Your Art Inspired by The Serious Side

   Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's photograph, The Serious Side

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

Deidre Townsend: Iffy

Oil on Canvas

For my first oil painting, I decided to paint a small painting for my step-sister, Judy, to thank her for my wonderful visit to her home. Sara's inspiration image made me think of Judy's dog, Iffy.  He seriously does not like to have his photo taken.

Julie Brandt: Even at Night...

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 10"

Instagram: @juliebrandtpaints

I submit my lilies in response to Sara's dramatic photo of her dog.  Her image made an impact on me because of the lighting she used.  I love the darker background, and I have wanted to try a painting on a black canvas. Voilà!

Helen Eaton: Mask Mandate

Oil on Canvas, 8"x 10"

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

Whether you're the thief or his lookout, you're probably wearing a mask... at least if you're a raccoon!

Sara's furry brown dog on black reminded me that these funny little raccoons have been waiting a long time for their turn to be put on canvas.

Nelvia McGrath: Charlie

Acrylic on Canvas Board, 11"x 14"

Instagram: @nelviamcgrath

While I really enjoy animals, I haven’t been painting many of them.  I really like the way the light fell on Charlie and made me think of this haiku:

Looking out at you 

with unconditional love 

in this one moment

Inspiration Image:  The Serious Side! by Sara Harley

Charlie is our Standard Schnauzer. Sometimes he shows his serious thinker side, and when I look at him I wonder what secrets he keeps. One morning, the light streamed through the kitchen window and cast him into sunshine and shadows, perfectly highlighting his thoughtful mood.

Your Art Inspired by Snip!

  Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's painting, Snip!

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

Darlene Awalt, A Card is Born

@dream.imagine.believe

Photographic Art

A Christmas card, my mom's ornament, bokeh from our Christmas tree, and a little snow… and a card is born.

   

Deidre Townsend: Remembering Butch

Oil on Canvas

In Snip! Helen writes of memories that come from a simple object. Loved ones are often remembered when we see a familiar item like a favorite cap they often wore.  Butch died way too young, but his memory is fresh in the minds of his family, especially when they see his favorite football team and his favorite cap. 

Jeanne King: Practice Makes Progress

Cut-paper Poster

Helen’s painting of scissors inspired me to try something new: creating a poster using cut-out lettering and shapes. “Practice makes progress” is one of my favorite axioms. I keep it in mind to remember that I have something to learn from every art piece I create. 

Lynn Hanousek: Scissors and String

Acrylic on 8x10 canvas panel

Facebook: LynnHanousekDesigns

After not having a haircut for over a year, Helen’s painting “Snip!” spoke to me. I desperately needed one but was sure that I was not to try this at home.  All those scissors I have around house could be put to better use. Subsequently, I got my hair cut by a professional and I created this painting. Thank you, Helen!

Sara Harley: A Stirring of Dreams

Photograph

Instagram: @saraharley.studio

I have never collected teaspoons but one day, when I was browsing through a local shop that fundraises for our hospital, I spotted a collection of them. Those mementos from other people's travels became something other than spoons for me. They became little dreams, each one a token of a place I'd like to travel to. I am a homebody and will likely never travel to far away places. But when I open my cupboard to pull out some tea, I see my small collection of spoons and have a chance to dream.

 

Nelvia McGrath: The Cut-ups

Handprinted Paper Collage

Instagram: @nelviamcgrath

Today’s journal page work was utilizing hand printed paper to make a collage.  I’m practicing collage this year as it helps with composition, color choices, abstraction, idea generation, and problem solving for paintings.  I’m trying to work intuitively and let the collage take on its own life and design.  I just love the blue/orange and how they pop off of each other.  Yeah, “octanic” color at its best.

Inspiration Image:  Snip! by Helen Eaton

I think there’s something quite magical about seeing normal, regular, everyday things represented in art.  That’s where the memories are… in the things that we see and use and live with. 

“There’s a long story behind that tube of pink lipstick.” 

“We both laugh whenever we see a fifty-cent piece.”  

“That worn frying pan makes me feel wistful but proud.”  

“He was never without his little black comb.” 

“She loved those buttons.”

An artist can use color, texture, and form to create a sense of wonder about the most common thing. 

Hmmm… I wonder… What’s the story behind those scissors?

March Inspiration - 2021

Hello there! If you love creativity, this is the site for you!

Below you'll see this month's two new inspiration images. Maybe one of them will give you an idea for something you'd like to create. All kinds of are are welcome! 

Crochet, Sculpture, Quilting, Embroidery, Watercolor, 

Drawing, Painting, Floral Arrangement, Photography, Collage... 

We look forward to seeing YOUR art! 

March Inspiration 1: The Serious Side by Sara Harley

Charlie is our Standard Schnauzer. Sometimes he shows his serious
thinker side, and when I look at him I wonder what secrets he keeps. One morning, the light streamed through the kitchen window and cast him into sunshine and shadows, perfectly highlighting his thoughtful mood.

 

March Inspiration 2: Snip! by Helen Eaton

I think there’s something quite magical about seeing normal, regular, everyday things represented in art.  That’s where the memories are… in the things that we see and use and live with. 

“There’s a long story behind that tube of pink lipstick.” 

“We both laugh whenever we see a fifty-cent piece.”  

“That worn frying pan makes me feel wistful but proud.”  

“He was never without his little black comb.” 

“She loved those buttons.”

An artist can use color, texture, and form to create a sense of wonder about the most common thing. 

Hmmm… I wonder… What’s the story behind those scissors?

Your Art Inspired by Pink Rose Trio

 Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's painting, Pink Rose Trio

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

Sandra Walker: Delia

Quilt, 42"x 54"

Blog: www.mmmquilts.com, Instagram: @mmmquilts

This quilt was inspired by both images, perhaps more so by Pink Rose Trio since the pink/green combination was more prominent. I had started the quilt in January, and had intended for it to take 3-4 months, working on one colour per month, using "strings" which are strips of leftover fabric. Well, it kind of consumed me, and I found I had 3/4 of the quilt done, the pink, black and grey, within a few weeks! I wasn't sure on the fourth colour, though my gut feeling was green, perhaps longing for spring in the coldest month of the winter.... When the images were posted, the thought to use green was sealed!

Darlene Awalt: The Fragrance of a Rose

Photographic Art

Instagram: @dream.imagine.believe

The fragrance of a rose
is like a musical note to my soul.

Sara Harley: Pink Tulip Trio

Photographic Art

www.saraharley.ca

Making my photographs look painterly is a technique I often use, which sometimes leads to controversy. Some photographers don’t consider it photography, and some artists think making painterly photographs is “cheating”. Good thing I create for myself!

As soon as I saw Helen’s pink roses, I knew I had an excuse to go buy myself some tulips to play with. Bringing some spring into my home is a boon for the spirit as we edge closer and closer to the end of winter.

Julie Brandt: Gentle Pink Peony

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

Oil on Canvas, Palette Knife & Brush

Spring is coming!

Deidre Townsend: Horses Joking Around

Acrylic on Canvas Board Using Palette Knife

What did the horse say when she fell? 
I’ve fallen and I can’t giddy-up!
Helen’s painting with palette knives is so amazing I had to go buy some and try a painting with them. I’ve been wanting to paint these horses. After seeing her February inspiration piece, I decided to paint them with a palette knife. It does take extra paint, but it is so much fun!  

AJ: Rosy Dress-Up Vest

Crochet

I made this rosy little vest for my daughters to use while playing dress up.

Inspiration Image:  Pink Rose Trio by Helen Eaton

There's something uncomfortable and unfamiliar about painting with palette knife, but (I think) I love it.  I use more paint, place it purposefully, then trust that the blobs of color will eventually take shape.  The finished product also fascinates me. I'm not satisfied just looking at it, I want to run my fingers across its textured surface.

When roses are pink, they’ll smell sweet, it’s true.

If painted with a knife, they’ll feel pretty too.

*I’m grateful to people like Ahuva Shweiki 

who make YouTube videos for teaching 

people like me how to use a palette knife.

Your Art Inspired by Friend for Tea

 Enjoy the art inspired by Sara's image, Friend for Tea

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

Deidre Townsend: Friendship Tray

I bought some stuff from a flea market to make a friendship area on my front porch.  Sara’s picture made me think of sharing lemonade with a friend; therefore, you need a tray.  I repurposed an old wood wall hanging into a colorful tray.  After serving drinks, you can sit, talk, and play chess. 

Jeanne King: A Cup of T

This assemblage is dedicated to a dear friend who has kept me laughing through challenging times and who always looks on the “punny” side of things. 

Lynn Hanousek: Soup for Two

Facebook: Lynn Hanousek Designs

Acrylic on Canvas, 6" x 8"

What could be more comforting on a cold February afternoon than a warm cup of butternut squash soup? During the long winter days made longer by pandemic living, I’ve learned to make a variety of soup and bread just to keep things interesting and break up the monotony. It has become such a welcomed part of life now, I hope I can continue this new venture once things return to normal, whatever “normal” is.

 

Helen Eaton: Sweet Iced Tea

https://wordweaverart.blogspot.com/

Oil on Canvas, 10"x 10"

Y'all can find all kinds of lists about living in The South. They may vary a little, but there's one thing that'll show up on every... single... list. Sweet Iced Tea.  And, it'll probably be number one on that list.

Unsweetened tea??? What??? No...  A cup of hot tea??? What??? No... 

Y'ain't havin' that! 

It's a strange thing when you realize that something that's such a normal part of life is only normal where you live!  It's like discovering you speak with an accent that you didn't even know you had!

Inspiration Image:  Friend for Tea by Sara Harley

Winter brings the longing for comforting things...a good book, a favourite drink, companionship and conversation with a friend.

February Inspiration - 2021

Welcome Art Friends!  We are glad you've stopped by!

This may be just the opportunity you've been looking for to motivate you to do art this month. Which of these two inspiration images spark your creativity? 

The diversity of art possibilities is endless: Crochet, Sculpture, Quilting, Embroidery, Watercolor, Drawing, Painting, Floral Arrangement, Photography, Collage... 

Join us by sharing YOUR artwork! 

February Inspiration 1: Pink Rose Trio by Helen Eaton

There's something uncomfortable and unfamiliar about painting with palette knife, but (I think) I love it.  I use more paint, place it purposefully, then trust that the blobs of color will eventually take shape.  The finished product also fascinates me. I'm not satisfied just looking at it, I want to run my fingers across its textured surface.

When roses are pink, they’ll smell sweet, it’s true.

If painted with a knife, they’ll feel pretty too.

*I’m grateful to people like Ahuva Shweiki 

who make YouTube videos for teaching 

people like me how to use a palette knife.

February  Inspiration 2: Friend for Tea by Sara Harley

Winter brings the longing for comforting things...a good book, a favourite drink, companionship and conversation with a friend.

Your Art Inspired by Blueberry Muffin

Enjoy the art inspired by Helen's painting, Blueberry Muffin

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

Lynn Hanousek: Chocolate Bar

Acrylic on canvas board, 4x6

FB: Lynn Hanousek Designs 

What do chocolate bars have to do with blueberry muffins? Not much except both need to be unwrapped to be eaten and both are yummy.

Sara Harley: Blueberry Love

photograph

saraharley.ca

I'm not a fan of muffins, but I do love blueberries and eat them almost every day. This simple photograph tries to convey my love in a playful story, although I usually like to use a spoon!

 

Deidre Townsend: Blueberry Ball

Yarn Crochet

I needed practice crocheting and Helen’s Blueberry Muffin reminded me I had this great blue yarn just itching to be turned into a blueberry. 

Inspiration Image:  Blueberry Muffin by Helen Eaton

Mmmmmmmm.....
It's hard to believe, but I never tasted a blueberry until I was an adult with kids of my own.  No need to feel bad for me; I make up for it now by making sure to load my muffins so full of them that it's just a gooey, yummy mess.