21 Secrets ~ Tools and Techniques!! ON SALE NOW

I am finally relaxing a bit after months of writing up outlines for this new workshop, filming,  and video editing. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to stretch myself a  LOT during the process. I have to be honest, I was afraid of shooting the video myself, had no clue how to edit video, include music, do voice overs.... etc, etc. I have been afraid for years in fact. My last online workshop I had a professional help me and he did an amazing job. But I knew I wouldn't be able to make the venture of offering online workshops that were cost effective without learning and stretching myself. So this time I hired my son, who is taking videography in school, to help me shoot the video and teach me the basics of FinalCut Pro. I loved the process of learning something new!! As I was shooting and editing, I thought about all of you. Would what I was sharing translate on camera? I wanted the video to see what I see when I watch live demos. I want to see the details up close, watch the process, hear the instructor's explanation of their process. So that was my goal. I wanted the camera to follow my eye moments as they followed my hands across the page (Now, that will be a cool thing when a camera will have the capability to do just that effortlessly!) So during shooting I kept asking my boy, "Are you zoomed in here? Are you zoomed out now? Can you see what I am doing?..." He was patient, and always said, "Yes mom, stop worrying, I got it." I was very pleased that what I was envisioning he was able to translate! When it came time for editing, he started and then ran into other school commitments and couldn't finish... so I took over, with LOTS of questions. I loved the editing process!! Even more, it fascinating to see myself work and play. I am generally off in my little bubble and am not aware of much when I'm making art, so what a treat it was to have the opportunity to step back and see it from a different point of view!!

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to seeing and hearing what you have learned from my New workshop "Magic Markers." The 21 Secrets family is amazing and I feel so honored to be a part of the tribe.

To Learn more about 21 Secrets, the workshop I am offering, the other amazing teachers and our "secrets to share", and to sign up click here!!

Please note: Each instructor has an individual affiliate link, so when you sign up though my link above, I will get credit for that, which in turn is how I receive payment for working with you during this fantastic workshop. Though, even if you choose to sign up through another instructor's affiliate link, we all benefit from having a full event... we are one big happy family over here!! 

21 Secrets Spring 2016 ~ Tools and Techniques

Hello dear ones,
It has been an eternity since I've spent time on my blog, not that I haven't been working or creating, just been a bit lost in my life the past while. It has been almost as long since I've taught workshops that weren't local. I've missed sharing with my extended tribe!! So it is with a joyful heart that I announce my brand new workshop "Magic Markers" which is included in the 21 Secrets ~ Tool and Techniques Spring 2016 workshop.

For the past few years I have been experimenting with new ways of using markers in my visual journals and other artwork. Want to learn how I created the artwork below? Then join me in the new 21 Secrets Tools and Techniques workshop. Included in the workshop are detailed videos of the tools and techniques I used to achieve the effects along with two additional marker techniques.

Not only will you receive my workshop, you will also have access to the other 20 workshops in the 21 Secrets collaboration. Registration is open now! Self paced workshops become available April 1st!

"Knock Knock" © Lisa Cheney 2016
Markers and Ink

To Learn more about 21 Secrets, the workshop I am offering, the other amazing teachers and our "secrets to share", and to sign up click here!!

On Sale Now!! Click for more info!

Please note: Each instructor has an individual affiliate link, so when you sign up though my link above, I will get credit for that, which in turn is how I receive payment for working with you during this fantastic workshop. Though, even if you choose to sign up through another instructor's affiliate link, we all benefit from having a full event... we are one big happy family over here!! I look forward to working with you in April!!

I am an artist... . ! ? ...

"In the Garden" from After the Storm visual    ©LisaCheney

At what point is the title "artist" no longer followed by a question mark?

I don't have a day marked on my calendar reminding me that I am an artist. I don't know if I was born this way or if I grew over time to resemble the definition. I don't recall having an epiphany one glorious day. I just know that I can't NOT express what I see and feel in a visual way. There is an ache in my chest and stomach that wont go away until I am immersed in the process of creating. I get cranky,  blame others and my busy schedule when I can't sit with my art supplies. In reality, it is me. Only me. There is no one else to blame. Only me. My Ego sabotages my creativity, my muse. Yet She is always there, waiting for me to show up. She is deep within. Waiting. Watching.

Sometimes I wonder if Artist still applies to me when days, weeks, months pass with no art being created? The answer is always, Yes. For when the gates are finally allowed to open, she emerges and can not be quieted. She is happy and full of information. She knows the truth of the remarkable title of "artist" and embraces it fully.

Art is messy... Anyone up for a game of "I Spy"?

It has been some time since I've written a post for my blog. A very long time. I sit here thinking about the past few months, "What has kept me preoccupied?" "Why haven't I been connecting with myself here, in this space, or in my books?" Well I am still mulling those questions around in my head. The good news is I am starting to make art again. And it feels WONDERFUL!

My studio as a general rule isn't spic-n-span however I am usually mortified when someone "pops over" just to say hello unannounced. The voice in my head shouts, "You are such a SLOB! Nobody wants to see your studio looking like THIS!" and I end up apologizing for my messes. However, during my recent whirlwind of creativeness I took this picture late one night of my studio and  posted it on my FB page. Interestingly, and surprising to me, I'm not the only one with a "messy" studio. Afterwards, I started actually inviting friends over without picking up first and they all loved me just the same, and my studio even more than before.

So, today I take pics of what my current world is like... after weeks of preparing for my solo exhibit (more to come on that next) and a week of unburying myself from emails and freelance work. I must say I am ready to tidy up now that I'm having a tough time finding things, and I am hoping my lost set of car keys are somewhere in here.

Left side

workspace counter

right side and back wall... ugh my "design" area has
been overrun with mounds of paper!

So Seth, Here's to you!! We were in the same mindset and I didn't even know until today... ;-)

I actually cleaned up my encaustic palette in
preparation for working on a new piece.

containers for supplies...that are missing their
supplies, somewhere else on the counter

getting caught up on my freelance design jobs!

See that mound of "stuff" on the floor? Yeah, that is wax.
My floor is now covered in wax that needs to be scraped off. 

Coffee helps. A Lot. 

21 Secrets Coming SOON!! Sneak peak....

in the background, you can still see the ghost of my self portrait

So, a few weeks ago I began the exciting new journey of filming my first on-line workshop. We are still in the editing phase and tomorrow I get to see how it is all coming together. I am excited and a little nervous...but mostly thrilled to finally be able to jump into the online workshop world and work with individuals that I otherwise wouldn't be able to meet, talk/share with, and more importantly... touch on a deeper level.

After filming the techniques for The Savage Mirror workshop, I ended up with a self portrait (the demo I did for the workshop) that needed it's story brought to life (something I have each participant do with their own portraits)... last night I dove in, and this is were the page currently sits. My eye, and the expression of it is what drew me into the mirror... that is what I wanted to keep. The pages are still in progress, and more needs to be pulled and pushed, more text to be brought forth, and more symbolism incorporated as the story unfolds. I now wish I had my camera to film the progress... but I did take these stills. I will share the continued metamorphosis and final piece with all of you that sign up for the "21 Secrets Art Journaling Workshop." You still have a small window of opportunity to learn how this portrait came about and to join me in the Savage Mirror workshop!!! I hope to see you in a few short weeks!!

Click here for more information about
 "21 Secrets" and how to sign up.

"She Let Go" in progress.... 

21 Secrets 2014!!!!

Click here for more info on 21 Secrets

Last week on my Facebook pages, I mentioned and teased you with the upcoming On-line class I'll be teaching. Before giving you all the details I want to first give a bit of my background, for those just tuning in or that have just recently started following my blog.

My journey with visual journaling began back in 2007, back when I needed a creative outlet besides my graphic design. I have drawn and painted on and off my whole life; for years I had been making books as gifts for others; I had been using the combination of typography and imagery in my design work for over a decade; yet at that time had never combined all this into one art form. In 2007, I hadn't heard of the term "visual journaling", I just wanted to start keeping a sketchbook again. That "sketchbook" quickly morphed into a book that contained both imagery and my writing. I was inspired by joining online sketchbook exchanges, and sharing my visual journal pages with others through my Flickr stream. This lead to being published in 1000 Artists Journals, by Dawn Sokol. I was thrilled and excited to be included along side so many others that shared my newly found passion for documenting their lives. I was just beginning to realize how many others were needing this sort of artistic expression. Soon after, I was approached, by the amazing duo Teesha and Tracy Moore, about submitting a workshop proposal to their upcoming art retreat Journalfest. I swallowed my fears and submitted what I had to offer. That was 2009.... I was hooked. I love being surrounded by like minded creative souls who have a passion for expressing themselves in the book format. Over time my journals have morphed, grown, and matured. I have continued to teach workshops as I am just as inspired by my students as they are from me. My Visual Journals have changed my life, saved my artistic self, and helped me to grow into the artist I am today. They are sacred to me, and a blessing I am thankful for. Through them I have been introduced to artists I never imagined I'd meet and converse with. Through them I have been able to bare my soul and document my "life story."

The past year or so, I've been approached by many individuals to offer online classes. Something I kept adding to my goals list, yet it kept getting pushed down the list as life events dictated more attention.  This past year, I have been embracing the mysterious ways that the universe has been working in my life, allowing those things that have been on my "wish list" to present themselves... and wow have the floodgates been opening!!!

I am excited to finally announce to all of you that the time has come for my first online class!! My popular workshop, The Savage Mirror, is going online!! But I wont be alone in this adventure! I am partnering with 20 other amazing souls to offer you an amazing visual journaling experience! I have joined the 21 Secrets visual journaling family for 2014!! 

Here is the information about The 21 Secrets!

21 SECRETS is celebrating it's fifth year of gathering talented, inspiring Artists eager to share their art journaling secrets with you in a BRAND NEW FORMAT that will make your experience with 21 SECRETS much more personal and in alignment with the rhythms of your own creative life!In other words.... YOU RECEIVE ALL 21 WORKSHOPS AT ONCE IN A DOWNLOADABLE eBOOK WITH UNLIMITED ACCESS! YOU KEEP THE VIDEOS, WRITTEN CONTENT & VISUALS!

With each 21 SECRETS membership you receive the following

• 
  
  • A downloadable eBook that contains 21 art journaling workshops which include instructional videos, supportive content, and inspiring visuals by talented, professional Artists.  No longer do you need to login to a website or find your password--you can keep this eBook on your computer or iPad!

• 
  
  • Unlimited access to all the workshops at once!  You pick and choose which ones you do when and go at your own pace!  There is no time limit--these workshops are yours to keep!

• 
  
  • Membership to the private 21 SECRETS Facebook community and 21 SECRETS Flickr gallery where you can share your art work, be inspired by others, and receive warm, supportive feedback from other members and teachers.

• 
  
  • The opportunity to learn a variety of art journaling approaches, techniques, and processes that will energize your creativity and touch your Soul.  

• 
  
  • Be a vital part of a supportive, loving Artist online community that is going on it's fifth year and celebrates everyone's unique expression and supports all Souls in growing more confidant as Artists.

Even though the workshops don't begin until April 2014, TODAY is the Pre-Launch which means you can get it at a heavely discounted rate!!! Here is the breakdown of the pre-sale discounted prices:

THE NEW 21 SECRETS PRICE SCHEDULE

$59 for buyers 1-50

$69 for buyers 51-150

$79 for buyers 151-300

$89 for buyers 301-500

after 500 members, the cost goes up to $98 so signing up early is going to be a lot more cost effective!!!

To Learn more about 21 Secrets, the workshop I am offering, the other amazing teachers and their "secrets to share", and to sign up click here!!

learn more about all the 21 Secrets instructors!!

Please note: Each instructor has an individual affiliate link, so when you sign up though my link above, I will get credit for that, which in turn is how I receive payment for working with you during this fantastic workshop.  Though, even if you choose to sign up through another instructor's affiliate link, we all benefit from having a full event... we are one big happy family over here!! I look forward to working with you in April!!