Ginas-Whimsy-Art

Merging My Art With My Life...

2012-01-31T01:11:00.000-08:00

It still amazes me of how time flies away from me…perhaps you too know what I mean? I meant to post since the beginning of the month and here I am barely posting on the last day of the month…lol. Well, I have been up to a lot of projects and I am sooo excited to share that I am finally going to begin doing workshops here in my home (actually my garage)...in the “Cre8tvlyYrs Arts & Crafts Design Lab” with the 1^st workshop on February 10^th! It’s going to be a Valentine themed workshop of course, where we’ll be making Valentine’s Cards and bracelets.

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“Cre8tvlyYrs Arts & Crafts Design Lab = A Dream coming to Reality

I’m so excited about this because I have long dreamed of being an Art Teacher, in fact when I met my husband I was full force on that path but I decided to take a break while planning our Wedding and I’m sure you know what happened…yeah…life!! So I wasn’t crushed about not being able to finish getting my degrees to teach but it’s always something I still naturally do, especially when it comes to arts & crafts.

Through the years when I’ve shared my art with others in gifts and commissions people have often asked me how did I do that or if I could show them how and I’d say sure…but since I get so easily distracted (ADHD) I haven’t ever done it. But in the back of my mind, I have this little dream of me having a ‘Cre8v Lab’ or Art studio teaching and sharing with others this gift of mine…of being creative.

So recently…about a week ago, I had this dream that I was talking to others about opening up an arts & crafts ‘Design Lab” and when I woke up I told my husband and he was just as excited as I was and said that I should do it! So that got me motivated and I’ve been sooo excited since getting my house and the garage ready as well as drawing up and editing all my Valentine themed artwork for the Valentine cards we will be making. I will be posting samples of everything as I get them done!

I can’t wait for what this direction in my journey of life will lead to me!! I feel that one of my dreams is coming to reality and this quote that my Uncle posted to me yesterday certainly coincides with that:

“Know your dream, Know that you are worthy of your dream. Feel the passion of your dream.” -Unknown

God bless and enjoy your days to the fullest!!

Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina

P.S. I just had to include this Memorial I created on January 19th...

Fluttering about...what I've been up to...

2011-12-08T15:44:00.000-08:00

*************A Personal Update*****************

I've been living life...not quite to the fullest yet...but I'm getting there!! Things are really turning around for us over here and I believe with all my heart that things are going to just keep getting better!! Spiritually I feel like I am in a new more mature understanding level...I have always been a woman of strong faith but when you go through trials sometimes you ask why or how long...you know? I was dealing with some personal trials for the past couple of years but around July I felt my faith change. At first I wasn't sure if it was in a good way but only because it was different, it was as though my faith was being tested and then I realized that I passed the test!! I know the trials will be a part of life but it feels good to know that I've made it this far. I know I am still a work in progress...and I love that...knowing that the Lord isn't done with me yet. :)

So with all the revelations of things I needed to do...changes I needed to make I feel that I am finally on the right track in all areas of my life...it's a state of life I've never experienced...and being stuck in a cocoon stage for so many years it feels so wonderful to finally be able to fluttering about...seeing the world in a whole different view! I thank the Lord for bringing me to this place of peace and joy...and I look forward to all the even more wonderful and joyous things coming my way!

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*My Artwork & Jewelry Designs Update*

For those of you who are interested...I have been busy with commissioned work this year from artwork to custom designed jewelry which is why I haven't had the chance to set up my etsy shop in time for the Christmas and Holiday shopping but I am currently getting things ready to get it set up. I hope to get it set up by this weekend...hopefully Saturday! I will be making art prints, magnets, cards, jewelry and other home decor with my artwork available to purchase.

Right now I am finishing up a beautiful custom necklace and some Christmas Card designs so I do have time to fit in a couple of more custom orders if you contact me no later than this coming Wednesday. If you would like to have me create custom artwork or jewelry you can contact me at: cre8tvlyyrs@msn.com I will need at least a week to complete the work but I can only guarantee local orders (Southern California) will be there before Christmas. So if anyone lives out of state, I would be happy to create custom art or jewelry for you but just know it may not get to you before Christmas due to the delivery process.

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Love blogging again and I hope to do this more often...especially since I can actually post again! Hope you all enjoy this wonderful season of Christmas! Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

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I'll Spread My Wings & I'll Learn How to Fly...

2011-12-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

(I wrote this back in July and for some reason I wasn't able to post it or anything else until now.)

Learning how to fly...that's what my current daily art journal's theme is...I am going through a new phase of life...It's the part obviously where I'm flapping my wings around...you know working out the muscles! With that comes the full range of emotions of excited, anxious, optimistic, yet afraid but willing to do it afraid!! I feel I'm in a good state right now!

I'm done with the looking behind because I am so excited about my future and all the blessings that I know the Lord has planned for me!! I am feeling more aware of what I need to do in my life and that is a whole lot of things! :) I have been very busy recently with lots of life stuff like family birthday parties and Bar B-Ques with friends and I've also been making and selling jewelry as well as paintings!

God bless you! Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

Being Swept In A Different Yet Exciting Direction...

2011-06-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's really exciting for me in all aspects recently...spiritually, mentally, physically, and especially artistically! I feel like I am literally being led by the Holy Spirit...by the hand of God himself in where I am going with my life and all aspects of it...and this has been happening recently. It feels like I have awoken from a looong deep sleep where I was sleepwalking through for the past years. It's a feeling of awareness that I have never experienced!

It all began with serious prayer...asking the Lord to reveal to me the direction I am to be going...and this prayer I had been praying for years! In fact I prayed it so much that I was beginning to wonder if it was being heard...lol! What's amazing to me is that he has been revealing to me through messages from others by teachings, preachings and even music...but it wasn't like a big direct message...but in little hints here and there...until the point where I realized that I was being led and have been being led to a destination unknown to myself but knowing that I am being led there by God...making me see that exciting realization that I have been and still trust in him!!

What's amazing about this to me, is that I have always claimed to trust in him and even taught others how important it is to have faith in him, to trust him...and you know the saying "it's easier to say it than do it"...so when I came through some really challenging events...you know the kind that keep happening over and over and one right after another to the point of frustration...well I have just come out of one of those looong 'in the wilderness' journeys and was so happy to see that even in all those hard times I can truly say that I have kept my trust in him...and still do. I know that in this journey of life there will always be challenges but there is a change in the wind...a change led by the hand of God...he is my Abba Father holding my little hand...leading me...guiding me!!!

There is soooo much that he has aspired and inspired me to do and sometimes I wonder how could it be possible to do all these things Lord? Then he reminds me to keep my trust in him and that through him ALL things are possible! He has reminded me that I have a purpose and that there is NO time to waste! For me...it begins with home...keeping peace and love alive and thriving here...to not allow the evil one any entry point...to be a haven for our family! I have challenges others do not and ADHD is one of them...but I have been learning how to use the positive aspects of it and how to keep myself from getting too distracted or focused...just like being diabetic...it's all about balance...which I also realize that's what the Lord has been trying to teach me...to be balanced in all that I do.

I realized he wants me to be balanced with my life so that when he wants to change the direction of my path I will be able to handle it...like a surfer balances on a surfboard riding the waves...they have to be balanced on that board and ready to go with the direction of that wave they are riding...hmmm...this is an amazing realization that just plopped out for me even more because my life was actually saved by a surfer!

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True story: When I was a little girl about the age of 9, my cousin & I were floating on a raft and the current was taking us out to sea...we were scared and crying because even though we were kicking with all our might we were not able to get to shore. I remember that even though I was scared and crying I did have a sense of trust in God...although I had no idea about it in that moment...my cousin was starting to panic...she was older than me and so her reaction was definately influencing me. Thanks be to God, we ended up floating into a group of about 5 surfers that were sitting on their boards waiting for the next wave to ride.

So imagine if you will; 5 teenaged surfer boys on their 1978 sized surfboards floating about getting bumped by a little raft that the air was coming out of from us 'sqeezing' the air out of as we were literally clinging to it for dear life...whimpering and crying! They were like 'what the h--- are you little girls doing out here? Then one of them took us back to shore...I'll never forget how I was saved by a surfer guardian angel!! Seriously!!

Now the other good thing that happened for us is that my Uncle Raul (my cousin's dad) had been watching us and walking along the shore to make sure we were safe...back then there were no cell phones of course, so I suppose he felt he needed to keep his eyes on us...he is a very tall man so he was able to see us. What happened to us felt like forever but it actually happened within 5-10 minutes. So when the surfer boy got us to shore my uncle was waiting and took us back to our area. I don't remember too much after the point of getting to shore...I just remember seeing how far away we had drifted from our family!
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Let me tell you that I am in awe of how amazing the Lord is!! These past few weeks I have been feeling as though I am in a current of water...being swept in a different yet exciting direction!!

*Author's note: (Seriously...I typed the title for this post before I even began this post and for the record...I do not preplan what I'm going to write about...I like my blog posts to be my inner reflections and to just flow out...I had not even thought of my beach tide rescue for a while either...Awesome!!)

*Newsflash: Artwork available on e-bay!

2011-05-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone! Hope your all having a blessed week!

Well I finally got around to posting some artwork for sale on e-bay! I listed 3 peices of artwork and in a bit I will also be setting up my etsy shop with some jewelry I've created to sell as well.
Honestly, I love creating but the setting up online is what makes me hesitate so much...but I really need to bring in an income somehow so I might as well do that as if it's my job!

I have been really busy creating new bracelets and have designed some really unique necklaces. I have been getting lots of orders too but I realized very soon after that it's not always possible to recreate duplicates since the beads or charms I find are not always available when I go back to the stores I got them in. This has made me realize that from now on I need to stress that these are all unique pieces...unless someone custom orders a multiple design from the beginning so that I can buy all the materials/beads at once! :)

I also just created a fan page or what I like to call a 'like' page for my artwork on Facebook which you can find on the side tab to the right! Here is one of the three on e-bay as the top pic as well...my angel has a link to e-bay and you could find the others from there! (This blog is acting up and not letting me post anymore pics so these are what I was able to post!

*Sold*

Have a wonderful day & God Bless! Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina

Walking by Faith and not by Sight...

2011-04-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

II Corinthians 5:7

That is how I have been these days...especially since my schedule has became more busy these days! As a Catholic-Christian and now being in the Choir...these next 4 days we have masses that begin today and our Choir sings at all 4 masses. It is a whole meditative/reflection of the Passion and Sacrifice our Lord has done for us and we end it by celebrating his love and resurrection on Easter Sunday. Now I am not required to be at all 4 masses but I would like to...so I will see if I am able all depending on if I am able to. I have always wanted to experience what we call the 'Tridum' which is the 3 days of reflecting before Easter Sunday...so what better way than by being a part of that in the choir? I think I just talked myself into it...lol.

As for my creative stuff...definately been busy...my jewelry designs have been keeping me busy with orders...I do not even have time to post pics as my jewelry just gets bought before I even get a chance to even take a picture! I count my blessings...and I even have been drawing just about every day...haven't had much time to paint yet but after Easter I do plan to paint and finish up some of my artwork...maybe even post some to sell on E-bay. I am now also offering slideshows to my memory artwork services over on my CYMMbyGina.blogspot.com site >> check there for more information! :)

Well just wanted to be sure and wish everyone....the whole 100,000 million of you who stop by every day a whole hearted 'Happy Easter'!!! Not the Easter bunny kind...but the beautiful love of Christ kind...that he died for us...because he loved us soooo much! Love you all too & God Bless! Creatively Yours in Christ, Gina Arzaga

Just a little update...

2011-03-27T02:20:00.001-07:00

Hello there...just in case someone happens to stop by and visit my very lonely blog here! lol! Honestly I would like to post my artwork more often but can't seem to fit time in to do it! I have been crazy busy with artwork & life! Trying to balance everything is challenging but I feel I am getting better at handling it! I would like to at least try to post once a week to mainly post my current artworks and stuff but I need to see which day would be best to do it. I'm going to try for Wednesday or Thursday...we will see what happens since obviously I'm not too great at being consistent here! Last time I posted about my ADHD struggles...but let's not go there right now! Don't want to seem like that's all that goes on in my life...lol! So I'd like to share a little about what I've been up to...I have been making jewelry and drawing a lot. I've been creating art journals for years but they were more like the scrapbook type...you know papers and embellishments with journaling. I enjoy all that but since getting more and more into developing my artistic style I have decided to draw things that represent what most inspired or impacted my life and I have really been enjoying it! I also do the *Illustration Fridays* on each Friday and it's been fun! The other thing is that I feel like my creativity has really began to open up more...I am feeling my mind sparking back up with sooo many ideas! I am trying to keep myself from overloading by writing or quick sketching my ideas so that I can keep the creative energy flowing and to keep myself from getting stuck again! I'm also trying to find the right way to sell my artwork and jewelry so I am planning to continue on this path that I truly believe the Lord has led me to. I have lots of series that are in the 'sketchy' process...such as some really cute spring/bunny stuff, expressional art, home decor type art and spiritual art which includes angels and my other passion for being pro-life. Sooo little by little this blog will become more active!! Well I just thought I'd share a little update of what I've been up to and I'll post pics as soon as I get a chance!

Without RAIN there would be no RAINBOWS...

2011-02-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Well it's been raining pretty much all through the night...which was the perfect ending to my day yesterday! I had a large dose of "tough love' yesterday about some personal issues...you know one of those days when you have to hear things about yourself that your not all that proud of? I usually don't like to post about the really personal stuff I deal with but I realized that I do need to change a lot of things and without going into details I wanted to include this part of my life here...sort of to document the dramatic changes I believe my life will be unfolding very soon. I believe that my artwork will be greatly impacted with the 'insight intervention' I recieved from 3 very close and dear people to my life...it was very difficult but I realize that it was necessary. Without going into details I'd just like to share the main reason for yesterdays 'tough love' session was due to my lifelong struggles with being ADD/ADHD. I had already realized I need to get on meds for it but yesterday really gave me a shove into knowing just how urgent I need to make changes in my life. I don't want this post to sound melocholy or too dramatic and I promise it will end in a better note...but lately I had been feeling as though I were living such dreary life...kind of like a ghost that's stuck in a house just wandering through it day by day...my faith was basically the only thing getting me through each day but I also hadn't realized how little my faith actually had become. I felt I was only alive around my family and when I was around my Confirmation students but I was giving all I had without refueling myself...which I have always done...give of myself until there's nothing left. So it took my husband, and both my parents to come and shake me awake from this horrible nightmare of a life...they want me to live to my fullest potential...as do I...so we all feel that the only way for me to get on the right track to my life's destination is to take the meds required to help me deal with my ADD/ADHD symptoms that are making my life so difficult. I really would like to point out here that ADD/ADHD is not an excuse nor is it all that bad...there are actually awesome things about being ADD/ADHD such as 'super focus' which would help me create awesome artwork among other things but the distractions as well as the 'super focus' grew out of control to the point of not being very productive at all...and had even effected my health and well being...that is what caused all the grey misty clouds that surrounded my haunted house in my life...yesterday was the final rain sort of how the rain is still falling all around my home right now as I type these words...the rain in life that is necessary to wash away all the dirty gunk on the windows of my soul and allows me to finally see the rainbow when the sun shines and pierces through the clouds...yes it is so true...without rain, there would be no rainbows! Here's to a a new beginning...I am looking forward to seeing how my life will change to finally have this 'brilliant' mind of mine under control! I'm hoping to be able to get started on the meds this week...then maybe I could also be a little more consistent with my posts here too! ;) God bless you all...especially if you took the time to read this post! :)

Love is in the air...

2011-01-18T13:26:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner that is! I love Valentine's day...I love the theme and colors...soo much so that I wish I could have a little house all decorated in that theme! lol! So I am going to be putting up for sale all my heart themed artwork on e-bay! So for now, I've begun by posting these 2 pieces from my *Vintage Flying Hearts* Edition: *Both Paintings Sold!*

*Each photo is linked to the E-bay posting!

I've finally arrived!!

2011-01-15T22:40:00.000-08:00

"An artist never arrives too early nor is she ever late...she always arrives in just percisely the right time" -Unknown (adapted from Gandolf the Gray in the Lord of the Rings ;)

Well I am finally here with a fresh batch of enthusiastic news! The first and most exciting thing to me is that I have finally created my own website! I love how it came out (and without sounding like I'm advertising as I'd only like to share for anyone interested in creating their own website for free) using this awesome website company that my brother Alex told me about called wix.com! Anyways here's the link to my new website which is also in a link on the sidebar: Gina Arzaga's Multi-Media Artist Website

I hope to in the near future include a shop within the website but I have to wait a bit for that. I'm also going to be trying out e-bay again...it's kind of hard for me as I am never sure how much to even start a bid price for me work. I realize that I'm going to have to be doing my art thing in babysteps. This is all a learning process anyways!

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On a personal note; I am feeling much better and have even lost about 25 pounds since I last posted here! I still would like to lose about another 40 pounds at least but again...babysteps! The other reason I need to lose this weight is because I have decided that this is the year I really need to do what I need to do to attempt to have a successful pregnancy. Especially since I am going to turn 42 this February 6th and also there is a lot of pressure from not just my husband but family members as well about this subject! I also feel that I could handle this mentally...and that is really the important factor! There's alot of stuff through the years that have prevented me from being able to get or stay pregnant and I know that when I finally have our baby 'she' will definately be a miracle baby!

I am really excited about what the future will bring and although I don't like to set official 'Resolutions', I have been setting goals. I am determined to really put an effort into getting back into my art work as well as being more creative. I have been doing pretty good so far, I painted a cute painting for my nieces Birthday just last weekend and even began scrapbooking (the traditional/paper way) this Friday and that really felt good! I started a little scrap night w/my mom, sister, sis-n-laws, and nieces in which we will be getting together one Friday night a month to get us to do something bonding together. :)

Most importantly, my husband and I are still teaching a Confirmation class together and it's really a great experience to share our Faith and teach the teens about our Faith. We have a pretty big class of 27 teens (15-17 yr olds) so it's awesome when they actually listen and participate! It's been a blessing for us too.

On that note, God bless you for reading this! I will be posting alot sooner than last time as I am planning to post some artwork in the next few days for e-bay! Hope you all have a wonderful day! :) Gina

I'm still here!

2010-11-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Things have been a whirlwind for me lately...trying to stay on top of things and with an increase of activities and events I haven't had a chance to update this blog. I decided to tone down this blog a little as I realized that it was pretty much too distracting to me! lol I've been drawing here and there and even been working on designing some digi kits as time allows but I haven't had a chance to finish my projects up. Recently I added being a Pampered Chef Consultant to the mix so that's had me busy too! :)

Like most people, things have been tough financially but I'm optimistic that things are going to get better. I really do need to work though but it's hard for me with the ADD thing...I really wish I could have help with that. I was hoping my artwork would sell but it hasn't really...just a few pieces but then again I am really bad about marketing and promoting so not really too many people are exposed to my work. Soo maybe one day that'll happen for me...staying as optimistic
as possible!

Well if time is good to me today I do hope to actually paint again today...it's been a couple of months again...don't know why I've been soo distracted from painting and the creative flow has dwindled again. So I feel like I need to make myself paint something...anything...so most likely I'll do something more expressive/abstract just to get to playing with the paint again!

God bless, Gina

Artwork + Distractions vs. Family Fun + Life Stuff...

2010-08-07T02:36:00.000-07:00

Just a little update here...I've been painting and drawing but with all the other family events and life stuff going on I just haven't had a chance to blog or post my work here! I also have been getting a bit distracted by the clutter slowly creeping in and I can't really work like that so I had to reorganize certain areas. That's one thing that's a bit annoying, I try to be organized but for some reason these little areas in random spots appear and it just distracts me too much sometimes! It's another one of those ADHD things I deal with...add to that the clutter in my mind when I get too many ideas. I know I should write them down...but when I finally get around to it I forget or can't decide which idea to focus on first...it could be a bit frustrating. ;)

As for the wonderful distractions such as fun family times...last weekend was sooo fun!! Last Saturday my husband Artie and I went to his cousins for a party and we ended up singing karoake!! I actually sang in front of his family for the first time and it felt great! I sing all the time with my family but for some reason I was never brave enough to do it for my in laws. It's not that I don't feel confident in my voice but I think it had more to do with how uncomfortable I was with my appearance. So anyways, I sang 'Unwritten' to my nieces and nephews and just seeing them look at me with sparkly eyes and the biggest smiles just made my day! My most favorite moment for me though was later in the evening when my Artie & I sang "How Deep Is Your Love" together! So fun!! Then on Sunday we hosted a bar b-que at our home for my side of the family and had a nice time just chillin' together! Later tonight my parents are having a party so that's gonna be fun too!

Life Stuff...which happens to also be fun...I have decided to 'DANCE' every day from now on!! In an effort to exercise daily...I tried walking but it is way to boring for me and I realized that every time I go dancing at family parties I can actually feel my metabolism on fire, especially dancing to Salsa, Cumbias or Merengae! I also remember that when I was younger and always dancing (before meeting my dearly beloved) ~ that I was always thin...never had a weight problem. So I am gonna be dancing my way to a healthier life!

*Life is too short not to be dancing, singing, drawing or painting anyways!!

Nostalgia and other randomness...

2010-07-24T21:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how once upon a time I used to live for Saturdays, and now they are just not quite the same. I guess it's because I am just in this mode of 'living life to the fullest'...not that I'm celebrating everywhere all the time, it's a more simple lifestyle that I'm enjoying now. So right now, I'm enjoying the quiet Saturday evening with my window open and the night noises of the crickets chirping away. The only thing reminding me that it's a Saturday is the distant laughing, chattering and Mariachi music coming from a party down the street...which is actually comforting as it reminds me of when we used to have parties when my grandma was alive! I guess you can say I'm feeling a bit nostalgic. :)

Speaking of nostalgia...I have some new art that fits in that theme: *Vintage Flying Hearts*
This is my newest edition I'm working on...these are all going to have the same colors and Vintage/antique style to them but each piece will be different looking Flying Hearts. The edges are all finished in black and ready to hang. I made the top edges appear to be 'inked'...which I totally love! These can be collected as a collection or individually. Later I will be making them available as prints but for now I've got the originals up in my Etsy boutique!

So this is the first one of the series: "Finally, Love has arrived..."

The 2nd: "You Make My Heart Soar"

The next few pieces are totally random styles. Sometimes when I paint I get 'expressional' or even sometimes I feel more 'spiritual'. In this painting below 'Cross of Faith' it was actually a painting I was in a spiritual mode...in fact I was praising the Lord while painting the background and cross.

This piece "Visitations" also created in a spiritial mode but the outcome reminded me more of Disneyland for some reason! lol!
As you can see, my styles vary quite a bit...I don't like to feel that I have to do things only one way...especially when I'm feeling creative! I am still working on more artwork and actually finishing up a piece that I am planning to 'Give Away' this coming week! So come back on Monday for more information about that! Well thanks for stopping by...I hope your enjoying the nostalgia and random sounds of life going on around you now at this moment too! God bless you all...Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

My Etsy Boutique is officially open!

2010-07-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! I finally did it! I actually am on a good start in my Etsy shop! I have a total of 20 pieces of artwork for sale...I'm still working on it too...have at lease 5 more to add plus way more artworks in process! If your looking for some new artwork, I hope you'll browse through my shop...you just might find something you like! :) The link to my boutique is in the sidebar but here's another link just to make it easy: Cre8tvlyYrsGina's Arts & Crafts Boutique
I recently decided to add 'crafts' to the title for my boutique because once in a while I get 'crafty' and when I do I'll be selling them in the boutique too! :)

Since it would take forever to post the pics here I created a slideshow from flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cre8tvlyyrs/sets/72157624557935546/show/

I will be doing a 'Grand Opening' Artwork Give Away...which I will post later today or tomorrow the latest so please come by for that!! :) Thanks for stopping by & have a blessed day everyone!
Cre8tvlyyrs, Gina

Today is where my book begins...

2010-07-20T17:14:00.000-07:00

I feel like the song "Unwritten" ...staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you cannot find...reaching for something in the distance, so close you can almost taste it, release your inhibitions...today is where your book begins...the rest is still unwritten...
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Yep that's where I'm at right now! I can feel the inspiration for sooo many projects of ideas I've had for years come alive and it's really exciting! When this song first came out my husband told me that it reminded him of me. Funny thing was that I didn't see that back then...I think because I was still in a negative state from being depressed over my grandma's passing away...

I had just finished getting my 1st children's story published and I was getting ready to look into ways to self promote when my grandma got sick. Within a month she died...and so did my enthusiasm for everything that I was about...my artwork, my story, my just being happy with family & friends.

So my husband was seeing me as the way I was before and at that time I was soo not mentally ready for inspiration even though I was desperately needing it! But now, I hear this song and it's sooo me! I know the Lord is telling me that it's time to move forward with enthusiasm again...to release my inhibitions. Today is where my book begins...the rest is still unwritten!
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The cool thing about this is that lately I've been drawing this cute lil' bear and I felt immediately that she was so cute I had to continue drawing her in different outfits and soon I started to feel that finally I have the new character I've been trying to create! I have been wanting to write more children's stories for years as I always have ideas for more but I was stuck w/out a character...I guess that's how I work...lol!

Here's a few paintings I created using some of the characters as gifts for my neices on their Birthdays:

This is Baby Bea's Big sister Betty who loves ladybugs so much that she decided to dress as one! Actually I created this one especially for my Goddaughter/neice Lexi...she was the inspiration for this character because of how much she loves ladybugs! :) "Just Bloom" is actually a quote from my 1st children's story "The Rose In Floralsopar".

Now this is the main character: 'Baby Bea' who's full name is Beatrice Beary. She is only a year old so her character is actually inspired by my 1 yr old niece Zoey! I painted this for my niece Natalie's B-day and she loved this! She's a girly girl who loves pink and polka dots...the look on her face when she opened this was soo touching and will be a precious memory to me always!

As you can see I'm inspired greatly by my nieces as well as my nephews! I am also working on finishing up some artwork to sell, as well as getting pics prepared to post for the etsy shop, and I plan on posting a painting daily. Well, I have much more work to do and also need to start dinner. Have a blessed day everyone! Cre8tvlyYrs ~ Gina :)

P.S. Boy, I sure didn't plan on writing a novela here! lol!

Faith is all it takes, to walk on the water...

2010-07-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my newly 'remodeled' blog! :)

I've been very busy this past week finishing up, starting new, and taking pictures of more finished artwork to get my Etsy Art Boutique set up! I'm really excited about this as well as a little nervous about putting myself out there...which is what the title of this post is all about. I had been hesitating to take this step for a while due to my inner fear of rejection that I'm sure most artists go through...I realized that the Lord gave me this gift of creativity and passion for art for a reason so with that...I need to keep my faith strong and take this step...to walk on the water...what do I have to fear anyways? Jesus is there on the water with me...so here I go...stepping out in faith! :)

If your an Art collector or just looking for some new Art to decorate your home, I hope you will consider my artwork. I have original paintings on both canvas and canvas paper as well as prints available to choose from. The original paintings on canvas paper and artwork prints look exceptionally beautiful matted and in frames.

I also have a variety of styles that I like to paint such as abstract/expressional, whimsical multi-media collaged paintings to whimsical children illustration drawings and paintings. I have so many drawings that I haven't even started to paint yet...so be on the lookout for those! I will also be offering many of my paintings and drawings as greeting cards, magnets, and so much more in the near future.

So with all that, I'd like to invite you to visit my Art Boutique ~ Here's a link to my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cre8tvlyYrsGina
Please keep in mind that I am still in process of adding more art in the next few days. Also, there are some originals that will not be offered as prints so be sure to get them if you really want them.

Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read about my venture here! Please feel free to leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you! :)
Have a blessed day! Cre8tvlyYrs ~ Gina :)

Leap of Faith...Be Brave!

2010-07-06T00:51:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how fast time just zooms by! Especially how it's been over a month since I last posted here! Not that anyone's noticed...I am actually pretty sure that I don't have any readers here...and I'm ok with that! This blog is really my digital art journal anyways, just a way for me to document my art journey. If there happens to be a reader or two...hope I'm at least entertaining for ya! ;)

Well, since I last posted here I actually have been creating and painting here and there...finally moving into a more 'consistent' phase! Lately I've just been having fun painting backgrounds, backgrounds and even more backgrounds! I took some photos of them to post but I'm not really happy with the pics of them...they really are more colorful and so fun...I really need a better quality camera! Since these were painted on canvas paper I will try scanning these and see if there's a better outcome...for now here's a little peak at a few of them:

The 1st one is actually on canvas and has more blues and a little collaging on the edges, the 2nd one was more of a spiritually led type of work, and the bottom backgrounds were created all in fun! I am working on other things but lately I'm mostly creating backgrounds!
*****
This weeks goal: I will begin selling my artwork in my etsy shop!! I actually don't have a choice...I need to just be brave and move forward already! We all know how money is tight and jobs are hard to find right now, well for me with all my health conditions...let's just say it's a bit more challenging for me to find a job. Sooo, I've realized for a while now that I need to use the talents that I've got...I'm not all too bad with art and being creative so I figure I got to at least try. I mean really try...I've had an etsy shop but I've never promoted it...not even to my family and friends!!

So here's where the part about me being brave...I need to just take that leap of faith!! No more wasting time...life is way to short for that!

On my way now...getting ready to try out my wings!

2010-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

I did it...well at least the main part! It really felt good to just move or as I like to call "dance" my paintbrush on the canvas! I am planning to add some new techniques to this so I'll post it as soon as it's officially finished! I really like the richness of the colors on the black background and what's even cooler is that I don't have to outline my painted subject. As I'm developing my style I noticed that I really like to outline my art w/ black or even white as it really makes them pop!!

I was going through my artwork yesterday as I was showing a dear friend of mine what I've been up to and I can't believe that it's been already 3 years since I began painting again! I've always been drawing for years but didn't begin painting on canvas until 2007. I used to paint here and there before but more like home decor type of stuff...you know like tole painting on wood pieces for gifts and holiday craft fairs. I used to be really into crafting and even used to sell at little crafts fairs magnets and wall plaques for decorations. It's funny because even though I enjoyed creating those pieces sometimes they they would come out too 'artsy' which led me to eventually follow my heart! So now I will be getting ready to try out my wings...watch out world...I'm on my way now!!

Taking baby steps...

2010-05-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

with my creativity: Here's my newest Artwork in Progress, which I haven't yet felt inspired with a title for yet. I have a few 16"x20" canvases that I had painted black a while back to try painting on black instead of white, so I sketched a flying heart on it and began to paint...a little.

Back before I had that hospital scare I would have painted a whole painting and then perhaps even start a new one. But these days...let's just say that I am happy just to be painting again. I never would have thought that I would be in a state of creative halt that I am needing to take baby steps to get back in to doing that which I really love to do.

So here is what I painted in less than 10 minutes on Day 1 (Tuesday 5/18):

On Day 2 (5/19) I added the wings, also in about 5 - 10 minutes:

On Day 3 (today 5/20) here is a bright color of green I added in less than 5 minutes.

So at this point I am definately taking baby steps in my artistic path but I know that in no time I'll be able to run down the path again soon!!

Inspired by the color BLUE...

2010-05-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lately I have become so attracted to the color blue...of course blue skies are my favorites but I usually get pink as much as possible. So when my dh & I went to get paint for my new Art/Craft Room I knew I wanted a nice shade of blue...not pink! My Artie was surprised yet relieved at the same time and I am sooo glad I chose blue too! I am so happy because I FINALLY finished putting together my room! Here's a little look at my journey to this itty bitty accomplishment:

First I started to paint the edges & corners as my nephew/Godson Fabi helped me by painting with the roller and in no time voila it was all blue! So I began to get my studio together back in March...

But then I got stuck right here...I'm too embarrassed to show how bad it actually got but it was definately what you would call 'Creative Chaos and Clutter'! I not only got stuck on what to do next in here but also I was stuck creatively! My dog Angela even looked uncomfortable when I'd bring her to her cubby in the evening...no wonder huh?

So I finally 'super focused' this weekend on finishing and now my room is nice and finally put together!! I got my supplies and zones all set for me when I'm ready to CREATE!! I'm sooo excited and feel inspired! Here's the paper/paint section: My white cubby holds all my scrapbook paper and the little desk is my 'card making' zone...and of course this is my painting zone:

and my puppy is even happy to go mimi's in her little zone too! :)

The year of changes continues...Remodeling Part 2

2010-05-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

Well it is now Mother's Day...which has always been bittersweet for me. I am happy to celebrate my mom's, and all my family & friends who are mom's but I couldn't help but to feel a silence of sadness. It's actually a little louder now since I am 41 and still haven't had a child of my own...I usually push out any thoughts of this and try to keep myself as distracted as possible. This year is different...I guess it's all a part of this year of changes for me.

I don't feel too sad, in fact, I'm just allowing myself to think about it...but not in a feel sorry for myself kind of way. I've actually realized that I am a mom spiritually to 2 of my miscarried babies, so in that way I can feel blessed that at least I will get to meet them one day. :) I named my first baby Michael whom was miscarried January 1996 and the 2nd is Julia Estrella miscarried July 2000. So imagine my surprise when I realized that I really am a mom! I can't believe it took me so long to see this! Happy Mother's Day to me after all!! :)

I know the title of this blog is a little misleading since I'm not yet remodeling my home but I am a work in progress mentally, spiritual and physically! So just keep in mind that when you see 'remodeling' in my blog titles it may not necessarily be about a home improvement project but of a 'me' improvement! :) God bless you all and Happy Mother's Day to all of us mom's!!

Just Live Life...

2010-04-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

Live in the now - not the past...Life is too short to keep looking back!

That's how I've been living these days! In fact, I had a really good talk with my cousin today and she reminded me of this. You see, I've been trying to be aware of everything going on with my spirituality, husband, family, household, me...which has left me little time to focus on my artwork. Which I have expressed has made me feel a little sad, but not too much because I am enjoying being distracted with my family life and sooo many events going on lately! She understood how I felt but simply said "Yeah, but Gina, those things are important." It was a moment of transition for me because I realized that I really have been living life fully!

I'm used to getting lost in something; books, scrapbooking, designing, drawing, painting. So when I mentioned that I noticed I haven't really felt 'creative' like I used to be before I had my little hospital visit and she asked me something no one has ever asked me... "what have you replaced your creativity with?" Then I realized that it was life, connecting with old friends via Facebook, reconnecting with family at family gatherings...actually sitting there and having a focused conversation with them...not with a laptop designing while I chat nor any sketch pads and markers/colored pencils doodling while supposedly listening to their conversations...it really is a good replacement and I'm so glad that I finally realized that! :)

This alone has seemed to open up in me a fountain of inspiration! I actually feel good inside, that I have been enjoying life more instead of trying to drown out my sorrows or tune out my depression with things that have no meaning...things that don't matter... unless they are inspired by the love of our loved ones all around us!

I feel that this revalation is just what I needed to regain my creative flow but in a more balanced manner...painting with more happier emotions instead of wishing for them! :) On that note, I will go now as I have a busy day tomorrow...it's my mom's 60th Birthday Party and we are going to celebrate her!! Happy Birthday mom...I love you! And thank you my beautiful cousin Sarah for being there for me this week...I really needed that! :) God bless you all! :) Gina

Just wondering...or should I say wandering?

2010-04-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to wonder what's this reason for my current state of life I'm in...it's more like I'm wandering through life with no direction. I feel as though I don't know how to connect with others enough to make new friends or even enough to keep some others who I thought were friends. I do realize that the Lord is working with me as he's been making me aware of these things and I've been reflecting alot in my mind when things quiet down. Which is probably why I can't seem to fall asleep like a normal person. I've already accepted that I'm not your average person...so what more can I expect? lol

I have been more focused on my family connections, repairing some unraveled bonds and also trying to secure others. Especially now that I've seen how much damage the last battle with depression I went through over my grandmother's death has caused many of my family & friend relationships. Some are better than before and other's I'm afraid they are lost like ships being pulled away by different currents. I'm also feeling frustrated with my ADHD symptoms interfering with different relationships. My mind gets exhausted trying to keep up with all the activities and gatherings going on. I realize that I need treatment but remembering to go to the Dr. for the meds is a joke.

I do feel though that things are getting better despite this wierd stage of life I'm going through. I also feel the sparks of inspiration in my mind which I know will soon become a fire...which is probably what I'm waiting for!

The Color Blue

2010-04-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

An Easter Poem by Gina Arzaga
4/3/2010

Amidst all the tragedies constantly evolving around us,
we must hold on to hope as in the color blue.
The sky is a reminder of all the goodness in this world,
it is a token of affection from our Creator above.

Through it he brings us sunshine and rain,
as though he is telling us that he hasn't forgotten us.
Even though so many have forgotten him,
forgotten all that he has done for us.

The sky itself will dazzle us in a beautiful shade of blue
to demonstrate for us the celebration of Christ's Resurrection.

Oh how the sky must have delighted to feel the Lord's Glorious presence as he rose from the earth, passing through the clouds, up back to Heaven...through the color blue.

A Year Of Changes...Remodeling Part 1!!

2010-02-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

I can never get over how fast time passes. Since I last wrote here, another birthday had passed in which I felt came a bit too quickly! lol! Last year I was very excited about turning forty but this birthday was different for some reason. It wasn't that I was sad or anything but more like I was reminded of how I lost a lot of precious time from all the things I've been through. Time is more precious to me and I am doing my best to be living in the 'now'! :)

Recently I have been busy dealing with regular 'life' stuff...I am happy to spend time with family and about how things are getting better in different areas of my life. But for some reason I feel like I am stuck in some kind of creative rut. Even though things are getting better for us, it is still necessary for me to work to bring in more money for our household. I noticed that I feel too guilty to be creative and I think that's why I've avoided even going to my creative space as well as what is mentally blocking me from being inspired.

So my current mission is to remove this creative mental block because I miss painting, drawing, creating...I am an artist and as such I need to be living like one!! To do that there are a few steps I need to do: the first thing is asking the Lord to help me get past this and for him to bring me 'Divine' inspiration, the second is to find some type of part time job so guilt won't interfere with my artwork anymore and the final step is to remodel my creative space! We are actually in the beginning stages of the remodeling and I am very anxious for it to be complete so that I can get back to painting and creating again!!

I've felt from the beginning of this year that this will be a year of changes. So far, it certainly has been! God bless you all! Gina :)

"They Sing LaLaLa"

2010-01-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

That is the name of the painting featured here on my blog and in my 1st Art Journal Kit that I'm getting ready to release in my Divine Digital Boutique! I actually painted this a few years ago and it's still one of my favorites. Sooo excited to get these kits going! I'm actually going to include an Art Journal Guide with each set. There will also be ongoing challenges here and possibly at Divine Digital as well! Here's a preview of 'Pieces of my heART' ~ Art Journal Kit #1:

*Prints of this original painting featured in the kit and on this blog 'They Sing LaLaLa' will be available here soon. Just working on a few things that need tweeking and I'll be making my prints for most of my artwork available here soon! 'They Sing LaLaLa' is perfect for those rooms that you need a little burst of color and whimsy!

***More Design News:
I'm currently working on lots of Valentine inspired Drawings coming to the Divine Digital Boutique soon as 'Digital Stamp Sets'! I'm sooo excited about these as there will even be card fronts included! I've been wanting to do this for years but never got these together in time! These will definately be in the shop by next Monday ~ Feb. 1st!!

****So that's all for now! Please come and visit as I just may be including a freebie or two here on Monday! ;o) Have a fabulous weekend and God bless you all! Cre8tvlyYrs ~ Gina

One step at a time...

2010-01-24T05:18:00.000-08:00

These days it seems I am moving in slow motion...perhaps being too hesitant or is it that I'm being too picky? I can't seem to decide which it is but I am doing one of the two! There is a lot of things going on at the same time and with my ADHD it really makes it tough for me to focus on where to even begin! One thing I have been making sure I do is spend more time w/my family and friends.

This weekend my niece/Goddaughter has stayed w/us since Friday and we've been soaking in all her sweet & innocent enthusiasm for life. She truly is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day! Her & I have been making hand made Birthday cards together and they are actually coming out great! She is a doll about following directions and loves to pay attention to detail...even at the age of 7! So I began last week sort of like the weather and ended it with lots of sunshine!

I did begin to set up my shop over at Divine Digitals but I still need to add lots more! I also am working on a few kits that are actually from some of my original artwork but this is where the hesitancy or pickiness is taking place the most. I noticed that I am really not 'feeling' happy about how these are coming out and I am not going to put just anything out there because these are representing my artwork and for that I'm being a perfectionist about it. So...those may be out when I formally announce the store opening or they might be later. I've learned not to force things as when the time is right then it will be all right!

For now, I will definately be putting only my newer kits and favorites at that! What ever isn't put in the shop is most likely not going to be unless I rework it...which I doubt because I'd like to create all new stuff from now on! :) *I especially look forward to creating a kit featuring 'Valentina' soon! I am moving one step at a time here so you will see changes abound whether they be slow or on swift feet!

God bless you and have a wonderful day! Cre8tvlyYrs ~ Gina

More Changes Going On...

2010-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of this year, actually even before...I knew that this is going to be a year of major changes for me. I've been declaring it with so much excitement that sometimes I can't hold back my expressive zeal for it! What changes? You may wonder...well, first of all the most important and exciting change for me is the change I feel within my soul. I KNOW that the Lord has been preparing me for years for what is to come and the Holy Spirit is reigniting my soul and guiding me even more lately!

I know that my artwork will definately be reflecting this and it's got me soo excited...even though I have not felt the prompting to actually begin painting again...I'm still drawing as I always am but since my visit to the hospital I've rarely picked up my paintbrush. I did do a few things but not detailed art just more 'abstracty' type of work. lol. I also have been working in my art journal now and then. But I think that is just how my brain has been trying to mend itself from that incident. :)

Anyways, the other thing that I feel the Lord has prepared me to do is...to WRITE another book! I am REALLY excited about this!! I first got inspired to write about this certain subject at least 5- 10 years ago but more recently...around November 2009, about a few weeks after my 'incident' I felt the Holy Spirit urging me to grab a pen and paper and I just began writing continuosly for at least 10 minutes an outline for the story I feel led to write. I call this the 'downloading' stage...seriously, it's like the Holy Spirit fills my mind and then I write all that I can before my thoughts fade. I don't want to give too much away about this story yet but I will definately be bringing it up as it's developing here on this blog.

Which brings me to the next small change...I have decided to keep things simpler for myself, so this will be the main blog I will be using for all my blogging needs for now. I know I mentioned in December that I have another blog I will be using for my designing stuff but I need to keep things simple and I realized that if I do that I'll just be adding too much confusion for myself! lol. (Especially since I have ADD/ADHD and it's the main reason I had my incident as I tend to do too many other things and neglect my health.) So please don't be confused if you come here and see my Digital Scrapbook/Art Journal kit previews posted here along with my artwork! :)

Speaking of health...I am seriously working on my health in all areas: Mentally (ADD/ADHD issues), Physical (eating healthier and EXERCISE!!) >> to control and hopefully diminish Diabetise, HB pressure & High Cholesterol...as well as lose weight! I am like many others who has said this many times, many years as a "New Year's Resolution" but this is more like a "Life's Resolution" because now my life depends on this and if I don't do this, my life's dreams will not be nor the Lord's Missions for my life be accomplished. Believe me when I say...this realization is what is driving me to pursue accomplishing these health goals this time.

Well, honestly...I had NO intentions of posting such a long and refective post here! lol! So with all that I've mentioned above, I leave you with this: I pray that we will all have a wonderfully blessed and prosperous life in the years that remain for us and that we may always be blessings & inspiration to each other. Cre8tvlyYrs in Christ forever, Gina Arzaga

It's a brand new beginning of time...

2010-01-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

I really feel so excited with what this new decade will be bringing me. The last decade was not too good for me. I thank God for the blessings and love he has brought me to carry me through the tough times as there were many struggles for me. I was in a place lost out in the wilderness...mentally and spiritually. But I know it was also a place of growth for me...a place of preparing for what was to come. And now here it is: my time to breakthrough and reach up as high as I possibly can! It is now my new beginning of time for a wonderful adventure.

I am here Lord...take me there!

Looking forward to a new year...a new canvas!

2009-12-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a year and so I thought I'd end this blog year with a short reflection:

This year has definately been a year of growth and changes...it was my big 4-0 Birthday; I realized my full potential; and I have realized what I needed to do to make things better. I am still in progress of all the goals I laid before myself...too many to even mention. I have been stretched and pulled in so many ways with life's challenges and this has caused so many life changing dynamics for me. Most important thing I have learned is not to look back...I don't mean not to think of the fun and wonderful memories, but not to look back at the things that have hurt me. Life is to precious to waste time on those things...we must enjoy life fully in the now!

So now, I look forward to this new year of 2010 as though it were a brand new canvas! I can't wait to get out my paintbrushes and paint it all up!

Christmas is almost here!

2009-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Once again time has flown by in supersonic speed! These last few weeks I have been finding it hard to really get my artwork finished up. I have no idea why this has happened but I am really happy and not worrying about it. I have been creative in ways of ideas brewing in my mind, making decisions about some of these ideas, and allowing myself to just be quiet and take in what the Lord wants to speak to me about. It feels really good. There is just way too much in my mind as far as ideas go and sometimes I don't take the time to write them down or reflect on them because I get to caught up in trying to do them all! lol!

*** Some Surprising News! ***

Actually, I have one idea that I couldn't ignore...it involves both my paintings and designing again! Now this idea came to me as I'd paint my backgrounds for my paintings. After I'd finish up a background I'd think, you know, that would be a cool background for Digital Scrapbooking! Little by little I realized that I really liked that idea. It gives me the originality that I longed for and also fulfills my desire to design again. I really wasn't sure about designing again or how I wanted to do it. As I was trying to decide and praying about it, Royanna from Divine Digital happened to send me a friend request on my FB page...seriously! I decided to check out Divine Digital and liked what I seen. I went ahead and asked when they might be doing a Designer call and guess what...I'm now an Exclusive Designer for Divine Digitals! I'm soo excited and can't wait to put into motion all those ideas I've had brewing!

So this blog will still be for my artwork but I just wanted to share with you all that I will be reopening my designer blog for my design work and updates! *Updated 1/11/10: I am only using this blog! ;)
*******

*Back to my 'Artsy' stuff!*
I was hoping to finish some really cute Christmas Angels I drew by now but I will post those as soon as they are finished! The main projects I will be doing is some artwork for some of my nephews and nieces Christmas presents! They all know that this will be a 'handmade' Christmas from me and they all had quite excitedly put in their 'requests'! lol!

Oh yeah! I've also been getting all these story ideas again...which means I need to get a word program on this computer!! So I am planning on beginning some illustrations for them in January! See? Didn't I tell you there are way too many ideas in this brain of mine?

I hope to post at least some of the artwork for gifts and the Christmas Angel before Christmas but in the event I am not able to hop over here to do that I would like to say Merry Christmas! :)

Giving Thanks...

2009-11-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Just a short little post to say Happy Thanksgiving! I am looking forward to seeing our family today and I'm ohhh so thankful for them all! I hope you all will have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving in whatever it is that you are doing!

Life is still very challenging for me right now...I feel as though I'm being stretched and pulled in so many directions. I am challenged even more lately to keep myself focused on the Lord and to trust HIM!! I am not going to stop trusting in him as well as never stop thanking him every day for something I had taken for granted before...another day of life! I thank you Lord, for blessing me and my family and I know that things will get better soon!

Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

HOPE...

2009-11-23T08:12:00.000-08:00

My hope has recently been renewed and I am confident that it will be growing stronger! I had allowed myself to self doubt and get distracted again for these last few weeks since my last entry here. I feel the Lord is gently revealing to me how I am the one who needs to push through this cocoon I have allowed myself to feel comfortable in so that I can finally fly! It is time for me to take all the gifts that the Lord has placed inside me and do something with it!

So I will proclaim with HOPE each and every day one of my favorite scriptures: I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneths me ~Philippians 4:13

I am very excited of what the Lord will be blessing me with and the joy of finally getting to a place where I know the Holy Spirit has definately led me! So with that I will leave this short but sweet entry as I need to get back to business and finish up many projects and put in motion many others! Have a wonderful and blessed week everyone! Cre8tvlyYrs in Christ, Gina :)

A New Outlook

2009-10-25T07:25:00.000-07:00

Hello my friends! Since the last time I wrote I feel I've been given another chance to live a better life...that's usually what happens when we feel we were close to death...right? For me, yeah that was how I felt. I still can't believe this happened to me, in fact it was so sudden...in the beginning of the month I was feeling well, actually on a roll with my paintings...even worked on some spiritually inspired abstract art.

Then all of a sudden, 2 weeks ago, I ended up going to the ER twice within a week. I thought I was gonna die of a stroke or a heart attack when I suddenly got hit with a horrendous what turned out to be a combination of a tension/migraine headache. This was triggered by my blood pressure being so high as well as my blood sugars and the current stress we have been going through. Without boring you of all the details...the 2nd trip to the ER two days later by ambulance really did the trick to wake me up about being on top of my health issues. So from the 13th until the 20th this horrible migraine would not go away until the follow up Dr. appt when I was finally given the right meds for the headaches.

I am so happy to report that now I feel well enough to be able to be on the computer for longer than 10 minutes and my mind is able to 'think creatively' again! I am thanking God each day for another day of life every day. Of course, I always have...but now it means alot more than it did before. :)

I'm also excited since I've been working on some new stuff...I'm calling it 'Scriptura Art' It's more of a home decor look and so far I have the greens/browns/bronze color combos started. I'm also gonna work on the blues/browns combos next. I realize that even though I have a lot of subjects in mind to work on that I still have to take things easy...just one day at a time. Actually the 'Scriptura Art' is for a holiday Craft Boutique on November 15th at my church. I'm going to bring what ever I have ready and not stress about it...I'm mainly doing it to present myself as an artist to my community over here. :)

So that's pretty much why I haven't been posting on my blog and barely posted here and there on facebook. Oh yeah, I will be posting the artwork I had just finished up right before this incident on Flickr and FaceBook but I wanted to especially share my abstract piece here because it is pretty interesting...mainly because I rarely do abstract work. It actually was more of a spiritually led painting because I had the urge to paint when I was getting ready to go to bed, it was though the Lord said, "Wait a minute, your not done painting yet!" So then I grabbed a canvas some paints and here's what evolved:

There is so much to this painting that you'll have to check out the details when I post it on Flickr if your interested. Let's just say that there is a lot of hidden images within this painting from the paintstrokes to the paint formations itself! I feel so blessed by this...I really do, especially since this was totally spiritually led. When I finished this I was amazed by what I seen and this title came to mind shortly after: 'The Cleansing of the World".

It's so amazing because as I think about it now...it was as though the Lord was telling me, "I'm not finished with you yet" as I lay there in the ER thinking I just might die! The Lord is AWESOME isn't he? Love him sooooo much!!!

Autumn's Garden Angels - Version 1

2009-10-02T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
I hope you are enjoying the beautiful Autumn weather as I have! I am most happy since I can actually go outside again! I have a few new pieces of artwork to share with you but I had an unexpected design job that I had to focus on this week so I didn't get to do everything I had planned on. I was also babysitting my baby niece Zoey again today and barely had a chance to post here now! Life is getting busier and busier for us lately!! In fact, we have 3 parties to go to this month! 2 of them being Halloween parties! I am trying to think of something for my Artie & I to be together. I don't want it to be evil or 'sexy' but not too cutesy either...anyone have any ideas? I'm probably gonna have to actually make the costumes for us so nothing too complicated either! ;)

I have also been getting other design jobs and even have some commissioned pieces to do! I am soo excited about that! I just finished designing birthday invitaions and I have another design job for b-day invites plus a slideshow, then a really big job for my brother's dj business...which is a pretty big deal + 2 commissions for the "Margarita" paintings...all due this month! Which makes me wonder if I'll have the time to paint other ideas?? lol!

I actually have no choice but to! My husband Artie has come up with an idea for us to do a private art show in our home for our family and friends to see and purchase my original artwork or order commissioned pieces! He wants it to include cheese platters and wine! He's sooo awesome for his support and enthusiasm of my work! We are planning this in November, not sure of the exact date yet but he's serious about this...so that means it will definately happen! :)

This of course means that I may not be blogging as much as I gotta put myself in gear and superfocus some more artwork!! But I did want to show you my latest work...

*Presenting...The two newest editions to my "Angelic Art". They are Autumn themed 'Garden Angels'...

This is 'Autumn'

This is Lil' Pumpkin

This is actually the 1st color combination version featuring fun bright colors. I am working on another version in more brown tones. I usually paint my current subjects first on canvas paper to experiment with the color combinations until I decide which colors I like best before actually painting on actual canvas. I will have these all available on etsy soon!

*****Happy Fall & Autumn Season...May God Bless you all!*****

Fall'n behind...but with a Give Away!!

2009-09-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here I am!! Oh my goodness how fast the time flies!! I finally broke through the 'art freeze' number my brain was in!! For some reason, I was soo excited about the ideas of painting Autumn themed art but I couldn't get anything out!! That's part of the reason I hadn't posted any artwork plus I still have to take care of cleaning my house, cooking dinners and spending time with my husband and family and of course my puppy angela too!
*****
In fact, I was planning to paint all Saturday since my husband Artie had to work that night...but when my adorable Goddaughter/neice Lexi wanted to stay the night...I couldn't say no! So instead of drawing and painting (which I need to do completely undistracted!), there was no other choice but to play payday while watching 'Speed Racer' and then since I promised to do a project with her...which she chose to paint (who knew?)...here she is into her own little artwork:

So I just wanted to post this to let you know that I am a bit behind with what I was planning to do. :) But I promise I have alot more artwork on the way...I have only begun to paint!! lol! It's crazy cause I have like literally hundreds of ideas for paintings I want to do...I literally have dreams and wake up and go "oh, that would be cool!" - lol! But I am sooo excited with a few drawings of Autumny Angels I drew last night and I can't wait to paint them!! Here's a peek at them:
I've got so many ideas for Autumn alone so I'm going to focus on painting a few before actually 'revealing' them. Here's a peek at one piece I'm working on:

*****

*Also in the continuation with my 'Latina Flair' series, I've decided to use the women of my own family for inspiration starting with my beloved Grandma Prudy...she was one of the most beautiful women on this earth. I kid you not when I was a little girl I thought her name was Grandma Pretty! lol!

*I drew my version of one of my favorite vintage photos of her. I drew this on Sunday as I was waiting for the 'art freeze' on fall art break through! lol! Again I was surprised of how well it came out. This is literally my first attempt at portraiture work. I'm planning on painting this for a Christmas gift for my grandpa. Here's a peek of that:

*I'm also gonna be working on one of my favorite pics of my mom in her 'Disco Beauty Queen' days, and one of my favorite pics of my sis and I together. I'm not saying this conceitedly, so please don't take it that way, but there is alot of beauty in my family...not just on the outside but also the inside. The women in my family are so beautiful that we all at one time in our youth could've "done something with it" according to the world's standards but instead I am sooo proud of what I've seen all of us do with our beauty....

*We kept it inside...by sacrificing our own selves...my grandma Prudy was the greatest example of that...she gave of herself in her cooking and creating wonderful times for us to share and passed that torch down to my mom and then my mom to both my sister and I. My sister is more like my mom and grandma but mainly because she was blessed with children and I'm like that but in a different more 'spiritual' and artistic way. Well, I didn't mean to go into a 'family' biography of beauty! lol! That's just what I hope to capture with my work.

*****

Well, I know that this is like the longest blog post I've ever rambled on in!! lol! So I do have a little something to give away!! Especially if you've taken the time to read this whole blog entry! I just couldn't post without a little give away! This is a fun piece for fall...of course a pumpkin! Please excuse the picture but I was in a hurry to get this all posted! It is an actual painting but on canvas paper, it has a little collage going on in the pumpkin and has a little bling! It includes the scripture: The Lord Bless & keep you. -Numbers 6:24

Just post a short but sweet comment...letting me know how the Lord has blessed you! I will let my Artie do the honors of picking a number! The winner will be chosen this Friday, when I hope to have all my 'Autumn Art' ready to post and present to you! and with that...May the Lord Bless and keep you! :) Gina

Reflection #2 - The Moments that Matter

2009-09-27T13:47:00.001-07:00

It's been an amazing year of growth for me on so many levels...but mainly in my self discovery. For decades I've wasted time in looking behind me instead of looking forward. It is something that I have regretted but at the same time, I'm making sure to learn from it so that I won't be wasting not even another day, hour, minute, or even a second of my life wallowing in things that we cannot change.

I can't say that the past doesn't come back to haunt my mind ever, but when it does I'm able to charge through it...almost like grabbing it and putting it in it's place. I've learned to stop focusing on those negative experiences so much and to start allowing myself to enjoy the simple and joyful experiences of what's happening in my life NOW!

I've also realized that in focusing on the negative, we can't truly enjoy the wonderful memories of our past with our loved ones. The hugs, the warmth, the laughter, the moments that are like treasures in our hearts. Those are the things that I'm sooo appreciating now...those are the moments that matter...those are what I want to remain in my mind as I look back. Those are the BLESSINGS from God...and they are really what matters!

Fall Intentions...

2009-09-26T12:08:00.001-07:00

Hello there! I really intended to post yesterday with some really cool fall themed artwork and offer a give away of a print of one of them...and I still do...but it won't be until Monday...so if you could please bear with me!! I completely forgot that I was going to be watching my baby niece Zoey on Friday and so on Thursday when I remembered, I noticed that my house had fell into the hands of 'Cre8v Chaos'!! This usually happens when I get in the 'Cre8v Zone' ~ I paint and create in a frenzy and when I'm done and see the 'Cre8v Chaos' I realize it's time to get the household back in order!!

So on Thursday I got into a cleaning mood and even cleaned up my dusty front porch and put out my favorite fall decorations! Starting with this adorable Autumn Angel that I painted years ago when I was into tole painting! She's the perfect welcome on our front door for autumn!

And on the left side of the door I gotta put out my little scarecrow and since this plant doesn't flower I add some faux fall flowers!

and can't forget to decorate our home's centerpiece with the autumny look!

Then yesterday I had the pleasure of watching my adorable and oh so cute baby niece Zoey!

So I apoligize for fall'n short on what I had intended on doing yesterday! ;) Please do come back Monday...it will be an Autumnal Celebration!!! :)

Margarita + {Mexicana Girl} = 'Latina Flair'

2009-09-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

For my Mom & Dad! Thank you for asking me to do this for you!

Well I am really loving 'Margarita', she's my Mexicana Girl from my Latina Flair Face Series! I really had a lot of satisfaction upon completion of this piece. I loved creating the background and then found it hard to even paint on top of it...lol! Then I painted in the hair and skin and blouse but hesitated on the face for a bit until I felt more confident. Upon completing 'Valentina' I recieved the confidence to move forward on 'Margarita' as if directly from 'Valentina' herself! ;)

Since this was painted on a 16"x20" canvas I really felt like I was putting on make up on her face! That was the funnest part! I used to be really into make up and even took cosmo classes to be a make up artist so that part came in really handy for the shading, highlights and placement of the 'blush'! lol! I decided that the black outlining was not necessary to make her stand out for this piece as the shading and highlights and deep brown tones on the hair did that for me!

The quote I used was one that my mom chose...she's a singer so this is really appropriate for her! The only mistake I made was that my mom gave me that quote to use on a different project that she wants me to do for her and I misunderstood and thought she wanted me to change what she had originally wanted me to put on it, which was supposed to say 'Latina Flair'! Ughh!! Good thing it was my mom!! She really liked it with the quote on her painting anyways so it worked out...but I gotta make sure next time!!

I think I'm gonna have to paint another one now and put 'Latina Flair' on it but I'll try some different colors for the background! It's amazing how fast I am picking up on my faces without taking any formal classes. The first time I painted 'Margarita' I was thrilled with it but this one really topped it. The detailing I put into the eyes was about an hour long's worth of work!

***Special Thanks***

I want to take the time again to thank Paulette Insall for sharing her talent on her videos on youtube. She offers classes and if I had the money I would've definately taken them! Her videos alone have been sooo helpful and the only reason I was finally able to get my eyes painted more confidently! Thank you Paullette!!!

*******Coming Soon*******

Pumpkins and Angels and Sunflowers...oh my!!!

I loooove the Autumn/Fall season and I loooove drawing and painting sunflowers and pumpkins so of course I gotta do an Autumn Angel canvas!! Please come back on friday to see some samples aaaaannnd I will be having a 'give away'!! Can't wait to show you!!

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I'm especially happy because that makes it easier for me to actually go outside again now that Fall is here!! I hope you all will have a wonderfully blessed Autumn too!! Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina :)

When love blooms...

2009-09-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

you can be sure to find 'Valentina' The Guardian Angel of Love. I am sooo happy with how she came out!

I was thinking of adding a quote about love or at least the word love on this but my husband thinks it would take away from what the painting is saying...as he put it..."it already has love written all over it!" Isn't he cute? I love my man...he's the best!! I was blessed with such a wonderful husband who is understanding of all my 'issues' and of course too, my love for art...of course he knows he's the #1 Art that I love!!

My Artie (as I call him) is so much the reason that I have even been able to open up myself in my artwork and paintings. He believes in me and my God given talent. Really what I create with is all from God as I have only taken a few art classes here and there throughout my 40 years but never really got to 'study' like I would have loved to!
My dream was always to be in an art academy...you know like in 'Fame'? I loved that show back in the 80's and I'd dream of being able to go to a school to just express myself with my art in all forms...singing & dancing in musicals or in operas, painting, drawing, writing poems, songs and stories, sculpting, playing the piano and chello...those were all the things I'd always dreamed of doing. At least I am doing some of my dreams! That's part of the reason I named my first 'Latin Flair' painting 'Dreamer'! If only I had the courage to pursue my dreams when I was younger...but I hate to think that it's too late so I keep hoping to reach all my dreams some day still!

*******

Well, enough of the rambling...lol! I actually had been working on 'Valentina' on canvas for a while and then was afraid to paint he face in...but then when I began to paint 'Margarita' for my parents piece I realized that I wanted to make sure and get the eyes and skin tone more polished...so that was the push I need to get 'Valentina' finished. I was able to get the look with that painting to now get this one complete...so here I am so far:

I actually am gonna finish up the details tonight and on this painting I will handmake the flower and decoupage it on the finished painting. I'll also be adding the word 'sing' and a beautiful quote about singing. My mom is a singer so this is gonna be perfect for her!

----The Creative Business Update----

*'Valentina' the main painting as painted on the canvas as well as the 'Sing' Latina Flair piece will be available as a print only in the etsy store soon!

**I will also be working on some fall themed angels and artwork this week to go into my etsy store as well as on ebay! the original paintings will be selling on e-bay starting bids will be $10 - $15 and the prints will be available on etsy from $5 to $10 each.

***Be sure to stop by this coming week and tell your friends as I will be presenting a special give away piece this coming week as well as 1 print!

****Keep in mind****
I also do custom artwork commissions which start at $20 and up depending on the size and complexity of the subject matter so contact me at cre8tvlyyrs@msn.com for more information or inquiries. Please contact me soon if you'd like them done before Christmas! I need at least 2-3 weeks depending on the subject matter, so please keep that in mind too!

*****Have a blessed weekend everyone!*****

Working on a special project...

2009-09-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be working on this special project...it just so happens that my 'mexicana' face is pretty well liked in my family! So much so that my parents asked me if I could create one just for them! At first I thought my mom wanted a print but she actually wants me to create her an original. So I am working on a 16"x20" canvas and soo excited to do this for them! Here's where I'm at so far:

The background is a bit more warmer and less blue tones than the last painting. I also added splatters of gold here and there and my dad specified that he wanted that 'brownish edged' look, so I did a brown wash on the edges for an aged/inked look. Some of the papers I decoupaged with are actually papers that I designed digitally...in fact the leopard, and red music papers were from a kit I created for my mom. I'm going to add a little more bling to this also. I can't wait to see this when it's complete! I know it'll look even better than my first painting which was an experimental/sample piece to begin with! Here's the art sample piece:

Right when my mom seen the sample art she called this style of face 'Latina Flair' and I have decided to officially name her "Margarita". Especially after a bit of discussion with my family when we last got together for a bar b-que and everyone kept mentioning that I should paint on wine glasses and stuff...I thought she'd be perfect to paint on margarita glasses! Definately a fun Christmas gift project! (I hope my family won't see that part of the post! lol!) They also want me to look into getting 'Margarita' on purses somehow! So who knows...it could happen some day! ;)

I've also been working on other whimsy stuff...got a new more whimsier looking angel that I'm working on...she's still in the experimental stage so I'll post the 'finished' projects. I'm also working on 'Valentina' on a totally pink acrylic painted 16"x20" canvas. I'm also painting another 8"x8" one, which I will be selling as an original.

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Well I better get going now...gotta put on a pot of beans to cook to go with the beef roast I got in the slow cooker! I'm trying to learn to cook meals that I can use the leftovers for the next day...so this beef roast, beans and mashed potatoes dinner tonight will be *Red Beef Enchiladas with beans and rice* dinner tomorrow! I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! Cre8tvlyYrs in Christ, Gina

A peek into my little art world...

2009-09-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Just thought I'd share a peek into my art room and what I've been up to in there! I have been wanting to finish up adding little fun touches to my Art room and so I was so thrilled with the outcome of my little gallery wall...

Here's the finished part of my gallery wall but before it wasn't so cute & whimsyness! As you can see below...I had some 'creative clutter' creeping in there that arose from the 'creative frenzy' I was in that I had to take care of...especially since I can't work well when things get too messy. I like to see my art supplies too much...lol!

I was most 'happy' with the way these soo cute and whimsy shelves I 'altered' came out! My niece Selena has already hinted to me which one she would love me to make her. I will post more of these pictures in my flickr gallery later so that this post won't be too long...lol!

There is much more work I'd like to do to decorate my little art room but we need to focus on taking care of our other 'household' responsibilities first. When the time is right the wall color will no longer be off white and the flooring will be different, that's for sure! In the mean time I've added little 'pops' of color with my artwork, arts & crafts supplies and other handmade items!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my mini tour of my little art room! I will be blogging some more art work that I'm hoping to finish up soon in the next couple of days! God bless and b cre8v! :) Gina

9/11 Rememberance...

2009-09-11T12:54:00.000-07:00

I've been a very busy bee since I last blogged! Before I post a bit of what I've been up to, I'd like to first pay respect to what today really is...as I know that many of us were forever changed from that tragic event of 9/11. I'll never forget how much it impacted me spiritually as well. I have my flag up in rememberance to the day that heaven received so many beloved souls at once.

Announcing...

2009-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to announce that I finally got my etsy store set up with some art prints! I included some older artwork as well as my newest art! I have so much that I will need to add them sets at a time. I will also be offering some original work and other altered artsy stuff in the near future. ;)

*******Special Announcement*******
Are you looking for a special gift for Christmas or Birthdays?
I also can take requests for artwork subjects and I'm open for any commissioned artwork as well. If you see some of my work and would like me to create a personalized version of it, like the background color to match your decor and special words or a name, that is no problem at all! Please contact me at: Cre8tvlyYrs@msn.com for your inquiries.
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Since I already wrote a long 'reflective' post yesterday, (lol!) I thought I'd end this announcement with one of "My Favorite Quote of the Day" (MFQotD):

"Where the Spirit does not work with the hand, there is no Art." - Leonardo DaVinci

Reflection #1 - Through a Field of Flowers and Butterflies

2009-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Being the sensitive spiritual artist that I am, I often create whatever comes to my mind and then other times where the spirit leads me. Sometimes, I feel led to just write...really deep and insightful things that I normally put in my art journals or in my prayer/reflection/bible study journal. I feel as though there is so much I'd love to express in my art and writings but feel like I am holding myself back.

It's actually something that I've noticed I have done all my life...always afraid to take that leap of faith into the unknown. Yet, I know that I trust the Lord...I know he loves me and will take care of me. I am now daring to venture into that realm of the unknown...and honestly it scares me to tears. But I know that I have to and that I can because my Lord is with me.

Sometimes, however, with all my intentions to just let go...I keep holding on...like in holding on to a kite. My Lord is telling me to let him take my dreams to new heights...as he puts wings on our dreams...I say ok, let go, but wait...here I am holding on to that single thread like the string on a kite...afraid that I'll lose sight.

It is that constant struggle...but I am determined to keep trying...until I finally do let go. I am thrilled of where my Lord is planning to take me...and a little afraid at the same time. Like that moment when your sitting in the seat of a brand new rollercoaster ride. You see the world all around you and the dips and highs...waiting in anticipation for the ride to begin it's "take off"!

That's exactly where I'm at right now in my life...seriously to the point that I feel the fluttering in my belly and slight headache of being overwhelmed by it all!! Oh Lord, please never leave my side as I step forward, only because I know you are there holding my hand...and help me to be brave when you are asking me to step forward on my own...like when a father is teaching his daughter to walk...so that one day she may be able to run through a field of flowers and butterflies!

The Dreamer Within Me...

2009-09-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

"The Dreamer Within Me" - August 2009

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Well I've been crazy busy over here trying to finish up some artwork as well as keep up with so many ideas for new artwork coming to my mind. I am still trying to set up a slideshow and gallery but have to watermark the pics first. As for my recent works...lately I've been so inspired and encouraged to try painting Angels and faces. At first, when I began to draw & paint again I was doing a lot of whimsy flowers and my favorite flying hearts. Then about a year ago I felt like drawing Angels & faces but kept putting it off mainly because I usually struggle with the face proportions.

I recieved my first confirmation in March of this year to pursue my "Angelic Art" when I felt this urge to draw and all of a sudden within 10-15 minutes, I had drawn 2 completely different angels! I really feel that these were divinely inspired because of how quickly and flawless they came out. It also seems like ever since I've drawn those angels that it has been easier for me to draw faces. So far I have began working with one of those images, titled "Valentina ~ Guardian Angel of Love". I have created a couple of looks of this image that I painted on Canvas papers, here is the first one...

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*In this look she's got the dramatic auburn hair and soft pink dress. Created with acrylics and then outlined in black ink on a 8" x 8" canvas paper.

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*I decided to try out a new look for her with pink hair! (I just couldn't resist!) Created with acrylics and outlined in black ink on an 8" x 10" canvas paper.

*Prints of these will be available on etsy soon!

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Before I go any further, I feel that I have to give props here to the people who have been a great inspiration to me...although there is many I've come across through the years, these ladies have helped to propel the dreamer in me...Paulette Insall and Kelly Rae, just to name a few! When I first came across their sites about a year ago, I knew I wanted to go in that direction but didn't feel ready...as far as having to do with my self-esteem. But ever since I turned "Fabulously forty" I feel like my self-esteem blasted off! Anyways, I just wanted to take the time to thank them for sharing their talent and insight with me and others!

I especially want to thank Paulette for being so genuine and sweet! I had sent her a message with a link to my first painted face that she had inspired me to create and she totally made my day by even posting a comment about it! Seriously, that really was another confirmation for me that I am headed in the right direction!

*Here's a look at that piece that's titled:

"The Dreamer Within Me"

*Original drawing of my "Mexicana" face.*

*This is the background after some awesome inspiration from Paulette Insall's video on her site!

*Here's the completed piece of Artwork!*

There are so many dreams that I have dreamed...things that have come to pass and things that are to come. The dreamer within me will never stop...it is what brings me inspiration and the courage to keep moving forward. It is what brings me hope to continue in this journey of life.

Hello & Welcome

2009-08-31T01:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my whimsical world of art! Here you will find all the updates of my artistic journey and a gallery of my artwork. I will also update when I have both original art work and prints available both on etsy and ebay. I am currently getting everything set up, so please keep checking back in! Thank you for visiting and God bless!

About my Artistic Journey

2009-08-31T00:58:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to finally get started on a dream that I've had for many years but not the courage to dare try! I have been in love with art since I was able to hold a crayon...but my love for painting with acrylics didn't begin until I took a painting class by chance in my 1st year of college!

My love for painting would however be stalled for a while to a little thing we call life! After enduring some of my own accomplishments, hardships, heartaches and failures I was blessed with my wonderful husband. Along with the Lord, he has been by my side as I've gone through even more hardships, heart aches & failures gently urging me to be brave every day. Amazingly enough, my husband's name happens to be Art...so when I say that I love Art, I mean that in every way!

In my journey of getting through those times, I began to draw again and even wrote and illustrated a children's story, "The Rose In Floralsopar". It was the beginning of my own personal journey of healing and renewing my self-esteem. I know now that I was led down this path by my Lord Jesus Christ in order to come to this place of joy, inspiration and enthusiasm to reawaken my passion for painting & creating my inner expressions.

As I began to create more of my original artwork, my desire to pursue the possibilities that my dreams could bring me began to unfold! This led to my decision just this past July that I was going to put all my creative energy into my art. I have faith that this is the right direction in my journey of life.

Being a very spiritual Catholic-Christian, I also feel deeply that I was created to be using my art to inspire and express my faith and God's love for us. This was confirmed to me as I had received many messages through others, my dreams as well as this ever increasing passion to create art. When I came upon a letter online from beloved Pope John Paul II addressed to all the artists of the world, that was the final confirmation for me... he said that we were called to be a "Guardian of Beauty in the world"...being the Spiritual Warrior that I am, I decided to take that literally!

I know that this is part of my mission in life...what I was created to do. I really feel that it is definately my time to pursue this dream of mine...God adds wings to our dreams and it's my time to fly!

Cre8tvlyYrs in Christ, Gina Marie Arzaga

Ginas-Whimsy-Art

Merging My Art With My Life...

Fluttering about...what I've been up to...

I'll Spread My Wings & I'll Learn How to Fly...

Being Swept In A Different Yet Exciting Direction...

*Newsflash: Artwork available on e-bay!

Walking by Faith and not by Sight...

Just a little update...

Without RAIN there would be no RAINBOWS...

Love is in the air...

I've finally arrived!!

I'm still here!

Artwork + Distractions vs. Family Fun + Life Stuff...

Nostalgia and other randomness...

My Etsy Boutique is officially open!

Today is where my book begins...

Faith is all it takes, to walk on the water...

Leap of Faith...Be Brave!

On my way now...getting ready to try out my wings!

Taking baby steps...

Inspired by the color BLUE...

The year of changes continues...Remodeling Part 2

Just Live Life...

Just wondering...or should I say wandering?

The Color Blue

A Year Of Changes...Remodeling Part 1!!

"They Sing LaLaLa"

One step at a time...

More Changes Going On...

It's a brand new beginning of time...

Looking forward to a new year...a new canvas!

Christmas is almost here!

Giving Thanks...

HOPE...

*A New Outlook*

*Autumn's Garden Angels* - Version 1

*Fall'n behind...but with a Give Away!!*

Reflection #2 - The Moments that Matter

Fall Intentions...

*Margarita* + {Mexicana Girl} = 'Latina Flair'

When love blooms...

Working on a special project...

A peek into my little art world...

9/11 Rememberance...

Announcing...

Reflection #1 - Through a Field of Flowers and Butterflies

The Dreamer Within Me...

*Hello & Welcome*

About my Artistic Journey

A New Outlook

Autumn's Garden Angels - Version 1

Fall'n behind...but with a Give Away!!

Margarita + {Mexicana Girl} = 'Latina Flair'

Hello & Welcome