WHAT'S NEW — painted rocks

MAKE YOUR OWN COASTAL DECORATIONS WITH PAINTED ROCKS - part 1 SARDINES 1

                                     

Having been a rock painter for over 7 years now, I learned that collecting and displaying my painted rocks in a memorable fashion can often be challenging or frustrating. Most of the rocks I was really passionate about, some from dear artist friends, some painted by me, ended up in drawers collecting dust just because I found it difficult to figure ways to display them in a safe and attractive way.

For reasons as these, I constantly started to think of ways on how to actually make use of my painted rocks and incorporate them in simple art decorations that could add value not only to my home but also to the paintings themselves.

For Part 1 of this series of DIY decorations with painted rocks, I thought to begin with something simple and funny paint: little SARDINES.

To see how the sardines were painted, there is a short tutorial uploaded HERE.

 

 GIVE YOUR HOME A HAPPY COASTAL VIBE WITH THESE 7 SIMPLE DIY IDEAS USING YOUR OWN PAINTED ROCKS

1. A BUNDLE OF SARDINES

 Original art decoration with painted rocks by Christine Onward, for sale HERE

To make this decoration yourself, you will need a few small driftwood sticks, about 4 or 5 little rock sardines, a bit of rope and a little shell. Tie the sticks and rocks together, glue the shell to the knot and here is a unique decoration full of beach vibes for your coastal décor!

More rock painting ideas by Christine Onward are HERE

 

2. THE FRAMED SARDINES  

                   

 Original art decoration with painted rocks by Christine Onward, for sale HERE

 

This project was really easy and fun to make. Recycling and upcycling things around the house has been one of my main interests in art so far, so finding a way to use the sardine cans I had saved was actually quite satisfying. 

The things I used are: a small frame, a sardine can (which I jumped on a few times :))  and two little rock sardines. Done in less than 20 min!

 

3. COASTAL RUSTIC DECORATION WITH A FEW CUTE SARDINES

       

More rock painting ideas by Christine Onward are HERE

This project is for the case when you don't want to use a frame.

I had a little wooden board left from another project. All I needed was to give it a few layers of white paint and just stick the rocks on it in the style I wanted. At the back I put a small hook.

If you happen to have a larger piece of wood at home, I believe it would be fun to also apply other things of the sea such as shells, sea glass or pieces of driftwood on it.  

 

4. THE LITTLE JARS OF FISH

           

Simple coastal decorating ideas by Christine Onward. More collections are HERE

Again, a very simple and inexpensive idea for your coastal décor. I found these little jars in a Salvation Army store, but I think they can be found in many home decor stores these days. 

For this project I used some white sand on the bottom of the jars, few shells and the painted rocks. The bigger the jar, the more fun :)

This can be such a nice project to share with the family, each member being challenged to add their own holiday painted rock in the family jar.

 

5. COASTAL INCENSE HOLDER WITH SOME EXTRA SARDINES

                 

Simple coastal decorating ideas by Christine Onward. More collections are HERE

A quick video with how I tamed my painted sardines to stay together is HERE. 

The incense stick holder is easy to find in cheap stores and not only there.

I used sardine rocks for this project because the theme for this blog is COASTAL DECORATIONS with painted rocks. Instead of fishes, you can use any little painted rocks you have around the house. They will all look absolutely eye catching, I believe. 

 

6. CANDLE HOLDER FOR THE BLUE SARDINES

The porcelain candle holder was for me love at first sight! The moment I saw it, I knew I could put some little stones on it and make them turn to life.

Lighting that little candle up and watching its shadows dance on the little fish is absolutely mesmerising. Here are some photos I took of it in the daylight:

               

Simple coastal decorating idea candle holder by Christine Onward. More ideas are HERE

  

7. THE RUSTIC FISH BASKETS

            

Simple coastal decorating project by Christine Onward. More ideas are HERE

 

The little ceramic bowls are from India and I got them on Ebay. I think they make for really unique, adorable coastal decorations that you can make yourself without much effort.

The rocks aren't even glued to the little baskets, so kids can actually play with them and change the way they sit in the bowls just the way they want.

You can try too :). Rock painting is therapy.

For projects that would look identical to those shown in the photos, a supply of sardines painted on rocks can be purchased HERE

Sardines in a box, supplies for your own projects. See more details HERE 

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

 

CREATIVE HOBBIES AND HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE YOUR WELL-BEING 16

In these daring times , living in the gloomy days of COVID 19 lock-downs, facing the loss of dear ones, the insecurity of our future, the hopeless inability to express ourselves in our old ways... how do we find a way out? How do we find ways to look forward to tomorrow, to relax, to smile, to live?



Rock art by Christine Onward. More details are here

Here are a few things I wanted to write to you about today:

Getting involved in an artistic hobby for two hours a week improves your mental well-being

A study published in 2016 involving 700 participants living in Australia showed that engaging in artistic hobbies for over 100 hours a year will significantly improve your mental health and well-being.

This means that only two hours a week of taking part in a creative activity will enhance you mental well-being and general health.    

Painted rocks of Old Bar, Australia. Simple ideas for everyone.

Everyday creativity improves your mood

An article in the Journal of Positive Psychology, 2016, explains that spending time on creative activities will boost your mood, increasing joy, interest, and alertness and reducing negative moods such as anger, anxiety or fear.

What to take from this? - Daily creativity is the best source to create joy, fulfillment and happiness in our life.

 My favourite creative activity: rock painting. More details about these rocks here

Engaging in a hobby means you dedicate yourself to something that brings you joy, meaning, and purpose

But what is the best hobby to suit you? 

Your hobby might be either physical (take up a sporting activity), to help others (volunteer activities) or just being creative. 

How do you choose between all the options? Here are some ideas:

- try a new activity each week. When the right choice comes your way, you will not want to engage in a new activity the next week.

-ask friends

-visit a craft or hardware store

-blog

-research locally for options 

-check out educational courses

 

Preserving natural beauty: painted rock by Christine Onward

 

I recently found myself quite excited about buying a cruise bike. I picked a small and girly one ( I call her Lola!) , to take me to places in Old Bar I never get to see otherwise. Riding along the beach on little roads with almost no-one passing by is heaven! Fresh air, sound of waves whilst dreaming of Cuba, or Italy, or France; Well, that's my best way to end the day.

"Lola" checking out on some of the most beautiful lookouts in Old Bar

 

But the hobby that keeps me going is my love for rocks and my love for the sea.

The beautiful rocks of Old Bar, with amazing shapes and smooth surfaces often make me choose simple designs, figurative shapes, and monochrome designs.

I want to preserve the natural beauty and energy of my rocks.

I want them to share the beauty and strength of the swirls and the wind that shaped them for thousands and thousands of years, what made them become what they are today: rocks of magic.

Preserving natural beauty: painted rocks by Christine Onward

 

If you feel driven towards rock painting, do start by making friends with your own rocks. Let the shape of the rocks tell you what they want to become, what they want to inspire and who they want to be with.

The rock you paint can change someone's life. It's up to you to what degree and for how long it does it.

Happy rocking :) ,

                   Christine

Preserving natural beauty: painted rock by Christine Onward for sale here

 

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 21^st 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 

 

 

 

Rocking the World – Australian Artists Making Their Mark in the World of Painted Rocks 6

The Indigenous art of Australia is considered to be the oldest unbroken tradition of art in the world.

Some Indigenous rock art paintings are estimated to be around 40,000 years old. They are located in the Pilbara Region and Olary district of South Australia.

Aboriginal rock art in the Kimberley, Western Australia could be the oldest in the world. More details HERE

 

Original Aboriginal rock art "Dinuni" by Biripi artist Russel Saunders OAM

 

 

ROCKING THE WORLD – Australian Artists Making their Mark in the World of Painted Rocks

There are a great number of extraordinary Australian rock artists whose talent and expertise have reached the farthest and widest corners of the world. For all their hard work and passion I can only show my respect and gratitude.  However, in this article I am only aiming at talking about five of the many Australian artists whose work I greatly admire:

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ELSPETH MCLEAN – ETHEREAL TOUCH OF COLOURS

 

The critically acclaimed rock painting artist, Elspeth McLean of Perth - Australia has been known to create some of the most vibrant and hypnotic designs. In the last years her original approach to rock painting has made the greatest impact onto the rock art community worldwide.

What I mostly admire about Elspeth’s work is not only the extraordinary dotting skills she never fails to amaze us with, but also the array of colours she puts together to create positive moods. In her art I find energy, passion, strength, and motivation to overcome all things that come with life.

 

Some of the most amazing paintings on rocks by artist Elspeth McLean | Facebook | Instagram | 

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KARIN GETAZ – FLUID EMOTIONS IN BRILLIANT HUES

 

From the Australian Tropics in the far North of Queensland - Australia, Karin Getaz has been “conquering” the world of painted rocks with mesmerizing elliptical constructions and other harmonious dot designs.

I am always in awe of how, with the graceful movements of her brush, Karin creates romantic moods. It is art that allows emotions to flow hypnotically with colours and  invite you to dream.

 

 Art of fluid emotions and brilliant colours by Karin Getaz | Instagram |

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TAMMY WARD – LOVABLE, "AWKWARD", AND FUN

 

Tammy Ward is an artist with an inexhaustible energy to create and offer joy to the world. The electrifying colours she uses as well as her brilliant imagination and attention to detail have attracted a considerable amount of attention in our community of rock painters. Tammy’s flamboyant pirates, dragons, the beautiful owls and bright fish are some of the most sought after rock collectibles in the world! If you travel to Queensland, Australia make sure you take a moment to visit some of the local markets in Gladstone or Hervey Bay to see her joyful works of art.

 Fun art in electrifying colours by artist Tammy Ward at Awkward Art Painted Rocks | Facebook | Instagram |

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SCOTT DODSON – ROCKS WITH WHIMSICAL TEMPER

What I mostly admire about Scott’s rocks is that you can always expect them to talk to you!

His exquisite rock art will charm you with its energy, originality, and youth. You will find in Scott’s rock collection some of the most dazzling characters: mummies, werewolves, scary clowns, the bewitching gnomes and so on. With bright blocks of colours, Scott’s rocks are given different personalities; some will smile at you, some will challenge you with endearing looks.They will all make you love them. This is what Scott brings magically to the world: life on rocks.

 

 Whimsical painted rocks by Scott Dodson at Rockhedz Art and Design | Facebook | Instagram |

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JAN SINGLETON – LOVE FOR ALL LIVING THINGS

Jan is an amazingly skilled artist who has never failed to depict the most adorable animals on rocks! Her talent and passion for everything she creates is more than captivating. There are so many rocks to love in Jan’s collection: little dogs and cats, owls, hippos, seals, panda bears and so many others! Just have a look and smile.

 Wonderful art expression and skill: Painted rocks by Jan Singleton | Instagram | Website |  

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CHRISTINE ONWARD - ROCKS OF "THE DIAMOND"

As for me, I owe it all to Diamond Beach in Australia. I lived there for nearly three years and I am grateful for each day I went to the beach just to find the most amazing rocks in the most beautiful shapes in colours. These rocks have changed my life into what I am now: a passionate admirer and creator of art on rocks.

Naive art on rocks by Christine Onward | Facebook | Instagram |

 

I hope you enjoyed my invitation to know some of the Australian rock artists I love. If you too live and create art on rocks in Australia, please let me know. I would love to continue the series with a new set of artist from our country. Thank you.

 

 

MASTERS OF OUR DAYS - YVETTE BIEDERMANN. Realm of Happy Rocks 45

The Land of Living Rocks

- Welcome to Switzerland -

The life-like painted rocks by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram | 

 

For this week's ROCK ART SNAPSHOT, I am really honoured and grateful to have obtained the consent to feature the wonderful work of outstanding artist Yvette Biedermann.

I've never looked at Yvette's work without admiration as I'm sure so have you. She has this extraordinary gift of painting animals as if they were real: smiling at you, watching you, talking to you, making you love them, and wish nothing but to hug them!

The techniques she masters so exquisitely, the warmth of her rocks' presence, as well as the quality of photographs that depict her art, made me rank Yvette among THE MOST TALENTED AND INFLUENTIAL rock artists of our times.

Inviting you to hug and love them: painted rocks by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram | 

 

With the following selection I am only hoping to open a door for you; and through this door I am inviting you to take a step into the happy world where Yvette's cats, dogs, and owls come to life from mere rocks. Isn't that amazing!

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YVETTE'S WORLD OF HAPPY CATS

In case you thought there are no rock cats, you are mistaken! 

These cats - as photographed from reality as they may appear - have taken the artist years of practice and long hours of hard work to come to life. And if they smile at you like this, it is only because the artist has put her heart and soul to make that happen.

A world of happy cats: wonderful painted rocks by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram |

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TRY NOT TO WANT TO HUG THEM

Yvette's painted dogs on rocks are not only wonderful depictions of shapes and colours. To my endless joy, the artist manages to capture in her paintings a large array of emotions too:

Try not want to hug them: wonderful painted rocks by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram |

 

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STUNNING MESSENGERS OF GOOD NEWS

Out of all the rocks Yvette has so skillfully painted, I was also enchanted  by her painted owls. I was impressed by how they were depicted in delicate shapes and harmonious colours. I also loved the way Yvette displays them in these original wood stands, as if to add even more life to what she creates:

Art in delicate shapes and colours: painted rocks by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram |

 

I hope you fell in love with every piece of art Yvette has created as much as I have since meeting her. It is artists like Yvette that INSPIRE US and help us grow. And for this we can only be grateful that they are in this world for us too. 

If you want to see more of Yvette creations, follow her on Facebook on Peinture sur galet - Happy rocks - or Instagram @yvette.happyocks

Sweet kitten: most recent painted rock by Yvette Biedermann | Facebook | Instagram |

 

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.

More painted rocks for sale are HERE