I finally did it… I have purchased a new Wacom Tablet. It’s been a while since my old one died - over a year, I guess. Also, the old one doesn’t plug into my laptop, which is my only computer since my old PC finally gave out. The cool thing is that the tablet came with Corel Painter Essentials 3. It’s not the full-version of Painter, but so far, it’s sufficient. I’m very pleased. (We’ll see how I feel about the software once I get going!) I’m posting the first “pencil” sketch I drew in Painter Essentials since I plugged in the tablet and loaded the software. Fun, fun. And did I mention fun?

I know - it’s not the same as traditional art, but it’s an easy way to squeeze a little art time into my day (without the mess!). Oh, and by the way, if you’re into editing photos in Photoshop (or another program) or you like drawing free-form lines and and the such, the tablet is really indispensable. Love the pressure-sensitivity, and there is NO comparison to the mouse for that type of thing. The mouse is just horrible for drawing. Love the tablet!

I know I said before I wasn’t much for shopping and fashion… read swanky shoes for details. Still, sometimes I like to draw sketches of “fashions” just for fun. I like to look at drawings of medieval and renaissance clothing and try to modernize the ideas in my sketches… so, here you have it. I know, it’s not very professional, but hey, it was fun. And, what’s life without a little fun, anyway? It’s NOT a jacket and dress, it’s supposed to be a one-piece. (Thanks, Hana for pointing out that it looked like a jacket).

I’ve been reading and doing The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron. I was serious when I said that I was trying to get back on a creative track. I’m just finishing week 2 (of 12), but the book and it’s exercises have been good for me so far. It contains some amazing insights. But, it IS work - it is like a class to help anyone (not just artists) unblock their creativity. One of the exercises is to write down several “imaginary lives” and do something related to one of them - one of mine? Fashion designer — although I don’t think I’d ever really want to do that for a living - too stressful!

Creativity Question:
What is one of your imaginary lives? Have you ever tried it?

To me, it’s more than just a physical sense, but something that I feel inside - it is a connection between my senses and my spirit. Sometimes it is merely a swift brush as it passes, but other times, it reaches down deep and anchors in my soul. Sometimes I wish I had my camera with me, and other times, I’m glad I don’t.

I see moments of inspiration as little packages from heaven. The wonderful thing is that they’re sprinkled all throughout life - not reserved only for special occasions.

I receive inspiration from a wide variety of sources, but the most touching to me (and most often) I find in nature. From water droplets navigating the veins of a leaf to the color of the sky behind dusty yellow fields in the winter… even the way stone is cracked and layered in great slabs along the side of the highway. It’s there. My inspiration. It renews my soul, refreshes my creativity, and reminds me where we came from.

This week’s question:
What inspires your creativity?