Daily Sketching and Story Telling is My Magic

One day not too long ago I decided I really wanted to invite narrative and story into my art; something I had not been able to do since I was very young when my goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Once I decided this I sat down to write something and an entire sci-fi story just poured out. Since then I've been painting one illustration a day to try and flesh out the characters and to see where they take me. I started out painting children, but then realized that I rarely ever paint children! I also wanted this story to be for adults and children so was happy to switch over to painting adults, or maybe they're teens?

As I write the headline for this article I realize that I haven't yet analyzed why adding story to my life is helpful. Well, for one it's therapeutic to paint daily and to make those paintings part of a narrative and then to tie that narrative into my own life. It helps me deal with difficult emotions and it gives me subject matter which adds meaning and depth to the piece. I hope that all of that makes it interesting and entertaining not only for me, but for you as well.

I also found it interesting that when I mentioned my storytelling to my buddy in New Brunswick, he suggested I also try seeing if I could turn my life into a story because it was fun.  I like that idea and am trying it out. What about you? Do you see your own life as a story?

A Few Developmental Sketches from my Brand New Sci-Fi Story

Lost by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.

My Star (Space Twins) by Kathy Crabbe. Gouache on paper, 2016.

About Kathy Crabbe

Kathy is an artist, writer and soul reader. She has kept a diary and a dream journal since she was a very young girl. At age 8 her goal was to be the youngest published author/illustrator ever. Kathy graduated with a degree in Art History from Queen's University in Kingston, Canada and a diploma in Graphic Design & Illustration in 1992. After graduation she moved to Southern California where she became a full time artist and soul reader. Her work has appeared in We’Moon Datebook, Sage Woman Magazine, Art for the Soul and San Diego Women’s History Museum. She has taught and mentored at Wise Woman University, Mt. San Jacinto College and HGTV along with starting a writer’s group and artist’s circle in Temecula, California. 

beauty Queen ~ Fairy Petal's Tale

Kathy Crabbe, beauty Queen, 2013, mixed media on paper, 5 x 7”.

Kathy Crabbe, beauty Queen, 2013, mixed media on paper, 5 x 7”.

Fairy Petal's Tale

Fairy Petal longed to journey. She dreamt of far-away lands, fresh faces, landscapes and horizons different from her own, but dreaming was all she could do...for now.

Fairy Petal lived in a fairy-tale castle built by hand by her one true love, but even that was not enough to keep her from dreaming. And of course her father, the Faery King was wont to admonish her regularly with the words, "The grass is always greener on the other side, my dear".

And so she stayed and dreamed and pined and pulled Runes like the one for today: "Mannaz".

MannazMannaz ~ The Self

A correct relationship to yourself is necessary right now, for from it flows all possible correct relationships with others and with the Divine...This is not a time for seeking "credit" for your accomplishments, but rather a time to be content doing a task for the task's sake, which means Be Present and Know Thyself.

And so, resigned to being patient (a most difficult task indeed!) Fairy Petal stayed. Her garden was growing as Spring advanced; large edible greens, flowering hibiscus and yellow roses all a-flower. Her dear beloved, pet dog and handsome cat were by her side, tying her down yet giving her roots and stability too.

One day she would go, with her faery wings and sunflower headdress a-flapping and flying to the tune of Brother Wind. But for today she would care for her-self like the rune advised and be at one and at peace with her surroundings. How grateful and lucky she was, she realized to have this family and this magical place called home.

*** The End ***

Kathy Crabbe: Guiding Your Creative Soul

From the Daily Magic Series: Words & Pictures to Wish Upon.    (The Rune info above is excerpted and paraphrased from The Book of Runes by Ralph Blum).

Cat-Love

Kathy Crabbe, Here comes trouble!, 2013, watercolor on paper, 5 x 7”Kathy Crabbe, Here comes trouble!, 2013, watercolor on paper, 5 x 7”. 

From the Daily Magic Series: Words & Pictures To Wish Upon

A lot of the time I feel that words are unnecessary, superfluous, and get in the way so maybe that's why I paint instead. This little painting is about love. Enjoy!

Kathy Crabbe: Guiding Your Creative Soul

Moments of Perfection: It's all about love

Kathy Crabbe, It's all about Love, 2013, watercolor, gouache and marker on paper, 5 x 7”Kathy Crabbe, It's all about Love, 2013, mixed media on paper, 5 x 7”. 

From the Daily Magic Series: Words & Pictures To Wish Upon

Moments of Perfection

Lately.

In my New Moon Circle

I sit with my animals,

a Dove calls,

the morning awake.

I feel

I cry

I love

I set my intentions this

Pisces New Moon, acknowledging

Seven planets in Pisces!

All is love That is all.