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

2011.017 "A Fractal for Fibonacci"

I am not a numbers person. I repeat - I am NOT a numbers person. However, a comment on one of my recent blog pieces about Fibonacci got me thinking and researching. I've heard of Fibonacci. I mean who hasn't. :o)

So I looked into it and found myself in a strange new land where numbers were actually fascinating. So today's blog piece is my little tribute to Mr. F. and his fascinating numbers. See how many times you can spot his sequence here. This one is called "A Fractal for Fibonacci".

A Fractal for Fibonacci - 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

2011.016 "Maya O Maya"

In 2004 I visited the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico (learn more: Moon Yucatan Peninsula (Moon Handbooks)). I was there to visit Cancun and see all the tourist sites I could take in during my 7 day visit. I had no idea what I was in for. Way off the path beaten by a countless number of tourists live a population rich in art, gentle in spirit and able to cook up some of the best food you'll ever taste. You may remember when I posted 2011.007 "Un Rayito de Sol" I shared that my experience in this part of the world forever altered my view of the world and my taste in food and gave me a new perspective on all things hand made and home grown.

I'm certain at the end of this little journey in art and blogging I will look back and find many, many posts affected by the lovely Mayan people and culture. Today's is among the influenced without a doubt.

When I finished it and stepped back from the monitor I immediately thought I should find someone to print this design on some ceramic tiles. New project! Ha. Hey, if you have known me very long at all you know I love little projects and challenges. Probably about 10 years ago I was given the moniker "Princess of Quite a Lot" and it is one of the most appropo nicks that have ever been thrown my direction.

So, here it is. Today's is another compound fractal and is titled "Maya O Maya".



Maya O Maya - 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

2011.015 "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

2011.014 "Antik Batik"

Early last year I posted one of my designs on the website of a company that makes custom water bottle designs. One of the comments for the design was that it looked like Batik, a  form of fabric painting and dying used often in Indonesia and many other countries.

I'll admit, today is the first day I didn't wake up with something in mind. In fact I have been struggling to break free of some negative thinking today that has been keeping me from being very productive. Have you ever noticed how, if allowed to, one negative thought or feeling can derail a whole day?

So back to Batik. I had not heard of this before so I did some research and was I ever impressed with what I learned. So beautiful are the patterns and so unique! Vivid colors, interesting shapes of flowers and even my favorite - swirls. How could I not love it, right?  Ha.

After I selected my color palette for the day and started working with a couple of shapes I began thinking about the beautiful Batik. So, after a bit of a difficult start I am pleased to share today's piece with you. Inspired by it's namesake this one is called "Antik Batik".

Antik Batik - 12x12 compound fractal

There is beauty everywhere and in every thing. Take a moment to look around you today and discover it.

~ 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

2011.013 "Swirls in Sidewalk Chalk"

My youngest son, who I often refer to as TJ Tornado, has always been able to draw amazing things with sidewalk chalk. I remember once at 3 years old he drew a giant Spongebob on my porch with such amazing detail we had neighbors stopping by all week to check it out. My son has been in treatment for a number of behavioral and psychosocial developmental issues since he was 2 and believe me he is nothing short of a little tornado most days. Each morning as soon as his eyes are open he is talking, singing, and moving 300 mph. I intentionally give myself an hour each morning to sneak around the house and have some coffee before he wakes.

There's something about drawing that brings him down to a very peaceful, relaxed state of mind. It always has. When he draws he hyper-focuses on what he is doing and can do it, virtually silently, for hours on end.

Needless to say I keep my sweet boy fully supplied with sidewalk chalk, crayons, markers, paints and whatever else his little heart desires for his creations.

Yesterday was a particularly difficult day for TJ and me. His routine was disrupted by a snow day which can be a problem for any 7 year old for sure but for my son it's a world-flipping event. World-flipping events are generally not a good thing in our house. Bless his heart he sure tried to make the best of it and by the end of the day things had eased a bit. I even got a random hug and kiss after supper. :o)

So today's piece is dedicated to my little man TJ. I'll never be as awesome as you with sidewalk chalk. Then again, I don't want to be. Your chalk drawings make my face and my heart smile. No matter what you'll always be my sweetie and I am proud of you every single day of your life.

Swirls in Sidewalk Chalk - 12x12 digipaint

~ 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

2011.010 "Beauty for Ashes"

This morning I step aside from my usual silliness and whimsy for some gentle reflection.

A little retrospective: To say that 2009 was a year of great heartache and loss for my family is completely insufficient for the difficulties we endured. So great was our pain that at times it was hard to just breathe; let alone put one foot in front of the other and move forward. Even with only the tiniest of gains in recovery we did survive and as we entered 2010 it promised, if nothing else, to be a year of greater peace and healing. That's exactly what it was too. 365 days of quiet, rest, peace and restoration. There were days when I wondered if we'd ever start to gain ground again but most of the time it was a blessing to just rest and wait for the things to come.

That brings me to 2011 and how, despite it being only the second full week of the year, already there have been some amazing things that have happened. I look back over the past 18 months and see quite clearly the path my little family and I have been walking. We climbed a treacherous mountain and rested in a peaceful valley. Now, it seems, it is at last time for new adventures.

These experiences remind me of the bible passage in Isaiah 61 that says he will give beauty for ashes. My life and the lives of my children were shaken and burned down to the ground. It would have been easy to have given up and stayed there among the ashes of that dark, cold place and believe it would never get any better. However we are not weak in faith, spirit, or heart so we waited patiently knowing we would see brighter days.

Thinking about this journey inspired today's piece which I have named "Beauty for Ashes".

Beauty for Ashes - 12x12 digipaint

Never give up...never give in!

~ 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

2011.009 "Spinning Lemurs"

Today's piece is pure whimsy and dedicated of all the fun, crazy, off-the-wall, legomaniacal, princess-loving, superhero wannabe munchkins in my life. I have sons 14 and 7 and daughters 23 and 8. I also have 7 nieces and nephews ranging from just entering toddlerhood to highschoolers. Add to that several cousins and dozens of little friends and I am sharing my life with a whole lot of silly most of the time. I love it!

I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Sunday and that you have at least one little person in your life who makes you smile.

Spinning Lemurs - 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

2011.007 "Un Rayito de Sol"

Buenos Dias!

Today I awoke with my 2004 trip to the Yucatan Peninsula and the lovely Mayan artisans I met there on my mind. I think we all have special places we have visited, domestic or foreign, that have left such an impression upon us that they become a permanent part of who we are. For me it was the Mayan culture I encountered far away from any tourist zones in the Yucatan. My experiences forever altered my view of the world and my taste in food and gave me a new perspective on all things hand made and home grown.

With all this on my mind it's no wonder that today's piece, a compound fractal, came out with a splash of that influence. I called this one "Un Rayito de Sol" which means "a little ray of sunshine" in Spanish.

Un Rayito de Sol - 12x12 compound fractal

Have a beautiful 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

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



2011.004 "Swirling Vapors"

Most of the fractal art I create are heavy with mulitple layers. For today's piece I set out with a less-is-more frame of mind and ended up with something very simple that manages to be one of my favorites of this project so far. I would like to dedicate this piece to the York College Concert Choir. You all made me smile so much my face hurt and moved me to tears with your amazing performance. Good luck and Godspeed on the rest of your winter tour!

#4 of 365 Digital Paintings is titled Swirling Vapors.

Swirling Vapors - 12x12 fractal

May your day be all you intend it to be!

~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

2011.002 "Rasberry Asymetrix"

Day two and today I'm sharing a vortex-like fractal. The contrast of the flat black background and the deep rasberry of the multiple fractal layers that combine to create the twist really do lead my eyes deep into the piece. Fractals appeal to me because: each one is vastly different, I never know how they are going to turn out so they kind of take on a life of their own, and they lend themselves quite nicely to very vibrant colors.


Rasberry Asymetrix - 12x12 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

2011.001 "Somersault Surprise"

Happy New Year!

It's the first day of my blog challenge and I would like to introduce you to my first piece of 2011. This compound fractal is playfully named by my oldest daughter who says it looks as though the foremost part of the image is tumbling.

If the joy I received while creating this first piece is any indication of the year ahead I am in for one of the happiest and most satisfying years of my life.

May this new year bring you peace, love and great happiness.

~Lisa

Somersault Surprise - 12x12 fractal

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

Why?

I've excitedly mentioned my new blog challenge to many friend and the response is nearly always, "Why?"

I started pouring my heart and soul into creating artwork in early 2010 and in a very short time I found I had created over 100 pieces. I am extremely passionate about creating and love the time I spend with my digital painting and photos. Even more, I have come to love sharing my creations. Art truly is subjective and I love the widely varying reactions as friends see a new piece for the first time.

2011 marks the second year that I have been on this journey and I thought it would be fun and challenging to both my determination and to my skills to create one new piece every day for a whole year.

So begins the challenge. The answer, in case it wasn't obvious, is that I love what I am doing here so much I want it to be a part of every single day that I live.

I look forward to sharing the first piece with you all next week and hope you will enjoy taking this trip right along with me.

~Lisa

If you would like to purchase any of my artwork you can do so 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