Birds … they love paint

Birds-...-2

There are actually six birds in this painting and three different paintings under it. I was inspired to recycle all paintings in my stack I no longer liked after taking the abstract painting class. I felt wild and actually thought I’d get them all done in a week. Four weeks later this crazy bird painting is finally done. The last painting session was in dim light. When I saw the result in the light of day, it made me giggle. A joyful mess of paint … for sure.

5 ft x 5 ft Finger + Palette Knife Oil Painting

5 ft x 5 ft Finger + Palette Knife Oil Painting

And it used to be this:

drawingyak

And then this:

The history of paint

The history of paint

The canvas is thick with paint and marks. It’s been a fun journey. Onward!

 

Creative Space Design #3 :: Setting up to sit down

CLICK ON THE IMAGE FOR PDF

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This is a short essay that offers some ideas for carving out your creative space. To clarify the vision, claim the space and give it some visual props. Enjoy. This is the last article of this series. But there will be a new series coming soon.

* This is part 3/3 essay series on “Designing Your Creative Space.”

Part 1: Conditions of Genius

Part 2: Self Knowledge to Decor

Part 3: Setting Up to Sit Down

 

Russian Bear with Attitude

Copyright. 2014. Niya Christine

Russian Bear. Fairy Tales Study.

I’m enjoying Carla Sonheim’s “Year of the Fairy Tale” study. This is the Russian bear from “The Frog Princess.” We are doing 3 spot illustrations this month. I think I broke the assignment with this full page scene. I’m learning how to add pastel to mixed media-collage and watercolor.

This is the scene when the Prince is seeking the needle in the egg that will bring his frog Princess back and meets the bear. The bear talks him out of killing him (in a “lighten up dude” sort of way) because the Prince will need the bear later. And he certainly does. I personally like his Harley Davidson heart with wings.

UPDATE: I am now selling original 2014 paintings as I paint them in the shop, here. The 2013 calendar of all paintings is available now as well!

Creative Space Design, Part 2 — Zorba & Buddha

ZORBA & BUDDHA: Self knowledge to Decor.

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This one will take you back to Greece with me, when… in a squabble with my boyfriend I accidentally ended up in a room with a very interesting woman who helped me learn something out about my true nature. This revolutionized my approach to designing a more truthful creative space. When you have that, well… it’s really difficult not to be on fire in every aspect of your life.

* This is part 2 of a 3 part essay series on “Designing Your Creative Space.”

Part 1: Conditions of Genius

Part 2: Self Knowledge to Decor

Part 3: It’s a surprise.

365 Story Paintings Deluxe Hardcover Book: LIVE on Kickstarter

The Deluxe Hardcover Book Funding Campaign

Kickstarter campaign to get the book into people’s homes and hands.

…..HELLO…..Exciting News!

Yesterday, I launched a Kickstarter campaign in production the past 3 weeks to raise funds for the deluxe hardcover book of the 365 paintings. This book was in the proposal cycle for a traditional publisher, however that cycle is long one and this book has momentum.

WHY KICKSTARTER?

The book was envisioned from the onset of painting daily in January 2013: 12 months, 12 different themes with strong narrative drive to make for an entertaining visual narrative. But when subscribers, followers and customers began coming to me asking for help… really craving to carve out creative productivity in their very busy lives—when they wanted to know my secrets, the structure and how I dealt with the challenges and organizational battles—that’s when the book of painting stories took on a life of it’s own and became a resource for life design.

People are craving a bit of reflection and self expression in their days. I realized I was their lab-rat and this fascinated me, so I began to pay more attention and take extensive notes.

Now I have a book in progress and I need funding to make it happen. It’s a lovely book. A deluxe edition coffee table art book, over 200 pages. A memoir and structure for readers who are making something special in their life, even if only to change up some habits to be a better friend or parent. The structures and principles I discovered and developed work for anything you want to do. Especially if it’s something that really matters to you that you never seem able to get to on a daily basis.

So please spread the word. Let’s get this book funded together. The rewards are big and fun. Check it out on Kickstarter. Whether you decide to pledge your support or not,  I do hope you will pass it onto people in your life you feel just might be. Networking makes this all pretty special. Thank you!!!  Creatively yours, Niya.

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