Lisa Reed....How I See It

21 Days of Gratitude

2011-05-15T21:09:00.002-05:00

My "High Five" for this day is rolled into one. See how bad I am at following directions?! I know my instructor understands me!

I did this little ink and watercolor sketch of where I work. It's Santa Fe Dry Goods on the Plaza in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am grateful for it for many reasons. Here are five of them:

1)It's the best place to work in Santa Fe
2)I am happy to be making money
3)I enjoy building teams
4)I love my boss
5)It's cool working on the Plaza
And, that's the way I see it!

21 Days of Gratitude

2011-05-15T21:05:00.002-05:00

The class assignment had something to do with expressing gratitude about food. I suppose I could have been more reverent than drawing a pint of Ben and Jerry's. But, of well. Thank you God, for ice cream!

21 Days of Gratitude

2011-05-15T20:59:00.001-05:00

So grateful for time to spread out art supplies and play on a Sunday afternoon! This is a bunch of old zentangles that I mutilated and collaged back together. Something about doodling that makes my brain happy! At least, that's the way I see it!

21 Days of Gratitude

2011-05-15T20:53:00.001-05:00

I am enjoying the 21 days of gratitude, even though I am doing things out of order and not getting around to posting. I suppose I am not much a a linear thinker and am prone to breaking the rules. My "plan" is to enjoy all kinds of mediums in this class and not to torture myself when I miss a day. It's a fun way to express gratitude and I never stop doing that!

So here is a funky altered photo I did. The background is a mixed media background that I did sometime ago. An old photo of me and my boys layered on top of it and altered in Picnik, which is just as fun as it gets!

I am grateful to have these guys!

21 Days of Gratitude

2011-05-05T23:47:00.000-05:00

I have signed up for a 21 day art journaling class that started today. The theme is gratitude. If you read back or know me, you know that I am a big believer in writing down what I am grateful for. And, that I set an intention long ago to express it through art. My blogging buddy, Donna, who is a creativity coach and delightful artist is leading the online course. How could I resist her talent and charm?? http://creativitymattersblog.blogspot.com/

So, barely unpacked in our bigger place in Santa Fe, and trying to get my legs under me in a new job, I decided why not now? Right?? I have plenty to be grateful for and want to share that. I begin with a photo I took on a recent visit to Napa (shout out to the Bads) and plan on using paint and who knows what else in the the next 21 days to express the gratitude I feel for everyday things, people, places, feelings....

Sooo, here we go............and that is how I see it!

Denton, Texas- Downtown Square

2011-01-14T20:17:00.001-06:00

Last night I "met" a new person online who had become a follower either here or on Flickr. She is a talented photographer who had taken many photos in the North Texas Area, more specifically, Denton! Today, I stumbled upon some sketches I did around the charming downtown Denton Square. Like most small towns, some antique buildings have had a metamorphosis. Dentonites (is that the right word?) will recognize this old theater which eventually became a place of worship. I meant to go in the building while we lived nearby and never did. Shoot! What's it like inside?

I am thinking of all the people I love in the Denton area. Sketches certainly imprint fond memories!

Mais Oui, Sunflower

2011-01-13T22:24:00.002-06:00

The previously mentioned workshop has me fully charged and I am playing with so many old sketches and turning them into new "creations". Truly, it's a blast!

So the first image is stage one that includes torn up copies of a some of my mixed media journal pages, (thanks Linka for teaching me how to do that!) and various fruits, flowers, leaves, stamps from other old paintings.

I added gesso to some Strathmore Inkjet Textured Paper. After all, the 15 minute online workshop I took was sponsored by Strathmore. Oddly, I had bought the paper before I even knew of the workshop. Then, I added some really drippy acrylics. I ran the original collage through the printer onto the newly painted paper.

I have some ideas about how to proceed. Stay tuned! Could be interesting :)

So, I did the next step according to the lesson and I had no feel for what to do with oil pastels. None. And, I haven't even decided I want to learn how to use them. I added some black. Linka always tells me "you need a little black". And, outlined some lettering, smeared some pastels around and walked away from the painting! So, I'll wait for the next lesson to see if I continue this little exercise. It's a process!

Sacred Sepia

2011-01-12T16:17:00.007-06:00

There are so many inexpensive and even free workshops online. FREE fits right into my budget! I signed up for a cool little series of Visual Journaling workshops and took the first today. http://www.strathmoreartist.com/vjworkshop2011.html.

It was more fun than a barrel of monkeys collaging with bits and pieces of old sketches, photos and miscellaneous ephemera!

*******************************************************************************

Step 2--added a little depth, definition and softened some edges with colored pencil

****************************************************************************

Step 3
I think I mushed this one up trying the oil pastel route. It's either take a class or trash those suckers! Poor lady, looks like she got socked in the face. Back to the drawing board!

Last step. Hard to see the changes actually. Changed the Artist's Way to Enjoy and it's definition.There is alot of metallic added to with ink, pigment and markers that simply don't show up in this post. Per the lesson, I added some designs and doodles in the negative spaces, added some white and darkened some lines. a very fun exercise. Now, on the finish the next! (Not that I won't revisit this one at some point!)

As I said, I had to revisit this project. I am addicted to altering images in http://www.picnik.com/ It is so much fun!! This is simply "reversing" the previous image. I think it is far more interesting than the original, but I love color and these colors appeal to my senses.

House portraits

2011-01-08T17:43:00.002-06:00

I have started to do these house portraits again and really enjoy it. They seem to make the owners really happy and that makes ME happy!

These were challenging, with so many amenities, I had to leave some of them out. Hard to get the fish ponds, pool, outdoor kitchen, putting green etc. in the small sketch. But, the home owners seemed tickled...whew!
I hope you will visit me often as I update my other site with new photos of house portraits.
http://sketchmyhome.blogspot.com/

Colors, Textures, Sacred Objects

2011-01-08T17:16:00.000-06:00

I spent a little time photographing the interesting art, furniture, sculptural objects, surfaces and textures at my friend, Jill's house. Their place, up on the mountain is a feast for the senses! I made this little collage and think it might be cool blown up to poster size.

Not to take the mystery out of these images, but, well, I am! Top right is the latch on a gorgeous folk art armoir. Next, the handle on an enormous copper kettle followed by a wonderful statue that makes me want to drop to the floor and meditate. Second row, the blue scrolly pic is a mouth blown lamp shade. The lamp is equally fantastic! Middle photo is the design on the mug I that held my cappacinno. Far right is tiny a corner of a Chinese lacquered cabinet. The marvelous lady bottom right guards over the stove in the kitchen. The middle bottom is a decorative tile inset in the kitchen. The last photo is simply the top of a piece of furniture in the living room.

I am calling my stroll through the house my "Artist's Date" for this, our last week with Julia Cameron leading us in the "Artist's Way".

Highly Prized

2011-01-08T15:11:00.002-06:00

This is another submission for the Sketchbook Challenge for the month of January.
The topic is "Highly Prized".
Since I have only one perfectly seeing eye, I do hold it in extremely high esteem!
I did the whole thing in 2H pencil, then decided to use a Derwent watercolor pencil to make my eye that fantasy green. They're green but not THAT green.
Left a few laugh lines out :) Hey, it's my eye and my art :)
And that's the way I SEE it!

Sketchbook Challenge

2011-01-05T16:38:00.004-06:00

I have been encouraged by some friends to join them in the Sketchbook Challenge I recycled an old yoga sketch I did, since yoga is something I am so passionate about.

I had a mission to find THE BEST YOGA in SANTA FE! Tough job but somebody had to do it! Actually, it turned out to be quite an undertaking since there are probably twenty fantastic choices very close to home. After taking multiple classes in seven studios with many teachers, I found the most wonderful teacher Sean Tebor and now I can't break myself away to attend all the other (also excellent) classes. classes are currently held at the Aspen Ballet Santa Fe Studio while his new studio is being completed. My friend, Jill, and I are so mesmerized by his language, his descriptions, poetry, analogies & his good looks. Oh AND his massive expertise!Yet, we are pure mush when it's all over and can't recall what he said! During my rating process of all the studios, I started writing a few suggested names for his classes....

Sean Tebor’s Magical Mystery Tour *****

Sean Tebor’s Journey to the Center of You *****

Sean Tebor’s Two Hour Thanksgiving I’d Rather Do 28 Downward Dogs Than Eat Pumpkin Pie *****

Sean Tebor’s Yoga is my Drug Of Choice *****

Sean Tebor’s You could be at home and you Chose to attempt Half Moon Pose *****

Sean Tebor’s-Yeah this is gonna get Crazy yoga *****

Sean Tebor's Learn the form, but seek the formless Yoga...*****

Sean Tebor's You are feeling drunk by now Yoga *****

I totally digressed! Back to sketching! I have a goal to gain proficiency in PhotoShop. I have owned it for years and never touched it. So, I took the little yoga sketch I did ages ago and played with her. She enters the yoga studio unaware, unenlightened and not even awake. Her Chakras beginning to show signs of life as she focuses on prana and enjoys well directed asanas. She ends with a deep Savasana and finally is alive, enlightened and aglow by the end of the practice. That's the original sketch in the lower right and she is peeking through as the background, too. Ahhhh....Yoga, I love you so.

TWU Fountain

2010-10-02T23:15:00.002-05:00

I sketched this fountain on the campus of Texas Women's University in Denton. My friend and I were there exploring the chapel and the glorious azaleas this spring. I added some watercolor to it this week. Great spring day with a good friend and I wanted to preserve it!

Barachiel

2010-10-01T17:27:00.003-05:00

I have been intrigued by these wonderful statues carved from dead cottonwood trees. They are on what is becoming a regular walk route for us here in Santa Fe. It’s along the Santa Fe River on the way to Canyon Road. I have photographed them and painted one of them. Decided to incorporate the face of the one I painted into this mixed media piece. I don’t know a thing about arch angels so I started researching them to find out who this angel Baraciel was. I found that this is “my angel”, coordinating to the day I was born, on a Saturday in November, a Scorpio. So, I added the Scorpion symbol in the lower left on the painting. I also added some words to the piece having to do with what this angel is about. You probably can’t see them but here is what they say if you look up close.
"Distributor of the blessings of God … for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for people..."
If you want to read more about the carvings and the artist that created these go here>>
http://joselucero.com/outdoor.html

This type of expression, abstract/mixed media is foreign to me. But, I am trying all sorts of new things to find a new way of making art. Most of all I enjoyed the freedom, the story and the symbolism of the process. I am working on creating something totally different every day!

Clutter and Creativity

2010-09-21T20:42:00.005-05:00

I am excited to share that I have a Creativity Coach! I am feeling that there is something that I am meant to create and she is going to help me “give birth” to it! She asked me what fears and obstacles I have that may be standing in my way. Hmmm…My fear is that I won’t experience everything I can possibly experience. So, I have to get busy! I can’t put my finger on what is standing in my way. I do know that clutter can stand in the way of many things, creativity being one of them. So, I tackle the “stuff” I own once again, wondering if it is keeping me from living a fully creative life. Having recently moved into a 3 room casita, I am having to dig deep to keep the place tidy and I have already gotten rid of massive numbers of “things”. When we got back from Colorado today, I had 5 newly purchased books which means 5 others have to leave this house. I rationalize that it doesn’t have to be 5 books, it can be 5 things that take up the same amount of space as the new books. Hey, these are my rules, I am making this up as I go! So, two pairs of capris that I never wear are stuffed into the Charity Box. Capris should be against the law anyway. I have never seen anyone look good in them. Bad design. Pedal pushers went out of style for a reason! Two more pairs of dress paints that would require heels that didn’t make the last clutter cut. A white shirt and a white tank top. I don’t look good in white since I stopped coloring my hair. ONE book, a dress that had a huge print that made me look like a giant flower garden (WTH was I thinking?)-GONE. Okay, that’s 7, so I get to keep the books!

The next set of clutter that works against this ADD girl will be remedied by my Artist’s Way Morning Pages. One of the books I came home with is actually a pretty new journal. I’m such a sucker. Like a 99 cent spiral wouldn’t suffice? So, three pages of dumping my brain on paper every morning rids it of all that chatter so I can be productive in some other way. That mind decluttering process begins AGAIN tomorrow!

Maybe I should change the 3x3s and incorporate the daily decluttering of my brain and my belongings! We will know if this process works, if I ever actually have any art to post on this blog! For now, an occasional photo will have to suffice. Those Aspens in Colorado were strutting their stuff! That's how I see it!

Unity Santa Fe and The Artist's Way

2010-09-12T21:28:00.004-05:00

I added a little color to this with water color pencils. I don't really know how to use them, but its just seemed handy, so here you have it!

Rather than retell the story, I am sharing the letter I wrote to an incredible group of friends back in Texas.

Hi ladies!
Today I attended Unity Sante Fe. I was very teary as I sat there alone without my friends surrounding me. It was my first twinge of homesickness. I thought how odd it is that I have known you all such a brief period but it seems like I have known you forever. I looked around and wondered if I would find new friends in that room. I wanted you to know that I think the world of you. It was a special time at Unity Church of New Hope! Also, as a reminder of the special times that are created at your church, Cindy Baker and I donated that giant clock you may see sitting around. The time we had there with you was wonderful and life changing and we want that clock to be a reminder of that. I hope you continue to make the most of every minute!

Now, I am dying to share this with you! I am joining the Artist’s Way group at Unity Santa Fe in October. It is being led by….drum roll please…..JULIA CAMERON!!! Needless to say, I am totally beside myself!!

I hope your Sunday is wonderful. Please try to stay in touch and come visit us in Santa Fe!

Good thoughts,
Lisa

p.s. I decided to start sketching in church again and posting the sketches. It's so good for this girl's ADD. Hopefully, the speakers understand that it actually helps me concentrate on their every word.

I used an almost-out-of-ink ballpoint on raggedy piece of paper. Please forgive how out of practice I am at sketching, scanning, posting. Notice I have moved beyond the "blind in one eye" excuse. No worries, I have a list of excuses that will last way beyond this blog!

When Pigs Fly

2010-09-11T23:56:00.003-05:00

According to Wikipedia:
"When pigs fly" is an adynaton, a way of saying that something will never happen. The phrase is often used for humorous effect, to scoff at over-ambition. There are numerous variations on the theme; when an individual with a reputation for failure finally succeeds, onlookers may sarcastically claim to see a flying pig. ("Hey look! A flying pig!")

We have hung this grinning, flying pig in our home for many years. He is now hanging in our Santa Fe Casita courtyard, making me smile and validating what some see as impossibilities. Make pigs fly!

Daily Creations

2010-09-11T20:29:00.003-05:00

Since I declared so publicly my plan to create something new (hopefully daily) I thought I had better document when I actually do get my hands dirty. Our Casita requires creativity just to find a place to put things. I got some cheapo shelves at Goodwill and am playing around with turning them into something interesting. Here is the beginning of that process. After a few layers, I'll post the end result. I've started on some other white (shabby chic looking furniture) that I brought from Texas. We will see if I can turn it into something more Casita like. If not, it is going to Goodwill! I am getting very good at saying "Adios" to things that just don't suit me anymore.

3 x 3 s

2010-09-09T14:35:00.016-05:00

Want to know what 3X3s means?

Okay. A few years ago, I had been beat up and beat down and so had my niece. We were jobless and depressed and had a hard time putting one foot in front of the other.
So, niece #1 and I committed to each other to share, via email, a system we called 3x3s. We wrote three simple lists daily to each other.
#1-3 Things we would accomplish
#2-3 Things we would do that were fun
#3-3 Things we were grateful for

Seriously, if you have ever been depressed, you know that these lists can feel insurmountable. Sometimes, getting out of bed, getting dressed, taking a shower were seen as great accomplishments.

Having fun lists. Really, we are pretty fun girls. But, in those dark days we struggled to find fun and had to rely on each other to figure out what might bring a smile to our faces. There were days that eating a pint of Hagen Daz was the fun thing and we praised each other for it! Well, that’s ALWAYS a fun thing, right?

Gratitude lists—we knew the grand importance of that component. But, sometimes we were saying things like “I am grateful I got to clean the cat box because it means the cat is still alive.”

The 3x3 system works. When I feel a friend is in that dark, cobwebby place, I invite them to play along. It ALWAYS works. Sometimes takes a few days. Always brings light to the darkness. You don’t even notice that you have stopped playing anymore. Life has simply returned to “normal” and is once again joy-filled. If you ever want to play with me, I am thrilled to do it. We will both be lifted!

So today, for me, it goes like this:
A (Accomplish):
*Empty those last two boxes from the move
*Wash clothes after dryer repairman comes
*Take stuff to Goodwill—okay..have Charles take stuff

F (Fun):
*Yoga
*Mexican Food for 1st time in 64 days
*Zozobra event—burning of Old Man Gloom! It’s a Santa Fe Thang

G (Gratitude):
*I am grateful that we followed our hearts to Santa Fe
*I am grateful for the windows and doors being open with a breeze coming in
*I am grateful for walking home from my gallery gig in the rain. How romantic and urban it was walking from the Santa Fe Plaza to our Casita a few blocks away!

3x3s—it’s simple-it works. Join in anytime! (You don’t have to be depressed to play!)

p.s. Linka encouraged me to try to paint BIG after I struggled with the tiny, detailed stuff I used to do. The painting on the blog is my wild and juicy attempt at big and abstract.

Blog Reborn in Santa Fe

2010-09-08T19:48:00.004-05:00

My poor neglected blog. There were a couple of years that I was passionate about daily sketching, posting the inane drawings, photos and goings-on of my daily life. I learned so much from the process and from the many artists that I was dedicated to following. I made friends with many with whom I still stay in touch. Thank you for reaching out, wondering if I had fallen off the planet when my postings ceased. Most know that my creative side was diverted in a very big way to my now dearly departed Mecca on Main. The website is now down, too, but some of the photos that document that very impactful part of my life are on Face Book. I am Lisa Adams Reed over there, if you have not already “friended me”. Mecca was an artist’s collective with art studios, gallery, an event place, a café. We also offered art and yoga classes. It was an all encompassing and life altering experience for me and for many others. I could digress into that rich chapter and probably will refer to Mecca along the way on this blog. For now, my point of this post is to say, I am going to breathe some life back into “How I See It”. I’ve been loving Face book, but find I need a place that is bigger and can expand into other things.

My new posts will be flavored differently. For one thing, I have pretty much given up the sketching that I was enjoying so very much. It began when I was all consumed with Mecca. THAT was my creative outlet and took up every waking moment (and my dream life, too!) Then, a few months after we opened Mecca, I woke up with no sight in my right eye. They said it was permanent blindness caused by a stroke. Docs don’t know it all, so I thanked them for their opinions and went about the business of healing. I did regain some peripheral sight and THAT matters since it helps me with balance and other important things like that. I rarely fall down—and that’s a good thing! Nevertheless, I have allowed the incident to limit me and my ability to put pen and paint on paper. I know I can get more vision back and with practice can create something with the one good eye I have. So, you will see some of my attempts to express myself creatively on this blog. One thing I already know is that the blogging world is one of kindness and encouragement. If you know me, you know I am sensitive and critical of my own stuff, so I thank you in advance for not being too hard on me as I get rolling again!

This chapter will pick up in Santa Fe New Mexico where Charles and I moved on August 28, 2010. My journaling will include much more than any art I might create. It will be about my authentic journey through this world and some of the things that I am passionate about. Those things will always morph from one idea to the next. If I have a fear, it is that I will miss an opportunity to experience something new. It is a pretty bad case of ADD which I happen to enjoy quite a lot! Some think I should not start something unless I have finished the last thing. Don’t look for some magnificent completed project from me. My daddy said it’s the journey that is fun and that is where we learn. The finished product isn’t the point. Worrying about uncompleted projects immobilizes people. I just want to try lots and lots of things. I may not end up loving them all or committing to any of them. But, I sure don’t want to miss a chance to give something a whirl.

Some of the things I want to get onto paper (blog) with words, photos, or with paint or pencil are below and not in order of priority:

My favorite things
Things I want to do/try/see
Immersion into New Mexico
Good times with from family and Friends
Hiking/camping
Small Space Living
3x3s (stay tuned if you don't know what this is)
Playing with mixed media and collage
Furniture painting
Sketching-keep your fingers crossed :0
BIG Abstracts
Photography
Yoga
Artist's Way
Books I like
Marketing ideas for small businesses
Cooking and Eating for Energy/Vitality/Longevity
Adventures of Yao and Mo-the Wonder Dogs
Spirituality/Reiki/Meditation/Prayer
The most intriguing people I come across

p.s. Thanks, Anna! If you had not asked me to create something for your dorm room, I would still be making excuses! Give me a chance to get my creative legs under me and I will send you something created especially for you, from my heart. Aunt Lisa

Sketchcrawl at Mecca on Main!

2009-09-18T20:53:00.003-05:00

Please join us for the 24th Worldwide Sketchcrawl. This is the third one hosted by Mecca on Main!
http://www.meccaonmain.com/

I am so crazily proud of this place, I can barely contain myself most days! Stop by the site for more information on the sketchcrawl, art classes, studio space, yoga classes, MECCA CAFE and and and...!!!

Hope to see you there tomorrow afternoon!
Lisa
meccaonmain@gmail.com

Classes at Mecca on Main

2009-03-26T21:02:00.002-05:00

Be sure to follow the progress over at Mecca on Main

If you are in North Texas, you are gooing to want to stroll down Aubrey's Main Street and wander into our place. Take a look at the classes and find one to sign up for!

Hope to see you there!
Lisa

My Baby-Mecca on Main!

2009-03-09T22:23:00.003-05:00

I never stop sketching, but have not taken time to post anything due to my latest passion. If you have not seen it already, please stop by to see what has kept me busy lately.
http://meccaonmain.blogspot.com/

Unity Church of New Hope

2009-02-02T16:57:00.003-06:00

I call this "Visualize Landscaping". The church has just completed an addition but we have not gotten to the landscaping yet. So I painted some in!

I sketched the picture of our church as white elephant gift for a church Christmas party. I was happy that Reverend Ellen ended up with it. Makes sense, huh?! She has also asked me to turn it into note cards for our bookstore and to be used as thank-you notes. I photoshopped this handlettering out and added some with a lovely font and there ya have it!

I'll post a photo of our little church when we get the real landscaping!

EDM #2 Draw a Lamp

2009-01-31T14:59:00.005-06:00

At this rate, I will never get through the Every Day Matters Challenges! I have been doing them, but better get them posted! The long arm lamp is on my art table: the other is headed to the garbage due to a crack in the glass :-( Maybe I will break it into pieces and use the glass for something mosaic-like. Nahhhh. Not likely.

Maira Kalman : The Inauguration. At Last

2009-01-30T20:04:00.002-06:00

I know, I have been a bad bad blogger! No excuses, just no posts!

I promise to get some of my January sketches posted and will be back on the blogtrack real soon. Thanks to all of you that sent me notes wondering if I was still among the living!

This beauty was sent to me by my bud TQ and I just loved it. Enjoy!

http://kalman.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/the-inauguration-at-last/

I WON PURPLE PENS

2008-12-30T20:37:00.003-06:00

Since I was reading deprived by the Artist's Way, then distracted by Christmas, I neglected to acknowledge the abundance that came my way!

I was truly "needing" some supplies and got some! My son and DIL got me a great new sketchbook which I am already filling with EDM challenges.

On top of THAT...I was generously rewarded by http://biggaydragon.blogspot.com/ for answering correctly "Purple People Eaters". She sent me 5 awesome new purple pens that I am loving so much! I DO have a Big favorite. Let me know if you simply MUST know the one I love. There is nothing quite like new art supplies, is there??

EDM #1 plus Yao

2008-12-30T18:20:00.002-06:00

I am starting from scratch with the Every Day Matters Challenges.
Number one is "Draw a Shoe" (so I drew three!)

Take a look at Yao snuggling with one of them! I sacrificed the goofy comfort so my puppy could have a new "friend"!

Art in 2009 or Never Say Never!

2008-12-29T20:50:00.005-06:00

Last January, I had just started sketching and blogging and wrote this:
http://lisalou-graceart.blogspot.com/2008/01/art-goals-i-dont-think-so.html

And this year, I have a list of artistic things I want to do and learn as long as my arm! I am not calling these goals--since I am apt to find more new things I want to try and will abandon some of the below. So be it. The list just gives me a blueprint to follow if I veer too far from feeding my creative spirit. Well...that's the Way I See It

Ideas:
Explore Artist Co-Op idea
Join VAST (Visual Art Society of Texas)
Continue Artist's Way Cluster
Continue in SmartFlix University http://smartflix.com/
SmartFlix.com How-To DVDs
House Portraits
Pay it forward--nieces, church, blog buddies, friends

Journaling topics:
Gratitude
EDM
People
Nature
My homes
Yoga
Texas
Sketchcrawls
Favorite quotes

Practice:
Figures
Faces
Trees
EDM challenges

Take classes:
Photoshop elements
Digital photography
http://smartflix.com/

Experiment with:
Bigger pictures (not just sketchbooks)
Ink
Pens
Brands of paint

Get inspired:
Read art books
Visit museums
Classes from http://smartflix.com/

Spend time with my artist friends learning what they do:
Cyndi and Rachel-quilting
Cyndi-Illustration
Rachel-design
Martha-sketching, journaling
Diane-Glazed Enameled Copper
Cindy-Illustration
Linda-Oil Painting
Gretchen-Watercolor

Art Trips:
Envision 4 a year with Gretchen and Martha and who knows who?!
Participate in Worldwide sketchcrawls http://www.sketchcrawl.com/

Post Reading Deprivation

2008-12-29T20:33:00.003-06:00

There are so many things I learn and enjoy from blogging and especially the Every Day Matters group. Thank you for the dozens of passionate responses about whether to read or follow the Artist's Way plan! Your support and kind comments the past year kept me engaged and your talent has taught me so much!

When I decided to follow the Artist's Way Plan, of not reading for one week, I knew that I would NEVER neglect personal emails or my job hunt. Yes, I am a blog lover--addict perhaps....yeah..for sure. But, I just love seeing what the folks in this EDM group are creating and I so enjoy reading about the lives of the bloggers I subscribe to around the globe. What an education it has been for me. Art, geography, history, fantasy, spirituality, politics...you name it.......your sketches feed my heart and soul and I won't ever stop following along with your lives and everything you create.

Sooo...I put the books down after peeking the day I received them. I figured since I am facilitating the Artist's Way Cluster, I should at least follow the program. Although difficult to understand how not reading books on art could help me unleash my creativity, I decided to give it a chance. My nose would grow if I said I stayed completely away from reading my favorite blogs. I scaled back by at least 80% but just couldn't bring myself to abandon the great pleasure of viewing your art every day.

Some things I did this week that may fall under the creativity umbrella:
Took a jewelry making class with my niece (early gift to her)
Bought all the makings for another niece's ballet scrapbook
Made my DIL a necklace and some earrings for me
Painted my bathroom
Replaced outlet covers with something prettier
Mowed the yard;raked the leaves;planted some pansies
Hung new house numbers
Made a pebble mosiac window sill in the shower
Got two pictures framed and hung
Rearranged the Living Room to accommodate the new TV
Bought three new lamps and got rid of one
Finished shopping and wrapped them up
Made huge vat of chicken and dumplins and took some to friends
Made a list of art projects for 2009
Some other terrific things that have happened this past few days--
Got an offer on the California house (after 9 months)
Got two job offers!

Who knows if the above would have happened with or without the rules of the Artist's Way. What do you think?

Now...back to sketching and posting and READING..

Happy New Year!
Lisa

To Read or Not to Read?

2008-12-23T22:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses to my high class dilemna--
whether to read my awesome new books or follow the Artist's Way
direction of "reading deprivation" for one week. Then, read on to see
how I weighed your input and made my decision.

I got many comments on my blog and some direct emails--all strong
opinions from people I honor and respect and much appreciated!

Here is how it shook out:

Take a peek then get back to the Artist's Way Commitment- 2

Just look at the pictures! 2

Do both-read and keep creating- 2

Do the Artist's Way program but don't do the reading deprivation
week. It won't change anything..has no affect (hmmmm..how do you know
if you didn't do it?) 4

Belly Up to the Book Buffet (Peg's words
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/) 17

Stick with the Artist's Way program- the reading deprivation is worth
it.. It's only a week and worth the creative pay-off...major break-
throughs, keep your commitment, follow-through etc. 15
(Most of these comments came directly to my email-concern over it
being the "unpopular" vote)

AND, here is what I did >>>
I PEEKED, I LOOKED AT THE PICTURES, I READ!

Now, in order to keep with my commitment to the program and the
people in my Artist's Way cluster, I start my reading deprivation
week.

Stay tuned. I'll see you in a few days (yes, blogging is reading!)
Lisa

What would you do?

2008-12-16T15:15:00.007-06:00

My Artist's Way group is on the chapter that calls for reading deprivation. I am already terrified by this assignment, even though I have no doubt it has value. To add insult to injury I got the most delicious shipment from Amazon today. My California Berkeley Bad Girls Book club friends, Diana, Martha and Cynthia gave me a gift certificate for my birthday and I ordered these books...

An Illustrated Life (of course!)
by Danny Gregory
Where Wanderers Cease To Roam ( A Traveler's Journal of Staying Put)
by Vivian Swift
The Decorated Page
by Gwen Diehn
I am also doing daily drooling over a gift sent to me by my SIL, Gretchen..
True Nature (An Illustrated Journal of Four Seasons of Solitude
by Barbara Bash

So what would you do?
1.Stick with the program and deprive myself of reading to unleash my creativity
2.Postpone this week's Artist's Way assignment for one week so I can devour these books?

Here's another look at my temptations. What's a girl to do??

My Art Space

2008-12-13T16:26:00.003-06:00

I always love seeing other people's studios and spaces where they create their art, so I thought I would share mine. This year we did an extreme downsize, so I lost the extra bedrooms (office/studio). Small space living has provided me with it's own creative challenges! This little space is set up at one end of our bedroom and actually works just fine.

With all my brushes, paint, pens and pencils right in front of me in my favorite containers. Three are from my collection of Cowan glazed pottery. I decided to actually use them rather than display them. The crackled glass container belonged to my dad who collected lots of different kinds of glass containers. An antique silver creamer for my favorite brushes was given to me by my antiquing buddy. I love the big yellow cup that contains my markers. My sis in law bought it for me while we wandered Napa wineries. It says "Wild Women on Wine"(yes, we were!) Some of my favorite things contain my other favorite things--my art supplies!

My favorite Director's Chair--a gift from my friend,Michael, when I got promoted to Director in my last life in the corporate world. Now, it is my Art Director's chair!

Thanks for stopping by my little art nook!

Wise Men

2008-12-12T17:54:00.005-06:00

I sketched these wise men in church last weekend while Rev. Ellen talked about them. Kathryn played and sang "Try To Remember"....

Take 2 minutes to mellow out and listen to some pretty lyrics and look at some lovely pictures......

Yoga Elf (?)

2008-12-11T20:45:00.004-06:00

Namaste and Merry Christmas to all of you!

Yoga in my heart

2008-12-11T20:42:00.002-06:00

I do love yoga and so does this yoga girl........

Flowers in her hair...

2008-12-11T20:36:00.005-06:00

Flowers Everywhere...I love the Flower Girl...(anyone remember the Cowsills?)
Indulge me by clicking on the photo to enlarge--or you will surely miss the flowers in her hair--and everywhere else :)

Nutcracker Mosaic

2008-12-03T19:06:00.003-06:00

I got to see my very talented niece perform in the Nutcracker this weekend. Here is a little mosaic of some of the sketches I did in the very dark theater. I love doing this! Any tendencies toward perfectionism are down the drain! Please do click on the mosaic to see all the wonderful dancers from the incredible http://www.lakecitiesballet.org/

Butterfly Award-Cool Blog :)

2008-12-03T17:27:00.004-06:00

Oh my Favorite blog buddy, Peg, honored me with this award! I tuly never miss a post of hers. She is The Most Original artist and inspires me with her art and thought provoking words with every post. Thank you BB (Blog Bud)!
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/

I am going to vary from the rules a bit. Rather than nominate 10 more blogs, with the expectation that they each nominate 10 more and recognize my blog on theirs,
I am going to give high accolades to genius Gabi http://gabicampanario.blogspot.com/
and all of his awe-inspiring Urban Sketchers.
http://www.urbansketchers.com/
To visit this site is to take an intimate tour around the world! I admire each one individually-- and collectively they are blowing the lid off of the world of sketch blogging!

Joey

2008-11-28T15:29:00.003-06:00

My girl friend liked my sketches of Yao, so I did some quickly of her Joey. His legs are so short, when he runs he looks like a little bunny hopping along! (A very cute bunny!)

MarieAntoinette Award

2008-11-24T18:57:00.018-06:00

It is always an honor to be recognized by one's peers.

Thanks so much Mark at http://paperravenbks.blogspot.com/ for giving me this award described as a "real award for real people"

I saw a debate in blog land that some people consider these awards like chain letters. It is my good intention to pass this on to other bloggers who I am particularly enjoying these days. It is up to you, if you want to also "pay it forward". Just know, I simply want to shine a light on you because I enjoy what you do. And, the way I have found some of my favorite artists is through others bringing blogs to my attention.

Here are a few folks that I am getting to know and appreciate.
Mark at http://paperravenbks.blogspot.com/
John at http://johnwrightart.blogspot.com/
Steve at http://splatpaint1959.blogspot.com/
Carol at http://drawingtelaviv.blogspot.com/
Steven at http://sketchoftheday.blogspot.com/
Timaree at http://freebirddrawing.blogspot.com/
Cris at http://crisinor.blogspot.com/

The instructions are to:
1. Please put the logo on your blog
2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award
3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs
4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog
5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.
Again, nothing will happen to you if you simply accept the award and do nothing else!

"As Trevor observes: it doesn't have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for. " From the movie and movement "Pay It Forward"

Christmas Card

2008-11-24T15:40:00.007-06:00

You may recognize this house from a post I did on October 5th.
My neighbors liked it so much, they asked me to do a Christmas card for them.

Also, wanted to congratulate them on being recognized in Texas Monthly http://www.texasmonthly.com/. They have a restaurant in Celina that was noticed as one of the top 40 cafes in Texas. I can vouch for that. I love those fried pickles at Lucy's Cafe! Way to go, Krys and Steve!

* my photos are lousy--they really look better in person. Please click on them to enlarge. I really must learn Photoshop!

Yao the Dog

2008-11-20T23:21:00.005-06:00

We had our first cold snap today and I got cozy. I listened to the "Disappearance of the Universe" on CD and sketched my crazy puppy dawg before heading to the Denton Artwalk and celebrated church lady, Linda's birthday.

Yao---what an energetic character. I adore him AND he drives me craaazzzy!

Oh yeah---Yao likes to blog, too....can you tell? There he checking out Capt.Elaine on my birthday! http://captelaine.blogspot.com/

November Celebrations

2008-11-18T18:40:00.006-06:00

November is probably my favorite month! Besides my own birthday, I can name more than a dozen people that I love who were also born in November! These cakes are for each of you--I sketched them while eating lunch with my Sher and Aunt Janice. The cakes were looking oh so delicious in the case of Creatia's in Duncanville, Texas. Since I have already celebrated with three cakes this year--I passed on these!

Jessica, Gretchen, Aunt Janice, Mikel, Beth, Diane, Linda, Pat, Brian, Donna, Tom, Little Daniel, James, John ...I'll add the rest as I think of them! My 56 year old brain tends to accidently delete important information!

Ohh..and I realized today that I started blogging a year ago, too! Happy birthday to all of us!

Ino'z Where you are

2008-11-16T20:08:00.005-06:00

Yes, it's true...that is the name of this place and how it reads on the door. My sister, Nancy and my best sketch bud, Martha, and I started part 2 of the World Wide (Austin) Sketchcrawl in Wimberley, Texas. We had our first meal at Ino'z. It really says on the door "Inoz where you are". Yeah...it says that! The outdoor seating was lovely...by the creek and next door to our B&B.

Quaint yes? AND, Iknoz where you are!

Chick-a-dee in Wimberley Texas

2008-11-14T21:20:00.002-06:00

I squatted in the lane to sketch this little shop in the adorable little artist's town, then joined Martha http://www.trumpetvine.com/
while she did her version. (she is working long hours and will post soon) Nothing like a slow day in Wimberely, Texas...eating, shopping, sketching, talking....ahhhhh!

House Portrait

2008-11-13T22:33:00.005-06:00

My friend asked me to paint this for a Christmas gift, so I did! I hope the recipient likes it! It is a really lovely home in Krugerville, Texas--a couple of minutes from me.

Southern Sunrise Bakery

2008-11-13T17:45:00.004-06:00

We have a new bakery in our little town of Aubrey, Texas. Delicious goodies and a very nice family running the place. It is located right next to the largely abandoned Main Street Building that I previously posted http://lisalou-graceart.blogspot.com/2008/10/aubrey-texas.html We want to make sure these entrepeneurs are a big success!

Santa Fe O'Keefe

2008-11-07T20:57:00.002-06:00

Santa Fe OKeefe, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

The museum was closed for renovations when we visited---yeah really, it was---didn't they know we were coming?! But we were able to visit an exhibit about Ms. Okeefe and watch a video. Here is a sketch of the enthralled viewers. I had to post this one, because my friend, Diana--with the spikey hair on the right looks so cute!

Santa Fe-Canyon Road

2008-11-07T20:51:00.004-06:00

This tree was so perfectly trimmed, the trunk looked like a plaster sculpture. After all, it was the grand art street--Canyon Road!

Fall Leaves in Wimberley Creek

2008-11-07T19:29:00.006-06:00

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all." Stanley Horowitz

These leaves had fallen and floated like a beautiful mosaic in the creek behind the "Salty Chicken" Bed and Breakfast http://www.texasvacation.com/waterprop/34-waterprop/117 (where we stayed following the crawl) the http://www.sketchcrawl.com/ in Austin. I'd like to paint them, but love the photo too much to consider messing it up! I hope you will click on the photo to ENLARGE and see how pretty it really is! The bright blue is the really and truly the reflection of the sky. The bright white light is real sunlight--I did nothing to alter this photo--nature in action!!

I love Autumn SOOOO much--I hate to see it end!

Aubrey Peanut Festival

2008-11-03T22:02:00.004-06:00

The Peanut factory closed up in the horribly hot summer of 1980 in Aubrey Texas. There is still a very down-home celebration of the peanut every year, on the grounds of the peanut factory. We live a block from there and it was fun to be a part of such a small town effort. It is like going back to a simpler time...

Here are a few sketches of the Peanut Festival by me (an Aubrey Nut!)

St. Michael's Santa Fe

2008-11-01T13:46:00.007-05:00

This sketch had to sit with me awhile! I hated it before Martha gave me a few ideas about how to improve upon it. Isn't it nice when someone cares enough to give critiscim? The end result is that the painting was saved from the recycling bin!

There is something to sketch on every corner in Santa Fe! This is around the corner from Canyon Road.

Martha and Lisa Moleskine Exchange

2008-11-01T11:28:00.006-05:00

Here is the second entry in the Martha- Made- Moleskine. We are calling our two person exchange "Our Favorite Things".
She started with the bunny planter http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/07/29/moleskine_exchange_favs/
Then it was my turn. Our Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club went to Ashland, Oregon last fall and ate at the http://www.morninggloryrestaurant.com/(more than once!) It is a scrumptious place to spend a morning--and it became one of my favorite things!

This is a little bit of How I Saw It!

Photo included in Napa Guide!

2008-10-31T22:19:00.006-05:00

I am the last person that should be included in this-yet I think it's cool! I am lazy when it comes to Flicker, so it's a fluke this was found by the Schmap Napa Valley Guide. If you want to see the photo- Click on photos at the bottom and you can scroll through the photos until you see the pink tree credited to Lisa Reed (moi!)

Austin Sketchers!

2008-10-31T14:22:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Sketchers!, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

Here are some of the sketchers that joined in Austin. My sis, niece, Ed and Janet, Lara and Megan turned out for the first ever Austin sketchcrawl! Martha http://trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/ came all the way from Berkeley! We continued to crawl and I'll get those sketches posted in the days to come. A fun time was had by all!

Long Center-Thrill the World!

2008-10-31T14:17:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Long Center, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We were there for the Thrill the World '08: A worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's THRILLER for a Guinness World Record
Hundreds of zombies gathered and danced in front of this building. I guess we weren't the only group gathering around the world! We didn't look as wild and crazy as they did---but we had just as much fun! I sketched the Long Center sans ghouls!

Sketchcrawl Austin Driscoll

2008-10-31T14:11:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Driscoll, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We spent some time admiring the beautiful lobby of the Driscol Hotel in downtown Austin. I sketched one of this many gorgeous light fixtures. I seem to have a thing for lamps!

Sketching Stevie Ray

2008-10-31T14:08:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Stevie Ray, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

Austin is known for many things, not the least of which is the great music scene. There is a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn on the banks of Lady Bird Lake and we stopped to sketch him. Stevie and I went to Kimball High School at the same time. He played music with some old friends of mine so that gives me less than six degrees of separation from one of the greats!

Sketchcrawl Austin Capital

2008-10-31T14:01:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Capital, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

From below looking up at the magnificent rotunda at the Texas State Capital. It is built out of sunset red granite and will take your breath away. Yes, it is true, everything is bigger in Texas!

Sketchcrawl Austin

2008-10-31T13:55:00.002-05:00

Sketchcrawl Austin Grid, originally uploaded by Lisalou's Grace Art.

We did it! A group of us gathered in Austin for the World Wide sketchcrawl. We started on the steps of the State Capital and sketched for several hours, trekking across this great city, enjoying perfect fall weather. Here is some of what I put on paper that day.

World Wide Sketchcrawl--Austin Texas

2008-10-31T13:49:00.003-05:00

A group of us gathered in Austin for the World Wide sketchcrawl. We started on the steps of the State Capital and sketched for several hours, trekking across this great city, enjoying perfect fall weather. Here is some of what I put on paper that day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisaloureed/2989006927/

Meet Yao....

2008-10-30T21:20:00.002-05:00

Forgive me. This is not a sketch. Indulge me, this is my sweetie pup, Yao (Ming). Yes, there are some insane Houston Rockets fans in my household!

I will certainly sketch him. For now, I just had to share the cutest face I've ever seen.

Airport sketching

2008-10-20T15:40:00.004-05:00

I truly love to pass the time in airports and on planes sketching my heart out. This was from DFW to Colorado Springs with a quick stop in Denver. The black and white is from some magazine, while the others are people and things around me.

Donkeys need recognition, too!

2008-10-18T22:47:00.003-05:00

So, I spent an entire, wonderful, morning with the miniature animals that call Crystal Mesa Farm, HOME. I wasn't entirely thrilled with the mulitude of sketches I did of them--after all, their porportians are a little "different".

But, I loved them so much, I felt I should at least share them. Most of them moved so much, I just couldn't get them to strike a pose!

Here they are and I just love them!

More from Ghost Ranch

2008-10-18T20:48:00.003-05:00

I decided to honor this beautiful place again http://www.ghostranch.org/ , by painting from a photo I took there. Georgia O'Keefe spent many years painting there, being inspired by it's beauty. Who wouldn't be?! I have a goal to attend one of the many workshops offered at this awesome place.

The colors and light in New Mexico are so often indescribable. Capturing it can make a painting look almost fake. Nothing could be that filled with ethereal color! The color of the landscape when I took this was cast with purples of all kinds. The sky, the tree, the mountain--all had a fog of lavenders and plums cast upon them. Still takes my breath away to think of it.

100th Post and Photo Nomination

2008-10-13T15:25:00.005-05:00

Today I got a note from the Schmap Napa Valley Guide http://www.schmap.com/ saying I had a photo on the shortlist to appear in their November guide. That's kinda cool, isn't it?! The photo they selected was one taken at the Mumm Sparkling Vineyard. You may recall the previous posts where Martha http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/04/13/napa_sketchbook/ and I sketched at the Sparkling Vineyards in Napa Valley before I moved back to Texas. In fact...the banner at the top of my blog is a sketch I did of the tulips we saw that day! What a great memory!

So, here is the photo that made the shortlist. I'd rather have a sketch nominated, but I still celebrate my 100th post with this nice little bit of recognition!

Living Room

2008-10-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

I did this very quick ink sketch in the Living Room of my employer. I just love to move as fast as I can with pen in hand. I usually like the outcome far more than things I deliberate over. Hmmmmm....yet...I will always do both! Can't give up that paint!

World Wide Sketchcrawl in Austin Texas

2008-10-07T16:27:00.001-05:00

We are getting geared up for a fun day of sketching in the 24th Worldwide Sketchcrawl! Please join us!

**** Saturday, October 25th, 2008****

10:00 a.m.

Austin Texas--State Capital steps

How will we find each other?
Martha will wear her signtaure blue sketch hat and we will have sketch books in hand.

To learn more about the world wide crawls, check out the below sites and join the forum>

http://www.sketchcrawl.com/blog/

http://www.sketchcrawl.com/forum/

Ghost Ranch, New Mexico

2008-10-06T15:15:00.001-05:00

I got to spend one night at Ghost Ranch on my recent vacation. I expected to sketch non-stop since I was alone and staying in a stripped down dorm room with no laptop, tv or radio. But, it was the night IKE came through the Houston area and I kept going back and forth to my car to listen to the radio and driving up the road to get cell coverage. I was a little distracted by checking on my kids and other loved ones there, so my creative juices took a back seat.

I usually stick to my little sketch books doing quick ink and washes. But, I did give a full size watercolor a shot that one afternoon. This is the one of the views I saw at Ghost Ranch. Next time, I will be there taking a week long watercolor class. At least, that's the way I see it!

My neighbor's sweet home

2008-10-05T21:09:00.001-05:00

This should have been included in my Aubrey, Texas posts--maybe.

But, I really painted this for different reasons. We are new to the area and new dog owners. My neighbors bailed me out by looking after our puppy, Yao (more to come!)

I sketched this and gave it to them when I saw them at the Peanut Festival yesterday--as a thank you for making sure our puppy was okay. They really seemed to like it! And, I really like looking at their place!

What happens in Santa Fe stays...:-)

2008-10-05T19:56:00.001-05:00

So, a few of us members of the Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club took a trip to Santa Fe. If you haven't followed along--the Bad Girls Book Club is bad only because we either haven't read the book or we don't show up! I don't even live in the same state with them anymore so my excuses are always valid (now!)

We had a night on the town in New Mexico and after a margarita or three, I did some real fast sketches of the band---yeah...that's right-- on cocktail napkins. The last one, of the Sax player on his break, is clearly at the end of the evening when I sketched his demeaner more rock starish than the more-than-middle-aged dude he was. And, I mean nothing by that---I even have some best friends his age (!)

You will have to wait for Martha's real deal sketches of that night. Guaranteed- hers are far more art worthy than mine! Yet, I wiped up on Scrabble later that night. See what I mean about us not being all that BAD??

Here's to the BADS that were there and those who had FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) YOU DID and we talked about you, too! See you next time??

That's the way I see it!

Lisa

Aubrey, Texas

2008-10-01T12:48:00.001-05:00

This weekend is Aubrey's famous Peanut Festival. I thought it was time for me to sketch a few things in my own back yard. We live a block away from these sites on Aubrey's sleepy Main Street. Included is a mostly abandoned strip of stores, the little old church on the corner that is now an event place, the closed down Peanut Factory and how about that quaint Police Station!

An "artist" painting an artist painting an artist

2008-09-28T20:41:00.001-05:00

Sitting on a bench in the Santa Fe Plaza provided all the subjects I needed. There was a colorful character posing for a REAL artist. I did a quick sketch of the guy. When I returned to the house we were renting, the owner stopped by and saw what I was painting. He saw this sketch and said, " Oh, that's Don!" He told me that Don is an old prospector from Idaho, who has been in the area for years. Well, Don lit up the Plaza that day and I just had to record the moment.

I also wanted to give a shout out to the very talented Mike Mahon www.mmahon.com . It was pure joy spending some time watching you and your delightful model.

Some love from Waterblossoms!

2008-09-28T08:59:00.001-05:00

After neglecting my blog for too long, I finally posted some things yesterday. What a boost, to wake up to this recognition from my very favorite http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Peg, for the inspiration and joy you bring to me (and so many) every day.

A bonus comes with these awards. I am always introduced to new and very talented bloggers. I am honored to be in their company.

Good thoughts,

Lisa

La Fonda Santa Fe

2008-09-27T22:21:00.001-05:00

Then, I went crazy and juicy on this familiar place!

St Francis Santa Fe

2008-09-27T22:16:00.000-05:00

I sat on a bench and sketched a morsel of this wonderful building....

Sante Fe--vacation

2008-09-27T22:09:00.002-05:00

The last phase of my vacation was meeting my Berkeley Bad Girls in Santa Fe for more fun and games! Here is where we stayed or How I see See It! http://www.colorfulsantafe.com/

Stairway to Heaven

2008-09-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

Simply a stairway to the meditation loft in the Sunset Room at Crystal Mesa Farm. Try it, you will like it!

Crystal Mesa Farm Vacation

2008-09-27T21:10:00.000-05:00

I cannot stop thinking about the wonders of Crystal Mesa Farm. It is magical and spiritual and if you open your hearts to all that it is, you will be transformed. Truly, the vacation of vacations.

My husband told the owner, Marie, that she should be worried about me--"the body snatcher"--since I wanted her life. And, that was before I knew she was married to a hunky soap star!

I was mesmorized by the shrine/chapel that houses and honors Marie's mother's life and ashes. I sketched it from every angle and photographed it in every light and felt the reverance of the consecrated land.

Words do not go far enough to describe the experience I had at Crystal Mesa Farm http://www.crystalmesafarm.com/

Crested Butte Colorado

2008-09-27T20:25:00.001-05:00

I had THE BEST vacation ever! Phase one--I met Mark and Gretch in Colorado for a few days of laughing, eating, reminiscing...yoga, world class scenary and well....not too much is better than being with them in our family's beloved Rocky Mountains. I have miles of sketches and start with these.

I sat on a corner and could have sketched all day. I was approached by a really darling girl, Melissa Neuner, curious about what I was up to! She has an art studio/school in Crested Butte We talked about art and everything else (!) and became fast friends. I hope to see you next summer, Melissa! Check out her passion, if you are in the area http://crestedbuttestudio.com/default.asp

The church in the distance is where Charles and I found a minister to marry us on the banks of Spring Creek. It is a different color now, so I painted it the way I remember it back in 1981.

The second sketch is dedicated to my brother, Paul---he would call this "Another Day In Paradise"... in this case Paradise Cafe!

This was a day of bliss.......

Arte y Pico Award

2008-07-24T19:42:00.000-05:00

Inspired by Danny Gregory http://www.dannygregory.com/ the Every Day Matters Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/ is an amazingly supportive, talented group of artists. The seasoned professionals are so willing to share advice and provide praise. The newbies are so charged up and willing to put themselves out there for all the world to see. Since I only started this journey a few months ago, I am tickled to be noticed by the legends and the "up and comers" alike. It is so fun to get peer recognition such as the one awarded to me today by http://purplepaintsmuse.blogspot.com/ THANK YOU! I am so happy to be in the company of a couple of my favorites (the 2 Magnificent Margarets!)
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/ and http://scquiltaddict.blogspot.com/
Plus, I love being introduced and to artists I had not known before.

This award is described better on the website http://arteypico.blogspot.com/
For now, just know that I am honoring five sites that for me are-- WOW! Participation is optional but here are the guidelines:
1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award, creativity, design, interesting material, and also contrubuites to the blogger community, no matter of language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog thathas given her or him the ward itself.
4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico"blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5) To show these rules

This gives me a chance to bring attention to and honor some folks that bring me joy and teach me something every day. And the nominees are>>>

http://gabicampanario.blogspot.com/
A world ahead of most in the blog-o-sphere!

http://www.paperandthreads.com/
I love seeing and reading about Shirley's interesting life, travels and family. Her ideas and style keep MY creative juices flowing!

http://thehappypainter22.blogspot.com/
An example of how trying something new can open up a whole new world!

http://rahkyndl.blogspot.com/
What incredible detail--check out his "organized chaos"! Oh my goodness!

http://john-alookin.blogspot.com/
Even newer to this sketching/blogging world than me! Visiting John's blog is such a fun stop along the way.

Who knew there was such a huge world of like minded individuals out there?!

Martha & Lisa - "Favorite Things"

2008-07-22T17:57:00.000-05:00

What a treat to open the mail and see a Reloaded Moleskine
from my dear friend and best sketchbuddy, Martha!

http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/moleskine-reloaded/ (to see how she does it!)

She had sketched a "bunny pot" that I gave her when we left California. She has planted it with some pretty flowers and it appears to be thriving. The sketch is beautiful and warmed my heart when I opened up our new book. We are doing our own exchange and will sketch our "Favorite Things".

I am posting Martha's sketch and will put my contribution in the mail tomorrow.

Thanks, Martha! I miss you! Lisa

House Painting

2008-07-21T21:35:00.001-05:00

What REALLY kept me from painting recently was PAINTING! House painting that is! My son and I spent some long Texas HOT days repainting the exterior of our little house. I am so pleased with the outcome. Several people have referred to it as a "doll house" which really makes me happy. It is becoming the cottage I envisioned!
Weird. When I picked the colors and put it on the computerized house, I was not even thinking of the back of the house--which seems to be a lost cause. Look at how similar the Home Depot version is to ours. I love it when things happen like that!
Thanks for following along!
Lisa

"Reclaim Your Life" Sketches

2008-07-21T17:56:00.000-05:00

I had the priviledge of attending a two day course " Reclaiming Your Life" this weekend. I am posting these two quick sketches to remind myself of some of the key things I got from it. I am pretty charged up with some tools to help me be the best that I can be and enjoy that journey. Can you tell, I had some housekeeping to do--getting my blog up to date so I can move onto my grander goals? Thanks Lane Pierce http://www.allotime.com/ for a terrific weekend! You are a rock star!

Here is The Chair (a symbol of obstacles I have no use for!) and Lane reminding us all to FOCUS!

More Summer Fun!

2008-07-21T17:41:00.001-05:00

We have a Lake very near and it helps keep us cool in this crazy Texas heat. Okay, nothing can really help but we go anyway. Our nephew came to visit from Austin and the kids enjoyed the beach. We have also spent some time there with our old friends, Pat and Joe, kayaking and picnicking. Here are some sketches from adventures on Lake Ray Roberts.

Another Talented Niece!

2008-07-21T16:42:00.000-05:00

A great bonus of being back in Texas is being able to enjoy the talents of my nieces and nephews.

Anna is a wonderful musician and I got to see her perform (Oboe) following her Longhorn Band Camp at UT recently. The first group is very quick scribbly contour sketches of the musicians, then some of the audience. The last is a sketch of the concert setting as they played their hearts out.

Award!

2008-07-15T09:55:00.000-05:00

I was tickled pink this morning to wake up to this award by EDM peer.

Thank you Starr http://wistex1129.blogspot.com/ ! I have also been in a creative slump, at least when it comes to sketching and actually getting something posted. This is just the shot in the arm I needed!

The rules of acceptance are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate 7 other blogs.

4. Add links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

This is a short list of blogs that I enjoy and inspire me daily:

http://www.trumpetvine.com/ My buddy and the mentor of so many of us!
http://terrybanderas.blogspot.com/ A newer blog to me, but so delightful!
http://bmgarnersketches.blogspot.com/ Just a creative genius, that's all!
http://waterblossoms.blogspot.com/ A feast of delicious artistic surprises every day!
http://artbyanita.blogspot.com/ I visit multiple times daily and can't wait for Anita's posts!
http://abrushwithcolor.blogspot.com/ Simply wonderful!

http://demibrix.blogspot.com/ I am enjoying your journey so much!

(Of course participation is optional)

Sketching in the dark

2008-06-15T20:08:00.000-05:00

My dancing niece had her recital yesterday (she was wonderful!) I sketched in the pitch dark and added some color this afternoon. Martha's sketches in the dark http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2008/04/20/symphony/ inspired me to try this. What fun!!

Ashland Sketch

2008-06-10T18:59:00.001-05:00

This is one of the first sketches I did when I started this sketchaploosa and haven't stopped! I posted it before, but it was too small to see. It is on sketch paper with a really light wash- since the paper wasn't made for water! Don't laugh, I was new and didn't know!

The sketch is my wonky intrepetation of a little restaurant in Main Street in Ashland where I went with my Berkeley Bad Girls Book Club in October. Martha sketched it, too. If you want to take another look at hers, it is here...

http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/2007/11/18/ashland_oregon/

Fun to see how different the two sketches are! I love revisiting sketches even more than photos. What vivid memories they bring!

Katie's Art

2008-06-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

My 12 year old niece did a montage of my blog and gave it to me yesterday! I LOVE drawing and painting with Katie. She taught me how to use my watercolor pencils and next I hope she will help me with oil pastels. How lucky am I to have such a talented artist in my midst?!

Lil Girl

2008-06-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

So, I sketched our lil girl with a dull pencil and no eraser...and this is actually what she looks like.

She has Feline Luekemia and we are happy to have her while we can!

Last Day in May

2008-05-31T21:26:00.000-05:00

Sooo....I swore when I started blogging that I would not be setting goals, making big commitments when it comes to something that is 100% for my pleasure. That lasted a a few months! Then, this Every Day in May thing came up and I wanted to join the party! Indulge me while I share the Top Reasons I didn't Post Every Single Day in May:

1. All my sons were born within three weeks of each other this month plus Mother's Day--I've been busy celebrating!
2. I moved cross country at the end of April--I needed to unpack , etc.
3. I got to the end of my moleskine reloaded and haven't filled a new one *wrong paper **wrong sketchbook
4. My sketch buddy (Martha) is 1900 miles away
5. It's too hot to sketch in Texas (my favorite excuse for practically anything!)
6. Our Internet service is circa 1995 so I can't post anyway-no service dozens of times in May
7. I did some montages--so I really DID sketch more than it appears
8. I really don't believe in art goals anyway-this is for fun-what was I thinking??

That's not ten, but give me till midnight, I will come up with more excuses :-)

For now, here is a quick diddy. My sis-in-law included me in an eat and shop trip to the darling town of McKinney with her friends. I sketched the place we ate "Spoons" when I stepped out to answer the phone. I just now added some color to it. It was a fun day!

Alpine Court Patio

2008-05-31T18:45:00.000-05:00

I was painting like a fiend before we left California. This was a little painting I started of our patio area. I really hated it, and stopped mid-stream. Today I ran across it and it stirred up some good feelings so I decided to post it. That's what this is all about, isn't it? That's how I see it.

Zentangles (aka Lisa on Dayquil)

2008-05-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

I learned something new today-that some of my repetitive scribbling/doodling looks alot like something called Zentangles. I must say this sort of mindless pen to paper does produce a very meditative state. Or, is that the cold medicine??!

Front Porch

2008-05-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Saturday morning sketching on my front porch. One son preparing ribs for a cook-out later while another is using his plumbing expertise to get our house up to speed. My daughter-in law was napping cozily, so I sketched porchy things!

May Magnolia

2008-05-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

We have an enormous Magnolia tree blooming like crazy in our front yard. It has been fun to watch the activities in this tree since we got here. We had a huge nest filled with baby Blue Jays the day we moved in, lots of squirrels and the blossoms themselves provide us with great entertainment!

As I sit and sip my mint julip on the front porch...that's the way I see it!
Lisa

Texas Pre-paid Envelope "Art"

2008-05-11T13:32:00.001-05:00

This is more Texas-like than the previous Tex-Zen posting!

test test test

Tex Zen

2008-05-11T13:21:00.000-05:00

This may not look like Texas, but it is! I found a very cool place in Denton, the Yoga Hut, that has wonderful Meditation Gardens suurounding it. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Or, maybe I was in such pain from the kick-tail yoga class!

Texan Scribblin' in Church

2008-05-04T22:26:00.001-05:00

I have scribbled/doodled my entire life, whether in class, on a conference call or in church. (It just means I am concentrating on what is being said---REALLY!)
It may appear I am not sticking with the Texas flavored theme..but I am. This is what THIS Texan was doing on the back of the program at 11 a.m. today!