Leap of Faith
Be brave and jump!
It’s only when you let go that you can meet your full potential on the other side.
It never ever occurred to me that I could paint and yet at the age of 45, I followed an inner calling, and found myself signing up for private art classes. My family and friends were equally amazed by my new found passion and couldn't understand how my creativity suddenly appeared apparently out of the blue. To be honest, I was just as astonished. In hindsight, I see that art was weaving its way into the very fabric of my life but I was so preoccupied and focused on other pursuits that I remained oblivious to its presence. Heeding the call of my inner compass was my leap of faith that has changed the direction of my path in so many unexpected and yet deeply meaningful ways.
Spirit - Acrylic on canvas 25 x 25 cm
I signed up for my first art class four years ago, on October 7, 2015. Looking over my diary I found this entry, "I’m fascinated by colour these days....My paintings are free flow and I’m not at all concerned how they’re going to look or where they’re heading." Allowing yourself to loosen up, and trust your intuition is vitally important in life. Making art offers you the training arena in which to practice this axiom. Here is the very first painting I created back in 2015. The process was tremendously invigorating.
So my friends, to all of you who believe you don't have an ounce of creativity, I'd like to prove you wrong. I have an exciting offer that I feel will speak to your soul. I also would love to introduce you to a special guest this month. Scroll down for more!
Sara xo
New Online Art Course
I'm thrilled to announce that my new mixed media art online course FLY FREE has officially launched! It has been many years in the making and finally it's ready to fly the nest and go out into the world. I hope it brings you as much joy as it did for me to create it. Will you take the leap and join me on this creative adventure inwards? You totally deserve it! Oh, and by the way, we plant a tree for every purchase you make!
Lucy Roman is the amazing supportive artist who opened the door to my new found creative passion. Lucy has kindly agreed to share her thoughts with you.
I vividly remember the day I called you and signed up for private art classes on the spot. Little did I know then that that choice would ultimately change the direction of my life path! What made you follow the artist's way?
I also remember vividly the day I chose to listen to this strong urge and desire to 'go back to painting'. I had just moved to Jordan, where I was truly away from my family and friends. I knew that I needed to stay focused, strong and had to find time to do what I loved most. I turned to painting as a way of escaping, relaxing and sort of fueling myself for the unknown. It was about a year after moving to Jordan. One evening, after everyone went to bed, I pulled out all of my paints and brushes, found an old stretch canvas and started painting. My first two hours into the process felt like minutes. When my family woke up the next morning, they found a painting of a blue flowerpot with flowers on the kitchen table. My kids had no idea their mother was a painter. Painting for me was my new way of escaping and finding my own inner peace. It made me happy, relaxed and it gave me a sense of satisfaction.
My love for creating little things started at a very young age. I grew up on a farm, where my grandparents taught me how to make baskets, quilts and dolls. I have lived a life that has always allowed me to stay creative. Following my passion for paint was a conscious choice for me. I came from a place of great need and fear. I turned to art when I needed it most.
You introduced me to the vibrant world of colour and I'm eternally thankful to you for that - I would always come back from your classes with a big smile on my face. How does colour and paint inform your own life?
When I started painting again, I used to feel guilty because it was so much fun. I felt like a child playing half the day. I would rush my house chores and duties of a mother just to get back into my studio. Being creative and having a hobby that was therapeutic and relaxing was a blessing. I learned to embrace this magical feeling and just run with it. As I continued to grow as a painter, my family grew attached to my paintings and embraced the fact that they had a fun, creative mom. They also became a part of my world of art exploration as they saw each painting come to life.
My life as an artist has opened many doors for me and it has taken me on a great career path. The world of color and paint enlightened me to open up my own art studio and gallery where I teach kids and adults. As I continued to grow as an Artist, something definitely clicked for me. I discovered a friendly painting process that anyone could learn. I knew I had something special to offer. Teaching art classes has allowed me to grow professionally. It has allowed me to inspire, guide and encourage my students in a soulful manner. I have seen my students transform through art and their painting skills evolve. My students have given me the opportunity to express my passion in my lessons, every time I demonstrate a technique, and share my knowledge.
Coming from a healing arts background myself as a registered homeopath, I see the huge therapeutic potential of art. What are your views on this?
I consider art to be a form of meditation. Personally, nothing quiets my mind and stops my thought process like painting. It’s the combination of everyday life and my dedication to painting that brings harmony into my life. It is during this meditative painting process that I allow myself to be free, to separate myself from the outside world and to create. I believe creativity has the power to awaken, empower and to heal. I know deep down in my bones that we are all creative individuals and how you choose to express your creativity is vital to your overall wellbeing. Experiencing first hand the positive therapeutic effects of art has allowed me to guide my students gently, to inspire when in doubt and encourage them to never give up. I believe my art has kept me grounded, positive and strong for my family.
It never occurred to me that I could paint let alone draw anything. What words of encouragement can you give our readers who don't believe they are creative?
As a painter, I’ve learned to give myself permission to explore my passion and not listen to negative comments or the world's criteria about what I can or cannot do. If you have the ability, time, opportunity and freedom to explore creativity, it will transform your life. My fascination for painting and colors was my reason to explore the world of art. My dedication meant showing up daily to paint.
Today, I do big events at various venues where people have the opportunity to paint and enjoy drinks and food. This new painting experience is truly fun art not 'Fine Art'. These simple, step-by-step events allow people the opportunity to try painting for the very first time. I truly enjoy watching each person work their way through the painting. There are moments during the process when you only hear silence within a group of 40 people. The first time I experienced this quiet time, I realized they were concentrating, relaxed and amazed that they could paint. Bringing this painting experience to large groups is a new platform for me to also grow professionally. I can honestly say I was the first artist in Amman, Jordan to bring this painting experience to known venues. I believe it's needed and my hope is that other artists will do the same. Getting in front of a large group to speak and paint takes courage and a willingness to put myself out there. Everything I’ve done as a business owner and artist meant taking a risk on something new and different. This is another great example of how once again; I followed my curiosity and I urge you to try a unique way of teaching art.
Thanks so much Lucy, anything else that you'd like to share?
WHEN YOU FOLLOW YOUR HEART IT WILL GET YOU ON YOUR PATH. I decided to follow my heart. In 2018, I launched a coloring book Color Jordan Beautiful. It captures animals, plants and landscape views found in Jordan. It's truly one of a kind and the #1 top selling coloring book that represents Jordan. It seems like many of my creative choices, have evolved from simply saying "Yes!" to new experiences.
Do I believe anyone can learn how to paint? Absolutely! My hope is that they will find the right teacher to guide them and expose them to the world of color in an easy and friendly environment, where they can let go of their fears and give themselves the opportunity. I will always advice others to follow their heart, to never doubt their inner voice and to follow their passion.
Learn more about Lucy.
New Painting in Shop
Serenity - a mixed media artwork on panel
