Before I fully jump into a new year, I like to reflect on the year that has passed… The lessons I learned, the experiences I had, the things (or people) I need to let go of, and how I want to move forward this year.
I truly believe that taking this step will help you shake and disrupt old patterns of behavior. If you don’t take the time to think about your life, and how you want to change it, there can be no evolvement.
Without awareness, there can be no change.
Now, while this process may not always be a comfortable one, I believe it can still be a FUN one.
I closed out 2017 by finishing an art journal with my end of the year reflections written right into the background.
2017 was a year of retreat and refreshment. I learned to be a better steward of my own energy resources, and to grant myself permission to take time away.
I love adding journaling into my paintings, even though I may not be able to go back to read them since I intentionally make them illegible. The point isn’t to go back and read them. The point is to ALLOW their full expression.
I ended up making a woman… a goddess… a powerful female presence on my page.
I like to think that she holds my thoughts close. She – this painting. She – my soul. She – the energy of creation. She is part of all of us. She is waiting for us to seek her, to embrace her, and to love her.
In 2018 I will follow my joys and inspirations in my work, and share my journey with wild abandon. I will remember why I started this endeavor in the first place – to ignite and awaken the creative, spiritual journey in others. This is my mission, and this will continue to fuel my fire.
On a technical note…
- Using a glass pen dipped in ink worked really well on top of my semi wet acrylic background. This was an exciting technique to discover because I’m not one for patience 😄.
- I added journaling in her hair with a soft lead pencil.
- I activated the charcoal used for the woman’s face with clear gesso to make it permanent. It worked really well.
- Oh! And of course, every diva needs a little bling with Stickles glitter glue.
I’m also taking suggestions on what to name her. Who does she look like to you? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. I encourage you to try different year-end rituals to see which ones feel right for you. If it it’s not with paint, maybe it’s with journaling and ripping the pages that contain what you want to release. Or maybe you write all over a page and then cut it up and make paper flowers. The point isn’t to do it my way… it is to simply do it!
Join me in my free women’s Facebook group – Women’s Art and Soul Creative Circle – to learn more about connecting art with your own personal + spiritual growth.