Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Sketches and Paintings and Projects, Oh My!

Have you ever experienced such a rush of creativity you hardly know where to begin?

I'm not talking artistic creativity necessarily, but any kind of creativity - whether it's art or music, cooking or writing...knitting, sewing, tending a garden - whatever your particular bliss is. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by it you completely lose track of time, of days even, and one idea sparks another until there are so many images swirling around in your head you feel breathless, and can't decide which ones to grab first?

It's been that kind of week here, completely inspired and exciting, - although there's also been a bit of sadness too, but I find that even that can fuel creativity. Self expression in any form is good for the soul, don't you think?

I have three pieces to share...the first is a sea witch treasure box, my version of a magical mermaid of sorts. It was inspired in part by music I was listening to last week; "Atlantic Driftwood" by Norland Wind - always the perfect inspiration for something from the sea - and Blackmore's Night, "Ocean Gypsy" in particular, (although this one is more of an ocean witch). Wonderful imagery in their music. The shell handle atop the box is one I found on a beach in Freeport many years ago....

The next piece is another painted from an aerial perspective (soooo fun painting things from a different vantage point), "Merlin's Magical Flight", an acrylic painting on gallery canvas....

Does it make you feel like you're flying?

And third, "Wisdom", an owl plaque inspired by the now famous Molly of the San Marcos owl cam. Yes, I admit it, I'm completely addicted, hehe....

Owls are such magical creatures, aren't they? I've been sketching Molly all week, and can hardly wait until the owlets are a little bigger - I'd love to paint the whole family, or at least Mom and a baby or two. This one will list on eBay tomorrow night.

As if all this isn't enough (insert loud fanfare of trumpets) tomorrow is the day the door opens on the March EHAG Emporium (at 9 PM eastern)! I have a super fun piece for this one, something completely different for the yard and/or garden, so check back tomorrow (March 31st) at 9 for details.

In the projects department, I have something very exciting to share which I hope will make at least a few collectors happy. There have been several requests over the years to illustrate a deck of cards, and I'm thrilled to report the opportunity has finally presented itself! The very talented Lunaea Weatherstone (who readers of Sage Women magazine will know as a contributor and former editor) approached me recently about illustrating an oracle deck she is in the process of writing. What fun! Working these illustrations into the regular schedule will be a challenge, and probably result in a limit on new commissions, and in getting a much earlier start on Ghoultide Gathering pieces, but I'll work it out. ;)

Next up (just a few more days) is a truly special piece for eBay; a table or bench, painted with mystical imagery from a recent dream. I often dream I'm painting something, and the subject is so vivid I wake, thinking it was real, and want to run to the studio to continue the painting. Is that crazy? Don't answer that, hehe...

In the meantime, it's another cold, rainy night here, so I'm off to warm a kettle of leftover soup, and call it a day.

Back tomorrow with details on that Emporium piece....

♥ Carolee

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my, indeed! What a beautiful parade of inspired pieces, particularly that owl! I too love it when the floodgates of creativity open and the muses overwhelm me with their generosity...I find that the more attention you give them, the more generous they are with inspiration...

Juliette Crane said...

your artwork is so beautiful and inspiring! the colors and details are amazing. thank you for sharing. i just adore all of these pieces! stop by my blog and say hello sometime :)

best wishes!
juliette
juliettecrane.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Whoa! Carolee, I LOVE this owl and sign!!!! Beautiful coloring in the feathers, etc. Outstanding!!!! - Deb

Monkey-Cats Studio said...

Such a busy lady and when do you find the time for all of this beautiful painting?? I think the announcement regarding the cards is very exciting and can't wait to hear little bits and pieces as you work on them!!! Keep us informed!!
Laurie

Fotf said...

Wow Carole, i can totally relate to the whirlwind of ideas my head seems to be like that alot on and off and unfortuntaly fustration kicks in through lack of quiet time to get on with some of it.Now it's the Easter hols and i have even less time to myself. Hey ho. Love your Owl peice can't beleive how much that progressed from your sneek peek on FB. You are so talented :)

Unknown said...

Oh Carolee they are amazing sweetie. You never s=cease to amaze me with you work. Moll'ys feather look 3 dimensional. Love the view from the broom....Have a great week sweetie xoxoxoxo

LuLu Kellogg said...

Carolee...these are all wonderful! I can't pick my favorite!

LuLu♥

Heather said...

Lovely pieces!!! I love when music is inspiring XD and I can't wait to see your cards!

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

Beautiful pieces Carolee! And what exciting news about illustrating an Oracle deck! Can't wait to see what you do with it, definitely will be a "must-have" for me :-)

In light and love ~ Gail

Theresa MacNaughton said...

What beautiful pieces, Carolee! I am partial to the barn owl. What a beauty!!! So happy to hear you have discovered Molly! I watch her constantly. Her babies are getting so big now. Thanks for sharing these wonderful creations with us. Theresa :)

William Bezek said...

Wow! That's a creativity Hurricane!

Christopher A. Klingler said...

All 3 pieces are MAGICKAL!!! '-))

CK

Janine said...

Merlins magical flight is phantastic.
It is my favourite of your wonderful paintings ( wich I adore all).
This one is so special GREAT
Best wishes and
Happy easter Carolee
Janine