Trusting the journey in a mixed media mess

Posted Mar 31, 2019

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This piece was a series of mishaps from the beginning and I had a completely different idea of what I wanted to do and the end result. It all started when the tape that I put down to use as a mask pulled up all my collage papers, and then I grabbed alcohol instead of water and it removed the paint. I wasn’t yet frustrated until the image that I had to trace the butterfly was the wrong size and I had to start over, at this point, I was saying “seriously”??. Oh, it’s not over, I did a glaze and the paint wasn’t completely dry and wiped away….

That’s when the whole project changed. As I was saying “what the heck” for the last time, I knew that I was in the middle of this journey and I could stop or keep going and set my mind to making it work… making it better… making it beautiful.

This is my life story, and I stopped in the middle of creating to write some things out in my journal. The most meaning full words that I wrote in those few moments were “Every experience shapes me and I get to choose how I respond and to trust my journey”

The lessons learned in the journey are immeasurable! Even in the mess that was sitting on my table, I found some new techniques that I will definitely be using in the future! And so it is with every difficult time that I have faced in my lifetime. The lessons that lie in the journey shape me and I’ve learned to trust it. I share more of my story in the video. Enjoy!

Supplies Used:

Collage papers, 8×8 mdf board, Deco Art media matte medium, Deco art fluid acrylics (quin magenta, transparent yellow oxide, titan buff, raw umber, cobalt teal, titanium white) Americana craft paint (sea breeze, alziran crimson hue, persimmons) Americana glazing medium, Alcohol, brayer, charcoal pencil, archival ink pad and makeup brush

Stencils Used: vintage wallpaper duo, little flower, old school font

Be inspired, create and know that you are loved!

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Posted Mar 31, 2019

shawn petite in her studio in front of an easel

Hello there! I’m Shawn Petite

I’ve been teaching and creating for well over 30 years. About 15 years ago I found my art soul mate in mixed media, and it changed my life! I love the story that can be told by combining paint, texture, ink, paper and—really anything that you can imagine.

But what I’m truly passionate about is being your guide, walking with you step by step and helping you become your own hero in your creative journey.

Along my path, I’ve learned that the creating art also creates a healing space. Life can be messy and complicated and painful, but something about a paint brush can help heal your soul.

Join me on this journey of art and inspiration!