Welcome!

I set up a website last year over at another company but I never updated it and I didn't use it as a store so I decided to let it go and come back to blogger. Blogger is free. :)

Did you know I have an Etsy Store? I do. Just click on the word any of the words Etsy and it will show you what I have currently listed. But did you know I have a lot more artwork available than what is listed in the store. I do! A butt ton. Like Dinosaur butt ton. Well, maybe more like buffalo butt ton. But you get the picture. I have a lot of artwork available for you to purchase.

Do you know where you can see almost all my artwork? Instagram.

Currently I'm in a summer series I call Create 92 in 2018. On the first day of the series I drew a face and that set the content for the series. All pieces are 8x8 inches. Most of them have been ink drawings but I've done a few paintings as well. I, of course, retain the right to change subject matter at any time but as a group, they're kind of amazing. You can see all faces posted by searching #create92in2018

My other series I have on Instagram is a series I made March 21, 2017 through February 5, 2018 called Project 321. To see that series you can search #Project321Art. I've tried to update the comments with sold if it has indeed been sold. These pieces are mostly 6x9 inches and come with a 9x12 matboard ready for you to frame.

The other cool thing about the Project 321 pieces is that the majority of these pieces have been uploaded to my portfolio at RedBubble.com along with a bunch of other art stuff. RedBubble is a product sight and artist upload their artwork. When you buy a product, the artist gets paid a small commission.

So, if you're a first time visitor, this is an old blog that I had where I documented a project I called Give 52. It was a weekly project where I made a piece of artwork each week and then I sent it out into the universe mostly to my friends and family to let the know I loved them.

We'll see how well I do with updating this site. I can tell you it probably won't be often but never say never.

Give 52 - Week 7: S I N G

Sing
Give 52 - Week 7
Cheryl Houston 2015

Is it bragging if I say I completely love the way this piece turned out? And friends, this weeks art piece didn't come easy. I prepared something else and I could hear one of my art teachers saying, "Many are called. Few are chosen."

The original piece was not to be chosen. It was fine but it did not sing! So, I was starting from scratch Sunday evening, wrapping up Monday evening, and mailing yesterday. Just under the wire!

I've sent this 6 x 8 inch piece off to Valley Creek Church's worship leaders, Ben and Rachel Moreno. They lead Valley Creekers in worship most every Sunday and it's so, so good.

I can't tell you how many times that I have been singing along with them and become so overwhelmed by the presence of God that tears just start streaming down my face. It's embarrassing, folks! But, it also feels really wonderful.

I was able to spend a little bit of time with Rachel in a creative group gathering this past spring and she is so encouraging. Genuine love and  fun oozes from them both.

I'm so grateful to go to a church that emphasizes the importance of worship and that part of the service resets my heart to be able to face another week of the world. And, if that isn't enough to be grateful for, the worship team also put out albums for us to listen at home.

The newest album, By Cloud, By Fire is available now on iTunes. I Have Decided is one of my favorites. You should totally check it out. Like, right now. Go!

This is my gift. I give it to you.

Give 52 - What, Who, Why, When

What is Give 52?
Give 52 is a gratitude challenge that I've created for myself. Once a week for 52 weeks I will give away one piece of my artwork and blog about it here.

Who will I choose?
I have some personal heroes that have inspired me through their work. I have some friends and family members that I want to be sure to spread some love and encouragement just because I love them. To those people that I have witnessed helped my friends and loved ones to whom I want to express gratitude on behalf of my loved ones. I will know some of these people personally and some of them I've never met.

Why am I doing this quest?
In February, I told myself I was going to take the 29 Gifts challenge again where you give one gift everyday for 29 days but I was being all rigid on the start date. I wanted to start at the beginning of the month on day 1 so it was easy to track. March 1 came and went and I didn't give a gift to anyone. I told myself that I would start in April. April 1 came and went. No gift to anyone. I noticed the pattern.

2014 was my Year of Purpose and 2015 is my
Year of Curiosity. While searching for purpose and following curiosity, I have read a lot of different books, taken online classes, began journaling on a regular basis and creating a lot of art. On April 2, 2015, while driving on Oak Lawn Avenue on the way to work I had this idea to give away 52 pieces of artwork in 52 weeks. It gave me breathing room with a longer commitment.

The persnickety side of me said, "Well, you'll have to wait to the beginning of 2016!" But the logical side of me, "Whoa, friend. How about we start on your birthday? That's coming up soon."

So, I started planing. I have been thinking about the people that I want to give a piece of artwork so I can show my appreciation and share my gift. Give 52 is my small way of making a difference and sharing my gift of creativity otherwise, why do I make all this art?

Why do I make it? I know many people view this as "just a hobby" but I wish I could explain to you that it is so much more than just a hobby. I feel as if I have to create. I have to. Drawing, painting, whatever it is and if I'm not creating something, I feel the loss of it. More than any other label that I attach to myself, Artist, is what defines me most. I'm called to make art, good or bad, and then I put it neatly away in my drawers at home and there it sits.

That ends with this project. Now, I'm called to make it and I'm called to share it.

When will Give 52 it begin?
 My first Give 52 recipient is scheduled to be announced on August 12. I hope you will come back on the 12th to see the first piece and to read about why that person moved me to gratitude.

This is my gift. I give it to you.

Flower Circles - Because They're Pretty

Flower Circles - Ink drawing by Cheryl Houston 2015 ©

2015 Year of Curiosity

Be Curious Today - Ink drawing by Cheryl Houston 2015 ©
Photo digitally altered.

Let Love Grow

Let Love Grow - Ink drawing by Cheryl Houston 2015 ©
This image has been altered in Photoshop.