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



2011.016 "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

2011.003 "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