Art From Your Heart: Is a new group on NING that I have just started building. I have a few members already, but would love to have YOU!! I am planning for the site to be a collaborative work between myself and other artists/creatives, and I could really use your input.

I am envisioning classes and instruction, guidance and encouragement, support and sharing, classes and education, great conversation and fantastic company and talent, gathering together with other “like-minded”, talented and eager to learn beginning and experienced artists. I may also have a group for writers and one for poets if there is enough interest in those two areas.Be a part of something from the ground up! We will be diving into art journals, altered books, mail art of all types, mixed media art of all kinds, traditional art, various art mediums and techniques, found poetry and altered text, altered art of all types and anything else “creative” that there is an interest shown. Much of the time, members of the group will get to help decide the structure and content of the web community, from the very beginning (I will have the final say...)

To JOIN - Just click on the link above or click here - Art From Your Heart ! Looking forward to seeing you there and getting to know you! Come join - it’s free and it should be fun!

Laura Thykeson
Art From Your Heart
The Altered Book Nook
Taz's Corner
The Uncommon Artist

Making ATC's and other art talk!

Made my very first atc's yesterday! Worked on them all day and ended up with 5, 4 that I really like. I need to get some more supplies when I can, so I can make more elaborate ones, although, the one I like the best is completely hand-painted.

Here are pics of my cards, in case someone would like to trade! Just shoot me an email, and I will be thrilled to trade with you!Also have a great idea for my next altered book! I am going to cut words or short phrases out of magazines and newspapers, and write short poems using each one. Then I will print out the original poetry, then put it into the book, place it on one side, and paint an illustration on the facing page! love the concept if I can just pull it off! Already started it, with a poem last night. Now, each page of my new altered book will have original poetry and illustrations! I may try to sell that one, although it will be such a personal part of me, it will be hard, lol! I still have plenty of time to think about it.

Well, until next time, here are some ideas for you!

New Blog Direction...All Things ART!!!!

Oil Color Brush KitHere are some great books on oil painting, along with some supplies to get the beginner started. I am making it my personal quest to inspire those who have always wanted to paint but keep putting of!

Since I love to paint, and have been for the last 20 or so years, I decided to turn this into a blog about art! So, without further ado, here we go!

Above you will see the relatively simple painting we are going to work on. To get the full instructions, click on the link below that will take you to Hubpages.com and the article. Grab your brushes, paints and easel, because I have written a "beginner's art lesson" for beginning artists on Hubpages.com. The article lists all the supplies you will need, right down to the color of paints you will use. Use a 16 x 20" canvas for this painting, and if you are truly a beginner, use an inexpensive canvas board to paint on. That way, if you mess it up, you won't be out a lot of money. (I always re-use canvases if I start something and then don't like it...) Above you will see the beginning stages of the painting we will be doing. If you are interested in painting along and doing an art lesson, simply go to http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Start-An-Oil-Painting-A-Landscape-Work-In-Progress . Here you will be able to follow along as we work on this painting. If you decide to paint along with me, please take the time to send me photos of your progress! I would love to see how you are doing.

Well, off to the easel I go. Happy Easter and Happy Painting!!