Take a Risk

Some Thesaurus words for "chance" - accident, adventure, bet, break, coincidence, destiny, doom, fluke, fortune, future, gamble, happening, kismet, lot, luck, misfortune, occurrence, odds, peradventure, peril, prospect, scope, time, wager, venture.

Although the whites are blown out of this photo, I loved the look of it. The contrast of the white flower and black butterfly surrounded by all the values of greenery is just something I couldn't pass up. I chased it for a while but it finally lost me in the woods. The hosta flower is such a temptation to this swallowtail butterfly that it just couldn't resist its sweet nectar. Not only does it take a risk of being eaten while attaining the nectar but look how far into the flower it has to go to get to it.

When was the last time you took a chance like this and I don't mean at the dinner table either? To wholeheartedly commit to something out of your comfort zone, that's what I'm talking about. I've given myself the opportunity to rediscover my creative side without pressure or limitations. What are you doing for yourself today?

Word - Chance

The word for this week is chance.

Its noun meaning: something that happens without apparent cause; the unpredictable element in existence; luck, fortune; opportunity; the likelihood of a particular outcome in an uncertain situation; probability; risk; a raffle ticket.

So, what does chance have to do with this photo? To me it looked as if this little butterfly was standing on a ledge deciding what to do next. Stay where it is, head to the greenery or into the darkness. Familiar or adventurous, which path would you take? I think it has a lot to do with everyday choices we make, don't you? Are you willing to take chances and head into the unexplored darkness? I'm always game to try new things. Yes, they may be scary but unless you give them a try you might not know what you are missing. Take the leap, who knows what possibilites may be on the other side.

Wonders

As we examine spirit this week I wanted to share my love of butterflies with you. Not only do I find their colors, patterns, shapes and sizes interesting but have you ever noticed their antennae. They are all a little different in structure such as curled out, extremely long, feather like, short and stubby. But I saved this one for last, did you see the wonderful horizontal stripes? Look closely and you will see the pattern. I can help but think of the legs of the wicked witch when the house falls on her right before they curl up. Oh, I know, the things I come up with :) Well, what were you thinking?

Imagine

Some Thesaurus words for "spirit" - air, ardor, backbone, boldness, character, courage, dauntlessness, energy, essence, force, grit, heart, life, mood, motivation, nerve, oomph, outlook, psyche, resolution, sparkle, spunk, substance, vigor, warmth, willpower, zest.

I took this class at a local scrapbook store because of the quote. Love it!! All the added elements support this tag which to me is the focus of the piece. What do you think? Is it where you look first? I am always drawn to text. You know that already. After all my blog is called "words of art" and that pretty much tells you a lot about myself and my art. Inspiration can come anywhere but give me a dictionary, thesaurus, rhyming guide, even a translation book and I am in seventh heaven - ahhhh. So, what does the quote encourage you to try? I hope it is something wild and wonderful sprinkled with oomph!

Word - Spirit

The word this week is spirit.

Its noun meaning: a life giving force; the animating principle; soul; specter, ghost; person; disposition, mood; vivacity, ardor; essential or real meaning; intent; distilled alcoholic liquor; loyalty.

Its verb meaning: to carry off secretly or mysteriously.

The adventure of the Elements Art Journaling class has ended with "spirit" so I thought it would be a great word to explore this week. What has spirit meant to me on this journey? It means finding yourself no matter what. As you can see she's hidden but emerging in full color all at once. I have so enjoyed this rediscovery of my artistic self.

To see how the journey began visit http://kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/2011/07/elements-art-journal.html. For other entries look at June 17 and 18.

Balloon Flowers

The sun is shining bright, the air a bit humid, the puppies are searching out curiosities - ahh, the perfect Sunday. Just wanted you to take time to enjoy each day because it offers itself to you without expectations. Grab a cold diet coke (my drink of choice), a great read, find your favorite spot and just relax. Tomorrow is another day!

On Courage

As we leave this week about courage I wanted to share this photo of Maximus looking larger than life and quite handsome as well. Don't let your dreams get overshadowed like the sunflower in this image. They are there because they can become a reality it just takes one step at a time. Nothing worth having happens immediately, remember that. The final thought for you - be brave, stand strong and believe in the impossible!

Ornamentals

I saw these while driving, you couldn't miss them - all white surrounded by luscious greens. Made me turn around, stop the car, get out and step into a beautiful front yard oasis filled with every imaginable flower known to exist and was instantly transported into natures heaven. These flowers were taller than I am and the center stamen are just so transfixing that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take their picture. Don't they look outlined with a charcoal pencil or a black crayon? Love it! I think she was present, that muse of mine, always on the lookout for something wonderful and unexpected to distract me.

Red Badge of Courage

Since our word this week is courage, I decided to title this brilliant red tiger lily from a wonderful read by Stephen Crane. Although I read this book in school, I can't really remember it with a lot of details. From the cliff notes it says it explores the growth of a young man from innocence to maturity.

I hope you are all willing to accept the challenge this week by exurting your inner badge of courage by exploring unchartered territories. I've been rediscovering my creativity and the journey has just been overwhelmingly joyous so far. I want each and every one of you to reach for that something unattainable. With a little push, some encouragement and the willingness to let go, you to can dream the impossible and reach it.

Reaching for the Sun

Some Thesaurus words for "courage" - adventurousness, audacity, backbone, bravery, daring, determination, endurance, fearlessness, fortitude, gameness, grit, guts, heroism, lion-heartedness, nerve, pluck, prowess, pugnacity, resolution, spirit, spunk, tenacity, valor.

I loved this photo because these clematis have the guts to reach for the sun and get what they need. It shows spirit and natural instincts but no fear. As people we always have doubts and let our fears talk us out of many things by putting them in the forefront. Not only do we need to push through the negativeness but we also need to challenge ourselves to have the courage to try. You may not succeed, but you will never know unless you take that chance. Be brave, believe!

Word - Courage

The word for this week is courage.

Its noun meaning: ability to conquer fear or despair; bravery, valor.

Maximus, the concrete lion, greets people at our house entrance. Not only is he large and statuesque but a wonderful symbol of strength and beauty. His jungle is the overgrown yard looking luscious after a cleansing rain. It is just waiting for him to explore and discover all the endless possibilities out there.

The cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite characters. Not only does he find the courage within himself, he also discovers it was always there. What a great life lesson to believe in yourself! If there is one thing I have learned it is to be strong, have courage and believe in the gifts you have to share. It is what makes you unique so embrace it then rejoice in celebration!

Spiderwort

It was such a nice cool day today I thought I would just share a fun little plant called spiderwort. I love the little buds that hang down from the top of the stem just waiting for the brilliant colored blooms to come to life. The center is filled with tiny filaments of vibrant hues making the bright yellow stamens just pop out for your attention. If you don't have this plant, it is a great one for the garden because it stays in place and doesn't spread. It also comes in a wonderfully delicate lavender coloration for those of you that are particular about your garden palette.

Smile!

How can you head to the fairway and not be bombarded by all the games? Let's not even talk about the colorful prizes. It's all in jest and well, these little ducks just make me smile. I love the way they are all at different angles, bobbing along in the water just waiting for a childs hand to scoop them up. Oh yes, it took me back to the sweet memories of yesteryear!

Ride in the Sky

Who doesn't love the ferris wheel? It is one of my favorite things in the world. The architectural structure intrigues me, the lift to the sky gives me a sense of freedom and the wind gently rocking the carriage, pure delight. I can't think of a more perfect way to spend the evening!

Carousel Horses

I am always delighted by children's expressions as they ride the carousel. Do you remember getting that much joy from it? I sure do. Not only was I spinning in a circle which I love but the colors were so enchanting, it took you to a magical place. Find your inner child, take a spin sometime!

Fair in Town

We have a great fair that comes to town every year and we just can't pass it up. I love the graphics, the corn on the cob and all the wonderful rides that will spin you up, down and around until you can't take it anymore. Of course, then I want to do it again, go figure! This clown was on the side of the freak show house and I couldn't pass up the great color or painting.

Creative Color Class

I'm taking a creative color class online with Christy Tomlinson this week and am having a blast. Not only is she showing us ways to find inspiration but also encouraging us to do a project with what we find. I wanted to show the dimensional quality to my project canvas this week since it is a priority with my artwork to add texture. I used scrapbook and tissue paper plus fabric to form the flowers. Of course, it wouldn't be me without an added bug so I stamped a couple butterflies throughout the piece as well. Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful by searching your surroundings. You never know when that muse will throw something intriguing your way!

6th Anniversary Sale

I'm celebrating 6 years of the Colored Pencil of the Month Club and having an Anniversary Sale you will not want to miss. Please visit http://www.kellyhoernig.webs.com/apps/webstore/products/show/2562541 to take advantage of this offer. Hope you can join me. Please note this is only available as a PDF subscription. You will receive 13 months plus Splendid Imitation free for $120, a savings of over $30.