IVY NEWPORT

Studioworks

Journal
a letter from ivy

Dear creative friends,

Welcome to Issue #13 of the StudioWorks Journal! As always, I’m super grateful you are here with me and I’m excited to share this with you.

We now begin a new year and it is full of hope and possibility for our creative path – a blank canvas – that awaits our movements and dreams and brushstrokes. So let’s explore the theme of new beginnings and the beauty of discovery this month! Join me.

xo,

So you may be wondering, where do I start? To that, I say, wherever feels right to you. Each month we will have a theme, a creative affirmation, a power word, a color palette, sketchbook exercises, art projects, articles, recommended reading and access to wonderful inspiration and resources. I want you to think of this as a delicious new magazine, you know the ones you occasionally splurge on, with soft, velvety pages, beautiful images and inspiring content!

Each issue will invite you to explore your creative practice in whichever way works for you. Experience each issue at your own pace. Take what resonates with you and put the rest aside for another time.

Grab a cup of something lovely and dive in.

MONTHLY THEME

Begin Again – Discovering Yourself

,“The Artist is always beginning. Any work of art which is not a beginning, an invention, a discovery is of little worth.” – Ezra Pound

The beauty of being an artist is that we are constantly beginning again, as Ezra Pound expresses. Obviously, each new day invites us to begin again but so does each fresh page in our sketchbook, each white canvas. Each stroke of our brush and every mark of our pencil. Each of these is a tiny beginning and an invitation to unfold a little further. To discover a little more. To unearth a sliver of ourselves. If we dare.

When we go to create, we choose to open the door just a little wider. This is why we often feel so much fear. Beginning at the beginning is scary. Whether it’s the start of a new painting or walking into the first day of an art class. Often we have to push through immense self-doubt to begin again. This is because to start on a new path, is to be vulnerable. To put ourselves at risk. Risk of ridicule, mistakes, and failure. Yet, the pull to create, to make art is stronger than the fear and so we begin to paint to that white canvas and we take our seat in class. We may indeed experience discomfort in the midst of vulnerability but our artists souls are, most often, willing to endure it.

As we move through these beginnings we inevitably encounter discoveries. Discoveries not only about the paint or the technique or how our hands work with our minds but also extraordinary discoveries of self.

As an artist, we experience the remarkable and sacred invitation to excavate the wild treasures that exist within us. To discover who we REALLY are through our art. We choose to pass through this doorway, to shine light on the shadows and uncover the shimmering parts of ourselves.

Some days, we will feel braver than others. Some days we will want to hide and shirk this calling. I know I have those days. What we must always remember, is that we can begin again.

With each new dawn, we can choose to do things differently. To feel differently. To see differently. To embrace the truth of who we are and fend off the fear that at times, holds us hostage.

On those days, I encourage you to examine your creative path. To seek out obstacles that may be blocking you from progression, from inspiration, from joy. When we begin again, we can choose to examine these and change our perspective, to take action and to let go of what no longer serves us. This takes courage but your artist’s heart is strong and fierce, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Trust in it and ask for support. Trust that you can always begin again.

A PRAYER FOR A NEW DAY

When you wake, when you eyes greet the day and your heart opens, may you begin again.
May you feel new and alive and vital.
May you be free of your past, free of your old wounds, free of your regrets
May you instead, be filled with purpose and love and hope.
On these days, may you find the courage to put your brush to canvas and be open to the discovery of yourself.

 

“The artist feels vulnerable to begin with; and yet the only answer is to recklessly discard more armor.”
― Eric Maisel

Begin Again - Discovering Yourself

by : Ivy Newport

I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written.
– Juansen Dizon
DISCOVERY PROMPT:
  • In your sketchbook, pick three color pencils or markers. With one color freely write what you are feeling in the moment. With the other two colors begin to intuitively sketch. Be open to any marks or imagery that comes to the surface.

WORD OF THE MONTH

Discovery
The act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something.

What a powerful word and how vital it is to our creative paths! Can you imagine creating the same exact thing every day? Our artistic souls would soon rebel, hungry for a sense of discovery, the tingle of newness. What thrills us more than watching colors pool on the page, forming new hues, or experimenting with a new brush to see what marks we can make! We are creatures who not only embody the joy of discovery but we live for it! Never stop discovering all that you can through your art.

“Art is a journey of Discovery!”
– John Paul Caponigro

Lavender Self Love Meditation
Meditation by Rachel Hillary

I have a special treat for you this month! One of my very favorite meditation guru’s – Rachel HIllary – is sharing this gorgeous guided meditation with us! This is a perfect one to start or end your day with! It’s soothing, poetic and so relaxing! I hope you enjoy it!

Then go on to enjoy her mediation below. You can also enjoy more of Rachel’s meditations on the Insight Timer app.

Lavender Self Love Meditation

by : Rachel Hillary

Unearthing Your Treasures

By choosing to begin again, we ultimately have the opportunity to approach our life and way of being in a whole new way. We get to leave the past behind us and turn a new page, embracing each experience with openness. We also get to dive a little deeper and discover more about our true selves. This is invaluable and will lead to more connection with self, more connection in relationship and inevitably a more authentic expression in our art. By asking ourselves questions we open up to discovering more about what’s going on in our inner world. What treasures may be lying in the shadows just waiting to be unearthed?

“Art is not just ornamental, an enhancement of life. Art is a path in itself, a way out of the predictable and conventional… a map to self-discovery.”
– Gabrielle Roth

Take at least 10 minutes of meditation before you begin to write. Set an intention that you are going to be open to this writing session and that you welcome all loving wisdom.
Jot these questions down in your sketchbook or art journal and see what emerges. Let your answers flow, don’t edit or judge what comes to the page.

 

  1. What does my BEST day look like?
  2. What do I need more of in my life?
  3. What do I believe in?
  4. What are my strengths and weaknesses?
  5. Who inspires me and why?
Unearthing Your Treasures

by : Ivy Newport

Monthly Affirmation

Each month we will have a positive affirmation. I recommend you print out this affirmation and put it in your sketchbook or somewhere in your studio. Recite the affirmation out loud each time you show up to create. Saying words aloud is powerful and can begin to re-write some of our own limiting beliefs or calm our fears. Try it now…

Color Palette of the Month

This month, I am being drawn to soft grays, lavender, plum and copper. There is something about this delicate palette that speaks to the precious nature of a new dawn or the last light of twilight. Both an opening and a closing to the day. Each one a beginning and an end. The softness of lavender, paired with the earthy delight of plum reminds me of just how delicate and exquisite life is. Copper, is known as a healing metal and in mythology was ruled by Venus, who as we know presides over love and creativity. It is a shimmering reminder of our own inner passion and vitality. The soft shades of gray balance this palette and provide soothing neutrals. To me, gray is also a comforting, quiet color.

“Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

DISCOVERY PROMPT:
  • Do you sometimes wonder what your innate color palette is? Well…time to do some digging…in your closet! Yes, often times the colors we wear speak to the colors we are most drawn to! You check out your clothes and see if you discover this connection.
Doorways

I was recently looking through some of my art and I saw a thread of connection between many of the pieces – doorways! These portals often appear in my work and now I am beginning to understand why.

Doorways are powerful symbols of discovery, of going deeper and beginning on a new journey. This concept and process is profoundly important and fascinating to me. The idea that our world is made up of entrances and exits. Our path is really comprised of endless thresholds. All folding into one another. One beginning leads to an ending an ending leads to a beginning – an eternal loop. Spiritually, I cherish the concept of a doorway being right at the heart of us. A dimensional gateway that opens to our soul.

Of course, we can witness the significance of this in our everyday life too. When we open a proverbial door in our lives, whether that be a new job, a new relationship or a new piece of artwork we are passing through the threshold of a brand new experience. We are leaving one domain and entering another. We are transitioning.

This has been a powerful symbol in art and has been seen throughout the ages, from Ancient Egyptian art to current day. Did you know that the Romans even had a God of Doors, (I know they had a God for everything) named Janus who was worshipped as a God of thresholds and new beginnings!

Doorways also represent choice. We choose to open a door, we choose to step inside. We also choose to close a door and leave something behind. It is important to remember that as we begin again that CHOICE is always ours. We have the power to choose which gateways to pass through. We have the power to choose how we feel, how we react and how we invest in our lives.

When we make mistakes or a wrong turn we can also choose how to experience the outcome. Do we view it as a failure or an opportunity? Are we going to waste energy berating ourselves or will we turn the page and try again. I love this quote by James Joyce – Mistakes are portals of discovery!

In this light, let your mistakes be your guide posts. Let them signal when you need to change direction, or stand still in observation, or change your perspective. Just as fear can signal you are entering a new territory, mistakes are doorways to growth.

Choose to greet each day like a beautiful doorway. Open up and step through. Choose to be brave. Choose to be hopeful. Choose to begin again.

“Mistakes are the portals of discovery”
– James Joyce
Doorways

by : Ivy Newport

An Artist’s Voice

with Kate Morgan
,1. How do you approach new beginnings in your artwork when you face a new blank canvas or blank page?

I love blank canvases. They hold so much potential and excitement for me. However, when I begin an artwork I’ve already played with a concept or idea in my mind and in the images I’ve chosen to represent it. The beginning of the concept is usually something personal I feel or want to feel. I like to plan my artwork. It never turns out the way I imagined but the mental guideline is there. For me, the middle is scary. The part where you have to figure out how to pull it all together.

2. What discoveries of self have you found through your artwork?

Art is constant self discovery.  Small discoveries and big ones. In the beginning of this year, I had a couple big ones. After spending years trying to get a portrait realistic looking I finally got there and…… it didn’t do much for me!  I found I didn’t like trying to get all the details of a face and body just right. For me it was tedious and not enjoyable. Then when I started collage with women’s figures I had a big self discovery.  For awhile I was self conscious that I wasn’t actually painting the women. The inner critic in me slammed me for not actually painting the women instead of using collage images. Then I discovered in my true self that in art it doesn’t matter how you get to where you want to go, just that you get there.  Then things got fun because I could focus on true concepts in me and use the images as a means for the ideas. Ironically, I know I will be painting figuratively in the future but not because I’m self conscious but because I love a challenge in art. I love figuring out how to do things. Art is never ending and that’s its most appealing attribute to me. I relate to Picasso when he said, “ I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

3. Do you see mistakes as portals to discovery?

Mistakes are crucial in life and most definitely in art. Sometimes they’re just horrible and hopefully if we are open minded we learn from them and get back up and try again. More often mistakes are when you discover something really amazing. When my daughter was in 2nd or 3rd grade her teacher had a huge chalkboard wall titled “Great Mistakes”. The children would write down mistakes that they learned great things from. What an excellent idea! In art, they happen all the time for me. Maybe I’m trying to wipe off some dreadful layer of paint and in the process I find a cool effect or one of my concepts gets wiped out and I let go and a better one begins. The process of learning how to fix mistakes in art is just as rewarding.

4. What advice can you share about embracing new beginnings on the creative path?

Embrace being childlike in your creative new beginnings. Picasso said, “ It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” I believe the child in you will always be the better artist. New creative paths also take passion. If you don’t paint what you feel and think passionately about your viewer won’t connect with your creation. If you do it with passion, it will resonate with other people.

To learn more about Kate and follow her beautiful creative journey, you can visit her inside our CREATIVE TRIBE

MASTER ARTIST GUIDE

Edgar Degas

When I was considering which artist to study for January, I couldn’t go past one of my all time favorites, Edgar Degas. In my class, Lovely Dancer, I dive deep into understanding him and his work and it occurred to me how beautifully the art of dance connects to our theme of New Beginnings.

A dance, has a finite beginning and end, much like a day in our life. When we wake and greet the dawn, we take the first steps to engaging with the day before us and when we close our eyes to sleep, our day comes to an end – a quiet bow after the performance.

“Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes, and dance.
– Oprah Winfrey

It is through this process of engagement that we discover aspects of ourselves and our dance (our life) unfolds and of course, for us, Art is the stage where we express this journey.

Degas had an unrelenting dedication to his work and his ballerinas align with this theme, in their own commitment to dance. We know that ballet is not for the weak of heart and we could say the same for art but amidst all the practice, the mistakes and failures, lies a golden thread of discovery and beauty that binds us to this path.

Let’s learn more about Degas and explore his exquisite art together.

GESTURE DRAWING LESSON

Now let’s explore some very loose and expressive timed gestural drawings based on beautiful ballerinas! The timer encourages you to work quickly and freely and when the buzzer goes off you get to BEGIN AGAIN! Yah! This is such a fun way to start your day! Go for movement over realism and enjoy yourself!

“Muses work all day long and then at night get together and dance.
– Edgar Degas
Master Artist Guide - Edgar Degas

by : Ivy Newport

Sketchbook Explorations

Before we begin our explorations, I wanted to provide a cohesive theme for us to focus on. This will help unify our explorations and provides us with a simple place to start when approaching a VERY blank sketchbook.

Our sketchbook theme this month is Doorways. I feel this symbol wholly encompasses our theme of New Beginnings and Discovery! As mentioned earlier, this symbol has been seen in artwork for centuries and can have great importance and powerful meaning. Remember a doorway doesn’t have to be literal, it could be a gateway to another world, a portal into your mind, a window into the soul…let your imagination explore this symbol and jot down images and ideas that emerge.

Please remember, our explorations in our sketchbook are really just access points to get you into the flow. However, they can also be seeds for new ideas, concepts and themes in your art. Some of them will be more about writing and others more about drawing and painting. You will see below three prompts and exercises explained and photographed from my own sketchbook. You are welcome to expand upon, invent and experiment with your own concepts too. Use our color palette if you want to. You will see I stay in that theme for my explorations. These may feel silly at first but let your inner artist play.

EXPLORATION 1

Dawn is a Doorway

Create a scene that represents a beautiful dawn. This can be literal or very symbolic. Use any mediums to create this! I loved creating a mixed media landscape using watercolor, acrylics and paint pens. Below is the photo reference I used.

EXPLORATION 2

Power Word

I always like to choose a word to begin my year. Choose a power word that really encapsulates what you want to align with right now. My word for 2019 was Listen and my word for 2020 is Discovery. Imagine the word is like a key to unlock the door into your new year. Use doorway or key imagery to create a page dedicated to your word. You could draw, paint or collage! Whatever is the most enjoyable for you!

EXPLORATION 3

Soul Gate

Create a page that illustrates the concept of a doorway to your soul or a doorway to your heart. Use symbols and colors that resonate with you. I loved using collage and mixed media to create this page!

MONLTHLY ART PROJECT

Upon a Star

I’m so excited to share this lesson with you guys created by a new teacher on our platform – the lovely and talented Kate Morgan! You got to read about her in our Artist’s Voice interview and now you get to witness her magical creating! Get ready to make a stunning mixed-media figurative collage with her!

STUDIOWORKS PODCAST

issue thirteen

You can also listen to this month’s issue of the Studioworks journal. I find I love listening to books, podcasts and music while I draw, paint or go on a long walk. Enjoy.

Studioworks : issue thirteen

by : Ivy Newport

inspiration: curated

One of my favorite things to do is to curate inspiration. From Pinterest boards to books, resources, playlists and more – I love to share anything that might facilitate learning, expansion, and sparks of curiosity! Being an artist, we naturally crave these things so here are some of this month’s picks from me to you.

BOOKS FOR CREATIVE SELF DISCOVERY

& EMBRACING NEW BEGINNINGS

MUSIC PLAYLIST

I had so much fun curating this list. I hope you enjoy!!

PINTEREST BOARDS

FAVORITE SUPPLIES THIS MONTH

CLASSES TO TRY

These classes carry joy filled learning rooted in nature, art and happiness! I highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already. Enjoy!