Category: personal development

Spending Time in the Studio
acrylic painting · art · art studio · lifestyle blog · personal blog · personal development · simple life

Spending Time in the Studio

caroline

The Paintings

This morning has been very humid, so I spent the morning in my studio. I wanted to try a black and white painting. It’s been such a long time since I have drawn and painted using black and white.

First I drew a sketch a few weeks ago. Then I used a 11″x14″ canvas board. Normally I don’t paint on these boards often.

I am waiting for it to dry and will go back to it soon to add more depth and detail.

I also worked on the flower scribble acrylic painting.

I will work on it more soon. Also needing it to dry.

Coming Soon

I have been thinking about putting together a book about creating in a visual art journal. It’s something I’m going to try to work on once a week. Eventually I will be posting more about it and hopefully can get it sold.

I decided to not do YouTube videos as I want time to work on my book. I wasn’t enjoying video creating but I will post videos from time-to-time on Instagram.

Happy Day

Caroline

Yellow Flower Painting
art · lifestyle blog · painting · personal blog · personal development

Yellow Flower Painting

caroline

Today I had some time to start a new painting. I get into my painting moods, currently that’s what I want to do.

I draw out a sketch of what I want to paint. Then I paint the first layer of colors.

This is where it is at. I’m loving the negative spaces (white areas).

I have been using the student grade acrylic paints. I will be upgrading the paint by next year. But in the meantime, I’ll paint with what I have.

I’ll update soon,

Happy Day

Caroline

Fruit Ice Cream
dairy free · gluten free · kitchen · lifestyle blog · minimalism · personal blog · personal development · recipes · self-care · simple life

Fruit Ice Cream

caroline

dairy free, gluten free

It’s been a hot and humid few days. My air conditioner works but it takes forever for it to cool the house down. So there are times, I don’t have it on because that would be an expensive electric bill!

What’s the next best thing to have to cool down from a humid day? It is ice cream!

Dairy free ice cream is very expensive. It also leaves my stomach is a little pain and feeling uncomfortable. So I decided to try making a FRUIT ICE CREAM.

OMG it is so simple!

Fruit Ice Cream Recipe

  • 4 cups frozen mixed berries-use any fruit combination you want
  • 1 cup coconut milk or any milk of your choice
  • 1/2 tbsp powdered stevia or more to taste, also can use honey or maple syrup

Use a food processor. Place the frozen berries in the processor, along with the milk and sugar. Process until it is smooth. I had to make small portions because my processor wouldn’t work with it completely full.

Then place the smooth fruit mixture in a metal pan(bread pan), cover with cling wrap and freeze.

set it out for 5-10 minutes to soften before you want to eat it.

Happy Day

Caroline

Watercolor Flowers
art · lifestyle blog · mindfulness · painting · personal blog · personal development · watercolor painting

Watercolor Flowers

caroline

Dahlia flower meaning:

wealth and elegance, and also a symbol for love.

This is dahlias that I have on my patio. Today I had a few minutes and got my watercolor paints and sat outside for awhile to capture it in real life.

I ended up taking a photo, because the bugs were biting and the sun was too hot.

Painting Outside

This is what I captured when painting outside.

Finishing Inside

Final Painting

YouTube Video

Happy Day

Caroline

Color Pencil Drawing
art · drawing · lifestyle blog · personal blog · personal development

Color Pencil Drawing

caroline

Today was a relaxing day, I did not have to go into the office to work. I spent the morning drawing a few sketches. I might make these into larger drawings.

I have been interested to draw lately. There are some changes happening in my life and drawing is peaceful and helps me to slow down.

Tools Used:

  • Faber-Castell color pencils
  • Strathmore colored pencil paper
  • Gamsol mineral spirits
  • Paint brushes

Solvent

Gamsol-mineral spirits for color pencils

Color Pencil Drawings

New YouTube Video

Happy Day

Caroline

A Rooster Drawing
art · art studio · dairy free · dinner · drawing · gluten free · illustration · lifestyle blog · personal blog · personal development · simple life

A Rooster Drawing

caroline

Today was extremely hot. I started my day off drawing and working. I have been working from home lately. In a few weeks I will no longer be going into the office and I will be starting a new job working from home. This is a really good decision as I’m noticing my artwork has been improving and I am enjoying it.

After I had breakfast I had to get measurements for compression socks. I am having swelling in my legs and have gone to a specialist. In 2 weeks I have testing scheduled to determine what could be going on with my legs. So in the meantime I have to wear compression socks and keep my legs elevated as much as possible.

But today it wasn’t elevating my legs it was keeping my head down and my eyes closed because I had a migraine all day. I was able to make my dinner but I took a nap afterwards. It has stormed but my head still is throbbing so it’s another few hours of resting. I tried drawing throughout the day but did not get as much done as I hoped.

My Dinner

My dinner was gluten free dairy free macaroni salad and a tomato and cucumber and radish salad with lemon dressing. I cooked chicken thighs in a crock pot to go along with a salads.

Rooster Drawing in Progress

The Finished Betta Fish Drawing

I’ll post an update soon.

Happy Day

Caroline

Painting with Gouache
art · art studio · painting · personal blog · personal development · simple life · YouTube

Painting with Gouache

caroline

In my studio today. I’m starting to adapt to working from home. This is the last stretch of going into an office! I’m excited. This is something I wanted to do since last summer.

Today I had a few clients to talk with. I also had to do some cleaning in the house. The last few days my dog has been sick and I found out today nothing serious is happening it must have been a stomach bug.

I made a new YouTube video I’m getting a hang of videoing my art. I admit it is challenging I am not technology savvy but I am willing to learn. So I know only growth could happen from this and I also can learn that it might not be something I want to do long-term then again I might learn it would be something I want to do permanently. This new phase of my life is just opening up doors that I thought I would never have time to explore.

So here’s the video that I made I still need to learn how to edit and shorten the videos that will be my next step.

Happy Day

Caroline