WHAT'S NEW — blue
WHAT ARE THE ROCK STORIES ABOUT? - CHRISTINE ONWARD'S INVITATION TO DISCOVER THE MEANING OF THE STORIES SHE PAINTS ON ROCK 6
"My painted rocks invite you on magical journeys never seen to the eye before, but imagined, dreamed of, and felt in smiles.", Christine Onward
WHAT ARE MY PAINTED STORIES ABOUT?
BIRD OF MAGIC, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
The most amazing thing about art is the fact that it has the power to manipulate and transform our most inner emotions and experiences in such subtle ways no other means of therapy can.
Many times my day stars with a grim, not knowing what to paint, how to paint, what to start with..., and so on. But I don't give up because I know that if I take small steps into changing the narrative, and I turn the grey clouds into sunshine, and the stormy seas into hues of turquoise, and old scares into islands of bright green, life will begin to smile again.
This is why today I would like to invite you to discover with me what the stories I paint on rocks are actually about:
1. MY ROCK STORIES INVITE YOU DREAM
DUST OF STARS, original painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
To me, what gives value to a work of art is its power to take you to places where you can dream, where your imagination is fueled to grow wings and learn new ways to fly.
In a world where what we dream is dictated by social standards and mainstream media, who can afford to dream authentically anymore?
That's why, when I begin to paint a new story, I aim at creating gates: gates to dream lands, to places unnamed, to lands never seen to the eye and to songs never sung or heard before.
2. MY ROCKS INVITE YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN STORY
A VILLAGE OF SUMMER, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
Take a moment and think when was the last time you let your mind roam about to places you once saw and almost forgot? When was the last time you remembered a happy thing from the past and allowed yourself time to re-live it?
To me, art should have the power to lift you from a daily routine and place you to a land where your own stories from the past are allowed to come to life again.
For this, almost all the stories I paint have something to do with an experience I lived in the past and I trust my experiences are never singular, they must have been lived and felt in the same way by others too.
ITALIAN TRAVELS, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
3. MY ROCK STORIES CONNECT YOU WITH YOUR INNER CHILD
BLOOMS OF SPRING, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
Trauma will always teach you to close doors. That's why we slowly start forgetting ourselves behind dark walls, too afraid to make peace with the past or begin trusting the future again.
That's why I love painting places where I felt happy as a child. Even if they are not all my stories, if they are just adventures from books, or stories lived by friends, I trust that art has the magic to reconnect and turn the grim of the day into sunshine.
A TASMANIAN MORNING, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
4. MY ROCK STORIES INVITE YOU TO SMILE
Painted rocks collections by Christine Onward, for sale HERE
With almost every rock that I paint, I am told that my art brings smiles to your hearts.
I still find it hard to explain how this happens. It might be the naivety of the landscapes I paint. Or it might be the colours I choose for my paintings. I don't know how and where the smiles begin. I am somehow sure though that if I put smiles and good vibes in what I create, this might return in a million other positive ways in the world. And that's what I want my art to be about.
FADING DREAMS, painted rock by Christine Onward , for sale HERE
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE: SIX REASONS WHY WE SHOULD USE ART TO DECORATE OUR HOMES 13
Since the beginning of humanity, people have surrounded themselves with all kinds of beautiful objects. Early shelters were found to be adorned with colorful drawings, sculptures, and other decorative artifacts.
But why do we feel the need to add art around us? What does art change within us in such a way that we feel drawn to gathering beauty and colours around us?
Art on rock by Christine Onward. For sale here
Art gives wings to our inner self
Our home is the place where, more than anywhere else, we need to be ourselves. It is where we feel most at peace, where we are most comfortable. The reason we feel this way is due to the objects we choose to have on display.
By surrounding ourselves with objects of art that we love, we can enjoy the time spent at home even more. We can be ourselves, we can start dreaming, hope, and plan our future lives.
Paintings that we love will share with us their colours, shapes, and stories that have the power to make us feel unique, or happy, or energetic, or daring... it's all in the choices we make.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. More from this collection here
Art makes our home more human
We are surrounded by a culture that incessantly tells us to hurry.
Art helps us take things easy, to slow down, and breathe. Take your time. Listen to your art.
Most of the things necessary to our home: the furniture, appliances, clothing, etc. are mass produced, machine made. There seems to be an abundance of 'things' surrounding us that are soul-less, which provide no personality to our spaces. We need fulfilling interactions with the people and things we surround ourselves with. Their stories contribute to our daily experience,
Art gives our home a human soul. With every work of art we add a sense of time, personality, emotion and value to our space.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. More from this collection here
Art revives emotion and facilitates self-discovery
The art we surround ourselves with can revive powerful emotions. It can evoke cheerful memories, bring comfort or inspire us in most unexpected ways.
Art can be the echoing of our deepest emotions - whether positive or negative - through which we feel connected, understood, and never alone.
The art we choose to keep with us is almost always a flawless translator of our personality. The things we value, respect, embrace, or follow will come through the art choices we make and surround ourselves with.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. For sale here
Art brings out the kindness in us
The art we choose to decorate our homes with can make a difference in someone's life.
We may choose these artworks to surround us because of all the change they inspire. They provide support to people who need it most, including the artists creating these works, and the people receiving them. Art is powerful in the many ways it can do good for you, and others.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. More from this collection here
Art teaches us that everything is possible
There is an act of struggle and bravery in every piece of art.
"By doing what you love, you inspire and awaken the hearts of others" - Satsuki Shibuya
Too often we are overwhelmed by our daily work routine, boring days, lack of expectations to such a point when we begin to forget about our life long passions or hobbies.
To see that someone has never ceased to create and dedicated all their time to pursue their dreams is invigorating. The art we choose to show off with will teach us and the others that dreams and passions are always possible to achieve.
Art is the best lesson to learn; That in life everything continues to be possible.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. For sale here
Art tells a story about us
Art doesn't come in singularity. Every artwork we choose says something about us. Perhaps the colours in the painting are representative for our passions. Perhaps the landscapes depicted remind us about long lived holidays, or childhood memories. Or maybe the painting revives hidden feelings, or memories we long thought forgotten
Art reconnects us with our true selves, our true memories and our thoughts.
With art we are never alone. We are only our true selves.
Original art, painted rock by Christine Onward. For sale here
More beautiful rocks and writings about creative hobbies and how they can improve you well-being HERE
If you have questions or want to contribute with your ideas to this blog, please contact Christine Onward at: rock_street@yahoo.com.
Thank you.
- Christine Onward
- Tags: art australia beach blog blue boat christine onward collection folk happy lighthouse love moon ocean old bar painted rock sea stories
WHAT'S YOUR BLUE? 15
Christine Onward talking about symbols of the blue colour in rock painting
Colours allow artists to express their ideas and reveal their inner self. For every rock painter colours not only evoke a certain mood, elicit a certain response from the viewers, but also work subliminally to create and send a particular message.
But what are the messages, moods, and inner responses elicited by the blue colour in rock painting?
BLUE art on rocks by Christine Onward. For sale HERE
Today’s article presents a number of different approaches to the use of blue in rock painting. Rocks were selected from the approximately 200 painted rocks posted by the artists of RockStreet Collective to honour our most recent BLUE rock event.
Why do we use the BLUE colour when we paint on rocks?
*BLUE is used to suggest INNOCENCE and elicit CALM
Naïve art on rocks by artists Sussi Louise Smith | Pamela Campbell | Christine Onward
*With BLUE you can create sensations of FREEDOM and EXPANSIVENESS
Ocean theme in rock painting, different approaches by artists Kishan Patel | Leilani Holverson | Susanne Jensen
*BLUE is a universally soothing colour. Many artists embrace a blue palette to elicit CALM and MINDFULNESS
Mandala world in BLUE by artists Rachel Mitchell | Debby Hurst | Elena Marisol Gomez
*Beauty of nature and its fantastic livings are often represented with the use of BLUE
A world of BLUE birds by artists Judy Smith | Aberline Attwood | 陳 泳澖 |
*Light BLUE is associated with TRANQUILITY and HEALING
Soft BLUES to heal the soul- by artists Yvette Biedermann | Pascale Chevalier | Ralph Macias |
*You may use blue when creating art for those young at heart to elicit SINCERITY and HAPPY MOODS
Joyful art for the child in us by artists Christel de Laroche | Alex Jade | Danijela Milosevic
*BLUE invites you to MELANCHOLY and RECOLLECTION
BLUE dot art in rock painting by artists Lisa Orlans | Emily Clark | Sandra Silva |
*Oriental cultures have used BLUE to express PIETY and STRENGTH
The exotic world of the BLUE rocks by artists Yuk-moy Tan Tapia | Megan Wilhite | Shruti Rachael David |
*Use BLUE to suggest PURITY and CONFIDENCE
The wonderful realm of wearable art on rocks by artists Lysa Mignot | Annalisa Cacciatore | Valeria Avossa |
*All these symbols often intermingle to create calm and purity. If you want to join the art world of healing the mind and body, you can start by using BLUE
Fantastic decorative art on rocks by artists Jessica Pederson Stumpf | Misty Day | Diana Lamb |
In art, colours have endless meanings and significance which translates into rock painting. If you remember, a few weeks ago we looked at some examples of RED symbolism in rock painting. See article HERE.
If interested to be a part of our world rock painting family, you are most welcome to post your creations in our group RockStreet Collective. The BLUE rock event is still happening until the 21st of July when the winning artist (featured on our Instagram account) will be invited to an exclusive interview on this website.
More artful blue rocks for sale Here
I will conclude my short description of uses of BLUE in rock painting here. The most amazing creation I wanted to introduce to you to celebrate the BLUE rock event is that of 5 year old Zarya, Elena Marisol Gomez's little daughter. I’m sure you’ll love her blue ocean, the sky with white clouds, the green beach, and the tomato bush in the corner.
Here ends RockStreet Collectives's BLUE rock showcase. I hope you had a peaceful BLUE holiday to the eyes :)
The beautiful BLUE rock of Zarya
PAGES OF REFLECTION – what it takes to become an ARTIST (LESSON 1) 3
Dear reader, wherever you may be, whatever language you speak, whichever stage in life you are, I hope you are an admirer of art.
This is because I plan to make the next few blog articles into a reflective journal about my experience of living and creating art. And as inconsistent as I am in general, I am pretty confident that this time I can give my stories continuity and meaningfulness not just for me, but for you too.
Today's LESSON 1
How do you grow into a reputable artist without any expertise or previous experience?
This is a question that keeps on bothering me every time I find yet another successful artist on Instagram. It looks as if every great artist of our days has some sort of previous art-related education, hours and hours of guided advice, work with a purpose, and of course, the TALENT.
For instance, check on wonderful Yvette Coppersmith:
-Archibald Prize, 2018
-studied at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne, Australia.
-more than 21 years of experimenting with styles and subjects
-painting self-portraits since the age of 17
Painting by Australian artist Yvette Coppersmith, winner of the Archibald Prize 2018
How does MY art journey ever come close to such a glorious artist?
I bet you too keep on ruminating about the same thing as me: Maybe it’s not even worth it. Maybe it’s yet another waste of time…
But this morning I finished painting this:
"After the Dark", by Christine Onward (all rights reserved). For sale HERE
Right through the open blinds a few sun rays started coming in. I watched them dancing merrily on the colours of the painting. That whole world, right there in the paper, was coming to life right in front of me… I was witnessing a miracle.
I had created a world that was a reflection of myself. Somewhere in this world someone like me will find themselves in this story, as much as I did. Maybe more in my painting than in other people’s paintings. Maybe I get to make them smile. And that’s the best accomplishment I can achieve.
My lesson for today is this:
Every story you create has you in it, your adventures, your memories, your sadness, your heart. Someone will surely connect with it. If not today, they will surely show up tomorrow.
The more stories there are, the more people will connect with your art. Just keep on creating. Reward will come.
Loving these stories? Here is a beautiful story from my childhood : Surreal Night in Transylvania
More outstanding products from my latest surreal paintings are HERE
WEDNESDAY SNAPSHOT - DANIJELA MILOSEVIC - Rocks with a Magical Touch 14
Art of Legends and Mediterranean Blues
-Welcome to Greece-
Breathtaking hues of blue and wonderful designs: painted rocks by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
This week I would like to celebrate an outstanding artist and wonderful friend from Greece, Danijela Milosevic. As most of us would agree, since the launching of our group, RockStreet Collective, Danijela has never ceased to share quality art, joy, beautiful colours, and lots of encouragements to all our artists.
This is why, a peek into Danijela's out-of-the-ordinary magical works is not only long needed, but also greatly welcomed.
Unique painted rock by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
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MAGICAL
So many words came to mind to describe Danijela's works of art, but the one word I wanted to use the most was MAGICAL.
Watching her rocks is like walking into a realm of legend and fantastic dreams. Mystical dragons, most beloved by Danijela, lure you into stories of childhood as noone in our rock art world. It's a never ending wish to see more, to dream more, and to smile even more.
From the Lands of magic: painted rocks by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
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TOUCHING
And if you think there could be nothing better than the legendary dragons of Danijela's magical world of rocks, here is more!
Danijela can lure you into yet another magical world of little stone houses with the most intricate details, cheerful colours, and a happy feel.
Painted rocks by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
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A FEEL OF BLUE
You can dive deep in Danijela's hues of blue. It is as if the whole Greece and all the waves of the Mediterranean sea have collapsed into Danijela's rock designs. When surrounded by them, some colors can become an endless source of energy; and this is what Danijela's rocks are: endless sources of optimism and positive energy.
With a touch of Mediterranean blue: painted rocks by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
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ADORABLE COLLECTIBLES
Flipping through the photos I have saved for this article, I found myself thinking of the little child who gets to meet Danijela's work. How many of these would they (and us!) want to collect? How many moments of inspiration and story telling would they gain just by holding such beautiful rocks?
Unique painted rocks, art collectibles by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
This is what makes our art stand out from the other's: with our paintings we offer moments of joy and inspiration to all who touch our rocks. I keep the hope to own one of Danijela's rocks some day, until then I remain with my honest admiration.
Unique painted rocks by Danijela Milosevic | Facebook | Instagram |
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This is an article written by Christine Onward with the consent of the artist.
*Each Wednesday an artist and their works of art will be selected and presented to you in a few lines and images. If you want to be the next artist featured on our blog, please drop a message on rock_street@yahoo.com.
CREATING ART TO CALM THE SOUL - Interview with Rachel Mitchell, Exceptional Artist, Rock Painting Innovator, Teacher, and Beautiful Soul 30
GLIMPSE INTO AN EXCEPTIONALLY PRODUCTIVE AND INNOVATIVE CAREER:
Canadian artist Rachel Mitchell talking about new ways to create outstanding art on rocks
Wonderful painted rocks by Rachel Mitchell | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |
Dear Rachel, I need to say that I have been following your media accounts for quite a few years. I have since admired your ingenuity, your talent, and your energy to create the most astonishing works of art! How did it all start and where do you get your inspiration from?
Thank you so much to you and everyone for following my accounts! I can't believe I've been doing this for almost 7 years now, and for the last 4 years on a full time basis!
At first I just wanted to get all of my creativity out and share it with whoever was willing to see it.
Now my passion is to also show others what I have taught myself, tips and tricks; lessons I have learned and mistakes I have made, as well as to create unique rock jewels that everyone can love.
Dot art and shiny colours: painted rocks by Rachel Mitchell | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |
Colour is my eye candy. I'm inspired by so many wonderful artists and places I could only get the chance to see through the internet world. Pinterest has so many beautiful artists, ideas and creativity; It's one of my favourite places to get inspired.
Over the last years your innovative work had a major contribution to the world of rock art.Can you tell us more about your ideas and how they positively changed the way we do rock painting these days?
I am always looking for ways to make my artwork stand out.
As everyone might already know, I use a lot of metallic paints and glitters. At first I wasn't very happy with they way they shined, as I wanted my stones to be as bold, colourful, and sparkling as possible!
I saw what resin did to paintings on canvas and fell in love! I was a little scared to play with it at first. I made a few mistakes, but the result was exactly what I had been looking for. It was magical!!!
Bold and beautiful: rocks by Rachel Mitchell | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |
As for my DIY fine lining brush, it has helped so much!! I had spent so much money on brushes over the years! I would purchase every fine brush I could find and it never did what I needed. Lines were always too thick or too sloppy, and I felt that I would never learn the magical techniques of the big artists, their fine lines and details.
So I took scissors to my brushes!! As a child, I used to take scissors to my dolls' hair (and sometimes my own) and it had not turned out well! Now, however, my brushes have never been so awesome! I was no longer wasting my hard earned money on expensive brushes for my line work. This helped me so much - I had to share!
Here s a link to Rachel's tutorial on how to prepare your brushes for fine lining on rocks: https://youtu.be/URuCcQfG020 :
I use a variety of dotting tools, what I find work best are Nail dotting tools, with two different sizes on each one. They are perfect for most dots but you can find great things around your home for dotting as well. For instance knitting needles, toothpicks, sewing needles, the opposite end of your paint brushes have different sizes to play with as well!
Wonderful painted rocks by Rachel Mitchell | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |
The hits on your YouTube and Facebook tutorials are sky-rocketing these days. Tell us more about these tutorials. What are they about and who are they addressed to?
Just over a year ago I began sharing rock painting tutorials and it was terrifying!! I am still not very good at editing, still learning every single time I post something new. My favorite part of a tutorial is painting the stone. It could take a couple of hours to paint a stone and a full day (or longer!) to just to edit the video and have it ready to post on YouTube.
Sometimes I lose bits and pieces of my video that were really important so I end up having to redo the whole thing. Editing tends one of the most frustrating and time consuming parts of my career. However, when I think at the amount of people I'm helping, it makes it all worth it!
Each tutorial is edited with love and sometimes tears, but they are made for all those who want to create beautiful things.
Here are some of my favourite tutorials you might want to have a look at:
How to resin your stone: https://youtu.be/76K9Exf-v6Q
Sunflower on a Santorini stone: https://youtu.be/b2ES1l0-KtM
Zentangle paw painting on a stone: https://youtu.be/p8KjekWjAhI
Painting a dotted dragonfly: https://youtu.be/0iWQXZb6T9g
Some of the rocks you might want to learn to paint: Rachel's YouTube account Here
You are offering so much to the other fellow artists: beauty of art, inspiration, and enormously useful ideas. What do you expect in return?
We need to have more positivity and beauty in our lives. From kids to seniors, I want people to know that they have this creative vibe running through them!! You don't have to go to an art school to be an artist. Painting is extremely therapeutic, it calms our soul, and it gives us a healthy outlet. 
Art with style: painted rocks by Rachel Mitchell | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest |
To end here, I know it's a difficult one, I would like to ask you who are the artists you mostly admire and are thankful to?
This is so hard to answer because there are just so many people I admire and so many artists that deserve recognition. These are only a few of my favourites:
Bob Ross (of course),fellow Canadian artist Elspeth McLean,and Australian artist Ben Heine.
