Life Book progress video of my journey on this yearlong mixed media art course.

So last year and now this year I joined an awesome mixed media, yearlong art course called Life Book. Curated by the lovely Tam of Willowing Arts, it offers weekly video art lessons by a range of mixed media artist, learning techniques and also exploring personal development. Life Book has been a wonderfully fulfilling course and it truly has made my life more creative and more connected.

Last year I joined halfway through the year and struggled to finish all the lessons (no biggie, as you can download them to keep for life) but this year I really wanted to try to follow along in real-time as part of my continuous learning. Life Book helps me keep on track and when I am feeling uninspired is great for getting me to put something on paper and create.

I’m pretty proud of my progress so far this year – I have pretty much kept up with all the lessons and felt brave enough to stray far from the brief, or content enough to stick to what the lesson offers.As well as learning new mixed media techniques and styles, Life Book also creates wonderful connection with other people that enjoy art online, and it nurtures a very encouraging and “safe” environment to share your art with others. It is this gentle encouragement and love that has helped my own self-esteem and confidence blossom. Sharing my art with the world is now something I celebrate, when years ago it would leave me shuddering in fear!

I decided to create a simple video documenting my progress so far, which I shared with the group and am now sharing with you, hope you enjoy! :-)

If you’re interested in signing up for Life Book (and I’m not an affiliate just a fan!) just visit Tam’s site here.

The art shown here has been inspired by the following artists (not necessarily in order):

• Tamara Laporte 
• Jane Davenport 
• Joanne Sharpe 
• Violette Clark 
• Alisa Burke 
• Jill K. Berry 
• Mati Rose McDonough 
• Patti Ballard 
• Rachael Rice 
• Roben Marie Smith 
• Lynn Whipple