There is nothing like a full-bodied absorption to massage the senses; to become completely soaked in the skill of tending to the form, color, texure and vibration of a work of "art with heart!"  So hand to chin...let's begin!

If you like, you may submit any of your finished works related to the challenges below and I will set up a "Contributor's Student Gallery!"  for you to display your "art with heart!"
June Challenge"Color 'n Mood" or "Image vs. Color"

Everyone knows that colors can and will effect mood.  In art, red may be associated with hostility and anger, brings your heart rate up, brings attention.  Blue hues are associated with calmness, restored state of relaxation and even sadness. 

Challenge: Let's render a common subject that beholds a scene of tranquility (ie mother & child, sleeping dog, a lake, a flower) but instead of creating a composition of serenity, find ways, using color, texture and strokes, to bring about the feelings of agitation, anger, or even amusement to counter the image.  
July Challenge "Moody Fruit" or "Melon-choly Sour Grapes"

Ok, ok, enough title searching, here's my visual creative challenge.  First I'd like to recommend a book I came across called
Colors For Your Every Mood -- Discover Your True Decorating Colors by Leatrice Eiseman.  The chapters were delightfully divided by colors and the "energy" that personalized them.  The pages are flooded with color, very therapeutic.  Find a surface to paint on, (watercolor paper, poster, canvas board)  Paper will work fine, but when you really want to create something big -- go big.

Now an  apple is red, a banana is yellow and an orange is...well, you know. Paint the apple sad, paint the banana destitute and paint the orange lonely. 
Kreative Arts Room & Inspiration Nook
August Challenge "Creative Musical Backdrop"

There's something about creating art to music that can release such elevated energy.  Color, texture, movement and mood will surprise you when complimented by the rhythm, vibration and attitude of your musical backdrop.

Conduct art with your energy to the music of your choice.  I'll choose painting, you may fascinate your moment with another medium.  Tell me your music selection, medium and where your most elevated moment occured.  (Limit your time to an hour)
October Challenge "Finding That Place"

Creative expression is at its best during those spontaneous moments of numbing absorption.  Where you are submerged in the complete movement and connection of your working piece.  The only audible sounds may be your own hum or the scrape of tools against the surface.  There is only your spirit speaking and if someone else were to enter the room, the heaven trance would shudder. 

Your challenge is to experience this place.  Become so close to your art that you are inhaling the chalk, methodically gluing paper shapes to the page, painting in rhythm or forming clay.  Discover freedom from the plan, self-judgement and fear.
THE ARTISAN ARTICLE
~ a Creative Community ~
November Challenge "Howling At The Moon"

When I settle into November, I think of the hues that surround us celebrating the season of thanksgiving, harvest, and family.  It awakens me to listen for cool winds and the hushed sound of dry grasses bending underneath a distant full moon.  This scene of mid-autumn bliss is unfortunately interupted by the speed of life.  The noise from the daily rush of the spiritless holiday intrusion flashing ads of oblivion.  Sneering stress that weighs on our shoulders to get our list done.  Missing it.  My point?  My Challenge:

Create a composition expressing the polarity of these two moods and somewhere, symbolically define an image of balance.  Choose the medium of your liking. 
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HOME / PONDERING & PAUSE / TRADE NOTES / SHOWS & EVENTS / FEATURED ARTISAN / CLICK 'N VISIT / ARTIST & CRAFTER LINKS / BIZ BITES / HEART 'N HOME / YOUR SAY! / K.A.R.I.N. / SUBSCRIBE! /
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