This site is about my life in the art studio. It includes drawings, paintings, knitting and cross stitch and fun art techniques. I will also include recipes and yoga and book reviews. This is a lifestyle blog with intentional and simple living ideas.
I have cardstock of various colors. Each was cut in various sizes and taped onto a board. Then I painted using colors that compliment the paper. After it dried I took acrylic markers and drew in details.
Later, they will be glued into the art journal.
Finished Paintings
I plan to paint more in my art journal for 2023.
Etsy Shop
My Etsy shop is open and has some amazing pen and ink drawings and acrylic paintings that are sold in prints. Check it out https://4PawsArtStudio.etsy.com
I have been busy with my job, so there was a delay to post on this blog and to post new art for my Etsy shop… I also have been fighting my chronic fatigue.
Cross stitch
I have a little update on Rue Paris… I still have to finish this row, one more page left.
Watercolor
I have been watercoloring in my journal. Some art is up for sale on Etsy. These are close up images.
Pen and ink drawing
I only did one pen and ink. It is up for sale on Etsy.
Color pencil drawing
I have not decided if I want to put this up for sale. I normally don’t draw figures.
Knitting
Finished a scarf using searsucker knit stitch. Not for sale.
That is what I have been up to. Also I have blanket I am stitching using crochet. I ordered a book to learn more crochet stitches. I self-taught knitting so I can self-teach crochet.
Coming next year
I have been working on an adult coloring book, I have designed the pages and waiting for more visions. Once it is completed I will decide how to publish it. My goal is this time next year to have it published.
Place the acrylic paint colors into my pallet. Then played relaxing instrumental music. I used deep breathing and focus on the intention of painting. I used sketch book paper for the mini expressive paintings. Then I started to paint on canvas using the Expressive art techniques.
Before I closed up the studio, I drew out a scribble of my next painting.
Acrylic paint on sketchbook paper
I used modeling paste medium on this mini expressive painting. I wanted to make it textured and learn how to incorporate it in my painting.
Acrylic on canvas…in progress painting
What’s On My Mind
I have been working on being in my art studio daily, either drawing, watching art videos, or painting.
I have not decided what I want to do as far as if I want to set up a shop, do more vlogging, or just make art with no intention of doing anything other than this blog.
I think I can’t decide because there’s so much going on. I started my new job which has taken off in such a successful way. And I’ll be taking on a new part time job soon. I am consumed by health issues. So do I want the stress of an art business along with working my jobs? I need to work as the medical expenses has been getting expensive.
I have an urge to concentrate on my knitted blanket and cross stitch and embroidery projects. I find those relaxing. The fine arts tend to bring more anxiety provoking because I never know if it would be good enough to invest in my time to sell it.
It’s been awhile since I sat at my art table. It’s been a difficult few weeks. I learned of a new diagnosis as to the reason my legs swell. There’s no cure. But eating less carbs and mostly eat fruit and veggies will help maintain my health.
This morning I organized my snacks and put some in containers to have for this week. I’m also going to make my lunch for tomorrow before the end of the day.
I took another job something to make extra money on the side. I’m hoping it will be full time at some point. I get to work from home with this job. Yeah.
I want to return to painting and reorganize my Etsy shop which I closed. I won’t reopen it until I paint consistently.
New Paintings
Here’s what I have been painting lately. It starts as a scribble on canvas then I make it into an image. Flowers tend to be my topic.
This challenge is to doodle 30 mandalas. Why, you ask? Just for fun, and to get myself focused on art and creativity again.
I am working out of a hardback sketch book, 8″ x 11″ using a black pen and crayons, color pencils or gel pens. This is something I can do before I go to sleep. Resting my legs under my weighted blanket after a long day. With my work schedule, taking care of my pets and resting my body, I won’t be able to finish these in 30 days. The outcome will be having 30 doodle mandalas.
I started drawing this evening. Here is my rheumatoid arthritis hand. Swollen, puffy and joints are in pain from all the drawing.
I have not been posting for awhile. Simply because I needed a break. Most of my free time has been cross stitching. My goal is to finish Derby by February.
Also my hours at work has increased slightly as new clients are calling. I have a goal to pay off some bills this early part of the year. I will need to consider buying a car later next year.
With that being said, I decided to not move. It saddens me but I need to focus on my long term goal. The long term goal is to not work as a counselor in my 60’s, and find other work to do. Or to work from home full time in 5 years. If I got another 30 year loan, then I would have no choice but work more hours and for a longer time.
Therefore, I am staying at my townhouse. And plan on finishing updating the bathroom and kitchen.
Since it is getting colder out the neighbors have stayed inside. I’m looking forward to the cold months ahead because there’s less chance my neighbors will harass me. (I am being harassed because I’m on the HOA board) trust me we made positive changes, gave owners more freedom. Someone people are just mean and hateful and don’t want others to have freedom and happiness.
Sunday, I finished a column on Derby early. I decided to close up the house early and found my way to a canvas. Afterwards I did yoga, read the Bible and read some paragraphs about chakras. Then I went to bed at 8:30! I have been exhausted and really need the sleep. I hope this extra sleep will decrease the inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.
Here’s the beginning of the painting. I believe it will change drastically. It might not even look like this next time you see the update.
I have items on Etsy shop. Paintings and knit headbands and scarfs that’s great for the winter.
I have been painting on a canvas for the past week. Each night instead of journalling in a notebook or in an art book, I took my journalling to a canvas.
Below is the previous journal entries in a 24″x 30″ canvas
Here’s the #6 intuitive Painting from yesterday.
I have been feeling more like myself. In the past few days decisions were made. I’m going to look into buying a home. I live in a townhouse, which I do love, but the neighbors and being on the board has caused toxic relationships to appear. I was happier here when I was not on the board. I had more free time and didn’t know what people were like here. Until now.
Yesterday, was house cleaning day. I started in my closet, took clothes to donation. And shredded papers and took that to recycle bin. In between of that, my art supplies got organized. I am happier to know that going inside a craft store is not needed any time soon. I certainly have own store!
During the evening it was relaxing, exercise and knitting. I fell asleep on the sofa. That felt great. I forgot to write and post this blog. So now it’s morning.
I will be seeing a few clients. And I will be resting maybe cross stitching. I’m glad to have my free time back.
I still want to quit being on the board, but not sure how soon I’ll find a house to buy. Until then I’m going to try to keep my peace.
Happy Day
Caroline
Etsy shop is open. Https://4pawsartstudio.etsy.com
I’m on day 5 of intuitive Painting. I have been journalling my emotions into a canvas daily. I have been under a huge amount of stress from harassing neighbors and now increase of stress being on the HOA board.
Today I have been busy looking at homes. I am planning to sell my home and buy somewhere maybe closer to my sister.
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