Friday, February 1, 2013

Fun Friday! "Journal Zen" by artist Nancy Laliberte

"Journal Zen"
© Nancy Laliberte
mixed media

Welcome to "Fun Friday!" My new weekly feature loosely based on my kids talking about "Fun Friday" at school--where they are rewarded with something fun and different on Friday afternoon for a job well done during that week. While my two older kids are in college, I still have one in elementary school and he looks forward to it every week. Today they erupted home-made volcanoes with vinegar and baking soda. Ahhhh, to be a third-grader again.

This week is about creative journaling. I can't sing its praises enough. I have soooo much fun with it. I set the timer for 15 minutes (because otherwise I would do it all day if I wasn't mindful of the time) and work on a page or two. If I have leftover acrylic paint on my palette, I will smear it around on a page; sometimes I collage on a piece of junk mail or other ephemera I find interesting, and sometimes I just write. Time stands still for those 15 minutes. I call it "Journal Zen." This weekend, I encourage you to set the timer for 15 minutes, grab a sketchbook, notebook or scrap paper and just play. Don't think about it. Just let whatever marks you make, whatever colors you choose, whatever you write or scribble be whatever it happens to be. And enjoy the Journal Zen.

Art & Soul Creative Journaling classes
Speaking of creative journaling, this Tuesday evening is another session of my "Art & Soul Creative Journaling" class located at Wausau's Hobby Lobby classroom. This session will focus on watercolor techniques in journaling, and keeping a travel journal. All you need to bring is a journal or notebook, and I provide everything else--including "bling" watercolors and chocolate. Sweet! I always have a door prize drawing, too. It is great fun, and the time flies! Details and registration are on my website. You don't want to miss it!

Carrie Waller Fine Art Friday Feature
A HUGE thank you to artist Carrie Waller for featuring me in her weekly Friday Feature artist interview on her blog, Carrie's Creations. Carrie and I met through blogging and facebook. We share a love of motherhood and art, and the creativity neccessary to balance it all. Carrie's watercolor paintings are EXQUISITE! She paints glass and reflections like nobody's business. I love getting lost in the abstract shapes found in her work. Hop on over to her blog and website and see for yourself what I am talking about.  


Yoga + Art Workshop
Last Saturday I teamed up with my yoga teacher, Heather Van Dalfsen of  River Flow Yoga, for a Yoga + Art Workshop at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wausau, WI. It was AMAZING. I was on a Yoga+Art high for two days. We are already planning another one for this summer. Let me know if you would like to get on our list. Below are a couple of images from the day, and more are posted on my studio facebook page. (While you are there, I would love it if you would hit that Like button and follow along, too.)


Every one of these paintings has a powerful story to it. 

Have a great weekend! And be sure you play in your journal or sketchbook!
Blessings, 
Nancy

3 comments:

Theda said...

I am impressed again! I would like to attend one of your journaling classes, but will have to wait until springtime. I love to journal!

Sandy Graeser Haynes said...

Nancy, I tried to write on your facebook wall, and couldn't find it.. ha ! anyhoo, thanks for the 'like' on my facebook page. I'm going to really try hard at marketing my artwork this year.... I love your journaling art.... how do you focus on the end of your nose..??? ha ha love it ! I got a comment from Beth Bathe today. I wish we could all get together for another workshop sometime... that was such fun !

Nancy Laliberte said...

Thanks so much, Theda! Can't wait for you to join the group!

Sandy, focus on the tip of your nose is a phrase my yoga teacher uses as a way to help you center yourself. Imagine looking in the mirror at your reflection of the tip of your nose. Then, you won't go cross-eyed, but still be focused and centered. Hope that helps! : )
Also, I just messaged you on FB...