when i completed this piece i struggled big time, fear over took me that i would never be able to do another portrait without my teacher standing right by me.  this piece, while it is taking longer, is my own personal proof that i can paint.  with no teacher standing over me, directing me through the process, i'm still making it. tap tap tapping the paint and her face begins to pop forward, fade back, curve around. when i get into the groove i feel a power beyond me take over and i instantly know what she needs to stand on her own.  still in process, but i wanted to share.

also, are you a fan yet? suggest the page to at least 10 other facebook friends and be entered in a drawing for $10 in my shop.

line upon line

grace upon grace

until it shines with a knowledge of it's destiny...

antique silver, ultramarine, alizarin.

circles of grimm brothers and coffee cups.

swirled, dumped, glued... sure to induce happiness.

some people just fit so perfectly with each other, seamlessly in fact.  that's this family's story.

after a long, tiresome day with my kidlets i drove 45 minutes and nestled in with my tribe for our monthly date. 

we ate soup and bread, pizza, apples and dip, muffins and more. 

we pulled out our art journals, armed with a slew of supplies, and we chanted our mantra:

it's ok to get messy. 

random art workshops is about gathering soul sisters close to you and creating a tribe right in your community. 

creating a safe place for women to make art and fill up their wells.

we meet once a month, rotating homes, going potluck on the food, and alternating as teachers of our own little techniques.

 it's about getting messy both on paper and canvas,

and letting the tender, vulnerable bits of your heart have a safe place to rest.

 and it never ceases to buoy me, allowing me to know that i'm not alone, giving me tremendous amounts of hope in myself and in humanity.

 it's about letting go of fear: rejection, loneliness, worthlessness.

 and jumping in whole heartedly.

if you can't think of anyone in your area who would want to do this with you, click over to our facebook page and connect with others,

we have groups organizing right now in utah, colorado, washington, arizona, massachusetts, and even alberta. 

you're only a few clicks or calls away from having one in YOUR neighborhood. 

tell your friends, open your hearts and your homes, get babysitters, take time off,

but gather together and make some freakin' fantastic art.

all pics taken by Amy Maher