Work and life have been very busy and exciting around here.
And even though it is all good, sometimes the busyness can be stressful.
When I need or want to unwind, I have truly found peace and joy in watercolor painting.
A year ago, I would have told you I enjoyed it, but I sometimes found it stressful as I wanted to be so good and realized what a truly challenging medium watercolor is.
About a year and a half into this new artistic love and hobby, I can truly say I now enjoy it for what it brings to me… The way it relaxes me watching the water and paint flow and mix and mingle… The joy in creating something completely unique and original…
And I no longer stress over perfection (well – most of the time!). I am an artist (finally calling myself that!) who finds more joy in painting than sketching, so drawing before painting is tedious to me. I can’t wait to get to the paint, so I would so much rather just skip the sketching stage. Don’t get me wrong, though… I GREATLY admire those that can sketch and draw creating almost exact likenesses to objects! I marvel and appreciate it so much!
I now realize I want to create things for my own joy… my own impression…. my own interpretation… and if someone else likes it – good. If not, that is okay too. I have developed my own little style, and though I will never be Vincent Van Gogh, I enjoy my painting.
So here’s one of my latest – a simple study of a single brown-eyed susan – Jodi’d up with a purple center, loose strokes and a few splatters!
Here was the photo I took of the flower from our front yard garden. As you can see, I didn’t try to replicate it exactly as is, but used it as a reference to create my impression or interpretation from.
I rather like this one, and I couldn’t wait to see what it looked like framed.
I think I’ll add this one to our McKinneyX2Designs Etsy shop. I love it as a print and think it will make lovely greeting/note cards too. It still amazes me that people have bought my original artwork, prints and cards. Every time the “ding” of the cash register alerts me that someone has bought something from our Etsy shop, I get so excited to see what they liked. Whether it was a beautiful rustic sign or piece of home decor made by my daughter-in-law and partner in artistic fun, Colleen, or a piece of artwork or set of cards that I created, it is such an honor, and I feel such joy.
Tomorrow I am going to be sharing what I think might be my very favorite painting I have done to date. I am excited to share it. You may or may not like it, but that’s okay. Thanks for traveling along this journey with me…. cherishing the moments… at life in between.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
You have discovered a talent as well as a way to relax.
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a sweet thing to say, Lulu! Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
You definitely have your own unique style and creating for the fun of it and for the therapeutic benefits and for YOU is the ultimate. Because at that point, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Blogging has taught me that. People may click like a bunch of times, but if I don’t like it, doesn’t matter. Same goes for stuff I really like, often won’t get that many likes, doesn’t matter. I think art teaches us that we have to love ourselves for ourselves before anyone else will love us or what we do. We have to have the joy first before it can be shared. That’s how I see it, anyhow. This is gorgeous, I just love the purple and yellow, wonderful interpretation and the photo is pretty terrific too! Well done, my friend, and I am so glad you paint on! And that you’re really loving the process. ❤
LikeLiked by 3 people
You have so inspired me Loo! Thank you!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jodi this is stunning, I totally am with you on the note cards idea, they would be perfect for so many occasions with a design like this. ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Rebecca!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh I loved this post! Love your painting but even more love your attitude about painting! Yes, you are a true artist and glad you call yourself that now 🙂 Isn’t it great how our passion can make us feel so relaxed when doing it! And that we each have our own unique style. Keep painting the way you paint, it brings me joy! Can’t wait to see your favorite tomorrow 🙂 Cheers and hugs back my friend! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much C! You bring me joy! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t this so-so much fun? And as you said “a good stress releiver”.
Love to you and family…Lois
LikeLiked by 1 person
It really is. Are you having fun painting these days Loie?! Love back to you and yours!
LikeLike
Beautiful painting, Jodi! “Purple eyed Susan.” That is wonderful that it is so relaxing for you. That is important (I think). I look forward to seeing your favorite painting!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks PJ! We’ll see what you think. It doesn’t have to be your favorite – so don’t worry if you don’t think so… LOL! It is just my fave so far. 🙂
LikeLike
I have a lot of favorites of your paintings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh 🙂 thanks! Mind sharing which? just curious
LikeLike
I would have to go back and see them again but as soon as I would see them I would know immediately that it was one of my favorites! Sorry, my memory isn’t the best anymore. LOL
LikeLike
Jodi, you are an artist and you definitely have developed your style! I know exactly what you mean about the joy that comes from painting. It is such a great feeling. I don’t have the patience to sketch it all out either 😄. Congratulations on the success of your shop…that is amazing 👏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Eileen! 🙂
LikeLike
Just gorgeous, Jodi! When I look at this beautiful blossom, I can feel your joy! You truly are a wonderful artist. This week I’m reading Big Magic. The audio book, read by the author Elizabeth Gilbert, is all about being brave enough to live a creative life. I think you would enjoy this book. You, dear Jodi, are living proof of the magic! ♡
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Dawn! I’m glad you feel the joy! I need to look into that book! Thanks for the recommendation.
LikeLike
I dont so much like the petals, but the blue inner part you achieved perfectly, as one can enjoy when blowing up the Picture.
Your style includes the colour splashes, and sometimes I wonder what they could mean. Haha. Great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol just splatters A – just loose happy splatters! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You may not be a Vincent Van Gogh, but you certainly have talent. Jodi, you know which one my favorite is, right? Happy Sunday my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your de-stressing is a beautiful blessing to us, your viewers. Another lovely watercolor!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a sweet thing to say! Thanks E!
LikeLike
I’m glad you’re finally calling yourself and artist. You’ve always had a natural instinct for colour and composition. I’ve loved watching your progression from amateur artist to professional.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! Thanks Carol! Wow – you kinda made my day 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So pretty! Love this watercolor Jodi!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lynn!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful x
LikeLike
art is therapy, that is for sure….love the color and splatter, you have a way with splattering that adds just the right touch. Looking forward to your favorite painting. 🙂
LikeLike
This is lovely!
LikeLike
Yes, you are truly an artist, “Jodi-isms” and all! xoxoxo Gorgeous flower, and it looks fantastic framed.
LikeLike
WOWZA!! Love your style, Jodi!! 🌟🎨💕 So happy you are feeling more at ease with painting. It really is about having FUNZA! 😍🌈
LikeLike
Jodi, I love this one! It has an appealing brilliance! Notecards for sure! Your artistic talent is extraordinary! 💛 Elizabeth
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Elizabeth!! ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have discovered the secret to a good life! Especially when you can say “you may like it or not and that’s okay!” And your gratitude for those of us who are traveling this splendid journey with you…….My dear Jodi you are so wise before your years…… And an inspiration to me ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! What an honor to be an inspiration to one of my heroes my dear Joyce!! ❤ Thanks for making my day! xoxo
LikeLike
Your excitement and joy shine through in this work and all that you do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
☺️
LikeLike
Your love for the medium shines with every word, Jodi. I don’t know you that much yet but I can already say that you truly having fun, letting loose and following what your heart says. It was a blessing to know you and more as we sail the boat of this beautiful friendship. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet of you – look forward to sailing with you too!!!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
“I am an artist” Isn’t that a truly empowering thing to say? I’m very happy for you, Jodi! It is very hard to move past self-doubts and the urge to compare our budding skills with those more established…but really, we’re all on the same continuum, we each just have our own place. (In my case, I’m moving toward my own bold statement: I am a writer.) I love Black-Eyed Susans and the touch of purple is divine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Nancy! I have been busy and not good about reading all the blogs I enjoy, so I much catch up on your lovely WRITING blog! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I too am happiest painting, no fussy lines. And then again I love a good sketch. HA, guess every day is different! Your style is you!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you – there are a rare few times when I do enjoy the sketching. But mostly, I just can’t wait to paint! LOL!
LikeLike
You’ve come soooo far with your painting, Jodi! This is gorgeous! 😍The second you stopped stressing about it, you leveled up! Fabulous work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! Thanks Charlie! I’m going to try to keep that thought and simply ENJOY!!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOVE this Jodi, so loose, and you captured it perfectly! Did you use salt in the center? You better print a lot of these, they are going to SELL!
Jenn
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks jenna! I sure did salt the center! Great observation! I thought that would replicate the prickly texture in a fun impressionistic way.
LikeLike
Oh, Jodi, I’m so glad that you are claiming the fact that you are an artitist! And that you are allowing yourself to create art simply for the creative joy of it, rather than trying to meet anyone else’s standards. I think that expressing creativity is one live’s greatest gifts. Enjoy!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awh! Thanks Ann! You are right – it is one of life’s greatest gifts! And I am accepting that gift! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person