On my art table: Enter the mystery

Posted on May 15, 2019May 12, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 11 Comments

I’ve been spending some time at the painty table almost every day since last month, when I started my 100 day project. This immersion in painting intuitively has been a learning experience in more ways than one.

One the art front, I’ve found new supplies that I enjoy using; experimented with different tools for mark making; embraced art as process rather than product; and understood how to combine a variety of mediums. I’ve surprised myself with the ways in which my paintings have evolved and with the themes that have appeared on the page. And each of the paintings has brought forth something from deep within my soul, each of them with lessons of their own – on life, on love, on being.Continue reading→

May 2019: Tarot spread for the new moon in Taurus

Posted on May 3, 2019May 3, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 1 Comment

The May 2019 new moon falls in the sign of Taurus. The Taurus archetype is grounded and steadfast, calm and composed, firm and also somewhat stubborn. This is a sign that is practical and earthy, and is associated with material pleasures and abundance, which makes this new moon an excellent time to create some practical rituals and routines that feel pleasurable. Yes, routines can be pleasurable, and that’s a shift in perspective you can work on during the May new moon!Continue reading→

To Amazon or not to Amazon, that’s the question

Posted on April 25, 2019April 24, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 8 Comments

Ever since Amazon became, well, Amazon, there have been furious calls asking buyers – especially book buyers – to boycott Amazon.

Some claim the online retail giant doesn’t pay taxes; there are in-depth stories and reports of worker exploitation, especially at Amazon’s fulfillment centers; and of course, there’s the high-profile bankruptcy of a number of large bookstore chains like Bookworld and Borders in the US. Closer home, there was a public outpouring of grief when the iconic Delhi-based independent bookstore Fact and Fiction shut shop a few years ago.Continue reading→

April 2019: Tarot spread for the full moon in Libra

Posted on April 18, 2019April 18, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | No Comments

The April 2019 full moon rises in the sign of Libra, again! This is quite a rare occurrence, to have two back to back full moons in the same sign. Think back to what happened around the March full moon Libra. Whatever started then, will culminate now, for both of these full moons are connected.

The Libra archetype is associated with balance, fair dealings, and relationships. Spiritually, the Libra archetype can teach us about balance…the ability to remain centered in our authentic self no matter what is going on around us.

While the last Libra full moon asked us to focus on our rituals and routines and to align them to bring some balance in our lives, the April full moon asks us to bring balance with our relationships. And the key to this is focusing on our own self-worth and examining our life from a more personal perspective – what can be called a journey of individuation. It’s an ever spiraling journey, as we define and refine our meaning and purpose and come into right relationship with who we are and how we choose to shine our unique light in our interactions with others.Continue reading→

April 2019: Tarot spread for the new moon in Aries

Posted on April 5, 2019April 5, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 2 Comments

The April 2019 new moon falls in the sign of Aries and ushers in the astrological new year. The Aries archetype is fiery and action-oriented; on a quest to express its individuality and assert its willpower. I find shades of Fool energy in the Aries archetype – the innocence of taking a leap into the great unknown.

Spiritually, the Aries archetype teaches us what it takes to act on our dreams and desires. After all, it is easier to talk about the things we desire than to go all out and work towards the attainment of that desire. The key to taking action is courage – and courage comes from having your head connected to your heart.Continue reading→

Art journal flip through to spark your creativity

Posted on March 25, 2019March 25, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 14 Comments

I have a confession to make: watching art journal flip throughs on YouTube is one of my favorite things, ever! I love seeing completed spreads from other art journalers; all the different styles and color combinations; the layout ideas; and a little bit of a talk on the page, when it was created, why…oh, it is so much fun!

So for this week’s art journal video, I decided to share a flip through of my moon journals from last year. I hope you enjoy!Continue reading→

March 2019: Tarot spread for the full moon in Libra

Posted on March 20, 2019March 19, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 14 Comments

The March 2019 full moon rises in the sign of Libra. The Libra archetype is associated with balance, fair dealings, and relationships. Spiritually, the Libra archetype can teach us about balance…the ability to remain centered in our authentic self no matter what is going on around us.

The March 2019 full moon highlights our health and well-being, as well as our daily routines and responsibilities. This is the time to take a look at where we are directing our time and energy, and to ensure we are creating routines and practices that support us on our journey and take us closer to our goals. Continue reading→

Kickstart your creativity with the 100-day project

Posted on March 18, 2019March 17, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 14 Comments

What if you did something creative every day for 100 days? You could spend as little as 10-15 minutes each day on this creative project, or longer if or when you have the time. Ideally, you would finish this project in 100 days, but you can give yourself some grace. The point is to do said creative thing for 100 days – be they consecutive days or not, that is up to you.

That is the simple premise of the 100 day project.Continue reading→

The joy of doing nothing

Posted on March 14, 2019March 14, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 26 Comments

How do you answer the question: What did you do today? Or over the weekend?

Most people I meet respond with the tales of dinners they went to, parties they hosted, sales they shopped at, or kilometers they jogged. In response to these stories, that are often filled with drama and anecdotes and news of the latest fashion or lack of good style options, my answer to this question is often: nothing.Continue reading→

Easy abstract painting for beginners

Posted on March 11, 2019March 10, 2019 by Modern Gypsy | 11 Comments

Over the years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with abstract painting. While there are some abstracts that leave me completely baffled, there are some that have a lot of depth and interest, which prompted my fascination with this art style. But abstract painting can be difficult, and there are times when I struggle too. But today, I’m going to show you a very easy abstract painting technique that is perfect for beginners (like me!).

All you need are a few of your favorite colors, a paintbrush, and your fingers!Continue reading→