I Used To Think

I used to think that defacing a book was a "crime".

Obviously I've gotten over that.

(Just don't tell the used book dealer down the street.)

All these pages are still "in progress"  . . . 

but wanted to share more from the class I'm taking with Misty Mawn.  

Gosh she's got an idea a minute - I can't keep up!  

Good thing there's no time limit - I've got a project list to keep me busy for weeks!

My "Art Saves" Story

So excited to have my "Art Saves" story featured on Jenny Doh's site cresendoh.com!

If you've never visited her site, it's filled with inspiration and beauty.

Jenny is a true champion of the arts, as well as an incredible artist herself.  

In the artist village of Santa Ana, Jenny has a great little studio which she often opens to the public.

I've had the privilege  to attend two workshops there

(with artists Pam Garrison and Katie Kendrick).

You'll find the story of my journey to becoming an artist here.

I hope you'll take a looksie!

The Language of Flowers

Last year, I painted lots of figurative paintings.

The year before, it was vessels.

So far this year, it's all about flowers!

 If I had to guess, it's because of the types of novels I've been enjoying lately.

This "floral bug" bit me while reading Elizabeth Gilbert's 

breathtaking "The Signature of All Things".

I didn't know the "age of botanical exploration" could be so adventurous - or so mystical!

After reading Gilbert's book, I felt so sad that it was over….

 I began seeking more books about flowers - 

a strange tangent, but I wholeheartedly believe in following your muse.

So, "The Language of Flowers" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was my next read.

Did you know that during the Victorian age, 

people gave flowers to communicate sentiments?

(We are talking more than giving red roses to express love here.)

In the back of Diffenbaugh's book, 

you'll find a dictionary of each flower's meaning - really cool!

"Floral obsessions" are showing up in my sketchbook and on the easel.

This baby is still in progress . . . but I thought I'd still share.

I'll leave you with Elizabeth Gilbert's "book trailer" 

for her beautiful book "The Signature of All Things".  

Enjoy!

Inside My Tiny Home Studio

In our back yard, I have a tiny room of my own.

It's a 10ft x 12ft Tuff Shed, but my husband improved it with an 

electrical outlet, drywall and a wooden floor.

It's a small space, but I pack a lot in!

(The rest of our home is clean lined, spare and contemporary.)

But here, I let fairy lights, artful clutter and a mish mash of furnishings have their way.

I couldn't do without shelves crammed with art supplies 

or a hanging shelf full of mementos.

Oh and the fashion photos propped on the shelf? 

They're my "models" for sketching.

(I adore bohemian fashion pix from Johnny Was, Anthropologie and Free People.)

Step on in. 

To the right is a giant vase of rolled canvas and paper projects.

Along the wall waits a rolling rack of works on paper and canvas.

My art journaling desk is covered with brown paper to catch paint - 

it'll soon become collage fodder.

To the left, I've managed to fit an easel and a rack - now lined with journals and sketchbooks.

I have an "inspiration wall" for pinning things I love.

 My desk holds books and mags that inspire, my writing journal 

and 3 art journals in current rotation.

I keep a "gratitude jar" beside the books on my desk.

Inside are tiny rolled up notes of beautiful things 

that have happened since the first of the year.  

(It's getting full already!!)

 Scented candles and orchids are mandatory.

Mandalas come and go . . .

I made this portfolio for Misty Mawn's on line class, Full Circle.

Coolest idea ever me thinks.

The cover was inspired by a photo I'd pinned to my inspiration wall weeks ago.

See how things manifest?

(I'm hoping the Flora Bowley card I pinned there 

will result in being able to attend an art retreat with her soon . . . they sell out so fast!

Crossing fingers.)

The Elements (A Video)

This is a 2 minute "photo-meditation" video I did for you! 

Enjoy!

The Elements

from Tracie Hanson on Vimeo.

Pages From My Daybook - (A Video)

I made a video just for you!

It's 6 minutes long and in it, I've gathered (some of) my art journal pages.

I'm pretty dang shy about spilling my guts on line, 

so at times I've shared only backgrounds photographed just 

before the "juicy journaling" bit.

Others times I've edited to show pieces of the page.

But sometimes I just let it rip….uh oh what have I done!?!

Whatever!

Enjoy.

Pages From My Daybook

from Tracie Hanson on Vimeo.

Yes, There Was Snow!

Months ago, my husband schemed to take us to NYC in December.

DECEMBER!

Woof….that's hard for a Southern California girl like me.

I mean I actually had to BUY a coat!

And yes, there was snow!

Well, one day it snowed…..the other days were the clearest crystal blue skies ever.

And when the skies are this clear, I'm absolutely sure it's even colder!

THIS is what I look like when I freeze.

Yes, I smirk.

But a quick dash inside a building every few blocks kept me warm.

(Invited and intentional graffiti actually warms me up.)

It's really lovely to look at the snow (from inside).

Inside - where the people are warm and friendly.

Inside - where a warm hotel room and a mug of hot tea awaits.

(BTW always choose to stay on "crazy 8" floor when you are able.  

I've been doing so since my college dorm days and it works out real nice.)

New York is filled with iconic restaurants!

I believe the BEST is Patsy's - where they held a table for Frank Sinatra daily.

Yes, we were seated in THAT table!

 And NYC has many an iconic bar!

Like Harry's.

Or Lillie's.

 But I didn't know that the very best Christmas shopping would found at 

Grand Central Station.

We stumbled upon the most ah-mazing curated art show!

LOTS of jewelry and gifts and home accessories and art!

I do like art-full surprises.

Of course, New York has MANY an iconic space to be explored.

And handsome men man to be hugged.

There's MAJOR art to be adored . . . 

Up close and personal!

So close one could actually touch these masterpieces, but of course I'd never ever do that!

Happy Holidays Y'all!

Hope your's are warm and bright.