Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts

Thursday, January 31, 2019

#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

Thursday, January 17, 2019

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

Monday, January 7, 2019

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

Thursday, May 3, 2018

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

Thursday, October 5, 2017

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

Thursday, May 4, 2017

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

Thursday, April 6, 2017

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

Thursday, March 2, 2017

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

Sunday, January 1, 2017

January 1, 2017

No more "What if's". No more "Wait 'til later". No more "Boxes".
2017 is Officially the year of "Wildest Dreams and Great Expectations"!
A Renaissance ~ Rebirth 
An embracing of Your life's destiny and calling.

2017 is the year to Escape the confines of "the Box".
I will be here every step of the way, cheering You on.
Asking questions, Sharing options, and Assisting your climb and break out of ~ "the Box".
2017 A Renaissance ~ Rebirth
An embracing of Your life's destiny and calling.
You are a Creative Individual!
You are Called to Live a Creative Life!
Ready?
Set?
st~ART!
What Box? Living a Creative Life
I am here for You!
Carol
#freedfromboxes
https://whatboxacreativelife.blogspot.com/
#HiddenInYourheART
© 2017 Carol Lane Fleming

Thursday, November 10, 2016

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

Monday, November 7, 2016

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