Paulette Insall ~ mixed media artist & mom

Illustration Friday - Soar

"Sing"

You must sing your song for all to hear...sing it loudly...sing it proudly...let it give you wings to soar.

Many of us spend our lives searching for our voice...whether it be our voice as an artist or just our own individual inner voice...and once we find it, it can bring us much joy and peace. Do not let anyone keep you from expressing it...for in letting them silence it, you let them keep you from being your true self.

I've posted this painting before, but when I saw the topic for this week's Illustration Friday I knew that it would fit the theme perfectly. Hope you're all having a wonderful Friday! I'm busy trying to get things back in some semblance of order around here....a huge feat since we really don't have room for all the new toys Aiden got for Christmas this year from us, Santa, and the grandparents...plus I'm still cleaning the kitchen from Christmas dinner. Amazing what a huge mess can be created even when you get a pre-cooked meal from the grocery store! LOL! More later... xo

Spreading a little Christmas cheer...video post

Things are super busy around here making preparations for Christmas. It's why I've been so scarce lately. Of course it's left pretty much no time for art, so nothing new to share, but hopefully will have a little time later this week. In the meantime, here's a little Christmas cheer from Aiden...

Link: YouTube - Spreading a little Christmas cheer....

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Aiden's preschool Christmas program was today. They were all so very
adorable!!! You can barely see Aiden in this pic. He's the shortest in
his class and they put him in the middle of the back row. One of his
teachers tried to get him to stand on something, but he would have
nothing of it. *hee, hee*

The aftermath of a deadline

Lunch on the run

New Video - Progress Of A Painting - Finishing Touches - Episode 4

Link: YouTube - Progress Of A Painting - Finishing Touches - Episode 4.

I can't believe it's only been just over a year since I started painting! And something I've been meaning to do for quite some time now is send out some gratitude to all those who have helped me on my artistic journey, through teaching and/or advice :: Misty Mawn -- without your amazing class, generosity, and encouragement, I wouldn't be creating the way I am today, listening to and creating from my heart no matter what others might say :: Serena Barton -- your coaching and instruction have had the hugest impact on me, you helped me discover my fears, face them, and make them push me forward instead of hindering me :: Judy Wise -- for your encouragement and advice. Some others who I can't forget to mention....Anahata Katkin, Traci Bautista, Katie Kendrick, and Juliana Coles...others whose teachings have helped me to find my way. There are countless others whose articles and books I've read over the many,many years I've been obsessed with mixed media art....too many to mention.....thank you ALL!!!

And most of all, thanks to God....for without him, none of this would have been possible. He brought all of these people into my life to help me find what was inside of me all along. I hope these videos help you in some small way...hopefully at least to bring a little light and joy into your day. :) Much love to all! xo

Studio Friday: The Random 7 studio facts/habits

Here's seven random studio facts/habits of mine (better late than never)...

1. I can't do anything until I've had at least two cups of coffee....so NOT a morning person. lol!

2. I work best with music playing and have been known to sing along while painting (people have caught me doing this back when I had the studio webcam running regularly).

3. Speaking of music, sometimes I will play one song over and over again....like 20-30 times in a row. I get obsessed with a certain song and I just want to hear it all the time. My hubby was home while I was working in the studio recently and I kept playing Feist's "1234" and it drove him nuts! :D

4. My favorite thing to paint on is chunky 1.5" thick fine textured canvas...and I will paint on three layers of gesso and sand between each coat to get the texture I want if need be....it's a sickness. *hee, hee*

5. I have been known to work on just the eyes of my girls for an hour or more....I keep at it until they start speaking to me and come to life.

6. I have lots and lots of brushes...of all shapes and sizes....and I can't seem to stop buying more! I think my brush collection may overtake my studio at some point! lol!

7. My favorite paints are Golden brand....both heavy body and fluid. Scrumptious stuff!!!

See more random studio facts/habits here.