Illustration Friday: Savour

Good thoughts in,

Bad thoughts out.

Deep breath in,

exhale slowly.

Savour the peace within.

patterned paper, acrylic paint, colored pencil

Illustration Friday: Muddy Start

In Egyptian art, many royal representatives were depicted holding sacred lotuses, members of the water lily family, and the gods were also associated with water lilies. In Buddhism, the lotus is an important symbol of enlightenment because it illustrates beauty rising through mud and water to bloom. Because many species tightly furl their blossoms at light, the lotus is also a symbol of opening to the light.

The roots of water lilies are embedded in the mud, well below the water line. The mud keeps the roots moist and provides a source of nutrition, while richly oxygenated water seeps into the roots.

I love the analogy of rising above muddy beginnings and blooming in spite of it all!

The lillies and stems were painted a base color and then finished with colored pencils. The lily pads are exposed patterned paper.

Sharing and Sending Love

Laure over at Painted Thoughts has developed a terrific idea to help the people of Haiti through art.
We are all going to make hearts in the ATC size - 2.5 x 3.5 and send the image to Laure where she will make a design out of all of them.

Please consider yourself invited to join in!! Just follow the link to her blog.

Every little bit helps. Thank you!

I've sent my lotus heart design for the cause.

Illustration Friday: Renewal

Hmmm, another struggle for the right image again this week. I'm not sure this thrills me but I'm sticking with it anyway. I do feel the Lotus is a sign of renewal. Maybe that's why so many spas use it as their logo and on their brochures.

I'm deeply feeling the need for renewal. I haven't been taking very good care of myself since this move. I can't seem to get out of my own way and I hardly ever feel well anymore.

Well, time to change the old attitude and bad habits that keep me stuck. I know that if I keep doing the same things I'll get the same results. From this day forward I'll work on renewing my body, mind and spirit and become more of who I want to be.

I can't wait for the transformation but at the same time I know I must practice patience because that's where I keep falling down. I want results yesterday.

I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing. This is the year. It really is!

acrylic on 6"x6" canvas