You can make a Difference if you don't Give Up

"Tansy's Pride"

In addition to loving books written about the Depression Era and World War II, I enjoy novels about slavery, especially from the perspective of a slave. Once immersed in the heartaches and hardships that come out of these historical time periods, you can better relate to the families that came after and those in the present day.

Everyone has a different memory of the same event. There were courageous and honest people who helped others and made their own lives count, and there were shallow people whose actions were hateful and spiteful. There were those who committed monstrous acts of violence and treachery that can only be called evil.

In the book "On to Richmond 1861-1862" The second book in the Civil War series written by Ginny Dye, the slave Rose asks her mama "How do you endure? How do I endure, Mama?" Her mother answered: "by going around every obstacle and embracing every hard time as if it were a friend carrying you to your final goal." Talk about positive attitude.

Reading opens up your world. You can gain understanding of other peoples and races. You can learn new skills. Education may expand your thinking and change the way you see your life. With knowledge comes responsibility. Your capacity to change your circumstances and conversely change the world becomes tangible. You can make a difference!

I taught myself to do many things while I raised six children. Each week we selected 10 books from the library that they could share. I also chose a few for myself. I studied writing, I read plays, I created scripts. I went on to study art in all of its forms. I experimented. I grew. I hungered to learn. I think my children caught my enthusiasm because they were full of never-ending questions.

If you're feeling trapped and think that you don't have the time or money for classes or that you'll be stuck in the same rut for the rest of your life, think again. You have it in your hands to create the life you want.

Think creatively. Reach out for help. Don't give up just because your life doesn't fit in with the pattern of others. Like the slave Rose learned from her mama, "embrace every obstacle, every hard time as if it were a friend carrying you to your final goal."

Nothing worthwhile is easy. You've probably heard that many times. It's easy to give up. You give into your fears, your imperfections, your lack of self-confidence. But you don't have to! Your state of mind determines where you go in life and how you end up. Take the reins of your thoughts and accomplish what God intended for you.

Norman Vincent Peale a famous Pastor and the author of many motivational books wrote this challenge in "Positive Thinking for Every Day of the Year:"

"Are you going to live all your life and never feel the presence of God?"

I issue a similar challenge. Are you going to live the rest of your life never feeling the exhilaration of overcoming weakness or the power that comes from self-control? Be in charge of your life. Don't succumb to indifference, laziness or fear.

The painting below is the first coat of paint on a gesso board. You can still see the white gesso show through in come places. I will show this work-in-progress over the next few weeks.

(Work in Progress)

This Tropical Tree Calls Out to Me

(If allowed to ripen, the seedlings grow to the size of a small pear)

I put a call out online long ago for help in identifying this tree, rather the seed from that tree. I had admired its shape, intriguing interior, and the possibilities of using it in some artistic way. Sadly, I never got a response.

Then Lo and Behold, an article in our local community paper had the answer. Written by Anita Force Marshall I found out all I ever wanted to know and more. Anita is the head gardener at the Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort (www.sanibelmoorings.com). She lives on Sanibel Island and has been writing gardening articles for many years. Her biography is lengthy and I won’t include it here.

(The pear-shaped seedlings are smaller if they fall off too soon)

The photographs in this blog are mine. The name of this mysterious tree is “West Indian Mahogany.” There was a time when wood from these trees was shipped back to Europe to make fine mahogany furniture, beginning in the 16^th century which explains why they are so rare here now. 

They are deciduous trees that are indigenous to Florida. I fell in love with their seeds and couldn’t help bringing them home to see them ripen. 

They open slowly, but once they begin, you cannot stop them. Believe me, I have tried. First spraying the small pear-like casing with hair spray, and then with glue to see if I could slow down or inhibit their outburst.

Inside the seedlings are layered looking much like the grain on a fine piece of wood. The outer shell separates into wooden petals. They are so intricate and beautiful you want to save them at that stage, but you can’t. They simply must explode as they are meant to do.

(I put the small outer pear, and the lower one opening inside a dish of dried decor)

In Marshall’s article, she describes the Pros and Cons of these wonderful trees:

“Pros: Small leaves great for natural soil amendment, drought tolerant, attractive canopy, full sun, attractive bark, salt tolerant, may inspire more outside naps, fast growing, wildlife attractor, native plant, perfect niche for orchids.

“Cons: Daily clean up of wooden fruits, pollinator attractor, may have to invest in a comfortable hammock, may tire of neighbors asking for the pears on your tree, kaboom look out for wooden grenades.”

(The outer wooden petals are beginning to fall off)

The great thing about these 40 to 60 foot tall trees with their massive gnarly grooved trunks and deep textured bark is that they are hardy with little or no pests and diseases. Thank you Anita Force Marshall for the answer to a question I’ve had for almost ten years!

Also in this blog is work-in-progress that I hope to turn into a stained glass painting of sorts. The composition is difficult to see in these photographs, but I think you get the idea.

There’s “Nothing new Under the Sun”

"Reggae Night" Acrylic on 18 x 24 canvas (Won Special Recognition, see below)

I was watching a PBS fundraiser featuring music from the Eighties.  All of the colors and geometric patterns of today were alive and well. No matter how advanced and contemporary we believe we are, as the ancient Biblical prophets said in Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV):

⁹ What has been will be again,
    what has been done will be done again;
    there is nothing new under the sun.

In most cases, everything has all been said and done before. Our challenge as creators and artists is to take the ideas from the past and remake them into something fresh and exciting. Even contemporary science and technology has its basis in history. Researchers and engineers always build upon the foundation of knowledge and facts established before them.

These molecular building blocks join the past to the present and create promise for the future. You can use these same principles in creating something different and forward thinking from what has worked before. They used to call it “thinking outside the box.” Now they are suggesting we get outside and look within at the interior and find different ways to relate, to see, to think.

(Work-in-Progress "Egrets and Mangroves)

Your own personal perspective generates the diversity and originality of thought that gives you an edge over those who came before you. Your unique skills and experiences shape how you express yourself and define your style. Whether you look within or explore exterior planes, there may be something vital and cutting edge in what you discover.

Being alert to opportunities and emerging trends gives you a head start. There are openings almost everywhere you look. Social media advertises jobs, creative connections and links that may lead to something promising; but along with those ads come risks.

I’ve received an abundance of spam and damaging email links over the past few months; most touting opportunities for jobs or products promising success. Even my medical records were tapped. The up-to-date ways physicians now communicate with patients are being used for profit. I was shocked that my email had been sold to other health advertisers and that the medical portals I once considered sacrosanct were up for grabs.

"Great Egret" 11 x 17 watercolor

Put your own name in a search bar and see how many times it comes up in places you never knew existed. Everywhere you post, comment, and “Like” links back to you. Be alert to scams, dead-end postings and emails. If you have any doubts at all, don’t click on them. They may transfer you to a site where you will be spammed or worse. 

My blog was shut down for several weeks last year from a code I picked up by clicking on one of those links. It took me weeks to track down where the code was embedded on my system. My LinkedIn friends gave me the necessary information to find it and shut it down.

In spite of that there are legitimate sites you can trust and several online contests which prove beneficial. One such place is located at this link:   http://www.art-competition.net/ where I am entered in their March 2016 competition for “Faces.”

I won an “Honorable Mention” for my painting “Reggae Night” shown above, and several weeks of Special Recognition along with other winners at this site: https://www.lightspacetime.com/ Give it a go!

Here are some other verified and authentic contest sites you may want to try:

http://www.theartlist.com/    http://www.asingularcreation.com/calls-to-artists.php http://www.myartcontest.com/  

"Beach Buddies" Oil on 20 x 16 canvas. . .popular with many buyers.

Hoping for the Winds of Change – Let her Blow!

"Kayla looking through a glass door" (My next painting)

Here I am, preparing for two shows at two different locations and still missing two other possibilities in the process. When “Season” arrives here in Florida, there is never a dull moment.

I did manage to paint today. I had wanted to finish this project before a show on the 12^th, but I may not pull it off. Actually, the toddler, my great granddaughter, on the front of the glass holding her “blankie” is finished. This is another example of making flat glass and wood look like cloth; soft and delicate with shadows and highlights.

"Glass surface -- work in progress"

I decided to add paw prints on the underside. Because the dog is lower, he must reach up to her. My original drawing was of a larger dog, and I had to paint over him. Now I will add a smaller dog to the canvas and then the canvas will be finished.

The project is mixed media because I am using both oils (on the glass), and acrylics on the canvas which will be attached on the backside of the window frame. At least this project is unique.

"in progress -- canvas will be attached to back side of window" (still needs dog.)

Tomorrow, I am setting up a show at the Public Library with our League to provide culture for the community. It’s a fun way to interact with students and interested adults. Last year we added several new people to our group. At the same time, we artists have other artwork hanging on the walls of the library that will be judged. At the end of the month, prizes will be awarded.

When opportunity knocks, I usually try to take it. But this has been an unusual year full of death, illness, and necessary trips. My coping skills were tested. When I talk with my online friends and artist community, I am sensing that they, too, have difficulties that interfere with their hopes and dreams.

"First drawing of Kayla"

We all want to be successful. Success takes money. Juried shows require entry fees. Continuing education is expensive, but important. Supplies and materials are going up in price. I shopped at several stores looking to buy odorless turpentine. The cost blew my mind ($30 a quart). I ended up with a gallon of odorless mineral spirits (thanks to WalMart) for $12.49. 

I love to paint. I enjoy creating something out of nothing. But there are fewer buyers than there were yesterday or even last year. If we can all hang on just a little longer, maybe the climate will change. 

When Mary Poppins blew into town, it was on the winds of change. We can only hope.

"Winston is the model for my dog"

The Library -- One Size Fits All

When we struggled to raise six children and provide them with music lessons, athletic activities, and a good education, I never dreamed that would mean I couldn't finish mine. But reality held a different answer. Without the library, I may never have become a writer or an artist. It was my lifeline and my access to opportunity.

That's why I was pleased when a juried competition opened up for the PanAmerican Alliance and our skilled and talented artists. I'm sharing some photos from that show with you. The winners of that competition will be announced at an awards ceremony on Dec. 3 at the library. If you’ve followed my work, perhaps you can find mine.

Being an artist is expensive. There are many choices to make and mediums to purchase: linseed oil, turpenoid, oil paints, acrylic paints, modelling and mixing mediums, watercolor paints and paper, pastels and paper, brushes and tools, canvases and panels. All of these amount to "infrastructure" for the artist and are necessary components for turning professional.

I just purchased a package of pastel color shapers. The list price was $39.99. I went around the aisles several times before I realized it was do or die. I had to have them. The results of my recent works with fuzzy unclear details were good examples. Luckily a friend gave me an online coupon for 40 percent off which made my decision easier. I paid $16.00 for the shapers, and felt good about my decision.

There are other ways to save money: artist friends who throw in the towel and want to get rid of their painting supplies, garage/yard sales, stores like 2nd wind for artists, i.e. Act 2 in Fort Myers, sometimes e-Bay, etc. And don't forget the library; a great source for learning material. Used book stores may be the answer when you want to own a book.

Many artists use house paint instead of acrylic for large canvases. Squeeze bottles used for hair color can be washed and saved for painting use when you want a straight-edged trim on a petal or stem or for fancy scroll work. Being creative isn't limited to composition and design, it's a great way to develop your own personal style and to lend a new twist on a vision or idea.


How do you save money? Please share your ideas with my readers!

Today, I'm sharing a "work-in-progress" inspired by a photograph I shared with you earlier of two sandhill cranes foraging at dusk (below). I first made a drawing, and now I'm putting in an acrylic base. I will use oil paint on the cranes and for detail and highlights. Stay tuned!

I loved this photograph because of the blue tones reflected on the crane's wings.