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Vandaag heb ik een van mijn eigen schilderijen overschildert. Het was een van de schilderijen waaraan ik al maanden, nou ik denk wel bijna 2 jaren, af en toe aan werk, maar het maar niet wil lukken. Ja- dit soort schilderijen heb ik ook :) Het was een groot schilderij als onderdeel van een Yoga serie. Het idee over de serie had ik al lang, maar uiteindelijk is de serie er nooit echt gekomen. In mijn hoofd leek het idee leuker dan in de uitvoering. Ik heb er al behoorlijk wat uren in het schilderij gestoken, maar het wilde niet echt lukken. Af en toe pakte ik het weer op en ging ik wat veranderen maar ik maakte het nooit helemaal af. Ik had er nooit echt zin in en de inspiratie miste. Dat zegt eigenlijk al genoeg: laat het gaan. Maar gewoon er overheen schilderen? Terwijl ik al zoveel moeite erin heb gestoken? Vandaag heb ik mijn stoute schoenen aangetrokken en het loslaten geoefend. En ben heel blij, want het nieuwe schilderij bevalt me veel beter dan het oude :) Hieronder kun je een hele korte timelapse zien hoe de kolibiries zijn ontstaan.
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 Work in progress: Deze week ben ik aan het experimenteren met abstract schilderen.
De eerste lagen van dit schilderij heb ik op mijn bekende manier gedaan met veel verschillende technieken: woorden schrijven, druppels maken, stempelen en collage. Ik hou enorm van het wilde, intuïtieve schilderen voor de achtergrond. Normaal werk ik dan vervolgens een motief uit met details in de voorgrond, dat geeft zo'n leuk contrast. Maar nu bleven het kleurvlakken, rondjes, strepen etc. Ik vond het nogal uitdagend om nu puur abstract te schilderen, normaal geeft me het motief juist houvast. Ik weet dan ook beter wanneer het schilderij "klaar"is, nu staat de compositie en de kleurverdeling centraal. Abstract schilderen is een goede oefening om het motief helemaal los te laten, alleen met vormen en vooral kleuren te werken en hierbij de regels te doorbreken en je zelf te uiten. Het leert je op een leuke manier luisteren naar je intuïtie. Wat vind jij van abstract schilderen? De komende maanden gaan mijn kleurrijke kunstwerken de witte muren opvrolijken van Sanquin Bloedbank in Den Haag Voorburg. Terwijl de moedige donoren heldenhaft wachten op hun bloedafname kunnen ze genieten van 10 verschillende schilderijen, die geïnspireerd zijn door reizen naar de tropen en mijn 3-jarig verblijf in Suriname waarin ik dagelijks kon genieten van deze bijzondere omgeving. Gigantische bladeren groeien in de vochtige hitte. Een explosie aan groen    Het is heerlijk om met een stapel oude magazines en een schaar op de bank te zitten en op 'motieven-jagd' te gaan. Mijn favorieten zijn bloemen, bladeren, vogels en natuurlijk vlinders. Papieren bloemen en vlinders vind ik hele mooie versiering voor mijn serie 'Soul sisters' (kleine mixed media schilderijen). Sinds enige tijd heb ik echter weinig leuke bloemen voor mijn collages kunnen vinden. De makkelijkste oplossing zou zijn om een rol inpakpaier te kopen met mooie bloemen erop. Maar de bloemenprint mag niet te groot of te klein zijn. De kleuren mogen niet te donker zijn, omdat ik er vaak overheen schilder en zo de kleur van de bloem verander. Maar wel met veel contrast. En ik heb ook voorkeuren welke bloemen afgedrukt zijn. Alles bij elkaar leek het een onmogelijke zoektocht voor mijn 'perfekt' collagemateriaal. Winkel in, winkel uit... ik ben bij drogisten en hobbywinkels geweest en heb het internet afgestruind, nergens kon ik vinden wat ik zocht. En toen dacht ik: okay, dan doe ik het zelf! Nu heb ik een eigen bestand gemaakt met prachtige bloemen in alle soorten en maten en kleuren en heb ze bij een copyshop laten printen. Voorlopig ben ik voorzien van heel veel leuke bloemen voor mijn collages. Soms is DIY gewoon de beste oplossing!  De eerste workshop tassen maken komt eraan! 
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Status voor de verandering
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Status na de grote verandering
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Het eindresultaat (acryl op canvas, 100x100cm, for sale)
En toen nam ik ook nog de vrijheid om veel te gaan spetteren en een paar 'wilde' penseelstreken toe te voegen. En precies deze energie voel je in het eindresultaat. Heerlijk!
Fijne valentijnsdag lieve mensen!
En dan niet omdat ik zo van rode rozen, hartjessnoep en red velvet cake houd, nee van dat soort romantiek hoef ik niets te hebben, zeker niet op valentijnsdag. Maar wel om de liefde te vieren! De zin van het leven, het liefdevolle met elkaar. Omdat we allemaal nog meer liefde in ons leven aankunnen.
Light of the world
Shine on us all, set us free
Love is the answer
Hartjes-schilderij
Wat is leuker dan om op valentijnsdag even creatief te zijn. Mag natuurlijk ook mét iemand liefs samen en anders is het nog een prachtig cadeautje voor vanavond.
En wat zou je beters kunnen schilderen dan hartjes. Stiekem houd ik best van hartjes hoor.
Voor mijn bruiloft had ik een mini-schilderijtje gemaakt als 'ringkussen' en inmiddels heb ik al meerdere variaties op dit leuke schilderij gemaakt. Hieronder leg ik het stap voor stap uit. Dus pak je verf en maak een mooi hartjesschilderij!
En wat zou je beters kunnen schilderen dan hartjes. Stiekem houd ik best van hartjes hoor.
Voor mijn bruiloft had ik een mini-schilderijtje gemaakt als 'ringkussen' en inmiddels heb ik al meerdere variaties op dit leuke schilderij gemaakt. Hieronder leg ik het stap voor stap uit. Dus pak je verf en maak een mooi hartjesschilderij!
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STAP VOOR STAP
1. Stap: maak een wild schilderij
Beschilder je canvas volledig op een losse manier. Gebruik verschillende kleuren en verschillende technieken.
Ga lekker los en wild! Geniet ervan.
Het maakt niet echt uit hoe de achtergrond eruitziet, als hij maar veel variatie heeft. Dit is een speeltuin met kleuren en vormen. Leef je uit.
Voor inspiratie voor een boeiende achtergrond kun je ook mijn Youtube-video's bekijken: Kijkje in mijn atelier of deze Timelapse full painting
2. Stap: teken hartjes
Schets een heleboel hartjes op je achtergrond, in alle soorten en maten. Sommig mogen over de rand van het doek heenlopen, dat maakt het juist leuk. Ik heb de hartjes met vloeibare witte verf getekend, maar je kunt ook een stift/potlood gebruiken.
3. Stap: maak de achtergrond wit
Maak alles rondom de hartjes wit. Door de achtergrond licht te schilderen komen de kleuren mooi naar voren, je verhoogt het contrast en je geeft jezelf een mooie basis voor de nieuwe achtergrondkleur. Laat dit goed drogen.
4. Stap: kleur de achtergrond in
Kies een kontrasterende kleur en schilder helemaal rondom de hartjes de volledige witte achtergond in met je nieuwe kleur. Voor het mooiste kontrast kies de complementaire kleur van het beginschilderij van stap 1 (blauw schilderij-->geel achtergrond, rood schilderij -->lichtgroene achtergrond, ...). Kijk of je een verloopje in je kleur kunt krijgen door wat wit of wat donkere kleuren door je verf te mengen.
5. Stap: details
Met een permanent marker of een hele dunne kwast kun je nu de hartjes omranden.
Veel plezier en happy creative valentine!
xox, Lisa
Als ik ergens vast in geloof is dat ieder mens talenten heeft. En iedereen heeft creativiteit in zich zitten. Ik ben ervan overtuigd.
In laatste tijd krijg ik vaak als reactie op mijn verhaal als kunstenares te horen: "Maar ik ben helemaal niet creatief!".
Hoe komt het toch dat zoveel het idee hebben niet creatief te zijn? Veel mensen noemen zichzelf niet creatief (in de zin van artistiek en kunstgerelateerd) maar toveren vervolgens de gekste gerechten in de keuken, zijn onwijs vindingsrijk in het bedenken van oplossingen, bouwen van alles met hun handen, maken zelfgebreide mutsen en sjaals, schrijven verhalen/gedichten, verzinnen zelf liedjes...en deze lijst zou oneindelijk door kunnen gaan. Want iedereen creeert weleens wat, legt nieuwe verbanden of maakt iets nieuws.
Creativiteit zit in ons. In iedereen van ons.
Als we er bewust gebruik van maken kunnen prachtige mooie dingen ontstaan.
Dit is de grondslag aan het project 'Mijn Buuf' waar ik sinds november vorig jaar betrokken bij ben en erg enthousiast over ben.
Samen met statushouders maken we onze 'creativiteits-spieren' los, inspireren elkaar en leren zo ook nog Nederland, de taal en elkaar beter kennen.
Initiatiefnemers Petra en Nicole beschrijven het als volgt:
Met “Mijn Buuf” willen we een atelier/winkel opzetten waar vrouwen werken die een ambacht beheersen. Vrouwen met een vluchtelingenachtergrond én Nederlandse vrouwen. De ambachten kunnen borduren zijn, haken, naaien, sieraden maken of schilderen.
Het atelier is open voor klanten: de producten worden direct aan de klant vanuit het atelier verkocht of via een webshop. Op die manier ontstaat interactie met anderen. De producten moeten verkoopbaar zijn op de Nederlandse markt. Dat stimuleert de makers door de ogen van Nederlanders te kijken. Daarnaast zullen de vrouwen workshops gaan geven. De samenwerking tussen de vrouwen moet leiden tot wederzijdse inspiratie, uitwisselen van technieken, sociale contacten en hulp met verdere ontwikkeling van talenten. Wil een van deze vrouwen een product dat zij maakt verder zelf op de markt brengen? Dan zal zij worden geholpen een businessplan te schrijven, de (Nederlandse) marktwaarde van haar producten te bepalen en met de financiering van haar plan. Meer info op onze splinternieuwe website: www.mijnbuuf.nl
Deze week zijn we bij de opening van 'T HAAGS HUIS geweest en hebben hierbij ons initiatief aan beleidsmakers en geinteresserden gepresenteerd. En meteen nieuwe contacten gelegd. Een mooie aftrap van het project SamenHaags.
Statushouders waren ook aanwezig. Maar het mengde nog niet echt zoals je zou willen zien.
Ons viel op dat een 'informatiemarkt' hartstikke Nederlands blijkt te zijn en geen enkele statushouder bij ons kwam 'buurten' of 'gezellig een openhartig praatje' kwam maken. Niet omdat er geen interesse is - zeker niet- maar er is toch een behoorlijke drempel om op elkaar af te stappen.
Vraag me niet, waarom die drempel zo onwijs groot lijkt te zijn - het is echt iets wat ik verder wil begrijpen en waar ik graag meer over wil leren. Maar 1 ding weet ik wel: Als je gewoon begint, komt het wel. Creativiteit en nieuwsgierigheid is universeel, iets dat verbindt. Ik begon te tekenen en te kleuren en te handletteren. And guess what? Toen kwamen ineens hele geinteresseerde ogen kijken. Die ogen gingen na een tijdje zwijgend op een stoel naast me zitten. Ik schroof zwijgend wat materiaal hun kant op. Er ontstond ruimte voor gesprek, voor kennismaking, voor plezier! Voor eventjes was iedereen vergeten wat allemaal tussenons in zit.
En voordat je het weet ben je samen iets moois aan het maken!
Het is februari! Hopelijk zijn jullie allemaal goed in het nieuwe jaar gestart.
Mijn jaar begon met veel frisse ideeën, een nieuwe bijbaan, vele leuke projecten die in de pijplijn zitten en inmiddels ben ik ook al 1 week op vakantie geweest in het geweldige Barcelona. Als de rest van 2018 zo wordt als januari, ben ik blij.
Tijdens en na de jaarwisseling heb ik ook veel zitten denken over mijn doelen voor 2018, wat ik wil behouden/versterken en wat minder mag. En toen kwam ik erachter dat ik het schrijven van deze blog niet meer zo leuk vond. Mijn blog werd een heel ding voor mij. Een veel té groot ding. Ik wilde een degelijk artikel schrijven over een boeiend onderwerp waarin ik mijn expertise kan delen, met goede bronnen envele prachtige foto's (en die moeten dan eerst van de camera op de Computer gezet worden). Daarvoor had een flinke hoeveelheid tijd nodig om er echt voor te gaan zitten. Maar dat gebeurde niet zo vaak. En je weet hoe dat is: hoe langer ik geen nieuwe blog had gemaakt, hoe groter werd mijn weerstand en hoe erger stelde ik het uit. Typisch geval van a) perfectionisme en b) uitstelgedrag. Meh.
Maar ik schrijf wel graag en vaak dagboek. Gewoon in een klein notieboekje. Soms zijn het maar een paar zinnen. Ik schrijf op wat ik heb beleeft, wat in mijn hoofd zit, mijn aha- momenten, wat me dwars zit en waar ik dankbaar voor ben.
En toen dacht ik: waarom schrijf ik blogs die lijken op mijn dagboek-entries?
Mijn dagboek als kunstenaar!
Dus -om het mezelf makkerlijke te maken- ga ik korte verhaaltjes delen. Niets groots en ingewikkelds, gewoon uit de leven gegrepen.
En in het Nederlands, dat is toch echt wel mijn voertaal en schrijft zoveel makkelijker voor mij.
Sorry dear English (or German) speaking friends! This is your chance to practise your Dutch :) You are always welcome to ask for a personal update, just give me a call/app.
1 februari 2018
Vandaag was schilderdag. Heerlijk!
Nog voor het ontbijt ben ik in mijn atelier gedoken en pas voor het avondeten weer gestopt. 10 uur lang! Tussendoor wat korte mini-pauzes gehouden om wat te eten en hup doorschilderen. Ik was helemaal in een flow.
Ik heb aan een groot schilderij gewerkt: 120cmx80cm en ben met mijn intuitieve methodes begonnen, lekker vrij schilderen zonder plan. Alleen naar kleur en vormen kijken en centimeter voor centimeter kijken 'waar heb ik nu zin in om te doen?' en 'wat lijkt me nu een leuke kleur voor een mooi kontrast?'.
In de middag werd het wat concreter. Ik had nog een leuke schets liggen van met motiven uit Suriname: prachtige stroomversnellingen (Sula's) in de jungle en met een 'mooi oema', een mooie Marronvrouw. Dus dat is het geworden. Het is bijna af, nog een paar laatste details. Ik denk ik ga het boven de eettafel hangen en er een aantal dagen naar kijken- dat helpt enorm om achter te komen wat ik nog mis.
En ik heb het hele proces gefilmd! Wat ik met de vele uren filmmateriaal ga doen weet ik nog niet precies, maar het is geweldig een schilderij zo tot stand zien komen. Wordt vervolgd.
Liefs, Lisa
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I wish you good days around Christmas with family and friends and some quiet time in the dark season. Don't forget to care for yourself, take some time for creating and cheer up your life with colour. All the best for 2018, let's make it a joyful, vibrant and colourful year.
REMINDER: WORKSHOP 18 NOV, REEUWIJK
Check out the upcoming workshop to boost your creativity!
With all my heart, I believe that every single one of us is born as an artist, with endless amounts of creative inspiration and ideas. You too! However, for many of us, this gets lost somewhere along the way. You may barely paint or draw anymore or feel unconnected with your intuitive creativity. I hope we can rediscover the joy of creating together in one of my workshops. Sign up now :)
With all my heart, I believe that every single one of us is born as an artist, with endless amounts of creative inspiration and ideas. You too! However, for many of us, this gets lost somewhere along the way. You may barely paint or draw anymore or feel unconnected with your intuitive creativity. I hope we can rediscover the joy of creating together in one of my workshops. Sign up now :)
More truth- less fake
First a big thank you for the kind reactions of last month blog post. It's beautiful to feel connected and encouraged by you, my followeres.
One asked if it is wise to share such an honest story online, as it might not be the best marketing tool. But I think the world needs much more truth than fake! We need much more real, down-to-earth stories about struggle (and how to manage it). And yes, I felt stuck- so I shared it with you, with all my heart. And the beautiful thing about being honest and true to yourself is, that people around you also start being honest and share their own stories. Love, love , love!
One asked if it is wise to share such an honest story online, as it might not be the best marketing tool. But I think the world needs much more truth than fake! We need much more real, down-to-earth stories about struggle (and how to manage it). And yes, I felt stuck- so I shared it with you, with all my heart. And the beautiful thing about being honest and true to yourself is, that people around you also start being honest and share their own stories. Love, love , love!
Shake it up
After last month, I knew I needed something that excites me to get me back in the flow. It's good to shake things up. Trying on something new. I wanted some new adventures in the studio, a fresh perspective.
So I treated myself with art supplies! Art supply shopping is always great and excites me, hahaha.
I got:
So I treated myself with art supplies! Art supply shopping is always great and excites me, hahaha.
I got:
- new blank canvases, but this time bigger than normal! I usually paint on small or medium size canvases up to 60x80cm. Now I got 100x100cm and 120x80cm. There is so much more space on these big canvases! It's a lot of fun and brush strokes and body movements become way bigger while painting. A whole new experience.
- a new tool. My newest discovery: I experimented with these small bottles and they are awesome tools to make splashes and drops. I have 3 different sizes with different kind of tips. The one with the yellow paint I had to cut the tip before using. The result is a pretty big opening, so a lot of paint can flow out. This was perfect for the wild drippingand they create a lot of dynamic. You can move fast and the liquid paint flows out easily. The other two bottles have narrow tips, perfect for (smaller) drops and drawing small stripes or details. BTW, if you wonder what paint I use, I fill the bottles with my usual AMSTERDAM acrylic paint, add quite some water and a few drops liquid glazing medium.
Let go
These 2 new factors make a whole lot of change. The big white canvas feels like having 2 or 3 paintings in one: One corner can feel very different than the other part of the painting. It feels good to experiment on the canvas and to feel the change. This freshness, openess and curiosity creates excitement. At that moment I've loosened up and got unstuck. The dripping and fluid paint was a good exercise to let go, to stop controlling where the paint goes and just let it flow. Letting go of a plan and loosening up on the canvas is a great practice for life off the canvas.
Below are some pics with details. Especially when you look closer, you can see the variaty and looseness of the drops and strokes.
Below are some pics with details. Especially when you look closer, you can see the variaty and looseness of the drops and strokes.
Infinite movement, 100x100cm, acryl on canvas
Work with what is working
Working on the hummingbird painting was a lot of fun. And because I really liked the dynamic effect in the painting and working big, I did a second painting last week on a big canvas and kept experimenting with drops and dripping.
Wat zeg je me nou, 100x100cm, acryl on canvas
I love the dynamic between the wild quick mark making and some specific parts (like the eye) with lots of details. Definitly something I will use more often!
And Meanwhile on Instagram
I love Instagram – it’s my favorite online home for all my pictures. Here's a recap in pictures from the last weeks. For those of you who aren't following on Instagram, come and join me!
Let's keep shaking it up and get excited!
xox, Lisa
xox, Lisa
Hey beautiful,
I hope you had a blissfull summer with some time off at home or travelling.
I went on my honeymoon (awww LOVE) and came back relaxed and full of new energy. While I was swimming in gorgeous Lac Leman in Switzerland and cruising for hours on the back of Freeks motorbike, I had an important insight.
I realised I have 3 problems:
I hope you had a blissfull summer with some time off at home or travelling.
I went on my honeymoon (awww LOVE) and came back relaxed and full of new energy. While I was swimming in gorgeous Lac Leman in Switzerland and cruising for hours on the back of Freeks motorbike, I had an important insight.
I realised I have 3 problems:
- I expect too much from myself.
- I am impatient.
- This combination is killing me.
Expectation is the root of all heartache- unknown
'Write blog post' has been on my TO DO list for weeks. I have not forgotten about you, my sweet little blog.
But sometimes writing a post feels like homework, as my expectations are so high to do some poetic writing here, share adventurous stories and links to amazing things. It puts the pressure on and takes away the fun. And the weird thing is: when adventurous and exciting things happen in my life, I'm busy and don't think of writing a blog. And when nothing really special happens, I don't feel the spirit to write about anything.
At this blog I want to take track of the tiny steps it takes to realise my dream to be a working artist and to document this journey. I share successes and challenges. In the posts from the last year you can see the many tiny baby steps I do in art business. As it is not only happy, easy business ownership, today I will share very honest thoughts with you.
Anyhow. While I spent 1 week in the French monastery Taizé, I was able to reflect on my life and my journey as a ZZPer so far. Questions came up like:
In a short summary my journey looks something like this:
Last year, in summer 2016 I came back from South America and started my art business in January 2017. Every month of 2017 I worked hard to make my art business flourish and get what I'm hoping for:
I hoped for enough work to have a fulltime art business.
I hoped for an inspiring network and a supporting community.
I hoped for a balanced cash flow to support my lifestyle.
And how do I feel?
Pretty unsatisfied.
I have high expectations from life and from myself and I believe strongly in achieving my goals. But I also realised in Taizé that I didn't reach my high expectations: after 9 month as a business owner, I have not a fulltime work situation, I often feel lonely working alone in my art studio missing (real life) community and as an artist entrepreneur, my business cash flow ebbs and flows. I can tell you, in the first month of my business it was mainly ebb (you can read it here). I'm careful to always maintain personal savings and I have the luxurious awesomeness of a supporting husband, but I want to contribute to our finances, I want to buy more painting material, to invest in my personal development and I want to build on my dream for an big atelier, where I can paint, sell paintings, hold workshops and lectures, have yoga lessons in the art studio and more amazing stuff. But reality often feels so far away from this dream.
But sometimes writing a post feels like homework, as my expectations are so high to do some poetic writing here, share adventurous stories and links to amazing things. It puts the pressure on and takes away the fun. And the weird thing is: when adventurous and exciting things happen in my life, I'm busy and don't think of writing a blog. And when nothing really special happens, I don't feel the spirit to write about anything.
At this blog I want to take track of the tiny steps it takes to realise my dream to be a working artist and to document this journey. I share successes and challenges. In the posts from the last year you can see the many tiny baby steps I do in art business. As it is not only happy, easy business ownership, today I will share very honest thoughts with you.
Anyhow. While I spent 1 week in the French monastery Taizé, I was able to reflect on my life and my journey as a ZZPer so far. Questions came up like:
- How did your soul journey look like until now?
- What was your progress, what have you achieved in the last month?
- What had happened in your own life and in your surrounding?
- How did you feel?
In a short summary my journey looks something like this:
Last year, in summer 2016 I came back from South America and started my art business in January 2017. Every month of 2017 I worked hard to make my art business flourish and get what I'm hoping for:
I hoped for enough work to have a fulltime art business.
I hoped for an inspiring network and a supporting community.
I hoped for a balanced cash flow to support my lifestyle.
And how do I feel?
Pretty unsatisfied.
I have high expectations from life and from myself and I believe strongly in achieving my goals. But I also realised in Taizé that I didn't reach my high expectations: after 9 month as a business owner, I have not a fulltime work situation, I often feel lonely working alone in my art studio missing (real life) community and as an artist entrepreneur, my business cash flow ebbs and flows. I can tell you, in the first month of my business it was mainly ebb (you can read it here). I'm careful to always maintain personal savings and I have the luxurious awesomeness of a supporting husband, but I want to contribute to our finances, I want to buy more painting material, to invest in my personal development and I want to build on my dream for an big atelier, where I can paint, sell paintings, hold workshops and lectures, have yoga lessons in the art studio and more amazing stuff. But reality often feels so far away from this dream.
Ready to give up
Reality hits hard when your inner critic is the judge. On a bad day, I feel like I am wasting my time, my money, my education - my life. I feel like I'm in trouble, not earning enough and doubt crawls up: I'm not good enough, not smart enough, not old/wise enough, not talented enough to make my dream come true. In a silent corner of my mind, a persistent voice calls me to give up my dream and search for a 'decent' job, as I can't reach my expectations.
What my impatient inner voice doesn't count is what actually DID happen in the last month. It doesn't take into account that in the meantime :
- I have illustrated my first book
- my instagram feed is growing
- I gave several painting workshops
- I experimented with art videos
- I created opportunities to teach ArtPub (see more below)
HEYO! All in all, this is pretty awesome. This is so much more than 9 month ago. Isn't it enough to see the growing progress?
I wonder, is it ever enough for our society of infinite growth?
When is it enough? - that's the key question that leads to satisfaction.
It's totally not worth it to give up what we are longing for. Killing our dreams because we're not reaching high expectations is sad! What we only should give up are our own high expectations.
I share my story to inspire you to do the same: What (high) expectations can you give up?
What my impatient inner voice doesn't count is what actually DID happen in the last month. It doesn't take into account that in the meantime :
- I have illustrated my first book
- my instagram feed is growing
- I gave several painting workshops
- I experimented with art videos
- I created opportunities to teach ArtPub (see more below)
HEYO! All in all, this is pretty awesome. This is so much more than 9 month ago. Isn't it enough to see the growing progress?
I wonder, is it ever enough for our society of infinite growth?
When is it enough? - that's the key question that leads to satisfaction.
It's totally not worth it to give up what we are longing for. Killing our dreams because we're not reaching high expectations is sad! What we only should give up are our own high expectations.
I share my story to inspire you to do the same: What (high) expectations can you give up?
What's coming next?
Workshops
There are more painting workshops coming soon to get your creativity flowing.
November 18th will be a workshop in Reeuwijk. More dates are coming soon!
November 18th will be a workshop in Reeuwijk. More dates are coming soon!
Handlettering
Handlettering course at Volksuniversiteit Den Haag. This will be a very nice new course, a in-deept 10 week course where you will learn handlettering, the art of drawing beautiful letters in all forms and styles. Starting on Monday, 9th October.
ArtPub Workshops
Painting in a cozy Café with a nice drink - that idea sounds great to me! I got the pleasure to be the new ArtPub painting workshop teacher for Den Haag! ArtPub is an onganisation that provides easy-going painting workshops in the evenings in many different cities in The Netherlanders as 'a creative evening in the pub'.
I gave already some of these evenings and it is so much fun! It's great to see how everyone is having a good time.
The best thing is, that you don't have to be an experienced paintier- it's easy going and everybody goes home with a nice painting, I promise :)
The upcoming ArtPub-evenings are:
4 oktober 2017
19 oktober 2017
8 november 2017
26 november 2017
13 december 2017
Check it out at www.artpub.nl
I gave already some of these evenings and it is so much fun! It's great to see how everyone is having a good time.
The best thing is, that you don't have to be an experienced paintier- it's easy going and everybody goes home with a nice painting, I promise :)
The upcoming ArtPub-evenings are:
4 oktober 2017
19 oktober 2017
8 november 2017
26 november 2017
13 december 2017
Check it out at www.artpub.nl
Meanwhile on Instagram
That's it for now.
Big hug and keep rocking,
Lisa
Big hug and keep rocking,
Lisa
A book with my illustrations is in the making! The book is send to the print shop this week, WHOOP WHOOP
It's going to be in the bookshops in September. This is a dream come true.
The cover will look like this:
It's going to be in the bookshops in September. This is a dream come true.
The cover will look like this:
The story
It's a book with a heartwarming story about 10 year old Marisa from the Interior of Suriname having the dream to stand up and make a difference. The book gives a wonderful glimpse of Surinamese cultures and the problem of goldmining with poisonous quicksilver.
The story is close to my heart and touched me, as I experienced the destruction quicksilver brings to the beautiful nature and health of the kind Surinamese people. Indigenous people live close to nature in the forest and the riverwaters are their source of life. Poisoned water means poisoned fish and people, destroyed nature means destroying their lives. Little people know of this and little care or take action. It is a complex problem, so I am grateful that that this topic get's some attention with our book in such a positive and beautiful way.
To give you an impression of the situation, I love to share some photographs I took last year in and around Apetina, a small village deep in the jungle of Suriname.
The story is close to my heart and touched me, as I experienced the destruction quicksilver brings to the beautiful nature and health of the kind Surinamese people. Indigenous people live close to nature in the forest and the riverwaters are their source of life. Poisoned water means poisoned fish and people, destroyed nature means destroying their lives. Little people know of this and little care or take action. It is a complex problem, so I am grateful that that this topic get's some attention with our book in such a positive and beautiful way.
To give you an impression of the situation, I love to share some photographs I took last year in and around Apetina, a small village deep in the jungle of Suriname.
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We have a Dream
The book is part of the exhibition We Have a Dream by De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam, opening on 16 September 2017. We Have a Dream is an exhibition about three world-renowned figures who profoundly influenced the course of the twentieth century: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela.
I'm so grateful to be part of this great project, getting a glimpse of the world of book publishing and it is an honor to work with renowned author Cynthia Mc Leod from Suriname. I had the pleasure to get to know Cynthia in Paramaribo, while I worked at the 'No Kwik' campaign against the use of quicksilver.
I'm so grateful to be part of this great project, getting a glimpse of the world of book publishing and it is an honor to work with renowned author Cynthia Mc Leod from Suriname. I had the pleasure to get to know Cynthia in Paramaribo, while I worked at the 'No Kwik' campaign against the use of quicksilver.
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Cynthia Mc Leod saw my illustrations, my animated movie for the No Kwik school program and the bus I had designed for No Kwik and asked me if I would like to illustrate her book.
Oh my god, OF COURSE I like to do that. In the last weeks I made 6 full page illustrations and a cover. I can't wait to hold the book in my hands.
Oh my god, OF COURSE I like to do that. In the last weeks I made 6 full page illustrations and a cover. I can't wait to hold the book in my hands.
Behind the scenes
These last days, I got asked how I actually made the illustrations. So if you are interested, read along and learn about the art of combining paintings with digital drawings. It was a great way for me, creating colourful images with my passion of painting but also having the freedom of digital editing and being able to make changes.
- Once I had read the manuscript and come up with the ideas of the illustrations, I first sketched a line-drawing on paper.
- Then I scanned it, vectorized it and coloured it on the computer. I did that for every element of the illustration.
- I painted patterns, elements (like plants) and all backgrounds
- I combined all elements in a file with many many layers.
 vectorized outline |  coloured element |  layering background elements |
Marisa in Arawina
Working on a book together was an amazing experience and I am happy and proud of the result. I'd love to illustrate more books, so if you know anyone looking for an illustrator, feel free to say my name :)
And meanwhile on instagram...
Here's a recap in pictures from the last weeks. For those of you who aren't following on Instagram, come and join me!
That's it for today
I wish you a wonderful summer period!
Big hug and xox,
Lisa
Big hug and xox,
Lisa
Next to my exciting wedding preparations, there is a lot going on here.
More often than not, I try to plan my life and coordinate big projects, hoping that they won't come all at the same time, but than life follows it own rhythm. As I wrote in my last blog, there are low tides and high tides. Now is high tide! So here are some news of my life as an artist.
More often than not, I try to plan my life and coordinate big projects, hoping that they won't come all at the same time, but than life follows it own rhythm. As I wrote in my last blog, there are low tides and high tides. Now is high tide! So here are some news of my life as an artist.
BEEEEEE exhibition
Galery Anderz in Reeuwijk, The Netherlands, which represents some of my artwork, holds an exhibition about bees starting this weekend: www.galeriewinkelanderz.nl/agenda/
As an artist, I was asked to make a painting that is inspired by nature and if possible having a bee on it.
I never painted a bee before and I love the new terretory.
Here is the progress of the painting
As an artist, I was asked to make a painting that is inspired by nature and if possible having a bee on it.
I never painted a bee before and I love the new terretory.
Here is the progress of the painting
And a big shoutout and thank you to my dear creative friend Steffi, who supported me with her great feedback on this painting!
Psssst....A dream come true
And last but surely not least, I have more news that really, really excites me. I still can't believe it but I got a great assignment: I will illustrate a childrens book by the famous Surinamese author Cynthia McLeod. What an honor! I'm dreaming about illustrating a book since years, but never took action to get a deal and now this opportunity comes on my path. I am very grateful.
Details will follow, I'll keep you posted on this one for sure.
The book will be in the book stores by October this year.
That's it for now.
Big hug and kisses. Keep rocking your life!
xxx, Lisa
Details will follow, I'll keep you posted on this one for sure.
The book will be in the book stores by October this year.
That's it for now.
Big hug and kisses. Keep rocking your life!
xxx, Lisa
Do you know the feeling that you're working hard, investing time and energy in different projects, but you don't see the results you were hoping for. Reality doesn't look like the pretty picture in your head.
This can be frustrating.
The last days, actually the last weeks, I struggled with impatience!
Everything couldn't get fast enough.
I worked hard, invested in many projects and a lot was going on:
And this list could go on. There are tons of opportunities! So much to do in one lifetime.
This can be frustrating.
The last days, actually the last weeks, I struggled with impatience!
Everything couldn't get fast enough.
I worked hard, invested in many projects and a lot was going on:
- I have moved,
- I started many creative projects decorating our new home,
- I'm doing my best networking and getting to know new people in Den Haag,
- we went on holidays,
- I love spending time with wedding preparations...
- I'm still at the beginning of my soultravel building my art business
And this list could go on. There are tons of opportunities! So much to do in one lifetime.
Crazy monkey
I love being busy, working hard. The only thing is, it can get a little chaotic in my mind. Especially when I invest, and invest and invest, but I don't see any results (yet). I get impatient, grumpy and disappointed, which can be pretty challenging (also for Freek ;).
A lack of focus doesn't help in this situation. But that what I miss sometimes. I still have to get used to being my own boss. It's fanatstic to choose my own projects and how I fill my days. Full freedom! Everything is possible. There are no colleages, no managers, no meetings. But there is also no-one telling me where to focus on and what the priorities are.
Pretty scary so now and than!
And that can make you (me) crazy. This situation is a paradise for the crazy-monkey-mind.
I know the monkeys in the head full of thoughts, ideas and worries and all the ups and downs. I'm not one of these very balanced persons, living a 'steady' life. I'm more the rollercoaster-type: I'm enthusiast and emotional and sensitive.
So I know from my self that I have ups and downs.
I'm sure, most of you may know the ups and downs, too. And it's not so hard. The theory behind it is clear to me: there are times to plant seeds in the ground and times to harvest. Or it's like the tides: there is ebb and flow. Or like surfing a wave in the ocean...and than falling back in the water. In a way these two phases need each other: standing up and falling down.
Life in general, relationships and definitly business develop in phases.
So the principles are clear. When it's high tide, everything is fine with me as I understand the idea that I'm surfing on a wave knowing that I will fall, but I'm focussing on the nice ride.
But I hate falling!
I'm so bad at it. Every time it shakes me, it's overwhelming and I am scared!
I start to doubt the whole idea and I wonder if it will ever get better?
And than, just before you want to give up...there it is! The end of the tunnel. A good result. A solution. Something you wanted so badly.
The patience is back. The worst part is over. Clearance in your head. The monkeys are back in the cage.
And for the next time... let's try to have more trust in the better times.
A lack of focus doesn't help in this situation. But that what I miss sometimes. I still have to get used to being my own boss. It's fanatstic to choose my own projects and how I fill my days. Full freedom! Everything is possible. There are no colleages, no managers, no meetings. But there is also no-one telling me where to focus on and what the priorities are.
Pretty scary so now and than!
And that can make you (me) crazy. This situation is a paradise for the crazy-monkey-mind.
I know the monkeys in the head full of thoughts, ideas and worries and all the ups and downs. I'm not one of these very balanced persons, living a 'steady' life. I'm more the rollercoaster-type: I'm enthusiast and emotional and sensitive.
So I know from my self that I have ups and downs.
I'm sure, most of you may know the ups and downs, too. And it's not so hard. The theory behind it is clear to me: there are times to plant seeds in the ground and times to harvest. Or it's like the tides: there is ebb and flow. Or like surfing a wave in the ocean...and than falling back in the water. In a way these two phases need each other: standing up and falling down.
Life in general, relationships and definitly business develop in phases.
So the principles are clear. When it's high tide, everything is fine with me as I understand the idea that I'm surfing on a wave knowing that I will fall, but I'm focussing on the nice ride.
But I hate falling!
I'm so bad at it. Every time it shakes me, it's overwhelming and I am scared!
I start to doubt the whole idea and I wonder if it will ever get better?
And than, just before you want to give up...there it is! The end of the tunnel. A good result. A solution. Something you wanted so badly.
The patience is back. The worst part is over. Clearance in your head. The monkeys are back in the cage.
And for the next time... let's try to have more trust in the better times.
And in the meanwhile...
Here’s a recap in pictures from the last weeks, and for those of you who aren’t on Instagram, come and join me!
Hello, hello dear friends!
It still feels a bit unreal, but: we have moved! My fiance and I have found a nice appartment in The Hague. Hurray! We packed our stuff and moved within a couple of days. The funny thing is, even with knowing that this moment will come for month and waiting for it, our moving last week was quite a surprise.
Freek and I both don't know The Hague very well, which makes it exciting to discover a new city. If anyone has recommondations what to do in The Hague, nice places to eat, drink, party...feel free to share your suggestions below!
Freek and I both don't know The Hague very well, which makes it exciting to discover a new city. If anyone has recommondations what to do in The Hague, nice places to eat, drink, party...feel free to share your suggestions below!
I love all the white walls. They really inspire to fill them up with colours and vibrant paintings! Now, our little pocessions have a new home and we found wonderful second hand furniture and give them a new life. It is a good creative exercise to make something nice of something that, old, 'worn' or even ugly.
That reminds me of the process on the canvas while painting! Do you remember the 'ugly teenager phase' over which I have written before? It is the same with new houses and old furniture: you have to look through the 'ugliness' and try to see the potential. Have trust that you can make it beautiful with some time and efforts.
That reminds me of the process on the canvas while painting! Do you remember the 'ugly teenager phase' over which I have written before? It is the same with new houses and old furniture: you have to look through the 'ugliness' and try to see the potential. Have trust that you can make it beautiful with some time and efforts.
New Art studio
Redhead Art moved, too!
I left my improvised atelier in Reeuwijk, where I have made so manny paintings in the last month. I'm so grateful that I was able to have that space!
Now I have a dedicated room for art making in our house which is awesome! It is a spacious room with great light and little distractions. My new art studio is still a little chaos and nothing fancy yet, but it is a wonderful light space and I am looking forward to many great art moments in there.
Moving my art studio was the perfect timing to tidy out my workshpace. Boy - how is it possible to accumulate so many great things in such a short time?! I'm still impressed and also by the amount of needed storage space :).
I left my improvised atelier in Reeuwijk, where I have made so manny paintings in the last month. I'm so grateful that I was able to have that space!
Now I have a dedicated room for art making in our house which is awesome! It is a spacious room with great light and little distractions. My new art studio is still a little chaos and nothing fancy yet, but it is a wonderful light space and I am looking forward to many great art moments in there.
Moving my art studio was the perfect timing to tidy out my workshpace. Boy - how is it possible to accumulate so many great things in such a short time?! I'm still impressed and also by the amount of needed storage space :).
Back to business
While I have moved, life is going on and the next great Redhead Art events are coming up soon.
Next stop: Utrecht!
After my first workshop in Utrecht, there is a follow up in May. Thank you for your great feedback and comments, helping my first workshop promote. I'm looking forward to share my passion with others :)
This month, the workshop is in the evening hours, so hopefully more (working) art friends can join us.
Next stop: Utrecht!
After my first workshop in Utrecht, there is a follow up in May. Thank you for your great feedback and comments, helping my first workshop promote. I'm looking forward to share my passion with others :)
This month, the workshop is in the evening hours, so hopefully more (working) art friends can join us.
If you want to help me, please share the workshop information, come along with a friend and check out the event on facebook!
Last Video in the old art studio
Last, but not least, I love to share a new timelapse video with you. The last one from my old art studio.
This little painting is made with so much love for tiny little baby girl IVA. May the painting cheer up her surroundings :)
I can't wait to create new artwork and videos in my new space!
But first I will unpack some more boxes.
Big hug, Lisa
This little painting is made with so much love for tiny little baby girl IVA. May the painting cheer up her surroundings :)
I can't wait to create new artwork and videos in my new space!
But first I will unpack some more boxes.
Big hug, Lisa
Hi friends,
here is a short update from my life, my business journey and a little video from my studio. Quite a lot has happened in the last 3 weeks, so let's keep you up to date.
here is a short update from my life, my business journey and a little video from my studio. Quite a lot has happened in the last 3 weeks, so let's keep you up to date.
My first workshop
Redhead Art workshops are happening!
Whoop whoop.
The first one was last week in Utrecht at Concept Store Draagkracht. Thank you for everyone who helped me share my flyer and event on social media!
It was super exciting to give my first workshop in The Netherlands and teaching after quite a while. I love to share my passion for art and create together with others.
Whoop whoop.
The first one was last week in Utrecht at Concept Store Draagkracht. Thank you for everyone who helped me share my flyer and event on social media!
It was super exciting to give my first workshop in The Netherlands and teaching after quite a while. I love to share my passion for art and create together with others.
And there will be more workshops:
The next one is planned for WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 19h00 at Draagkracht Store in Utrecht.
You are invited!
The next one is planned for WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 19h00 at Draagkracht Store in Utrecht.
You are invited!
My art in a Gallery
This is a huge one for me!
My art is now represented and exposed at Galerie Anderz in Reeuwijk. I am very grateful and excited to work together with this gallery. One big step further into the dutch art world.
My art is now represented and exposed at Galerie Anderz in Reeuwijk. I am very grateful and excited to work together with this gallery. One big step further into the dutch art world.
Grateful
I am very grateful for the many opportunities right now. It is good to realize that there are 'seasons' in life: sometimes it's time to plant and to invest, sometimes it's time to wait and to be patient (worst part for me ;) ) and sometimes it's time to harvest and to rock.
Every season has it's beauty.
Every season has it's beauty.
What are you grateful for today?
'She is thankful for what is given to her', acryl and mixed media on canvas, 20 x 20 cm
Big hug and kisses,
Lisa
Recently I finished a commission for my dear friends Julia and Nico. Two vibrant paintings with tropical flowers, plants, Suriname butterfly and happy colours. I loved that mission. Right now the two paintings are already cheering up their living room. Have a look at the timelapse video how they came to life.
As you can see I am trying something new and experimented with video editing (hapje voor hapje, right?), adding music and a short little intro and finally found that the easy YoutubeEditor is quite good. I had used it in Suriname but forgot about it. Now I get super inspired by this old-new video hobby. Funny how things come back in circles.
Meanwhile on Instagram
I love Instagram – it’s my favorite online home for all my pictures! Here’s a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren’t on Instagram, come and join me!
Big hug,
Lisa
Lisa
Do you know that moment when everything is too much, that you think: I can't handle it anymore? And then you do nothing, because you don’t know where to start. And ‘the thing’ gets bigger and bigger. Puh.
I do. What happens is a known phenomenon: you make a mountain out of a molehill. This is not only for drama queens; we all know it’s not good and we all do it.
This month I share one of my ‘moments’ and my way to get back on the train; back to the happy, productive, creative life I dream of.
I do. What happens is a known phenomenon: you make a mountain out of a molehill. This is not only for drama queens; we all know it’s not good and we all do it.
This month I share one of my ‘moments’ and my way to get back on the train; back to the happy, productive, creative life I dream of.
Overwhelmed
Recently, I struggled with the awesomeness of being a freelancer. I love the independence, the flexibility and the endless freedom of being my own boss. At the same time, it provides me a huge responsibility: I can answer my own questions. I actually have to, no one else will. This is new for me in work life: I was used to be employed and to follow the priorities of my company. Now, I am CEO, manager and employee of my business all at the same time. Can you imagine how these ‘business meetings’ in my head look like when me and myself tackle bigger challenges? It can happen that things go a little wild up there. There is not an intern ‘hierarchy’ or ‘organization chart’ for my little fellows. Sometimes they fight each other and then I feel overwhelmed. I don’t know what to do, what is right or wrong and where to start. And that is the key word: to start.
Stupid tiny steps
Once I started, I always feel better, the resistance fades and I get new ideas how to deal with the issue. But the start is so difficult. The cure is to start with tiny baby steps. It works the best when a step is so tiny, that you cannot refuse to do it! Like stupidly small steps: If you want to write an email - just start the computer. That’s it. Or just open the mailing program. You don’t have to start writing jet, just open the program. Chances are high, once you are staring at the mailing program, you can’t resist to write that email: step by step.
Another example: You want to exercise. Actually, you are not in the mood but you want that satisfied feeling after having exercised. The trick: get out of your cloth. Once you are undressed, it is not so difficult to put your sport shirt on. Then you can sit on the couch in your running outfit, but it is so much easier now to really get out of the door.
Another example: You want to exercise. Actually, you are not in the mood but you want that satisfied feeling after having exercised. The trick: get out of your cloth. Once you are undressed, it is not so difficult to put your sport shirt on. Then you can sit on the couch in your running outfit, but it is so much easier now to really get out of the door.
Kaizen
This practice might look like a stupid brain hack. It works. The Japanese call it Kaizen and they show the world how this useful method helps you to improve and master every challenge - as small or big as you want to. You can read more about it at one of my favorite (Dutch) website and app SoChicken and Jelle’s article about the magic of tiny steps.
Since I know and practice kaizen, the overwhelmed moments resolve more easily. And faster. I ask myself: What is the tiniest step I can do RIGHT NOW to get closer to the desired result.
Since I know and practice kaizen, the overwhelmed moments resolve more easily. And faster. I ask myself: What is the tiniest step I can do RIGHT NOW to get closer to the desired result.
The elephant
My good friend Emiel has the wonderful saying that helps thinking in tiny steps. He uses to ask:
Hoe eet je een mega grote olifant op? Gewoon hapje voor hapje. How to eat a huge elephant? Just bite by bite.
To remind myself (and you) of the beauty of tiny steps, I created a painting about it. And as you can see, I'm also optimalising my painting video's. Tiny step by tiny step :)
Hoe eet je een mega grote olifant op? Gewoon hapje voor hapje. How to eat a huge elephant? Just bite by bite.
To remind myself (and you) of the beauty of tiny steps, I created a painting about it. And as you can see, I'm also optimalising my painting video's. Tiny step by tiny step :)
elephant bite, 30x30cm, mixed media on wood panel
Big hug,
Lisa
Lisa
First, I want to thank you for your great feedback and comments on last weeks blogpost. It is so nice to be connected. Thank you.
Next, some fun news
I am very glad to announce that I started a new kids-collection and it is now in a cute little babystore Draagkracht in Utrecht. If you have the chance, check it out!
Especially the butterflies with the name of the child is perfect to cheer up the baby room. They are so cute. And it is a wonderful gift for your friends or family newborns. They are all unique, handmade with mixed-media and all close to my heart.
If you are interested, please send me a message.
If you are interested, please send me a message.
And I got something even more personal: I will help you do it yourself. I will provide everything you need to make a cute little piece of love in a workshop at Draagkracht Utrecht (or other places if you like to). You don't have to be an artist yourself, some curiosity and open heart is enough to make something beautiful! First workshop will be mid March 2017, more dates will follow soon.
A view inside my art studio
Today on the menu is a big, colourful butterfly.
Yesterday, in a shop I saw mindblowing butterflies, real framed reserved ones. I couldn't stop watching their STRAHLENDE colours. The beauty of them is just astonisching. It remembered me of the precious moments in Suriname where I could observe tropical butterflies. They make me smile, they make me joyful and remind me of the bright side of life. So I couldn't help but jump into my art studio this morning and start another butterfly painting for my collection.
Yesterday, in a shop I saw mindblowing butterflies, real framed reserved ones. I couldn't stop watching their STRAHLENDE colours. The beauty of them is just astonisching. It remembered me of the precious moments in Suriname where I could observe tropical butterflies. They make me smile, they make me joyful and remind me of the bright side of life. So I couldn't help but jump into my art studio this morning and start another butterfly painting for my collection.
About half way the process
The end result: 80x60cm, acryl and mixed media
Meanwhile on instagram
I love Instagram – it’s my favorite online home! Here’s a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren’t on Instagram, come and join me!
That's it for now.
Big hug - spring is coming :)
Lisa
Big hug - spring is coming :)
Lisa
Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, we all start our day at some point. I am fascinated by the many different ways how you can start into your day. Do you have a morning procedure, a strict structure or a morning ritual?
I used to wake up, normally grumpy and the first thing that comes into my mind was ‘hey, I got too little sleep’. Then I would snooze 2 times, get up with a little resistance, rush into the bathroom and to the kitchen for breakfast. All in high-speed, because I’m already late.
I liked the adrenaline of this ‘jump-start’, feeling alive and awake. But about 15 min after waking up, I already felt restless and stressed. And the day still had to start!
The other version of my mornings is when I don’t have to leave home for work. I wake up slowly, stay in bed, think about yesterday and what is ahead of me, and then…grab my cellphone and get totally lost in social media and endless browsing. Often, hunger or the urge to pee gets me out of bed. By then, I feel lazy, wasting precious hours.
There was room for improvement.
I used to wake up, normally grumpy and the first thing that comes into my mind was ‘hey, I got too little sleep’. Then I would snooze 2 times, get up with a little resistance, rush into the bathroom and to the kitchen for breakfast. All in high-speed, because I’m already late.
I liked the adrenaline of this ‘jump-start’, feeling alive and awake. But about 15 min after waking up, I already felt restless and stressed. And the day still had to start!
The other version of my mornings is when I don’t have to leave home for work. I wake up slowly, stay in bed, think about yesterday and what is ahead of me, and then…grab my cellphone and get totally lost in social media and endless browsing. Often, hunger or the urge to pee gets me out of bed. By then, I feel lazy, wasting precious hours.
There was room for improvement.
How does your perfect morning look like?
I started to think about my perfect morning. And it seems, I’m not the only one. The internet is full of blogs and videos about the first 60 minutes of the day. Btw, if you want to get lost online lying in bed, this is a great topic to do so. Some of my favorites are Win the morning or Power your Productivity with a morning ritual.
There are all kinds of advice for the most productive morning routine. Some swear on a run in the morning, others on a morning cup of hot water with lemon and tumeric. One thing, the world wide web agrees on, is that a good morning ritual has a lot of advantages and über-productive and successful people do it. So I thought: let’s give it a try.
And I found it: my happy morning procedure. It is a ‘work in progress’ and an ongoing experiment for me. And of course, I don’t do it EVERY single morning, there is always room for exceptions. But it is a nice way to start my day. I share it with you, curious how your first hour of the day looks like and maybe there is something, that inspires you to integrate it into your own practice.
There are all kinds of advice for the most productive morning routine. Some swear on a run in the morning, others on a morning cup of hot water with lemon and tumeric. One thing, the world wide web agrees on, is that a good morning ritual has a lot of advantages and über-productive and successful people do it. So I thought: let’s give it a try.
And I found it: my happy morning procedure. It is a ‘work in progress’ and an ongoing experiment for me. And of course, I don’t do it EVERY single morning, there is always room for exceptions. But it is a nice way to start my day. I share it with you, curious how your first hour of the day looks like and maybe there is something, that inspires you to integrate it into your own practice.
My morning routine:
1. Wake up
Super important for me is enough sleep. I know, some say they are totally fine with 6 hours, but many of them fall asleep in the metro, in front of the telly etc. My life is so much better when I have 8 to 9 hours of sleep: I can concentrate fully; I’m more calm and relaxed, I am creative and have the full energy to rock my day.
My alarm clock: I used to choose a noisy tone that panics me to shut it down. It definitely waked me up, but also created tention. Now I wake up with a beautiful song by Snatam Kaur. I can’t be mad at her waking me up. I feel relaxed, start singing along and the song stays in my head, and often it gives me a smile on my face – is there a better way to start?
If you use your phone as your alarm clock, ignore the urge to check messages or emails right away. I sometimes do my phone in flight modus at night, to sleep and wake up totally undisturbed.
2. Drink
My first move is to reach to my water bottle next to my bed. Drinking water in the morning definitely helps me to wake up. I normally drink 0.3 – 0.5l water on room temperature. I recently learned, that the dull and fatigue feeling in the morning is often thirst and being dehydrated after many hours of sleep. The water wakes up the body and metabolism.
3. Journaling
This is where the fun part begins. I write every morning in my journal. Mostly I do what is called ‘morning pages’. Writing down 3 full pages by hand whatever comes up in your mind is a great practice. It might take a while to get used to this, but try it and you will see. It helps me to clear up my mind, to silence my inner critic, to have more creative ideas, to be mindful and to come up with my to-do list.
Do you not know how to fill up 3 pages? This is my structure that I keep in mind when my inner voice is quiet. Remember, there is no right or wrong.
Super important for me is enough sleep. I know, some say they are totally fine with 6 hours, but many of them fall asleep in the metro, in front of the telly etc. My life is so much better when I have 8 to 9 hours of sleep: I can concentrate fully; I’m more calm and relaxed, I am creative and have the full energy to rock my day.
My alarm clock: I used to choose a noisy tone that panics me to shut it down. It definitely waked me up, but also created tention. Now I wake up with a beautiful song by Snatam Kaur. I can’t be mad at her waking me up. I feel relaxed, start singing along and the song stays in my head, and often it gives me a smile on my face – is there a better way to start?
If you use your phone as your alarm clock, ignore the urge to check messages or emails right away. I sometimes do my phone in flight modus at night, to sleep and wake up totally undisturbed.
2. Drink
My first move is to reach to my water bottle next to my bed. Drinking water in the morning definitely helps me to wake up. I normally drink 0.3 – 0.5l water on room temperature. I recently learned, that the dull and fatigue feeling in the morning is often thirst and being dehydrated after many hours of sleep. The water wakes up the body and metabolism.
3. Journaling
This is where the fun part begins. I write every morning in my journal. Mostly I do what is called ‘morning pages’. Writing down 3 full pages by hand whatever comes up in your mind is a great practice. It might take a while to get used to this, but try it and you will see. It helps me to clear up my mind, to silence my inner critic, to have more creative ideas, to be mindful and to come up with my to-do list.
Do you not know how to fill up 3 pages? This is my structure that I keep in mind when my inner voice is quiet. Remember, there is no right or wrong.
4. Creative time
I get my sketchbook and start doodling. I make some quick sketches and colour them with aquarel paint. I love to do this while I’m still in bed and make use of a brush with an integrated water container, that my dear mum gave me (before, it got a little crazy spilling water and paint in bed).
It doesn’t matter how tiny the drawing is and the result is not important, this is creative playtime. Doodling gets me into my creative modus. Often I get new ideas for future artwork. If you don’t know what to draw, you can look at the sketch from yesterday, choose one thing that you love and start from there. I like this short, daily practice. Especially on days that I don’t paint in the studio.
If you are not a painter or you don’t like doodling, you can use this time for anything that is very close to your heart. If you are a writer, write. If you want to learn guitar, play the guitar. 10 minutes for your passion.
As an extra, I combine the sketching with some personal development. I listen/watch to inspirational video’s. If you are like me, you have a whole list of topics where you like to learn more about. I listen to podcasts, TED-talks or videos from Brene Brown, Oprah, Tim Ferriss or any other inspirational show I want to learn from.
I get my sketchbook and start doodling. I make some quick sketches and colour them with aquarel paint. I love to do this while I’m still in bed and make use of a brush with an integrated water container, that my dear mum gave me (before, it got a little crazy spilling water and paint in bed).
It doesn’t matter how tiny the drawing is and the result is not important, this is creative playtime. Doodling gets me into my creative modus. Often I get new ideas for future artwork. If you don’t know what to draw, you can look at the sketch from yesterday, choose one thing that you love and start from there. I like this short, daily practice. Especially on days that I don’t paint in the studio.
If you are not a painter or you don’t like doodling, you can use this time for anything that is very close to your heart. If you are a writer, write. If you want to learn guitar, play the guitar. 10 minutes for your passion.
As an extra, I combine the sketching with some personal development. I listen/watch to inspirational video’s. If you are like me, you have a whole list of topics where you like to learn more about. I listen to podcasts, TED-talks or videos from Brene Brown, Oprah, Tim Ferriss or any other inspirational show I want to learn from.
5. Meditation
Depending of my schedule for the day, I meditate from 3 minutes with breathing exercises (I like alternate nostril breathing) up to a 20-minute guided meditation.
Often I use an app called Insight Timer or I do a 10-min meditation with the Headspace app, a really easy tool to introduce you to meditation.
It took me a while to get used to meditation, but now I love it and the feeling afterwards. It's worth it to give it a try!
6. Stretch
In the morning, the body is stiff and needs to wake up and get flexible. A little stretch goes a long way. Recently, I do a 5-minute Morning Yoga with Adriene (I love Adriene!). A full body stretch and a twist, or you can do push-ups, work on your abs- you name it. It’s all done in less than 5 minutes.
Depending of my schedule for the day, I meditate from 3 minutes with breathing exercises (I like alternate nostril breathing) up to a 20-minute guided meditation.
Often I use an app called Insight Timer or I do a 10-min meditation with the Headspace app, a really easy tool to introduce you to meditation.
It took me a while to get used to meditation, but now I love it and the feeling afterwards. It's worth it to give it a try!
6. Stretch
In the morning, the body is stiff and needs to wake up and get flexible. A little stretch goes a long way. Recently, I do a 5-minute Morning Yoga with Adriene (I love Adriene!). A full body stretch and a twist, or you can do push-ups, work on your abs- you name it. It’s all done in less than 5 minutes.
7. Getting dressed and bathroom
Brushing your teeth, shower, make up… this is all up to you.
8. Breakfast
Mostly I make a green smoothie (I've finally found a combination I like with apple, banana, frozen mango, avocado, spinach and mixed seeds) or eat a bowl of muesli with fruits and yoghurt. While breakfast it is time to finally give some attention to my cellphone and I feel ready to get sucked up in the big, big world. Whoop whoop.
Recap
Okidoki, that's it. This can all be done in 60 minutes, but if time allows and you wanna take it slow, it might take 90 minutes.
After these practices, I feel relaxed, focused and ready to have a great day.
- wake up relaxed after enough sleep
- drink bottle of water
- write in a journal
- creative playtime
- meditation
- stretch
- getting dressed and bathroom
- breakfast
After these practices, I feel relaxed, focused and ready to have a great day.
What about you?
Do you have anything in common? What does your unique morning ritual entail?
I’d love to hear about your routine, too. Feel free to share your morning schedule here in the comments.
All the best, happy mornings and see you soon!
Big hug, Lisa
I’d love to hear about your routine, too. Feel free to share your morning schedule here in the comments.
All the best, happy mornings and see you soon!
Big hug, Lisa
These days I am so fascinated by the creative process.
I recently finished the great book 'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is full of inspiring theories of creativity and the human greatness. If you have any interest in creativity- you will love this book.
It keeps me thinking about the creative process. We are all surrounded by awesome products made by awesome people. What we mostly see is the result of an creative expression: a greatly written book, a beautiful song or a finished painting.
We hear many success stories, one after the other. Online we find immense amounts of good stories how she lost 5 kg, how he wrote his new successful book, how she've built up a big enterprise within month. I love these stories. They are inspiring and pushing us to get super involved in our own projects. And to dream big.
It keeps me thinking: I want that, too! I want to be a creative maker. But sometimes I struggle within the making process. I came across this great quote about the different phases of the creative process:
I recently finished the great book 'Big Magic' by Elizabeth Gilbert. It is full of inspiring theories of creativity and the human greatness. If you have any interest in creativity- you will love this book.
It keeps me thinking about the creative process. We are all surrounded by awesome products made by awesome people. What we mostly see is the result of an creative expression: a greatly written book, a beautiful song or a finished painting.
We hear many success stories, one after the other. Online we find immense amounts of good stories how she lost 5 kg, how he wrote his new successful book, how she've built up a big enterprise within month. I love these stories. They are inspiring and pushing us to get super involved in our own projects. And to dream big.
It keeps me thinking: I want that, too! I want to be a creative maker. But sometimes I struggle within the making process. I came across this great quote about the different phases of the creative process:
What we don't get to see is what happens behind the scenes: the sweat, the endless hours of work and the patience that goes into every masterpiece.
Few people talk about the middle part. Because, the middle of the creative process is actually the hardest part. When your inspiration is gone, you are exhausted and not sure where this is going. It's when you lie awake in bed wondering where it had gone wrong. This uncomfortable feeling of being lost. You feel like shit. Feeling miserable and vulnerable. Feeling stuck. Some also call it a creative block. We try harder, push harder,....or think about giving up.
As any artist can tell you, there comes a point in creation where the maker start to become filled with self-doubt. Ready to give it all up. This is the messy middle.
When we are right within the messy middle, we don't see where this is going. And we don't see that this is part of the journey.
When you are going right through it's hell.
It's struggle.
It's disappointment.
It's heartbreak.
In these moments, it is crucial to stick with it.
Few people talk about the middle part. Because, the middle of the creative process is actually the hardest part. When your inspiration is gone, you are exhausted and not sure where this is going. It's when you lie awake in bed wondering where it had gone wrong. This uncomfortable feeling of being lost. You feel like shit. Feeling miserable and vulnerable. Feeling stuck. Some also call it a creative block. We try harder, push harder,....or think about giving up.
As any artist can tell you, there comes a point in creation where the maker start to become filled with self-doubt. Ready to give it all up. This is the messy middle.
When we are right within the messy middle, we don't see where this is going. And we don't see that this is part of the journey.
When you are going right through it's hell.
It's struggle.
It's disappointment.
It's heartbreak.
In these moments, it is crucial to stick with it.
It is important to embrace the struggle, to follow through it and to turn that beautiful mess into something that you really love. To embrace the messy middle.
I can tell you from experience that it is such a relief when you realise, that there is nothing wrong with you! When we realise that we are still worthy of love and belonging within our struggles. And maybe just because of them! This mess will go over and it's normal. It is just part of the process.
Actually, it is a very common thing: In the script of a novel, for example, the messy middle is when the main character must face a tough journey to learn a lesson. That's rule number one in every storytelling, movie or novel.
We have to get used to the idea that we will fail, but that this is not a problem. It's the challenge to get through it. To not let it stop us from finishing our projects.
It is normal to fall down. And to get up again.
Or as amazing Brene Brown puts it in:
I can tell you from experience that it is such a relief when you realise, that there is nothing wrong with you! When we realise that we are still worthy of love and belonging within our struggles. And maybe just because of them! This mess will go over and it's normal. It is just part of the process.
Actually, it is a very common thing: In the script of a novel, for example, the messy middle is when the main character must face a tough journey to learn a lesson. That's rule number one in every storytelling, movie or novel.
We have to get used to the idea that we will fail, but that this is not a problem. It's the challenge to get through it. To not let it stop us from finishing our projects.
It is normal to fall down. And to get up again.
Or as amazing Brene Brown puts it in:
I wish you the courage and fun to get through it and keep making awesome things.
So, let's keep on going, rocking our projects. Including the messy middle.
Big hug, Lisa
So, let's keep on going, rocking our projects. Including the messy middle.
Big hug, Lisa
And meanwhile on Instagram
I love Instagram – it’s my favorite online home! Here’s a recap from the last week, and for those of you who aren’t on Instagram, come and join me!
Happy new year!
Yeah, I'm pretty late with this, hahahaha! But HEYO, it's still january and I still wish you all a wonderful, colourful year and a lot of exciting soultravel in 2017.
I might not know what's up for you in the next 12 month - but I am up for some pretty big undertakings. Let's have an adventures year together!
Yeah, I'm pretty late with this, hahahaha! But HEYO, it's still january and I still wish you all a wonderful, colourful year and a lot of exciting soultravel in 2017.
I might not know what's up for you in the next 12 month - but I am up for some pretty big undertakings. Let's have an adventures year together!
After the holidays I was so enthusiastic to get back into my studio to paint, which means actually to first make myself a "studio" place. So as all family was back and life went back to normal, I morphed the spare room back into my art studio. Anyhow, I was so happy to be back with my dear friends turquoise, orange, magenta and green - I couldn't get myself in front of my laptop to write a blogpost and greet you.
That also remembered me that writing is not really my thing. I petty myself about it (no, not really) but sometimes I wish I would be über-communicative and rocking all kinds of social media platforms with my fantastic quotes and writings. Well, it's not me. So I am very grateful that you actually still read this and keep following me. It's also nothing new that I am more a visual person and less a language-freak, I already wrote that on my very first blogpost in june 2016, which reminds me, that I am actually quite proud that this blog is already running for half a year. Pretty nice.
Well, so I might change this blog format during the year and I definitely will add a lot of pictures. And here comes my newest feature: an instagram recap from my week! Tons of visuals promised :)
Recently on Instagram
Instagram is my favorite online place to post pics and to get inspired by other creatives. Here’s a roundup from the last days, and for those of you who aren’t on Instagram, come and join me!
I wish you all the very best!
Big hugs,
Lisa
Big hugs,
Lisa
These are the days...busy with christmas meetings, christmas shopping/ gift making. And in the meantime I spent a good time in my studio. I found a new timelapse app called 'Hyperlapse' that works perfectly fine on my samsung phone -jeej! This makes video shooting much easier and so much more fun.
So here are little tibits from a new artwork I made this week for an friend in Suriname.
So here are little tibits from a new artwork I made this week for an friend in Suriname.
Tropical jungle layering
In this video you'll see me starting a new painting on 3 canvases.
- Beginning with a blank canvas (with some few marks from earlier painting sessions), adding warm colors and enjoying the dripping, rolling, scraping, fingerpainting - activating the canvas.
- Adding more colours, collage and variation with different brushes and stamps.
- Adding imagery using handmade paper templates.
- Creating space by quieting down the background with semi-transparent paint creating depth.
Here are some photo's of the result:
And now it's holidays!!!
I packed up and boxed my complete improvised art studio to make room for the holiday guests and I will give my creative fingers some days off. Being back in 2017-whoop whoop!
I wish you all the very best.
Merry Christmas, take care and see you in the happy new year!
Xxx, Lisa
I wish you all the very best.
Merry Christmas, take care and see you in the happy new year!
Xxx, Lisa
Hello my sweet friends.
Here it is, a new video from me. A short time lapse from a new colourful painting in progres from yesterday. Enjoy it!
Here it is, a new video from me. A short time lapse from a new colourful painting in progres from yesterday. Enjoy it!
PS:
I know this is not the perfect video as I wanted it to be and I miss the music and the fancy intro animation and and and...I listed to your feedback from my first trials of timelapse videos and this has still a lot of room for improvement.
BUT...
here it is!
A new video.
Because I realised that my ultra high expactations of myself keeps me away from doing things. Like posting a video that is not perfect.
I think about posting blogs a lot and I have many drafts in my Evernote.... but I don't find them good enough to show to the world. Because there are not PERFECT.
Perfectionism is an ugly little monster and it creates a crazy monkey mind. You knwo, when you have thousand things in your head but you do not realise or finish any of them. The crazy monkeys keep jumping around and making you restless.
This perfectionsim thing is huge for me. You might not have missed my blog, but I promised to myself to write (and post!) new blog posts in a very regular scheme when I started this blog half a year ago. Online marketing guru's agree that you need a profound content plan and that your readers want to be sure what they can expect from your blog: regular posts for example.
I definitly have this perfect plan and organized marketing strategy in my head. But that's actually the problem- it's in my head. And only there. I think about it but I don't do it. My perfectionism gremling is big and keeps me from posting not perfect stuff and from doing things I am not comfortable with.
But HEYO- I know you guys like me even without perfect video's.
So I just posted it! And the best thing is...it feels good. It's done! Yeah!
PPS: If you are in the region- come over to UTRECHT and join me and my dear friend Willemieke from beautiful LOBI LAMPU at the Christmas Market in Twijnstraat. See you there, xox
I know this is not the perfect video as I wanted it to be and I miss the music and the fancy intro animation and and and...I listed to your feedback from my first trials of timelapse videos and this has still a lot of room for improvement.
BUT...
here it is!
A new video.
Because I realised that my ultra high expactations of myself keeps me away from doing things. Like posting a video that is not perfect.
I think about posting blogs a lot and I have many drafts in my Evernote.... but I don't find them good enough to show to the world. Because there are not PERFECT.
Perfectionism is an ugly little monster and it creates a crazy monkey mind. You knwo, when you have thousand things in your head but you do not realise or finish any of them. The crazy monkeys keep jumping around and making you restless.
This perfectionsim thing is huge for me. You might not have missed my blog, but I promised to myself to write (and post!) new blog posts in a very regular scheme when I started this blog half a year ago. Online marketing guru's agree that you need a profound content plan and that your readers want to be sure what they can expect from your blog: regular posts for example.
I definitly have this perfect plan and organized marketing strategy in my head. But that's actually the problem- it's in my head. And only there. I think about it but I don't do it. My perfectionism gremling is big and keeps me from posting not perfect stuff and from doing things I am not comfortable with.
But HEYO- I know you guys like me even without perfect video's.
So I just posted it! And the best thing is...it feels good. It's done! Yeah!
PPS: If you are in the region- come over to UTRECHT and join me and my dear friend Willemieke from beautiful LOBI LAMPU at the Christmas Market in Twijnstraat. See you there, xox
The status right now, Work in progress of 'Colourful White', acryl on canvas, 60x60cm