Sunday, November 1, 2009

Very Exciting News!!

The latest development is that I have taken a position with Sessions Online School of Art and Design as a Student Advisor. I will be headed for New York City soon in order to complete my training. I am very excited and honored to have this opportunity to work for a prestigious school that helps various types of artists & designers to achieve their dreams. This position combines my two favorite elements: helping people achieve success and art. The universe works in mysterious ways, does it not?

I have 2 commissioned paintings that I completed recently, they both are very similar (feline theme). The first one is Sehkmet, the Egyptian lion headed goddess. She turned out to be gentle and wise. It is a 24 x 36 acrylic on canvas.


The second one is a pet portrait which is an 11 x 14 acrylic on canvas:


I will probably be taking a break from painting for a little while and focusing more on my new career. Eventually, I would like to put into action my ideas for a new book. That will develop in 2010, I am certain. Wish me well and I would love to hear feedback.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Transformation...

I just went through a major upheaval in my life and haven't been around in awhile. However, I am all settled in now in a new living space and I am basically starting over again. I hope to get the creative juices flowing soon. Before I moved, this was the last painting I completed:

(I have always had respect for scorpions because they are so small yet so powerful.)




Thanks to everyone who has been supportive to me throughout my process. You are all greatly appreciated.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Monday, June 1, 2009

it's all about trying new things...

Since the summer has hit (it's already summer if you live in Arizona) I have felt a sense of new beginnings. I'd like to step outside the box and have some adventures. An adventure can be large or small...it can mean taking a risk, doing something you swore you would never do before, engaging in a new hobby, or taking a trip to a place you've never laid eyes on. I went to San Francisco for the first time in mid May and I fell in love with the city and the nearby ocean. I also got to see the Muirwoods and touch a redwood tree which has been a lifelong dream for me.


My latest piece of art is an animal portrait. This is the first time I have painted a picture of someone's pet and it was really fun to do. The painting is 11 x 14.


If anyone would like a pet portrait please email me at hrbrabant@yahoo.com and send me a hard copy photo of your animal. I can give a quote based on the size of the painting.

Monday, May 4, 2009

purification

Tomorrow is the last day of my diet. Freedom lies in disciplining yourself and practicing moderation. Overall I have learned the importance of drinking alot of water & caring for my body. I would rather take preventative measures than wait until I am ill and there is no turning back. I love this quote that I found today. "Self-control is the chief element in self-respect, and self-respect is the chief element in courage." — Thucydides

Here are some of my latest works that I have created. This painting called "Surrender" is on a little 5 x 7 canvas in acrylic adorned with 3 feathers.


Also, I created a chakra mandala...the fire colors red, orange, and yellow represent the 3 lower chakras. It is framed and ready to hang.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

finding wisdom in setbacks...

I hit a temporary roadblock...well actually a few roadblocks. For a brief moment, I thought all would be well with my book. I received the final proof copy & there is a huge issue with the color. It's way darker than the original artwork to the point where some pages lost alot of detail. The case may be that I will have to have the images color corrected and re-formatted which could take several weeks. I wouldn't want to settle for a final product that wasn't true to the artwork that I have created.

Through my frustrations I am learning that it is better to be patient and get what you really want rather than blazing through everything but settling for something less. This can be applied to all areas of life.

I've also have had horrendous allergies which have rendered me incapable of doing much these past few days. This is a wake up call that my immune system is weak and that I need to go back to the original vows I made to take better care of my health. Tomorrow I am going to do a cleanse & detox along with a raw foods diet for 7 days. I need to rid my body of it's attachment to caffeine & comfort foods. I usually can't seem to get along without caffeine so now I am going to swap coffee for water.

Please feel free to hold me accountable. I may be grumpy over the next week but it's all for the best. I challenge you to take a look at your health and see what needs improvement. The healthier you are, the more you increase your chances of being on the planet longer with the people that you love!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

fabulous news!

I found out today that my book The Moon Princess will be ready for purchase in about 3 weeks. I will post the website where you can place an order as soon as it's ready!

Here is a preview of the cover:

Friday, April 10, 2009

new painting...The Two Of Cups

Here is my latest painting called the Two of Cups which comes from the Tarot. This symbolizes union, harmony, and love. I have always loved this image and what it represents so I finally decided to paint it! The infinity symbol above the chalices represents everlasting love that holds a steady flame. It is a 12 x 12 acrylic on canvas frame.


Sunday, April 5, 2009

every day gifts

My new job requires that I am out & about, on my feet around 7 hours a day or more. I have come to realize that there are parts of my neighborhood that I never even knew existed which is rather absurd.

I am finally realizing why I came to Arizona over 7 years ago. It's because the desert has a unique, mystical beauty to it. It reminds me of solitude...steady and quiet, full of mystery.

I'm careful not to miss a beat in my surroundings. I literally stopped to smell the roses a few times last week. I felt the sunshine on my face, the wind in my hair, and heard the bees with their hypnotic hum. For once I looked into the cactus flower and said, "Ahhhh....home."

True home to me is nature. I need to be outside and to be with the earth just as much as I need food and water.

I love what naturalist writer Terry Tempest Williams says in a story called Undressing the Bear. "As women connected to the earth, we are nurturing and we are fierce. We are wicked and sublime. The full range is ours. We hold the moon in our bellies and fire in our hearts."

Let the fire burn and illuminate our passion for living.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

I made it through...

I had a really rough week to put it mildly. Some of my days turned into 20 hour days between work, school, errands, and my children. Now I feel like I could go in a cave for several days and not come out. My responsibilities won't allow that. Under stress, it's important to take care of our bodies and also feed our souls. So I am writing these goals down to help keep me accountable. I definitely plan on:

1. drinking more water
2. wearing more sunscreen
3. taking my vitamins
4. start doing yoga again
5. really breathing (I have to remind myself)
6. getting a therapeutic massage atleast once a month

Does anyone want to join me in efforts to cherish our bodies, which are the vehicles that allow us to live our lives fully?

Sunday, March 22, 2009

This is my latest painting called "A Peaceful Night" which was custom created for my lovely friend Danyell. It is 24 X 36 inches, created with acrylics.

A peaceful night

It feels like wherever the energy was stuck, it is moving forward. I recently reclaimed the passion I had for some of my childhood books. One of my favorites was Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Yesterday I serendipitously stumbled upon an older copy of By the Shores of the Silver Lake. I decided I'm going to start collecting my favorite children's literature to save for my daughters. I believe it will be a precious gift because I am passing on a piece of my history, or HerStory rather.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

much to do...but being is more important

There hasn't been a dull moment lately. I am endlessly spring cleaning it seems. It's really been wonderful being able to give away things that people will be able to put to good use.

Some of the ideas & projects that I am working on lately:

I'd like to start up a women's circle where everyone can gather & share stories, be creative, & have the space to heal. I hear alot of women say that feel stifled, unorganized, and want to express themselves. I'd like to facilitate the space for dreams to flourish! I just need a location that I can do this at, as my home is too small for meetings & there is no peace & quiet with my children around.

There was an abandoned dresser that I adopted awhile back. I need to refinish it. It will be used for multiple purposes: an altar, a place for extra clothes, and I will also have a "comfort drawer". I got the idea of a comfort drawer from Sarah Ban Breathnach's Simple Abundance. Read this book if you haven't already. It's changing my life.

Once I have the physical space, I want to set up a healing/prayer space specifically for my family & friends. There have been a multitude of people in my life that are going through deep emotional turmoil, health issues, & financial problems. I believe that if I can create a prayer chain, we can solve alot of these troubling things by offering our energy & support.

I'd like to give my blog a facelift soon. All of this can seem a little overwhelming so I am taking it one step at a time & hopefully things will unfold. I am starting a new job soon so my plate is full. I feel blessed, even though I am exhausted. =)

Monday, February 16, 2009

going within

Late last night I decided to paint. I have been feeling under the weather lately so I like to use painting as a therapeutic tool. Here is my latest work called Ostara (Spring). It is on a 12 x 24 canvas, which is a great size. It started off kind of dark and then blossomed into light. The eggs represent new ideas and ventures.

Ostara
Today I also painted a necklace rack. It could also be used to hang keys or whatever you wish.

Photobucket

I also have plans to write a new book. I will have more on that later. Before I start, I need to make sure I can commit to it.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

finally

On Monday night I completed illustrating the book. All 16 pages are done along with a cover. Now I have to tamper with the scanner and get all of the images scanned. I started to last night and got pretty frustrated. I guess I am just excited and wanted everything to happen yesterday. True wisdom is knowing when to push on & also knowing when to put something down before it makes you crazy.

Today is a gorgeous day. In Phoenix, you really have to appreciate the 2 weeks of Spring you get before the heats hit and then there is no turning back. It's been a long winter, metaphorically speaking. The economic conditions seem to be getting worse and my heart goes out to those who are struggling. I have been looking for a job for a very long time and I am trying to not give up hope.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Welcoming in the Ox...

Today is Chinese New Year! Gong Hei Fat Choy! In all of my optimism I know deep down there is ton of hard work ahead. I think the key is strength in numbers...no one can get anything accomplished in a vacuum. In this first new moon of the year, what seeds do you wish to plant?

This past weekend was wonderful. I completed one more page of my children's book last night. On Saturday, I serendipitously stumbled upon a Ki (also known as chi) Energy Healing session. It was pretty amazing because the Ki-Master was able to pinpoint where my energy was low. My intuitive hunch that I had some issues with my solar plexus was correct! I'd like to get more sessions in the future. The only take 10-15 minutes and they utilize acupressure & sound to purify the energy channels in the body, so the principles are very similar to acupuncture. The website is: http://www.kienergyhealing.com/

I also came across a book called Shaman which is a collection of Susan Seddon Boulet's paintings. Her artwork is heavily influenced by Native American Spirituality and mythology. Most of her paintings are ethereal and mysterious. They transport you into the "dream". I deeply admire her work.

Within a couple of weeks, I will be updating my website with some information on the Life Coaching Services I am offering. If you would like to schedule a session or just get some more information now, please email or call me. All of my information is on the "contact" page of my website.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

gratitude

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for this past weekend. Thanks to all of the beautiful souls I met at SWIHA~ you have changed my life in some form. It was an amazing experience and over the next few days, I would really like to process it. It has reaffirmed that life coaching is the right path for me and I am honored to start serving humanity with my new level of awareness.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

it's all about the process...

I am nearing the completion of my children's book. Almost 13 of the 16 pages are done. It's been a very long process and it's alot more work than I imagined. I decided to go back over the older illustrations and add more detail...so the preview you see on my website is not the end result. My heart and soul is in the book now after many late night hours of working at it.

Here is a page in progress:
lavender field

I've heard many times artists saying, "It's all about the process." Now I understand. When you are working on a large, long term project, inner growth is occurring. I have to battle waves of self-doubt, exhaustion and frustration with wanting perfection. I'm a self-taught artist, so as I am going along I realize that nothing is perfect. I've never taken any formal fine art classes so I am learning a great deal along the way. The book has definitely served as inspiration for future projects. For now, my goal is produce the best quality work that I can in this moment for people to enjoy. So realistically, it looks like sometime in the spring the book will be out.

Monday, January 5, 2009

priorities

I am excited that it's the start of a new year. However, I have been forced to take a look at my long to-do list and rearrange a few things. Recently I have developed a problem with my right eye. It's very painful and I am seeing an opthamologist soon because the optometrist could not figure out what was wrong with it. All of my projects have been on hold but once all my health issues are cleared up, I'm going to move forward with full force.

In the meantime, I've been working on my environment and getting the house in order. I'm trying to create a better work space so I can do my illustrating without my children getting their grubby little mits on my artwork. ;-) Once all the clutter is gone, I know I will have peace of mind. I am extremely sensitive to disorganization (must be that Virgo cusp!) so I seek perfection in my surroundings. I've been using feng shui for a couple of years now and it definitely works. It's all about setting clear intentions, not so much getting everything in the "right corner". I'd like to work on a "dream board" to help me focus on my largest priorities for 2009. It's going to be a very productive and happy year, but the doctor appointments must be tended to first.