Tracy Weinzapfel Studios: Canvas Creations

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Painting on the Beach.....

This past weekend I was able to clear the schedule for a few hours in the morning to take a painting class with my friends Stephanie Ackerman and Sue Alemand. I was glad I signed up for the class to make a Vision Board Canvas for 2014. The weather was perfect, the people were so nice and it was so awesome to paint with the sound of the ocean in front of me!

Breakfast and supplies were included so we all got started on our Vision boards....

I enjoyed the creative process and decided my board would be "Things I know for Sure..." and focused on things that are most important to me.

Painting on the beach brings two things I love more then anything together. Despite being pretty sick I put that aside and enjoyed the day...you can tell by my smile.

Thanks to all the ladies who shared the day.....

Special thanks to Stephanie Ackerman and Sue Allemand for arranging this day and sharing your Art with us all.

These are the things I know......

I am glad I took the time (my Kleenex) and painted with you all. This reminded me that I can take my art supplies to the beach when I want and feel inspired and to...

"Living your dream is really just a matter of proper lifestyle alignment. It’s about being true to yourself, and realizing that where you are at any given moment is exactly where you want to be. Thus, happiness and success in life is simply the gratifying combination of liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking who you do it with."

Jan 23, 2014 6:00:00 AM | Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations

Friday, July 12, 2013

Daisy DecoArt Love......

Oh DecoArt, how do I love thee? Let me counts the Paints...I mean the ways! Lots and lots of acrylic paints to color my world! My latest 8 X 10 canvas is inspired by the flowers I picked up last week at the Farmer's Market:

Here are the steps I took to paint this simple canvas:

Paint Background using Baby Wipes & DecoArt Americana (Orchid & Lavender)

Free draw flowers with DecoArt Gesso
Paint flowers with DecoArt Americana (Saffron Yellow, Bright yellow, Canyon Orange, Marigold, Spiced Pumpkin)

Adhere sentiment with DecoArt Decoupage (Matte)
Doodle around words
Add additional texture with Bubble Wrap and DecoArt Americana Paint (Lavender)

My completed painting:

Have a great and colorful weekend!

"There is always something to be grateful for even when life is hard and times are tough. Everyday is a blessing, and in each moment there are many things that we can be grateful for. "

Jul 12, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Art Journal, Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations, DecoArt, twstudios

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Mixed Media Monday Re-Cap 5/20/13 - "Free"

I have lots going on in my studio.....this is what the storage situation looks like right now and I do not do well working under unorganized consitions (I wish I could reprogram that part of my head)

I am so darn thankful for the creative chaos and even more Thankful for Mixed Media Monday that takes me away from it...our creative escape every Monday. Here is the 11 X 14 canvas that came from our evening:

MATERIALS LIST: Gesso, Decoupage & Paints (DecoArt - Desert Turquoise, Spice Pumpkin, Cadmium Yellow, Tangelo Orange, Pumpkin & Irish Moss), Montaina Pens, Ink (Tim Hotz and Marvy Uchida) and Charcoal Pencil

I apologogize for the video issues which are beyond my control but in two parts we did get a show. If you missed it LIVE it is recorded for your viewing pleasure and available on my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TraceB5:

PART 1

PART 2

This was all about using my favorite Decoart Paints and Mediums that are lining my floors. Here are some of the finer details....

This morning I started my day with some emails and comments following last night's show and from people sharing life's journey with me. I posted this on Facebook:

"I want to share that life is not always easy...Mondays nights were here for me at a time when I need them the most. I get frustrated for the video issues that arise on occasion but your patience and support keeps me keepin' on. I thank you all for participating, caring and sharing life's journey. Sometimes I share too much, sometimes I feel I share too little, but I feel like what comes back is ten-fold. So on this Tuesday....with your triumphs and tribulations I thank you! Art heals......this I know for sure."

The responses mean the world to me. So for life that just Keeps on Keepin' on. Prayers for those in Oklahoma. I thank you for this sharing this art journey. We may not always know where it is taking us but it sure is an awesome ride.

Thank you again for filling my heart and my Mondays with Mixed Media Mania! I welcome everyone to join the Facebook Group HERE and share your projects! Don't forget our May 2013 Creative Dare too! Next Monday we are off due to my travel schedule but we will be LIVE on Wednesday, May 29th where I will announce all the Birthday WINNERS!

"When you tough it out, hold the line, and stay the course, I promise you there will soon come a day when you look back over your shoulder, shake your head in dismay, and seriously wonder what all the fuss was about."

May 22, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Art Journal, Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations

Thursday, April 25, 2013

"Dream" 20 X 24 Mixed Media Painting By Tracy Weinzapfel

I shared my first 20 X 24 painting HERE yesterday that shipped to the NAMTA show and today I share the second piece.......

This piece presented more of a challenge as it needed to be more grunge which I am not as comfortable with but I brightened it in my own way...

Lots of great (DECOART!) products that inspire me and not being afraid to play with them to add texture and dimension...you never know where it will take you!

MATERIALS LIST: Decoupage, Gesso, Dimensional Effects, Acrylic Sealer and Paints (DecoArt - Dark Chocolate, Raw Sienna, Marigold, Light Avocado, Avocado, Saffron Yellow, Cool White, Bittersweet Chocolate, Honey Brown, and Dazzling Metallics Glorious Gold & Campagne Gold), Stencils (The Crafter's Workshop), Charcoal Pencil, Markers (Sharpie), Ink (Marvy Heritage)

Again, I loved just playing with the texture....

I captured the entire painting process on film in this slide show HERE:

so they are both shipped and on their way!.....

What a week! I think I need a creative vacation.......thanks for visiting!

"Ultimately, it’s not what you do every once in a while; it’s what you dedicate yourself to on a regular basis that makes the difference."

Apr 25, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Canvas Creations

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

"Inspiration" 20 X 24 Mixed Media Painting By Tracy Weinzapfel

The last few days have left me drained, elated and happy. I have been busy pouring myself into two 20 X 24 paintings I was hired to paint for the NAMTA show. I am thankful to work with such great companies that afford me the opportunity to do what I love. The first painting is.......

I had such a great time making this piece and was actually sad to box it up and send it (ok, not really!).

So happy to work with products (DECOART!) that inspire me and not being afraid to play with them to add texture and dimension to this piece....

MATERIALS LIST: Decoupage, Gesso, Dimensional Effects, and Paints (DecoArt - Teal Green, Desert Turquoise, Lemon Yellow, Saffron Yellow, Leaf Gree, Yellow Green, and Bluegrass Green), Stencils (The Crafter's Workshop), Charcoal Pencil, Markers (Sharpie), Ink (Marvy Heritage)

All about the colors and just having fun....

I captured the entire painting process on film in this slide show HERE:

Here is a sneak peak of the second piece which I will share this week.....

Painting inspires me in ways I never knew possible.

"Leading with my heart and soul every day...in my work, with my family and my friends. ♥ Took me 43 years to realize that wearing your heart as an accessory is not so bad as long as you are selective with those around you. I know that as an artist this is reflected in my work on a daily basis. Open to new things and seeing what life brings. For that I am grateful." ~Tracy Weinzapfel

Apr 24, 2013 12:10:29 PM | Canvas Creations

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Mixed Media Monday Re-Cap 4/1/13 - "Five Words"

Another amazing Mixed Media Monday and this time I shared from something I am working on. This past Sunday I started this 20 X 24 canvas:

Here is where I left off with that but lots more to go...

I was asked how I created that so I did a mini take-off of that in 11 X 14 LIVE.......

MATERIALS LIST: Gesso & Paints (DecoArt - Desert Turquoise, Teal Green, Bluegrass Green, Yellow Green, Leaf Green, Lemon Yellow), Decoupage (Beacons Spray Decoupage & Sealer), Stencil (The Crafter's Workshop), Ink: Marvy Heritage Ink Pad, Paint Pens: Montana Paint & Molotow

If you missed it LIVE it is recorded for your viewing pleasure and available on my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TraceB5....HERE:

Loving the recycling of tissue paper that I did in preparing my canvas. This Decoupage technique (love the Beacon Adhesives sprays!) gave the piece lots of texture and the sealer gave it lots of shine!

What a great feeling every week when I look at what has brought us all together! I welcome everyone to join the Facebook Group HERE and share your projects!

Stay tuned tomorrow for the official April 2013 Creative Dare. We had 27 submissions for the March Creative Dare and I am beyond thrilled! Thank you again for filling my heart and my Mondays with Mixed Media Mania!

"You were born to be you, not who they tell you to be. You are not here to be perfect; you are here to be true. Be gentle and kind to your heart and soul. Accept who you are, where you are, and where you came from. Listen to your gut. Now is the moment to follow your intuition and pursue what matters most to you. Reach deep within yourself and awaken to the purpose that moves you and makes you feel alive. The world is filled with opportunities to do an infinite number of things, so why not align your efforts with the activities that speak to your soul."

Apr 2, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Art Journal, Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations, twstudios, Ustream twStudios

Friday, March 29, 2013

From Those Mixed Media Mondays....

The following days after each Monday I have the pleasure of seeing so many people's artwork that was inspired by Monday night! It is such an honor and I just want to share some of this weeks projects from this past Monday which I shared my piece HERE:

and here are some of the pieces share with ME!

Sandy Beach

Jean Marmo

Julia Alter Canvin

Mary Kay McDonnell

Von Reeder

All are so different yet each artist was inspired by something they saw LIVE! Mixed Media Mondays make Monday a great way to start the week! I look forward to every Monday to see what happens!

Thank you to those artists who tune in every Monday (and watch the recordings) and to those who share their work and a part of themselves with me! ♥

"Only in hindsight, will the miracles become obvious, will you see you were guided, and will you find there was order all along."

Mar 29, 2013 11:23:53 AM | Art Journal, Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations, twstudios, Ustream twStudios

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Studio Storage Tips Part 3: Display your Artwork!

One thing many people do not know about me is I am terrified to share my artwork (my other fear is public speaking). Strange when weekly I get on LIVE on the internet with no preparation and paint! It was not until my 40's when in spite of my fears I decided to put it all out there. Share what I love and do what I love!

My next storage tip has to do with facing your fears and sharing/storing your completed artwork! I NEVER would share my work unless it was published in a magazine and therefore I felt validated that it was good enough! I was literally the photographer without one photo on my wall! The scrapbooker with her pages tucked away in books on the highest shelf. Crazy when that is such a big part of who I am. This fear of people seeing my work or me comparing it to others was/is stagnating. Now my artwork is out on display in my house (and has also become the best way to sell my original art pieces!)

This is one of my favorite corners of the house right outside my studio:

I still have to catch myself when people are admiring my work and asking if they can buy it (that never gets old!) from saying...are you sure you really want it? Why not? it is a true labor of love and why not show off living your passion every day.

I remember long ago someone asking me where this "art deal would ever lead to".....the great thing is I have no idea but I sure do love what I do. I get to share it with so many others who get it. AND......my kids see on a daily basis Mom pursuing what she loves. She is not hiding it....in fact it is out on display. Lots of fear, lots of risks but where this "art deal" is taking me I am forever grateful. This is my path...these are my walls, lots of "storage" space!

So what I say to my fellow artists, display your work, be proud of it, give it, donate it...sell it! I encourage you to have an Etsy Store. Sell your work at an art show! Enter the county/state fairs! Just this week I sold 20 journal kits which are on the way to Canada! And I was asked to create a custom piece!

Feel free to visit my Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/twstudios

It is not a leap you need to take...a first step. Do what you love and love what you do....the rest just kind of falls into place one fear at a time! Stay tuned for more storage tips.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Mar 28, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Art/Crafting/Scrapbooking, Canvas Creations, twstudios

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Mixed Media Monday Re-Cap 3/25/13 - "Live"

Each week I am blown away by the positive response of Mixed Media Mondays. The viewers are growing, the manufacturer's are asking to be a part of this fun and I am beyond excited! I look forward to Monday's and who actually says that! This past Monday was no different and I LOVE what creativity that came from that night. Here is the 11 X 14 canvas that I painted LIVE.......

MATERIALS LIST: Gesso & Paints (DecoArt - Saffron Yellow, Cool White, Dragon Fruit, Vivid Violet, Whispering Turquoise, Marigold, Desert Turquoise, Blue Chiffon, Ocean Blue, Light Avocado, Black Forest Green, Bluegrass Green, Lemon Yellow), Charcoal Pencil, Adhesive (Beacons 3-in-1), Ink: Stayz On & Marvy Heritage Ink Pad, Buttons (Buttons Galore & More), Foam Stamps (Making Memories), Stamps (Magenta & Hero)

If you missed it LIVE it is recorded for your viewing pleasure and available on my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TraceB5....HERE:

I added just a few details after we went off air such as the buttons (I did find the perfect buttons from Buttons Galore & More!) and the Title.

What a great feeling every week when I look at what has brought us all together! I welcome everyone to join the Facebook Group HERE and share your projects from our weekend meeting!

I am working on the April Calendar of Mixed Media Mondays right now and will post ASAP! Thank you again for filling my heart and my Mondays with Mixed Media Mania!

"If you love someone today, tell them. If you appreciate someone today, tell them. There might not be a tomorrow. Today is the day to express your love and admiration."

Mar 27, 2013 7:24:36 PM | Canvas Creations, Mixed Media Mondays, twstudios, twStudios Logoware, Ustream twStudios

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Enjoy the Journey

Never did I imagine when I picked my Word for 2013...Breathe how fitting it would be. It seems like such a simple thing to do but for me it is not. I share this word on common with a couple of friends and got to speaking to one of them about it. For me it just about enjoying the journey. Not fretting about the past...and not trying to control the future. Just enjoy the here and the now, all the blessings I have in my life as we speak. Taking each day as it comes and making them the most I can. That includes with the kids, my friends, work, etc. I really am taking stock in what I have and what each week brings.

Last week there were things that made me smile.....walked and talked for over 10 miles with my dear friend (and laughed).....

went to one of my favorite places in San Diego....with a 30% off coupon! (and one low cut top! excuse that! LOL)

and ate mushroom risotto that made me very happy and washed that down with dessert at my favorite bakery in Little Italy...

Enjoyed a mimosa and eggs benedict breakfast with my friend Kelly.....

Saturday morning Skype chat with my brother & favorite niece & nephew...

fresh flowers that make me smile..

spent all day Saturday in my studio painting.....thanks Tina for the home-delivery of the Girl Scout cookies!

Fretted over a very bad Furball who ate one whole box of said Girl Scout cookies and is lucky to be around so I could get mad at her!

and number 1............was a mom to thise kids I sink my heart and soul into every day. Sorry no pics of me in that function but you get the picture.....

It was a busy week. One you get to the end and am thankful for all you accomplished and for what is yet to do. But it is the weekend full of little surprises and even some dancing. That is my week in pictures.

it is is about Enjoying the Journey...........BREATHE.

"Do not wish your moments away. Do not ruin today by focusing on another time and place. There is only now; realize how rich you are in it...being present in the moment, and brave, and thankful for all the opportunities you have. Make your time count. Right now you are creating history – your legacy. Don’t let it slip by without being aware of it. Life works in a strange way: You want something and you work and wait and work and wait, and feel like it’s taking forever to come. Then it happens and it’s over and all you want to do is relive all the great memories you made along the way. Happiness is the journey. Open your eyes. Don’t miss it."

Feb 10, 2013 6:00:00 AM | Canvas Creations

Tracy Weinzapfel Studios

"Do Something Creative Everyday..."