Fairie Queen

Today I have spent most of my spare time creating this image. (After cleaning 2 bathrooms and vaccuuming the floors in my house. It still needs work, but I just wanted to post this version. I have been studying the artwork of Trina Schart Hyman. She did some amazing art for children's picture books during her career. I love the amount of detail that she brings to each of her subjects.
This may need more color, I haven't decided yet. Her proportions may be off a bit too.

When we come back from our trip to New Mexico, I may try something different either using her or another image.

My latest efforts

Here is my latest sketch of Marmalade. I finished this picture in my last art class on Tuesday. I cannot get over how different she is from my first efforts earlier this year. I'll just keep working at improving my art. It's such a great journey, full of surprises. I have another illustration (below) ready with more color.

Now I have to work on consistency so that she looks the same from one image to another.

IF Subtract

As the gentle breeze came along, the puffy seeds subtracted themselves from the flower head.

Otters

My Otter

This is a painting of my otter. I drew this from another source. I really wished I had used my dream image, but this is how I painted him/her.

As I mentioned, in my dream the otter was in a container. It was also much darker and very wet.

But I was excited to post an image of my dream to correspond with the last post. Maybe I'll be able to do another painting later after I get back from Boston today.

Dreams

Creative Every Day blog has provided a dream theme for March. In choosing to follow this blog, I really concentrated on remembering my dreams. Sometimes, all right most times, I forget my dreams. Suddenly, one morning, I had an unusual dream. I had found a container of water in a room. The room was cluttered with many objects. When I lifted the container, inside I saw what I thought was a large snake. It appeared to be dead. As I observed it for a few moments, it began to move. It was not a snake at all, but rather a furry creature. Itr lifted it's head and looked at me. Then it began to look around the room. A pet of mine in the room began to whimper. After a bit, the creature turned into a dark-haired boy. Later in the day, I mulled over the dream. I wanted to remember every detail in it. While I was looking at a picture book of mamals, I found a picture of a river otter. The head and body of the otter really reminded me of my dream creature.

A good friend of mine listened to my story. She explained that what I thought was dead, maybe a fear or hidden thought, was really sleeping and was now awakening. She found a reference in a book about animal totems, Animal Speaks, and sent me the info in an email.

The Otter: joy, playfulness, and sharing
Cycle of power: spring and summer

Otters awaken curiosity. They remind us that everything is interesting if we look at it from the right angle. They are playful and seem to have fun at what they are doing. Otters always have their homes close to the water. They usually have a large home territory around and in the water, and they usually mark their homes with a scent. Otters remind us to keep the inner child alive or to give birth to it. They remind us that life can be fun if we approach it with the right attitude. Otters are seldom seen alone. The adult otter has practically no natural enemies. They protect their young very well. They are agile and fast in the water, with the ability to out swim fish. Sometimes otters show up to help awaken the primal mothering energies and responsibilities. It can indicate a need to set up your boundaries within the home and define your feminine role.
If otter has surfaced in your life, it may be time to find some play time. Involve yourself in some creative activity. Do you need to awaken your inner child. Treat yourself to something special.

This has really intrigued and excited me. In many ways, the otter seems to reflect me and my thoughts, feelings and actions. I created a sketch and a watercolor painting of an otter.

Changes

They say, change is a good thing. Since I was in the mood and had finally uploaded some of my more recent pictures from my camera, I changed my profile picture. Then I had to revise my profile because my kindergarten picture is gone from view.

I wish I could get a better shot of myself. I'll work on it.

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

Secret # 6 Conquering Saboteurs


When I think of a saboteur, the word brings to mind several meanings. To sabotage work is to interrupt it or damage it in some way. A saboteur disrupts or harms work and efforts. At first I thought of all of the inner critics we all have as we create art, writing, music, dance, any attempt at expression. But, I have come to the conclusion that an even greater saboteur is time. Time is so valuable and yet, it can be absorbed so easily.


Today, instead of working on my illustrations for my picture book, I decided to create an image of how time pulls in many directions. When I tried to upload it to this post, blogger was unable to complete the task. Now, this is not a work of art. It is a cartoon of sorts but it is giving me grief! My time is so valuable to me and I resent the fact that I can't put my illustration on. I will try again, right now.

Here it is in all it's messiness. Trust me, it looked better before I scanned it
I think I'm better off photographing it. Next time I will. The scanner is not working as well as I expected.

An Award!

Alberta from Amusing Muses has given an award and I was a recipient! I am so honored and thrilled. Thank you , Alberta. You are a real phenominal woman.

12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women

MAGIC

I believe in magic. Not just the ordinary sleight of hand, but the kind of magic that emerges when my energy is moved. The first time I realized that I could create magic was a few years ago in my classroom. I found that the kids were wrapped up in our collective magic. They never wanted to leave (for the most part). This was powerful to me and I have reflected on it every chance I get.

This magic flows for me whenever I work. The flow grows and expands as I move my energy in creative persuits. Since I have been developing my art, my energy is expanding. When an element is added, magic grows. In many ways, it's like cultivating a garden. The magic of bright orange coupled with purple infuses energy into this photo.

Energy emerges permeating the composition with color. I can equate the art that I'm producing to this color composition. When I observe these combinations, I feel a sense of wonder and beauty. There is so much joy in these colors.
If this post is off topic, I am sorry. This is where my insight brought me.
I have been working on a picture book submission. I applied for a grant and now I'm researching publishers for my story and illustrations. These are some goals that I have for my art. With sheer effort and a little MAGIC, I'll move ahead.

My Photo Journal

I have just started a photo journal to store some of my photography. The URL is: http://janetsphotojournal7.shutterfly.com/ This is a lot of fun to use, and I hope to build it over the next few weeks to chronicle my adventures and dreams. I have been sitting at the computer for too long right now, so I'm going to get up and shovel some of the snow that fell overnight. It doesn't look like much, but it'll be nice to get outside for a bit.

I added a couple of pictures so this post wouldn't look so dull. These are from the cruise we took in November.

My Muse Is Missing

I have chosen to use this title because I am so frustrated right now. I'm not sure whether it's the time of year, and she's just sleeping for a while, or if the problem is that I have a block and I'm not hearing her clearly.

For quite a bit of time, I have been searching for answers, doing a variety of activities to open up my charkra (Nia dance, Yoga, Vision Boards, Meditation, Art Classes, Photography, Reading, Sewing, etc.) just to name a few of them. In spite of my whole-hearted participation, my Muse remains secluded.

A friend recently told me to pay attention to my dreams and keep a dream journal. Last night, I think one of my dreams was about collecting bugs. Some people were creating art in the background, while I was collecting a variety of bugs. This will be a record of that particular dream...Hmmm.

This morning, I received the news that a member of my family needs financial assitance. I want so much to be able to help, but I need to find a way without impacting my family's budget. It seems that everything is so fragile these days. I would love to have a product that I can devote to help out. Sometimes, I hear those talk shows that reference the spirit of generousity and giving and how these things enrich you in numerous ways. It all sounds so wonderful, but where does one find the resources? Everything I think of for a product whether it's art, or services the idea is being explored in some way, or it requires certification. I want to think of something practical so buyers will want to purchase one or some of it. Especially given that the economy is so depressed.

Where is my Muse in all of this? I'm posting this on my blog and sending it out to the universe in the hope that she will come and help me out with some inspiration.