Word Of The Year Update

Once or twice a month I reevaluate my WOTY, ensuring it is still enriching my life and encouraging me to go in a direction I know I need. This year has been a little different in that I didn't have any sub-goals planned with my word, "Do." However, it has been interesting to watch how it has still become a driving force behind many of the decisions we've been making as a family as well as my overall attitude.

I've noticed that I have been more aware of the way I spend my time, more selective about what I spend my time doing, and interestingly, more forgiving of myself when I haven't been able to get everything done that I was hoping to.

My priorities have settled in eye-opening ways, and after last year's WOTY encounter with "peace," it's been nice to rev up the engines and get going on things. Needless to say, it's been a healthy practice, and after my most recent evaluation, I'm happy with where this word has taken me thus far and I'm looking forward to discovering more about it throughout the rest of the year.

Right now my immediate focus on doing is taking the form of finishing touches for the Beehive Bazaar fall show, which starts next Thursday. Lots to do. The hustle is real and I'm hoping it pays off with a successful round of art vending.

Did you pick a Word Of The Year for 2015? It's still not too late if you haven't! If you have a word, I hope it's meeting your expectations! I love how the words I consciously pick become a part of me in unexpected yet needed ways. It's a deliberate way to bring improvement and enlightenment into my life.

Vertebrae Illustration: Before and After

I drew this tiny gold deer vertebrae on a white canvas and couldn't figure out why it kept bothering me when compared to it's black contour counterpart. Luckily, my sister came along and suggested it needed more weight. Usually I don't backtrack on my art once I've considered it a finished piece and I do all my tinkering near the beginning of a project, but I took another stab at the final piece and filled it in with black:

I liked the new version a lot better so I filled in the black one too for more contrast. Good suggestion, sis! That's what it needed indeed.

Fracture Watercolors

I've been working on these patterned watercolor pieces:

I loved the pattern and color variance so much, that I decided to do these in three different colors. I think I like the teal the best, although the green is a close runner up.

Owl Feather Illustration and Watercolor

Here's another watercolor/illustration combo that I've done recently:

I love the way it turned out and I'm excited to try more pieces in this style!

Dove Watercolors

Here is a pair of peaceful periwinkle doves to help calm your day:

I love how being around nature and noting the lovely details is an instant stress reliever!