Been Too Long Since Last Post….New Sketch!!

Oh my goodness!! My poor lil' blog! I have neglected it for the past 2 mths! Goodness!! I need to try and post more often here.  I have been busy and to be honest, posting on my FB page, hercreativesoul, is just so much easier for me.  Would love for you to visit it and if you are inclined to - Please LIKE my page :)
Thought I would share a recent sketch I did, where I am playing with the negative space in the piece.  I really like how it turned out.  Very quick and just tried not to think about it too much.
I promise not to neglect my blog :)  Thanks for looking!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #20 (and its a BIG one!!)

She is FINALLY done!! Wooooo!!! I have been working on this painting on/off for almost a year now.  I stopped at one point because I was working on it in a painting class, but when the class finished & my painting was not, I got a little intimidated.  I didn't know if i could continue.  I then worked and finished up her dress - no face, shoe, hand.  So today that is what I finally finished up.  For my first painting of this type, I am pleased with the results.  She will be going up for sale, possibly, soon.  Keep checking my FB page, hercreativesoul, and/or my Etsy store, hercreativesoul.  (you can click on the links to take you to each)  Thanks for looking!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #19

My second painting for the day.  Having some fun with the sponge technique.  I like the deep, dark colors.  Almost caught up!! Yes!! Thanks for looking!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #18

A little wine, fruit & cheese please! :) Here is my first painting of the day.  I would like to try the concept of a wine bottle & accessories again.  Work on my technique. Thanks for looking!

~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #17

Woo!! Number 17!! Did this one because its Fall and I am so ready for some cooler weather! I really like how it turned out.  Tried to create illusion of falling/blowing leaves from the tree to the ground.  Used an oldie, but goodie, technique, sponge painting.  Really creates nice depth and use of colors that is hard to replicate with a brush.  Thanks for looking!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #16

In honor of Autumn, I did 2 paintings this morning.  Used an old technique I had almost forgotten about - sponge painting. I really like the effect it gives the leaves.  Creates lots of depth & colors.
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #15

Did this late last night & didnt have a chance to post.  It is simple and bright & has some fine glitter mist on it, which is a little hard to see :) I am at the halfway point!! Yea!!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #14

This rooster painting I do like! It was the first one I tried & one I placed no thought to - just put paint down.  And it turned out nicely.  Need to not over think my work sometimes. I will try another one soon.  Almost at the halfway point of the 30 Paintings! Wow! Cant believe it!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Days 30 Paintings #13

So I did the two rooster paintings yesterday but needed to touch up this one. Ugh. the more I played with it, the muddier it became.  I still like it but I think I over thought this one too much.  The other was more spontaneous & just did it without lots of over thinking.
I think I will try another rooster painting.  I had fun playing with paint & my fingers :)
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #12

Here is the 2nd of the 2 I did so far this evening.  I have a water at night them going it seems :) This one  just happened.  I am good with it.  Not the best waves but certainly not the worst. 

~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #11

Tonight I have completed 2 paintings, here is the 1st of the 2.  But it really is interesting how the idea starts one way and then what you end up with is sometimes completely different.  I had wanted to do a painting of a monarch butterfly.  Well, maybe I will get to it one day :) I have about 20 more paintings left for the month :) Thanks for looking!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #10

I am still 5 paintings behind....will I ever catch up??? I certainly hope so. :) As I said last week, maybe by the week's end I will get caught up :) {{keeping fingers crossed}}
This one I did today using oil paints.  they are much more temper mental than I thought.  I have a new level of respect for artists that work in this medium.  Oh, let's not even talk about dry time...  but I had FUN trying and that is what its all about.  some you like & some you don't :)
~SeekSoulBalance!!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #9

And now for #9.  This one I had to step away from last night and then come back today.  I like it so much more than I did yesterday.  Interesting how when you come back the next day, things can look so differently.

~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #8

Here is #8!! Yea!!!  I tried my hand at using a palette knife with acrylics.  Not that easy.  This will take much more practice to perfect.  Thanks for looking!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #7

Hi!!  I missed posting a couple paintings the past couple days.  Here is # 7.  I have a few more to post :)
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #6

Here is #6 for today.  It sure was a quick one this evening.  Trying to keep up with my commitment to the daily challenge.   Let's see what tomorrow will bring!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #5

I was inspired by the painting the person organizing the challenge did for today.  I really like how it turned out.  May have to paint more fruit.  Sorry for not writing more but I am getting tired.  Night!
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #4

Quick painting I did tonight. I kinda like it considering it was a quickie  Ode to Estes Park - how I love the mountains! It helped that the background was already done. 
I will have to try and catch up on some more paintings.  I am 4 paintings behind but think I can catch up by the weekend.   This is fun and challenging me to think, plan & DO! Just do it! Right! :)
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #3

Here is #3 and I did it rather quick this evening.  I had hoped to paint more today but sketches ended up winning out.  I did 3 of those once I finally had some CaVe time.  Maybe tomorrow afternoon will be a better ArT day for getting caught up on the challenge :)
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days #2

Here is my 2nd painting - I am trying to catch up with the challenge :) Hopefully this weekend I can catch up and try to stay on top of the challenge.
~SeekSoulBalance!

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge - Painting #1

I happened across a neat blog by Leslie Saeta and she has a challenge that started on Sept 1st.  30 Paintings in 30 Days.  I decided to enter and challenge myself to practice more of my painting skills.   Since I stumbled upon this a little into the month she doesnt mind folks joining at any time.  So here is my 1st one, albeit, a very quick one.  I did decide to make them all small in size 6x8.
This should be lots of fun and at the end of 30 days it will be neat to see what I have created.

Toying with...Pondering over...Ready to Commit!!

I have been thinking alot over the past several months about my online creative business.  How can I make it better?  What do I need to do to make the next thing happen?  Where do I put my work at?  What do I need to do to make it grow?  And countless, countless, other questions....

This past weekend I made to decision to make more of an investment - a commitment - to making this all happen.  Now the challenge..."just how do I make it all happen???"  What a daunting thought indeed.  So without further adieu I am going to start to step into the process one foot at a time.  It may not be in the right order, the right fashion, it may not be perfect.  But whatever have we done perfectly on the first try.

The most immediate change that will be visible is in the pricing of my product.  That has been a HUGE challenge for me.  I tend not to be the kind of person who lives in the world without structure, especially on this topic.  But for an artist, there is no black or white here.  It is even beyond gray! On Monday, Sept 2nd, all my pricing, if it needs to be, will be updated accordingly.  

Another immediate visible change is something I did a post about at the beginning of the year -- posting more regularly on my blog.  Boy, have I not done a great job in keeping that one.  But starting with September, I gave myself the goal to commit to blogging once a week for 2 months.  That is easy enough to manage, right?! :)

Behind the scenes, I have started to read again, Flying Lessons, by the wonderful Kelly Rae Roberts.  I have joined another artist group.  I am sharing/discussing more with other artists.   Making plans of action, goal setting, etc.... All in an effort to learn and share as much as I can to help us all along this journey.

I realize this was a lengthy post but thank you for reading through its entirety.  They wont all be this long ;)  So in about one week's time I will be off and running to making my vision, passion, dreams a reality.   Thank you!
~~SeekSoulBalance!

Some New Artwork

Its been a few weeks since I posted here.  At least it wasnt a month later ;) I have been busy lately starting on abstracts.  I have wanted to try them for some time now.  I was a little apprehensive and why I am not sure.  Possibly the "anything goes" aspect of abstracts.  There is no right/wrong, its just art.  That is what I reminded myself. So then I leapt in and had some fun!!  Plus, I tried a new sealant, high gloss. And I LOVED the look it gave my artwork!!
Thanks for looking!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

RAW Artists Event!!!

Last night was the RAW Artists event that I had posted about awhile back.  It was an interesting evening with lots of artistic mediums everywhere to see!!  There were make up artists, hair stylists - cutting hair on sight, fashion designers, photographers & artists - like moi :)

Artists of many different mediums & styles.  It was so cool to see that many artists in one venue.  To really look at their work and talk with them.  So much talent in one place!  Plus, I love meeting people like me ;)

My sweet boyfriend came out to support me {{big smile}} and some folks from work & a couple of friends I had not seen in awhile.  Lots of friends both near and far supported me - THANK YOU!!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

New Pastels

I took an online class on soft pastels and I am in LOVE! We only used two colors - black & white pastels.  I have used them on gray and tan paper - love the look of both.  So I have been creating some pastels lately.  Thought I would post a few of them here.
~SeekSoulBalance!!

I am an artist at the RAW Artist SATX event!!

How exciting!! I was scouted and selected to be an artist at an event that the organization, RAW Artist San Antonio will hold!! It will take place on July 19th, 730pm.  I am selling tickets for the event, only $10!!  I would appreciate support by purchasing a ticket from my artist page - link here -
My RAW site support me here   {{If you go directly to their site, find me under hercreativesoul}}

Even if you are unable to attend the event the support I truly appreciate the support.  I am very excited about being a part of a showcase on a huge scale such as this.  The organization helps new artists who are trying to get on their feet by offering resources, tools, connections, exposure, etc....  This opportunity is so amazing.  I will have my prints there for sale in addition other artwork.

As a token of my appreciation, anyone who purchases a ticket will receive a lil piece of my artwork :) Thank you!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

Art/Craft Show Booth!! SoFlo Market June 8th!!

Its OFFICIAL!! I will have a booth here at the SoFlo Market next Saturday, June 8th!!! I will have my artwork that I post on my FB page hercreativesoul & prints for sale!! Please come to support all the local talent, food, & community!!! Its all covered, which is GREAT! From 10am - 6pm!! Would love for you to drop by & say hello!!
~SeekSoulBalance!

Prints for Sale!!

I found a wonderful print shop! Really like their prints.  I took some of my sketches in and had prints made to sell.  The sketches are from my sketch book so they are not exactly 8.5x11 but each print is.
Each print is signed my me :), the artist :).  Each is $10.  If you need them shipped, s/h is $3.
PayPall is accepted.  I can invoice you.You can find them on my FB page, hercreativesoul  (click).  Plus, I will have them on my Etsy store no later than Sunday.
I am excited about having them available for sale :)  Below are a couple of them. Thanks for looking!

~SeekSoulBalance!!

Sketches, Sketches + India Ink!!

I have been doing lots of whimsy girls lately and I am LOVIN them! But I have felt and urge to do something else.  Not necessarily different, just something else.  I bet lots of us artists/crafters experience that from time to time.  What really helped is I spent this morning cleaning up the cave (craft room) - I put down clean sheets of butcher's paper & could not wait to get in there!  I had felt it was getting a little too chaotic, even for me.  My mojo was bumping into too much "schtuff" and couldnt move organically.  It helped!! I did 4 sketches and 1 canvas - plus worked on some canvases for a few whimsy girls.
Here are a few pics of the sketches I have done today or a few days ago.  Thx for looking!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

NEW work posted in my Etsy store - hercreativesoul

Almost another month has flown by since my last post on the blog! ugh!! I need to work on improving that!
But I have been hard at work drawing/sketching and making new canvases - that I LOVE! & I think you will too!!  :)
They are are in my Etsy store - hercreativesoul  plus I very frequently post on my Facebook page of the same name - hercreativesoul 
I would love for you to check both out and on my FB page leave feedback, if you'd like :)
Here are some pics of what I have been up to :)
Thanks for looking, sharing, liking, loving..... LOL...you get the idea! ;)
~SeekSoulBalance!!

Lovin Me Some Whimsy Girls!!

I was having a BLAST in March creating women inspired by 100 girls on Cheap Paper.  And I LOVE those women and will continue to create them.
Now I have a new lil obsession - Whimsy Girls! I took an online class from Megan Suarez, whom I have loved her work and she is immensely talented.
I made one and now I am sketching out girls and using Copic, Prismacolor, and Sketch Noir markers to give them life!!
Here is my first one!! Isn't she just adorable!  I will post more soon.  I have to keep my resolution to post more regularly {{wink wink}}
~SeekSoulBalance!!

Oops! She did it again! :)

So, if you read my post from the beginning of the year, I was supposed to get better at posting on my blog regularly....well, it has been more than a month since my last posting! Yikes!! Where did the time go! Goodness!

But I can tell you what I have been up to during this time.  I have been having the most amazing time/journey creating ArT!! I have been stretching & challenging myself more than before.  I Love Tina Berning! 100 Girls on Cheap Paper.  I know many of you have admired it too.  I finally broke down and bought a copy and it arrived at the end of February.  So in the beginning of March I decided to just play.  Simple as that.  But use her illustrations/work as my own inspiration.  Plus, I wanted to challenge myself to create "fast"-dont think- and quantity to help improve my quality, in addition to using different mediums & techniques.

Needless, to say, I am LOVING every step of this!!  I have created almost 40 sketches, drawings, paintings of women since I started on March 2nd!~1mth ago ;)  I am having a ball going into the cave and just creating.  I have used my india ink & right now, it is my MOST FaV art supply!!

Below are a few of pics of my work.  If you want to see more, I encourage you to visit my Facebook page, hercreativesoul.  Where I have just about each one posted or close to it.  Not to mention any other ArT I have created. Would LoVe for you to hop on over & LiKe the page too, if you are inclined :)
I plan to create something later to capture them all but for now here you go.  I promise to try and not let another month+ go in between my posts! :)
~SeekSoulBalance!!

Cinnamon Roll Pancake!!

Tried a new recipe this morning that I tweaked to make faster & easier and to my liking.  The most amazing part, is that is does taste like a Cinnamon roll!!  This is pretty sweet, so I only ate one as I am really trying to reduce my sugar intake.

1. Cinnamon filling:  3/4 c light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 c butter; 2 T cinnamon. Put brown sugar and cinnamon in skillet with melted butter. Mix well. Remove from skillet. 
2. Glaze: All to taste & consistency to your preference. Mix powdered sugar, vanilla, water to taste. 
3. Take any pancake mix. Make batter as normal. After you put in skillet, place the cinnamon filling in a ring into the batter. It wont make a perfect ring but it wont matter. Flip the pancake and cook the other side with filling in it. Be careful so doesnt burn. Flip onto plate and use glaze to coat to taste. ENJOY!

~SeekSoulBalance!!

Thru My Eyes

This is a piece I started last year, ended up whiting the eyes out cuz I couldnt get them quite right.  Today, something made me pick her up & finish.  Okay....this is a not everyone can appreciate kinda piece, I recognize this.  But I go where the ArT, my mojo, takes me and this is where it led.  In the past few days there has been a lot of grief - and to some degree I am sure it manifested itself in this way.
With that said, here she is.....Accept it or not.  Either way it is okay with me. :) That's just how it goes sometimes, right!?  
~SeekSoulBalance!!

THe Whole Shabang!!

In 2013 I want to make more of an effort, an investment into hercreativesoul and determining the direction for it and growth I want to see it soar to.
One goal is to post on my blog more, so far so good :)   The other is to help myself grow creatively, artistically - first art online class in 2013 - check! done!
One other way I can grow artistically and as a business woman is by trying to learn more this year.  That can take on different forms to accomplish it.

You know, all of this is scary to do, get started, then once started, OH MY GOSH?!?! what is supposed to be next?? You start to question yourself? Doubt yourself.  Your abilities.You find that not all women are there to lend a helping hand.  You learn lots about people, "friends", yourself, etc... But then you make some amazing connections.  Some truly generous people.  Have wonderful positive experiences.  I can go on and on.  Bottom line --- THIS IS NOT EASY!! Anyone who tells you it is or they never had those instances come up -- is NoT being truthful.  {{sorry, no time in my life for negative, disingenuous folks}}  Some folks are naturally more confident, savvy, etc... than others but they aren't that good! Any-whoooo.....lets get off that topic- ick!
So.......

To help further my growth, I have longed for this book/e-course that Kelly Rae Roberts has - Flying Lessons.  I have her first book, Taking Flight, and I absolutely LOVED it!! It was the first honest discussion I had seen/read & it encouraged me to listen to my whispers.  And BELIEVE!  When I saw Flying Lessons I thought this is wonderful!! Just what I need to help me. Its about how to help your creative business soar.  But it was a little out of my price range at the time.  I believe in timing, the universe has a hand in all this & at that time it just wasn't meant to happen.  This week I saw on FB she was having a 1 day sale on what you ask??? FLYING LESSONS!!  50% OFF!!!  I happened to come across it late on the one day!  So I clicked BUY!!
Happy Dance time!! :)

This weekend I have more "me" time than normal & I plan to devote a good portion of it to start going through this book.  It is over 200+pages!! A wealth of information, of sharing, etc....  I cannot wait to start on my investment into my business & into myself!!
Oh, the lessons are broken into parts 1-3 that can be purchased separately so that may be an option rather than all at once but -- I wanted to share with other creative women this is a great resource to making the investment in your business & yourself.  Good Luck crafty ladies & SOAR!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!

You are Wonderful Angel Canvas

I have posted my latest mixed media piece.  A pretty lil angel who like to wear a lil bling & lots of bright colors!! Not to mention that cheetah print belt ;)  I had lots of fun making this.  The background was very busy and bright, which I loved but at first I thought maybe it was a little too busy.  But the more I worked on it the more it all came together and I really LOVE the end result.
She is posted on my Etsy store, hercreativesoul which you can click on the name and go straight to my store to see her and all my other work.
Thanks for looking!!
~SeekSoulBalance!!