Friday, July 1, 2011

Trying To Paint My Way Out Of A Bad Week . . .

mixed media on 9x12 watercolor paper

So it has been a rough week for me. An emotional rollercoaster of sorts. It began on Saturday with my half sister's high school graduation which I cried through over my dad not living to see the day, and then Monday night my mom called with some bad news about a cousin of mine that hit way too close to home for me. Then the tears started again. Today I feel like I am finally starting to pull myself up out of the muck of it all.

Late last night I went into the studio grabbed some paint and a piece of watercolor paper and started smearing paint around with a paper towel no less. Then I added some stamping. Then I added white paint with a brayer. I grabbed my distress ink and started smearing that around the edges. And at the end I used my crayons for some shading. The words that popped up for me I quickly wrote on the paper. Kinda appropriate for the week I had. Somehow your soul just knows what to bring out of you.

It felt good to create something even if it was messy. I will be trying to link up to Paint Party Friday for the first time this week. Trying to stay positive and thats a pretty nice place to be from what I have seen! :)

Tomorrow night Lou and I are going to see Def Leppard in concert. Our 4th time! Their special guest is Heart. It is sure to be an amazing show. I am looking forward to it. It will be a great way to end a stressful week!

Wishing you all a lovely holiday weeked!
xo

29 comments:

  1. Times of sadness and grief have the ability for us to dig deep, to expose our souls and our feelings. We are raw in a way that we aren't at any other time and my heart goes out to you. That you have found art and an outlet to share your feelings, your hurts, your sorrows is a gift. Art isn't always about the joys. Allowing the art to flow just to release that is the beauty of life...something good to come from the bad. I can see that in what you created. Sending your heart butterfly kisses ♥

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  2. Dear Cathy, I am so glad that you are coming out of your sad days. They are necessary as well and part of life, and tears are cleansing and allow us to release a lot of pressure, but then it's so good to find a ray of sunshine and happiness again. Wishing you a beautiful and healing day!! Much love, Silke

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  3. Awwww! Sorry you had such a bad week. I can totally sympathize because it's been a pretty rough week for me too...Music always helps though. :-)

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  4. Sorry it's been such a rough week for you Cathy. I do love the artwork you were able to do last night though. Very creative! I used to find solice in art myself. Now it's beading. Enjoy your concert and relax a bit! Have hubby give you a back and neck rub. That will help too, I'm sure! :)

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  5. Sending lots of love your way!!! I am so happy that you had your painting to get you through... what a beautiful way to express yourself :)

    I hope you have a great time at the concert -relax and enjoy!

    Great big hugs to you...

    xo
    Kristin

    p.s. Your painting arrived and I love, love, love it!!! Hooray!!!

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  6. This is truly beautiful, and the fact that it sprang from sadness gives it so much meaning.

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  7. Hope you feel better. Welcome to PPF, you'll have fun. I like your piece and like Wednesday says, it sprang from sadness. Great job. Happy PPF!

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  8. Have a great time at the concert! I hope your stress disappears.

    This turned out beautifully! Really lovely and calming.

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  9. P.S. Welcome to participating in PPF!!

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  10. Sounds like a tough week and you deserve some treat time. I used to love that song by Heart - Alone.... Very creative piece.

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  11. Wonderful To See Your Spirit Lifting! This Is Such A Lovely Piece Cathy! Creating Is Such A Healing Thing. I Can Be Having The Worst Day And Just The Smell Of Turpentine Will Place My Spirit In Another Zone. Sending Love & Sunshine, Terri

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  12. Firstly, welcome to PPF for the first time. I'm sorry you've had such a bad and upsetting week but I am glad that you poured those emotions into such an evocative piece. I love how the butterflies are trapped in boxes - seems symbolic for what you've described your week to make you feel. Art is a wonderful release for emotions happy or sad, I think.

    I love Def Leppard - I saw their Hysteria tour way back in 1987 and would love to see them again! Enjoy!

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  13. Art Journals really come into their own when we are on a roller coaster of emotions. I love your page it really hits the mark. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  14. So sorry that you had a bad week. But the painting you did is wonderful! Love it! Have a great weekend and have fun at the concert. Saw Def Leppard once in concert a long time ago.

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  15. Beautiful work...shine on! Hope you feel better soon!
    victoria

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  16. I love how creating art can be nurturing, wisdom to remember. This piece is lovely.

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  17. Sorry to hear of your grief. I love how art journaling can help let some of it out so we can move on. Perfect page! I hope you find happiness soon! Happy PPf! Theresa

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  18. Oh Cathy! Sending you much love. Grief sure has a knack of wiping us out!

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  19. So sorry about your emotional week but the art you created is beautiful. Wishing you a HAPPY PPF and enjoy Def Leppard...love their music!

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  20. Cathy, I'm so glad that you used your art to help you through your rough time. Art really does save!!
    Beautiful piece too!

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  21. Beautiful page...and I hope your next few days start to get better and better!

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  22. Welcome to PPF and sorry that your father wasn't there for such important event. But that is life.

    Love your artwork, the muted palette is refreshing among the commonly pastel or bright color associates to butterflies. Well Done!

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  23. Sometimes messy art is the best kind. I hope it helped you to feel better. It looks great! Have fun at the concert!

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  24. Very beautiful! Art is such therapy :) Happy PPF!

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  25. isnt it great to be able to create as an outlet for our pain? your piece is wonderful! def leopard and heart?.....what an amazing concert! hope things get better for you!

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  26. Im sorry you've had such a bad week. And Im glad your soul and art knew exactly what to do for your healing process.

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  27. I beleive that art can mend a broken heart. Your piece is fab, love the words and butterflies! Happy PPF

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  28. Hi! Happy Paint Party Friday!!

    Sorry to hear you had a rough week, but how wonderful to paint yourself out of it! I had a rough week, too, and art really helped.

    Your art looks great!

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  29. Ahhhh I hope things look up for you soon. Sending positive vibes your way!!!!
    I love the colors of this piece. Sometimes the right words come out at the right time.

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