a new year, a new perspective!

i know that jan 1st is just a day, but to me, a new year means opportunity to reevaluate your goals. i am a goal oriented gal. i like making lists, i like crossing things off those lists and i like pushing myself and setting goals like reaching for dreams.

last year i set out to do big things, my word for 2013 was "ACHIEVE" but i realized quite quickly that even though ideas sound good, in execution they could be daunting!

for example "the craft show concept" - i tried, recorded about 3 episodes and realized that my expectations did not quite line up with what i was able to do. to attempt something of that magnitude correctly, is a FULL TIME JOB...however, that said i am so glad i tried, because now i know i do not want the hassle of producing something like that. (one day soon i will edit the footage and show it here)

what i realized more than ever is that while an entrepreneurial spirit is a great thing, my passion, my calling is truly creating art, getting elbow deep into paints and supplies and sharing that journey with others that like to do the same.

so this years word is : BALANCE

i finally admitted to myself last year that, i do not love to travel. there i said it!

i mean i love the seeing the world, meeting some of the most life-changing and inspiring people and immersing myself in other cultures, but my kids are getting older and they need me. i want to be with them. i dont want to miss a moment of it because i now see how fleeting this time is.

BALANCE : "coming to know the truth of who i am"

so in 2014, some travel/teaching, so i do not miss the opportunities life has given me to experience and grow from others across the globe.

but truly what i want to do is cultivate the opportunities for more artist events here at my STUDIO. i want to build a community, a safe haven, where artists come and teach and share there passions, skills and styles and students are made to feel at home, relaxed, empowered and pampered by their experience.

there is a special magic that happens at the studio, it is indescribable, transcendent. if you haven't experienced a weekend at the STUDIO i know your thinking i am full of crap, but i'm not. its in the air and is cultivated by the hearts and the minds of the incredible gift of friends, students and Artists that have travelled far and wide to be a part of the Inspired experience. it is truly empowering.

click here to see ALL Inspired Events Weekends

this year i have invited some of the most talented Artists in the industry to share their Artistry. each one has a story, bringing something unique to the table and has a style that will not only change your art, but the way you perceive yourself as an Artist.

click here to see ALL Artist STUDIO Workshops

i have also decided not to continue with Inspiration Wednesday & Collage Monday this year. i know, i know i can hear you gasping as i write this. it wasn't an easy decision, the connections and the art that has come from sharing my art journal processes have been life changing...truly incredible.

these 2 weekly journal posts take a significant amount of time to create, maintain, film, edit, etc. i will still work and keep somewhat current in these journals on a personal level and will do my best to make sure i do share from these journals as often as i can.

in my quest for BALANCE i want to keep true to who i am and follow my passions.

as i continue to explore and grow in other areas i started to feel burdened by the commitment of maintaining a journal entry for public consumption each week and i never want to feel that way about the creative process.

when i looked deeper, what i really wanted to share with you was the experience and the feeling of complete empowerment that is felt at an Inspired weekend at the STUDIO. I wanted to be able to bring this experience to as many creatives across the globe as i could, creatives and Artists that could not physically be at one of our events.

i have developed my online 48 Weeks course in way that demonstrates the processes that emerge along a year long journey of an Artist and although i know NOTHING will ever replicate the one-on-one experience of being taught face to face by the original Artist, Launching my new 48 Weeks course is the one way i knew i could bring a "Virtual Inspired Event" directly to the homes of a much broader audience.

these 48 Weeks of projects are designed to be an in depth look into not only the artistic process, but filled with product knowledge, application and explanation of different media. Students have direct access to me all year, as well as, will be building their own strong artistic community amongst themselves, multiplying the opportunities for developing processes and honing in on their own styles. This is the magic...the magic that happens in the studio...people coming together, taking the knowledge that has been imparted to them and synthesizing it, transforming it and sharing it with the group in a new intrinsically unique way.

a shift in BALANCE...the student or the teacher

i promise to share snippets of this journey on the blog through out the year, as well as, stretch myself as an artist by exploring new skills and sharing those processes with you. 

i want to focus on making this blog space a virtual studio as well, where i can share what i am learning and new products that excite me.

taking risks is one of the most valuable skills i have acquired in my artistic process. Inspiration wednesday was a testament to that practice and i still intend to share the good bad and the ugly triumphs and failures here with you all year, LOL!

i almost chose journey as my word for 2014, but i realized that the journey is nothing if your life isn't in BALANCE. i know that not everyone can afford the year long commitment and cost of taking an introspective journey like 48 Weeks or travel and attend one of our Inspired Events, but to be active and interactive with the creative space and community we can create here on the blog can be just as powerful.

i hope that no matter what path your journey takes this year, that it shapes and transforms you, builds your creative confidences, challenges you to grow and changes your perspectives.

i would love to hear from you today,

share your thoughts, set your goals and empower each other to take risks...

that's creating the magic!

Comments

[debbie McIntyre]

I love the word you've chosen. It's the right time and as much as everyone is gasping at the thought of Inspiration Wednesday coming to an end, it must have you breathing easier. Everything takes time and with three children who are just creeping into the busiest and most exciting time of their lives you'll be glad you chose balance. Your greatest skill is empowering people. I am a perfect example of what happens to someone who takes the leap and my outlook on my art and myself has changed since my first Inspired event. I went from calling myself "only a crafter" to an artist who has her own 3' x 3' painting hanging in the entryway to the house for all to see. You did that as much as I did. Your studio is filled with the magic of all who enter and we all leave better than we arrived and anxious to return. I get just as excited for the art instructors coming to your studio for the first time. It can't be explained, but for anyone who's never been….it should be on your bucket list. ( lol…the first line was all I meant to say)

[Kim]

Donna, I was afraid Inspiration Wednesday was about to be a thing of the past. Completely understand even though it will be greatly missed. I really looked forward to your visit but could tell it was becoming a struggle at the same time. Thanks for sharing all this time and I will look forward to sharing in the future evolving Donna. Enjoy your kiddos it is fleeting I wish sometimes I could have spent more time with mine back in the day. Best wishes.

[anna pugh]

Donna first I cannot take 48 wk class, I am so sorry..... My money is not right. Hope you understand what I just wrote.....lol I have admire you ever since YouTube. I agree with you about your children. They grow up so fast.treasure those moments I will follow your path no matter where you go. Ithink you are a great inspiration, thank you. I will miss collage Monday & inspiration wednesday but truly understand. I am excited to see what going to happen in the new year. Thanks donna so very much.....

[donna downey]

debbie you have always been one of the magic makers!! a living inspiration to me!

[donna downey]

thanks kim, words are so powerful and yours mean a lot!!

[donna downey]

thanks anna for commenting today! you are a big part of the magic that happen here at the blog thanks so much for understanding.

[Jen Matott]

I understand your need to reevaluate how much you do and where you go... I felt that way this year too. I have a full time job as an art teacher and being a Mom to two boys. Although I've wanted to immerse myself more with teaching art classes for companies and travel, it is not something that is realistic for me right now. I need to do what I can with the time I have. I love your weekly videos but it is A LOT! You have been an inspiration and a hell of a lot of fun to hang with (remember Vegas - Roulette??) and I look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve! I hope I get the opportunity to travel to your studio and maybe teach with you someday!! Happy New Year... wishing you and your beautiful family BALANCE and love!

[debbie McIntyre]

Can't wait to see where you take us in 2014. xo

[Karla S]

Donna, I honor and respect your decision to quit Inspiration Wednesday and move in a direction that feels right for you. I have learned so much from the Wednesday videos, but I sensed in the last one (flowers and UT) that a shift was happening. I felt it! I too am looking toward balance and when I saw the words "It's Time" in your 48 Weeks trailer, I felt it was speaking to me. I signed up and ordered the BIG journal! Much bigger format than I am used to working in but that is part of the challenge for me. I am out of town, so I will begin my 48 week journey when I get home. So excited to see where this takes me. Here's to an creative and balanced 2014!

[Candice Schwark]

Great word, Great plan, Donna - BALANCE rather than BALANCING "Act," - what many of us fall into. I will also miss your Collage Monday and Inspiration Wednesday, but will still visiting your blog, and hope to attend a workshop at your studio someday. My daughter lives in Mooresville so I just have to extend a visit sometime so I don't miss being with them and getting "inspired" by you or your guest artists. I love visiting your store and gallery when I'm there.
HAPPY NEW YEAR and many blessings for a personally rewarding 2014!!

[Cathie]

Oh, Donna. I am so sad to hear that you've decided to cancel your Inspiration Wednesday series - it was the highlight of my Wednesdays. I also felt that through your videos I was able to know you a little bit. I appreciate and respect your decisions and wish you all the best now and always.

[Caroline Duncan]

Balance is a great word and it sounds perfect for this time in your life. Thank you for all the past mondays and wednesday inspirations... they will continue to inspire for many years ahead! You have always been so sharing with your knowledge, passion, and creations. I look forward to all that will be shared this year here on your blog and the facebook pages. I applaud you for who are! I know I've embraced my artsy side more this past year because of you ~ yay and thanks! I hope we all have a happy, healthy, creative, and prosperous 2014!

[Caryl W]

Thank you for sharing inspiration wednesday with us. That is the whole reason I decided to sign up for 48 weeks! I just knew I needed to do it! I do not consider myself an artist, I am mainly a card maker and for me to make a jump like this is a testament to your artistic inspiration. Spend the Time with your children as they do grow quickly and before you know it, they will be off on their own and you will have plenty of time to do other things.

[Pat Healey]

Donna, you are such an inspiration on so many levels, and in your ultra busy life of sharing your gifts many of us have been touched (maybe I should use a different verb) in ways that are long lasting and life altering. I have loved every Workshop that I have attended and am looking forward to several more this year. A glow lingers after each one of these artistic experiences and definitely improves my Art Journals. Thanks for all you do and Good Luck with BALANCE. Time is fleeting and the kids grow up before you know it. Enjoy!

[Kathryn Harpold]

I appreciate that you have a good handle on knowing the right way to keep the journey going for both your family and your fans so although I will miss you on Mondays and Wednesdays, I trust that the ride is no where near the end. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to the path in front of us.

[Angela Fehr]

Thanks for sharing your change in direction, or re-focus or whatever you want to call it. I have long admired your career as I am also an artist and long to travel and teach. Hearing your reasons for scaling back your travel and focusing on studio events is a good reality check for me. As artists we do need to strive for balance between making art and making a living with art - the latter can consume so much time and sometimes suck life from the process of making art. As I make plans for 2014 I'm looking forward to painting more and continuing the process of encouraging and empowering other artists - one of the reasons to love teaching!

[donna downey]

kathryn your comments mean so much!! thanks and no it is not the end just a brand new beginning!

[donna downey]

oh pat i know you "touched", lol! but seriously you too are a part of the magic...it breeds when people like yourself enter the studio so thank you!!

[donna downey]

caryl i cant wait to take this journey with you!! a year from now we will look back and not even recognize the "I do not consider myself an artist" person of today!

[donna downey]

thanks so much caroline, words are so powerful and you are so supportive. thanks so much!

[donna downey]

cathie i will still be here i promise!!

[tracy wallace]

Donna, I am so happy i will be a lucky participant in your upcoming classes at Clipper Street! Completely appreciate your decisions and applaud your bravery to listen to your heart, your voice and your priorities. Sounds like you have them all right to me.
Here's to making 2014 a year of Balance, the eternal quest for me too!

[donna downey]

thanks so much candice! mooresville is too close not to see you on an extended visit for an event weekend! i look forward to your next visit!!

[donna downey]

karla so honored to have you on this journey with me this year and i cannot wait to see where it takes us!

[donna downey]

i hope to see you again at the studio too jen! thanks so much for taking the time to comment today! (i thought what happens in vegas stays in vegas, lol)

[donna downey]

thanks angela your support and words means a lot!

[donna downey]

thanks tracy for taking the time to comment and i will see you in a couple weeks!

[Cheryl]

Donna, I thoroughly appreciate all that you have said above and endorse it. I attended your weekend at Artfull Crafts in Timaru, New Zealand in 2013 (or was it 2012?) and it has truly been a turning point in my own artistic journey. I am a lot more willing to just give something a go and see how it turns out. But I think your word 'balance' hits the nail on the head. I could barely keep up reading all the things you were doing, let alone you producing everything, and you are right - you will only get one opportunity to spend these vital years with your children, so grab them with both hands. Life is full of seasons, so go with the flow of this one, and all power to you.

[donna downey]

cheryl your words mean tons!! thanks so much!

[Amy David]

Donna,

I am BEYOND PROUD OF YOU!!! It takes a brave and stong person to admit when they are 'over extended'. As difficult of a decision it had to have been to make, those who truly believe in you will be the ones who understand the most. Of course there will be some who will take it the wrong way, think you are being 'selfish', or 'unfair', but you know that there is no possible way to please everyone. You are a respected artist Donna, you deserve this time, to achieve BALANCE. You are not 'going away' but rather focusing on what means the most, your family ;.) Great job on 'coming out' with your feelings, I am happy for you ;.) See you in March!

[donna downey]

aww shucks amy! thanks so much for your support it really does mean so much to me that you take the time to comment and say the things yow do!

[ellen vargo]

Hi Donna - Just want to say how much I admire this post. It is not easy to be really honest about what you want / don't want and what you can do / not do while trying to satisfy a large audience of followers. I have enjoyed Inspiration Wednesday greatly and it will be missed, but more than that, I admire your decision to stop doing it. It has been a very long-term commitment on your part, so you should be SO proud of how long you kept it going. I have been on my own artistic journey to develop my *own* style and you have been a part of that journey. I will continue to follow your paths and wish you all the best. Enjoy the time with your kids and treasure your STUDIO! I've never been but I know it is a magical place. All the best to you and your family!

[donna downey]

ellen you have always been one of my faithful blog readers and commentors...you have been such a big part of this journey for me up to this point and i look forward to where this takes us on the blog together!! thanks for your continued support and making me feel so empowered as an artist!

[Cindy Lewellen]

I have made life-long friends at your studio and I have learned so much from you at your studio events. You, Bill, Melissa, Steven and everyone else in the store are SO welcoming and personable. Mama cooks like an italian lady of long ago. You have found a way to make it perfect, we create, we laugh…a lot, and we eat. There is a common desire among the attendees and instructor…you…of encouragement and enthusiasm for everyones artistic development . Plain and simple…if you have not been to a weekend event, you have missed the time of your life in more ways than you can imagine. My New Year’s resolution was to find BALaNCE in my life and BALANCE the new life that this year brings. Every year should be rethought and rebalanced as things change. That doesn’t mean there cannot be two years alike or you can’t go back five- ten years but find the balance each year and make the most of this particular time in your life. Thanks Donna, I truly love you guys!

[donna downey]

lucille you too are a huge part of the magic created at the studio (and karen too, lol). i consider you family and you inspire and always take me places (like boobs and birds) that i never thought of stretching myself! thanks for being a part of this continued journey and taking the time to comment today! means bunches!

[Account Deleted]

Thanks for ALL the videos and inspiration. No one can fault you for wanting to step back a bit to achieve more balance. Life goes by so fast ... go with your heart as you re-focus your journey.

[Marti_L]

Even though you are discontinuing Inspiration Wednesday, I am excited about what you will bring to us in the future! Changing something out keeps us fresh!

[Pam P.]

I've seen you grow over the past year as an artist and could feel a sea change coming. Balance is a great word, hard to achieve, and something that each person has to find for themselves. Your family is wonderful, your children are beautiful and creative and involved in so many things that will only happen once. I can only say that I don't regret one single moment that I spent hauling kids to horse shows or band competitions, or sitting in a dark theatre watching drama after comedy after musical. Go for it with all the love you can give them!

As for magic in the studio? The weekends I've spent in your studio over the past few years have been fun, frustrating (I'm trying to loosen up!), creative, fattening (those darned donuts), instructional, inspiring and did I mention fun??? And I can't wait to do it again because there's nowhere I'd rather spend a weekend creating and learning!

[SuzanneK]

I will very much miss Inspiration Wednesday, I looked forward to sharing your creative process each week, but I fully understand where you are coming from. Love your word too, mine this year is challenge. I wish with all my heart I could afford to either participate in the 48 week workshop or be in your studio in person, sadly neither with come to fruition for me. I will miss watching you work, being inspired by your videos. I love your work, your creative process and will very much miss my weekly appointment with Donna Downey on YT. Good luck with your ventures in 2014.

[Aaron Blazevich]

Hi, Donna! I figured IW was heading the way of the dodo, but in a way I'm kind of glad. I love watching you create and make a beautiful mess, but for the 20 minutes I'm watching the video, I'm not creating. My word this year: DO (with a second word which is GRADUATE with my BA)! I'm going to stop being a consumer and instead be a DOer. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do for mixed media. I look forward to catching up on your progress throughout the year!

-Aaron

[Teresa Horner]

I love your new word this year (Balance) and can so relate as a mom in this busy, crafty world that we are a part of. It is good because it makes me think too of what I am investing my time in as an artist and I really love the idea of you doing things each week for classes since I don't live near you. I did get the chance this last November to visit your shop and the feeling in there was so inviting and so inspiring as usual!! I loved all of it, your paintings, the magnificent products that you sell and of course the shop and the location :)

I wish you well on your journey this year and I will be taking a few classes for sure and maybe an order or two!

Thank you for always being a step ahead of the game and inspiring us to go and do something amazing :) You.... are amazing :)

Happy New Year to you and your family and take care :)

[Lindi Stevenson]

Donna, Inspiration Wednesday will always be near and dear to my heart. In 2011, I stumbled across it and was stunned when it unlocked something that I either had never known or had forgotten about - art is supposed to be FUN! Not serious or hard. Challenging and risky, yes. Fortunately, the stars aligned just in time for me to make it to the last BIG Inspired event. The after-burn of that encounter has lasted but totally ready for a reboot. Hope to make it to a studio event soon.
Having just completed a 365 photo-a-day project on my own blog, which is nothing compared to the time and effort it takes to offer an edited, inspirational, coherent(usually! Ha!jk!)video every single week, it's easy to appreciate what a strain it must be. It's too much with all else you have going on. I knew it couldn't last forever.
Congratulations on taking yet another risk and pursuing what you need for you and your family. I, for one, will be forever grateful for your generous gift of those videos and a fan for life. Happy New Year!

[Gail Klein]

Donna, I had to write and tell you how much I've learned from you. I've learned that our artwork does not have to be perfect, because nothing is. I've learned that a little gesso can fix any boo-boo and I've learned to be more patient and kind to myself when I could never do that before. Your Inspiration Wednesdays amaze me because even if you had nothing in mind to do, it always turns out great in the end! Before I knew you were discontinuing your Mondays and Wednesdays I signed up for 48 Weeks so that I could have the pleasure of your gift all year. And what a gift it is! Take the time to spend with your children while they will have you! I'm hoping to be able to get to NC to take a course with you. I feel like it would be life changing. Thank you!

[ALROMASAR]

¡¡Bravo Donna!!
Es un maravilloso balance para acabar un año y empezar otro.
Sigue creando que continuaremos aprendiendo de tí.
Besitos.

[Maria McGuire]

I wish you BALANCE Donna. Yes, enjoy EVERY moment of those beautiful children--believe me, I know, they will be leaving your nest before you know it. YOU inspire me EVERY time you made or post something! I will be trying to find balance with you. Miss you!

[Karen Dodson]

I love you guys so much, Donna! I never knew that going along with Lucille on one of her crazy art journeys would bring you into my life like it has. I am so glad she encouraged me to come with her. I knew how amazing you were because I had been following you for years, but doing one of your inspired events was SO out of my comfort zone, but I did it! And now that we've been with you so many times, I simply can't wait to be with you again. I know we would come to every event if we could (maybe in 2015), but I just want you to know how grateful I am to you, Bill, Cookie, Steven, Melissa, and even your kids, plus Cassia and Mama (Arlene), Tina, Deitra, the Canadians, and everyone else I've grown to love. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We'll see you soon! And remember...embrace the black!!!!!!

[Ellie Moore]

Hi Donna! Sad to inspiration Wednesday go, but you could not have explained your reasons why any better...very well said. I'm glad that I have the opportunity to come to the studio for events and to take the year long class. Coming to the studio is just awesome. I, personally, really do feel at home and love seeing everybody in the studio. It is an experience that I don't know how to put into words. All of us that go to the studio become friends and it's great to see a familiar face at an event when we were not expecting it. I love getting to know people better and learning from everybody, not just the artist teaching. I have come to NEED these weekends LOL. It's my time with my art people and we all get each other LOL You are a great mom, and time with family is essential, so good for you! Balance is a great word for the year....love it.

[Vickie Grindstaff]

Donna, I know we don't know each other Yet, but I just want to Applaud your Courage to make a meaningful life change. Faith first, family second, career third, in that order seems everything just works. I use to think our kids needed us more when they were little but I can tell you for a fact the age they are now it's extremely important that you're available. You will never regret it! Lastly, grateful doesn't cover it really but I'm grateful for your giving heart, I knew Nothing of art journaling until I found Simply Me! I'm using what I've learned from you and others to art journal with kids going through challenges. Love it!
God Bless, Vickie Grindstaff

[Charlene]

Dear Donna,
How brave to write such a honest post!!
You are a real inspiration to me.
Your inspiration wednesday one YouTube made me become more serious about artjournaling and that changed my life for the better.
I wish you a balanced 2014!!!!
With love,
Charlene

[Karla A]

I will truly miss inspiration Wednesday and the affordable canvas Create series(unless your doing 2014?). I completely understand and respect your decision, you have grown as an artist and found what works for you...an amazing feat. Hoping to still see an occasional journal or painting video from you and maybe something on a similar fee as Canvas Create. I understand how much time and work go into these videos, but still hoping. I grew so much as an artist over the past year through your inspiration Wednesday and the Canvas Create classes, I cannot believe the change.I have found Lifebook 2014, which I hope will do the same this year since I am unable to do 48 weeks or a studio due to income. Enjoy the balance and enjoy your children - mine is 22 and i cherish every memory and wish there could have been more. Wishing you luck and inspiration on your new journey and hoping one day to join you:)

[Teresa Roberts]

Donna, I have to admit that I'm disappointed with your decision about Inspiration Wednesday. You see, I found one of your journal pages on Pinterest, followed it to your blog and simply fell in love with mixed media art!! But that's the selfish side of me! The thankful side of me is SO happy for you to be able to pursue your art in a way that allows you to enjoy your family after ALL that you have given to your fans! I think your artwork is incredible, I love the way you talked to yourself on the videos and all the knowledge you freely shared. I'm going to try to sign up for 48 weeks so I can continue to learn from you. So . . . I wish you much happiness and luck as you move forward with your new ventures!! All your fans are very much behind you!

[Jocelyn]

I too will miss spending my Wednesday's with you....these were times that I looked forward to, but I truly understand...and I will be spending the next 48 weeks with YOU!!!! I can't wait to get started...but in order to create, I need to organize my studio...it is jammed packed with Christmas Decorations waiting to be loaded into the attic! It is also loaded down with tons of goodies that I have in totes from my last outdoor market! Yes, I plunged into the Repurposed Life and that makes me very happy also!!! So with much anticipation and reorganizing, we will be spending many hours together!!! My goal is to get to your studio to do a wonderful weekend of creating!!! Balance is so very important in one's life, because without Balance we can not be productive!!! Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year and much love from Maryland!!! I am so looking forward to all of the wonderful projects we will be sharing with one another!!!!

[Lisa]

Well done Donna.

I have been in the place you are, and made the decision you have made for this year, and never looked back.

Balance is a joy.

I had to quit the manufacturing side of the industry all together in order to find my balance again. Tutorial blogging just about killed every creative cell I had in my body.

I went back to my first love which was teaching small groups and walking people through the creative process. All of my classes are designed with self discovery and process as the focus. The pure joy of watching someone move from saying to me, "you are so talented, I could NEVER do that" to whispering under their breath, "wow, maybe I really am an artist" is a magical transformation to witness and facilitate. I can often watch the exact moment when it happens and their facial expression changes, and their hands start moving faster and the ideas start flowing - their entire countenance changes. It has brought me to tears.

I will see you in a few weeks in Canada and am signing up for 48 weeks because I also need a new kind of balance in my life, and HAVE TO carve out creative space for myself every day. My hope is that your class will give me the excuse I need to do it.

I hope you receive nothing but support for your decision.

[Jenni Blais]

I remember asking you last year how you managed to balace it all...I find myself continually asking myself the same question...reading your blog today my first reaction was relief and joy knowing that your kids will have you present with them more...they grow so fast and they need you so Donna, well done on your shift of priorities...you can only stretch so far until you snap...much love.

[Angela Sulik]

1st reaction...shock
2nd reaction...WAAAHHHH
3rd reaction...sniff, sniff - All good things come to an end.

IW looked like it was on its way out because it's easy to notice how you've grown, developed, and stretched as an artist the past two years.

Thank you for all you'e done for the "stay-at-home-artist." Because of your IW's I now make art, get messy, experiment, and use my stash.

Hugs

[donna downey]

Thanks so much barb!!

[donna downey]

Thanks so much marti, your support and words mean so much!

[donna downey]

Pam thanks so much!!

[donna downey]

Hi Suzanne thanks so much and I promise I am not going anywhere, I'll still be here and doing art!!

[donna downey]

Thanks so very much Aaron!!

[donna downey]

Thanks Teresa your support and kind words mean so very much to me!

[donna downey]

Lindi it was for the exact reasons you mentioned that the decision was a difficult one, but thank you for understand and your continued support means so much!

[donna downey]

Thank you so verymuch Gail it is empowering to know that my art and sharing each week means so much!

[donna downey]

Gracias alromasar!

[donna downey]

Thanks maria, you have been a part of this journey and I am so grateful for your part in it

[donna downey]

Karen than you so much you and your mom have been such a joy to be with (even if you made me paint my canvas black) you like family. Thanks so much for your support, it means lots!

[donna downey]

Ellie there are no words...truly you are a gift, a friend, an inspiration and downright fun. Thanks for always believing and taking risks with me, that kind of trust pushes me to be better!!

[donna downey]

So true Vickie, thanks so much for taking the time to comment today. It fills me with joy to know I have support like yours!

[donna downey]

Thanks so much Charlene I am grateful!

[donna downey]

Karla don't worry I am not going anywhere, I still have big plans for 2014...so much more to come, just different!

[Sharon F. CA]

Great word and I sense that the word Refresh could have also been your word too. A new window opening to refresh your spirit and is really a part of your journey and ours. Good for you…good for your family and because of these decisions I sense some really powerful stuff will be coming our way. I hope to get out to NC one day and will check out the 48 weeks program. Thanks Donna, for just being you, real, straightforward and honest. You are an inspiration.

[Edna]

Donna babies are babies only for so long...I remember watching Sesame Street one day and then my daughter was getting married...I have no idea what happened to the time in between. Enjoy the time with your children the time goes by so quickly. Thank you for sharing your Mondays and Wednesdays with us. I will miss them...Question when you learn all about Balance will you share with us?

[Debbie Cosenza]

I have so enjoyed Inspiration Wednesday & am glad you persevered for as long as you did. What a great resource! Your website & Michelle Ward's are the 2 sites that most influenced me to pursue artistic endeavors. So Thank You! I attended your first ever Inspired Studio event & it challenged & encouraged me to continue pursuing art(especially Pan Pastels!). Thank you! Looking forward to the future & maybe a Studio Pan Pastel event one day :-)

[Giovanna]

Donna, every Thursday (in Australia) you gave me Inspiration Wednesday! Every year you reveal on your blog how you try something in your goals list but realise it isn't working. You don't feel ashamed, you aren't blaming others.....it just IS. You teach me in so many ways how to be an artist, mother and art Educator and Inspirer (?) by being brave and not hiding from glitches in the Master Plan. Thank you for all you have given the Wednesday Groupies. I'm sad that I missed your Australian tour but glad for the internet and virtual classrooms! Have a wickedly successful year xx

[vanessa KiKI Johanning]

Donna. I am so so sad... i used to go to sleep at night... excited for wed to come and see your videos! ( Serious!!) You taught us all how to not have fear... just go on and try!! ... See what happens! wow.. you have no idea how you have touched so many lives!
Thank you for always showing up ...and showing us HOW!! IT was absolutely A THRILL!!! I know I will make it out to your studio all the way from Wisconsin some time! I want to sooo Bad!! The New class 48 weeks is going to ROCK!!! I cant wait!! Im so honored to be a student of yours... THANK YOU again for all you and your family's hard work!!

Vanessa KiKi Johanning
p.s. I'm still a BAD bad girl and haven't sent in my paintbrush! I KNEW I should have forked it over at CHA last year! im so sorry! :)