Being original in Art can be difficult. For some it takes years to develop a "style" of originality. As I was painting the Dandridge portrait ; layering the hues of pinks and whites into the background I thought of how I could express the lines and colors to represent her. Her life, her story and the expressions within her Eyes.
 The eyes speak a thousand words without even saying anything. I saw the desire to be original, the pressure to be more. She was soft and fragile but determined.
I apply this in my life.To be original; Artist,Mother, Wife, Teya. Often, I am misunderstood perhaps due to my lack for complete expressions. In these years of painting, trying to establish originality (my style) its has made me more aware of who I am and what I want out of life. Who and where I must position myself in my life at this moment is very important- I see myself as a sea turtle (lol); slowly,swifting through the currents of my painting career.  Steady and consistent is my goal. Sometimes we go to fast as to find our heads covered in the sand; afraid to see what is ahead.
Maybe if Dandridge had just become a sea turtle would she had been able to live out her highest potential or had she achieved it?  To be original can be the hardest unspoken words.
Hope you enjoy the painting and hope you decide to purchase a print, canvas,poster, tshirt or accessory. The painting took me a length of time and I do hope I captured the true essence of Ms Dorothy Dandrige.
Blessings,
Teya

 My thoughts for the day....
It is okay to take a break. I know as for myself I used to feel unaccomplished, guilty or unworthy if I took a break. If that was physically or mentally I would always think that If I took a break I would not feel like I was worthy  to say ‘ I am an Artist, mother, wife, teacher, friend and so on..”
To wear all of these hats on my shoulders can be overwhelming if I do not take a break I will suffer.  Some may think its being lazy for the hours, day, or weekend. I have come to a point in life where I say…What EVER ! LOL…  at the end of the day who will care for me like I need to be cared for but ME.
Life is funny like that. The moment you make decisions for YOU; the ones that aren’t centered around others and the care for others you are the ‘bad’ person. Now, I have found that there are consequences to my actions. Lose of a friend, silent treatment from loved ones, not getting paid for the day and the list goes on. However, I find my peace of mind weighs much heavily over all the consequences.
So, are you taking a mental break from all the hats you wear? Do you feel guilty when you do so? Don’t. Life is too short. Live it with a peace of mind.

 Excuse the gum chewing. Smack...smack. Took 45 mins to upload this baby so no going back.

    As I sit today and reflect on my events yesterday. I am overwhelmed with joy to be able to share a piece of me to others. To give a work of art to a person that has meaning to them. That helps the to express themselves without words. Oh what a great feeling that is. The work effort behind making the breast cancer awareness ribbons was so little compared to the emotion behind someone sharing a piece of their story or their relative story to why they are purchasing the ribbon. It makes me happy to be a part of their life in this way.
  To end the evening, was a painting class that for me was not just about entertainment but relaxation and seeing painting as a therapy for some of the painters. We of course listened to our music, talked, laughed and sipped on our favorite beverages. Looking at each of them painting their Color LIlies; where some became so relaxed as to paint in their own style and technique. Through my instructions they were able to get the basis and let there creativity go from there. For that moment in time..nothing else mattered but the paint and brush. Focusing on just that in that moment is a peaceness that I love. So, one day find your therapy; painting,dancing , sing or writing. It does help with the balance of life. Looking forward to the next class.

Love the new Artist page I found to sale my paintings.  It has more options for accessories. From clothing, travel, utensils, prints, bags, home accents. It is rather surreal to actually see something I created as a functional item that is used by others daily.
I truely feel like I am contributing to society.
I always like to keep things interesting for the studio. My goal is to each year add something new that would be of someone's liking.
Looking forward to whats to come.
Change is Growth !