brushstrokes, etc.: Agave - The edge of shadow

Friday, September 16, 2011

Agave - The edge of shadow

The Edge of Shadows, 9x12" Colored Pencil on black paper

Please click here to find out more about this colored pencil painting

with its 2 options - one matted and one unmatted.

This came from reference pictures I took when visiting Huntington Gardens in Pasadena, CA. The beautiful shadows and sunlight hitting the leaves were especially startling just after a sudden shower.

I was intrigued by the interesting edges and how the shape of them was repeated in the shadows as well. I am always intrigued by the beauty of botanical subjects. This one attests to my interest!

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The Convergence between My Art, Life, and Faith

This may seem an unusual item to post on an art blog - but - hey... I get to "customize" my blog! So - I'm putting my thoughts out there, for you to read!
Its really important to me not to compartmentalize my life into different realms, but rather to integrate all of it into a whole. Therefore, these areas cross boundaries and influence one another in interesting ways.
For me, my life is a whole lot about my faith... but not much about religion. That sounds sort of cliche, I guess. What I mean to say is- its about relationship and going into an ever deepening relationship with Christ, rather than a set of rituals and ceremonies. That kind of faith, I am finding, is never fully finished... always broader, deeper, fuller than I'd imagined. I am also finding out that God is bigger than my box for him... and he, in fact, won't be "contained". He's wild and untamed and beyond my ability to understand ... but entirely good.
So - how in the world does that impact art? Thinking about who this wild God is - I'm convinced he is creator and artist by just looking at the world in which I live. And he absolutely celebrates the impulse of creativity he's given to me! Visual art is a language... a language without words. So with visual expression, I can worship. I can explore. I can imagine. And, I can speak without words a celebration of my creator and all that his world contains.

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Creativity! Beauty! Connection! Inspiration! & Fun! Everyone needs a little of the above in life! With gloomy news all around us, its time to create a little fun! Join me, as an online friend. We'll connect with others and you'll be updated every week or so about what is happening here, given opportunities for regular online contests, drawings, and give-aways, and get sneak peeks at the latest from my easel!

Signing up is FREE!! Don't worry! Your information is never shared. Our group is fun, low-key, and will inspire your own creativity ~ all while staying connected!

What's a "Daily Artist" ?

You may have heard of the Painting-A-Day movement, which is one that the artist paints a small painting a day and offers it for sale. The online auction format is often used. The subject matter varies from artist to artist, but is frequently of common objects.
With a full-time job - teaching art at a high school level - I do not complete a painting a day, but I do work as an artist every day and I complete a set of small paintings or sometimes a larger painting a month. (Usually 1 - 2 a week). Some of these paintings are made into notecards and prints. More of that here on my blog. Most of my original works are for sale - and depending on the materials and size, the price varies. You can see more about pricing and availability at my website
HelenCRead.com