2011.038 "A Handful of Packers"

I'm not a football fan. Never have been. I can't say I never will be because I have enjoyed watching my nephew Caleb play and have a very rudimentery understanding of the game itself. Still I struggle to find professional football interesting in anyway. Baseball...well that's a different story altogether and one for another day.

I did watch part of the game last night, but only for the commercials. Funny but it's the one time every year that I don't mind the tv being on for several hours straight and I don't make everyone mute the commercials!

So it's no surprise that Sunday's blog piece is inspired by the Green Bay Packers and their win of Superbowl XLV. With my own little "twist" of course.

A Handful of Packers - 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

2011.032 "Psychadelic Bird of Paradise"

Once in a while it hits me...the urge to create something with crazy, psychadelic colors. I know beyond any shadow of a doubt this is the influnce of my mother. She hit the 80's and refused to leave until she passed away in 2009. Day glow green, neon pink, highlighter yellow...the brighter the colors the more happy it made her.

If you didn't know my mom you missed out. She was 4'10", strawberry blonde hair, blue eyes and covered from head to toe in freckles. Needless to say she was extremely cute!

Anyway, today has been one of those days. I started out with more muted, calming colors but it rapidly developed into something more "far out man". This week I am breaking away from my usual swirls and fractal designs and trying some new techniques I have been learning. This one, despite it's crazy color scheme, is one of the more complicated pieces I've done to date.

I hope Monday has treated you well so far. I've been hearing warnings of epic winter storms on the way for most of the US. Stay in and stay warm!

Psychadelic Bird of Paradise - 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

2011.031 "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

2011.026 "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

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

2011.024 "Knitted Together"

My maternal Grandmother was a master with knitting needles. Every evening that I can recall she would sit down after the evening meal and work on her knitting. Usually it was a sweater for one of the grandchildren or a shower gift for a new baby. I remember watching her hands work in steady unison, using sharp and shiny colored implements to weave the intricate patterns that would eventually be a perfectly constructed warm, wearable piece of hand-made art.

I will likely share many stories of my Grandmother this year. She was one of my most favorite people and she lived a fascinating life. She passed away 20 years ago this April but there is still not a day that goes by without her crossing my mind.

Today's blog piece is in honor of my Grandmother and the beautiful things she made. The last sweater she knit for me was my freshman year of college. It remains in my closet today. Perhaps I'll take a photo of it and add it to this entry later. The color of that sweater is a soft minty green and she attached tiny pearl beads to the neckline. The yarn she used was particulary pricey for the time and is still very soft and warm.

This one is called "Knitted Together". I think you will immediately understand why, even without my story.

Knitted Together - 12x12 compound fractal

~ Lisa

A few years ago I took up knitting myself and although I may never be as skilled as my Grandmother I do find it a very relaxing and enjoyable activity. If you're interested you can check out a number of how-to books. Also in Wichita there is a wonderful shop called Twist Yarn Shop in Delano that offers classes and a weekly knitting circle.

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

2011.016 "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

2011.014 "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

2011.009 "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

2011.006 "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



2011.005 "Mr Rorschach Goes to Mardi Gras"

Day five already! I am having so much fun with my personal challenge that is this blog it hardly feels like a challenge at all. I'll have to remember this day and look back on that last sentence on the days when it does feel like a challenge. Ha!

Mardi Gras isn't until March but today's piece felt so much like that grand celebration it only seems right that I name it as such. With a little nod to the godfather of the ink-blot psych test and a whole lot of whimsy I give you today's painting; "Mr Rorschach Goes to Mardi Gras".

Mr Rorschach Goes to Mardi Gras - 12x12 digipaint

If this in some way has inspired you to party like it's Mardi Gras today just remember it's probably best not to throw beads or undergarments at your boss.

~ 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

2011.001 "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