January 2022 Challenge: "Self Care"

 

"Bed and Window" by Page Pearson Railsback 10"x8" Acrylic

  

"Healing Garden" 9"x12" Acrylic by Victoria Chesley Brega

“ A work in progress,  about the many rewards of nurturing other living things, gardening just makes me feel great, and brings back lovely memories of time spent with my Mom”

"Tune in to Nature, Turn off My Electronics" Acrylic Gouache on Paper (study) 

15"x15" by Paula Villanova

It's ok to keep up to date, but still trying to wean from 24/7 access for me. It feels harmful. Also, looking forward to traveling to Mexico soon, a beautiful, visually stimulating and inspiring place. Also trying to learn the language, but I need my electronics for that! (And also to post this!) 

"Queen of Hearts" 10"x10" Oil with Gold Leaf by Pamela Copeman

Voila ~ The best care I know of is to paint fantasy faces, I love to live in my imagination

"Heart To Heart To Heart" 8x10 Acrylic by Kelley Carey MacDonald

The best self care, for me, is time spent with friends.  My girlfriends refresh me, make me laugh, teach me, understand me. This painting is from a GirlsJustWannaPaint meeting on a deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  We were enthralled by the sky, the water and the love we have for each other. 

“Cardinals in a Snowstorm”

6x6 collage with cut paper, ink and paint by Mary Sheehan Winn

I’ve always found nature to be the most soothing escape from the everyday ‘noise’of the world. 

Watching my backyard birds is most peaceful respite. 

"Snow Fields" by Peggy Farrell Bruno

Sketchbook, Plein Air, Goauche 

Spent a great weekend of "Self Care" and fun up in the White Mountain area with family 

and even had time to paint the beautiful view from the window. 

 

Crochet and Candles by Sally Dean

8"x 8" acrylic on panel

My winter activity this year is crochet! 

I finally used some yarn that I had dyed at my Dad's farm in Hawaii back in 2007 with my stepmom. They raised sheep and she spun this wool.They are both gone now, as is the farm.

Working with fiber and learning how to crochet has truly soothed me- especially since covid.

I now see why so many women love to knit, weave, spin and crochet.

This yarn bowl is wonderful , a gift  a while ago from my friend Lisa at Local Pottery in Norwell. 

"Sunflowers" ink & watercolor by Jody Regan. Every Sunday, a member of our church congregation brings flowers for us to take home.  I choose the sunflowers for their vibrancy and casual elegance.  Arranging them, looking at them during the week, and drawing their various faces centers me, as does each of my daily drawings.