I love participating in Challenges.  You would think that you could be more creative without any boundaries but, for me, it’s just the opposite.  Having a starting point always helps reign in my ADD mind.  This one asks “What Inspires You?”  That changes from day to day.  Some days it’s things I see while others it’s things I feel.  I am always inspired by the creativity of others and by the huge stash of products that I hoard! 😀

When I take classes, I learn invaluable tricks from the experts.  One thing that I learned from several different artists is to never waste paint or ink.  If anything is left over on your paintbrush, go to a blank page in your Art Journal and swipe it on there or even on a Tag.  If there is ink or paint on a stencil, spritz it with water and squash it between two blank Art Journal Pages.  If Ink remains on your Craft Sheet, mop it up with a tag.  This is a treasure when you come back to it and your page is already started!!  Also, whenever I go to my Craft Studio, I open my Art Journals and apply White Gesso to blank pages and leave them open to dry.  This helps to save time when I want to create in them later.  Just a couple of tidbits for you ‘cuz, hey, I never hold out on my peeps! 😉

So…If you saw my “Gratitude” Art Journal Spread, you know I won the last Ranger Challenge for Dina Wakley Media!  Woo hoo!  I just love to WIN!  Doesn’t even matter what the prize is – haha – it’s just such a fun feeling!  You can see the original “It is What it is” Art Journal spread HERE.

This page was started with the left over paints from those pages which is why you’ll see the same colors and stencils used.  I have been practicing my faces every chance I get.  I NEVER thought I would be able to draw a decent face.

I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I always like to keep it REAL so I’m showing you my very embarrassing “First” face.  You’re going to think it’s from Kindergarten but it is from my first Dina Wakley Class in 2015.  She told us to draw a face in our Art Journal as a starting point for the day and then compare it to the faces we drew at the end of the day.  I know!  It’s hideous but this was honestly my best try. :-O

I’m showing you so that you’ll know if I can do it, you can do it too!  It’s fun!  The face below is a technique where you draw things where they would belong and your brain fills in the rest so there’s not much detail.  I love it!  This remains one of my favorite faces that I’ve drawn.  I’m working on more detailed faces now as you can see by the top photo.

The moral of the story is:  JUST BEGIN!  It’s such a great feeling when you can do things that you never thought you’d be able to do.  Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

Inspire Art Journal Page -Supplies Used: Dina Wakley Media Art Journal;  Stencils:  DWM Scales and Swirling Dashes; DWM Paints: Lapis, Ocean, Sky, Ruby, Lime, Evergreen, White, Sterling; Black Graphite Pencil; White Gesso; Black Sakura Glaze Gel Pen; White Paint Pen