Mirror, Mirror!

March's Art Party focused on self-reflection as we created inspirational mirrors with meaningful messages!  Using mirrors as symbols of both physical and spiritual reflection and a tool for self-awareness, we can make a more conscious effort to see the positive attributes in ourselves and embrace our imperfections.  These decorative mirrors will serve as visual reminders to check in with ourselves, accept ourselves, nurture ourselves, and celebrate ourselves!  Thank you to this special circle of women who joined me to create!  May you and your mirrors reflect truth, light, beauty and joy inside and out!

"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! 

Juror's Choice--Honorable Mention!

Had a successful opening weekend of the "Reincarnations" show at Del Ray Artisans!  Artists were challenged to take discarded items and repurpose, recycle, or refurbish them into ART!  My "Mixed Media Mocha"won a "Juror's Choice--Honorable Mention!"  The other piece I have in the show is "Mixed Media Merlot" and includes wine labels, stains, winery maps, pages from a vintage wine book, and even a cork.  My daughter, Zoe also has two pieces in the show!  All pieces are for sale.  Zoe and I helped out at the card making party on Sunday!  The show runs through the end of February.  The show also features "Artcyclopedias" (encyclopedias transformed into works of art) and several amazing 3-d pieces!  Come on by!  Thanks Theresa Kulstad for putting together a great show!

"Mixed Media Mocha"

"Mixed Media Merlot"

"Zoe and I at Card Making Party"

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!