Thursday, February 28, 2013

Sadness.

The emotion we are expressing in my art journal workshop entitled "Mixed Emotions" is sadness.


This time, Michelle taught a technique that I have never heard of - drawing a mandala.    I have never even heard of a mandala, let alone draw one.  I went on an online quest to learn more and . . .

 . . . here is what I found out about mandalas:

The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds.

Mandala definition:  Any of various ritualistic geometric designs symbolic of the universe, used in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation.


You can see mandalas in all walks of life, for example, here is one found in a church:


Isn't it beautiful?
If you want to learn more about mandalas, you can also check out www.mandala.com.

Since this lesson is about sadness, I thought that my mandala was supposed to depict sadness and look sad.  My first attempt turned out kind of happy, so I wasn't going to post it.  But Michelle encouraged me - she said:     "Sharon, your mandala does not have to look sad!  The idea is just that making a mandala can be healing for sadness; if it turns out looking happy that's great!  I hope we get to see it!!!"

So, without further ado, here is my very first mandala:



I was upset because it has mistakes and imperfections - you can see my lines, the black marker smudged, etc.  But I have learned that it is not about perfection, but just expressing yourself.  So, there it is, my imperfect mandala!

And for my second attempt, I found inspiration online when I saw a mandala made with this stained glass window effect:


To make the tree, I used vellum and printed a silhouette of a tree then adhered it to  my page. The quote is from Michelle's inspiration video, and I loved it so much, that I just had to use it on my layout.


Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  I have been immersed in this class and have been have a blast doing it. I hope you are enjoying your day - ours is supposed to be rainy this morning, but sunny this afternoon.  That's good!

12 comments:

  1. Wonderful work here ... Sharon;
    in this doodle I'm really LOVING.
    A great result using the colors and creativity.
    xx

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  2. Amazing what you are showing us here - wow
    XOXO SanDee

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  3. Wowwwwwwwwwww! I think they are both just beautiful!!! I don't see any imperfections at all!! They are gorgeous! I love love love the colors!!!

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  4. Sharon, I'm so happy you did share that first mandala with us, it is beautiful and I didn't see the flaws in it. The second one is so cool with the stain glass effect. LOVE THEM BOTH!

    I too love this class and it's consuming me even though I need to catch up on the lessons. Love looking thru the gallery and commenting. So happy your there with me!!

    Thanks for the comment on my blog, just posted my PL and scrapbook layouts. I had so much fun making them. It's been a while and it felt good to get more stories done.

    Did you check out that sketch blog I told you in your last post? If not that's fine just let me know if you do.

    Love the weather report too, today it will be a rain/snow mix and mild temps. wishing for a warm break to come soon though.
    Have a great day and see you in class. I love the map we have for the next lesson. HUGS!

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  5. I blogged about mandalas way back when! They're so fun and so relaxing. Yours is beautiful. Here's mine. :)

    http://www.cindyderosier.com/2011/08/staying-creative-on-vacation.html

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    1. I actually thought about you when I got this lesson! I thought it sounded like something you would have blogged about, Cindy!!

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  6. These are absolutely beautiful! I especially love the first one. I think I need to make a mandala now...thanks for the inspiration!!

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  7. Sharon, We just never know how much we don't know until we know it! HAHA~ You never heard of mandalas, and now I bet you will notice/spot them everywhere! I like the rainbow one with the tree silhouette. HAPPY March 1 :)
    xo

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  8. wow my friend.. absolutely amazing.. i must read more into this.. amazing what you did.. you truly are one of my fav artists.. tfs sweety!! <3 loove it all!!

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  9. It looks like you're having an amazing time in this class. Your take is absolutely beautiful! I mean, really! The bare tree really does remind me of being lonely and sad.

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