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Creativity

In My Sketchbook // May 2016

May 23, 2016August 31, 2016 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 32 comments
In My Sketchbook // May 2016

Take a look at what I've been working on. // dreams-etc.com

Awhile ago I was talking to a friend about the painting I’ve been doing and she told me that I should share some of it on my blog. I don’t have a lot to share with you today, because I’ve been doing a lot of practice.

I went to my niece’s band concert this weekend and they were giving out awards to their students. One of the awards they gave out was for 100 hours of practice and her teacher said they give out these awards because, “To be a good musician…

You must practice, because without practice nothing happens.”

I immediately wrote this down in a note on my phone because that’s so true to any creative process, not just art. To be a good artist, to be a good writer… you must practice, because without practice nothing happens.

That’s what I’ve been doing. My desk has a stack of papers with these shapes over and over:

I meant to post this yesterday but the day got away from me. It’s been too long since I painted and I have some ideas I want to try out so yesterday I made sure to take a half hour to pull out some paint and get started. It felt so good and after working on these I have more ideas on how to make them fit my vision even more. It was a successful half hour! #tada_tuesday #coftahashtag

A photo posted by Crystal // Dreams, etc. (@crystalbrutlag) on May 11, 2016 at 2:58pm PDT


A friend of mine once told me she was told by an art teacher that you need to draw something at least 100 times, so whenever I get frustrated and feel like I’m not quite there with these yet I remind myself that I haven’t painted 100 of them yet, but I do feel like I’m getting closer to achieving my vision.

When I’ve taken a break from painting these I’ve worked on a couple of nature scenes.

Take a look at what I've been working on. // dreams-etc.com

I actually used a photo as inspiration for this, but I ended up taking it in its own direction and it looks nothing like the photo. I was kind of moody and needed to take my mind off some things, so this was the result.

Take a look at what I've been working on. // dreams-etc.com

And after visiting Glacier National Park last year mountains will also be a go-to subject for me.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON LATELY?

[Tweet “Practice, mountains and a moody escape… take a look inside the sketchbook. #art #createeveryday #painting”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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32 comments

  1. Chrissy says:
    May 23, 2016 at 3:55 am

    How fun! Love your pictures! I had no idea you loved painting! Awesome!
    I have been working on another summer shawl and I have been working in my garden.
    Wishing you a wonderful week, Crystal! xxx

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:25 pm

      Thank you Chrissy! Yes, it’s become a passion of mine in the last year or so, but an interest that I had for quite awhile before that.

      Your projects always sound so relaxing too. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. TheOrdinaryGirl (@mash_01x) says:
    May 23, 2016 at 5:38 am

    Beautiful. It must be relaxing too to paint. I used to sketch sometime ago but now it feels like I am always in front of computer, looking at excel sheets šŸ™ I think I should sketch and paint too to give my mind some healthy food šŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:24 pm

      Definitely! I’ve found that it’s good to take a break from the computer screen sometimes. I’d love to see what you sketch!

      Reply
  3. Ashley Stephenson says:
    May 23, 2016 at 7:30 am

    These are amazing! Being artistic runs in my family, but it definitely skipped my genes!

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      Thank you Ashley! There are a few other painters in my family too.

      Reply
  4. Ashley says:
    May 23, 2016 at 7:37 am

    Oh, wow! They look so good!

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you Ashley!

      Reply
  5. Trish says:
    May 23, 2016 at 9:44 am

    These are lovely! I love the way you described your process too, about the stack of paper with shapes. That landscape inspired by a photo is especially striking — would look great framed.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:22 pm

      Thank you for all your kind words Trish! I’ve actually been thinking about framing that one.

      Reply
  6. Dana says:
    May 23, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I love the mountain painting (blue is my favorite color too!) I don’t paint but I love to color šŸ™‚

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you Dana! Coloring is a lot of fun too. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Amanda | Glitter & Spice says:
    May 23, 2016 at 11:37 am

    These are so beautiful. My mother does watercolors and she has done some beautiful pieces of the mountains and trees out in Colorado. That one you did of the mountains is STUNNING šŸ™‚ XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you Amanda! Your mother’s paintings sound so beautiful!

      Reply
  8. Shann Eva says:
    May 23, 2016 at 11:49 am

    These are beautiful. I love to draw and paint, but haven’t had the chance lately. I really need to make time because it really makes me feel good to work on something creative. I’m definitely there with you on the practicing.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Thank you! You should definitely make some time soon if you can. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  9. Allie says:
    May 23, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    I LOVE the blue watercolor, it’s stunning. I started painting this year and found a hidden talent and passion for it. Currently I’m working on improving my begginning pieces because I’m moving and have too many. Before I give them to family and friends I want to make sure they are the best they can be.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Thank you Allie! Once you get started with painting it’s hard to stop! It’s so cool that you’re working on some of your older pieces and giving them away to people you care about. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  10. Helen @ Hel On Heels says:
    May 23, 2016 at 6:00 pm

    Wow! These are beautiful. You are very talented.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you Helen!

      Reply
  11. Whitney S. says:
    May 23, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    I love your paintings!! I’m absolutely terrible at painting. I’ve seen five-year-olds that are better than me šŸ™

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you Whitney!

      Reply
  12. Nellwyn says:
    May 23, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    I love that painting of the mountains. I used to paint a lot and I’ve just realized how much I miss it!

    Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Thank you! You should definitely start again. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  13. Ashley LaMar says:
    May 23, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    So pretty! I love the blue mountains, that’s gorgeous.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Thank you Ashley! I really like that one too. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  14. Mayra Murillo says:
    May 24, 2016 at 7:27 am

    I bet this is so therapeutic for you. It takes a lot to see a project from beginning to end. Keep at it and reap the rewards.

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Thank you Mayra! It does take a lot of work, but it’s so relaxing and, as you said, therapeutic. šŸ™‚

      Reply
  15. Jennifer says:
    May 24, 2016 at 8:28 am

    My daughter is an artist and I have encouraged her to do what you are doing with a blog and such! Your paintings are beautiful!

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:06 pm

      She should definitely start a blog! I’d love to see what she’s doing with her art. Thank you!

      Reply
  16. Bethany says:
    May 25, 2016 at 9:31 am

    Beautiful and inspiring šŸ™‚ this makes me want to paint!

    Reply
    1. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says:
      June 6, 2016 at 8:06 pm

      Thank you Bethany! You should try sometime! I’ve found painting to be so relaxing.

      Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

I took these in early January when the snow still I took these in early January when the snow still felt a bit magical, but right now I’m just ready to walk barefoot in grass.

When I was younger I used to imagine what it would be like if we got so much snow that it would be piled high above our doors. I wondered if we’d be able to create tunnels in the snow to move around in.

And this year might just be the year we find out. I’m kidding, of course, but at this point I feel like we’ve been buried in snow. We’re even on track to beat some snow records I think (the amount of snow and the number of consecutive days with snow on the ground.

So. What’s the weather like where you are?
February was here and gone in the blink of an eye February was here and gone in the blink of an eye but contained moments I’ll carry with me forever.
When it’s almost halfway through February and yo When it’s almost halfway through February and you still haven’t posted January’s recap. January was filled with lots of family time. šŸ’™
Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
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