November 2021 - Inspiration Images

There's a thought, a story, or a memory behind each Inspiration Image.  They are 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.  Any art medium is welcome to be a part.

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: Poppy by Sara Harley

As far back as I can remember, poppies have been one of my favourite flowers. It always stops me in my tracks to see a swath of them in a flower garden, and I think it would be marvelous to see a field of them. Of course, at this time of year they are a symbol of sacrifice, lest we forget.

November Inspiration 2: Little Treasure by Helen Eaton

What kinds of hats do you wear? Either metaphorically (grandma, artist, cook, gardener) or actually on your head (toboggan to keep you warm, wide brimmed to shield your face from sun, baseball cap to keep your hair up)?
I once said to my sister who wears hats beautifully, “I wish I had whatever it takes to be able to wear a hat.”  She replied, “All it takes it to put one on your head.”
Thanks Rebecca Marinoni for capturing this image with her camera and allowing me paint it.

Your Art Inspired by Fixer Upper with a View

   Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's photograph, Fixer Upper with a View.

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

Jeanne King: A Dream Come True

Paper Collage on China Saucer

Yes, Sara, we all have our dreams, and  my dream was  to submit an entry to Inspiration Collaboration every month this year. With this little collage, I’ve done it! Another dream this project fulfilled, one that is ongoing, is to work harder to make my creative ideas come to life. I’ve had this hand-painted saucer for years, and finally did something with it. Thanks for the creative nudge you two have given to all of us!

Julie Brandt: Dad's Peaceful Place

Oil on Canvas

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

The moonrise from the deck of the family cabin represents my family's love of Lake Bloomington and this little cabin that nestles into the evergreens.  My mom and dad bought this funky cabin in the 70s. They added on to the small space and fixed it up so the growing family could come up and enjoy the lake. My brother and his wife have continued to update and adorn this peaceful spot.  

Helen Eaton: The Merry House

Brick & Wood, 1791 Sq. Ft.

https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Yep, we have a fixer upper.
Nope, it was never our dream, but we just bought the house next door.
Yeah, it's hard work!
No, we don't know what we're doing; luckily my brother does.
Yes, we're having fun with it.
No, it's nowhere near finished.
We simply walk out our front door and cross the yard, apologize to the deer who've been resting in the strip of woods between the houses, and enter the yard of our fall project. 
For 45 years it was Mary's house. Now we call it The Merry House.

Inspiration Image: Fixer Upper with a View by Sara Harley

I’ve had many dreams throughout my life. One that just won’t go away is the dream of buying a century old fixer upper home, and  bringing it back to life. A home full of  character, perhaps with a water view, situated on a piece of land surrounded by huge trees. Maybe you love old homes too...or maybe you have your own dreams.

 

Your Art Inspired by Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger, & Butterscotch

Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's painting, Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger, Butterscotch.
(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Sara Harley: Buttercup and Butternut

photograph

@saraharley.studio

When I first saw Helen’s inspiration painting, I imagined all the possibilities of candy I could eat (I mean photograph!). Maybe it’s the time of year, with all the local harvests...or maybe it’s just that I’ve been craving vegetables lately...but when I saw these squash at a local market, I knew this would be my response.

 

 Inspiration Image: Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger, & Butterscotch by Helen Eaton

Well, just yum, yum, and yum! Right?! Yes, of course I ate the missing half of the Reese's.  And, I not only ate the bite from the Butterfinger, I had to do it twice because the first bite wasn't pretty enough for the painting. A very enjoyable part of the painting process, I'd say.

October 2021 Inspiration Images

Take a moment to look at and read about each of the Inspiration Images for this month.  Does one of them strike a chord for you, give you an idea, make you think? We've learned to expect the unexpected with your submissions. You can paint, crochet, design, draw, weave, carve, scrapbook, photograph, write poetry...

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.

August Inspiration 1: Peanut Butter Cup, Butterfinger, Butterscotch by Helen Eaton

Well, just yum, yum, and yum! Right?! Yes, of course I ate the missing half of the Reese's.  And, I not only ate the bite from the Butterfinger, I had to do it twice because the first bite wasn't pretty enough for the painting. A very enjoyable part of the painting process, I'd say.

 

August Inspiration 2: Fixer Upper with a View by Sara Harley

I’ve had many dreams throughout my life. One that just won’t go away is the dream of buying
a century old fixer upper home, and  bringing it back to life. A home full of  character, perhaps
with a water view, situated on a piece of land surrounded by huge trees. Maybe you love old homes too...or maybe you have your own dreams.

 

Your Art Inspired by The Road + The Wind = The Ride

  Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's painting, The Road + The Wind = The Ride.
(The Inspiration Image is at the bottom of this post.)

Sara Harley: Parking Lot + Waiting = The Photo

photograph

@saraharley.studio

Earlier this year, I took a photograph while sitting in the car waiting for my husband to return from an appointment. (Covid-19 restrictions meant I could not accompany him). A spur of the moment attempt to amuse myself turned into a mini project...every time I am sitting in the car, I try to find something of interest to photograph.  It surprises me how many stories I have discovered!

The Road + The Wind = The Ride by Helen Eaton

"It's not the destination. It's the journey." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's easy to miss wonderful surprises if I don't make a point to notice as I walk, ride, or drive.  The changing leaf color as we pull into our driveway... The fawn and doe as we walk down our dirt road... The hawk perched on the highway marker as we travel down the interstate...
I want to be intentional about noticing what's along the way.

 

Your Art Inspired by Preserving Summer

   Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's photograph, Preserving Summer.

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

Jeanne King: Grid

Photograph

I struggled with the September inspiration. Then it came to me out of the blue! I use a craft box for mixing paints and after finishing a project, I was washing it out when I noticed what a lovely grid the sections filled with watery, soapy paint created. So I guess I was inspired by Sara’s photograph but mostly I was inspired by a serendipitous observation!

Helen Eaton: Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine

Oil on Canvas, 6"x 6"

Instagram @helenpowelleaton

Another summer is giving its best.  Hopeful blooms turn into vegetables to be harvested. These little cherry tomatoes hold all the joy and color of the season of sun.

Preserving Summer by Sara Harley

Another season is coming to a close. Glorious blooms are fading and vegetables are being harvested. These bottled memories preserve the joyous colours of the season of sunshine.

September 2021 - Inspiration Images

A couple of Inspiration Images are here!  Which one makes you want to create something of your own? The unique thing about Inspiration Collaboration is that there is no way to predict how what direction YOUR mind will take.  The possibilities are endless. Paint, yarn, glass, stone, pen, paper, words, fabric, photography... and more!

Click HERE for instructions on how to submit your work.

So much beautiful and creative art has come from this community of artists. It's a pleasure to see each new work that YOU add to the growing collection of Inspiration Collaboration 2021.  If you haven't contributed before, maybe this is the month that you will! 

September Inspiration 1: Preserving Summer by Sara Harley

Another season is coming to a close. Glorious blooms are fading and vegetables are being harvested. These bottled memories preserve the joyous colours of the season of sunshine.

September Inspiration 2: The Road + The Wind = The Ride by Helen Eaton

"It's not the destination. It's the journey." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's easy to miss wonderful surprises if I don't make a point to notice as I walk, ride, or drive.  The changing leaf color as we pull into our driveway... The fawn and doe as we walk down our dirt road... The hawk perched on the highway marker as we travel down the interstate...
I want to be intentional about noticing what's along the way.