Your Art Inspired by Santa Nutcracker

  Enjoy the art inspired Helen's Painting, Santa Nutcracker.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Lynn Hanousek: Chrismacat

Facebook: Lynn Hanousek Designs

Acrylic on canvas, 4x4

It has become somewhat of a tradition for me to paint pictures of cats in Santa hats. This is one of my latest. In a year where we had to learn to do many things we’ve always done in a new way, it was comforting to be able to do something the same old way as usual.

 

Deidre Townsend: Ceramic Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus

Photograph

This ceramic Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus (that’s what we always called it) figure has been in my family at least 50 years. My maternal Aunt Evie stained and fired it before I was born and gave it to my mom to display at Christmas. I’m not entirely sure how old it is. I can’t remember a Christmas that this hasn’t had a place of honor, usually on an end table with angel hair spread out underneath it. After my father passed away, this was the main thing I wanted from my childhood home. I can’t imagine decorating Christmas without it. I have to reveal that I usually leave it out all year because I love it so much!

Deidre Townsend: Nutcracker Ornament

Acrylic on Glass Christmas Ball

I was running out of ideas for decorating Christmas ornaments. I received the December’s inspiration and voilà, more ideas popped into my head. 
Thanks Inspiration Collaboration!

 

Sara Harley: Santa

saraharley.ca

Photograph

One of my favourite things about the Christmas season is unpacking the decorations. I have a few things that are meaningful to me and I enjoy the memories they bring. My Santa is hand carved, but the special thing about him in my eyes is his wistful expression, almost as if he is wishing for a simpler time when the season was all about joy and friendship and love. I photographed him in front of a stained glass window I created several years ago.

Inspiration Image:  Santa Nutcracker by Helen Eaton

I have quite a few nutcrackers, but I love this particular guy the most.  He's kind of medium sized and not fancy at all, but every year he stands on the window sill right beside the fireplace.  That's his place of honor.

Do you have a special Christmas ornament or holiday decoration that has a certain place of honor on the tree, the mantle, or window sill? Is it special because of who made it, who gave it to you, where you were when you got it, or just because you like it?

Your Art Inspired by Winter Wonderland

Medium Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's photograph, Winter Wonderland.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Nelvia McGrath: Winter Wonderland

Instagram: @nelviamcgrath

Mixed Media, 10”x10”, repainted new image over old one, primarily acrylic with pops of pastel and color pencil

A cardinal is perfect for this time as year.  Not only are they beautiful but are believed to be visitors from heaven.  Many believe cardinals appear when loved ones/angels are near, reminding us of departed family members and bring heaven-sent messages of love.  Ending this difficult year, we all need a little extra love and a true pop of color to brighten these dark winter long days.  We have a pair of cardinals who visit our feeder and appear like clockwork right at dusk before they roost for the evening.  
Wishing all a wonderful holiday season.

Helen Eaton: Autumn Buck & Doe

Blog: wordweaverart.com

Oil on Canvas, 6"x 8"

When we go for walks down our road, we're greeted by our forest friends. They stop what they're doing and stare at us until one of them gives the signal (that sounds like a sneeze).  Then up go their tails and away they go into the trees.

We see them every single day, so they know us. That doesn't mean they trust us.  That's okay.  They need to be wary of people. We love them anyway.

Inspiration Image:  Winter Wonderland by Sara Harley

My winter wonderland is a silent world with a dusting of snow. If I'm lucky I'll spot some woodland friends, their beauty and grace filling my heart with peace.

Your Art Inspired by Peppermint

Medium Enjoy the art inspired Helen's Painting, Peppermint.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Sara Harley: Wrapped in the Season

saraharley.ca

Photograph

Something red and white with a twist...our Christmas tree lights! Taken in the evening with the house lights turned off and a slow shutter speed on my camera, I was able to "paint with light" and create this double exposure. A figure eight twist in ode to Helen's peppermint candy wrapping, overlaid with a heart to show my love of the season.

Sheila Strickland: Merry Christmas

Web page: https://welcomehomeretreat.com/

Scrapbook, 12"x 12"

COVID 19 made this year of 2020 a stay-home-stay-safe mess, but the sweet result of enjoying being together is a benefit we will remember. 

Inspiration Image:  Peppermint by Helen Eaton

Every season has its flavor, and peppermint belongs to December.
'Tis the season!

 

Your Art Inspired by Home for the Holidays

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's image, Home for the Holidays.

(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Helen Eaton: Revisiting Christmas Past

Blog: https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 10"

This chimney sits along the road near my brother’s house. It sits there in a little field all alone, but it's not lonely. I imagine what this old chimney has seen. I imagine it kept a family's cabin warm for years and years. I imagine the farmer who stacked the logs and built the fire. I imagine his wife who poked the logs and kept the fire going. I imagine the children doing homework in front of it. I imagine a cat curled up on the hearth. I imagine stockings hanging from the mantle year after year. 
I imagine... 

Inspiration Image:  Home for the Holidays by Sara Harley

This holiday season will be very different than any of our memories, and we may not get home for the holidays. But the magic will still be there if we open our hearts and minds.

December Inspiration

There's a thought, a story, or a memory behind each Inspiration Image.  They are each chosen with the hopes that one of them will give you an idea of your own.  It's a pleasure each month to watch the diverse pieces of art that you create and add to Inspiration Collaboration.  You've come up with art in your photography, oil painting, wood burning, crochet, acrylic, collage, jewelry, pen and ink, colored pencil, floral arrangement, quilting, scrapbook pages, poetry, watercolor... 

Click HERE for instructions on how to submit your work.

We can't wait to see what YOU create this month. Whether this will be your tenth or your first time to add to our collection of art, we welcome you.

December Inspiration 1:  Peppermint by Helen Eaton

Every season has its flavor, and peppermint belongs to December.
'Tis the season!

 

December Inspiration 2: Home for the Holidays by Sara Harley

This holiday season will be very different than any of our memories, and we may not get home for the holidays. But the magic will still be there if we open our hearts and minds.

December Inspiration 3:Santa Nutcracker by Helen Eaton

I have quite a few nutcrackers, but I love this particular guy the most.  He's kind of medium sized and not fancy at all, but every year he stands on the window sill right beside the fireplace.  That's his place of honor.

Do you have a special Christmas ornament or holiday decoration that has a certain place of honor on the tree, the mantle, or window sill? Is it special because of who made it, who gave it to you, where you were when you got it, or just because you like it?

December Inspiration 4: Winter Wonderland  by Sara Harley

My winter wonderland is a silent world with a dusting of snow. If I'm lucky I'll spot some woodland friends, their beauty and grace filling my heart with peace.

 

Your Art Inspired by Red Barn & Wishing Well

   Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's Painting, Red Barn & Wishing Well

(The inspiration image is at the bottom of this post..)

Julie Brandt: Autumn Grey

https://www.etsy.com/shop/JujuBeePaints

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 8"

I wanted to submit Autumn Grey because I was experimenting with greys and autumn colors like are in Helen's Red Barn & Wishing Well.

Sara Harley: Red Boathouse & Pond

saraharley.ca

Photograph

I pass by this property once or twice each year, and almost always stop to photograph it. This boathouse sits at the edge of a small pond which is big enough for a rowboat or canoe. There is a small acreage with a bright yellow house and red barn and outbuildings. I often wonder who lives there. I wonder if the boathouse is an artist retreat, or perhaps just a get away from the house place. I would love to sit on that porch and look out over the pond in quiet contemplation.

Inspiration Image:  Red Barn & Wishing Well by Helen Eaton

Can an image be poetic? 
My students and I used to use "I wonder..." statements when reading a poem. 
I wonder who owned this barn...
I wonder who dug the well...
I wonder if animals still live here...
I wonder why they painted it red...
I wonder if the water from the well tastes fresh...
I wonder if there is hay in the loft...
I wonder why there is no farm equipment...
I wonder if there's a musty hay-like smell...
I wonder if they had cows... or sheep... or goats... or a donkey...
I wonder if anyone still uses this barn...
I wonder…

Your Art Inspired by 5 + 1

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's Photograph, 5 + 1

(The inspiration image is at the bottom of this post..)

Lynn Hanousek: 5+1+1

Facebook: Lynn Hanousek Designs
Acrylic on Canvas, 5x7

Many of my recent paintings belong to a series entitled “Black Cats and Birds.” When I saw Sara’s 5+1, I chuckled and said to myself, “All it needs is a cat.” So, here it is: 5+1+1.

Nelvia McGrath: Rebirth

Blog:artaccentsbynelvia@gmail.com
Art Journal Page, 8.5 x 11  

Just a couple pieces of drafting tape, a piece of gelli print and a gold leaf butterfly 

I happen to also like minimalism, but rarely practice it.   I guess my motto is “Too much is never enough.”  I had made some gold leafed butterflies for a picture and didn’t end up using them.  So, I decided to keep with my Oriental theme in my new journal project and made Rebirth in a minimal approach.  The butterfly is very symbolic in Japanese culture and signifies metamorphosis and transformation.  It also is a symbol of good luck, prosperity, and for all of us I wish good health.

Helen Eaton: Beethoven's Fifth

Blog: https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 10"x 20"

Sara and I were careful to avoid the word “challenge” as we created Inspiration Collaboration. We didn’t want to give a tone it being work or that participating would be hard. That said, getting my first look (a few days early) of Sara’s 5 + 1 felt like a really big challenge. Here’s my train of thought. What? No way. Ok. I can do this. It’s bold yet beautiful, has power within simplicity...  Five black parallel lines that continue on and a dot/bird.  Sometimes the art fairy shows up like a tinkling of bells and sometimes… 

BaBaBa Baaaaaaaaaaaamph! 

                          BaBaBa Baaaaaaaaaaaaamph!

Inspiration Image:  5 + 1 by Sara Harley

Some people appreciate minimalism, some don’t.
I love the graphic elements of a minimalist image.

Your Art Inspired by A Pop of Colour

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's Photograph, A Pop of Colour
(The inspiration image is at the bottom of this post..)

Julie Brandt: Fall Leaving

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JujuBeePaints

Oil on Canvas

 In the cathedral of winter branches, this lone lovely dogwood leaf shimmied in the cold.  A vision that reminds me of George Dombek’s stained glass window with a solitary cardinal on a limb.  

Deidre Townsend: Color of Spring

Acrylic on Canvas

Sara talks about how color can bring us joy. I love color! My son and his girlfriend brought me a bouquet of flowers the other day, and they just made me so happy. I like vivid colors. I usually buy clothes to wear with lots of color because of this. I wanted the joy I found from the color of the flowers to last forever. Painting them allows me to do just that. 

Helen Eaton: A Sprinkle of Color

Blog: https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 6"x 8"

We face a very important choice before we dip... What flavor?

We face another decision after we dip... What will we sprinkle (or pour) on top?

Me? It's cake batter ice cream with almonds and Heath bar sprinkles... or maybe French vanilla with almonds and raspberries... or maybe soft serve vanilla with caramel and Snickers pieces...

What do you choose?

Sheila Strickland: Enjoying My Backyard

Website: https://welcomehomeretreat.com/

Photography

The empty birdbath nestled in the beauty berries makes a nice table for morning tea.  It’s a lovely way to begin the day.

Inspiration Image:  A Pop of Colour  by Sara Harley

November in Nova Scotia is typically grey and dreary, sometimes downright dismal. The pop of bright red crabapples is an unexpected and cheery sight on a rainy day. Isn't it interesting how a simple colour can bring us joy? 

Your Art Inspired by Peacock

  Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's Painting, Peacock

(The inspiration image is at the bottom of this post..)

Sara Harley: Guinea Feathers

saraharley.ca

Photograph

 

I'm not sure how instantly recognizable guinea feathers are to anyone who doesn't live in the country, but they are striking nonetheless. Guineas are not as flamboyant as peacocks, but just as noisy and they do know how to strut their stuff. I used to keep guineas when we lived in the country, and I miss them. Chance had me visiting a country home last weekend. I visited with the guineas, and found these feathers on the ground....souvenirs of country living.

 

Sheila Strickland: Beauties

Website: https://welcomehomeretreat.com/

Scrapbook Page, 12"x 12"

I was inspired to finally use a beautiful piece of cardstock that I had been saving for something special.  Beauty seems to be generational and deserves to be celebrated.  The peacock celebrates his own beauty.

AJ: Peacock Purse

Crochet using Wool

I designed a peacock pattern and made a purse for my daughter using some scrap pastel colored yarn.  Then I made an tablet case for my mom.  I lined the inside of it with scraps from my grandma's (her mother's) fabric stash that I'd inherited.  I was able to make this pattern using tapestry crochet.

Inspiration Image:  Peacock  by Helen Eaton

I’ve been thinking about all the amazing patterns in nature. There’s instant recognition even if we see just a small part of the whole. We know the hexagons of a honeycomb, the swirl of a seashell, the spots on a leopard, the zig-zag of a lightning bolt, the stripes on a zebra, the rings of a tree stump, the scales of a fish, the orb of a spider web, the diamonds on a pineapple skin, and the eye-shaped design on the feathers of a peacock.

November Inspiration Images

There's a thought, a story, or a memory behind each Inspiration Image.  They are each chosen with the hopes that one of them will give you an idea of your own.  It's a pleasure each month to watch the diverse pieces of art that you create and add to Inspiration Collaboration.  You're come up with art in your photography, oil painting, wood burning, crochet, acrylic, collage, jewelry, pen and ink, colored pencil, floral arrangement, quilting, scrapbook pages, poetry, watercolor... 

Click HERE for instructions on how to submit your work.

We can't wait to see what YOU create this month. Whether this will be your tenth or your first time to add to our collection of art, we welcome you.

November Inspiration 1: Peacock by Helen Eaton

I’ve been thinking about all the amazing patterns in nature. There’s instant recognition even if we see just a small part of the whole. We know the hexagons of a honeycomb, the swirl of a seashell, the spots on a leopard, the zig-zag of a lightning bolt, the stripes on a zebra, the rings of a tree stump, the scales of a fish, the orb of a spider web, the diamonds on a pineapple skin, and the eye-shaped design on the feathers of a peacock.

November Inspiration 2: A Pop of Colour by Sara Harley

November in Nova Scotia is typically grey and dreary, sometimes downright dismal. The pop of bright red crabapples is an unexpected and cheery sight on a rainy day. Isn't it interesting how a simple colour can bring us joy?

October Inspiration 3: Red Barn & Wishing Well by Helen Eaton

Can an image be poetic? 

My students and I used to use "I wonder..." statements when reading a poem. 

I wonder who owned this barn...

I wonder who dug the well...

I wonder if animals still live here...

I wonder why they painted it red...

I wonder if the water from the well tastes fresh...

I wonder if there is hay in the loft...

I wonder why there is no farm equipment...

I wonder if there's a musty hay-like smell...

I wonder if they had cows... or sheep... or goats... or a donkey...

I wonder if anyone still uses this barn...

I wonder…

October Inspiration 4: 5 + 1  by Sara Harley

Some people appreciate minimalism, some don’t.
I love the graphic elements of a minimalist image.

Your Art Inspired by Storm Approaching

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's Photograph, Storm Approaching

(The inspiration image is at the bottom of this post..)

Julie Brandt: Spring Fog

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/JujuBeePaints

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 8"

Spring fog quiets now
Dogwood hidden in mist
Nestling tender blooms

Both Sara's photo and Helen's painting of clouds urged me to take action on painting the foggy morning.

Helen Eaton: Under the Billowing Clouds

Website: https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 9"x 12"

Clouds really are the artwork of the sky.  They add color, texture, interest, and mood to an otherwise plain blue canvas.

Inspiration Image:  Storm Approaching  by Sara Harley

Clouds fascinate me. One evening this summer, I stood outside
with my camera as a storm approached. Thunder in the distance,
the wind was blowing the clouds in a fast moving kaleidoscope.
I was happy capturing a series of abstracts created by Mother Nature.