taking time to celebrate Joy

I'm feeling a bit rushed today. Have a long list of things I need to do before I leave for work. Some days this really stresses me out. I hate that rushed feeling. I like to take my time with things. Especially Joyful things. But today I am determined not to let it get to me. I can savor bites of Joy and still be able to fit everything in.

First off, painting (which is really supposed to be the point of my daily blogging for this month). I started a little painting yesterday, creating a design with masking fluid.




Reminiscent of my first watercolor paintings, of sun prints and tie dying or batiks. I will have to wait a while before I can take off the masking fluid.

Next, I touched up the clay pot a bit.




I know it goes a bit against my aim of quick paintings to be finished in a day to go back to this one, but there was a bit of messiness I wanted to fix.

In a little bit I need to run to the post office. Why? Because I had an Etsy sale last night! I have two custom orders in the works right now and then out of the blue, this pendant sold.




A little pressed lily of the valley flower framed on top of a watercolor background on one side and on the other:




collaged words against a watercolor background. It was so much fun to make and I like the message. I used to celebrate every first, even silly things that most people wouldn't think twice about. Things like the first time washing my hair after getting it cut. Those tiny firsts deserve celebration, though. I don't want to be so dulled to life that I don't notice the Joys and beauty that are around me each and every day. I hope this pendant helps its new owner to remember to savor each and every bit of Joy.

I know I keep saying that flowers are bringing me Joy right now, but it is so, so true and I can't help but want to share that Joy on my blog. So here are a few views from my garden today:


Golden Celebration


A Shropshire Lad


William Morris


Eglantyne


A Shropshire Lad with Dr. Huey




It's been wonderful to be inspired to snap away. I've taken hundreds of photos in the last few days.

I have one last flower to share with you. This flower isn't growing in my garden or on my windowsill. This flower arrived in the mail yesterday.




After spending April sketching with Dana in her sketchbook course and now painting with her in May, I really wanted to have one of her paintings to hang in my home. She graciously offered to do an art trade with me and now I have her sweet flower. Just need to find the perfect place for it.

Comments

  1. love your fist picture with masking fluid. Flowers are the best for bringing joy.

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    1. Thanks so much, Kristy! Masking fluid is fun to play with, but I need more practice painting with it.

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  2. Hi Anne! It's been so fun to catch up with your blog and see all of your daily paintings (I was in Cuba for a few weeks)! I really think plants and flowers are your forte, you've got a beautiful technique with delicate leaves.

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    1. I hope you had a wonderful time! I do love painting the plants and flowers. And I'm determined to get better and better. Thanks for the compliment!

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  3. Love the idea of an art trade. Win win and joy all around.

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  4. I love your flower pot, Anne. It looks so real. And the masking liquid techniqes looks interesting. I was just looking for my masking fluid and I can't locate it.

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    1. Thanks! I was unhappy with the flowerpot at first, but its grown on me.

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  5. Love the masking fluid painting. Congratulations on all of the sales!! Woo Hoo! I am so happy the flower went to you. I love my purse and bracelet! Thank you again! I can't wait to show them off! xo

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    1. Glad you are happy with them! I'm loving the painting, even if it still doesn't have a spot on the wall yet.

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