Writing and finding my voice

Sharing the Journey, (study/work in progress), 7x10, watercolor, ink and wax crayon- © Antonia Ruppert

I wrote everyday in the month of October. Several pages longhand. 

Why? My business coach, Jane, suggested I explore another avenue of creativity. I decided on writing because I have always kept a journal and wrote songs or poetry.

So when artist and writer Cynthia Morris of originalimpulse.com shared in her newsletter about her online writing course Free Write Fling, I thought it was perfect timing. 

Though I started writing because of the class, I came to truly enjoy it because it became a space where the real world could not reach me. It became a place of truth.

Moreover, I learned that one has to commit to writing as with any endeavor.

I had to move heaven and earth to make my writing a priority. Sometimes I wrote in strange places like at the laundromat.

What were the results?

Clarity. Stronger and deeper voice. Connecting with myself. I found myself writing and speaking truth in everyday situations. Telling people things they may or may not have wanted to hear. 

So here I am in Golden, Colorado at a  conference for artists (Art Biz Breakthrough 2015 led by Alyson Stanfield).

I made it to Colorado this week despite what looked like insurmountable challenges. At one point in October while writing, I emphatically wrote that "I would go." The intention and determination swelled up in me.  After much prayer, the way was made clear shortly after that.

Visual art...and writing. A powerful combination which I'm no longer afraid to own.

Portable Space | Art Everyday Month

Portable "office"

Have you ever missed an old friend? Today, I felt the ache for color. 

Surrounded by fall colors everywhere in Golden, Colorado--today, I needed to connect these sights with paint. 

Solution? Watercolor paint, a paper cup supplied by the hotel for water and wax and water soluble crayons. Simple tools to fill my need for color.

Color was everywhere. Here is what I saw today. 

Are we feeling welcomed yet?

This is right outside of the Golden Hotel.

Don't you just love these colors? 

Outside of Table Mountain Inn

Study of a street in downtown Golden, Watercolor and Ink on paper, 7x10

What colors might You use to paint beautiful fall colors? Have you ever had to be mobile or portable with your setup?  

I invite you to share with me.

Here in Colorado | Art Every Day Month

"Sketch from airplane" 

Environment is everything. So says me--the Chicagoan who is visiting Colorado this week.

I noticed the land from the airplane since I was blessed to get the window seat I wanted. The sketches I did today were my attempts to describe what I was seeing from the plane.

If you are following along from my previous post, I have committed to creating daily this November. 

Here is another sketch from today. 

"Sketch from airplane II"

Yes, environment is everything.

Art Every Day Month

Art everyday means a commitment to listening-- every day. This is what I heard today.

One People
7x10
Ink on Paper
©Antonia Ruppert

"Mount Shasta progress"
©Antonia Ruppert

Colorado + Art Every Day Month 2015

Packing for Colorado

Before church started, I saw a post from my friend Elaine about Art Every Day Month 2015.  I decided to jump in and agree to being creative in some way daily.  That should be easy since I am on my way to Colorado this week for Art Biz Breakthrough and there will be loads of new people and places to see.

I've already committed to creating new Colorado paintings upon my return home.  My pre-sale of those paintings ends on November 10th.  See more about those here.

Also, in the works is a commission of Mount Shasta in California.  So there will be lots to see here on the blog creative wise.  I may even post a song or two. Who knows what November will hold creatively?

For now, here are my doodles for today...

Candy Dish ©Antonia Ruppert

Doodle to the Message ©Antonia Ruppert

This last doodle was done while listening to the message in church today. As Pastor Henry was preaching, I captured some of what he was saying in words and images. 

Doodling has actually been shown to keep the mind engaged while in meetings.  Next time you're in church taking notes, doodle them visually. (Let me know how it turns out.)

If you want to jump on board the creativity bandwagon--there is still time. Check it all out here on the Creative Every Day blog.

What creative adventures await you this November?

Join me in Colorado?

Next month, when I arrive in Colorado, I'll be bringing my artist eye, my sketchbook, camera and my own ray of sunshine.

When I visited northern Wisconsin earlier this year - I painted and picked up lots of greens and blues along the way.

Something tells me that with the change in locale, I will be especially inspired. Hence, I am planning a series of landscapes based on sights I see while there.

You can join in on the adventure!

Welcome to Colorado - seen through my eyes!

Here is how it works - from October 27th - November 10th:

1. Select two colors that I will feature in your original 11x14 painting.
2. Purchase your painting on my website.
3. At checkout, let me know the two colors that you selected (If you miss this step, simply email me your selection.
4. After the painting is completed, I will post it and ship it to you.

Congratulations on joining with me in Colorado! Stay tuned - as I will be blogging here about my Colorado adventure.

Have you been to Colorado? Do you have any travel tips? Where will your next adventure take you?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

20 Years and Counting!

"Saugatuck Revisited"
Oil
36x48
©Antonia Ruppert
2015

A few weeks ago, I went to the La Grange Art League in La Grange, IL so that I could submit my work to jury in. Their art jury committee was meeting to review art and select new artists eligible to show in their gallery space and other locations they manage.  At the gallery, I was asked how long I have been painting. I had to think...

20 years.

As I left the gallery, it dawned on me that it had been since before 1995 that I started painting. My baby was in diapers as I finished my final show for college.  Most people who know me well, know that it's been a labor of love for 20+ years. The paintings below are from 1993 and 1994. 

"Family Reunion"
Oil
24x30
©Antonia Ruppert
1993

"With the Gas Off"
Oil
24x38
©Antonia Ruppert
1994

After 20 years, I'm still attracted to color and story and pushing paint. I have met some beautiful young artists in the past few years including Camerina, Divya, Michael and Kayla H.. The tips below are for them and anyone else who desires a creative practice.

12 tips that help one stay with a creative practice:

1. Make room for it 
2. Be prepared to sacrifice 
3. Allow change to happen
4. Always be curious 
5. Expect growth
6. Prepare to see God in the mundane
7. Be prepared for yucky stuff to happen
8. Expect amazing things to happen 
9. Practice and play often
10. Be prepared to get lost
11. Be prepared for detours
12. Have a support system

Oooh one more - 

    13. No matter the outcome, be thankful for the opportunity to create.

Have you found other tips that have worked for you? Do share in the comments below.