I've been so looking forward to today's prompt. Photography has always been big in my family. As a kid I remember my Dad was very avid and always had the latest wizbang attachments for his camera (we call them apps these days :) and my brother is a professional photographer. I used to love it too but taking happy snaps is difficult when your life is far from being in a happy place. It's one of those things I really want to pick up again (like piano lessons, tennis and ballroom dancing to name a few) but haven't as yet. Until today....

Blue & Orange

Red & Green

Yellow & Violet

3. A close up of the natural world.

4. Capture something in motion

8. An "artsy" photo of your art supplies

9. A loving self-portrait.

Today's prompt is all about firstly noticing and then drawing the world around us. Not just looking but really seeing then letting our imaginations create our own versions of what we see. 

I do tend to steer well clear of drawing anything. I equate drawing with perfection and having to get it right and I don't think I'm very good at it.

I sketched this portrait of my son Mitch with a pencil while enjoying my afternoon cuppa. I sat there thinking hmmm, what can I draw? Mitch was playing the play station near to me. The thought of attempting a portrait of him seemed completely pointless, I don't draw people, and I looked around for something easier. Then I remembered.. I can't do it wrong! I had to do it. I let myself do it.

What do you think? Not too bad hey... I'm really happy with my efforts considering my expectations. Can't say it looks too much like Mitch but it does look a lot like my friend Cindy's son Luke which is cool!

Maybe I can draw people after all? Maybe I could add some people to my paintings.. I've been wanting to try for awhile but never have the courage?  Maybe I'll give it a go... can't go wrong can I.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the first week of Flora Bowley's Bloom True Boot Camp 

Looking forward to diving in to     Week 2... especially now that I've seen this weeks list of prompts.

Here we go...



Bloom True Boot Camp: Week 2
Mon Sept  8. 
Your Creative Manifesto

Three guesses what I chose for play today?
Yes... PAINT!  PAINT!  PAINT!
Let my intuition loose for 3 whole hours with my new templates and paints.

Here's my happy paint trail for today....

I ran out of play time so it's not finished yet but I'm liking it so far and can't wait for my next play date.

Thank you Flora for bringing the fun back into my art and my life.... I haven't worn a flower in my hair for years.

... and no it wasn't from one chair to another ;) I did do my regular(ish) exercise routine this morning.. 15mins brisk inclined walking on the treadmill while browsing through the latest Home Beautiful mag.. love multitasking! 5mins air punching with weights.. my anger management. 10mins low impact cardio on bike.. only got it this week on recommendation from dr after hip probs last week.. love turning 50 :( Then 5mins stretching... loooove stretching. All to my fave move your body music of course... I cannot exercise without music and have a list of pump me up songs on my ipod.

Bloom True Boot Camp
Fri Sept  5. Let Go

Sometimes life doesn't go to plan.
Sometimes love can't compete, it's no match.
Sometimes in the end we have no choice, we have to leap.
Sometimes we lose our most precious hopes and dreams.
Sometimes tears aren't nearly enough.
Sometimes anger engulfs us.
Sometimes we  grieve alone because no one has died.
Sometimes the loneliness begs... why?
Sometimes we can't find a reason that makes sense!
Sometimes we can't find a reason that makes sense!!!
Sometimes we can't find a reason that makes sense!!!!!

I'm getting there. 
I'm well on my way to letting it go. 
I don't think I need it any more. 
I am enough on my own :)
I can let it go now.

Let go.

Thank you thank you Flora. Your Bloom True Boot Camp is becoming my therapy... my soul feels lighter today. 

I'm ready now though. Ready to ditch the chaos and see who's underneath it. Even as I speak those words I feel a mixture of fear and excitement because I'm well aware there's a part of me that finds comfort in the chaos... it's been my out, my excuse for many many years. When it's gone there's just me left... raw, alone. Will I be enough? Do I have what it takes? 

I think I do. I'll let you know.

Thank you Flora for your  Bloom True Meditation. It is perfect!

Being a single mum and working full time means I'm rarely able to set aside time to paint. Nor do I have a room in our current rented home where I can spread my creative wings and then close the door till next time. Not so long ago both of these hurdles would have (and did) stop me from painting at all but not anymore. I now know that I have to paint like I have to breath. So I fit it in whenever and where ever I can. That means my very small studio/office is in my small living area. Brushes and bits live on my desk, paints and pallets in the tv cabinet, my small coffee table is my bench, drop sheets have become rugs. I don't mind... my art has become part of my everyday life. Sometimes I'll even throw a layer of paint on before I go to work or just before bed. I always have a painting (or two) on the go and am constantly planning my next brush stroke. I love it!

What I don't love is the constant creative mine field we have to avoid with baskets and containers of stuff strewn across the floor and having to pack it all away whenever someone visits. So for me preparing my space has meant finding a better way to incorporate my artistic workspace into my living space... something I've been wanting to do for a while.

It only took a few hours and I'm so happy with the result. Now my beautiful art supplies live right along side my most precious books and treasures. I love love love it!!! They look so important and proud up there on the book shelf... and tidy! 

Thank you Flora for inspiring me to Prepare My Space. I can't wait to dive in xxx