sweet friends! wow.. what a week last week. Im not even going to say it because if you have been reading my blog.. you know EXACTLY why i didn't get another blog post in last week... lol. But I can say.. I HAVE started using essential oils and wow... they have been AMAZING for the pain! It's not a CURE.. but it's sure a sweet relief! I will talk on a more personal note later about my struggle right now with Fibro. It's something that latley, makes Me VERY emotional.. but I have decided to just embrace it, overcome it and love what I am learning about myself from it.
I have a couple of fun things to share today..
first off.. did you know that SHE ART WORKSHOP NO. 3 STARTS TOMORROW!!!!
YES! it does! wahoo!!! so this is just a "final" reminder the class starts tomorrow and I would SOO SOO LOVE to have you join me! I think this class.. well I am HOPING this class will change the way you create art. Will change the way you look at yourself and others. Help you Embrace all aspects of who you are and paint like you've never painted before! That is my wish! Can't wait for it to start!! If you want to sign up you can click HERE to find out more!
and speaking of She Art..
This weekend, Ben's sister Jenni (whom i love love love to death).. Came and visited us for a few days. She is always so fun to have come because she just has this bright vibrant spirit about her! my KIDS adore her. She is their second mom! Not only is she simply fun, she also has this amazing energy! All day saturday (while I worked).. she helped ben lay sheetrock and tape and texture the new/old house. She is just that way! She can FIX anything, she loves to help with ANYTHING. She is truly super women.
Then yesterday after an amazing soul filling day at church, we headed over to the studio to just hang out. She hadn't picked up a paintbrush to play in years, but I know how creative she is.. so I pretty much made her get messy. lol. and OH MY GOSH was she amazing!! I mean like in minutes she had painted this gorgeous beautiful woman with this magical depth!
I just was standing there in awe! I had planned on just laying around, napping, reading books, etc. and after seeing her painting, I was SOO inspired to get up and paint myself! So i did.As I sat down to paint, I just kept feeling this overwhelming feeling that this fibro was not going to get the best of me.. that I was STRONG.. I was a fighter.. and so I just started to paint what was in my heart.. and this is what came out..
I know I know.. so many of you saying right now.. what?? christy you hardly ever paint faces on your girls.. and I know it's true! But lately.. it's been calling me. I feel like i have a story to tell and when I do, I need it to be known.
That is where the face comes in. I talk alot.. ALOT about this in the She ARt 3 Workshop. There are beautiful reason to for both.. to leave the face blank.. or to paint in the features.. and i actually enjoy BOTH of them. (I finished second painting last night as well and left her face blank.. but it just FIT her)..But this sweet girl.. she needed her story told. NO questions as to what it was she is trying to say.
She is a strong silent fighter this one. Don't underestimate the determination she has..
You will see in She Art 3, that I don't like perfection when it comes to faces. I LOVE texture and I LOVE it when paint just kinda plays and falls where it ends up. Love the yellow flecks in her right eye.. soo not planned but TOTALLY wonderful!
I love how her neck and shoulder are so strong but also "soft" too. It's like they have this story to tell and they are saying.. yes I have been through alot, I have had many burdens placed upon me.. but I am still holding my head up strong!
I think right now, she will go in my bedroom.. on my nightstand.. to remind me every morning of the fight I have left in me. Yep. She is a strong one.. that girl of mine :).
Speaking of STRONG girls..
I wanted to let you all know that my SWEET dear friend Kelly Barton (who you may remember from the 2011 artsy ornaments workshop).. just re-opened her etsy store and her new art is just STUNNING!
I LOVE how it's evolved over the last year! seriously that is what I LOVE about this crazy messy beautiful thing we call ART!
I love how it's forever changing, and we are growing constantly and it's SOO important to listen to whats in our heart.. not try and paint what we think we are expected too.. but paint what MOVES us.. not moves anyone else.. ONLY US. because then and only then is it real and true.Sometimes is scary to change listen to that new discovering.. it's so much easier to stick to what we know.. but I can tell you from experience that when I finally am Brave enough to just get up and let go.. holy cow I am amazed at what comes from it.. That's all I will say for now.. I share SOOO much more of this in the She Art Workshop 3.. can't wait to share it! Hope it will help you find your voice as well!
(love this piece by Kelly Barton too..so fitting). Make sure to check out her ETSY store!!
anyhow! I hope you have a happy monday! Let's see what the week brings us shall we? xoxox
Love you Christy Tomlinson! Thanks for helping me find my inner artist. I love making art and need to start making time to do it. Sorry your feeling so crumby. I've been really really achy lately too. Take care of yourself!!
Posted by: Brenda Jensen | February 18, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Beautiful piece, Christy. She is strong, indeed!
As an almost certified Aromatherapist I am thrilled that you have found essential oils helpful and am curious which essential oils you are using...if you don't mind sharing.
Keep fighting, you have so much to give, and we love you for all that you are and all that you do.
Posted by: Tracey L. | February 18, 2013 at 11:23 AM
she turned out beautiful Christy and I can sense your determination to fight this... sending you a huge hug and also I am excited for the class tomorrow!! I just love Kelly's work too and got one of her moleskins with the vintage camper on it because some day it is my dream to own my own vintage camper... love!
Posted by: Nancie | February 18, 2013 at 12:23 PM
Your strong girl is amazing! Its fun to see how your art has evolved! Your colors and vibrancy stays the same and I can tell its you in the artwork but you've added so much depth and life to your paintings. I really love these girls you are doing lately! Let me know how I can help you! Hugs!!
Posted by: lori jolley | February 18, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Christy,
I am so in love with this girl. Thank you so much for leading me towards colour and art. I am forever grateful <3
Beautiful Strong Girl!
Posted by: Ulyth | February 18, 2013 at 12:54 PM
This girl is gorgeous! I love this painting, she is speaking to us with her eyes! SO much soul in them. I suffer so much with my Fibro too - I am curious what oils are you using?
Posted by: Maria | February 18, 2013 at 01:12 PM
Christy,I have all the empathy in the world for you. I suffer from chronic pain, arthritis, chronic pancreatitis and am in pain 24/7. In turn this does cause me major depression. I found art journaling on pinterest and started trying it. I am so totally into it now and want to learn so much more. Goals are to be published and be able to teach one day. You are truly an inspiration to me.
Posted by: Kathy Kerr | February 18, 2013 at 01:24 PM
There's a gorgeous look of defiance about her that I like. She is going out to party no matter what! (5 years of chronic fatigue and my biggest lesson: go out and party, just make sure to make no big plans for the next day. And, oh yes, I can always find something to do in the studio even at the worst of it.)
Good luck Christy.
Posted by: Linda Drewry | February 18, 2013 at 04:10 PM
Christy,
Thanks so much for sharing your struggles and breakthroughs and just keep moving. Love your work with or without faces.
And, Kelly Barton. Wow. Love her work, new or old. Her pieces (I have 3) give me a warm hug and a kick in the rear every time I look at them!
Posted by: Danielle Donaldson | February 18, 2013 at 05:23 PM
wow!!! i love it!!!
i like to read you,your feelings and thoughts..you're such a great person! i'm glad to "know" you...even if we've never met in person!
I'm glad to hear that essential oils works good for relief!!!
take care!
xx
Posted by: joanne3107 | February 18, 2013 at 05:26 PM
i am so happy and humbled to get to share this space today. thank you so so much christy! i just love it all!
Posted by: kelly barton | February 18, 2013 at 06:15 PM
Another ABSOLUTELY beautiful "she" Christy! I don't know how you truly continue to outdo yourself after each "she" you do.
{{{HEALING HUGS!!!}}}
xoxoxo
Posted by: Julianne | February 18, 2013 at 08:12 PM
so beautiful and strong. Hope you're feeling better. xo
Posted by: Jessica Sporn | February 18, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Hugs to you Christy...love your girl, her eyes. Excited for tomorrow!
My sister-in law has fibro...i need to tell her about you.
Posted by: Juanita | February 18, 2013 at 09:04 PM
I LOVE her!!! She is amazing! Going to sign up right now!
Posted by: Devonay Potter | February 18, 2013 at 09:11 PM
She is BEAUTIFUL, Christy!!! I am just waiting to get paid Wednesday, and I'll be signing up. Can't wait! I'd also love to know what essential oils you are using. I have a ton that I got for making bath and body stuff, but most of them are approved for consumption as well. I had an appointment with my pain doctor this week, and she thinks I may have Fibro, on top of the R.A. and neuropathy. She started me on a new med she said is used to treat Fibro. I'm so hoping it works...or at least helps!
Posted by: Jen Clark | February 18, 2013 at 09:20 PM
Ok this will my beginning on my mixed media art.. I am truly inspired by your work!!!! Your story is a inspiration to others!!!! Looking forward to what lies ahead.., thanks :)
Posted by: Bonnie | February 18, 2013 at 10:10 PM
I love this girl. My sister is losing her battle with brain and lung cancer and this girl is exactly the fighter my sister is. Thank you so much for sharing her.
Posted by: Danielle | February 18, 2013 at 10:13 PM
Oh wow!! This blogpost made me happy to read!!! Thanks for sharing! <3 xxx Maaike
Posted by: Maaike | February 18, 2013 at 11:26 PM
Maybe you have never really understand my existence.
Posted by: Adidas Porsche Design S2 | February 19, 2013 at 01:24 AM
just recently started following your blog; i love it! i am inspired by your work. i also suffer from fibro and know exactly how it can effect your life. i'm interested in knowing what oils you have use to help with the fibro. i think art is one of the best therapies.
Posted by: dawn wolf | February 19, 2013 at 05:39 AM
Thank you for all your posts. You have turned me on to my art once again. I love how your art has brought such joy.
Color is a kiss from above!
Posted by: Bonnie Epps | February 19, 2013 at 09:15 AM
Christy--I'd love to hear more about your experience with essential oils. My mom has fibro and we have tried just about everything to get her some relief. (including medical marijuana) Any advice would be most welcome!!!
Posted by: Amy | February 19, 2013 at 09:37 AM
I lov eyour portrait with the face-- takes your art to the next level-- from "cute" to soulful. hope to see more faces from you. feel better. Miriam
Posted by: Miriam Schulman ( SchulmanArt) | February 19, 2013 at 10:38 AM
Christy - As always, love you and your work. Love your new girl........strong and beautiful, just like you. I agree with an above comment, would love to know more about your essential oils for Fibro. My mother is bed-ridden most of the time with Fibro and other medical issues. AND SO EXCITED that SHE ART 3 starts today!! Woo Hoo!!!
Posted by: Erin | February 19, 2013 at 10:39 AM