Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Networking with Artist Blogs for Friendship and Inspiration

Robin Olsen surprised me with a Liebster blog award. Her blog, Rough Around the Edges, always inspires me with her fresh, creative ideas with fibers and the new directions her artwork takes in her painting, journals and travels. I really appreciate her passing this award onto me. Thank you, Robin.

The award is meant to showcase bloggers who have fewer than 200 followers. It originated in Germany and means "favorite" or "dearest." The rules are you must mention and link to the person who gave you the award and mention five other blogs that you think are worthy of the Leibster.

Dayna Collins- Her blog, Alley Art Studio - Be Bold, showcases her artful journey through her paintings, curious elements, travels, workshops and antique/junk hunting. I'm always amazed at her artistic energy.

Jo Reimer- Her blog, One a Day, offers examples of her daily art making and experimentation with her painted/paper collages, photographs, journals and paintings.

Liesel Lund- Her Blog, Adventure in Pretty, highlights her art interests in watercolor and mixed media painting, art journaling, jewelry and photography.

Lorrie Haymaker- Her blog, Lily Lovekin Tails, shares her life journey with its ups and downs, bits of wisdom, insights into daily living, poetry and wonderful photographs.

Penelope Harris- Her blog, Radiant Crust, tells wonderful stories about her artwork, art exchanges and other esoteric topics that enter her very inventive mind.

Blogging allows me to make and network with artist friends all over the country. Even though we live miles apart, I feel close to each one. Their friendship and inspiration stoke my creative fires.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Thankful for my Art Groups

Readers of my blog know how important my art groups are to my life. I feel fortunate to belong to several- Portland Art Collective, Portland Artist Group, Gussies art journaling retreat group, a weekly sketch group and a group that explores new art techniques together.

It's great to have so many like minded art friends. I learn something new from each member. They keep me inspired, encouraged to try new media and focused to create on a regular basis. Each friendship is a blessing.
The January/February issue of Cloth, Paper, Scissors has an article entitled "Strength in Numbers- or how to start your own art group" written by Tory Brokenshire and Robin Olsen.

If you're not already in a local art group, I encourage you to start one for 2012.