December FREE Check List Artist's Birthdays

Demember FREE Check List             Artist’s Birthdays
1. Maya Lin   October 5
2. Eric Carle   June 25
3. Frederic Remington   October 4
4. Grandma Moses   September 7
5. Vincent Van Gogh   March 30
6. Fancisco de Goya   March 30
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Wayne Thiebaud   November 15
9. Janet Fish   May 18
10. Claude Monet   November 14
11. Rembrandt   July 15
12. Michelangelo   March 6
13. Jim Dine   June 16
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Dale Chihuly   September 20
16. Mary Cassatt   May 23
17. Akiane Kramarik   July 9
18. Henri Matisse   December 31
19. Rosa Boneur   March 16
20. Grant Wood   February 13
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Salvador Dali   May 11
23. Piet Mondrian   March 7
24. Albrect Durer   May 21
25. Beatrix Potter   July 28
26. Benjamin West   October 10
27. Leonardo da Vinci   April 15
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Paul Cezanne   January 19
30. Winslow Homer   February 24
31. Louise Nevelson   September 23

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© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

November FREE Check List Art Careers

November FREE Check List                        Art Careers

1. Graphic Designer
2. Architect
3. Typographer
4. Set/Stage Designer
5. Toy Developer
6. Art Therapist
7. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
8. Floral Designer
9. Interior Decorator
10. Special Effects Designer
11. Animator
12. Museum Curator
13. Potter
14. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
15. Sculptor
16. Product Designer
17. Painter
18. Landscape Architect
19. Photographer
20. Illustrator
21. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
22. Printmaker
23. Game Designer
24. Advertising Director
25. Fashion Design
26. Cake Decorator
27. Media Communications
28. Free day! Rest. Relax. Create as you desire!
29. Jeweler
30. Art Dealer / Art Conservation

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© 2019 Carol Lane Fleming

#HiddeninYourheART The Companion Art Journal

                            #HiddeninYourheART The Compantion Art Journal

Consider this book as your travelling Art Studio, a dedicated space to record your creative thoughts. Ready at any moment during your day, easily tucked within your purse or tote, no longer will you need to rely on tattered pieces of scrap paper to record your thoughts or Doodles.

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. #HiddeninYourheART The Companion Art Journal is designed for use by those seeking a dedicated space to record your inspiration and thoughts as you journey through Hidden in Your heART. Small and portable to carry with you an a daily basis, when time spent in your studio is limited. Remember your creativity is not bound by the confines of an art room or studio. Your creativity is the driving force behind every question, exploration, discovery or trial and error preent within every segment of your life. You are creative! You are an Artist!

The formatting is simple. The prompts are provided in order of presentation found wiithin Hidden in Your heART. One prompt per page, which allows creative space available as you are led by your inspiration and available prompts to Doodle, draw, sketch, write notes, add photos...

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

A Lesson from a Squirrel on Winter Survival

                                The 3 S's : Squirrels, Snow and Supplies

This morning upon investigation I discovered a Squirrel in panic mode, rapidly gathering additional items for insulation for it's nest. The nest tucked high in an oak, swaying in the wind and honestly looking quite cold and unprepared for the approaching winter storm headed our way. The squirrels may soon be covered in snow. So how does this relate to your Creative Voice, Your Artistic Expression?

Take a closer look. The squirrels have been busy all summer and fall raiding my garden, consuming and hiding my apples and pears but very little effort has been spent reinforcing the nest. They have played and feasted for hours on end and have even napped on the back porch! And now today, they are searching for nesting materials. Very few choices are available this time of year, a few dried leaves here and there blowing in the wind. Snow and Ice are expected later this week.

Don't be like the squirrels. Be prepared for when your Inspiration Strikes. Maintain an adequate supply of Resources, Art Materials, Studio Space which is ready at a moments notice to be called for or secured for a sudden Creative Adventure. Consistently work towards your goals, honing your skills, strengthening your creative voice as you explore options and possibilities daily. If your time is limited, Doodle. If you are saving up for a large purchase of Art Supplies, Doodle. Doodling is an economical method of recording and exploring Creative Expression. Doodling can be 'controlled' in a small journal or notebook, or randomly released upon scraps of paper or fast-food packaging.

You are Creative. You are Artistic. Be prepared to release your next masterpiece and avoid being like a squirrel! Are you prepared for Cold Winter Days, are you prepared for Snow and Ice? Do you have your Art Supplies ready and waiting for 'action'?


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

Still Writing But NOT On Paper

Blame it on too much sweet tea or changing seasons or even possibly extra time on Pinterest. [Is there truly such a thing?] Sleepless nights make for happy hours spent in the "land" of inspiration. Actually, it all began with a leaky roof and an extensive restoration of water damage.

After completing the restoration of my sewing studio, fresh paint, carpet ripped out and new painted floors. It became obvious the carpet on the stairs had to go as well. The carpet was not compatible with the new look of the sewing studio. So research began in earnest for possible new looks and I finally decided on a combination of effects for the steps leading to the sewing studio. If anyone ever tells you it is easy to rip up and replace carpet...let's just say they may have left out a few details. It is a dirty time consuming task and carpet is heavy! Then comes the cleaning of the steps, the removal of splinters and carpet tacks, sanding, cleaning, priming, sanding, priming, painting multiple layers of paint, sanding....

Today the steps are finally ready for the next phase. The writing of the quotes! Upon each step will be written an encouraging quote to inspire creativity. If there ever was a doubt before to those who enter my home, it is now clearly obvious that at least 1 artist lives here.

Psssst. It's okay to write on the ceilings, walls and floor. Be bold. Be courageous. Embrace your Creative Voice. And don't worry, I am still writing and working on my book.

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

It's Official!

This will be short and sweet!
I've got to get back to the task at hand but I just had to share the news!

It's official! I have now started writing a book!! Yippie!
I completed the outline last night, and today, the actual writing began at sunrise.

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

Trying Something New

Welcome 2018! I love the arrival of the New Year. A  "free pass" to start over, to change directions and experiment with new possibilities, the opportunity to leave behind the past and to willingly embrace a new adventure is exciting. As one with a creative outlook or approach to life, I'm not opposed to trying something that might not work. Simple curiosity takes over and one thing leads to another often to discover hidden talents or skill sets.

However, in 2018 I am going to try something new and different. Something out of character and non-conventional for myself. I am going to try, to attempt, to possibly set aside a specific time to write. I wish you could hear the laughter filling the room as I type. As I know, trying to harness creativity is like trying to herd cats or catch downy feathers in a hurricane.
But the plan is to create a schedule of sorts dedicated to writing and then in December we all can either celebrate the accomplishment or have a great laugh at my attempts to harness the creative flow of writing.

Happy New Year! Be bold and courageous and try something new today!

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

Oh how quickly you have grown!

It has been a week since I have been able to play in the garden. What a surprise! Weeds have invaded along with the deer who left foot prints and nibbled plants scattered across the yard. Did I mention the weeds? They were not there last week. How do they take root and grow so quickly?

At first, I was a bit undone by the sight of the weeds towering over the vegetables and flowers in the garden. One week is all it took for the alien invasion to totally transform the appearance of the backyard. I stood, I stared, I may have grumbled and stared some more, I tried counting the varieties, more grumbling and then I remembered my camera, my paint and my canvas. After all, weeds come in different sizes, shapes and colors and some are even edible, right? Then the quote came to mind, the quote that always results in an attitude adjustment: "Weeds are Plants dealing with Unhappy People".

I quickly put on my happy face, only removing the weeds that were choking out my original plantings and left the others in their new home. Why? Well, I never want to be accused of being an unhappy grumpy person. And seriously, some of the blooms on the weeds are gorgeous! I spent most of the morning with camera in hand capturing the colors, the blossoms, the butterflies. Currently, the plan is to spend my afternoon in the garden painting, En Plein Air.

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

Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue

Yes, we are still celebrating the 4th of July! The twinkle of sparklers, the boom of the fireworks lit the night skies once again last night and we are anticipating yet more this evening. The 4th of July, the unofficial declaration of Summer!

In the past I've spent the 4th of July at the beach, in the mountains, at downtown community celebrations, however it is the neighborhood celebrations with family and friends where the most vivid memories live. Foot races, card games, swimming with watermelons, patriotic music blaring, red white and blue the color theme of the week, cook outs, gorging on hot dogs, homemade ice cream, chips and cupcakes. Late nights, laughter, gallons of lemonade and sweet tea, more food, more games and another night sky filled with explosions of twinkle, sparkle, glittering colors. Boom! Boom! BOOM!

God Bless America!
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© 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

Joining the American Renaissance!

Why "What Box? Living a Creative Life" and why now?

In the Beginning God Created. We as humans were created in His image, therefore, within each of us is the ability to create! We are innovative, creative, problem solvers by nature~ we can't help it, it is hard wired into our DNA. Psssssst. You are an Artist and Creative individual too!!!

Most would agree this planet we call home has a few problems. However, we all have deep within the ability when joined together to solve these issues. What has worked in the past might not work today, yet, many are afraid to try something different. Some say the world is in turmoil, these are dark and perilous times...riots, wars, unemployment, low wages, disease you shouldn't take risks, stay with the status quo, don't stir the waters. I disagree.

As a college instructor I see so many students without long range plans, without day dreams, without thoughts of the future beyond the next video game, the next lottery ticket, the next cup of coffee, the next party. Students with anxiety disorders, despondent, addictions, living in the world as presented to them by gaming, movies, media and they are void of original personal thoughts. My heart has broken seeing the great potential within yet it remains untouched.

I have for as long as I can remember been a sounding board, a listening ear, a voice of encouragement, a cheerleader, a 'mama bear' and fierce warrior defending each who enters in to my inner circle or crosses my path[sometimes, even total strangers in Walmart]...as well as...I am an artist, a writer, a dreamer, a creative soul, one who can't look at anything without seeing at least a dozen viable options. Combine that bundle of life above with my love of people and suddenly out pops what has been there all the time: I am a Passionate Artist,  a Consultant, Art Coach, Blogger, Teacher/Instructor helping others 'break out' and embrace their hidden creative abilities. I hear the sound of panic....take a deep breath and reread what I wrote.
Hidden creative abilities~ these can be artistic in nature but they don't have to be: Scientists are creative, Explorers are creative, Engineers are creative, Musicians are creative, Military Leaders are creative... this list goes on and on.

The American Renaissance! What is it? Americans coming together side by side, using their Creative abilities to solve the issues at hand here at home and globally. The Italian Renaissance famous for Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael [not the Ninja Turtles] began in Italy and circled the globe in time. Today, with social media at our fingertips, this American Renaissance will travel faster, create greater inspiration, will include many brilliant minds working together to restore, bind wounds, celebrate accomplishments while discovering new amazing solutions.

This is your invitation to join the American Renaissance!
Renaissance??? Wasn't that back in the Dark Ages, you might ask.
Simply put, Renaissance = ReBirth!
You are never to old to learn something new, to start a new career, to follow your dreams~ Are you breathing? Today is the day to let go of what has held you back.
I am here cheering you on each and every step of the way~ You've got this!!!


https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2016 Carol Lane Fleming

Out of the Box!

What Box? Living a Creative Life

Welcome! The journey is certain to be filled with excitement, adventure, joy and delight combined with an occasional mess, heartbreak or struggle. Embracing Creativity and escaping 'the box' takes Courage. 

Here at," What Box? Living a Creative Life", You will find Encouragement to take the steps and actions to embrace Your inner most desires. You will be challenged to Explore, Experiment, Exhausting every possibility as You Embrace and Thrive, Living a Creative Life.

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.

My story. I've held many titles in the past yet at each position my role has been best described by others as Creative, Artistic, Leader, Encourager, Nurturing. I thrive on asking questions, grasping the 'big' picture, problem solving with multiple solutions, embracing individuals while releasing them to their highest potential. I am an artist, a creative being constantly asking questions as I explore this life on planet earth.I was freed from boxes through a series of events...but this is not about me.

What Box? Living a Creative Life
I am here for You!

Carol

#freedfromboxes
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#HiddenInYourheART
© 2016Carol Lane Fleming