Artist

My New Facebook Artwork Page

Well, I’ve officially made the leap, and published my Amanda Kayla Liberty Art Facebook Page!

On this page, I will be sharing my artwork progress updates, final renderings, inspiration and quotes. I hope you will enjoy watching my artwork evolve, as much as I enjoying evolving with each of them. So make sure to drop by, and like my page, so you can following along on my crazy artistic journey.

Thanks in advance for all your continued support, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Before I leave you, I will share this wonderful quote I stumbled upon this morning:

549d7e83e663b4f9aa34827cc047436a

Keep on keeping on all my lovely weirdos. xo

Amanda Kayla Liberty | Blog | Video Games

I am Still Learning

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Lazy Learners.”

I would like to introduce this post by giving myself a solid tap on the back. I’m 26 years old, I work 2 jobs and I go to University part-time. In the past couple of months alone, I’ve accomplished a lot of things on my to-do list:

  • Starting a blog (oh, hello!)
  • Starting to paint and attempting to sell my art
  • Being more physically active

So, to say I consider myself a “lazy learner” wouldn’t be fair, I’ve done a lot of reading, research and experimenting to get me where I am today.

To be brutally honest though, there are a whole list of things that I haven’t gotten around to learning, and I’m a bit ashamed of them:

  • Learning how to drive
  • Learning how to swim
  • Learning a new language
  • Taking a sewing lesson
  • Taking a class in graphic design

In all cases I did some legwork to get myself going, such as watch YouTube videos, read my driver’s manual, use the Duolingo application on a daily basis, but I truly haven’t crossed any of these things off my list. Is it in part laziness? Probably. But, I think it’s more likely that in the grand scheme of things, none of these were my top priorities.

Unfortunately, I did waste a lot of time. The majority of my early twenties was spent being the laziest human on earth. A story for another day…

But in the past 2 to 3 years, I’ve grown as an individual, I’ve truly accomplished so much in such little time, and for that I am very proud of myself.

No one can do it all, it’s impossible. But progress is key.

Remember that not everyone learns the same way. If your first method didn’t work – don’t give up, try a different way.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs

peanut butter and jelly love

The Peanut Butter to My Jelly

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Yin to My Yang.”

Today’s Daily Post prompt is, how do you define the term “soulmate”?

I’ve often debated whether soulmates were real. In my mind it was impossible to define, even if you found someone that you loved entirely, what made them your soulmate?

Today I know what it means to find your soulmate. It was in front of me all along – it was so natural to me, that I didn’t realize I was surrounded with people that had found their soulmates.

First, my Grandpa and Nan. They weren’t the touchy-feely kind of couple, but they were obviously in love. I remember my Nan yelling “FRANK!” from the kitchen to let him know that lunch was ready. They watched movies together and they cooked together. They did everything together. My Grandpa would always joke that every time my Nan would touch his computer, she would manage to break something. She still quotes that joke to this day. I know she misses my Grandpa dearly, we all do. It’s practically impossible to suggest that my grand mother should look for someone new to spend her time with – but she said it best, “I don’t need to find someone new, I had my true love, my best friend, that’s all I will ever need.”

Secondly, my Mamie and Papie. The funniest and the most adorable couple you will ever meet. They are the kind of people that still kiss each other every day, hug and hold each other at family gatherings and the kind of couple that still taps each others butts when the other is walking away. I remember being young and saying “I hope I’m in love like they are when I grow up.” They would do anything for each other, and it’s not because they’ve said that specifically, but everything they do, the way they still look at each other – I have no doubt when I look at them that I am looking at two soulmates.

Lastly, my parents. As their child I know their relationship more than most. My parents dream together, set goals together, and attain them. They’ve always worked as a team, and they always confide in each other. They’ve always had each other’s backs, even when I gave them hell as a teenager. They are the best definition of “support system” you could imagine, and honestly if you don’t have that in a relationship, what do you have? They build projects together and give each other endless credit for the work they accomplished. The sweetest part about them, is when I’m with either of them, they are always saying nice things about the other! My parents love each other beyond belief. I’ve always wanted a relationship like theirs. They are goofy and they make each other laugh. Even if my mom is playing her apps while they watch TV, my parents are always together, because that’s just where they want to be. My parents are the definition of soulmates, it’s clear to see, but even more clearly felt when you are around them.

It’s impossible to go out looking for your soulmate. As many have quoted:

“You don’t find love, love finds you.”

Love found each of my grand parents, and love found my parents.

True love isn’t perfect, it’s flawed and inconvenient at times, it’s hard and it hurts, but love is also perfectly imperfect, grateful and kind. Finding your soulmate is finding a balance within another person.

Falling in love with someone and spending your life with them, now that is one of our lifetime’s greatest adventure.

Basically, my latest artwork sums it up perfectly:

peanut butter and jelly love

You’re the Peanut Butter to My Jelly
Amanda Kayla Liberty
2015

My First Mandala & Autumn

Yesterday I posted the first Mandala I drew on my Instagram, and as much as it is flawed, I find Mandalas so breathtaking, so I decided to share it on my blog also:

Mandala

Mandala I
Amanda Kayla Liberty
2015

Today I am wrapped up in a huge fall scarf, because it’s actually a little chilly outside – and I’m not even mad about it. Autumn means: big scarves, leather jackets and knee high boots. It means cinnamon flavored candles and homemade soups.

I’m also starting a huge commissioned art piece on a 40 x 40 canvas. It’s the biggest canvas I’ve painted so far, and to be honest, I’m a little intimidated. But the way I see it: if I’m a little scared, that means I’m heading in the right direction. Growing, and doing things out of your comfort zone is always healthy – pushing boundaries is necessary for growth.

So away I go to paint this enormous canvas. I honestly can’t wait to share the final product – considering this is a custom request, the subject of the painting is right down my alley of interests.

fear overcoming

Happiness Defined

“To live in the present moment is the highest calling, the source of all happiness”Naval Ravikant

I always come back to this quote, it’s beautiful and meaningful and mostly it’s a necessary reminder for me to focus on what’s truly important.

Lately, I’ve been very distracted. I probably often seem to be more interested in my phone than my surroundings. For that, I am sorry… because that’s the farthest thing from the truth.

I’ve always been the type of person to encourage everyone to live in the moment, seize the day, and be grateful. But mostly that they need to stop worrying about things that are out of their control.

I should take my own advice more often…

For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been overwhelmed and disappointed about decisions I made in the past. I’ve been scared, and even angry at times, and it’s affected every inch of my life.

The truth is that I’m happy, I’m overjoyed with my life – the problem is, I need to start acting like it.

I’ve basically worked for 30 days straight now, yesterday being my first day off in a long time. I keep telling myself that because I’m so busy with my two jobs and school, I don’t have enough time to paint and write. In my defense I do try and use my free-time wisely, even if it means lounging on the couch playing my Xbox or watching Netflix. That time is important, everyone needs to unwind.

This is my happy place

This is my happy place

However, I’ve been making too many excuses. If I truly wanted to balance my schedule properly and give myself time for painting, drawing and writing, I most certainly could. But often, laziness takes control of me and I truly just want to do nothing…

But time is our one resource that isn’t renewable, therefore we all need to use the time we have wisely. I need to kick my behind back into shape and make things happen for myself. Because I know that being creative, giving myself time and space to unleash the ideas I have buried in my head… that makes me happy.

Which is why this week I will be launching my new website which will feature all of my artwork that’s for sale, and a page for custom requests. As some of you may not know, not only do I paint, but I also do a lot of graphic design. So make sure to keep an eye out for the launch as I will definitely be posting it on my blog!

Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this incredible time in my life, and everyone who has shown immense support for my blog. I love you all – I can’t thank you enough.

AKL ♥

Ps. Last week I officially sold my first piece of artwork, here is “Messier 8”:

Messier 8 Amanda Kayla Liberty 2015

Messier 8
Amanda Kayla Liberty
2015

The Day I Became a Better Painter

When I paint for myself it’s easy because I have no expectations to live up to. When I’m doing a commissioned painting, it’s harder, because reaching perfection is my only option, but it’s also a ridiculous target. Nothing is perfect – and that’s the beauty of it all. Especially in art. The broken lines and harsh paint strokes are what I admire in other artists’ artwork, but in my own it’s never good enough.

That inner struggle can be healthy for an artist because it can push you out of your comfort zone, and you might even explore techniques you wouldn’t have tried unless you were in that dire moment before you decide to set your canvas on fire.

I’ve been there. Ohhh so many times… I could have thrown fuel on my work and lit a match. But I’ve never gone through with it… Not yet at least.

Someone told me the other day that sometimes it has to get worse before it can get better. And that is the bottom line for my artwork.

Step 1: Okay, this will be great I can tell.
Step 2: Hmmm, it’s too dark
Step 3: Now it’s too light
Step 3: Ugh, what is this, what am I doing… This is the worst.
Step 4: Okay… pause, drink wine and breathe.
Step 5: Alright, I like this a bit better.
Step 6: This is taking forever
Step 7: Okay it’s WAY too light
Step 8: $&@! Now it’s too dark
Step 9: Wait… did I finish that whole bottle?!
Step 10: Alright, I think I’m actually finished.

This process can be in the span of a few hours, or sometimes a few days. I even have one piece that I’ve been working on for over a year.

It’s a process, and it takes time and patience. But I’m getting better at having fun with it and not being so hard on myself.

Get messy. Have fun. Be weird. Keep Painting.

That’s the only thing that truly matters.

My latest creation:

The Universe Loves a Believer

The Universe Loves a Believer