Celebrating Textiles - Art Exhibition

The Exhibition has been curated by Janice Whittle and her team at the Queens Park Gallery, bringing together a group of artists who love working with fabric and textiles in one form or another.

Check out the video

Mixed Media Art - Amanda Trought

Here is one of my pieces for the exhibition with was inspired by the Boro Japanese style of stitching and I have incorporated hand painted fabric, wood from the Moringa and Cotton tree, which makes use of plants that I grow in my garden.

With Artist Katrina Braithwaite (Middle) and another talented young artist beside her

It was great to meet up with the other artists who had work on display and family and friends who had come to the opening to appreciate the work

Two of the 6 pieces in the Celebrating Textiles Exhibition

The other piece that I have on display is one that has elements of fabric slashing and incorporates beads, wood and painted fabric, it was great to be able to use all the materials and elements I like using in my work.

with artist Heather Dawn Scott

As artist you can spend so much time focusing on your work and completing, that it is always a pleasure meeting up with fellow artists and talking about what inspires and motivates us.

Artists Exhibiting: Irene Banfield, Heidi Berger, Katrina Brathwaite, Ayissa Burnett, Nefertari Caddle, Sylvester Clarke, Lois Crawford, Joyce Daniel, Maria Elias, Margaret Herbert, Zhane Padmore, Ann Rudder, Wolette Selassie, Heather-Dawn Scott, Margaret Trotman, Amanda Trought, Roslyn Watson, Deborah Younglao,

We all appreciate the opportunity to showcase our work in the Queens Park Gallery, which is such a lovely space to exhibit in.

With Curator Janice Whittle

With Curator Janice Whittle and Artist Ann Rudder

The exhibition continues until 18th January at the Queens Park Gallery, Barbados, we hope you can make it and see some of the amazing techniques used in the artwork on display.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Not another Challenge - Welcome to the Overflow - Tips for overload

Do you want to take part in a challenge, 

course or webinar?? 

How many resolutions have you made?

I think most of us do at some point or another, and in January everyone wants to get set to make the most of the ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ and see changes in their life. By February, we are a bit shocked at how quickly the time has passed and now that we are in the middle of March how many courses have you signed up for now??

  

How many challenges, courses and webinars can you really do?  We take on them on because we want to progress, there can be some great teaching that comes out of a challenge or course your insights and perspectives can be changed, if only you could keep up and stick to the end.  

10 Day Challenge in your own time

I recently created a 10 day Challenge, where you take 10 minutes each day for 10 days and I give you a creative prompt to try.  You may or may not have been able to keep up as finding the time for ourselves can be hard.  The great thing about the challenge that I created is that you can get the prompts all in one booklet for you to go at your own pace and it is entirely free when you sign up to my mailing list.  I had to really discipline myself to stick to the challenge.

Old Habits ......

Mixed Media Art - Amanda Trought, Realityarts

Are you one of those people that like to sign up for a lot of challenges, courses or webinars and then don't follow through.  It is very easy to do, we sign up for a challenge and then do not complete it, we feel guilty, can you relate to this dilemma?  It is the dreaded signup for 'lots of different things' and then the realization that you really can't see them all to the end.

You start out with the best of intentions but you totally over estimate how much time you actually have, whether you have the tools for the job and even if you are in the right frame of mind to stick to it.  You can also end up confirming the thoughts that 'I can never stick to anything' or 'why am I always giving up on things' syndrome, or hearing the critic who says (see I told you!  You never finish anything do you????)

If you can relate I want you to stop now and think about the following things:

• Take stock of where you are in this very moment;
• Think about what you have on your plate;
• Can you really fit another thing in or should you be letting something go? and 
• What would it need to look like for you to manage the additional tasks?

You are worth it!

You have to decide what you are worth and the things that you need to say yes to.  You have to recognize how you work best and what your creative style is like - Do you thrive in having multiple balls up in the air, or pieces of art unfinished around you, or does it send you in a spin and then immobilize you like a dear in headlights?

Solutions - There are some key points

When you work out how much you are worth to yourself, (and that’s a whole different post) you will also start to consider what it would take to make the things you have committed to happen.

Don't try and overload yourself with courses, there is only so much you can do.  It is better to finish one and then start another one than to have two half finished courses given up because you found another one you really like.  You should think about what you want to achieve at the end and the rewards may outweigh the sacrifice and hard work.  You need to get some perspective and when you really take a step back, you can objectively see what needs to be done and start taking the steps to see things move along.

Ultimately you have to be realistic about the time you do have and what you’re going to do to get the jobs done, or whether you have to walk away from the challenge. My advice if you are like me is to keep it simple.  I love getting involved with different challenges, sharing and knowing that something I enjoy can help someone else.   

Mixed Media Art

So the long and short of it is to go for it but take these points into consideration: 

Conclusion

In a nutshell here are the main pointers for you:

1. Take stock of where you are;

2. Ask yourself what you need to manage the additional tasks;

3. Decide your worth, how much do you value your time;

4. What is your creative working style like – (lots of things on the go or one at a time);

5. What it would take to make it all happen and complete the journey;

6. What do you want to achieve at the end, does rewards outweigh the sacrifice and hard work;

7. How much time do you really have - Be realistic - do you need to take on this additional challenge/course now?  Are you willing to walk away, or reschedule for a later date?

8. Keep it simple, break it down into doable chunks and don't feel guilty! 

  

I hope you continue to join me on this creative journey, and where I can share creative hints and tips I will be more than happy.
. 
Think about the things that take up your time and how you can change things to work better for you – there’s a challenge for you!!

Let me know how you get on, what are you working on at the moment, what do you find challenging?

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Images - How did you get on?

Thank you for joining me on this journey

What you now have is 10 great ideas for you to kick start your creativity, and not see the blank page as something to fear.  You have loads of ideas within that just need a little bit of nudging to come out.  

As you practice you will learn about what you like and do not like about different activities, (like food try it before you say you don’t like it).  You can take different ideas and interchange them as you go along or you can join them together to see what you get.

Here are my results for taking the 10 mins each day. If you played along I hope you enjoyed it, what was your favorite one?

If you would like to receive a pdf copy of the prompts then sign up for my mailing list and I will send you a copy.  It has full instructions and images for you to go at your own pace, and has some additional suggestions for you to try!

Here is what I came up with over the 10 days (click on the title prompt for the instructions for that activity:

Prompt 1  Drawing what you see - Create a splodge of paint and then draw the image that you see.

I did a few of these, I really enjoy the process, and you can come up with such a variety of images - great for working on later, you can follow up things that you liked or that worked well.

Prompt 2 - Take time outside - Go for a walk and photograph 5 things 

Here is one of the things that I photographed, some flowers that I grew - Mexican Sunflower, brilliant color, they grow over 9 feet!

 Prompt 3  Find anImage - Find the image, inspire yourself - using a magazine select images and make a collage

I chose images and colors that speak to me, and I guess also reflects the journey that I am on.

Prompt 4  Doodle - Getsome wool and create a doodle 

This is a really fun activity, you can use up any scraps that you might have had lying around and create some lovely pieces

After fusing the wool using the Heat n Bond I used the sewing machine to add some more doodling.  I would like to add to this piece and may used it in another challenge.

The stitches do not have to be anything fancy, just keep it simple.

Prompt 5 Unusual Marks - Find different sticks

Great way to find out what kind of marks you can get from the supplies you have.  Who would have thought you could do all this with these simple sticks and old pens!

Prompt 6 Go Further - Take the Collage a bit further 

After creating a collage, adding some doodling and mark making to it.  Utilizing some of the skills you used in previous prompts.

You can even take it further with your doodling.

Check out his glasses!!

Prompt 7 Surround yourself with inspiration - String somebeads or broken jewelry together and attach to fabric

Making the doodles with the fabric and wool for prompt 4 has given us a great jump off point.  I added a backing to the fabric, stitched it creating some more interesting marks and added beads and attached to a stick - remember to keep it simple, and build on it as you have more time.

Prompt 8 What is in a background - Create a background

I love creating backgrounds, and this is a great excuse to use all those different textures into the piece.  I used tissue paper, inktense blocks and gesso. 

I made marks with the sticks and added additional paint, this was a great surface to do the last prompt on.

Prompt 9 Speed drawings 

You can either draw what is in front of you or pull together a few items.  I chose to draw the things directly in front of me, the cream pot and pens.

I did two 1 minute pieces, one 3 and one 5 minute sketches.

The time goes really fast, and this is a great warm up exercise.  As you continue you begin to notice and capture different things as you spend longer and observe more.

Prompt 10  Bring it together 

You could start a new piece or use one of the pieces that you created before.  I decided to use the background that I had created in prompt 8.  As you know I love creating faces, I kept the colors simple trying to retain as much of the background as possible.  I also used stitching and beads to highlight various areas

Remember, the ideas are not set in stone, and you can alter add or substitute other supplies and materials, you can link the ideas together, the main thing to remember is to have fun as you create. As you learn a new technique you grow, don’t limit yourself or put yourself down, don’t compare but enjoy the adventure and grow, and be an inspiration to others.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas.  If you want to have your own copy of the booklet I created then sign up for my Mailing list and I will get it sent out to you.

Stay blessed and be a blessing.

Are you UP for a Challenge a Course or BOTH!

Alright the One BADASS Art Journal course started last week, how did you get on.  if you haven't yet signed up there is still time to jump in to have some fun.  We are only on week two and there is plenty of time for you to get on with the amazing lessons by the great lineup of teachers, and we have had a couple of great lessons so far.

SIGN UP HERE

10 Prompts 10 days, 10 Minutes

This was a great way to kick start your creativity and to show you that it only takes 10 minutes, you deserve that.

We got to the end of the 10 days, time always seems to pass so quickly. I will be posting about the images separately, but how did you get on?  I will also be putting together a PDF booklet so that you can have, and if you are subscribed to my mailing list you will be able to get access to a range of other creative goodies as well.

#1min1take Video Challenge

I am currently taking part in the video challenge which runs for 5 days, so you will be blessed with a range of videos that I will be sharing about the creative process, asking those questions that helps you get unstuck, you can play along in your art journal and write out the answers and create some images that mean something to you.  I will be announcing some giveaways, showing you some quick and easy art techniques that you can try.

Introduction to the #1min1take video challenge

Act of Kindness and Art Giveaway!

I will share with you how this painting came about.  Watch and comment on the videos on my YouTube Channel to see what other giveaways I will be announcing.

Be great if you join in, let me know what you are inspired to do, take the time out for you and make this year your best creative year yet!

Remember to stay blessed and be a blessing!

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 10 - Bring it Together

Welcome to day 10 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 10 - Bring it together

Bring it together - From the background page that you made on day 8 you are going to incorporate some of the techniques that you have been using. 

You are going to create an image that represents where you are now in your creative journey and add at least 3 or more of the techniques that you have been learning over the past 9 days and incorporate this as well, to create one image. You can embellish with beads, jewelry, create a wall hanging with your finished piece, it is up to you so play.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal You can still sign up Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

Thank you for joining me and check back tomorrow to see all of the art that I created with these prompts.

10 Prompts, 10 Days, 10 Minutes - Day 9 - The need for Speed!

Welcome to day 9 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 9 - Speed Drawings

Speed drawings – Do some speed drawings, set a timer and give yourself just 1, 3 then 5 minutes.  You can do as many of these as you like.  Set your timer, split the paper into 4 sections and draw what you see in front of you.  

Don’t over think it, it is just a way of keeping you observant and drawing what you see.  Think about Day 2 when you went out and took photographs, what is it you notice about the items you are drawing in front of you

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

The BADASS Art Journal is going great and these tips will provide you with some great ways in which you can keep yourself going and have ideas that you can dip into.

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.

10 Prompts, 10 Minutes, 10 Days - Day 8 - What is in a background

Welcome to day 8 of the 10 Ideas to kick start your creativity.  Today's task and additional instructions is below

Prompt 8  - What is in a background?

What is in a background - Create a background on paper, using stamps, stencils and your choice of 3 paints, use them in different ways on each of the backgrounds. 

 Spend time playing with the colours, shapes and the way the brush leaves its mark. You can try some of the sticks from when you made marks earlier during the week, and see which patterns were your favorite.

Additional Information

The great thing about these ideas is that anyone can do them, you don’t need to be creative, so if you are looking for ways to unwind or give yourself that much needed time then these are things ideas that you should try.

For each activity you can try it using different mediums or surfaces, colours - do not limit yourself.  I want to give you ways in which you can experiment if you want to.  You can adapt it anyway you like to suit, and there are no right or wrong ways to create, so do not put any boundaries on yourself.

The most important thing is to have fun.  The minimum amount of time you should spend on each activity is 10 minutes, it is great if you can spend longer.  You can do a different activity each day, add the activities together, or work on a piece for longer.  

I will be following along and posting to my Instagram account remember to share and put in the hastags #101010 and #realityarts

Each activity will give you ways in which you can very easily strengthen your creative muscles and also provide you with some of the tools and techniques that I will be sharing in my lesson on the BADASS Art Journal  Check out some of the cool bonuses that you can get when you sign up using my link HERE

What you waiting for - enjoy, and let me know how you get on.