“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.”Julia Cameron Sometimes, I pick a fight with my creativity. Other times, I allow it to flow. I was working on a very controlled commissioned piece. Suddenly, I felt a compelling … Read More
Paint like no one is watching! Join us for a fun painting demo via Zoom and hosted by Yosemite Sierra Artists. How would you paint if you had nothing left to lose? FREE, I tell ya, FREE! Shannon Grissom’s … Read More
This song is a note to self: “Look for the Good” They say to write what you know. But what if you don’t want to talk about it? So what’s going on? My husband has several health challenges, and caregiving … Read More
The shed in our backyard was in dire need of a makeover! The paint scheme needed to be more cohesive, and the door was too far right, throwing the whole visual out of balance. As my Italian Grandmother would often … Read More
Have you ever noticed that creativity is not linear? It’s different from a straight line, where you can easily follow a path from point A to point B. Instead, creativity is more like a web of interconnected ideas and concepts … Read More
My creative work has always helped me process life. One of the cool things I love about painting with the palette knife is the easy cleanup process. When I only have a minute or two to paint, I can wipe … Read More
Artists have lots of challenges. I’m going to talk about some of my own and how I have worked through them: I’ve found that the only way out is through them so I face them head-on! Here’s a list … Read More
Are ya still in love? Are you still excited to go to the studio every day, or are you just not feeling it? I don’t know about you but every once in a while I need an artist date. I’m … Read More
Today we are going to talk about radical trust. Most children have it. Left to their own devices, children are creative machines! They draw, paint, sing, sculpt, and create elaborate stories. They come up with creative uses for everyday objects … Read More
So what’s your story? What do you say to yourself when you are creating? What do you say to others? Is it kind? Is it limiting? Are you paying attention to yourself? When you are creating it happens in your … Read More
Today we are going to talk about moveable vision board collages. I’ve completed several vision boards over the years. Each time I do they offer incredible insight. They are a great way to see if your heart is aligned with … Read More
Have you ever tried writing with your non dominant hand? It’s a great way to connect with your inner child. Try writing a question to yourself with your dominant hand, and answering it with your non-dominant hand. You’ll be surprised … Read More
When I first started painting, I was so focused on making something look like something, that I forgot to play. One day, my teacher Michael Linstrom suggested I chill out and doodle. Mike suggested I pick up a pen or … Read More
Rituals can help signal your muses that you are ready to leave the left-brained world and enter the creative realm. Here’s how I get ready to get ready… BEFORE THE SESSION I turn off the phone. Leaving it on and … Read More
I’m so honored to report that an episode of my Painterly 2-Minute Tips: Paint Over It, has been nominated for a WAVE (Western Access Video Excellence) Award! This nomination is so validating and proves that anything is … Read More
If we only created when conditions were perfect, we’d never get anything done! Here are 5 ways to maximize your productivity: Plan your work and work your plan. Even if it’s only for ½ an hour a day, schedule creative … Read More