Grateful

Happy Fall!

Well, at 3:02 pm! Lol (Central Time)

Mother Nature is snickering as she sends us temps bordering on the 90 degree line.

As a painter, I am never quite sure what season it really is.

Art has the Gift of transporting you to different places, different seasons, and yes, different outcomes.

It is no secret, my goal, as an artist, is to spread smiles.

I love happy colors. 

I do not like faces without smiles. 

I love whimsical. 

I have a joke going with a few friends about stepping into the "dark side."

They know I am joking, while others might not know.

I love dark colors, too.

In my opinion, there is nothing classier than black and white. It was our farm's colors, because, well, we milked black and white cows! 😁😂🤣 (Holstein)

I have been trying to learn different styles of painting my entire life. That is what helps me grow as an artist, but I do not want to abandon my style that I have worked for years to develop, because, be it good or bad, there is  something absolutely awe-inspiring to hear, "I knew that was yours!" I think it is one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.

With that being said, most every one of us started by copying patterns offered by others. I still enjoy painting the designs of others, because I learn so much! 

And, again,  this brings up 2 of my own questions:

1. Why would an Artist get angry when someone doesn't follow their pattern.

2. Why would you teach if you don't want others to duplicate your pattern and sell it??  If you sell your pattern, and IF the person bought it, then you need to let it go! No, I am not talking about stealing. I am referring to videos/patterns that are purchased or offered for free.

Yes, I know, sometimes I fail to see the big picture, BUT before you go "stormin' norman" on me, this is MY opinion, and it is absolutely fine to disagree with me.

I think it is important to add your own touches into art. My goal is simply to share some of what I know, so you can learn. I want to INSPIRE others.

We learn by imitating others--look at children.

I also believe that God has given us the skills we need to survive in life. Yes, we must hone them and learn, but the basis is there.

I also believe, with every ounce of my being, that the more we give, the more we get! I believe it applies to every part of our lives. 

I have experienced that we CANNOT outgive God.  

If I can help you, I will do my best.

Now, before I seem all high and mighty, I also think that when someone helps YOU, it is your responsibility to then, help yourself. 

We have all experienced those who keep wanting more. I have taken my time to offer help, only to be bombarded with question after question...heavy sigh

People...One word--GOOGLE!!

There are people who will push you to your edge, and sometimes you have to say, NO.

That is ok! 

Now, don't think I am saying that we can't sell our art, because, yes, that goes back to my statement about gifts God gave us to make a living, BUT if you teach it, HOW can you say it can't be sold? That is crazy! 

I think what I love about my friends, is how generous they are. They give free tutorials, ideas, line drawings, helpful hints, and on and on. It really is a community! Each offering help.

So, with all of that said, I have been updating my HOPE pattern (Pink ribbon patterns) with some new ideas, so I grabbed a 6x6 canvas that had been sitting in a spot for a few months --hmmmmm...does it count as the SAME SPOT if Charcoal and I have knocked it off about 20 times, oh, and it has inched closer down the stack of stuff to my painting table??

Sorry, to have just made many of you shutter. I have friends who will understand me. 😁😂🤣😃

I covered it with an old dictionary page--ok, two pages-- with DecouPage (Yes, use what you have or your favorite method). 

I drew a pumpkin--start with a center, and add to each side. I grabbed a darker color on my base coat brush to separate the sections--there are TONS of FREE tutorials on You Tube and Pinterest to show you how to draw a pumpkin.

Here is a link to one of my previous posts.Click here

I painted the outside then added texture with my favorite dry wall tape and some favorite colors of DecoArt Americana Acrylics.

Then I dabbed on Deco art One Step Crackle around the pumpkin. I dab it on, rather than simply brushing it. I put it on thicker than a regular coat of paint. 

When it dried, I thinned a darker color and put it on top so the cracks would appear! Then wiped the darker color off, so it remained only in the cracks.

I found a word I liked in my drawer full of stencils. Yes, I love this word and how it nudges me. 

I applied Pink Glamour Dust to the words and to the pumpkin--sparkle and cracks--story of my life! 😁😂🤣😃

Yes, you are more than welcome to make some, and to sell them!  I certainly don't own the rights to a pumpkin! 😁😂🤣😃😄

But, seriously, I am happy to try to teach others to maybe earn some money to help THEM support their families.

God has been so good to me. He has given me far better than I deserve.

For those who have "wronged" me, I pray they will get the same Grace and Mercy that has been gifted to me.

Always help others--It isn't your responsibility to make sure they say THANKS or to change.

Have a blessed Fall, and don't you dare fail to take time to enjoy It! 

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world.

I am simply blessed to create~charlotte♡