Heartland Art Experience 23/30

I am very honored to be one of the 7 teachers presenting great classes at the Heartland Art Experience. This is a new "experience" and I do hope you will join me for 3 days of fun, laughter and some wonderful art! I have 3 colored pencil and 2 mixed media pieces that I will be teaching while there. This one "the nest" is my absolute favorite because of that sweet little cherub sitting in the hand made nest. To check out all the classes, go to http://www.heartlandartexperience.com/Class_Planner.htm

Inspiration 22/30

I cropped this iris extremely close because I loved the ruffles, water drops and the extreme value difference of the lovely petals. Did you notice all that in a single glance? I sure hope so! This blue violet iris is just a plethora of inspiration to my artist side. I actually want to paint this large, I mean really large using bold directional strokes of a very limited palette. It would be a huge challenge but the outcome would be a journey of learning the curves and gentle contours from within the structure of the flower. Adding the water drops would be the final step. The step that says you are finished, you have released your energy into the canvas now just sit back and enjoy it! Who knew that one flower would evoke such passion? What is your flower today?

Heading Forward 21/30

I shot this lovely bird of paradise flower while in Florida. Their exotic ways always intrigue the curious muse inside this artist. From their shape, does it not resemble a bird? To their wonderful color combination of orange and blue violet. Add the long elegant stem and you have this interesting beauty. For me today, this one is pointing to a new adventure, heading forward, not knowing the end results, just reveling in the endless possibilities of my own imagination. It is getting quite real, this next step. I am ready, let the discoveries begin...

Word - Crash 20/30

The word of the week is crash.

Its verb meaning - to break noisily; smash.

Its noun meaning - a loud sound; an instance of crashing; collision; a sudden failure.

The sound of the waves crashing in and out of the sandy beach is almost deafening. You can feel the energy, the force it has upon arrival. It is a sound I miss hearing everyday and try to imagine it often because it soothes my mind and gives it clarity in a moments notice. This photo captures it perfectly for me. The crash in the middle of calmness, just waiting for the arrival of a surface to collide with. Its color change an indication of what it coming, like a warning sign for all to see. Can you feel it? The powerful energy heading my way is going to make a beautiful, smashing appearance. I can't wait and thank you friends for being along for the ride and new direction about to immerse!

A Familiar Stop 19/30

The Whistle Stop Cafe. Does it sound familiar to you? I sure hope so. After all it was the star of a movie with some very big names. I came across this scene in Savannah Georgia and well, couldn't help but snap a photo or two. I do hope you know its origin because I think it is a beautiful movie full of sentimental familiarities not to mention great friendships of a lifetime. Now where is that movie, I haven't watched it in ages...

Everyday Pleasures 18/30

The sun was going down along the waters edge and I just happened to notice the cloud blocking the sun setting. It looks as if the cloud is exploding with energy and I love that. All of that happening while the little cottage stood still, minding its own business, unaware of the beauty going on around it. I do hope it would have stopped you in your tracks. Watching the sun set and simply seeing the wondrous sight around you. It is the pleasures of everyday that make our life so special. Don't you agree? I sure hope so!

Unexpected Beauty 17/30

This little visitor was at a rest stop along the highway. I just fell in love with the colors, the texture and all the interesting elements this little guy has on its body. Knobby antennae that almost look like twigs. A thick white patch of hair in the middle of its back. The elongated addition of tiny spikes all over. The sparkle of orange in the skin pattern mixed with a lovely shade of green. And let's not forget the wonderful terra coral of its colorful head. Mother Nature was at her easel smiling when she kept adding little touches of beauty to this tiny creature. What a smile it must have been! I don't know what kind of butterfly it turns in to but I can only imagine its beauty cannot compare to the tiny treasure beforehand.

Awake and Alive! 16/30

I had forgotten about the photo I had taken at the beach in Florida. I wrote many different words and loved watching my footprints get washed away into the ocean time after time. It is a vast place, standing next to the ocean with nothing in sight but water and the horizon line. A place I feel very small but quite comfortable. The serenity I feel there is beautiful and it gives me a place to just be. I mean sit still, nurture my soul and just listen to the waves going in an out without another care in the world. Oh yeah, I am awake, on a journey, heading to a purpose - it is a glorious day - please celebrate it with me!

One Step Forward 15/30

Some Thesaurus words for "breakthrough" - boost, development, discovery, find, finding, gain, hike, improvement, increase, invention, leap, progress, rise, step forward.

Wow, these are some powerful words! So I searched until I found the same in a photograph. The beautiful magnolia reaching, drenched in sunlight. Is there anything more radiant or glorious? I'm not thinking so. It is also such a great representation of how I feel, as if awakened and pulled from darkness letting the sun shine in and around my whole being. Bright and blinding, full of the possibilities that await my art, my creativity, my design skills. Oh yes, it is a big wondrous world we live in, I do hope you are taking advantage of its generosity!

Word - Breakthrough 14/30

The word for the week is breakthrough.

Its noun meaning - an act or instance of breaking though an obstruction or defensive line; a sudden advance in knowledge or technique.

I have been searching for the next step in my art business for a couple years now and over the past few months, I believe I have had a tremendous breakthrough, finally. It couldn't have come at a better time. I actually have a clear schedule to just paint, paint, and paint some more. This is no small feat since I have packed myself tightly with travel teaching and online classes over the last several years.

The light, it is beginning to show once again. That little beacon that stirs my muse and makes me want to immerse myself in all things creative. The universe seems to agree because all the sudden I have been put in great company full of inspirational souls. It seems all the right people are talking to me, connecting with me, sharing ideas and their own paths with me. I didn't realize it at first, just thought it an odd coincidence but after a while, I began to realize there is a reason for them all being here at this moment and in my space. Guidance is hard for me to ask for but comes in many forms and is usually given without return. I am grateful for those who have shed some light on my strengths, creativity, uniqueness and my desire to work and follow through. Thank you for sharing yourself so generously, it will not be forgotten!

Linnie Blooms Design Team 13/30

I am so thrilled to be sharing my first project "InCogNitO" as part of the Linnie Blooms design team! I know you will love their products which you can find here http://linda-barutha.squarespace.com/shop/

"InCogNitO" was created to show my talents of quirky meets realism and as you can see, this one hit it spot on. I am in a steampunk kind of mood lately because I am currently designing my next online e-course Steampunk Series No. 2. I just had to use the wonderful stencil by Artist Cellar and well, I let it set the tone with all of its disappearing gear edges. The wonderful canvas bird is the Linnie Blooms shape I chose to be my focal point for this tiny 7x5" canvas but I love how it commands your attention. I decided to add a human eye instead of a birds to capture your imagination and wonder if it could be possible that it may just have one like this. Surrounded by the dark color band it is all I can see and I love that! It ignites my creative juices to the unlimited color palettes this would look good in. What would you use? It's simplicity is the beauty of this alluring piece and for a step-by-step PDF please visit their website. Enjoy my first Linnie Blooms project!

Now you can find my project on the LB blog and on their websites here

Linnie Blooms by Linda Barutha

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twitter: LLLCreate

Birds Anyone 12/30

I have been wanting to do a journal page with birds lately and went in search of my miscellaneous ephemera from the Junk Bonanza. I found this lovely selection and can't wait to see what transpires out of it. I have a page in mind - natural, painterly, minimalistic. I want to add a couple of actual pictures of the birds for the focus. Now, what color scheme and which bird? The woes of an artist...I do love a challenge!

Teaching 11/30

I taught this colored pencil class at my 20th HOOT Convention this past week. It really defines my career as a decorative artist. It was the first convention I ever attended, shopping at first, buying all I could carry and treasuring each aisle of goods with anticipation. I started exhibiting my own designs 2 years later and then teaching a couple years after that. I have run the gamut of classes - drawing, business, pen and ink, creativity, sketching, acrylics, colored pencils and now, mixed media. I love the enthusiasm of students, the energy they bring into each and every class and the certain look they get when they finally "get it!" It is a thrilling exchange I have been blessed to witness over and over again for the past 15 years, one I will cherish for a lifetime. If you have ever been in one of my classes, thank you for letting me into your creative world if even just for a couple hours together, I am forever grateful!

Star Magnolia Palette 10/30

I wait for these blooms all winter long. The Star Magnolia means that spring is really here and they are the start to a phenomenal beginning in my yard. I love the delicate petals and although we bought them in a tiny planted pot, they are now formidable bushes standing about 3' tall. Scattered among the gardens, they are little white sparkles against the lime green grass sprouting after a long winters end. I thought it would be fun to study the colors found around the flowers center. I pulled each palette swatch from that area. Can you match them up. I love that the deep barn red is found right in the heart of the flower. That Mother Nature knew what she was doing at her botanical easel that day.

Meditation 9/30

So, what do you think Venus is contemplating overlooking this scene? She welcomes visitors to our house and spends hours on end just standing there looking quite content with the ever changing scenery. To be in such a state of meditation, I'm not sure I would mind it at this moment. I have been looking within these past couple of months into what my soul really wants. Searching for the continuous passion of creativity and where it might lead. Remembering that "life is a journey, not a destination" is something I am always reminded of thanks to Ralph Emerson's wisdom. Do you think she would mind the company? Move over Venus...

Illumination 8/30

These are Resurrection Lilies and are a remarkable flower. Their leaves appear early spring, disappear then these clusters arrive on a tall spike of soft dirty pink in the fall. They always capture my attention because as you can see, they have a illuminating quality to their petals. The sunlight always seems to make them shine from within, like a miniature light bulb has been turned on for the mid afternoon. Brilliance, soft, serene, magical and mysterious are some of the words I would use to describe these lovely lilies. If you ever get a chance to attain some of these vintage flowers, say yes, you will not be disappointed!

Red Sparklers 7/30

I spotted these beauties from the front porch. They were just standing there all brilliant red and spectacular. I couldn't wait to go take a closer look. And yes, they are just as beautiful up close. Their petals are so thick and waxy in appearance yet the flower seems so delicate. I love that they present their stamen to Mother Earth first. A testament and thankfulness to the soil that keeps them nurtured all year long from heat and cold. I think they are always looking for a startled gasp of bewilderment from spectators. I know it got that reaction from me! They are tall too, almost 3'6". Oh yeah, a force to be reckoned with. I do hope the next time you see a sparkle of red in a garden, you will imagine this wondrous sight awaiting your arrival!

Summer Snowflake 6/30

Some Thesaurus words for "cluster" - array, assemblage, band, batch, bevy, body, bunch, bundle, clump, clutch, collection, covey, crew, gathering, hunk, knot, lot, pack, party, set.

I love, adore, seek out Queen Anne's lace whenever possible. Its tiny white cluster of flowers remind me of a summer snowflake. Lacy, frilled edges, a softness around the perimeter getting stronger towards the middle. This one even had a tiny magenta red center, a little surprise for those who have taken the moment for a closer inspection. What do you think was going through Mother Natures' mind when she was at her easel? Do you think she was longing for winter after the steamy, hot days of August? That is what I'm going to believe. After all, it does make me think of snowflakes and cool, crisp air!

Word - Cluster 5/30

The word for this week is cluster.

Its noun meaning - group, bunch

Its verb meaning - to grow or gather in a cluster

I picked this word after looking at the definition for the flower I photo-graphed and loved it.

Phlox - any of a genus of American herbs that have tall stalks with showy spreading terminal clusters of flowers.

The Phlox are huge this year, about 4 feet tall and their colors just say

"I'm here!" I couldn't resist the vibrant color and the massive clusters throughout the garden. I love the teardrop buds just waiting to open speckled here and there amongst the blooms. I also loved the composition of this photo because of the way the bottom flower is all by itself and the dark green of the right gives me such a pretty edge to appreciate. The veining and the ever so slight touch of white in the center really helps make this a beautiful flower. Would you stop to get a closer look? I sure hope so!

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Feeling Small 4/30

I have been feeling small lately. Not because of anything specific. Just because I am suddenly aware of the vastness surrounding me. The bright blue skies freckled with white billowy clouds will get my attention any day. But layering them with the green lushness of the yard this year and well, it stops me in my tracks every time. I love the color palette it provides, so clean and crisp. I just want to grab my brushes and paint a landscape fast and furiously taking it all in and getting it all down to remember this specific, beautiful moment. I also want to lay on the pier and see what kind of images I can find hidden amongst the clouds. Want to come join me? I know we will find lots to discover!

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A Lush Place 3/30

I couldn't resist taking a photo of my favorite statue, Venus de Milo, surrounded by all the lush greenery that this year has grown. It is like a tropical jungle at our house. The gardens are overgrown, the woods seem to be creeping in every so slightly and well, there is just no way to keep up with the weeds. It is pure mayhem but the look is just spectacular. The sun was shining through here and there so I waited until her face was slightly dappled then snapped a shot. I am loving how the statues are aging, finally. Most have moss growing on them making them disappear into the background a bit more, just love that!

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Bee Garden 2/30

The bees were crazy today, I am actually surprised I didn't get stung. They were swarming the coneflowers like they had never gathered pollen before but it was a perfect day. After a day of drizzle, the sun was out, the skies were blue and the clouds were amazing. It is really no wonder the bees were taking full advantage of it. I actually closed my eyes while shooting just to see if I could hear their excitement over their joyous discovery. Guess what? It was so loud, you would not have believed it. It was a purr, a practiced hum of work, busy work but also a great day in the garden. Close your eyes, what do you hear today? I hope it is magical!

Let the Sun Shine 1/30

We have one sunflower right outside the back door and I have been watching it evolve from bud to bloom after bloom. It isn't tall, it isn't large, it isn't spectacular but I absolutely love it. The brilliance of the yellow hue. The intensity of the sunshine on its petals. The quest for its face to be in the direction of the sun. Could you really ask anything more of a flower? I think not. This one is straight up reaching for all the glorious sun rays it can soak in, love that! When was the last time you just opened your arms and stood still, listening, letting your skin warm, soaking in your environment around you? Oh yeah, I think it is time...give yourself the gift of being surrounded by sunshine. What are you waiting for, the sun awaits your beauty!

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30 days, 30 blogs - have fun reading!