art

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:

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Keep on keeping on all my lovely weirdos. xo

Amanda Kayla Liberty | Blog | Video Games

21 Day Yoga Challenge

I’m freaking out!

I officially only have 21 days left, until I get on a plane, and leave for vacation. A well-needed vacation…

In order to avoid inducing panic attacks due to my overwhelming number of tasks I have to accomplish in the next few weeks, I’ve decided to give myself a 21 day yoga challenge.

This will help me relax and breathe, while still giving me a seriously great workout. My goal is: 1 full hour of yoga per day, for the next 21 days.

I have exams coming up, 3 staff holiday parties to attend, 1 birthday, Christmas shopping, and three paintings to finish. No big deal, right?

Simply writing out that list makes my chest tighten.

That’s exactly why I need a release. Yoga will help my body and mind relax through meditation and exercise, and this practice will help increase my feeling of well-being.

Do you have any advice for me?

Let me know in the comments below, I would appreciated anything that will help make the next 21 days less stressful.

But seriously… VACATION! I’m so excited I could cry.

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

Stop Thinking. Start Doing.

I’m sure my parents would agree that I’ve always been the kind of person that seems to be stuck in her own world. Whether it was prancing around as a child picking flowers for everyone during soccer games, sitting in my room drawing and writing stories, or riding around on my bike a on quest to solve mysteries. I’ve just always been a dreamer.

I’m lucky that my parents were able to bring me back to reality often enough that I grew up to be a fairly reasonable and capable adult.

My creative mind has always been a gift, but I’ve realized lately that if you don’t act on ideas often enough, you will end up overwhelmed by them. That’s been my biggest obstacle.

I’m constantly inspired by everything around me. The problem was, I wasn’t doing anything with this inspiration. I was too busy waiting for the next great idea or making excuses for myself.

I was drowning. I was overwhelmed by possibilities, and I wasn’t acting on any of them.

I don’t know what changed lately. I can’t thank any particular individual or moment, but I know that the irrefutable support I get from Nick, my family and my friends, lead to this turning point in my life where I decided to just do it. I started painting, writing and practicing yoga. All of these things have brought me an indescribable inner calm that I’ve been longing for.

I have a need to create. No matter which medium I choose, I need to let my creativity out or else I will drive myself, and everyone around me, absolutely crazy.

I’ve been too busy contemplating how profitable my use of time was before investing in an idea, but all along I was just wasting time debating everything instead of doing anything.

Yes, time is your most important resource, because it is one that isn’t renewable. However, sitting there thinking and letting time pass you by, instead of making something happen, well that is a waste of such an invaluable resource.

I’m sure this won’t be the last time I struggle, but all I know is I haven’t felt this good and this productive in a long time.

If you are reading this and you’ve been thinking about starting your own blog, or starting a YouTube channel, or you’ve been dreaming about creating a product – do it!

Make a small step… or a big one, towards that ultimate goal and you will see how much happiness that simple step will bring you. Each step you take will lead to the next one, and then the next, until you look behind you and realize how far you’ve climbed in such little time. I know it’s easier said than done sometimes, but trust me, it’s better to have tried and failed, than to never have tried at all.

in-the-end-we-only-regret-the-chances-we-didnt-take

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

Library Card

Recently, while I was rummaging through the belongings I had left behind at my parents’ house, I stumbled upon my old library card. For a moment I wondered why I had left it with my most treasured items, which included birthday cards, photo booth pictures, movie stamps and handmade ornaments.

In one swift moment I was brought back to the exact day I got my very own library card. In that moment, it was the most amazing thing I owned, the most important item in my wallet.

I have my wonderful parents to thank for my love of literature. I can clearly recall the time my Dad told me that allowing myself time to read was the best gift I could give myself. And he was absolutely right. My parents have always had an amazing collection of books, shelves filled with colorful books all different shapes and sizes. I remember staring at those shelves, knowing that each was filled with different stories, and I knew that one day I wanted my own home library.

There is one book, that I still don’t own, but I rented it from the library over and over again. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney. It was my favorite book. I read the first chapters in the isle nearest to the audio books. I sat on the floor with my back against the large bookshelf, and I read. I was completely captivated. If my friend hadn’t interrupted so that we could leave, I probably would have sat there until I finished the entire book.

I also remember a time I went to the library with my Mom to rent multiple books on planets, space shuttles, and the universe. My Mom and I sat for hours building a project for my 6th grade Science class. This is one of my fondest memories of school. During the time we spent, reading, writing, preparing and practicing my presentation, my Mom really taught me how to write, how to express myself and how to captivate an audience with confidence and just enough humor. I got an A+ on that project, so good that my teacher asked me to present my project to the other 6th grade class. I was so proud.

No – I was over the moon.

Another important moment in my life, was the first time I really told myself that I wanted to be an artist. I went to the library and sat in one of the desks in the back, equipped with drawing pencils that my Grandpa had given me, and a book on Michelangelo’s artwork. I doodled in my sketch book for the entire afternoon.

These might only be a handful of memories, but all these memories, all these stories, they all began with a library card.

Let me know which books you’ve been loving lately!