September FREE Check List American Artists

SEPTEMBER:                 AMERICAN ARTISTS

1. Winslow Homer
2. Mary Cassatt
3. Edward Hopper
4. Dale Chihuly
5. Wayne Thiebaud
6. Harriet Powers
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Georgia O’Keeffe
9. Norman Rockwell
10. Ansel Adams
11. Mark Rothko
12. Louise Nevelson
13. Maya Lin
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Jasper Johns
16. Romare Bearden
17. Frank Lloyd Wright
18. Janet Fish
19. Frederic Remington
20. Eric Carle
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. George Bellows
23. Grant Wood
24. Alexander Calder
25. Jackson Pollock
26. Helen Frankenthaler
27. Andy Warhol
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Thomas Cole
30. Andrew Wyeth

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Youth Art Month

March is Youth Art Month! An exciting time for youth to have their creative efforts acknowledged and encouraged by the communities in which they live. It is great to have dedicated an entire month for this purpose however as an artist I long for the time when everyday is Art Day! 

How will you be celebrating Youth Art Month? Need ideas?
1. Take an adventure and visit as many art galleries and museums as you can visit.
2. Purchase art supplies and invite the neighborhood children over for Art Day.
3. Donate art supplies to a local school, the art teacher will thank you!

Below is a teaser from my recently published book, Hidden in Your heART to encourage you to embrace your inner artist as you celebrate Youth Art Month.

16. Psalms 1:3 Like a tree planted by the rivers of water
     Like a tree planted by the rivers you too are receiving from those around you, you are maturing, growing and becoming a creative individual. Consider your family: are there artists or creative individuals known to you within your family tree? What about your coworkers? Who inspires you to excel? Where do you gain inspiration throughout the day? Like a tree, you have deep roots which are supplying resources of creativity. You are multifaceted, consider the limbs of the tree how they provide shelter, shade, oxygen. You also bear fruit of your labors and your creative force within stands out, you are unique in your presentation of life.


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

And the Answer is.......

I have been asked, "Why there are no photos, no images, no art posted on your blog?"

I suppose it is strange for an artist, creative individual to write a blog without visual illustrations, photos or art. The reason? The purpose of What Box? Living a Creative Life is to bring you small bits of inspiration to assist you in embracing Your creative life. I find photos or visual illustrations to be limiting at times. GASP! An artist said that?! True. When trying to capture ideas I have found it best to begin with thoughts, a blank canvas or slate and later during the process images. The lack of images also is freeing by allowing multiple ideas and not the anchor from the work of another artist's creations.

You are Creative and have Fantastic ideas! If you are uncertain or unsure if the world is ready for you to share your Creative Masterpieces, Doodle. Keep an art journal, a diary, sketchbook anything to record your thoughts and drawings, projects, experiments. However, do not keep these to yourself for too long! The world has need of your Creative Expression!!

"Will there ever be photos on your blog?" Possibly. I have learned never to say never, especially when the Creative Process and artists are involved.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

February FREE Check List: Art Quotes

FEBRUARY CHECK LIST                   ART QUOTES

1. In the beginning, God Created.
2. Art is an adventure that never ends.
3. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
4. Inhale possibility, exhale creativity. L.J.
5. You are so smart!
6. Creativity is intelligence having fun. Einstein
7. There is always room for more happy little trees. Ross
8. Creativity takes Courage.
9. Art changes everything.
10. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
11. You were born to create art.
12. Art is never finished, only abandoned. Leonardo
13. Art is not paint. Art is love. P.H.
14. Follow your heART
15. There is nothing more artistic than to love people. Van Gogh
16. An artist is an explorer. Matisse
17. Free day! Res. Relax. Create as you desire!
18. Sometimes all you need is a little splash of color.
19. Mess-terpieces are also works of Art.
20. Art is what you make others see. Degas
21. It is never too late to be creative.
22. Make time for art.
23. Every child is an artist! Picasso
24. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
25. Think outside the box!
26. Do something creative every day!
27. Every artist was once an amateur. Emerson.
28. YOU are CREATIVE!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
amazon.com/author/carollanefleming
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Hidden In Your heART

Hidden in Your heART was written for creative individuals and for those who believe they do not have any creative abilities. Every individual is a creative being. My task, through Hidden in Your heART is to assist you in the discovery of your creative voice.

You will find the encouragement needed to take the steps and activate your creative abilities. You will be challenged to explore, experiment, exhausting every possibility as you embrace and thrive living a creative life. Daily prompts and artistic challenges will assist you in your journey. Who benefits from your creative life? We all do! Every segment of the global population exists and is driven by creativity and by leaders willing to think “out of the box” beyond the status quo. Would you like to know a secret? Being creative is not the same as being an artist or even artistic. Creative individuals allow their self the freedom to explore all options, to experiment, to ask questions, to try new things that may not work. Becoming artistic or being recognized as an artist is often a benefit of being creative. Just as becoming a leading scientist, an expert in a medical field, a concert musician, a ballerina, an architect or engineer each of these leaders were willing to explore creative avenues. Creativity takes courage. Be bold. Be courageous! Experience has taught many to hide their creative thoughts, skills and talents. However, this need not be the case. Each individual has a unique creative voice, a set of creative solutions which they are destined to release. Hidden in Your heART was written to assist you in further developing your creative voice as you overcome any negative thoughts or past experiences. Creativity is not bound by the confines of an art room or studio. Creativity is the driving force behind every question, exploration, discovery or trial and error. Creative individuals are present within every segment of society. You are creative!

One of the methods I find most useful when assisting others in releasing their creative voice is by using the art of Doodling. Doodles are not 'threatening" as a form of art and allow many possibilities when developing and discovering creative skills and talents. Hundreds of creative prompts have been provided within the pages of Hidden in Your heART.

This book as well as others I have published are available on Amazon to purchase.

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Do you have January-itus too?

I'm currently pinching myself! Quite possibly I have found my groove for writing or at least until the weather turns warmer and Spring returns to my garden. The first light of day and the following 2 - 3 hours are delightful in the garden. There are days, I wander out bare foot, in anticipation of the sunrise, to enjoy the increasing light and listen to the morning. But not in January.

It's not a true cabin fever, more like January-itus. Waiting on snow, the emergence of snowmen through out the neighborhood, lazily reading by the fire and savoring snow days.
January-itus is a time for mapping and planning vacations, spring plantings, exploring local galleries or museums, baking, reading seed catalogs, sewing, painting basically anything to create a distraction as I wait for the first icy crystal snowflake to fall in January.

Today I will continue to write, the book is coming along nicely. I will paint, well maybe not, as it is a painting of a snowy winter street scene. Possibly I shall quilt, I need a new Spring Picnic Quilt, dreaming of warm sunny days is certainly a distraction from snow. Disclaimer, there is no snow in our forecast for today, however, this weekend we may have Snow! I'm just hoping for long walks in a snowy winter wonderland. Maybe, I should Doodle snowflakes.

How do you anticipate the arrival of snow?
Do you gather Art Supplies, Books, Movies, mountains of Snacks and Comfort food?
Are you constantly checking the weather on you phone or social media contacts?




https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

January FREE Check List: Doodle Prompts

JANUARY CHECK LIST     DOODLE PROMPTS

1. Embrace YOUR Creative Voice in 2019!
2. What is your very first Creative Adventure tat you can remember?
3. Doodle the same image 4 times, using a different art supply each time.
4. Who was your first Art Teacher?
5. Explore an area of your hometown, take pictures! Then Doodle.
6. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
7. Doodle with your eyes closed or not looking at your paper.
8. Using your favorite number as a reference, create a pattern.
9. What have you always wanted to create but were afraid to try?
10. Create an imaginary animal.
11. Play with your food! Create decorative edible garnishes!
12. Visit a local Art Gallery or Museum.
13. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
14. Without searching how many types of Art can you list?
15. Snowflakes are the theme, ready, get set SNOW!
16. What was your favorite art project in school?
17. How many pieces of art do you own? How many did you make?
18. Design an abstract pop up to go inside your art journal.
19. Try out a New Art Supply.
20. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
21. Bake cookies and decorate them. A sweet creative adventure.
22. Doodle and fill your journal page with stick people.
23. Once upon a time there was _____________________.
24. How many ways can you create your name in 3 minutes?
25. Doodle, using only your favorite color, can use various shades.
26. Design greeting cards using idioms.
27. Free Day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
28. Research a famous artist. Be inspired by their work. Doodle.
29. How many different items can you create with a paper clip?
30. Illustrate/Design a new cover for your favorite book.
31. Create a collage illustrating your art goals for 2019.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Ready? Set. Go!

Ready or not 2019 is here! May your year overflow with wild adventures and creative explorations! May your hidden skills and talents spring forth as you embrace your Creative Voice. Remember, creativity is not confined to the titles of Art or Artist.

2019 shall be filled with goals, plans and dreams to be accomplished. Opportunities, adventures and the unexpected delights hidden within each day. The arrival of the New Year is an exciting time anticipating the possibility of the unknown. I'm probably one of the few individuals who can say, I do not make or declare a New Year's Resolution, instead I look forward to embracing each new day with as much creativity as possible. Some days there will be paint, others a shovel and tons of dirt, possibly fabric, pens and pencils, baking or developing new Gluten Free recipes and yes, at some point daily I will be at the keyboard writing, working on a new book to be released later this year.

I am beginning 2019 with a large blank canvas on my easel which is waiting patiently in the studio. A new art journal and a set of pens for my Doodles and Sketches. As I tie up a few loose ends remaining from 2018 I am looking forward to 2019 and the grand adventures to come!

Happy New Year! May 2019 be your BEST year yet!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

Published, Three Books in Print and Two EBooks

Writing books has always been on my Someday List, my One Day List, my When I Have More Time List, not anymore. As of December 2018 I am now a published author.

Writing like any other calling, dream or desire requires time and effort. There were days when the writing didn't flow and other days when I sat and wrote for well over 12 hours. The creative process is mysterious as it ebbs and flows carrying inspiration. Most days are productive but there are days when the flow ceases and it is those days I switch gears and clean house, run errands, and tend to neglected chores. You would be surprised how quickly these activities can motivate the creative flow!

The books:
1. Art in the Kitchen
    A Starving Artist's Survival Guide
    A Gluten Free & Time-Saver Cook Book

    Paperback and Ebook

2. Hidden in Your heART

    Paperback and Ebook

3. #HiddeninYourheART
    The Companion Art Journal

     PaperbackThey are written! They are published! They are now available to the public on Amazon!

amazon.com/author/carollanefleming


I will share more about the books in January.
Merry Christmas!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

So Close!

So close! We almost had a Christmas Snow! Snow flurries fell late yesterday afternoon. Yes, like so many children I am dreaming of a Snowy Christmas. There are rumors coming forth from the local weather stations we may have another chance at snow, time will tell.

Today, I am busy designing the book covers for the books soon to be published later this month. Long hours of writing, proofing and editing yet, these hours have been inspiring. Notes have been written, ideas recorded for future books and articles. But for now, I must change hats and get busy on the covers!

Let it snow. Let It Snow. Let It SNOW! Still dreaming of a snowy Christmas, maybe this year there will be Snow.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Famous Last Words

I think it needs just a little more paint, these were the famous last words spoken before yesterday's mess-terpiece happened. I was alone in the studio preparing supplies for a session of Acrylic Pouring which sounds innocent enough, when suddenly out of the blue there was a flash of fur and the angry growls of 2 house cats fighting on the work table.  Somehow between the tumbles and growls, scratching and snarls there were uncontrolled paint spills. Paint went flying, I'm sure I will be finding splatters in unusual places for some time. Paint on my face, in my hair, some on canvases, and yes, the cats too were splattered in paint. Paw tracks across the table, on the floor it was a real big mess. Some days just do not go as planned yet, in the end, the results are similar. I had hoped to have a session of Acrylic Pouring yesterday, truthfully, I did! Just not in the manner or using the methods I had planned. All was not lost, I was able to use the mess to my advantage creating prints of the spills.

Creativity happens occasionally it is messy!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Curiosity and the Cat

Are you a curious individual? Do you ask a lot of questions? Do you actively seek the answers to the silence your curiosity? Humanity could learn by observing cats and their methods of exploring and satisfying their curiosity. Cats can be sly and sneaky, bold and courageous, they are persistent in their quest using many available tactics and even creating methods of discovery when the need arises.

Yes, there are times when satisfying one's curiosity may lead to disaster. As in the case of one curious cat and a bullfrog. Grizzly the Cat was an explorer and great detective and a very curios cat, he had to investigate every thing that somehow caught his attention. On this particular day he had been out in the yard with us when suddenly he bolted towards the spring only to freeze motionless like a statue. It seemed like an eternity frozen in time before he made is unfortunate pounce. Grizzly was quite curious concerning the activities of a giant bullfrog in the spring. You guessed it, when he finally decided to take action he sprang and landed in the water, right where the bullfrog had been. Grizzly swam to the edge, crawled out and promptly returned to the house soaking wet.

And then there are times when satisfying one's curiosity can lead to purring satisfaction. As in the case of one curious cat and a pile of fabric. Sarah Jane has all of the characteristics of a spy. She is observant, quiet, moves about unnoticed, clever and innovative throughout her day and persistent in the pursuit of satisfying her curiosity. Often is the case each time new fabric arrives at the house, she will investigate the packages with a thorough sniff, a taste, a poke and then she quietly follows the fabric to the next destination for the final testing. Sarah Jane knows from her past encounters all fabric is not created equal, some fabrics must be napped upon to determine the quality. She slinks, she waits until no one is looking, and then she proceeds with the final test. Climbing, jumping, crawling or even pouncing to land in the center of the pile of new fabrics for napping. Like I mentioned earlier, not all fabric is created equal in her eyes, there are fabrics she will avoid, others are good for a pounce, her favorites result in long lazy naps.

How curious are you? Do you find the need to uncover all the information down to the smallest detail or are you satisfied with the big picture or possibly a combination of facts can satisfy your curiosity? Are your curious thoughts led by your imagination and solved through your minds eye or do you actively engage in the pursuit of solving the questions, riddles and puzzles of curiosity?

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Progress Requires Activity

Remember January? When I decided to attempt to set aside a time and place to write each day. A dedication, a commitment to be purposeful and decisive about my writing...Well, this is an update. I am writing daily so that in itself is a plus, however, I am not writing at the same time daily or even in the same place. Making progress, I'm not sure. There are stacks and stacks of drafts, outlines and notes, there are piles of crumpled paper scattered on the floor all are evidence of writing is taking place. There have been days when it feels as of all I have accomplished are hard stares at the blank computer screen. There have been days when two words are all that are recorded as I quickly run to the studio to paint.

Creativity is a wild and untamed beast. Relentless in the drive to flow easily avoiding containment to time or schedule. The drive to write is strong and ever present just as the drive to paint, quilt, garden or develop new Gluten Free recipes. I've not discovered the best time or place to write but I shall pursue the challenge after all it is only March and I have 9 months left to develop a schedule that works best.

One step at a time is still progress!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2018 Carol Lane Fleming

Dusty Boxes and Hidden Treasure

Yesterday I spent the day in the attic among the storage boxes surrounded by memories. A day of reflection and the discovery of hidden treasures. Confession, I was distracted from my original purpose of cleaning thanks to a collection of dusty boxes in the corner. Please tell me I am not the only one who when cleaning or other chores ends up down a 'rabbit trail'.

Most of the contents within the boxes had been discarded and forgotten over the years. Notes, letters, outlines, manuscripts, crumpled bits of paper, smudged, stained with fading ink. Dreams shelved or rather boxed for the future. Ideas, thoughts, events, stories recorded by hand only to rest covered in dust in the attic. The dust has been removed and the contents are currently being sorted. So now what?

There's a stirring, a calling, a rush of memories. Someday has captured my attention Today.

I am certain you have a Someday list too, as in, "Someday I will ___________ ".  Head to your attic, your thoughts, your wildest dreams and revisit the items on your Someday list. You may be surprised to learn your Someday is now Today!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

Fall is in the Air

The changing of the seasons always brings a rush of creativity in my studio. No matter the season, once the shift begins seemingly out of no where inspiration comes rushing in like a flood. I was prepared for Fall or so I thought. I had cleaned, scrubbed, tossed items that I no longer needed, a deep Spring Cleaning in preparation for Fall, the studio was ready! Boy was I surprised when my seasonal inspiration hit and it wasn't with paint or canvas. It wasn't with fabric and thread. It wasn't in the kitchen creating new Gluten Free recipes.

There I was gathering fresh Apples in the orchard when it hit! Inspired by the shadows dancing in the leaves, by the Goldenrod waving in the wind. I wasn't expecting to be inspired in the garden this Fall, usually late winter or early spring is when I plot and plan new creative adventures for the garden.

This Fall, I will be creating new flowerbeds, planting bulbs, flowering shrubs and some trees. Placing bird feeders and new birdbaths along the trails so that in winter I will be able to enjoy the flight of color in a cold barren winter garden. Checking my supply list and soon headed out to the Garden Center. I will be the one digging and transplanting, adding bulbs enjoying the lingering days of Fall. Bonfires, football and all things pumpkin. Happy Fall Y'all!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

The Return of Football

By now many school districts have been in session, the daily school routines set in place and the journey into the Academic year is underway. Labor Day has marked the end of summer and the time has come to turn or attention to all things Fall. Quickly list your Fall traditions, the moments you cherish and celebrations you look forward to each year.

My Fall list in random order: tracking hurricanes, Columbus Day, back to school, candy apples, pumpkins, Pilgrims, raking leaves, goldenrod, cooler temperatures, bonfires, planting a fall garden, scarecrows, family reunions, fishing trips, Veteran's Day, reading late into the night, World Series, the first frost, woolly worms, migrating birds, homecoming parades, Thanksgiving, bulky sweaters, hearty stews and bowls of soup. And then there is Football.

Friday night community gatherings to cheer on the local high school teams! Saturday game days between college rivals. Cheers and tears shared between players and fans. Tailgating, team colors,  touchdowns, the makings of memories. Football.

What are your team's colors?

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© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

The Flight of the Bumble Bee

The bees are busy buzzing this morning out in my garden. Which has reminded me of several creepy crawly bug stories. Insects, bugs, butterflies and bees have held my fascination since I was a young child. Their colors, the patterns, the variety I find inspiring. The Bumble Bee has been one of my favorites since elementary school days. When at recess and before school several of us we capture Bumble Bees with our bare hands and bring them into our class room as 'desk pets'! Pretty sure our teacher was traumatized by the buzzing and the large number of flying Bumble Bees in her classroom. I remember the day well when she must have reached her threshold, notes went home that day. "If your child continues to capture Bumble Bees your child must have a container to keep the insects secured. Thank you." You would be surprised at how many "bug cages" appeared on desks the following morning! Every one of the bug catchers had one. In hind sight, probably not what the teacher was expecting, she was most likely hoping for no more bees in her classroom.

And then years later, came the spiders. As an art teacher in a Title One school I provided "bug cages" for my students. However, the students had a fascination with spiders, all kinds but I drew the line at Black Widows or Brown Recluse as these were not allowed. The students would bring in live insects for the spiders to eat each morning. You can only imagine the squeals of delight when they were able to witness the spider capturing their next meal. Or the terrified screams of other adults when they saw the spiders in the Art Room. But oh the beautiful works of art created by the students! They studied, they observed and captured the essence of the spiders in glorious colors, surrounded by patterns, natural designs birthed from their imaginations.

However, the "world's largest" Praying Mantis just might be the best bug story ever but I will have to save that story for later as there is not enough room for the hysterical moments.

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#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

Do you dream in color or black and white?

Are you a dreamer? Do you remember your dreams? Do you record your dreams or ever try to discover what they mean? Dreams can be vivid or partially hidden by distractions or what seems like fog. Dreams can be pleasant, joyful, fleeting or possibly even a nightmare or warnings. I find dreams to be intriguing glimpses into another world, filled with inspiration to be pursued during the waking hours of day.

Do you dream in color or black and white? Do you remember the conversations, the sounds or smells within your dreams? Do you have a dream or series of dreams which are similar or repeated frequently?

Dreams are a great source of inspiration for creative adventures, especially when you may be experiencing 'writer's block". Keep a notepad and pencil on your night stand to record your dreams as you remember them. This is a great resource of original images and ideas.

Sweet dreams!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

Puddle Jumping

April showers bring mud puddles, rainbows and May flowers! I love Spring rain showers.
The low rumbles of thunder, the flashes of lightening and the rush of wild wind as the storms race across the country side. I love the sound of the Spring Creepers chirp celebrating the arrival of rain and the emergence of the box turtles when the rain is gone.

I enjoy watching the water collect into puddles and waiting for the arrival of the birds. Rushing to be the first to splash and bathe in the Spring rains as if in celebration that winter is over and warm sunny days are just around the corner. However, more than anything else, is the excitement of jumping and splashing in the first mud puddles of Spring. Mud splattered and soaking wet surrounded by cheers and joyful laughter. Spring has finally come to my garden.

Soon, many hours of my days will be spent painting En Plein Air, between the flowerbeds or resting in the shade of the apple trees, as an excuse to avoid weeding or mowing. Spring! I'm so looking forward to feeling the mud squishing between my toes.

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

A Creative Life

Do you have visions of creative individuals walking around covered in paint? There truly is more to a Creative Life than the appearance of art supplies. Briefly, a Creative Life is filled with adventures, explorations and the journey into the unknown. Are you Creative?

How do you know or identify if someone is Creative? Are there visible signs of Creativity?

Take a closer look at Creativity. Creativity is the ability to think "Out of the Box", to be willing to explore options and opportunities even if they might not work. Creativity is taking an idea expanding on what is before you and exploring the unknown while asking "What If". Most often, Creativity is birthed from daydreams or inspired by the works or needs of others. Creative individuals are problem solvers, innovators, and sometimes artists.

Ask the "What If" questions, think "Out of the Box" explore all of the possibilities.
March forward into 2017 curious, and exploring your wildest dreams. You are Creative!

https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming