Featuring colorist Ronda Francis

Friday, May 20, 2016

Incense, Drawing, and a Little Magic

How long has it been since you burned some incense?

High school? College maybe?

I was drawing a page from a soon-to-be coloring book and the doorbell rang. It was a special delivery--my order of incense.

I was very excited about the idea of my bundle of mysterious fragrances, but did not want to stop working, so I lit a Frankincense and Myrrh stick and got right back to the image of the lighthouse. 

And something a little magical happened. 

The scent transported me. I felt like I was at the top of the lighthouse in the dark, looking over the troubled black waters. Off in the distance I could see the sun crack through the clouds, and I could hear the seagulls call to one another.

The waves settled down, and the sun rose. Far off I could see the gulls swooping, and one landed in a field of poppies and smiled at me.


Coming soon from the book By the Beautiful Sea

Not sure poppies grow anywhere near the ocean, nor am I sure a seagull is capable of a smile, and I don't think Frankincense and Myrrh have anything to do with the sea, but that's fine. None of these images existed before I lit the incense, and now they will all be featured in an upcoming book. (The book was originally called Lighthouses, it has now been renamed By the Beautiful Sea.)



All this from lighting some incense? I guess so. Would I have developed these ideas without the mysterious smoke wafting through my home? Maybe. But maybe not. Plus I sincerely enjoyed it, and I think I will do it more often.

Here is some incense I really enjoy. I am not paid by any company--just want you to know the companies and brands I like.




Click here for the meditative Frankincense and Myrrh I just wrote about by Fred Soll 



Very popular and less expensive Nag Champa--still yummy

So here is my  recommendation--light a candle, put on some soothing music or a healing tone, (I love this one and it supposedly heals our DNA! I'll take it):  Healing Tones, light some incense, and draw, color, or paint. 

No need for meditation--this makes me feel wonderful and creative, and I have a feeling it might create a little magic for you too.

I also have a library of resources for anyone who likes to color. 



      
Enjoy!

xo Dea

Here is the video, Coloring with Pastel Pencils Part One, demonstrating Conte pastels for coloring. Enjoy.



Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Mini Coloring Resource Guide with Links ~ Check It Out!

A fast blog post to present my mini library of resources for coloring. Great for beginners and established colorers looking for supplies, books, and where to buy the most needed coloring stuff.

For all the coloring fanatics! You know who you are.

CLICK HERE for The Coloring Stash. Hope it is useful!

xo Dea

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Coloring for Your Inner Artist

Hello coloring friends!

There is nothing like opening a beautiful coloring book, picking up one of the many pencils or pens available, and settling in to start a picture.

It is relaxing, and even doctors are recommending it for calming the mind and creating focus.

There are many types of people in the world, but I do believe that we are all born creative. When we are small we fiercely search out things to keep our mind stimulated. We looked for and found beauty everywhere. Give us two sticks, a few crayons, and a couple of leaves and we would create a masterpiece.




Some of us were sadly talked out of our relentless search for creativity for more "realistic" pursuits.

I believe this is where coloring comes in.

It is a way to free our inner artist without intimidation. We don't have to be Picasso to create a beautiful image.

We have a reason to go to the art store and search through the Polychromos pencils, the Copic or Tombow markers, and the Conti pastels.

From the soon to be released coloring book COLORING DREAMS

Don't be afraid to try things that feel odd or different. Leaves do not have to be green!

Be brave with your art, and with every stroke you will become more of an artist.

Sign up below to receive monthly artistic coloring tips and art motivation from Coloring Club Press Newsletter.

Click HERE to sign up now! 

Have a great week!

xo Dea

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Congratulations CORRINA LORRAINE! Winner of the Coloring Dreams Giveaway!

I am happy to announce the winner of the Coloring Dreams giveaway is CORRINA LORRAINE!

She will receive the first copy of Coloring Dreams, and a 24 set of Prismacolor pencils.


Please stay tuned! Coloring Dreams is the first book in The Coloring Club, where members receive a beautiful coloring book by artist Dea Lenihan delivered right to the front door, along with an art supply that is suited to the book of the month. 

So once again--CONGRATULATIONS CORRINA!

P.S. Please keep on eye on your email--everyone that entered is getting a small gift from me. 

xo Dea