Be Thankful

I am thankful every day for the life I lead. I have a great family, a handful of good friends and a very creative job that lets me make art on my time.  How many people can say that? Not many I know and for that it is another blessing I get to share in. I went digging into my photo files for this shot because it captures how I feel. The sun in my face, a smile on my lips and the wonderful season of fall upon us. Doesn't it just make you smile, I sure hope so! So, I ask you this, what are you thankful for today?

Word - Spike

The word for this week is spike.

Its noun meaning - a very large nail; any of various pointed projections.

I was totally intrigued by this version of kale in front of Olive Garden. Not only were the spikes incredible to look at but did you see the gloriously interesting veining on the green leaves. WOW is all I can say. Then there is the gradation of color from the softest rose pink center to the middle winter whites down to the deepest of the greens. Oh yeah, Mother Nature was doing some great palette work on this day!

I couldn't wait to share it with you all and I hope next time you are walking into a store, shop, restaurant or boutique, you do pay attention to the atmosphere around you. You just never know what is in store for your eyes, artistic side and most of all, your inner curiosity!

Unexpected Orange

I stopped by Olive Garden today for the task of taking photos. I love their fall setup because they always have interesting kale varieties mixed in with the seasonal harvest. There were mums of all colors and sizes, kale tight and spiky in appearance, corn stalks mixed with autumn leaves, pansies in every rich color available and then this. Imagine my surprise when I saw these little tomatoes amongst the flora. I thought the orange of the pumpkin and the varied tomato hues was just spectacular. It was a bit cloudy so I can't even think about what it looks like with the sun shining down on its beauty. So, unexpected place for a photo shoot but one I make a trip to every fall season. Where's your favorite stop?

Golden Delight

As the fall season disappears and the cold winter days approach I try to remember the beautiful colors I have experienced over the last few months. The ruby reds, golden yellows, fiery oranges, rustic browns - you know the ones. They are the colors that make you stop in your tracks and just look, I mean really look and see the deliciousness of it all. This is just one of those scenes I am talking about. Although a chill was in the air, the puppies and I were in the garden and this wonderful thing of beauty happened while peeking around a tree. The definition of the black outlining the deep amber hues, perfection to my artistic side. Would it make you stop and take a second look? Oh, I sure hope so!

Secluded Surprise

Some Thesaurus words for "hide" - bury, cache, camouflage, cloak, cover, disguise, duck, eclipse, harbor, mask, obscure, plant, protect, reserve, screen, shadow, shelter, shield, squirrel, stash, stifle, suppress, veil, withhold.

I found this little woven birdhouse tucked away into a tree and found myself totally captivated by it's cloaked appearance. I can only imagine a bird building its nest and raising a family in its seclusion. What a wonderful environment don't you think? This adornment was actually in the garden of a retreat center and I found it so charming that I kept taking pictures just hoping to catch the hidden inhabitants. Can't you wait to put one of these in your trees come springtime? I know I will be on the lookout for something so special.

Word - Hide

The word for this week is hide.

Its verb meaning - to put or remain out of sight; to conceal for shelter or protection; to seek protection; to keep secret; to turn away in shame or anger.

Right in plain sight. You have to walk or drive past it to leave or enter the house. And, I never even saw it. This little tiny treasure the size of my hand. Hidden beneath the rich ruby leaves and sparkling red berries of the burning bush. Its enchanted discovery came only as the leaves started falling away due to the harvest season. There it was, a small work of art, just waiting to be seen by someone. I can't imagine the little hatchlings calmly awaiting their next meal or what variety of bird found just the right hiding place. Oh yes, next year I will be keeping a closer eye on this beautiful bush to see just who the inhabitants are. I will keep you posted.

Travel Weary

This year has been a whirlwind of conventions, retreats and travel teaching across the United States and I am weary. I am so thankful for the many, many, many students and their willingness to go on a creative journey while we explored colored pencils and mixed media. I love to challenge myself and am finding so many artists that share that same passion, it is what makes us grow as artists and not become stagnant. I am embarking on almost four months of freedom to play, explore and discover new techniques that will keep pushing my artistic envelope - I cannot wait to get started!

I have many exciting things planned for 2013 already, the most intriguing for me are the online e-courses. I will be joining Life Book as a guest teacher in January 2013, doing my own Steampunk Series at the end of January and I'm also wanting to do a 6 month Discover Your Style & Creativity e-course following that. Continuous learning and the ease of being at home is an added bonus I know I have taken advantage of with many classes throughout the past year. I do hope you will give one a try.

Where to find one you ask? Well, a great resource for finding just what you are looking for online is Creative Clearinghouse. It is a directory of what is coming up and you can search by mediums, teachers or date and there are reviews in case you want to know more. You can't beat a giant source like this at your fingertips! Have I convinced you yet to give one a try, I sure hope so :)