I'm BACK!!

OMG I can't believe it's been two years since my last post. Where does the time go?
I'm so very happy that you've found me. Please add me to your social media family and lets connect.
Instagram - Northern Gypsy @bees_knees_studio
Facebook - Danine Mroz
YouTube - Northern Gypsy

A lot has happened in those two years.  First, we moved half way across the country and relocated the family. I have to say, I feel as if we are all a lot happier. Secondly, I made the decision to make art a priority, and things are going beautifully. Thirdly, I began setting regular, achievable goals... short and long term. Yaa!

The move came due to some major restructuring at my husbands work which meant he would have to commute several provinces over. After a year and a half of commuting we finally made the leap and moved, hubby loves that his commute is now only 1 hours (6x per month) instead of a day. Our son is making great friends and fitting in very well at school. While our daughter made short work of finding work that suites her perfectly while she takes a year off from school. While I've been finding all I could possibly need and/or want right close to home. Happy family!

This year with regards to my art, I began doing some type of creating EVERY day, which I post to Instagram. I've also been trying filming some of my art journal practice for YouTube,,, which isn't as easy as it looks. I'll keep working on it and hopefully I'll  have a great channel before long.  The other major change that I have experienced this year has been making a conscience effort to connect with other artists locally and over the net. Instagram has been a fantastic source for making connections and ongoing inspirations.  I've been to a couple art conventions and taken few classes... and I love making artsy friends. :D While in Winnipeg, MB recently I met the fabulous ladies from "Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine" and learned a ton during the classes offered and through conversation osmosis. They put me in contact with an amazing local mixed media artist whom I already feel a connectedness to. There is so much talent out there and I always feel blessed when I'm included with these amazing people. I hope to  continue to make long lasting friends in the art community. Maybe with you.

Oh My... I almost forgot to mention.
One of the most incredible strokes of luck happened last week. I won an Instagram give away from Flora Bowley for an ongoing membership to her Studio Diaries. I highly suggest if you want to grow as an artist check out her programs and courses. There is a free sample month to the Studio Diaries on her site. Though I'm not here to advertise for her I will be reflecting on some of the themes, questions and exercises that I'm  doing from time to time.

Goals-- Short term; To make art my priority.
             Long term; To be published in an art magazine.

Going forward I want to continue to share my journey and work, inspire you to listen to your own muse, encourage you as an artist and above all else give you permission to play.

Question of the day... What goals are you currently working towards?

Beauty is skin deep.

My art challenge for you today is a self portrait OR portrait. It can be in any style, preferably in YOUR style.

As an artist I have always been fascinated by the structure of faces. No two people are alike and once you start looking with an artistic eye, everyone is beautiful in there own way.

Step 1 - Draw a circle or an oval

           - Draw a line down the centre, if you want the head tilted then draw it at an angle as I have done here
           - Next draw a line one third up from the bottom and one slightly higher up from that ( I love big eyes so the distance between my lines are greater.)
           - Draw a contoured line for the chin and jaw line if you drew a circle (optional), add your neck and shoulders

Step 2 - Draw the eyes, nose, mouth and give your portrait some hair Remember, it's all about you and your style. Practice makes perfect. Even though there is pencil crayon on this page already, once I paint her it will all but vanish. That's the beauty of mixed media, acrylics... if you  don't like something you can paint/gesso over it and start again). There are no mistakes.




Step 3 - Get creative and have some fun. Add color, texture and lots and lots of layers.

I chose, Yellows, Pinks and White for my colors.

Here are a few of my portraits... I call them Ethnic Beauties. Hope you enjoy creating your own.

All pictures/art within this blog, WorldOWhimsy-blog spot are the sole property of Danine Mroz. No reproduction may be used without the written consent of Ms. Mroz