Category Archives: art journaling

I had a discussion yesterday

I had a discussion yesterday about art. Some days I paint perfectly recognizable art projects, like birds and things in nature (for example.)

I had a discussion
random bird

Sometimes I make random art, which is so easy, but the pages don’t necessarily mean anything to me. The person I was talking to swore by random art.

It’s interesting because the art journal pages I don’t care much about get the most “likes” on Instagram and Facebook. Not that the likes matter much, but they are an indication of what speaks to the viewers.

People like random “loose” renderings. I feel very ambivalent about that kind of art. It doesn’t SAY anything to me. I like a good story or something recognizable.

Not that random stuff is ugly. Many times I’m drawn to the energy, and that’s enough.

I had a discussion
The other woman

To stretch myself I’m going to make art that doesn’t always sit well with me and see where it leads. If it’s easy, it flows, but there are no rules. Easy doesn’t mean fulfilling.

I had a sdiscussion
Flying into the sunset

I do like abstracts as long as they draw me in. I’m very ambivalent about my own art at this point. These art journal spreads have been painted, mostly, with a paint on a credit card edge. I like the texture, but I also like texture on house walls. 🙂

When is it decorative, and when is it art? Well, it doesn’t have to be labeled, but it’s an interesting question .

One time I painted walls that had a leather faux finish. It was a lot of fun experimentation to get it just right.  In the end, it was a satisfying project. I wouldn’t call that art, but it needed skills.

I had a discussion
Totally random

The above spread was totally random painted with a credit card, except for the art picture that I glued on top.  I can’t say that I like it, but it is what it is.

I had a discussion
Random art

What is your opinion? What kind of art makes your breath catch in your throat and your eyes widen?

For me, I would say it’s some kind of mastery that shines through the art.  I’ll never forget when I first saw some real Renoirs at the Met in New York. The light he had mastered! I’d say it was an awesome immersion experience.

As it is, we live one day at a time, and any creative endeavor brings us closer to the heart of who we are. Each piece of art brings us closer to more deeply express the essence.

I aspire to inspire, one step at a time. 🙂 What about your art?

Lots of love,

Maria

P.S. I have an e-course, FLY YOUR SOUL, coming up shortly.  No link as yet, but I will add one once the offer is available.  Meanwhile, you can always join my newsletter: LINK HERE.

Make your own art journal

Make your own art journal is easy. I actually put up an e-course on how I made a similar one to the one below.  (Link at the bottom of the post.)

make your own art journal
make your own art journal

I love making stuff, and experimenting with materials, mostly paper and fabric.

I hand “painted” the muslin cover with acrylic paints and alcohol inks, let it dry, and then I ironed it flat. I used a manila folder that I cut to size to fit the pages I made. I also made sure the muslin covered the inside of the cover. I got lucky because it did!

Then I proceeded to deckle the edges of 34 sheets of card stock in various colors.

deckle edges
deckle edges

I then wet all the pages and dribbled or poured paints and inks on them, and the effect is always fun when paint runs in the water.

ink and acrylic paint
ink and acrylic paint
alcohol inks
alcohol inks and acrylic paint

 

acrylic paints
acrylic paints

It is very rewarding to make your own journal, to be part of the entire process of making it your own and then filling it with art and writing.  Modern day journaling… I think we long for expression, something to keep us in touch with what we REALLY feel.

So much time is lived behind the mask that society expects from us. Art is a great way to express your innermost thoughts and feelings, and some stuff you didn’t even know was in there. 🙂

Art is healer and a challenger. Why not go for a wild ride and claim your innate creativity? Everyone is an artist and that’s the truth.

Everyone knows how to express themselves, therefore there is an ability to express in art.

The above journal is available in my Earth and Faery etsy shop. The link is EARTH AND FAERY. SOLD right away, but you can still make your own. 🙂

If you want to check out the e-course how to make three different kinds of art journals, go to THIS PAGE.

I wish you a great, creative weekend!

xo

Maria

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Julia Ostara and the March 2017 art prompts

Julia Ostara is our guest artist for March in the free year-long art journaling journey 2017.  It’s going strong and March has sneaked up faster than I could imagine. It’s not too late to join in the fun. You can sign up HERE for the email prompts. All the months’ prompts will be available all year.

Julia Ostara
Julia Ostara

I’ve followed Julia’s progress as an artist over the years and it has been interesting to see her art expression deepening over time. I think she has lived many lifetimes in this one life. 🙂

This from her website:  Artist, Author, Brave Heart, Explorer, Farm Girl, Grateful Guide, Mystic, Mountain Momma, Playful Painter, Reverent, Sweet Sunshine, Thrivivalist, Wild Wonder-full Weaver…  Exploring and falling in love with life through art and wonder in memory of my mom to carry on her legacy of love for self, others, nature, and life. Opening my hands, head, and heart… my being, to the wonder of creation, the art of living and loving. Offering creative courses, unique gifts, and art from my heart to yours.

Julia Ostara
Julia Ostara’s art

I love her colorful art and also her view on life and how everything hangs together.

She hopes to inspire and encourage others to beat to their own drums, live their dreams, choose joy, respect others and nature, love more than fear, put our brave boots on, celebrate the variety and sweet in life, dance with the wild mystery, and thrive in harmony.

I share her views on life and being an artist.  As an artist I’m visible, and with that I can hope to inspire others to step into their creativity whatever it is and become “more” of who they are. It can feel scary and uncertain for sure, but when you keep exploring the depths of who you are, it gets easier to face the unknown and to embrace the mystery.  Revelations can be so inspiring and exhilarating!

Julia Ostara
Julia Ostara

More from her website: Art has been such a graceful and wonderful, healing, playful, spiritual joy for me. I consider myself a ‘born again artist’ because I lost touch with the artist within for too long. Now, I’m delighted to be guiding others to experience the magic possible when playfully creating by hosting online creative gatherings, courses, art playdates, and retreats to explore the wonder and nurture a playful creative community. Many of them are available as Pay What You Can/Pay What It’s Worth options! So, YES, you can afford to participate!

Approaching creativity from a place of play has really helped me open up, enjoy the process and get in the flow.

Julia has all sorts of offerings on her website, so check them out.

Julia’s courses and offerings.

She is also offering a quarterly e-zine titled Thrive True.  If you sign up for her email list on her WEBSITE, you will receive her e-zines.

Julia OstaraI interviewed her in a video yesterday and we laughed so much it was hard to get through the questions.  If you want to get more of a feel for her and her art, please watch the VIDEO on YouTube. 🙂

I wish you a wonderful creative month.

xo

Maria

 

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The many faces in my art journal

The many faces in my art journal are testimony that I go against the “rule” that one should stick to one style and develop that.  Maybe I will have a particular style at some point, but I’m having too much fun doing crazy faces in my art journal.

Next time someone asks me what kind of style I’m aligned with I will reply, “my own.”  I doubt that I’ll ever reach cohesion in my artsy outpourings. Here are a few crazy faces I’m had fun with. I used  Neocolors II, watercolor pencils, mixed media, paper collage, acrylic paints, and charcoal.

2017 free intuitive art exploration

2017-art-journalingBeginning on January 1, 2017, and then once a month,  I will post suggestions for my year long intuitive art journal journey. When you join this FREE art journaling exploration  you will receive prompts to delve deeply into yourself to release any blocks or stale emotions that hold your creativity back. Look at it as a journey of self discovery and fun!

I will send out PDFs  of inspirational thoughts and items that you can print, color, and add to your artwork.

I will offer one live webinar a month where I answer questions and give you suggestions for progress.

It will help you to create a strong habit of creativity. This will inspire you and help as you use creativity to solve any problems in life.

Through art journaling you can  charter depths that offer new insights and aha moments. You can also use the journal to map out your goals month to month. Your intuition KNOWS what your most authentic activities are and as you excavate and remove blocks you can find more clarity and more motivation to create a life that is more aligned with your inner core.

There is no pressure to perform. You can join or leave any time, but if you stick with the process you will create a new art habit that will enrich your life forever.

I would love to see your art work so please join Art Exploration with Maria Greene, my Facebook group. There will be plenty of support and you can ask questions as well.

high fives

Supply list:

Use what you have but these are helpful:

Old sturdy book to alter OR an art journaling book.

Acrylic paints or watercolors

brushes

markers of all kinds, permanent ink is best

collage materials as in old magazines and junk mail (fabric scraps.)

glue or media like Mod Podge.

fireinthebelly2

What you will learn:

Every month I will prompt some questions about where you are and what you’d like to experience (or feel next.) Your intuition will show you how  to proceed and through art you can gain more clarity and depth.  You will receive a journaling question or two and suggestions for materials to use, but you can choose which tools you want to use. My purpose is to help you bust through any blocks and find more joy in your art journaling practice.

Do not get hung up on the “pretty” aspect of art! You are an explorer.  As you work intuitively you may feel prompted to pick certain colors or objects that appear in your mind. They are all symbols for what is going on within.  So you will learn to read your symbols as you get more comfortable with the process.  You can’t do it wrong!

If you feel confused about the basics of art journaling you can find tons of helpful videos on YouTube to get started. But it’s not necessary to learn any techniques per se. Just cover the page with some paint to get started and then let your intuition guide you.

You will learn how to center yourself, let go, and let intuition lead you. The inner critic will be shown the door and told to never come back! 🙂 Unfortunately, the critic always comes back but I have a way to deal with that. It’s all about allowing more good and self love!

You will also receive one guided audio meditation every month.

Take part in this adventure! It is guaranteed to enrich your life.

To sign up for the emails  click HERE.

50% off sale!

 

artasoracle

50% off sale!

If you have trouble letting go of limitations; if you doubt your ability to make art and have a connection with your inner self, this e-course is for you. UNLEASH YOUR ART AND INTUITION NOW using simple techniques.

To me, art is the perfect medium to explore your intuition, though there are many methods. For myself I use a blend of art and writing, but I have discovered that the simpler the method, the better. I guarantee you that ANYONE can learn to get accurate psychic information for themselves, and I would love to get you started!  You don’t have to be an artist to take this e-course! 

Example of an intuitive art expression. (Everyone’s art will be different.) The main message I got was “it’s safe to fly even in stormy weather.”

flyartjournalspread

What you will gain:

  • New ways of making art.
  • You will learn how to let go and trust the information coming through the art.
  • You will have several ways to access your intuition, something you can use all the time.
  • Deepening your intuition will help you make better choices in your everyday life.
  • The guidance will make you feel more sure of your inner abilities.
  • Get back to the very basics and find that things don’t have to be complicated in life.
  • Get fast and easy answers and solutions to problems.
  • Let loose your art muse!

Why take this course? 

This course is for you if:

  • You wish to explore a childlike way of creating without pressure to perform.
  • You long to learn a new way to get to know your inner self.
  • Make some art to open up your creative flow.
  • Use simple techniques to access your latent intuition.

Other benefits:

  • Unleash your creativity.
  • Challenge inner blocks and move past them.
  • Kick fear to the curb.
  • You will have support as you open up your intuitive sense.
  • You will open up the door to future art expression if you wish to continue.

Pretty much all of my life I have loved making art. I have tried every style imaginable, and I’m always amazed at what comes out of my explorations. I also spent years as a fiction writer, and in the last 20 years I’ve been doing clairvoyant readings for the public. I’m at a point where I’d rather help people develop their own intuition since we all have it! Think of a muscle that has been sitting unused. When you start exercising it, things happen and new experiences come forth, enriching your life in untold ways.

Another EXAMPLE of intuitive art. The main message here was to break the boundaries and allow what makes me happy to burst through.

artjournaling

This is a four week e-course and a bonus week with a guided meditation.

Over the course of four weeks you will learn four different ways to access your intuition via art.

Week 1: We will play with paints on paper and interpret the forms that come through.

Week 2: We will use a doodle technique.

Week 3: We will work with random words and colors.

Week 4: We will explore using written text and art.

Week 5: BONUS! An audio meditation that will inspire a finished art piece that you can use as guidance and inspiration in 2016. It deals with how to transcend an internal block using meditation and magazine images, plus paints.

You will learn to interpret the messages in the art (with my help if needed.)

You will receive four art videos with voice instruction, available via email now.

I will also supply an intro video where I explain about intuition and how to read the messages, plus HOW to ask efficient questions to your inner self.

  • To explore your art results and learn how to read them, there is a dedicated Facebook group where I will personally help you interpret the art and give you other tips on accessing your intuition.

This course is great for beginners and art veterans alike.

Download your supply list HERE.

About me:

I have 20+ years experience doing intuitive consultations helping people solve their problems. I’m a long-time mixed-media artist and writer, and I have combined my knowledge into various e-courses and YouTube how-to videos. I’m excited to share this e-course with you, and my hope it that it will inspire you to explore your genius creativity. The adventure does not end as you finish your course, but is the beginning to a new life of exploring creativity and your inner senses.

Reading Testimonials from satisfied customers:

“The spiritual guidance and expertise I’ve received from Maria for the past 15 years has successfully shaped my career and personal life. Her accuracy is undeniable.”
Cheryl, Professional Feng Shui Practitioner.

“I’ve always been a believer in psychic abilities therefore on referrals I saw Maria Greene. I went in with an open mind and hoped for answers regarding my past, present and future. What amazed me Maria did not want any information other than the questions I wanted clarity on. I was blown away how accurate, kind and honest she was…. She didn’t say what she didn’t see. She is very intuitive and a caring reader!! I will definitely go back and recommend her to others.”
Shannon, Canada

“I have been getting readings from Maria for a number of years. She has helped me explore my deepest self, past lives, guides and inner longings as well as helped me when my path has not been clear. She is one of the most gifted readers I have ever encountered.”
Sharon, Florida

“Maria created a safe space for me to explore further with her after her initial reading and provided some amazingly accurate insights into what’s been going on for me. She brought so much truth to the surface, it brought tears to my eyes. If you’re at a cross roads or having trouble focusing or making big decisions, Maria will bring clarity and focus back to your life so you can move forward with certainty”.

Natalie, England

Testimonial from Art as Oracle course: Art as Oracle is a life changing course and the best part is you don’t even need to be an artist to benefit from it. From the very first lesson, I was able to tap into my spirit and receive guidance from the universe. Maria has done a wonderful job with the lessons which are both simple and fun to do! I highly recommend Art as Oracle for anyone who wants to learn to use their intuition and tap into their spirit using art. Tobi C.

From Art as Oracle: I highly recomend after taking part in “art as oracle” and “art journaling journey”. She coaxed out a lot of my sleeping creativity. Carina W.

Do you want to be part of learning something new? Don’t delay and miss this opportunity! Sign up now!

50% off October 28-November 3. Only $27.50!