“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
My Favorite Project is…
My favorite project is Different Is Beautiful. This book is inspired by my childhood curiosity.
What projects am I currently excited about?
- Wildflower Thoughts Paper Collage Book
- A finger painting flower book (doing life with you)
- Roses-a friendship book for the soul
Oh my, these are awesome!
Tools
Go back and read the quote above. The best way to be yourself is to feel the connection with nature. My number one favorite tool is nature!
It’s easy to get caught up in Sennelier but fancy tools aren’t required. There’s an artist who uses black markers on a white canvas. The best songs were written on a napkin in a diner alongside a road in a small town. In the words of that famous song, “Use what you got, because what you got is a lot.”
I have a Pinterest board filled with flowers, color inspiration and cakes here. Cake is weakness but there’s wonderful floral cake decor too!
Color
I let color choose me. I use color to express my mind, soul, and spirit. The three primaries in my palette are magenta, turquoise and yellow.
Books
Learning by Heart: Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit (The best art book I’ve ever read) This book should be in every classroom too!
Wonderful runners up.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Show Your Work by Austin Kleon
Ana Victoria Calderon has four art books. She’s a visionary watercolor and mixed media artist. Her ideas are easy and wonderful.
Radical Typography Skillshare course with James Victore. I took this course in my lettering days but James is amazing at encouraging artists to break free and be themselves because all it takes is to believe in your work. I must always remember that regardless of a dollar sign, I have inspired people.
Shantell Martin’s course is another game changer. Her work teaches me that all ideas are possible. She’s the artist who uses a black marker on a white surface. Her work is amazing and opens my mind.
I believe in my work. My books will inspire you.
Color. Nature. You.- Creatively Hue 