Showing posts with label flying lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flying lessons. Show all posts

Thursday, September 18, 2014

My Tribe, My Cre8ive Klatch


I first met these girls a few years ago when we got to work together on Flying Lessons, a creative business course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts.  We called each other "flyers" and now we are part of a "klatch." Never did I expect to call them my friends. Now that's what they've become to me.  Not only do we bounce art biz ideas off of each other but we celebrate and share the good and bad times of our personal lives as well.  I know that at just about anytime I can pop over to our Facebook group and find one of these supportive friends there to talk, listen or laugh with.  I can count on them. We've been through births, deaths, surgeries, new pets, moves across country and much more.  

Cre8ive Klatch
Being part of this creative group has enriched my life personally and creatively. We are now venturing on a new journey called the Cre8ive Klatch and it's pretty exciting. Stop over at our group blog to meet the creative members. Today is my day to be introduced there so I'd love it if you'd stop over there and get to know me a little better. Come and see the great things we have in store for you, including quick projects you can do to stretch your creative muscles, EVEN if you think you don't have any.



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Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Spirit of Giving and Giving Flight

I've mentioned before that I took Kelly Rae Robert's online course called Flying Lessons and have met the most wonderful women ever.  They have become my friends, some I've met in person, some just online, but they have been so amazing to have entered my life even if we've only talked on the phone or on Facebook.
Since it's just been the one year anniversary of all of us taking this course and meeting online we decided to give back and donate so other women can take Kelly Rae's class too.  Well it turns out we've given enough for EIGHT women to get enrolled in this amazing class "on us" and Kelly Rae is matching it.  It feels so great to be able to give some other creative girls a chance to get inspired and hopefully form some great connections with some new friends as well.  Kelly Rae has given us so much through her e-course and we have given to each other, so we thought we could repay the favor to those who may be starting their creative business journey as well.

© Jill's Dream Artwork

I want to thank all of my fellow fliers, my "fly tribe" for giving so much to me.  Every single day.  



To enter the giveaway go to:  http://fly-tribe.blogspot.com/2012/08/givingflight.html

Also, if you have a chance stop by our blog hop and read some of the other blogs about the spirit of giving...

Rachél Payne http://wp.me/pWRyw-10P
Live Laugh Love Retreats http://livelaughloveretreats.com



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Monday, August 13, 2012

Feeling the Love

A year ago this month I took Kelly Rae Robert's Taking Flight art business course and my life has changed so much in that one year.  Not just because of the great creative business ideas I've gained, but the amazing and supportive creative women I've become good friends with.  Believe it or not, we have shared, (some in person, mostly on-line), divorces, moves, licensing deals, disappointing art shows, great art shows, surgeries and then some.  We are on-line for each other almost 24 hours a day because a few are even in Europe and Australia.  I know that I can go to them when I'm doubting myself or super excited about something with my art or even my family. These women have given me more encouragement and confidence than I ever imagined could happen just from taking an on-line course and meeting through a Facebook group.   
One of the friends Linda who lives about two hours south of me and whom I've actually got to meet and have lunch with in-person did a really great blogpost about me and I'd love if you would stop by her blog and check it out.  I'm honored that she wrote such great things about me and my creative life.  

http://lindakaysart.com/blog/2012/08/12/mixed-media-mondays-aug-13th/

Thanks Linda!
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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Check out my Interview!

Ever since I took the Flying Lessons e-course from Kelly Rae Roberts last August, I have been so blessed to meet tons of amazing women who have formed a friendship that's still going strong.  Recently a friend from the course, Zulma interviewed me for her blog.  I hope you will stop by and check it out!
KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA
Thanks for visiting today and thanks to Zulma for including me in her artist interviews!
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Sunday, January 8, 2012

Welcome 2012! Commit is my WORD for the new year.

I've never been much good at keeping resolutions.  Not sure if they were just too ambitious or just not specific enough, but this year I've picked just one word to be my focus for 2012. Commit.  One little word that is full of so many things, however.  A sweet friend helped me with this and told me that I can have little "sub-words" to go along with my main word because there is soooooo much I want to DO in this new year and so often I want to...and start to...but don't follow-through.   Therefore, if I say that little word "commit" to myself when I start feeling a bit lazy or unfocused, hopefully I'll get something done.


Here are a few sub-words that I really want to commit to focusing on.  These are some categories I need to follow through in, DO what needs to get done to make positive changes:

Organize
Get in Financial Order
Create Create Create
Initiate more avenues for my ART
Healthy Living (focus on exercise, eating and meditation)

Also, I've been wanting to attend a "real" creative retreat, not just on-line.  Don't get me wrong, ecourses are great, amazing actually, but last year I made an intention to see Flora Bowley IF she ever comes close to home.  Well....she IS coming to Wisconsin!  Even though money is an issue with me only working part-time, I feel like I need to make this dream, this goal happen for me.  I need to commit to figuring out the steps to do this, even if it's tough right now, because it is so important to me.


I'm not going to go into all the things I plan to commit to listed above, but I'm keeping in my mind that when I start something I need to commit to it and follow through or it will be just another quickly vanished resolution.  If it means enough, I need to focus and come up with a plan to "get the job done" so maybe this year can be a bit different than all the other years gone by.  I'm also turning 40 in about a week, so for some reason, I feel like I just need to step things up a bit and take control of my life and my happiness.  Along with this happiness, I intend to work on finding more peace and plan to do that through meditating.  I've never felt quite at peace with myself and must focus on taking the time to find quiet and just sit on a regular basis.  I know it will make a huge difference in helping me focus and get things taken care of that I want to.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you are having the start to a great year yourself! Do you have an intention for the new year?  I'd love to hear about it--I am always inspired by fellow bloggers.

If you'd like some more inspiration, some friends of mine that I took Flying Lessons with are participating in sharing their "one word" for 2012 in a Fly Tribe blog hop.
Stop by and see what they've got planned.



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Friday, December 30, 2011

A Look Back at 2011




As I'm sure you've heard many times, "wow-time flies!"  Can't believe another year is almost over.  I've been already thinking so much on how I want the new year to be, but first I think I need to look back at all the great things about 2011.  The goals I reached and the good things that happened.

First of all, I took two online classes that I had been wanting to take for a while and finally took the plunge in 2011.  In the spring I took Soul Restoration with Brave Girls Club and I'm so glad I did.  I learned a lot about myself and changed the way I also look at myself, the ways that were almost ingrained in my mind.  It made me feel better about ME.


Next, I participated in Kelly Rae Robert's Flying Lessons course as well.  Both of the classes have changed my life in many ways.  First I just felt proud that I took the leap and signed up for two things that I was only dreaming about the year before.  In Flying Lessons, I learned a lot about the business aspect of being a creative person which pushed me to try new things that I would never have done before.  Through both classes, I made some wonderful on-line friends that I can go to at virtually any time of day to talk about anything, mostly art, but really anything.

Some people might think, whoopie you took two online classes, big deal.  But they really were a big deal for me this year.  A life-changing big deal.

A few personal things that made 2011 a good year were my kidney disease going in remission.  My lupus was also affected by kidney disease a few years ago, so I went through 18 months of chemotherapy and finally this year, the doctor gave me the good news about my kidneys doing great.  What a happy relief for me.

Lastly, this summer I decided to join Weight Watchers and lost 21 pounds in three months.  A few years ago I gained 25 pounds in a month and a half due to being on a high dose of prednisone and finally, this summer I had had enough of feeling uncomfortable in my own skin.  I was on a low enough dose that I couldn't use the medication as a weight gain reason anymore.  I actually didn't think I could do it because I really love my food, but I did and what an amazing accomplishment for me.  Now, I just need to keep it off, eat healthy and get on a regular exercise routine because 40 is fast approaching!

There you have it.  Those are just a few great things about 2011 that stand out in my mind.  I have many more things to be thankful for this year, bu these are the ones that are biggies for me.  What about you?  Do you have something that happened in 2011 that you are pretty grateful for?  I'd love to hear about it.
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Friday, December 2, 2011

Artist Interview - Michelle Reynolds

Today I’d like to share an interview with the wonderful Michelle Reynolds, a vibrant “artist, creatrix and sunset photographer” living in Western Australia. We met through Flying Lessons, an e-course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts. Sit back and enjoy learning more about Michelle and her passion for life and creating.

Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?

In 2009 when I fell in love with acrylic painting.

Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey?
 
Flora Bowley, Kelly Rae Roberts, Rosetta Santucci, Modigliani and Mondrian

Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?

My best friend Sandra always encourages me to go for it and gives honest feedback and criticism.

Tell us a bit about some of your creations or how you like to create. I know you enjoy working with acrylics and painting in layers.

I start a few layers and then I love to stamp all over the canvas using bubble wrap, rubber matting, and any other found objects in my box. Next I decide what I’m going to do with the canvas such as a vase and flowers and with a small brush and white paint I draw it on my canvas, then I start to block out with opaque colours and translucent as well. Then I add some bling colours such as gold and copper.

If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be?

Jesus Christ

If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?

Librarian - I love books.


What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson.

Why? Because I have often asked myself that question - Who am I to be….and I love that line - Your playing small does not serve the world. And I believe that God does want us to be the best person we can be.

Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members whom you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?

 Yes. I attend a small community centre each Monday and help others with their art. I also have an online community of very supportive friends.

If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?

Painting with my friend Sandra, coffee and laughter.

Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?

Aside from Kelly Rae Roberts, Flora Bowley and the Fly Tribe blogs:

http://www.design-seeds.com This blog is great for colour palettes.

http://www.tracibunkers.com/blog/ Traci is the queen of stamping.


Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?

I recently came to terms with the fact that the cost to achieving my dream would be too high in terms of my relationship with my husband and God and so I’m looking for a new dream. I’m ok with this - there’s nothing wrong with changing our dreams.

Goals and plans for 2012 - Life Book 2012 ecourse, a painting course with local artist Neil Elloitt starting at the end of January - mixed media and abstract art, a group exhibition in June, to be part of the 30x30x30 project -completing 30 paintings in 30 days to sell at an exhibition in mid Sept, to attend an overseas worshop in October - meet a few online friends, go to New York and see a few galleries in the USA, In November - go to Melbourne to see the Sketchbook Project and meet up with some online artists and in December -organise a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party for hubby and I.
(Photos courtesy of Michelle Reynolds)

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?

Have fun and enjoy yourself.
Learn - attend workshops, do online courses.
Community - build up a community of artist friends - in real life and online.
Reach out to other artists - those whose careers are more advanced than yours and those who are just starting out and need your help.
Get your work out there in the community - enter it into awards and shows.

I personally would like to thank Michelle for sharing her life and inspirations with us.  She's a very motivating person, whom I think many of us look to for our inspiration as well.  If you'd like to learn more about Michelle or see some more of her work, you can find her at the following links.  Thanks again, Michelle!

www.shellsinthebush.com
http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Artist Interview - Siobhan Jordan

Today I’d like to share an interview with Siobhan Jordan, a lovely creative soul living in Ireland.  Siobhan has many interests and inspirations two of which are family and memories.  We are so lucky to learn more about her in this interview today.  As you will see, she is an interesting and vibrant personality.  

Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?

I’ve always loved to make things; one of my earliest memories is making jam tarts with mam, and making poor daddy eat them! We were lucky and given free reign creatively at home. I used to paint murals on my bedroom walls, knit little teddy’s, draw our toys, make spaceships from cornflake boxes, etc. I loved painting on walls though - it was scary and you couldn't afford to make a mistake.

Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey?

I painted when I was 15 with a local artist Tommy McAssey for an entire summer - it was magical! I loved his studio, the smell of turps and oil paint, the old rags, the organised chaos. He celebrated his 77th birthday when I was with him and his practice still resonates with me and inspires me, his constant learning and searching.

(Photos courtesy of Siobhan Jordan)

Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?

I tend to get bored quickly so I need to challenge myself. I was terrified of drawing and illustration so at the moment I’m doing that. I love to paint - I love the process, expectation, disappointment and exhilaration that comes with it. It’s what motivates me to keep going.

If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why?

Immediately I thought my gran and cousin Robert (both have passed away); I’ve forgotten their voices, that really upsets me. Plus they were a fountain of knowledge, a great laugh and just great honest to decent people.  

If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?

I probably would have applied myself better to any of the day jobs I’ve had and excelled - so I could have been, a barmaid, a cleaner, a shop assistant, a charity fundraiser, a pizza chef, a tour guide, a receptionist, a supervisor, a  call centre manager, a florist, a production worker, a sandwich maker, a babysitter, a dog walker.

I remember thinking when we had to fill in college applications that I had no desire to do anything else, and I had to make this work for me.

What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?

Be brave, and just do it.

Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members who you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?

I’m very lucky to have a great network of artists from college; my family are all artists and my husband is a musician so I’m surrounded by creatives who understand - I’m also a member of a artist collective ‘ The Swan Society’. We draw, paint and exhibit together and will be back up and running in the new year after a year off. And of course I’m a new recruit to the world of blogs and on-line support networks - these have been invaluable for me.

If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?

That seems so far-fetched at the moment! If I was just at home I’d probably go for a walk or weed the garden. We’ve just moved to a 1900’s granite collage which could do with a bit of tlc so I’d probably work on something in the house. If I was in a city or town I’d spend the afternoon going to galleries and drinking coffee!!

Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?

Again - there’s just so many to mention (I think I follow over 250 on blogger alone!) But a quick list - Kelly Rae Roberts, Tim Sally, Carol Marine, Greenside Up (gardening blog - FAB!), Earth Angels, Foxglove Lane (nature blog - beautiful!,) Lhogan ( hand spun and handdyed yarns - mind blowing!), Artists who blog, blind elephant illustration collective , the pen mover, I love following pages on facebook to keep up-to-date with artists too.

Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?

Of course - world domination!!
   
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?

Be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever worked in a day job, and probably spend years not getting paid for it.... but don’t give up.

www.facebook.com/siobhanjordanartist

A big thank you to Siobhan for participating in this interview.  I loved getting to know more about her and I especially enjoyed hearing about her creative childhood.  Her art caught my eye instantly as it is super unique, like nothing I've ever seen before.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Artist Interview - Jacquie Williamson


Today I’d like to share an interview with Jacquie Williamson, a beautiful mixed media artist living in Tennessee.  We met through Flying Lessons, an e-course sponsored by artist Kelly Rae Roberts. 
Do you remember when you first really started to enjoy creating things?
I’ve always enjoyed creating things.  It seems like I’ve always gone and tried that latest trend whenever something new came out, however, I never really found the thing that sang to me.  The one thing that I was drawn to every day until last summer.  I lost my job in May, Cinco de Mayo to be exact.  I was so tired of working in an office and dealing with all of the crazy stuff that I’ve had to deal with over the years.  Not to mention, I’m not really built to sit behind a desk all day.  I had been drawn to Kelly Rae’s work.  Every time I saw her in a magazine, I made sure I bought it.  Then, in June, I saw her book.  Of course I bought it.  Once I started reading it, I learned that she had only been painting for two years when she wrote the book.  A light bulb went off.  You know what?  I can do it too.  So I looked through her tutorials and tried one out.  That’s when I found out that mixed media is what I’m meant to be doing, and I haven’t looked back.  I have incorporated some of the other things I’ve learned to do into the products I offer.  It helps feed that need to do other things like make jewelry.
Who are some artists that have inspired you or are still inspiring you along your creative journey? 
Wow, there are so many.  It seems like I’m finding new ones almost every day.  Kelly Rae (of course), Tam at Willowing, Suzi Blu, Flor Larios, Andrea T Sieler, Juliette Crane, Paulette Insall, Sharon Tomlinson, Megan Suarez, Traci Bautista, Adriana Almanza, Lisa Ferrante, Jodi Ohl, Katie Berggren, and my latest finds Tracy Verdugo and Danita.  Sorry there are so many, but these girls are just awesome.
Do you have a muse or an inspiration that helps you with your creations and design?
Actually, I have no muse.  I do sketches first, and I just sit and do sketches when I feel like it.  When I’m ready to paint, I just pick out a sketch that I like.  I do spend a lot of time on artists’ blogs though.  They inspire me a great deal.  I love to see what other people are doing.  I have taken bits and pieces of many of the artists who inspire me and worked them into my style.

If you could have lunch with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be and why?
I’m a Libra, so it’s really hard to pick just one, but if I had to, it would be Oprah.  She’s such an inspiration.  I feel like there is so much I could learn from her.

If you weren’t an artist, what do you think you’d do for a living?


Well, I guess I would be an accountant, because that’s what I used to do as my “day” job.  I really just kind of fell into it.  It wasn’t by choice.  If I were to choose something besides artist, it would be interior designer. 


What is your favorite quote, motto or affirmation?
Follow your bliss!  I have to say this is what I aspire to do.                                                                        

Do you have a community of other artists or friends/family members who you consider to be supportive of your creative endeavors?
My husband is quite supportive of my dreams.  He is a musician and fellow Libra, so he knows exactly what I’m going through.  He knows what it’s like to have creative dreams.  My mother is also quite supportive.  She enjoys my work and shares it with anyone she can.  I have met a couple of local artists recently (one of whom is a fellow flier).  They have both been great.  I can ask them any question I need to, and they are more than happy to answer.


If you have an afternoon free, all by yourself, what would your dream day look like?

Our city is so beautiful and filled with parks.  There are so many artists here too.  First, I would probably go to several little shops and galleries.  Then, I would take my journal to the park, pick a nice table by the river and sketch and paint the rest of the day in peace and quiet.
Do you have any favorite blogs you enjoy reading and would you share them with us?

Hmmmm.  You probably don’t have time for them all, so here are a few. 
http://www.andreaspaperboutique.blogspot.com/
http://meganscreativebliss.blogspot.com/
http://danitaart.blogspot.com/
http://sunnycarvalho.blogspot.com/
http://agirlandherbrush.wordpress.com/  (my new obsession)
www.willowing,org
http://www.oopsicraftmypants.com/
http://carynlynnduncan.blogspot.com/
http://kollaj.typepad.com/
http://www.lisaferrante.com/
http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog/
http://sweetrepeats.blogspot.com/
http://allnorahsart.blogspot.com/
Ok.  That’s enough.  I know I left out a bunch.  There are just too many out there.
Do you have any future dreams or goals that you are working on or dreaming about?

Now that I have taken Kelly Rae’s class, I have a huge list of goals.  Now that I know it’s possible even for me, the sky is the limit.  The immediate things I am working toward are:  working on growing my online presense, making a full-time income with my art, get my daughter in pre-school, illustrate a children’s book, get published in mixed media magazines and have a beautiful studio in my backyard.  Another goal (a major one) is to inspire others with my work and accomplishments.  I want to be someone my daughter can look up to and be proud to call her mommy.
(Photos courtesy of Jacquie Williamson)

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who truly want to live a creative life?
The best advice I can give is try to overcome your fears.  Sit down and make a list of everything you want to do with your life and get to work on them.  (I should probably listen to myself right now).  If you get side tracked, don’t let it stop you.  Just pick up where you left off and keep going.

I would love to thank Jacquie so much for letting me interview her and giving us all a peek into her life.  Her paintings are amazing and so uplifting and an inspiration for many of us.  I think she's already making her daughter proud!

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