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Art Journaling Chat & Challenge Sept 2014


MariJ
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Here's my Art Journaling page.

I am lucky as an American to have Artistic Freedom as a birthright. But, it is always my own head that gets in the way. Artistic Freedom for me is "getting out of my head".

This layout is about a recent rough period when I was unable to paint in my watercolor class no matter how hard I tried which then started causing anxiety and guilt about staying in the class. My wonderfully special teacher assured me that as long as I wanted to be there, it was good for me - no matter what I did or didn't do.

A year later my dear niece Alison asked me to paint her a picture of Bermuda. I so badly wanted to and even started, but no go... But, then slowly over the next year, painting started to feel better and last spring I decided to try finishing Bermuda. And, I did - along with two more paintings!

This page is about the conflict of being in my head and not able to paint (on the left)... And, then moving over (on the right) to letting myself BE and painting again.

PS Alison loved her painting and my teacher was delighted, thanks Margie and Alison. :)

For this layout I used:

CRO June 2014 SS Club - Painterly

BMU SS Paper Templates: Background Blenders 4

BMU Type Paths ShabbyText

DEB Altered Art Paper

DEB Dyed Fabric 3 Paper

KVE SS Tools - Styles: Pastel Starburst

BMU Beautiful Black Paper

BMU Dynamic Brush Set: Art Diary Heart

AFT SS Paper Templates: Essential Grungy Edges

BMU SS Tools - Styles: Crochet Lace

DEB Stamp Pad 1 Paper

RMC Fey Whispers Fairy Alpha

and my own watercolor painting

Photo Information for Art Journaling Chat & Challenge Sept 2014

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Awesome page. I love the cage and colours. Great painting of Bermuda.The background is really lovely. Thanks for the inspiration and chat Marilyn.

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It is beautiful, Marilyn! I hear you and haven't been able to complete a painting for some years now. I'm glad you were able to get back to painting. :)

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This is so powerful! I love your visuals, especially the birdcage and head. Your background blending is beautiful. Aren't those dry spells tough? I'm so glad you kept at it. Thanks for a great chat!

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Oh, I see the battle of the left vs the right. I like how you put the little head inside the birdcage - so much symbolism there. And on the right, the bird is free and flowers are blooming and your beautiful painting of Bermuda is completed and on display. Yay! I really like how you illustrated the battle and that you and your Artistic Freedom won out in the end!

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Therese says it so well Marilyn, the battle between the two forces is so clear when you know where to look! Nothing is worse than not being able to enjoy the things you love and I think your page captures this beautifully.. the raw pain and disappointment and self doubt... and dare I even say self loathing... which changes once you are able to express yourself the way you want... There are many themes of freedom here. Great job.

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I love this AJ page Marilyn. Your quirky symbolic page is wonderful and the colours so appealing. The head in the cage is brilliant. How do you think of these things.

Wonderful Chat. Loved catching up with every one. Such funny comments at times. I had a good laugh. I love to laugh. Ta Kay

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Wow this is super and your journaling is so special. Well I have to say your "artistic block" is over cause not only did you do your watercolors you nailed this art form!!! Super creative. I am so sad I missed the chat last night.

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This is so majestic and your symbolism of being held captive and caged by your mind and then also being set free is amazing. I love the colors and the painted canvas is wonderful.

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Very creative and the colors are gorgeous. You did a great job with the symbolism. I can empathize. I haven't really done much artistically for years and I used to do it every minute I could work it in. I hope it's not too late for me.

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WOW! This is an incredible AJ layout, Marilyn. I love the head silhouette in the birdcage. I like the tree branch up in the left corner with what looks like rain pouring down from a dark sky. Love the easel with your painting of Bermuda on it. Love your name falling out of the birdcage. The different shades of purple you used are wonderful and I love those gorgeous purple flowers at the bottom.

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Wonderful page! Great job portraying with symbols the story behind your painting that your conveyed with words below! I like the head in the cage and then the head falling off. The blended colors and patterns are amazing, too.

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I am so glad you have a great teacher and encourager. That means a lot. Your pages always have that special something of looking outside the box. Absolutely wonderful! :)

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