Process

I've experimented a lot this last year and picked up some ways to work digitally by some very talented artists. I thought I would share a little project I'm workin on with RethinkDB, and give a play by play.

I usually come up with some ideas, knowing that many of them wont work at all, and all of them will have to change. I have this awesome photoshop brush package that has the most amazing textures made by Kyle. Kyle is legit: https://gumroad.com/kyletwebster

I like to use texture and different brushes to experiment with shapes and composition, just like I would with real media. The more variety you have within your tool kit, the more rich and varied your work will look- always a good thing.

Then I do a color study or even start the final illustration. The key here, though, is to stay loose and not go into too much detail. If it's rejected then I don't want to be attached to it or spend too much time on it. "Just have fun," I remind myself.

Color study- using multiply layers and an overlay layer in the sky.  I worked on top of the black and white comp to keep it simple.

I'm still working on the finished illustration. It might go through several iterations, so I'll post more soon. Until then, check out the brush package, get yo'self some new sketch materials if you can, and share your progress on a piece. I'd love to see- I tell you that!

Peace out,

-Annie

Last night I asked a question.

Lately I've been tracking my dreams. I have a whole journal of nocturnal adventures from the past couple years, and most of them are strange. I mean, whose dreams aren't? Regardless, I don't usually share them, but last night I asked a question before closing my eyes, wrote it down on scratch paper, and put it under my pillow. It was an experiment. I added a small nugget of Howlite, too, because... why not? It's said to have properties to help you dream and I'm happy to buy into this. The mind is more powerful and mysterious than we know, and I think beleiving is seeing.

Anyway...

I dreamed two dreams. The first one was just a voice that shut everything else out until my eardrums were squished in and all I could hear was silence, then, "You need a drink of water now." It was a male voice and it was giving me a gentle order. I woke up and shuffled to the bathroom to drink water from the sink. I was a little frightened and very much in a sleepy fog so I didn't want to venture into the darkness of the house. After several slurps, I climbed back into bed.

Then I dreamed again:

My question was about purpose. My purpose.

I mean, looking back on this comic, I was pretty silly to give my keys and wallet away, but in the dream I didn't think twice to not trust anyone. I figured that if they said they were willing to help, that I was ok.

But it really comes down to this: who am I giving my keys to right now?

The symbols in our dreams are rich and personal. I LOVE hearing from others about their dreams- I find symbols fascinating and so telling. What have you dreamed about lately? Let me know. @annieruygt (twitter). Talk soon and sweet dreams!

Annie

Time

I've realized lately, more so than ever, that time is precious. It is now, it is here, and nothing more.

Things are changing around us. It's hard for me right now. But what a gift to see it and, although painful, understand that loving everyone around around me right now is my job. It's my purpose.

Here. Now. Love.

New Sun

The Winter Solstice was last night. It's the end of the cycle, in a natural way, and now the beginning of a new "sun". The daylight hours will lengthen, we'll have more energy (at least in my case I will) and things will start growing. I've been using this time to think about what I want. With so many books out there to help you find you "purpose" it's hard to choose. I think lots of people have honest things to share, but we all know what's best for OURSELVES, so navigating these waters is tricky but it can be really fun. I've been realizing that listening is so important. Take in all that you hear from others AND yourself then experiment with it.

I have been making time each morning to explore my inner world and start looking at the new year as an opportunity to flourish with ease and joy. How can I do that? How can I not create new obligations for myself?

I'm trying to listen carefully. A few things really help me do this- journaling, tarot, reading, meditation, yoga. I think sharing is really important, and now a days we have ways that we can not just share, but start a conversation. With dialogue, it's a communial effort and we can learn from each other. I have SO MUCH to learn from the world and everyone around me. So why not practice together, I thought?

For the next couple weeks I'm jumping on periscope to start my day with a morning practice that can be shared with anyone who is willing to also go deeper. Day 3 was today, and although I'm nervous each time, I feel like it's been so beneficial to connect with myself and connect with outhers in tandem. I think when we do this, we are able to heal much faster, grow stronger, practice loving eachother and ourselves.

It sounds weird writing that. Why does it sound weird? These feelings are hard to express in words, I think, because they come out sounding like cheese on a log.

So here's an image:

If you want to join me, I'll be there every morning between 6 and 7am. @annieruygt.

"To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work." - Mary Oliver.

New moon

The new moon this December 11 brought forth a really dark time. Fitting, since new moons are absent of light. Nature! I wanted to talk for a moment about how hard it is to find your footing in the darkness...

but remember the light will come again. After every new moon there is a big, bright full one.

Here is a soundtrack for today's story.

New stories

One of my favorite things to do is come up with ideas for new stories. I can almost feel the heat rise up into my head and the excitment surge throughout. I've come to realise it's what I live for. But when my personal story changes, I retreat, withdraw, hide. I forget to ask the right questions like, "what's the ending look like?" "What are some of the places I need to go in order to get there?" And most importantly, I don't give myself enough time to just let things develop.

Well, the story has changed. It's a good thing after all, even though I've been freaking out for a while.

If you go back through old journals, blog posts, drawings, you will always find some core beliefs that you hold. The truth is, they are always there and you inherently know them, even when you don't think you do.

so when someone comes into your life and makes you question everything?!? Be patient. Look at the mess and be kind with yourself. Then take a gander at what you've said before. The next chapters might have to be re-written, but the end goal is always the same. The over all lesson you know must be learned, will be learned.

Because you got this. That's why you're here.

Taking my own advice

is weird.

I keep reading/hearing this from all the wise mouths out there. "You know what you need, child." So in this fumbly new moon, where I'm not sure what I'm doing anymore, I'm going back to the roots. It's pretty funny because I've been having the same conversation with myself since High School. I've grown so much since then but I've known deep things about myself- even without realising it.

When will I trust myself to know what I need? I guess it starts now. Step one: trust that even when you don't know, you do.

Peace out all,

Annie