2011.039 "Ripples in a Sunset Current"

I love summer! It's probably why I have stayed in Kansas as long as I have. Sure, along about August it's hotter than...well...it's hot. Still, I would take a week of 100+ temps over negative wind chills anytime.

It's been so cold and more snow is on the way and that, in the words of my youngest son TJ, makes my sad!

This morning I had summertime, camping at a lake and big orange sunsets on my mind as I started working on today's piece.

Ripples in a Sunset Current - 12x12 digipaint

~ Lisa

Here's a link to a great song to go with today's piece...Summertime sung by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald: Summertime

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.031 "You Move Me"

It's been 30 days! I am so excited that my heart is not only still in this but that every day I look forward to seeing what wants to come out and play.

I have been studying some digital painting techniques and learning, learning, learning. Let me tell you, this is every bit as challenging as painting with a physical brush and canvas and I think the process quite similar. The more you practice, the better you become.

The events of this week and the subsequent emotions that have been brought out have been such a wonderful, albeit painful, experience. In the wake of my burst heart I have found new insight and great peace.

So in honor of this being the 30th day and the new things I have learned in skill and in spirit I am proud to share today's piece, "You Move Me".

You Move Me - 12x12 digipaint

When I realized what the name of this piece was supposed to be I was immediately reminded of a beautiful song of the same name. The artist is Susan Ashton and I found the mp3 on Amazon, in case you're interested in hearing and downloading this lovely song:  You Move Me (A Distant Call Album Verison)


Blessings and Peace as you start a new week!

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.028 "The Surprise Inside"

Have you ever cut an apple through the middle, seperated the shell of a sand dollar or picked up a dried pod that once contained life-giving seeds? I notice these little things all the time and they are so inspiring.

To think that God cares enough to make something that is easily overlooked so intricate and beautiful and that same being cares for me...well that's pretty awesome.

This a photo of one of my favorite seed pods and the source of inspiration for today's blog piece.





I have often used these pods in decorating everything from a fall table to a brown paper wrapped gift. Aren't they gorgeous?

Today's blog piece is called "The Surprise Inside". Though inspired by nature it also reminds me of the stunning beauty that lies inside human beings. So I have a challenge for you, my kind friends, and a question.

The Surprise Inside - 12x12 compound digipaint





The challenge: Every day next week observe the people around you. Take in who they are and try to see something you haven't seen before. You will be surprised and probably spark some new friendships.

The question: What is your favorite thing in nature that has a hidden inner beauty?

Namaste and blessings to you.

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell

You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart



2011.027 "Calm Sands"

Back to hand drawn brush strokes, swirls and soothing colors. Today has been a very busy but very peaceful day. I don't have much to say, dear friends.

Grab someone you love and hug them tight. Don't forget to laugh at yourself and take a moment from time to time for a deep breath and a prayer.

Calm Sands - 12x12 digipaint

Peace to you.
~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.025 "The Beauty Inside"

Real beauty is on the inside. Isn't that what we've always been told? I wonder how many of you, my dear friends, have been judged not by the beauty that lies inside you but by what is seen from the outside?

This evening I joined my son in a meeting of an anti-bullying group at his middle school. The objective is to keep our kids safe from bullying, dating violence and dangerous relationships - even friendships. When first he told me of this group I immediately felt negative about him participating. It felt like someones social agenda being pushed and yet another push for total equality and tolerance. Please don't misunderstand me. I believe in peace between people of all colors, creeds, and persuasions. What I don't believe in is some out of touch group of policy-makers forcing their agenda in the name of such things. I believe simply in the golden rule and that we should all live by the wisdom it offers.

Treat others as you want to be treated.

After some time and hearing the positive messages of this group my mind was changed. I believe they are truly attempting to make a difference and I applaud their efforts.

This evening as I sat in that meeting I realized that maybe it wasn't so much me bristling up at the idea of a secret social agenda but rather old feelings from when I was myself a victim of cruel bullying as a junior high and high school student. I was shy, geeky, in band and orchestra and on the debate team. I was a softball player and a swimmer and well liked by all of my teachers. I was always on the honor roll and never went to parties. I listened to new wave and punk music and dressed like a character from the movie Pretty in Pink. I wasn't popular and I wasn't a cheerleader. Ok I was a cheerleader for half a year as a junior because I thought maybe it would make a difference in how my peers treated me but was even picked on at that level by other cheerleaders who didn't think I belonged in their group until I quit the squad.

Today's blog piece is reflective of my feelings about being bullied and overlooked because I didn't quite fit in. It's pale and flat on the outside. Not ugly, just not flashy or brilliantly beautiful. It's simple. As you look deeper and deeper into the center you see the true beauty that lies within.

The Beauty Inside - 12x12 compound digipaint

Don't overlook or mistreat people because they may not fit your idea of beautiful. Live by the golden rule. Teach your children to live by its wisdom. Say hello to strangers and don't be afraid to greet the world with a smile. You never know what beauty may be lying just below the surface of each face you greet.

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.023 "One Shining Example"

This morning on facebook I posed this question to my friends:

"I've heard it takes only one strong, consistent positive influence in a young person's life to make all the difference. Do you think that's true?"

We've all heard stories of the special teacher who stayed after school to mentor a struggling student or the family friend who is always there when things seem to get rocky. I know in my own younger life there were several of these special people. When I faced dark, confusing and chaotic times they were there. Sometimes they helped me understand what was going on but sometimes it was as simple as a warm hug or a sympathetic ear.

These people stand as shining examples of love and strength. They have a way of drawing you in and helping you find a way to see through even the darkest of times.

Yesterday I was challenged to allow myself to be more transparent and allow my experiences and emotions show in more of my creations. This could take a while, friends, but I am going to try to rise to your challenge. Today's blog piece took longer than any other so far to put together. I was thinking about the beautiful, warm, strong, compassionate friends I have encountered in my life. I was thinking about how they have helped to draw me out. So the brightly colored field and shapes are representative of those people. The swirls on the side represent me - full of doubt, fear and despair - looking in on them and being subtly influenced by their positive warmth. It's called "One Shining Example".

One Shining Example - 12x12 digipaint

Please share a story of someone who has influenced you in a positive way in the comments.

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.022 "The Moonlight Battle of the Mean Reds and the Happy Yellows"

Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?

I've had at least three days this week where the mean reds have tried to beat me down. Maybe it's the cold, grey weather or maybe it's something else entirely. Whatever it is I find it enormously irritating because  by nature I'm more of a happy yellow kind of girl. Needless to say this has been a less than attractive week as a whole and I'm certainly glad it is near its end.

Today's blog piece is also less than attractive. Ha ha. It's most decidedly a strong departure from the fluffly fun pink and orange fractals and digipaints I've come up with recently. This one is about war. Call it whatever you like - good vs evil, light vs dark - it's all the same fight. Sometimes we win and it's a bright, sunny, happy optimistic day. Sometimes we lose and it's nothing but the pits, baby.

In the end what matters most is our ability to hold off the mean reds and stand with our bright smiles and shiny faces proclaiming victory for such forces of good as The Silver Lining and Sunny Side Up. OOO-RAH!

The Moonlight Battle of the Mean Reds and the Happy Yellows - 12x12 fractal


If the cynicism of this posting has your head swimming I do offer my most sincere apologies. You are certainly welcome to refer to this piece as simply "Ketchup vs Mustard".

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/ If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

If you've never seen Breakfast at Tiffany's you should. You can get a copy from Amazon here: Breakfast At Tiffany's - Paramount Centennial Collection (Mastered in High Definition)

2011.021 "Triptowheel"

This is my 20th post. How awesome! I'm the kind of person who loves celebrating milestones. It doesn't matter if it's small or insignificant to anyone else - I'm going to celebrate anyway! Graduation from 5th grade? Party! Big job interview? WOOHOO! 20 days of posting fun digital artwork? Bring on the cake and streamers!  Anyway, you get the point.

For today's blog piece I started with another hypotrochoid then decided to give it my signature swirling paint effect. Seriously I think someone should name this effect after me since I adore it so much. As much as fractals are fascinating - swirls are swoony. :o)

This one is called "Triptowheel".

Triptowheel - 12x12 digipaint

If it's icy and snowy where you are take extra time, wear extra layers and be careful!

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/ If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.020 "Look Into My Hypotrochoid"

All that talk yesterday about the Spirograph toy led me to one big question for today's blog piece. Can I created a hypotrochoid in photoshop in a similar manner to the way I create fractals? The answer...well, sort of.

Fractals begin as a single square and evolve with a combination of manual adjustments and machine calculations. Each one can take 3-6 hours to put together. If I have a bit of something or other left over from a previous attempt it may take less time but generally it does take a chunk of each day to produce them.

Hypotrochoids are a horse of a different color, however. They seem innocuous enough. I mean it's a bunch of perfect circles arranged in a particular pattern, right? Not so much! The precise angles of rotation are challenging and there are not much in the way of machine calculations readily available. As I mentioned when I posted the Fibonacci fractal, I am most defnitely NOT a numbers person.

So my blonde went to war with the stubborn and after half a pot of coffee we finally figured it out. Today I share with you my first hypotrochoid not created with my favorite childhood toy. Because I am so mesmorized by these shapes I thought it only fitting to call this one, "Look Into My Hypotrochoid".

Look Into My Hypotrochoid - 12x12 compound hypotrochoid

You're getting very sleepy. Verrrry sleeeeepy.  :o)

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell

You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

If you're fascinated enough to care about the math behind these shapes check out this book: Hypotrochoid

2011.019 "Sunspot Reflections"

This color theme is beginning to look familiar, isn't it? I have discovered that I am seriously missing the warm sunshine lately and it is definitely showing in everything I am creating. I bet the last three would look pretty cool together on a wall though!

I also seem to be fixated on fractals lately. Not that they are any easier to create, just that I find such beauty in their structure. So much like snowflakes in the way each one is vastly different from the last. This morning I realized just how long I have loved the geometry and intricacy of fractals and hypotrochoids.

When I was a young girl I received a toy called a Spirograph for one of my birthdays. It was one of my most treasured toys. The "vintage" set looked like this:

I was excited to discover there is an updated version of this set. It will be fun to try it out with my boys and see what they think.

Having discovered hypotrochoids, concentric shapes and fractals so early in my life I understand a bit more why I find them so captivating now.

Today's blog piece is another compound fractal that pays tribute to warmer days. This one is called "Sunspot Reflections".

Sunspot Reflections - 12x12 compound fractal

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell

You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

If you'd like to try out the updated Spirograph toy you can purchase it online here: Deluxe Spirograph

2011.018 "Grandmother's Doily"

My Grandmother had doilies all over her house. Some of them I'm certain were very old and none of them were machine made. Like snowflakes these little fragile handmade works of textile beauty are each unique in size and pattern. I hadn't thought about the word doily for so long but this morning as I was sitting down to make today's blog piece my dear Grandmother was on my mind.

Have you any memories that are so significant you can close your eyes and almost literally step into the scene? I feel that way about my Grandparents' house. Furnishings and decor were rarely (if ever) moved. Though she has been gone for 20 years I can close my eyes and see every detail of her house and smell that familiar essence that only emanates from the house of a Grandmother.

Today's entry is the result of reflecting on my Grandomther's house and those unique and beautiful doilies.



Grandmother's Doily - 12x12 compound fractal



~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell

You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

If you're interested in learning more of the art of making Doilies check out this book: Treasured Doilies - Crochet Patterns

2011.015 "What Do You See?"

Another difficult day for the creative goof in my head. I have a number of big things rolling around in there at the moment so it's no surprise. I have a book to recommend for anyone who works in a creative field or gets "stuck" from time to time. It's called A Whack on the Side of the Head. I can't think of the author at the moment but I'm sure a Google or Amazon search will bring it up quickly. It's a great, easy read and helps with understanding the creative process and how it can be stimulated.

Today's piece of the day is a compound fractal and after staring at it for nearly an hour I resigned myself to posting it without a real name. The funny thing is that after I gave in and decided to ask the question of you, my readers, "what do you see?" I saw something I hadn't before. Funny how that works.

So I've decided that I'm going to take suggestions for the name of this one. The one that makes me laugh the hardest will be the winner. Oh and if you are the one who gave it the winning name I'm going to have a copy of this printed for you. :o)

So here it is...What Do You See?

What Do You See? - 12x12 compound fractal

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/ If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.011 "My Orange Dream"

I'm sure I've already mention my fondness for the color orange. Nearly everything I create has a bit of orange tucked in somewhere. I had a small fractal fragment I wanted to do something with but was feeling rather minimal when I started working with it. After several color treatments that didn't feel quite right I decided what it needed was a blast of, yep, orange. Ahhh, that's better. There's nothing at all deep or philosophical about today's piece. It's just a little day-brightener called "My Orange Dream".

My Orange Dream - 12x12 compound fractal

If you come closer to your screen...closer...closer. Ok now you may be able to feel some warmth radiating from my orange dream. Either that or radiation from your monitor. Maybe you should sit back now. :o)

~ Lisa


You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/


If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell


You are also invited to joing me on facebook :www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart

2011.006 "A Jar of Bubbles"

During this morning's creative session I was thinking about some of my past work, particulary "Blown Glass" and "Sweet Release" (both can be seen on my website at http://www.lisacantrell.com/) and the way they came together. When I create something new it takes on a bit of it's own life and sometimes the personality becomes larger than I ever imagined. As I set in with my color scheme in mind what developed was one of those pieces...full of life and a great big personality. Today's digipaint is titled "A Jar of Bubbles".



A Jar of Bubbles - 12x12 digipaint



Here's to noses that tickle and the little things in life that make us giggle.

~ Lisa



You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell

You are also invited to joing me on facebook:

www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart



2011.003 "Autumn is Burning"

Today I decided to break away from the fractals and do a digital painting. If you are not familiar with my work you will notice over time a couple of things that are fairly consistent. The first is the color orange. Orange is my absolute favorite color and I try to work a bit of it in to every piece. Sometimes it's impossible but most of the time I can manage it, even it it's a single little brush stroke. The other is swirls. I have a longstanding love affair with swirling shapes and they find their way into my work most of the time, even when I don't intend for them to. It seems that swirls love me as much as I love them.

Autumn is Burning - 12x12 digital painting

Today's piece is titled Autum is Burning. I hope you enjoy it and you have a lovely day!

~ Lisa

You can purchase any of these blog pieces printed on canvas and stretched over a 1/4" gallery frame through my new website: http://www.lisacantrell.com/

If you would prefer I also offer printing that is wood mounted and smooth matte laminated. You can order these from my ArtFire studio page online at:  http://www.artfire.com/users/LisaCantrell



You are also invited to joing me on facebook:

www.facebook.com/lisacantrellart