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:

Keep on keeping on all my lovely weirdos. xo

She’s Alive

Hellooooo everyone.

So I’ve clearly been absent from my blog for the past 2 weeks. It started off with me getting the flu and being unproductive for a good while. After I started feeling better I was so busy playing catchup with work, school, art, 2nd job, clothing sales that I never got the chance to sit down and write something down.

Thanks to the readers that took the time to email me during my absence! xo

Well it’s officially Sunday evening, and I’m exhausted. But I’m totally refusing to go to sleep at a reasonable time…. Because, how can I sleep when I have this much on my mind?!

Well, I’ve been commissioned to create another Ball Hockey Team logo, and I’m super excited. Those are always a lot of fun to do! I will make sure to show you all the finished product.

I also need to try and finish my Boba Fett painting, and the Joker painting this week. It’s likely to be pushed back until next weekend. But I’m working on it!

Here’s the latest progress report on BF:

Boba Fett (Work in Progress) Amanda Liberty

Lastly, I have a couple DIY projects I’ve been working on, as well as my wardrobe sale endeavor. I’ve sold approximately 15 pieces, already, and I’m not going to lie, I’ve loved every minute of it. Who knew I would be so good at getting rid of my clothing collection? I’m actually quite proud of myself. In the past, I would definitely have considered myself a little bit of a hoarder when it comes to shoes, bags and clothes. PROGRESS!

Today I worked at my part-time gig, and I was really happy to see the team! It’s such a great and positive environment, I love being there on the weekends.

On my way to work. The Infamous Car Ride Selfie.

 

Alright then, it’s time for me to post a couple more items for sale before I shut it down for the night.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

FDF Galaxy

Nebula I
Amanda Liberty
2015

The Milky Way
Amanda Liberty
2015

Aliens & Beer

It’s been a VERY long week… I’ve worked 8 days straight and tonight, all I want to do is sit down on my couch with my dogs, and drink a beer. And that, is exactly what I am doing. A Carib Lager to be precise, and it’s perfectly refreshing.

As I sit here watching a strange (and terrifying) movie on Netflix, I can’t help but stare at this dismantled child’s easel sitting in the corner of my apartment. Before you think I’m some cruel easel thief, here’s how this odd piece of furniture ended up in my home…

I’ve always wanted my own easel, a wish I often shared with Nick (my boyfriend). So one day, Nick’s client was throwing away their child’s easel and he, being the kind man that he is, brought it home for me.

It’s in bad shape, it’s full of scribbles and dried up paint, but… it’s mine, all mine! Honestly, I can’t wait to put it together and start painting.

Side note; Lately, I’ve been especially interested in space exploration and earth-like planets… but mostly the idea of other life-forms (aliens) – maybe that will be my inspiration for my very first piece. I will keep you updated.

Goodnight humans! xx