Sailing at Sundown, oil on canvas, 20"X20" I recently retuned from a two week trip to China totally exhausted and sore for sitting too long in a never ending come back home. It was quite a journey for my husband, daughter and I. One that I will always be grateful for. It gave us a great appreciation for what we have. If you want to see about our trip to China, click HERE . I did not paint during this trip, and it took me a week to recuperate from it. This said, I did not paint for 3 weeks. When I finally got to my easel, I thought I had forgotten all about painting. It scared me! Since I did not remember about my usual process, I decided to try a new approach. It was fun and I learned new techniques. See my new process below on a 20"X20" canvas. First, I did a quick wash using Indian Yellow Acrylic paint. Then, I builded up with my darks still in Acrylics applying the paint with a 2" rubber 'colour sharper' tool. I used Phthalo Blue...
Wish Pearl #1, acrylic on Canvas, 12"X12" I' m excited for what the new year will bring. I've been planning it all out and setting my creative goals. However, as I was planning my new year, I had this negative little voice in my head that kept nagging “What if…?” I found myself “stuck” creatively; I felt that the well had dried up. (It’s a very scary feeling when your work depends on creativity.) I had to change my mind! I started meditating while listening to soundscapes music every morning for about 30 minutes. My therapy worked! This process invigorated me. How Do You Deal with Creative Blocks? What solutions have worked for you? See below steps of my new creative inspiration, the Wish Pearl collection. On this note, I wish that 2017 brings you growth in your journey, joy, and prosperity. Love y’all, Monique XXX PS: Someone asked me about my meditation. Click HERE to get the complete answer. Wish Pearl #1, Wish Pearl #2...
Happy 4th of July, oil on panel, 12"X12" When I went plein air painting last week at Evergreen nursery, I had in mind something red, white and blue. I guess because the 4th of July was coming up and I wanted to paint something ‘happy’ for the event…and for this blog! My creative mind is at work long before starting the actual artwork. It’s been said that creativity breeds happiness. To me, art and happiness are inevitably intertwined. When I create a piece of art, it takes me outside of my personal struggles and it forces me to be in the present moment, refocus my attention to positive sensations of exploration, and challenges. "Painting is like the cornerstone in a great arch. It takes the pressure of the day and holds all things together." Deborah Strander On this note, I’m Wishing you all a Happy 4th of July, Monique XX To view more of my work, visit my website, www.moniquecarr.com