Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing really well! Okay...so, show of hands...who was looking forward to summer so badly? Couldn't wait for the kids to be out of school...have things slow down a bit...enjoy the lack of rushed mornings and packed lunches. Sound familiar? Yeah...I was there too and now I'm kinda feeling overwhelmed/annoyed juggling a smattering of camps, all in different locations, a bored kid (when camp is over), running around like a taxi and basically having a complete lack of a schedule. Makes me a little on edge - especially when all I want to do is paint!

Now, don't get me wrong. We've had a great summer so far. Got to take a few trips and make some memories with the kids but I guess I'm just a creature who likes rhythm. A consistency to each day that I can count on.

So...to soothe my nerves I've been spending a lot of time (when I can slip away) with my art books and journal. I've been incredibly inspried by Tracy Verdugo's new book - "Paint Mojo". Her work really speaks to me and feels so authentic and organic. You must check it out. She creates most of her work by way of Intuitive Painting, also called Expressive Painting, Soul Painting or Source Painting. Wondering what that is exactly? Well... I found this wonderful definition via here.

The medium of expressive painting exercises your creativity without concern for the results, develops greater trust in your intuition, expands your sense of freedom and possibility, and gives you a way to fearlessly explore unknown aspects of yourself.

I know it sounds a little woo woo...but I'm okay with that and let me tell you - it's pure magic! Scary? Hell yeah. Exciting? Definitely. It is most of all - surprising! Surprising to see what unfolds in your Art, what forms arise and symbols come up.

This isn't communing with any kind of spirit or anything like that. It's just getting in touch with your inner self and removing the Ego, the BS, you know - all the junk that gets in the way - and letting all the beauty of your soul pour out onto your canvas. And sometimes that beauty can be kinda ugly at first and that's ok. As you move through the work, it transforms. Remember, this kind of Art is not about the end product but rather the simple act of creating. I've done two works so far using this technique and they are really so different than anything I've ever made.

This first attempt at making a background was tons of fun! Lots of scraping, stenciling, splattering and other fun paint verbs...

Lots of layers, symbols and imagery came as I worked on this piece. I would often walk away when my mind would pause and then I would wander back as more images flooded in.

This was my second Intuitve Painting back ground. Added some scraps of vintage paper to this one.

These images came thru stronger, resulting in a more striking composition. I was braver with this one and I think you can see and feel that. Loved working in such vibrant colors even though it isn't my typical palette.

I can't wait to do more!!

Anyway, if you are in a creativity rut I highly recommend Tracy's book or just pull out the Art books you already own and visit with them.

When you are ready...grab a canvas, leave your logical mind behind and let the paint flow! Be brave, trust your hand, your eyes and most importantly your heart!

Let me know if anyone gives it a go! I would love to see what you come up with! Feel free to shoot me an email with your images. It would be fun to feature some of your Intuitive Art on the blog!

Sending you all lots of love.

xo,

Ivy

P.S. Okay just found this amazing video from the amazing Intuitive artist - Flora Bowley...check it out. So beautiful! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcQsI_ZvX74]