Look Who's Teaching at Grown Ups Art Camp (GUAC) this summer!

I am happy to announce that I will be teaching a workshop at Del Ray Artisan's Grown Ups Art Camp (GUAC) this summer!  The workshop is called "Dreams Set Sail!"  We will explore and express our dreams as we create beautiful sailboat scenes using mixed media collage techniques.  The workshop will be held on Sunday, July 5th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Alexandria, VA.  To register, please go to:  http://calendar.thedelrayartisans.org/view_entry.php?id=2156.  Hope you can join me as we allow our "dreams to set sail!"

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!  

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!

Hopes and Dreams take Flight!

I finally mailed my artwork to Cloth Paper Scissors magazine.   I stressed myself out wondering and worrying…should I decorate the box? what if it gets lost in the mail? what if it doesn't get there in time? what if they don't like it? Finally, I just packaged it up with love and care and said a little prayer. It was then that I realized, I wasn't simply holding a piece of cardboard.  This small box had become more to me.  This little box was not just holding my artwork, it was carrying my hopes and dreams.  I decided to give my box wings, set it free and let my hopes and dreams take flight!

Thank you Kelly Rae, Autumn Rose and fellow flyers for helping me find my wings.  Wish me luck!

Happy New Year 2013!

2012 was definitely an Artful year for me!  I started with a blank canvas--having no idea where my creative journey would take me.  I joined the Del Ray Artisans gallery and participated in 3 shows there.  I even had my first gallery sale!  I also participated in a group show at Herndon Artspace.  I went to my first Art Retreat (CREATE) in NJ where I learned all kinds of new mixed media techniques and met lots of great people (thanks Jodi and Cindy)!  I also had an awesome time taking an online art business class--Flying Lessons (thanks Kelly Rae and fellow flyers)!  I am happy to say that I created over 20 fun new pieces of art in 2012!  In addition to realizing some of my ART dreams, I was able to realize one of my lifetime dreams of seeing the Northern Lights!  They were truly amazing!  I am so grateful for my wonderful year of ART and ADVENTURE and for my family who put up with all my crazy ideas!

Once again, I am starting the year with a blank canvas.  I am not sure what Artful opportunities await me in 2013.  I am open to possibility and hope to fill this year with creativity, celebration, and inspiration!  I am wishing these things for YOU too!  Where are you headed on YOUR creative journey?  Keep me posted...  Happy New Year! oxox jackie