Sun always comes out before I leave...

file folders by amy butler and thomas paul

Yes... sun shining here in Missoula. And trust me... it does not go unnoticed here as our winters tend to be many varied shades of grey. But I'm headed to California tomorrow, (so of course the sun comes out today)....to help my Sister... Organize! Truly one of my favorite things to do... love it. The sorting, purging, prioritizing.... then the development of a "system"... oh yeah there is a system for everyone! Then the goods... because to me... if you have to look and handle this stuff everyday... it's got to look good!

binders and file boxes available at target - the file boxes are only $9.99 and have hanging files in them

I think every system needs the little files above.... divided monthly... I put every receipt in there and check stubs (for business checks). I have one for each business... so easy to go back and find what you need.

The timing of this trip will allow a side excursion to the Alameda flea market... which I could just about flip over! I've heard stories... and simply cannot wait. My sister, knowing my high shopping endurance... has invited along a friend... so they can take breaks while I go about my hunt! So if you want to come meet me I could use a shopping partner! Any takers? Dede?

Some other projects have been occupying my attention... and making me tardy to Misty's Class Stretching Within. Other are on to paint and collage... and I'm still playing with pencils.

Hopefully the Sun will come out tomorrow... here and there...

Stretching Within - Misty Mawn - Face Study

Drawing the face... yikes. I am trying to carve out time to soak up all that Misty is offering in her online class Stretching Within. It is a large group and the work being posted on the flicker group site could take hours to properly appreciate. I have seen what committing to a drawing a day will do for ones skill set... ah I would like to shoot for that... someday soon
My first attempt was the image below. I am lucky to have three in house art critics... who are honest and give great advice. Bryce had lots of points for me to consider. So I made a copy of the face and he drew over top... the image above... bone structure... so that I could see where I was off. Eyes... Jaw... a little tweak here and there and she began to look a little more "of this world".

Back to the drawing board I go.

Apple for the teacher - Misty Mawn

Misty Mawn knows how to start out the year right

and is offering "Stretching Within" online course

the class is full... just checked... but take a peek for next time

It spurred a partial... redo of my studio. A couple of additions... blending sticks (yikes I like these) and a table easel... It is a completely different experience working at this angle...

"Push the dark" was Carissa's advice (my son's girlfriend)

off to finish my apple for the teacher...

Light up a Winter Day

The resolution... to light candles everyday.

When you live in the North... Winter days are short, cold and often grey.

...side note... I'm fond of grey lately... so that also helps

I've always enjoyed the glow of candle light, the nice scent it adds to a room. I've just been lazy about lighting them... well this year I'm resolved to enjoy a little candle light everyday.

I found this sweet gathering of "light" and wanted to pass along the goodness.

A FREE download calendar of the sweetest watercolors.

available here...

Creature Comforts

such a generous gift of art!
I also suggest you strike a match and give yourself
a little light on this Winter Day.

Elevate.... 1.1.11

I'm not sure "this is my word"... for 2011... but I think it's time to start building each other up.

Elevate whenever you can... it will serve us all.

Happy New Year