My Digital Paintbox

I started out attempting to create one digital piece of artwork every day for a year. I made it about 80 days before it became overwhelming. Overwhelming in task and emotionally for all I was sharing. I want to continue sharing but am shifting the focus. I am not concerned with creating 365 pieces of art just for the sake of having a whole year's worth of work. I want to share what is in my heart. If there end up being 365 or 80 I will be happy. Thank you for following me.

Showing posts with label blue. Show all posts

Sunday, January 30, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

2011.026 "A Really Great Day"

There's not much about today's blog piece that fraught with emotion or inspired by a long story or some part of my journey as a human being.

It's simply a reflection of a really great day. Today I was able to accomplish some personal goals and had the most amazing time with my youngest son I believe we've ever had together. He's a challenging little boy with a number of cognitive and emotional delays so I admit that even on a good day it's hard to connect with him the way I would like. Today was an exception. A beautiful exception filled with silliness, laughter, real conversation and lots of hugs. It was truly a great day.

A Really Great Day - 12x12 compound digipaint

~ Lisa

Monday, January 24, 2011

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

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

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

Saturday, January 1, 2011

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