Charity Wings + Prima Art*Venture = Valentina 2013

******WONDERFUL NEWS******

Wow...so since my last post I have had a whole lot of things come up in my personal life that my husband and I needed to attend to.  Now that we are definately going to be having a very special little girl in our life we are making sure to take care of any loose ends and finish up some projects that had to be completed.  I also needed to make sure and finish up some personal art business related things so that I can be ready for the next phase of my life!

So in mid March we will be taking a trip to the state of Washington to meet our little girl...it is a bittersweet situation so I can not post too much more about this and at this time I cannot post too much about her or post any photos.  This much I can say...we are looking forward to meeting her and cannot wait to have her in our lives!

*****EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!!*****

So excited and humbly honored...Valentina is finished and Elena from Charity Wings has seen her and has approved of this painting which I will be donating this as "Wing Art".  When I last posted 'Valentine 2013' I thought I was finished with her but I kept feeling like something was missing and I wasn't happy with the skin tone...I even got a little discouraged...then finally today I was able to finally know what I needed to do to make her be as beautiful as I first envisioned in my mind...got the skin tone just right and did some touch ups here and there.

I felt it was important for me to include Prima in this piece since it was at the Prima Art*Venture event that I came across the Charity Wings booth.  So I added a beautiful flower garland in her hair using some of the beautiful flowers and the beautiful crystal necklace from the 'Say It With Crystals' embellishments from the goodie bag that I got from Prima's Art*Venture.

I am still in a state of wonderment...sort of dreamlike...can somebody pinch me about this happening!!  I think I won't believe that it's real until I actually take my artwork to Elena and meet her!!!  I'm really excited about this and feel that this is the step in the right direction for me...as it is doing something good with my art...something meaningful...and I believe that the Lord has led me down this path...led by his angels as they so often appear in my artwork!

*****LIFE BOOK 2013*****

 

I haven't had a chance to do any other lessons since week 3 so I am pretty far behind since we are now on week 8 but luckily week 4 is not too complicated and week 7 was a break so I only need to do 4 lessons...yeah...only 4!  LOL!  I guess I could've not painted this little cutie but I couldn't help it...I wasn't happy with my original 'Guardian Art Angel' so I recreated her but this time on canvas...I also put some pretty Prima flowers on this piece too!  Her name is Annabelle and she will be hanging  on the wall above my desk to remind me to fly! 

 

 

Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina Marie Arzaga

    

In His Glorious Love

Valentina 2013

Hello and Happy Valentine's Day everyone...and may I present my *Valentina ~ 2013* "In his Glorious Love".

This is a very special project that I have been working on and I had become stuck and was struggling with her face for like a few weeks.  But like always, my Lord always provides me with what I need...it's like he sent down the angels down to help me out with much needed inspiration and around 3 am while I was praying/singing the Divine Chaplet of Mercy (as I almost always do each morning if I'm up)...she arrived!  I felt like I was able to express exactly what I wanted to for this piece.

I first created Valentina in 2009 on a 16"x 20" Canvas and each year since then I create an annual version, I was hoping to have a little slideshow of them by now but since I got her done down to the wire I didn't have a chance yet.  So each year she looks pretty much the same just a lot smaller 9"x12".  Well this year I decided that I wanted to create her with her eyes closed and I painted her on a 10"x10" canvas. 

The reason that I struggled with this piece was because I decided that I wanted this piece to be the one that I donate to Charity Wings and I was trying too hard to make it perfect...I even painted her with eyes at first...but they just didn't look good enough for me and I was going to keep working on them but then my heart spoke to me...you know, I should've known better to try anything than what my heart first wanted in the first place...lol!  So like as I was saying earlier...at 3 am she arrived...and you know what?  I am truly happy with how this piece came out!  I really hope that this will be good enough for Charity Wings but at least I know that I am happy in my heart about this!

I was hoping to post some jewelry that I created in my Etsy Boutique too but not only has time began to speed up even more since my B-day last week but we have also been getting busier...especially this weekend...so I probably won't be able to add those until next week!  Hope you all have a Blessed Valentine's Day and weekend!

Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina

Doors Are Opened To Where There Once Was Only Windows...

Lately the Lord has been opening doors to where there once was only windows for me...it's amazing and I am in awe...in fact, it took me a while to write about it as I was still overwhelmed by these open doors!  You know how they say that when it's meant to be, you don't have to try...everything just flows...it's the most obvious way that you know it was all set up by God!  So what are these open doors that I'm going on and on about?  Well, let me start by saying that these are opportunities, but opportunities that I never thought of myself...they are not big commissions or jobs but these opportunities will bring me those possibilities!  Also, I've been praying ( A lot) for the Lord to lead and guide me...which I keep feeling like the Lord is telling me to get ready...to get ready to fly!
So with that insight, you'll see why I feel the way I do right now.

So when I won my Prima Art*venture prize I was pleasantly surprised and for some reason I felt I should make a few postcard sized cards to pass out...just in case...well it was a good thing that I did because when I seen that Charity Wings had a table there and I was soo excited about it that when I was talking to a gal named Wendy who was a part of Charity Wings, I just blurted out before I could even think about what I was going to say; "so who could I speak to about donating some of my artworks to Charity Wings as I would love to!" (probably not the exact words but along those lines...lol) she told me that Elena but she wasn't going to be there till later...so I gave her my card to give to her.

Honestly, I wasn't sure whether she'd get the card or even think my work was good enough for them, so when I got a pm on FB that she thought my artwork was cute and would love some art from me...I was feeling like when you think your dreaming?  Yeah, well it still hasn't really sunk in yet, but I'm currently working on a special piece right now...it's gonna be my Valentina 2013!  So that is my open door #1 that I am soo looking forward to being a part of...especially since Elena & Wendy seem like such sweet & friendly people and I love their energy! :)

So for my open door #2...I won't go into all the details cause it's a bit much but let's just say that I am now a part of our local art community...I am on the Advisory Board for the Vangaurd Art Gallery of Moreno Valley...which I just got off the phone around 4 pm to establish that with the founder Rick Archer.  He is a great artist and he also seems to be a great person as he really wants our Gallery to also enrich our community.  I am also looking forward to being a part of this awesome opportunity for our city!

I will post within a few days some artworks in progress but for now I just wanted to make this little announcement to share with my family, friends and supporters of my work...thank you to each and every one of you!  God bless and Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina

Healing An Injured Wing...A Reflection Of God's Love

Sooo aside from all the business of last week/weekend...I forgot to mention that I have a little visitor since Friday night...my mom's dog got to a beautiful dove...she didn't puncture it but her wing is damaged...I have been taking care of her as best as I can and still hope that her wing will heal so that she can fly again...my mom found some numbers to places that help rehab birds like her so Artie and I will take her to one located in Temecula tomorrow.

At first I wondered why an injured Dove would be placed in my path amidst all the other things going on in my life...then it hit me just this morning after I recieved the biggest sign of all in the form of a pm in my facebook (which I will share soon later in this post)...I realized that the Dove represents me...this realization touched me deeply...made me realize just how much the Lord loves me and looks after all my needs, desires, wishes from within and whispered hopes.

The reason that I know that this Dove represents me is because it happens to be a 'Mourning' Dove...and it's injury happens to be in one wing only...and from the beginning I wanted her to be able to fly again...in reflection, I realized that the Lord was using this Dove to remind me how I once was like a bird in flight...and through life's heartaches and losses of loved ones was like how one of my wings got broken and that's what kept me from flying...

You see, I had been right at a point in my life where I was about to work on a dream that I had to write and illustrate a children's story...the book is called 'The Rose In Floralsopar' and it's message is to let children know how special they are to God and for them to "Just Bloom".  I was able to self publish and was getting ready to start planning on how to market this story when my beloved Grandma Prudy passed away in 2005 due to complications from Diabetise.

Well, her loss impacted me greatly...my creativity fell flat...like the Mourning Dove with an injured wing...I did nothing with the book except sell a few to my friends and family, I couldn't even look at my scrapbooking stuff and all my drawing ceased...little by little, I began to open up again and so I decided that since for some reason I was unable to use my arts & crafts supplies then I'll try it out digitally and that was sort of the rescue my creative wings needed...so through out the past 8 years I have been expanding and when I rediscovered painting and mixed-media art around 2007 well I've been really happy in creating my artworks.

But since this last year, I've been feeling that there needs to be more for me to do this for...and just today I got the message that made me realize what it was...earlier today I recieved a message that my offer to donate artwork for a wonderful charity organization was accepted...the amazing part...the name of this organization happens to be...Charity Wings!!  Soon after this is when my mom called me with the numbers for the organizations that help rehab wild birds and that's when everything...this realization hit me...at that moment I knew that I am on the right path of my journey.

As much as I love birds and would love to have them, what keeps me from getting them is the fact that I love that they represent freedom to fly, to soar, to enjoy the sky in all it's glory...I don't think I could ever keep a bird from that part of their little lives.  Just as I care for this beautiful dove to be able to fly again, I know the Lord wants that for me too...and I know that I will fly again...no, I will SOAR!!

Starting my new Journey...being Art*Venturous!!

Hello Everybody!  Well I have been so busy and had an action packed week...for me that is...lol!  First of all I'm sooo excited to show you my newest creations..."Valentine Whimsies" - In The Pink Series 2013.  I have these listed in my etsy shop as prints for now as I'm still trying to decide what the best way to put these up for sale.  If you'd like to get your print(s) just click on the banner below:

New Etsy Shop Banner!

Also...the most funnest time I've ever had in a loooong time....I won a day pass for the Prima Art*Venture with Leeza Gibbons and I got to take a friend so I took my momma cause she's my best friend!  (So is my Artie but I knew he wouldn't want to go...lol!)  Anyways, here's a few pics and a Vlog post of my Prima Art*Venture Haul: 



Here I am at the {Prima} Art*Venture with Leeza Gibbons

No, really...we got to take a pic with her for reals! :)

*I have more pics posted in my Facebook ;)

Now here's my Vlog about our Prima Art*Venture Haul:

 



 

Here's my LB 2013 - Week 3 project:  Honestly, I am not too thrilled of how this project came out...BUT this was more experimental for me and I just let myself enjoy the process...besides I was really too busy to spend the time I'd need to get it right so it looks more like a doodley page.  :)  I took this course to push me out of my comfort zone and learn new things, which so far it certainly has...this project was alot of fun even though it's not my best work and I am determined to not get hung up on any of these projects...just to enjoy and learn from them and keep up with each week as best as I can.  The main message of course as from my Children's story:  "Just Bloom"! 

Getting Ready To Soar

Hello everyone!  Soo, I am at a point where I really gotta hustle and get more artwork done but more importantly I NEED to sell them!!  We found out that we are approved to be adoptive parents to Cailan but we may need to go visit her a few times and she is in the state of Washington...which means we'll need to raise funds to go there...the most economical way possible...we're not sure of all the details yet but I feel like I need to do all I can to help us raise more money for this necessary trip and possibly two trips.

Not only for that reason but also in regards to the words that my husband Art, made a good point to me recently about my art and he was very encouraging and at the same time pushing me to do more and I am intending to move forward with courage and post to sell...possibly on e-bay.  My husband has been so supportive of me and my desire to make a business with my artwork but he pointed out that I need to actually sell my paintings to make it a business.

I won't lie...that's the hard part for me...I am so unsure of what value to place on my work and also to actually not get too attached to my work!  Also I need to move with confidence and courage...I get that little voice of doubt that pops in my head not as much as before...but it's still there...and this year I need to move past those thoughts with courage and just let myself fly...to soar!

I am working on some really cute and whimsical Valentine themed artworks and I hope to finish these up by this Wednesday...here's a peek at what I'm doing...Aren't they cute? I'm soo excited about how these came out and can't wait to see them done...just gotta not let myself get too attached...so I actually have another series I'm planning!
 

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 Also I'd like to share my latest Life Book Project for Week 2 that I finally finished late last night...it was a project where we made a paper art doll that represents yourself and your intentions for the year of 2013.  Soo this is full of meaningful statements for me. We were supposed to use stamps but since I don't have a great stamp collection due to when I changed over to digital in 2005, I used a lot of prints from my digital collection...the butterflies and arms are from long ago and I can't recall where I got them but the face I used was from a free download from Whimsical Musings. blogspot. Amazingly when I seen this face she soo resembles one of my many beautiful nieces (cause they are all beautiful...seriously!!), so I just had to use it! 

About the meanings...I really feel that this is going to be a significant year for me...there are soo many changes that are going to take place soon and that will evolve...so that's what all the butterflies represent...also her looking up and pointing up is sybolic for me always keeping my focus on the Lord...the birds represent the spiritual meanings of faith and one birdie carries a note that reads: God is Faithful...when I found that image I knew I needed to include it because I know that we wouldn't be where we are if it wasn't for his faithfulness...we know we can always count on him and that he is going to bring us into abundance...which is why I wrote 'abundant' over the bird.

 

I did use a few stamps like my little font stamp collection and flowers for the background and the dove up top where I also stamped 'Faith' in it.  Also each butterfly represents the different changes and blessings around me...the butterflies on the dress say: 'You are a beautiful dreamer' (to remind me to keep dreaming BIG), 'Always Believe in Miracles' (to never give up on my hope for a baby as well as other miracles to come!), 'Change is Good' -quoted from the Butterfly (to remind me that I am no longer in the cocoon...I am now changed and emerging with my wings flapping back and forth getting ready to fly...no to soar!)

 

The other butterflies say:  'Love' (God, Jesus, My husband Art, Life), 'laugh often' (celebrate), 'Be Brilliant' (my artwork, business, Achieve and surpass, succeed, grow), 'JOY' (Family and Friends) -The words in paranthesis are the little handwritten or stamped messages around the butterflies.

 

I also put 2 quotes that I felt fit in with this whole composition:  "life is the art of drawing without an eraser." -John Gardner  "Today well lived, makes every yesterday a Dream of Happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of Hope."  Around the border I hand wrote all the good changes, miracles and abundance this year, 2013 will bring me...that I will soar to new heights...where I've never been before!  Finally, I also stamped 'Be Brave' and 'with Courage' on her arms to direct me on my focus and direction as I take a leap of faith and 'SOAR'!

Miracles Unfolding...

I am still in awe...so much is happening right now...so many dynamic life changes...for me...for my husband...and for a darling little girl...we have been through soo much to get where we are right now...and it still feels surreal, I feel as though I'm in a dream...why do I feel this way?  Well, today we found out that we were approved by the judge to be the adoptive parents to my cousin's little girl.  Out of respect for my family, I won't be saying to much details of this whole case, but only expressing my feelings as I have gone through so much just to get here.

Right now, I feel happy...and calm...peace in my heart about this...I know I am on the right path...things in my life will soon be changing...all for the better...I know it!!  I know that things aren't going to be perfect until the day I am in Heaven...but I know that the Lord is watching over me and my family and he is faithful...and he will bless us in abundance so that we can keep being a blessing to others!!

There is soo much in my heart that I wish to express...and at the same time I feel a loss for words...which makes me want to use my paintbrush to let it all out...in fact I got 4 canvases ready and I found some canvases and other papers where I had backgrounds with the drawings already on them...I've fallen behind on getting new artwork done since I've been on 'stand by' with all the waiting for this answer we recieved today!

Which leads me to this interesting conversation my husband and I had today...about actually letting go of my past artwork and any future artwork...yeah, I need to start being brave and putting all my artwork out there and actually SELL them!!  This conversation with my husband was actually that little push I needed to make me start to fly...to have COURAGE...to let go...to step off the perch...my comfy cozy nest...it made me realize;  What am I waiting for?  Really?  What am I waiting for?!

Sooo now I want to share some current projects I've finished for Life Book 2013 and Tam's Art, Heart & Healing Workshops.  I've enjoyed these projects since they have pushed me to try new methods, learn new things and most of all to have fun!!  God Bless and Cre8tvlyYrs, Gina

Life Book 2013 - Wk 1 project - Blessings & Goals 2013 Journey

My Cute Whimsies from Tam's Art, Heart & Healing Workshop