Creative Fairy Godmother

At times, writing about our paintings can be a struggle,  and how do we translate their messages for the initiate book? One of my periodic practices is calling council!  Like getting information from an individual lady, I set paintings around me, pour a cuppa, and invite their wisdom. I allow myself time, and am creative in my inquiries! Are there ladies in addition to the 5 from your quest you wish to include in your Council? Perhaps one painted with Shloh or another IC teacher, before you began Color of Woman? While you may not include their stories in your book, they are part of your story and journey! Note :  per a recent inquiry, Jena replied that many graduates share their poems and writings in their Mother tongue, if English is their second language; with just some captions and highlights in English for their Initiate book!  I called my first Council on Summer Solstice 2014, after finishing the second painting in Flora Aube's Art of Allowing online course, Sek...

 As we near completion of any project or quest, we may bog down at times, or see a Shiny Object - (I think we all have a bit of SOS - Shiny Object Syndrome!!) it may be the call of another class or training, wanting to redo an earlier painting, or just that life 'happens,' and we begin to vere off course ...  As recently mentioned in the group, now is a great time to purchase a copy, or download the pdf of the Color of Woman book, for present and future inspiration and tons of wonderful information and gems of wisdom! Blessing Flower This fear of  missing out , and an urge to chase the  Shiny Object  are part of a  Mindset  that can lead to distraction! What would it take to start, and  then  see if we need more information? Can we set a task aside for a wee bit as we gather info, or start on a simpler one? I love Jena's monthly posts outlining the basic 'to dos' which can really help us focus in! It may help to print or write out the a...

 One of the most important features of our painting is the expression in the eyes! And the way you paint eyes distinguishes your work - we each have our own special touch!  Our Art Doctors often give tips on how to bring in the light, and more expression, especially as we're competing a painting. You'll want to develop how you'll teach this in your own classes.  One of the teaching tools I created early on was painting a background, then a bunch of different eye shapes and angles on a small canvas board - maybe 10×16." Some are looking down, some forward, the pupils may gaze to the right or left; eyes may be more open, or mostly closed ...  I also demonstrate eye shapes on a big paper or whiteboard, inviting questions, and have them practice sketching eyes and other features on paper or in their journals, and develop ones they particularly like. Here is a lovely little video tutorial our IC sistar Emily Grieves created on bringing light to the eyes! Her example is on...

  Shande'nea   Star Path - 2015  Muses each have their own energy and timing, their own interests, inquiries and inspiration. Shiloh Sophia, the founder of our Intentional Creativity® community, has provided a wonderful format for inviting our  Muses to flourish, and encourage us to shine in our own special ways! Since painting my first Muse Gabriella in 2014, I've danced between painting, journaling, creating cards and codxes and being in conversation with my paintings. At times I may get out of synch or distracted by life and other projects - how to re-engage? You might wish to bring out your Legendary Lady, Muse, and Taliswoman plus your notes about them, and the intention you wrote on the canvases, and call council. Pour a cup of tea and sit with your journal and your ladies.  Put on some music, perhaps what you painted to, before, or something you currently love. What messages and insights do your ladies carry for you? What codes and symbols are repeat...

 Here you are, at the threshold of teaching your first 13 step class - you've painted your Legendary lady, and have morning tea with your Muse. You are engaging with your inner Artist, your Taliswoman.  You've gathered tools for your Medicine Basket, and rewritten some old stories ...  And now... It's time to offer that first 13 step painting class!! Yikes!!  First - Breathe! You've got this!  You have likely been gathering ideas for your theme, and jotting down notes from your CoW SiStars' classes. It's great to have a folder of journal to collect these!  This is a good time to sit with your Muse, journal to refine your ideas and choose the name -  Muse of ___ or Queen of ____  is often a good start. Shiloh often suggests to choose a theme that is juicy for us right now, and perhaps has us shaking in our boots. Gabriella - my first Muse End of the first day - 2014 This usually  isn't  the time for offering your ideal destination retreat...

My friend Sepha had been teaching Paint Night parties, so gave me tips for setting up (and participated in) my first Intentional Creativity® class. She went on to enroll in CoW 2016, and we taught many classes together until she took to the road as a campground host!  Last year I've been teaching online, but looking foward to resuming traveling paint classes. Here are some of the supplies I've gathered. Sepha At the Canvas A bucket and pitchers for water - so helpful in a room without a water source! You bring water in the bucket (s), fill the pitchers, then water cups & spritz bottles. Students can dump dirty water in the bucket periodically, & refill their paint jars. At the end of class, you simply dump the bucket(s). Towels or Microfibre cloths for cleaning up spills - squeeze into the bucket. A roll of paper towels. Inexpensive plastic tablecloths (Dollar Store) on the tables, & be sure to wipe dry after use, so they don't get musty in storage.  We've a...

 Muses each have their own energy and timing, their own interests, inquiries and inspiration. Shiloh Sophia, the founder of our Intentional Creativity® community, has provided a wonderful format for inviting our  Muses to flourish, and encourage us to shine in our own special ways! Since painting my first Muse Gabriella in 2014, I've danced between painting, journaling, creating cards and codxes and being in conversation with my paintings. Sometimes when I'm at a crossroads, or at the turn of a season, I call council with some of my ladies!  You might wish to bring out your Legendary Lady, and Muse, and any other recent paintings, plus your notes about them, and the intention you wrote on the canvases, and call council. Pour a cup of tea and sit with your journal and your ladies.  Put on some music, perhaps what you painted to, or something you currently love. What messages and insights do your ladies carry for you? Do they have suggestions for how to proceed? W...