SYNCHRONICITY STRIKES AGAIN

Sometime last week, and I know not why, this amazing little book popped up in my Facebook feed.

OK, perhaps I do know why. You see, I have always adored color-mad folk art. In fact, some years back, when friend High School Debbie first introduced me to on-line art classes, I went straight out and bought a big new mixed media journal which I promised myself would be filled with just that kind of art someday. I tore out and printed up lots of examples of what I hoped to do but, due to lack of skills, supplies and experience, my first two attempts failed miserably, and I haven't touched that journal since.

Round One

So, when I saw this tiny little project-based instruction book, I didn't even pause to think about it. I just went straight to the Amazon link and clicked "BUY"! Two days later, thanks to Amazon Prime, it was in my mailbox, and I've been busy as a little bee ever since. There are 16 different projects inspired by different cultures and countries. Each starts with a basic line sketch for you to copy, then gives you help on choosing your color palette, suggestions concerning which supplies to use and, finally,  ideas on how to add the finishing touches.

I started with Frida, of course.

I chose to do two of the same sketches, side by side, because I wanted to try one their way...

finishing it off with lots of fun patterns and doodling, using various pens and markers.

But, for the second one, I think I'm going to try finishing it off with little bits and pieces from my hand-painted paper stash. We'll see how it goes. Or maybe you won't. Guess it depends on the outcome.

Oh yeah! Back to synchronicity. When I pulled that old journal down, to finally start working in it again, I discovered this stash of beloved examples which I had pulled from various magazines or found online.

See the one peeking out over there on the far right? The one that's been hidden away on my shelf for years and years now? You'll never guess who painted it.

Heather Galler! The very same woman who wrote this book!

Well, I guess it's true. Sometimes the door opens before you're ready to walk through it. Which is why I am ever so grateful that I was given a second chance.