Happy New Year 2017!

Happy New Year!  Thank you so much for your continued love, support and friendship!  I am wishing you all a happy, healthy year full of art, adventure and dreams come true!

I am thankful to have spent the end of 2016 surrounded by family and friends both at home and at the beach!

I am happy to report that 2017 is off to an artful start!  I have 4 new pieces in the Del Ray Artisans "Simply Abstract Show" that runs through the end of January and am almost finished with a small series inspired by my Reiki training.

Next up, registration for my upcoming art parties and workshops! Hope to see you soon!

Art Parties going on the Road for April and May!

Join me April 30th-May 1st for a special "Mermaid as Muse" weekend in the Outer Banks with artist/owner of Deja New, Donna Hollowell!  To register, click "Add to Cart" button below or call Donna at 252-202-4669.

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Join me May 15th at Mind Your Body Oasis Yoga Studio for my "Paint Your Growth and Awakening" Workshop!  Thank you Amanda for hosting me and thank you Patty for connecting us!
Registration is through Mind Your Body Oasis at:

http://mindyourbodyoasis.com/classes/schedule/yoga-workshops/

Calling All Mermaids--Come to the Artful Awakenings Beach Retreat!

Awaken your mind, body, spirit & creativity this Spring with artist Jackie Tury and her amazing Retreat Team!  Join us on the beautiful Outer Banks April 24-26 to dance in the surf, dream on the beach, create magical mixed media mermaids and mandalas, dine on delicious meals prepared by our personal chef, and stretch and pose to the sounds and sites of the ocean!  This Retreat is a perfect blend of art, yoga, ocean, gourmet meals and more that truly nurtures and nourishes your entire being and leaves you refreshed, relaxed, and inspired!  You will truly treasure this experience—don’t miss it!  Only a few spaces left—register NOW!  Go to "Retreats" tab and follow to "buy now" button.  “Listen to your Whispers!”  Feel free to share with friends, family, co-workers.

Sand & Sea

Thanks to all the snow we've been getting lately, I've had some time to work on these paintings I started back in November!  I began by painting several layers while actually ON the beach!  I love how some of the paintings still have sand in them!  So fun to watch these paintings transform and to know that there is a piece of the beach in each of them!  Now as I am surrounded by beautiful white snow, I can dream of the Sand & Sea and my favorite place to be!  Stay warm!

What Magic will YOU Create in 2015? Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It’s that time of year to say goodbye to 2014 and give thanks for all of the blessings it bestowed.  I am grateful that 2014 was another wonderful year full of ART and ADVENTURE!  Here is a little wrap up:

I completed my second year of developing and hosting my monthly “Power Wish Painting Parties!”  It is so rewarding to create “artful affirmations” with a wonderful group of women each month and watch our dreams and desires manifest through mixed media!  I am super excited to share that not only have my students opened themselves up to creativity, but they have made lots of positive changes big and small this year!  Many have moved to new homes, found new jobs, started new business ventures, gone on fun life adventures, had new educational opportunities, started new relationships or renewed old ones.  All have experienced new joy, energy, passion, and creativity!  

I am also happy to report the huge success of my first “Artful Awakenings” Beach Retreat featuring a long weekend full of art, yoga, gourmet food, time by the ocean nurturing our souls!  This was a magical, meaningful weekend and dream come true!  I look forward to hosting many more of these uplifting, life changing retreats!

In other Artful news, I loved showing and selling my art at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA; The Artful Gift Shop in Vienna, VA; the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in Manteo, NC; and the Jelly Lounge in Kitty Hawk, NC.  I also enjoyed having my own tent and display at my first big juried art festival, Art on the Avenue.  I loved taking Flora Bowley’s online class this winter and seeing her art in person this summer when we visited Portland, OR.  I am happy that I had time, energy and inspiration to create over 50 new works of art this year!  

While I wasn’t doing artful activities, I was watching my two beautiful daughters grow up way too quickly.  I also got to celebrate my husband’s 50th birthday both with a rocking’ party at home and a weekend getaway to New Orleans to see Voodoo Fest! (Did I mention I got to hold hands with Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters?)  Our family also enjoyed hang gliding, several trips to the beach, visits with family and friends, and a wonderful vacation to the Pacific Northwest that included lots of great food and beautiful scenery!  All in all, a very good year!  Thank you for your continued support on my creative journey!  

Now it’s time to begin again.

I love starting each new year with a clean slate and a blank canvas and seeing what unfolds!

Looking ahead to 2015, the word that comes to mind is MAGIC!  I can’t wait to see what Artful Magic 2015 has in store!  What magic will you create this year?  Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy, Magical New Year!  xxoo ~ jackie

p.s. - There are still a few spots left in January’s “Journey” themed “Power Wish Painting Party!”

Come create some magic with me on and off the canvas!  

"Grow WILD and free!"

Below are two examples of when Pausing Paid Off…

As I've mentioned before, I am currently taking Flora Bowley's online class Bloom True.  I had just finished another layer on my 4 original canvases and was loving the look!  My paintings looked and felt tribal and WILD.  I was not ready to cover them up and transform them with another layer of paint just yet.  So, I decided to Pause…Instead, I started (and finished) two new smaller canvases!  Here's what emerged when I let go and painted WILD and free!  Now, I am ready to move on with my original 4 canvases and see what magic happens there!  Stay tuned!

These two paintings are now at the "By Women, About Women" show in Old Town, Alexandria!

Unlocking Your Passion!

The theme for this month's Art Party was Passion!  Passion to me is something you do for pure joy!  It lifts you up and takes you over.  It's an activity or pursuit where you lose your self and find yourself all at the same time.  Passion could be energizing and exciting or grounding and centering.  It can be a burning desire you feel rising from your core or a sense of joy you feel deep in your heart.  Passion could be your life's work or simply a hobby.  It could be the way you move through life with all your heart or simply standing still and letting love and warmth wash over you.  It's the energy and drive you bring to your life!

We took a look at our passions-- past, present and future and created mixed media collages with "Artful Affirmations for Unlocking Our Passion(s)!"

When you live your life with passion and an open heart, you create joy for yourself and for others! When you are open to possibilities, great and unexpected things tend to happen!  Unlock your passions, follow your heart and see where it leads!

Bloom True!

I received Flora Bowley's Bloom True class as a gift from my family several months ago.  Class finally began last week and the timing was perfect!  It seems to be just what I need at this moment!  I have a feeling this is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come!  This class is so in line with where I am personally and with what I teach to others.  However, I have not been following my own advice lately.  I felt like I was limiting myself and my art.  I felt like I was painting more for others and less for myself as I was trying to create demos for classes and workshops, new pieces for art shows with a specific theme, and get ready for my spring retreat!  I was looking for a way to get back to painting just for the fun of it and with no expectations--no limits.  So far, Bloom True has been just that!  Thank you Flora--you are an amazing artist, teacher, spirit!  Thank you fellow Bloomers--I love each of your stories and creations!  I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!  I am definitely enjoying the ride!  Here's a peek at what I have created so far:

My sacred art altar

Layer 2

Layer 3--the toughest one for me so far

My mandala


I have created mandalas before, but this one is my favorite and is very special to me! Not only is it a reminder of my Bloom True journey, but each item I used has a special meaning to me.  I made the background with my leftover Bloom True paint.  The mirror at the center is a reminder to check in with myself and was received at a friend's baby shower.  The starfish at the center symbolizes my love for the ocean and was given to me by my mom. The tiny pebbles are reminders of my daily walks.  The shells were collected on the beach this New Year's Day.  The glass beads also remind me of the beach and I use them in my artwork.  The rose petals were from flowers my husband gave me for our anniversary.  The lavender was picked with my daughters for my birthday a couple years ago.  I can't help but feel love, joy and gratitude every time I look at it!  Hope you enjoy it too! 

Retreat Registration Now Open!

I am so happy and excited to announce that Registration for the Artful Awakenings Retreat is now open!  I hope you will join me for this wonderful weekend!  For information and to register, click the "Retreat" tab above or click the following link http://jackietury.blogspot.com/p/retreats.html

JOURNEY-- begin where you ARE!

My theme for January is JOURNEY.  I love the idea of starting each new year with a clean slate and blank canvas!  It's empowering to know that as the new year begins, we have another opportunity to create the life of our dreams! 

This year I am continuing my artistic JOURNEY and celebrating a year of hosting Art Parties in my home!  When embarking on a journey, don't underestimate the importance of beginning where you ARE and with what you have at the moment.  Several years ago, I dreamt of opening up a shop where I could teach art workshops and host art parties.  I investigated several options, including buying into a "Wine & Design" franchise.  I decided I was not ready to make that type of financial or time commitment just yet.  Instead, I decided to take a small step from where I was and with what I had available to me at the moment.  I had an overwhelming desire to share my ideas, creativity, and art supplies.  I had a basement and a network of friends. Thus began my monthly Art Parties where we "Create & Celebrate Artful Affirmations!"  If I had waited until I had the exact amount of time, money, or space, I never would have started.  My dreams would still be circling in my head instead of pouring from my heart and taking flight.  So please, don't defer your dream.  Take a step forward, even if you are unsure about the direction or the destination.  Each new step you take will bring greater opportunities and greater growth.  That, you can be sure about!

This month's Art Party brought the theme of JOURNEY to life!  A great group of women joined me to dream about and discuss their journeys as we set our intentions for the new year!  I can't wait to see what wonderful things manifest in the lives of these courageous women as they set out on their new paths.  Their beautiful artwork is below.  Thank you Anne Marie, Jolene, Karen, Renate, Melissa, and Yoon!

Where is your JOURNEY taking YOU this year?  I hope it is in the direction of your DREAMS!  Begin where you ARE and safe travels!

Save the Date--Beach Retreat!

Save the Date!

Spring Beach Retreat!

May 2-4, 2014

Outer Banks, NC

Join Artist, Jackie Tury and Yoga Instructor, Karen Jaynes for a fun filled weekend of creativity as we nurture mind, body and spirit by the sea! 

Details and Registration Information coming soon!

As many of you know, the beach (OBX) is my favorite place to BE!  I am most at home and most myself while by the ocean!  I love the sense of peace, energy, healing and creativity that the ocean brings me and so happy and excited to share it with you this spring!  I hope you will join me for this Artful Ocean Adventure!

Power Wish & Polar Plunge Kick-off the New Year!

Thanks to my car breaking down, I had the unexpected privilege of celebrating the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 at the beach (my favorite place to be)!  We were visiting family for the holidays and my car broke down the day before we were supposed to head home.  Unfortunately (or fortunately--depending on how you look at it) this meant spending two extra days at the beach while they ordered parts and fixed my car (thanks Charlie!)  Being an optimist and a beach lover, I took full advantage of these two extra days!

I toasted 2013 and all the wonderful, artful "firsts" it brought to my life (first time being published in a magazine-Cloth, Paper, Scissors; first time curating an art show--co-curating with my hubby made it extra special (thank you Del Ray Artisans); first time teaching my own monthly art workshops; first time teaching at a retreat; first time doing a live art demonstration at Art on the Avenue; first time having my art sold at two local shops--Boutique Bakeshop & Artful Gift Shop!

At work, I even moved from kindergarten to FIRST grade--another first AND moved from full-time to half-time so I could focus more on my art and have better work-life balance.  It must have worked, I created over 50 new works of art in 2013!  

On New Year's Day, I spent some quiet time by myself on the beach reflecting, giving thanks, and Power Wishing--setting my intentions for the new year!  I couldn't have asked for a better place for this sacred moment.  

Afterwards, my family and I took a nice, long walk on the beach.  It was a gorgeous, sunny day with temperatures in the 50s.  While the kids stopped to play by the dunes, I walked ahead and made the spontaneous decision to strip off my clothes and plunge into the cold ocean with just my bra and underwear!  You should have seen the look on my husband's face!  First it was a look of shock and disbelief, "has my wife gone crazy?" and then, "Wow--bring it on!"  I swam and danced in the icy waters--feeling happy, alive, free, bold, and exhilarated--definitely an adrenaline rush!  Lucky for me, I had a towel!  What a refreshing way to start the New Year!  

I am not sure what 2014 has in store for me--hopefully more of the same--ART and ADVENTURE!

I plan to continue what I started in 2013 and add more workshops, retreats, prints & products, and create a website in 2014.   I plan to "Live Colorfully (Artfully) Ever After!"  It's with this attitude of "now or never" and "taking the plunge"  that I start the New Year--ready or not, here I come!

Thank you to all who support me on my creative journey!  Wishing you a healthy, happy, artful New Year!  Go ahead--take the plunge!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Colorful New Year!

"Artful Affirmations" © for the HoliDAZE and the gift of PRESENCE!

The holidays are a busy time of year and we often get so caught up in the flurry of activities that we forget to pause, to breathe, to practice being in the present moment.  This holiday season, I challenge you to give the "gift of presence."  By giving your loved ones, your friends, your family, your neighbor, co-worker, or even a stranger your time and full attention (even just for a moment), you are giving them the "gift of presence."  You are saying to them "you matter," "I am listening," "I understand,"  "I value you."  You are showing them love, compassion, connection, and validation.  What better gift can one receive? 

The "gift of presence" is a gift you can give to yourself as well!  Not only will you feel satisfied, connected, fulfilled when you give this gift to others, but when you give this gift to yourself, you will feel centered, grounded, grateful.  Try to pause for a moment here and there throughout your busy HoliDAZE.  Instead of going full speed ahead, multi-tasking to the max on auto-pilot and wandering around in a daze, slow down and be aware of your surroundings, your feelings, the moment.  Sneak in some quiet time to read or reflect.  Give yourself permission to drop something off your "to do" list.  Unplug from the internet, TV, etc. and reconnect with yourself, your family, your loved ones in person.

Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting another monthly art workshop, "Artful Affirmations" © for the HoliDAZE and the gift of PRESENCE!  During this workshop, we focused on the importance of being present in the moment as we created visual reminders of our intentions for the holidays.  It was a fun, festive evening of friendship and creativity.  Thank you to Anne Marie, Jaci, Kathy, Carrie, and Melissa for giving me the gift of your presence and creating such unique and wonderful "Artful Affirmations" ©.

In an effort to follow my own advice, I am going to try and remain off-line as much as possible during the holidays, so I can better focus on the present moment and the miracles that surround me.  Merry Christmas! xxoo  ~jackie

Student artwork by: Carrie, Kathy, Jaci, Anne Marie, and Melissa

Wish Granted!

Wish Granted!

This weekend I celebrated my birthday with family.  In addition to being showered with artful gifts:  photo lights, gift cards for art supplies, money for Bloom True art e-course (thank you to my loving & supportive family), something totally unexpected and amazing happened!  My birthday wish came TRUE in under an hour!

I've wished on birthday candles since I was a little girl and some wishes came true, others didn't.  But I have never had a wish been granted so quickly!  When blowing out my candles, I wished that someone would buy the two "artful avenue" paintings I had in the Del-Ray-Geous art show.  I knew the show was closing this weekend and as of Thursday evening, nobody had bought either painting.  

I made my wish around 8:00 p.m. on Friday and around 9:00 p.m.,  I received a congratulatory email from the curators of the show saying that BOTH of my pieces had SOLD!  WOW--those must have been some strong wishes and powerful candles!  To top it off, when we went to the closing reception yesterday, we found out that my daughter Zoe made her first sale!  Congratulations Zoe and thank you Dawn and Maxine!  Hope your wishes come true!  Gotta remember where I bought those candles!

Celebrating Autumn Abundance!

May the beauty and abundance of autumn surround you!  This is an amazing time of year and my personal favorite.  You can't help but notice the abundance of natural beauty as the leaves change from green to bright yellow, vibrant orange, and rich crimson or how the sun casts a warm, soft glow in the afternoon sky. I am choosing to focus on abundance this autumn.  I am inviting abundance into my life and enjoying and appreciating life's fullness and richness!  I am celebrating the abundance of autumn with walks through the woods, time with my family, cooking and creating!  I hope you will join me!

Artful Avenues!

Join me at the Del Ray Artisans this Friday, October 4th from 7-10 pm for the Opening Reception of "Del-Ray-geous"!  This show celebrates the fun, unique, and art-rageous personality of the Del Ray neighborhood!  I have two mixed media pieces in the show, "Artful Avenue 1" and "Artful Avenue 2!"   I will also be doing an "artist demonstration" from 2-3 pm in front of the Del Ray Artisan Gallery at Del Ray's huge annual art event, "Art on the Avenue!"  Hope to see you this weekend! 

Dreams Set Sail in September!

Now that we are back into the school routine of September, it's time to let our "dreams set sail!"

I am happy to announce that some of my dreams are setting sail this fall!

The BIGGEST of these, is that I will be teaching an Art Workshop "Artful Affirmations," at the AWY Yoga Retreat in November!  I have always dreamt of hosting and/or teaching at a retreat.  My friend Karen and I first talked about hosting a retreat several years ago, back in my "Mother Nurture"days as as a counselor.  Karen has graciously organized this entire retreat and brought me aboard--thank you Karen! The theme of the retreat is "living our yoga on and off the mat."  The link is below.  Hope you can join us!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/AWY-RETREAT---Living-Our-Yoga-On---Off-the-Mat.html?soid=1102243211943&aid=eYJGcnH0nHo

I am also happy to announce the return of my monthly "Create & Celebrate" art parties!
These parties are a great way to connect with yourself, your creativity, and your friends!
I provide all materials, and instruction--you provide the snacks and drinks.  For $45, it's a great way to spend an evening!  To register, please contact me at jackietury@gmail.com.

September art party: "Dreams set sail"
Saturday, September 21st, 7-10 pm

October art party: "Autumn glow"
Saturday, October 5th, 7-10 pm

November art party: "Artful affirmations for living our yoga on & off the mat"
Saturday, November 16th, AWY Yoga Retreat (see above link)