Headline Prompt: Taking a Chance: When did you take a chance or a leap of faith? How did it turn out? What did you learn?
Color Prompt: What color do you like least? Use it!
Quote Prompt: "Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase -- that's what wild geese are for." Anonymous
This challenge was extremely sensitive for me. Twenty years ago, I made a very difficult decision to leave the life I had created for something very different. It involved leaving my marriage, and changing my one year old daughter's life forever. But it was something I had to do, not just for myself, but for her. Once she was born, keeping up the pretense of a seemingly happy marriage became untenable. My decision involved a huge leap of faith -- taking the chance that I would be able to create a new life for us, and the difficulties my daughter would face growing up a child of divorced parents would be outweighed by the benefit of having a brave and independent mother and a happy home infused with creativity. Looking at my amazing daughter and all she is, I know I made the right decision.
This canvas memorializes my journey -- the three different houses represent the stages of single motherhood, a new marriage, and having my second child. The heart in each one is my beautiful oldest daughter, whose life, laughter and love sustained me and carried me through.
Ronda Palazzari is the guest artist for this challenge at
Artists in Blogland. I hope you'll visit AIB. Ronda's work is amazing!
And the winner of this watercolor from the last Fall Fearless challenge is...
Deepa Gopal Sunil! I have emailed Deepa for her snail mail address.
Here's my giveaway for challenge #2! If you would like to win
this 6.5 x 9" watercolor:
- please comment below (and let me know you'd like the watercolor -- I don't want to send it to someone who doesn't really want it!). For an extra chance to win, "like" my
Facebook page. For an extra, extra chance, follow my blog!
Thank you for visiting! If you are so moved, please leave a comment. Hearing from you means the world to me.
Also linking up to
Art Journal Cafe (I used my pinky finger as a stamp!),
Creative Every Day, and
Mandarin Orange Monday!
I love what you painted and I'm mooved by your words. You followed your dreams, listened to your deepest self. I love the words in sing, dans, love, live.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Jessica.
Yayyyyyyy! Thanks Jessica... I am winning something- anything online for the very first time! I am super glad! I will mail my snail mail address right after this.
ReplyDeleteThe new prompt is nice...going to be lil tough as I don't have a colour that I dislike...lemme think what I use less.Your version is superb..loved the imagery.
Good Day!
I am lovin this challenge and the new prompts! Woot! Thank you. Yes, I would LOVE to win your gorgeous watercolor, please count me in! I am already a happy follower!! Have a great new week, and thank you for sharing your Bold Change you made. I do believe that those really difficult things we do, can be the best. Kath
ReplyDeleteBeautiful art, beautiful words and a inspiring story. Looking forward to the new prompt, and I'd love to win your art.
ReplyDeleteYour watercolor is beautiful and I would be honored to win it!! I have liked your facebook page and am following your blog also. If you had a button I'd add it to my blog too! (Hint, hint)
ReplyDeleteI am also very excited about the second challenge. I have just taken a big leap of faith in beginning my art career and I have many thoughts that deserves an artistic home.
Beautifully rendered.
ReplyDeleteRinda
Brave actions, brave story and beautiful art! It captures the story perfectly! I'm planning to join in this second challenge as well........
ReplyDeleteJust love your project Jessica--everything about it, but even more I love the story that goes along with it. Yes, you are BRAVE!
ReplyDeleteJessica,i am inspired by your art as well as by your story. Many blessings, and thank you.
ReplyDeleteLove all your work ~ very creative, colorful and meaningful word motivation ~ Love your watercolor ~ include me ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
ReplyDeleteANOTHER beautiful page. Makes me want to go into the houses. Your colors? Wow.
ReplyDeleteWow, you and Carolyn are already up on the site and I am just thinking of jumping in...Been there too with your heartfelt story. I think it's the bravest thing you can do for your kids and it's hard and scary but life happens. Thanks for sharing your story and being so open. I love the image of the three houses and how that resonates with the story, so perfect! xox
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story! I'm still in the thick of my last challenge or leap of faith - it brought me to paint 24 x 36 paintings and writing a book about them.
ReplyDeleteLove the collage of the three houses!
Beautiful houses- I was really drawn to the doors! That had to have been a tough decision but knowing you now it is clear to me too that you are who you are meant to be. You have such a wonderful creative spirit!
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHoliday Orange
Hopping by from Mandarin Orange Monday. Your comment on my entry will be much appreciated!
I am now your blog's follower, would be tickled if you decide to follow me back. Thanks.
Amazing work, Jessica. just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing piece! The story behind it is so heartfelt and beautiful. It's touch my heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteI like this very much - and it does have a sense of taking a chance- very dramatic composition with all those obliques and the complementary colour. There is so much going on too - love the layers and textures. Thank you for sharing it on Mandarin Orange Monday:)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you Jessica. What a wonderful leap of faith and trust! You are amazing and strong willed woman. You trust and it will not fail. I love your artwork. I am also inspired by you. Would love to win your watercolor work:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example you are for your daughter! You are giving her an excellent example of how to be happy. And isn't that all we want for our kids? To be happy? Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Love it! Thank's for sharing..
ReplyDeleteVisiting from MOM- hope you can stop by..
http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/10/the-big-heavy-pounder-pumpkin.html
Beautiful work. Visiting late for MOM. Have a fabulous week.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ MLC
Liz @ YACB
Such a beautiful and important canvas... I love your painting style and how you had true meaning behind the heart in each house. Off to check out the new FF&F challenge!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful artwork and inspiring life story. i love it when things work out. :-) You obviously chose the right path. So happy for you. Wonderful art... xox
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be a strong person and your art reflects this strength.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Everything has so much depth (not least your story) and I like the bold use of pattern. Something I should take a chance on more :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful artwork and what a tremendous leap of faith you took. Thanks so much for hosting this challenge.. you guys are awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for having faith in me!
DeleteThanks so much for hosting this challenge.. you guys are giving me somthig to look forward. Beuatiful art you make,colorful which is something we all need.
ReplyDeleteAwesome take on the challenge. :) And congrats to the winner!
ReplyDeleteI love not only what you wrote but your beautiful painting. What a tribute both to your journey and to your daughter.
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful and meaningfull piece Jessica!And I'd love to win the watercolor-I'm such a fan of quotes and color!! Thanks for the Fall Fearless and Fly Challenge-love it!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the art you created for this challenge and I especially enjoyed reading the story behind it! Change is hard. Congratulations for having the courage to take a risk!
You are one of my featured artists this week at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy.
I am currently a follower of your blog and would LOVE to win your art! :-)
Create With Joy
http://create-with-joy.com
Beautiful canvas! Good for you and your daughter that you were able to get up and leave as long as you could!
ReplyDeleteLove your canvas! The rich colors, the layers, and most of all the meaning behind it. Thanks for sharing. Love the watercolor and would love to win it.
ReplyDeleteStacyk
Your artwork is brave and beautiful. Congratulations to you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring, beautiful and courageous canvas.
ReplyDeleteI love this challenge btw!
Karenx
your story really resonated with me (i have a similar one). i love how your art work is bold and colorful-- it reflects who you are!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful! So fun and complex at the same time ... with a very inspirational meaning behind it. Wonderful piece!
ReplyDelete