Today: Get Messy Thursdays | Serenity, Week 1

I’m so happy the latest season of the Get Messy Art Journal challenge has begun (I’m also so excited about this season’s theme: Serenity!).  I seem to lose momentum between seasons and realize how much I benefit from the community, structure and accountability of this program (learn all about it here).  I barely picked up my sketchbook at all in the past few weeks, and was tempted to crawl into bed the second I got home tonight… but it’s Thursday… and on Thursdays, we get messy.  

Why sleep when you can doodle?

Get Messy Thursdays | Serenity, Week 1

Remember when I tried out a new sketchbook and it was basically a disaster?  It took some trial and error, but I think I found the one with this Moleskine Art Plus Watercolor Album.  The paper is cold-pressed and so fun to draw and paint on.  The book itself lightweight but still substantial (12 x 8.5 inches), has a simple cover, and lays flat.  I ended up grabbing a second for a painting and sketching class I’m currently working through (Mary Ann Moss’ Sketchbookery class — highly recommend it!).

Alright.  Here’s what I worked on this week (…while watching an inappropriate number of Naked + Afraid episodes… that show kills me, but it’s kind of the opposite of serenity).  The journaling and art prompts were created by Vanessa and focused on divinity.  There was a lot to think about, and I have a feeling I’ll want to revisit this week and continue to work through this spread.  Each piece feels sort of simple, but these prompts were really personal and sort of stirring.  

Materials used: Micron (blue ink), Sakura watercolors, white gel pen, gold ink

We were encouraged to learn and share about the goddess or goddesses that we connect most with.  I was going to paint a portrait of Martha Stewart (she is my queen, after all), but I found myself completely consumed by a goddess typology quiz a fellow Get Messy member suggested.  Apparently I’m a Hestia (and as an introvert who craves time at home with my family, the proverbial shoe fits).

I don’t know what Hestia is supposed to look like (and I usually shy away from drawing faces and figures) but I love how this turned out.  Having major hair is a goddess prerequisite, right?

Materials used: Old Christmas card, glue stick, super cheap (and super crappy) glitter alphabet stickers

I can’t think about the divine and what brings me peace and serenity without sharing about my faith and religion, and the grounded-ness they give me.  I’ve been hanging on to this image of the Virgin Mary for ages and knew I wanted to include it here.  Isn’t she lovely?

Materials used: White gesso, another Proust page (sorry, homey), black Faber Castel PITT pen (I think it’s size 1.5), Sakura watercolors, Micron pen (blue), magazine clippings

This Thomas Merton quote has stuck with me for years and years and resonates with me.  Similarly, I’ve always been drawn to the ocean.  I have a feeling water will be a recurring subject for me this season.

Was Hestia a good swimmer?  I hope so.  

Also On Tap for Today:

• Day 3 of no naps for Grace (insert wide-eyed emoji here)… life is a mysterious adventure
• 5 art journal must haves from Alisa Burke
• Swimming!

Which goddesses are you channeling today?