Alena Hennessy

"Moody with a pop of happy." These words popped into my head when I first discovered the beautiful work of artist Alena Hennessy. I instantly connected with the lush, colorful worlds she creates in her paintings. Layers and layers of pigment, papers, and drawings create a mysterious depth that draws you in and delights you with a new discovery each time you look.

This past June I took a road trip to the Strawberry Patch Summer Market in Nashville, TN and was thrilled to feast my eyes on a collection of her paintings, prints, and handmade jewelry. Meeting Alena in person was a joy, and it was wonderful to discover that the creative force behind the artwork was just as warm and charming as her paintings! Two of my favorite paintings came home with me, and I'm so happy that I can enjoy them every day as I work in my home studio.

Alena shares her work and inspiration through her books including Cultivating Your Creative Life and The Painting Workbook. I'm planning to work my way through the 52 prompts in The Painting Workbook, and I am excited to begin this challenge to myself. Notice the Posca paint pens in the photo? I learned about these through one of Alena's workshops, and I am smitten with them!

Alena also teaches online workshops packed with inspiration and innovative techniques. I enjoyed her contributions to Life Book 2014, and I'm currently enrolled in Co-Lab, a collaborative workshop with the talented Susan Tuttle.

A new session of Alena's workshop, A Year of Painting, begins on January 21, 2015, and I can't wait for it to begin! She is generously hosting a giveaway of 5 spots in the course right now, and the winner will be announced on December 25th. I'm throwing my hat in the ring, and I hope you will too. I have a feeling it will be a magical experience!

To learn more about Alena you can visit these links:
http://www.alenahennessy.com
https://www.facebook.com/alenalovestopaint
http://instagram.com/alenahennessy
https://twitter.com/alenahennessy/
http://www.pinterest.com/alenahennessy/