Little inspirations

I love my half-time job! I work in a first and second grade classroom as a Paraprofessional, which means I help teach reading groups. I am always inspired and constantly amused at these little guys and their personalities. It is so fun.

So one of my little second grade boys always says, "Well, I am an artist you know."

This makes me laugh every time to hear his high little voice in my head saying this with such child like conviction.

I have been repeating this over and over this week as my mantra.

I have always been in the closet about my artiness. I can hide no longer!

I used to look at artsy girls (see bellaartgirl for examples of beautiful, cool, artsy types) and I was sure they were too smart, creative, and self assured for me. I was so intimidated.

People have often asked me, "Oh, are you an artist?" and my reply is always, "Well, I enjoy art." So, I will just keep repeating my mantra to myself, until I can easily say "Yes", without sweating too much, when someone asks me that question. =)

Life Lessons

God has been teaching me amazing things.

I don't really know where to start so I will just jump in. I am not a great writer or organizer of thoughts.

I started drawing at church services this Monday night. Most of you who know me, know how ADD I am. Church has always been hard. And then you throw in singing and I am really lost. It is not often that I am really inspired by singing I am just not good at it. In fact it is painful!

So, for the first time, I drew in my journal, among strangers.

Duh Duh Duh Duhhhhh!

It was terrifying. I was literally sweating. What if, What If, What if. Would people stare, would they want to look, would the snarl?

But it turned out to be wonderful, for the first time, in maybe ever, I was tuned into what was being said up front, what the songs were saying, and more importantly what Jesus wanted to say to me. I am thrilled.

I have been devouring the book called "Creative Call" ( it is on my list). She talks very frankly about the gifts God has given us. I have heard that God gives us gifts since I became a believer, but I never imagined God was talking to me and talking to me about my art! Art has always been a guilty pleasure, a distraction. Something more to hide and be embarrassed about than something that I could use to celebrate and worship Jesus.

This news is revolutionary to me.

Since learning this my mind has spread wide open. Suddenly, my time painting is important and worthy. I feel set free. I feel affirmed and I feel created with purpose.

Also, this focus has taken the rejection fear away. You don't like my work? Well, it's not really for you anyway! Yeah I hope people enjoy it, but its intended audience is love and Grace.

Please read this book, It is so wonderful to see what ever your creative passions are there is a reason and a purpose for them.

God authored art and created the artist. It is time well spent.

In Love,
Lucia

Febuary Art Every Day

I was inspired by other bloggers to try art everyday so I picked February as the month I would begin. My goal is one month, so we'll see. I have set aside a specific time everyday and I have asked my family to respect this time when I am in my studio as a Do Not Disturb time. I am excited about this venture.

I would not call this my favorite piece, but it felt so good to get paintbrushes back in my hands and move some paint around.

Oh the mud that was created!

Here is a picture of my palette. If any one has any suggestions for better palette management I would love to hear them.

This is an icicle hanging off of our neighbors roof.

It looks like fingers...cool!