up, cutting it in half, or "ruining" it, I have created works of art that I love love love!  I have grown and flourished as an artist because I don't let myself get attached.  When I teach, I call it "killing your babies."  Sometimes in art, you have to kill your baby.  It will be okay.

15. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations.

There are plenty of people who smile sympathetically when I tell them I'm an artist.  In fact, I recently went to an event for "professionals" -- doctors, lawyers, real estate agents, finance people -- and was made to feel very useless and very small because of my profession.  After I left I had to shrug it off.  I love what I do!  Let's not lose track of that fact!  Oh, I gave up one being a good housekeeper years ago.  I'd rather spend that half hour in my studio."

I thought in light of the things I had recently been discussing, this was a nice addition to the mix.  

As always, today and everyday,

Go out and be the best you can be.

Go out and be an inspiration.

Go out and LIVE!!!

Love Each Other & Peace Out....

Cynthia

Instant Gratification....Have a Little Patience, Faith

It's so hard for me...to be patient.  I want results in the flash of an eye, and if it doesn't happen...."FAILURE."  I still have WAY TO MUCH invested in what I think other people are thinking.  I see how it effects everything I do.

I don't post photos of myself online...because I am ashamed of the way I look.  I make excuses NOT to go out of the house, not to attend events because of the shame and lack of vital energy.  What it boils down to, is that I no longer have any FAITH in myself.  And isn't that a sad place to be.

(I wrote the above passage last night.)  And then this morning I walked into my studio, looked at the painting I had been working on yesterday and realized...I have come a long way since I first started to dabble with painting & art.  And how have I reached this particular point?  Consistency over time.  Would I be much better now if I'd have dedicated more time to the effort?  Of course.  But I can see progress...and that is a very good thing.

So...art reflects life, and life reflects art.  I can take a lesson from this progress and grasp the understanding that my effort and consistency is directly proportional to my result.  Anything that is flailing in my life is due to neglect.  

Gosh, when put that way it seems so simple.  I guess it is simple if you KEEP IT SIMPLE!  We often get so tied up in the clutter of our minds if we do not take care with our minds.  We are often tempted by so many things outside of ourselves if we do not have a CLEAR INTENTION in our mind on which to stay focused.

So...for myself, I have begun yet again.  And however many tries it takes, you must keep starting over until you find yourself securely on your path and making progress.  Every single time you perceive you have been knocked down, see how fast you can get up and forget it.  Pretty soon, things that would have knocked you OUT....will seem only like pesky little gnats.  Pretty soon, you'll be handling things like a CHAMP.  You have to MAKE A PLAN though...and RESOLVE TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE....because this is the way we GROW.

All right.  Enough of that for today!!!!  Take good care of yourselves and visit me again soon!

Peace Out & Love Each Other,

Cynthia

Everything You Need...

8X12 inches on canvas board

     This was a commissioned piece and I had a lot of fun doing it.  In fact, I had never done curly hair, big boobs or a nurses hat before...so that was a fun and new challenge, and I was really pleased with the result.

     It's also kind of neat she's a nurse....because the Number One thing I need to be taking care of right now is my health.  I'm terribly overweight (a place I never thought I'd be) and have had so many health problems keeping me down for so long.  First, I have depression.  Through a succession of moves and things, I became more and more isolated, fearful.  Which made me more overweight, more isolated and more fearful. The depression is something that once you know you have it, you will always be susceptible...and you will always have to take special care with yourself.  i.e. Eating right, getting regular exercise and fresh air, adequate sleep, small to no alcohol intake.  Otherwise you are like a rope whipping in the wind...at the wind's will...not your own.  Nothing else in your life has a chance of being normal or feeling right...or growing into something great when you are on this roller coaster ride.

Now, if you don't take care of yourself, depression will start to get out of hand and cloud every action, every judgment you make, such that you act and make decisions based on the chaos, sadness and frustration you are carrying versus making clear, concise decisions that will actually benefit you.  I know.  In fact, I think that many other ailments are actually borne from having and NOT DEALING WITH having DEPRESSION.

I have also had to deal with severe anemia and iron deficiency;  talk about the WALKING DEAD!!!  These things made the depression worse....and I've sort of been replaying this LOOP to NOWHERE for quite a while.Why not just go to the doctor and get it fixed?  No insurance, no funds.  It's just not that easy to do anything when you're down and out.

So where does one turn to get relief from illness?  The internet (researching)...for more natural solutions.  The local health food store (here, the Heritage) for natural supplements that could help.  Why didn't I think of this before? Because my brain has been malfunctioning for quite some time!!!  And, I guess I didn't believe that anything but fibroid removal would help....because that's what the doctor indicated.  Hmmm.

I am so lucky right now to have time to take care of myself and get back on the right track.  So it's truly ALL UP TO ME.  Now, will there be tons of hurdles to jump?  Absolutely.  But you just have to keep on keeping on....barrel through the roadblocks KNOWING YOU CAN MAKE IT!  God gave you everything you will ever need at the moment of your birth....everything you will ever need to CREATE a BEAUTIFUL LIFE!  So get busy CREATING...I AM!

Peace and Love, Cynthia

More on...The Process....

2014 

2014

~~~~ Above is a set of mermaids that I started in August 2013 after leaving a job that had become very uncomfortable for many reasons.  Finished these around January 2014, when I added the last touches of gold leafing, which really made all the difference!~~~~~

MORE ON....THE PROCESS...

Well, I spent all of last week...or most of it, working on my studio room.  I have revamped this room many, many times, but that is what we must do, as we move along in our interests and in our perspective processes. As a mixed media artist, I have had so many desires to pursue.   There are so many wonderful crafts, arts, jewelry projects...so many different things one can do, it is overwhelming yet we cannot stop ourselves from diving in head first.  And that is OK.  We each need to do that sometimes to find our one true love, our one calling...or realize that we have many different sources of artistic nourishment in which we may carry out the finest determinations of our souls.

I think the best part of all is to realize that there is no end, there is no real destination...for a destination would put limits on powers that should be understood as limitless.  So, in other words, believe in the greatness that you are with all that has come to make you and act in such a way.  Fulfill you soul's purpose, exceed even your wildest imaginings.

And in a more tangible reality, I am continuing the process of cleansing, organizing my studio...facilitating a much greater work environment than I have ever had before.  While changing things around, I realize as well that I am coming full circle, bringing out my sewing machine and fabrics that had been tucked back into the closet because it's time to revisit some older projects with a new flair, and begin other projects that have long awaited in my minds eye to be realized.

Do I have some WONDERFUL, FANTASTICAL PHOTOS OF MY LOVELY STUDIO.....
NO!!!! Not yet.  I'm taking my time with the process and focusing on getting it all a bit more organized and workable than it's ever been before.  It's OK to take the time and "do it right."  Especially if you find you have the time to spare.

I will try to take some photos though...they make the process so much more real for those looking in from the outside.

Take good care of yourself, and come visit me again :)

Cynthia

Trust the Process

"Trust the Process," 8" X 10", 2013

     It's often a difficult thing to do....'trust in the process,' no matter to what it may be pertaining.  This little lady has a paintbrush and an empty canvas behind her;  sometimes it's hard to even START something, much less have the courage to continue on with said endeavor.  However, this is exactly what we must do in order to achieve the things we so desire in life.

    After you start a painting (for instance), and get to a place where you are really liking what has been created, there often will creep into the mind such thoughts as, "Oh gosh, I'm afraid now...I don't want to MESS IT UP.!"  I know, I've been there. But trust that if you created it once, you can create it again.  Trust that if you've made it this far, you can go the distance.  The same applies to the other end of the spectrum where perhaps you are painting something and you keep not liking it. It's just not where you want to be yet. That's right.  It's a process.  And we cannot expect a masterpiece right out of the gate.  It takes time, patience and work.  It's at this point we can either COMMIT WHOLEHEARTEDLY to the process, or we can give up...on a piece (of art we are trying to create), our health, relationships, our dream of a whole and fulfilling life.

     I have gotten so off track with my own health, not wanting to face challenges head on, that it has overwhelmed me and pushed every other part of my life off track as well.  BALANCE is KEY and when one part is unbalanced, so is the whole machine.  For instance, I am currently happy with where my artwork is headed, and quite unhappy with most of the rest of my life.  But, I am putting things in place to change those feelings and turn it all around.

     COMMITTING WHOLEHEARTEDLY may also mean more than we think at a first glance.  First, we must till the soil and make ready for a successful garden to grow.  If we start trying to grow a garden in a patch of rocks and weeds, we will be sorely disappointed with the entire process.  So: PAVE THE WAY FOR SUCCESS...set yourself up to be successful.  How?  Get rid of the rocks.  Rocks are the old resentments that we carry, the well ingrained patterns of which we refuse to let go, all the things that no longer serve us, and probably never did.  Then, get rid of the weeds.  Weeds are different.  They will start to peek their heads and grow at any time in our lives.  We must recognize a weed as a weed, pull it up by the roots and say....goodbye.  Some of my weeds have been family members, so called friends, people with bad attitudes that try and push their filth onto me, poisonous people or situations, soul suckers (workplace or wherever.)  We must not give even an iota of our precious energy to the weeds.

     So...that's where I'm going to begin...tilling the garden and making ready for a new, balanced, successful life that I adore.  I'll be writing more about this topic and keeping you updated on my progress.  There's so much out there to discover, so much to tap into, let's make the best of it.

     Let me know about your journey too.  We really are all in this together.

Love and Peace...and all Good Things

Cynthia
   

   

Fun with Journals!

Sweet girl, journal book, 2014

     Like many mixed media artists, I have ideas all the time....for which I consequently BUY stuff to make said ideas come to life.  Then said items lay around the studio until one day, years later, the idea comes to fruition.  This was such an idea.

     Some time back I bought several journals so that I might paint or collage their fronts and backs.  I did collage some of the journals and then left the rest for another day, another project.  Cut to years later, now I am painting little characters and faces and so I decided to 'doctor up' some more journals with these sweet little figures.

Front

Back

Front

Back

Front, all done in 2013

So, that's just some fun stuff you can do adding characters to your journals covers.  Have a great day!

Cynthia

Reworking Older Pieces

   

     I made these pieces back in 2009 and hung on to them thinking I might one day have them published in a magazine.  Cut to last week....2014; I took a look at them again and decided they deserved better!  They deserved for me to perk them up and make them all they can be.  So, I did.

     Reworking the faces in both, and the background of the top one, left the pieces looking quite a bit more pleasing to the eye.  Now they are really ready to hit the road.  Available in my etsy shop.

Take care and have a great day!
Cynthia

"Party Animals," & Sharing with Friends

"Party Animals," by Cynthia Anderson, WIP, 2014

Hey there!  Made most of "Party Animals," this past Saturday while painting with my best friend, who I am so lucky to have:)  I was just thinking the tittle was appropriate since this is now 'my favorite kind of partying'....and in light of how much fun we had.  We very much enjoy getting together in my studio to paint, talk about painting, the universe, science, aliens, ghosts....to listen to music, and when all that gets old, turn on Ron White and laugh ourselves into a coma because we love TATER SALAD!!!  When they say laughter is the best medicine, they aren't kidding;  there's nothing like some deep belly laughs to make you GLOW.

I think it's so important to make the time for moments such as these.  Sharing in what we love, engaging each other's sensibilities, it's what life is all about.  Plus, it's one thing to share your life with a spouse and children...your family;  but there is nothing quite like sharing with friends.

Have a great day, and pass it on to someone else:)

Cynthia

What is HAPPY MAIL???

Happy mail is another aspect of the Documented Life Project from the lovely ladies at "Art to the 5th." I spoke about the project in my last post and showed some fun photos, but will give a brief synopsis of it here.
 
The Documented Life Project or DLP, is a project that was started by a group of ladies simply showing how to have fun decorating a personal calendar planner.  Each week there are new "art prompts" that group members can engage in at home, put in their personal planner with their own signature flair, and share on Facebook with the entire group if they so desire.

"Happy Mail," is mail that participants send to one another.  The outside of the envelopes are oftentimes decorated, while inside lay all kinds of surprises;  fun tidbits to use in your 'calendar planner.'  There is a list of names and addresses from which to pick, and you just pick some, and send.  I pick the ones that say they will reciprocate, because of course, I want some happy mail too!

Here are a few photos of a piece of VERY HAPPY MAIL I received:

One side of the envelope, decorated by Lisa Kumcur.

This was one of the many lovely items waiting inside, by Lisa Kumcur.

This is by far the most wonderful happy mail I have received:)  And after receiving it, I was encouraged to make some super snazzy happy mail myself.  Below are the envelopes I created....I don't have photos of the goodies inside, but let me say, I'm sure no one was disappointed!!!

Happy Mail Envelopes, created by me

Let me also say how freeing the process of making the happy mail envelopes, some of the goodies inside and my planner has been.  It's just a fun place to play, and of course, you can just keep painting and layering until you find your happy place, that sweet spot.

Have a blast today, enjoy your life, and live to the fullest.
Love and hugs,
Cynthia

The Documented Life Project

I've been having such a good time with The Documented Life Project since I joined about a month ago.  If you haven't heard about it, give it a look....it's soooo much fun.  What is it?  It's basically a free group created by 5 artists who joined together calling themselves "Art to the 5th."  http://www.arttothe5th.com/
Basically, you paint, doodle, and groovy-up a regular yearly planner.  They recommend using a Moleskin planner, but I already had an 8X10 inch planner so I just used that.  Here are some photos of mine.

I just love how this spread turned out!  Mainly the part on the left.  The top to middle right is still unfinished....I like to leave room to doodle and add things as I go.

You can see some of the fun tabs I put on the page edges to show the months (on the top left of the page.)

For this page (above) I had some "artist's papers"....like scrap booking paper that had these cute little pop tops on it.  I used a round punch to punch them out and then pasted the days of the week on top.

These little hexagonal shapes also came from some cute papers I bought.  Thought they would be just perfect for this.

As you can see...I went crazy.  Did most of the pages shown here over the course of a week, and don't think I worked on much of anything else.  It seemed that once I got started it was very addictive and I just couldn't stop!  I found it to be incredibly enjoyable, therapeutic, plus...interesting things happen....things I'd like to add to my other artwork.  It's a very freeing experience and if you don't like something, you just keep painting over it!

A brayer was used on most of the pages to achieve a layered look.  It's amazing what one can do with only a brayer and some paint!  I am also having a blast using an array of neon/florescent colors, as I have just discovered how amazing they are!

Stay tuned for more to come, and thanks for stopping!

Art On Creative People!

Cynthia

PUBLISHED...IN ART QUILTING STUDIO MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2014

PUBLISHED!!!

This is my first time though it should not be!!!  I have thought about getting published forever and a day...I was on my way to submitting a very long time ago...a Halloween submission.  But I had an accident and ended up in the hospital  And I never did get published.

Not long ago, I stopped in on my etsy site to give a little check..nothing really ever sells, because I think no one knows I am there!!!  But to my surprise I had a message from the editor of Art Quilting Studio Magazine about my cute mini quilt characters, saying I ought to apply to be published.  Well, with this little boon, I was well on my way. I immediately contacted the editor and submitted my goodies.

I'll have more photos of new mini quilt characters very soon!


Cynthia

Happy New Year!

"Holly's Doll," Christmas 2013.

Happy New Year Everyone!  Above is a painting that I started with only the notion that I wanted to paint one of my girls, just on a larger scale.  This one is 18" X 24".  I just started with the girls' face and let the rest happen by intuition, with the exception of the pinstripes in her dress, a suggestion from my best bud, who is also a painter.  I feel this is one of my best paintings to date, and for that I have to thank the Creator who works through me.  Thanks God.  This piece was so much fun to play with and to watch come together. Sometimes I get stuck with my paintings....I don't know what to do next!  But I do feel the fact that they are unfinished and lack something.  So I continue on.  Sometimes I have pieces I refer to as 'problem' pieces....I keep trying to finish them, and they continue to aggravate me!  Not so with this piece.  Also, something very new for me was to add these pinwheels in the background (sort of a Zentangle type thing.)  When I first started messing with them, I thought, wow, that doesn't look good.  Then I thought, just keep going!!!!  So I did.  This is a recurring theme in my own artistic journey....to A.) trust the process, B.) have patience....creations are not made instantly, we use care, and love them into being.

When we take the time to listen, all the answers will be found.  Cheers to LISTENING THIS YEAR, and ALLOWING OURSELVES TO RECEIVE ALL WE DESERVE.

XOXO,
Cynthia

BELIEVE IN YOU

"Believe in You," 2013, 12"X12" canvas board.

I'm still going to paint a border around the edges, but I'm quite happy with this little lady.  In fact, I'm trying to integrate the messages I NEED TO BE PAYING ATTENTION TO into my artwork.  I know I'm not the only one.  I know we all have doubts about ourselves;  maybe a little, maybe a lot.  The fact is though, we have all we need right inside.  We just have to fan that little flame, each and every day.  Recognize all your many gifts and stop obsessing on who you are not or what you don't have.  Have gratitude for what you do have and what you can make happen.

Looking forward to the new year and all it will bring!

Cynthia

Positivity is Paramount

Fly and Be Free, Cynthia Anderson, 2013

 

Positive statement for the day from Louise Hay: "I listen to what I say.  If I hear myself using negative or limiting words, I change them."

As Joel Osteen says, "whatever follows, 'I am,' is going to come looking for you."  So speak well of yourself, others, and even circumstances.  It is the 'framing' of our lives that can change everything.  In other words, if you 'frame' it as a horrible obstacle to overcome then that's what it will be.  If you 'frame' it as an opportunity to rise to the challenge then you are approaching the situation from an entirely new viewpoint....a WINNING viewpoint.  It's simple:  POSITIVE is WINNING, negative is not!

It's just like art or anything else in life; instead of looking at ANYTHING and picking apart everything that is wrong with it, begin to open your eyes and your mind to WHAT IS RIGHT...with your art, with the situation, with that person. 

It's funny, I found myself in a pit of negativity where all I could see was all the injustice in the world and everything that I thought 'needed fixing.'  The thing about this is that I had then BECOME PART OF THE PROBLEM, RATHER THAN PART OF THE SOLUTION! 

Once I read the Dalai Lama was asked if he had any regrets.  He said well, maybe just one.  A time ago an older monk had come to him saying that he could not attain certain yogic or meditation postures (I'm doing my best to remember the story). The Dalai Lama had told him that he may have to wait until his next incarnation to do it in a younger body.  So, the monk went off, and threw himself off a cliff, in order that he might be reincarnated all the sooner.  When the Dalai Lama heard of this he felt very bad that the monk had taken his advise to bring about this outcome.  But, His Holiness also said that if he'd have decided to get 'stuck' on this and sort of wallow in it, he would not have been able to continue on with the greatly beneficial work he has done and continues to do.  That's me paraphrasing the story, but the message is the same.  The only answer is to walk on in positivity, love and light. 

REMEMBER TO listen to how you speak to yourself and everyone around you.  What you give out, you get back, so:

Peace Out, Love Each Other, and Live in Harmony
Til Next Time, Cynthia

Letting Go of Perfection

 

Hope you are all well!  Courtesy of a painting group I'm part of on facebook, I was given the opportunity to view this lovely little gem, http://is.gd/sp0nOs, about a mother, her new sweet sketchbook, and her daughter's insistence that she SHARE said sketchbook.  When the mother tried to explain away her not wanting to share, the daughter turned her own words around on  her and said, "well, if you can't share we might have to take it away!"  How adorable.  And when the mother did share her book....well, go see what happened!  Something new was born with the collaboration of these two artists, and many insights were given. 

by Busymockingbird

One insight I really appreciated was this, "Most importantly, I learned that if you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED.  Instead, just go with it, just ACCEPT it, because usually something even more wonderful will come out of it," busymockingbird.  Agreed!  That's what I've been doing lately, just going with it.  I don't have a preconceived notion of what I'm going to do, I just start doing.  I do know I'm going to have a character there, because I love doing characters and faces, but I have no idea who she will be or what she will be doing.  (Maybe someday soon there will be guys in my paintings too!)

by Busymockingbird

I also would like to address the fact that nothing in life/nature is perfect.  There is no such thing.  According to Webster's perfect is, "corresponding to an ideal standard or abstract concept."  I say just be perfectly you:)  That is enough!  Really, it is! 

I think there is also a wisdom and a relaxation of unreasonable expectations that comes with age (hopefully) that can help you to focus on what is truly important, and let go of the rest.  I think this wisdom (if one chooses to use it, if one can quiet themselves long enough to listen to it) can also help us lose the things in our life that no longer serve us, sometimes never did serve us.  I know I have been waiting so long for myself to WAKE UP....but all of life is a journey, everything you have done or will do is your journey, and leads you to be exactly where you should be right now.  Today is your day, this week is your week, this year is your year.  What will you do with it?  What plans will you make to help yourself reach your goals?  Don't know what your goals are, sit down and listen to yourself, meditate.  Just try it.  It's not hokey, spooky or weird.  It's probably one of the most natural things one can do; it let's you tune in to the source, and from there, all things can be achieved!!!

Take care until next time.

Peace Out, Love Each Other, and Live in Harmony
Cynthia

Healthy Life Inspiration-Raw, Natural, Fresh

Good Morning!!!!  I wanted to share with you this morning a place to find some wonderful information that may change your mind and your life.  I am not trying to 'promote' Netflix exactly, but I myself have recently discovered it, and am enjoying many of the documentaries I have found there.  Actually, they have a good number of really interesting documentaries.  The ones I have been specifically interested in lately concern weight/health/juicing, how our so called 'progress' as a society might actually be leading us to our early demise, and reducing our 'footprint' on the planet. 

So, after watching a several of these films, I have been inspired (I hope not temporarily so) to take on the challenge of living a healthier life.  I have begun by juicing with fruits and vegetables, eating mainly fruits and vegetables when I am hungry, and fish for now.  Also, I have been seriously addicted to ginger ale and some diet soft drinks, which are now being replaced with water, herbal tea and the like. 

 Today was my first go at it and it wasn't too bad.  It's strange, for sure, but I really like and am interested in all the places I think this thing can take me.  Eating extremely healthily will make me healthier overall, cleaner, clearer, lighter, brighter and stronger....mentally, physically and spiritually.  It will reverse much of the damage that has been done by following a bad diet, not exercising, and engaging in 'too much of the wrong kind of fun!'  It is an opportunity to regain my self-esteem, change the course of my life and live far longer.

I can already see that I use food to, 'fill in the gaps' of time during the day; as a reward....perhaps several times a day or all day long, and that is not a healthy relationship to have with food.  It's no wonder I am severely sluggish, tired, foggy, obese and terribly unhealthy. 

What food is supposed to look like!

Fight the good fight, and live in the light:)

 

 

Until Next Time...Peace Out, Love Each Other, and Live in Harmony,

 

Cynthia

ENERGY!!!!!

ENERGY

My New Art Journal, 2013

Good Day All!  Today I'd like to talk a little bit about ENERGY!  Energy is created by us every day.  The words we speak, the things we think, the way we act towards others, the moods we allow ourselves to create....all are energy; energy that WE GIVE INTO THIS WORLD.  That energy can either be good or not so good.  And remember, what you give out, you will surely get back! 

I very much believe in this energy, and I believe it is what connects us all together and gives rise to this other thing I very much believe in:  that there is a collective consciousness among us all.  We all share whether we know and realize it or not.  There is so much more to us, this world, and those beyond than we can even dream....just look at the amazing fashion in which our universe came into existence!  Look at the circle of life here on earth and how very interconnected we all are.  The MYSTERY AND BEAUTY ARE UNDENIABLE....all you have to do is OPEN YOUR EYES.
Which, funnily enough, is the hard part. 

Our society has largely evolved into a place where we are on auto-pilot most of the time.  Sunday evening comes and we dread going to our workplace the next morning.  Why do we dread our jobs so?  Because most of us are doing mundane jobs that we feel we HAVE TO DO to earn a paycheck and be 'responsible adults.'  We have let others determine our fate....tell us what is right and wrong and what we SHOULD BE DOING with our precious human lives....when all the while, they are completely disregarding the fact that HUMAN LIFE IS PRECIOUS...and TIME IS NOT A THING TO BE WASTED. 

So what do we do to WAKE UP?  We listen to our HEART.  We have all the answers inside of us, we just have to be quite and listen.  We have to set the stage and the rest will just happen.  Make yourself ready, and the messages will come, things will fall into place just like the pieces of a puzzle.  Start today by caring for yourself, showing yourself compassion and kindness.  Give yourself the RICH LOVE YOU DESERVE....feel your cup pouring over, and SHARE with the rest of the world.

Some things you can do to love yourself and build good positive energy within are:  yoga, meditation, prayer, Tai Chi, dance, exercise, healthy consumption of foods and drink, affirmations and positive thinking.  Also, do a sauna and sweat out all the impurities, get a massage, get out in the sunshine, walk by a large body of water, do walking meditation, meditation on the beach or in the woods, go camping and reconnect with nature, swim, shoot hoops, play tennis, sweat, sweat, sweat!  Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and less meats...become LIGHTER....increase your connection to the SOURCE. 

Finally, FEED YOURSELF and FALL IN LOVE WITH AS MANY THINGS AS POSSIBLE!  Meaning, read and study positive enriching texts, think positive thoughts, surround yourself with affirmations and repeat them often, delve into hobbies such as art (or whatever you choose) and create something beautiful to share with the world, develop a social circle of like minded people who can build one another up and support each other through the tough times. 


Here is a good link for affirmations:
http://www.aplacefortheheart.co.uk/frame.php?sp=/affirmations/affirmcareer.htm
Start your morning with these.  Do it for a week and see what happens, what could it hurt?  I'm going to try it:)

Peace Out, Love Each Other, and Live in Harmony
Cynthia

A Beautiful Place to Grow!

Hi there!  I'm Cynthia E. Anderson, and this is a blog about my CREATIVE JOURNEY; bringing together my LOVE OF ART & my DESIRE TO LIVE A LIFE ROOTED IN SPIRITUALITY.  It is a sacred place to share kindness, goodness, camaraderie, loves, dreams, ambitions, hopes, prayers, poems, intuition, fun, and joy:)  A place you can visit any time to be uplifted and inspired.  A place for LOVE. 



"Trust Your Heart," Cynthia Anderson, August 2013.


This piece is fresh off the worktable today!!!  I finally put the finishing touches on her and discovered a new technique in the process...very exciting!  She is one in a series of "face themed" pieces I am currently doing as a journey of discovery....hopefully discovering my own signature look.....honing my own particular voice. 

 

I am also very interested in intuitive painting and what the development of intuition can do for one's life as well as one's creative journey through any choice of medium.  That being said, I am most fond of mixed media art.  It is so freeing to have a number of different ways to achieve effects.  I find it easily allows one to become lost in a kind of meditative/altered state while creating.  Without much thought at all, one makes marks with paint, pen, pencil, charcoal, brushes, found objects, stamps, foam brushes....one sprays the canvas with water, applies gels and papers forming rich textures....to which even more layers of paints and light washes will be added.  One becomes wholly lost in and devoted to the process, letting it happen.  And...it reveals itself...to YOU.  Aren't you special:) 

 

So this is my NEW PATH....MY CREATIVE JOURNEY....TO BALANCE A SPIRITUAL, WHOLESOME LIFE WITH A LOVE FOR ALL THINGS CREATIVE AND ARTISTIC...and I invite you to come along....or at least stop in once in a while for a little enrichment and encouragement. 

 

Peace Out, Love Each Other, and Live in Harmony

Cynthia