Instagram Hand Lettering Challenge for July

I've been having so much fun participating in hand lettering challenges on Instagram, that I decided to create my own! I'm calling it the #InspiredLetteringChallenge. To kick it off, the first month is filled with inspiring words. I'd love for you to join me! Do them all, or just one - whatever moves you! Use any style of lettering you like - calligraphy, brush lettering, or even iPad lettering! Let me know if you're going to participate by sharing the photo below and tagging me - @angelabishopdesigns. :)

Nap Time

"Nap Time" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Available Here

"Nap Time" is my entry for the Contemporary Fine Art International January art challenge. The word for the month is "cuddle." This sleeping kitty definitely said "cuddly" to me.

This painting was done on pastelbord with pastel sticks and pencils. I actually had a difficult time with this one and it almost ended up in the trash. I'm glad I stuck with it, because I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out. :)

This painting is available in my Etsy shop.

Have a great day!

What I Learned From Creativity Boot Camp

I completed my final painting for Creativity Boot Camp yesterday and I wanted to share with you what I learned from this two-week challenge.

First, I learned that it's important to set goals for myself. Setting goals keeps me moving forward and pushing toward greater things.

Second, I learned that it's good to continually challenge myself creatively. If I just stick with subjects that are comfortable to me, I'll never really grow as an artist. I've always had a fear of failure and therefore I wouldn't try new things. If I found something that I was good at, I would just stick with it. Now I know that I have to "fail" to learn. I can't be good with every medium and every subject. Even if I produce something that I'm not pleased with, it was good practice and I learned something from it.

Third, I learned that I have to create for me, and no one else. This was a tough lesson for me to learn. When I used to paint before I always had that voice in my head saying, "Will so-and-so like this?" And the truth is that it doesn't really matter. My creativity is first and foremost, for me; it is my expression. If others like it, that's great - and if they don't, that's okay too.

Fourth, I discovered the importance of getting into the studio everyday. I have so enjoyed painting every single day the past several weeks. I always had an excuse as to why I couldn't paint before. I think I'd probably get into my studio once or twice a week.

And finally I think the most important lesson that I learned is that I need to be happy and content with where I am on this journey. It doesn't serve me to look at others work and compare myself to them. Everyone has different gifts, talents, and is at a different place with their creative works. I should only be worried about where I am at, and that I'm happy.

Thank you to Maegan, the creator of Creativity Boot Camp, for the incredible experience!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 3

"Multilayered" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

The word prompt from day 3 of Creativity Boot Camp was "multilayered" and this painting is my response to that. I knew as soon as I saw this photograph that it would make a perfect "multilayered" painting. However, it was much more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I really love working in pastels, but it's difficult to achieve fine lines and details. But I took my time and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. The word prompt for day 4 is "heavymetal." I'm not sure if I have my idea planned out yet or not - this one is tricky!

Thank you to Kathleen Young for allowing me to use her beautiful photograph as a reference for this painting!

Day 14

Today's photograph I took recently at my favorite greenhouse. I regret not purchasing some of these flowers. I bought Foxgloves instead, and I love them, but these would have been nice too.

Well today has been spent getting ready for company - hanging up curtains, pictures, and cleaning. I accomplished a lot, but I still have a lot to do. I'm pacing myself :). I'll be lucky if I can get any painting done this week. It just might be a week full of photographs! :)

Today's Quote: "I’ve learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life'." Maya Angelou

New Painting Challenge

I'm planning on embarking on a painting challenge. I was thinking about committing to a 365-day challenge, but that might be a bit of a stretch for me. Therefore, I am going to start with 30 days and if it goes well, and I feel that I can commit to a full year, then I will go ahead and do that.

I'm planning on keeping this just a "painting" challenge, but I may substitute a painting with a photograph or quilt if I need to. In any case I will be expressing my creativity in some way, everyday, and I will be sharing that with you.

I will also be including an inspirational quote with each post. I am so inspired by quotes about peace, love and happiness. I believe reading something beautiful, even just a short quote, everyday, can turn your whole day around.

I would greatly appreciate your feedback while I'm on this journey! :)