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In music, “playing by ear” refers to relying on an innate sense of what sounds or feels right; without referring to, or depending upon prescribed procedures or written music. This use of ear, referring to an ability to recognize musical intervals, dates from the early 16th century. At that time, play it by ear meant to sing or play an instrument without printed music. By the 19th century, the same phrase came to mean to proceed one step at a time, trusting intuition and a subtle sense of timing, rather than a prearranged plan, to determine the proper course of action.
“What happens then?” “I don’t know…. We’re playing it by ear at the moment.” (A. Smith, East-Enders, 1961)
And so it is with intuitive painting, where one paint stroke leads to another, each successive mark playing off of what came before and informing what comes after. In the same vein as “jamming” in music, intuitive painting can get pretty dicey at times, as sometimes discordant “notes” appear and must become a part of the whole. The whole thing can get pretty ugly and can cause the artist (me) to want to give up and throw the whole thing in the dumpster (wait, I’ve done that!). But perseverance, pushing through the uncomfortable ugly stage, can result in beautiful and unexpected passages in the painting.
The process of painting by ear (or would that be “eye”, or even “I” – as intuition comes from within the self, not from outside or empirical knowledge?) requires frequent reassessment. A dance, if you will, two steps forward, one step back… I paint, step back, assess what is working, what is not, step forward, adjust… And then, at some point in the dance, I’m struck by a shape, and the hidden “subject” of the painting begins to emerge.
Here is a section of my latest painting, Blooming Prairie Bison, before the bison presented herself to me. (The entire canvas was filled with the abstract patterns you see.)
I've been asked how I "know" what the painting wants to be. Sometimes an image appears - not unlike when you lay on your back and look up at the clouds - and "see" dragons or horses or sheep. The subconscious mind is always looking to recognize shapes, and that is how I see an image within an abstract. Sometimes I just get a feel for what I want the painting to be, and impose a shape by painting around it. In the case of Blooming Prairie Bison, it was a combination of both - the bison image appeared as I began to block in a more solid background, having finally made the decision to "make my big move." I'll write more about that aspect of painting in another blog post!
I’m busy finishing up a few new paintings for First Friday Gallery Walk (October 7) at Old Town Art and Framery. For those of you interested in seeing my painting process, I’ll be doing a live demo from 6 – 8 pm during Gallery Walk. Basically “flying by the seat of my pants” I scribble, throw, dribble and flow paint on the surface of the canvas creating a chaos of color and line. Eventually, a subject reveals itself – although the first thing to appear is not always the one with staying power. I’ve been known to paint and repaint a canvas several times before that happens! As you might have guessed, mine is not a manicured path – I prefer to take the road less travelled.
This piece is called "Cowabunga!" An expression of surprise, joy, or enthusiasm. The word was first used by Chief Thunderthud on the "Howdy Doody" show (1954, before my tome ;-) and was later adopted by surfers as a greeting (as in "Cowabunga, dude.") Later on it was popularized in the 1990 cartoon, Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles.
I thought I might title it, "Purple Cow"but in the end, Cowabunga seemed more appropriate.
Purple Cow is the name of a well-known poem by Gelett Burgess, written in 1895:
I never saw a purple cow.
I never hope to see one.
But I can tell you anyhow
I'd rather see than be one.
Although the Bald Eagle gets all the glory, there is something quite noble and beautiful about the Golden - less flashy, but perhaps more intense. The Bald Eagle is larger than the Golden, but can't fly as high, nor is it as graceful as it's plainer counterpart. Bald Eagles, according to Ted Andrews in Animal Speak, are associated with feminine power, Goldens are associated with masculine energy. It seems this Golden Eagle is definitely masculine.
Getting this commission has been pretty exciting - and a lesson in patience. I was first contacted by the Art Consultant nearly a year ago; finally got the go-ahead about three weeks ago. Painting for commission is in many ways a whole different ballgame than painting to put in a gallery or post on a website. In the first place, with a commissioned piece, there is the pressure of "expectation." Will the pieces meet with the expectations of the consultant? Since this is the first time I've worked with this firm, there are a lot of unknowns. With any new "relationship" there is the dance of learning the ropes. I do have a certain "color palette" to work within - I've got fabric samples from the rooms in which the paintings will hang. The good news is, the consultant chose me for the commission because my color palette fits in with their color scheme.
The other little mind game that plays out with a commission is that I've already been paid - when you send a painting to the gallery, it hangs there until someone comes in and decides to purchase it. With a commission it is already purchased, so instead of painting for yourself and letting the right buyer find the painting, you are painting for someone else. Again, the saving grace is remembering that I was chosen because of my painting style. So I have to put aside the pressure and just do what I do.
I thought I'd post pictures of the painting in progress - I always find it interesting to see how a painting was painted -what decisions were made to get to the point when the artist steps back and says, "I'm done."
This was the initial sketch and lay in of color.
I added in the suggestion of feathers and added a wash to the wing.
Worked more on the wing, adjusting values. At this point I need to make sure everything supports the "star" of the painting, the eye of the Eagle.
Finished painting.
This is the first large painting I've attempted since starting my Painting a Day Project. Those paintings (52 paintings in a little over 52 days) were all 6x8" or smaller. The first thing I remembered is how much more physical painting on a larger canvas is. Instead of most of the movement coming from my elbow, they movement for this painting (40x30") came from my shoulders and hips.
I also challenged myself on this painting to just let go and paint. I was feeling somewhat uninspired as I began this painting. I think really I was a bit intimidated by the size of the canvas. I've painted this big before - and larger - but it has been since the Fall. I'd really gotten used to the little guys, and suddenly, here was this big blank canvas. Since I really didn't know what I wanted to paint, the safe thing would've been to grab one of my little canvases. I sure hate screwing up a big canvas. As "free" as I want to be, the thought of wasting a $85 canvas is always a little nerve-wracking.
But I decided to just throw caution to the wind and paint big. But paint what?? I decided on a vertical orientation - another step out of my comfort zone. I tend to paint horizontal or square. But Saturday night, I went for the "full monty."
The first thing I thought of when contemplating the vertical canvas was trees. So I painted in some quick vertical strokes in ultramarine blue. Then I added some yellow ochre strokes. In doing that, two things happened: I started thinking about and visualizing birds. And, the trees morphed into reeds and dried grasses.
So, out of quiet mind, candlelight and Native American flute music came "Bird Song."
That's sort of how life is - mine anyway - a dance between chaos and order. I find I'm not happy when things are too orderly, too prescribed, too routine...and yet I'm not happy when things are too random, too out of control, too exciting. I need the balance between the two. I like a good roller coaster ride but wouldn't want to be on one 24-7. (Although sometimes my life feels that way!)
The Black bear is a practical power animal, discerning and wise, less aggressive and more discreet than the Brown Bear. A well balanced, helpful and warm companion on shamanic journeys. Bear also has links to the seven color rays of the Universal Light as well as Lunar ties, linking the subconscious and the unconscious mind.
Read more: http://paganismwicca.suite101.com/article.cfm/totem_bear_spirit_guide#ixzz0XihlWmRE
I'll continue dancing with Bear and see where we end up!
This painting, an 8x8 oil on gallery wrapped canvas, just about painted itself. I liked it so much that I have started a larger (30x30") painting of the same Bear, using the small one as a study. And I learned something about painting from a study. If I try to copy it exactly, it loses its life and looks overworked and contrived. But if I just use it as a loose reference - a starting point - then the new painting takes on a life of its own. It is related to the study, but not a reproduction.
I think I like this way of working though; working out the basic composition in the small one and using that as a springboard for a larger work. This is the larger painting, after wiping out the background that had become too stiff. One of the things I like about working big is using a big brush and using my whole arm to apply the paint. I wanted to create a rhythm and motion in the painting, so it would feel like Bear is dancing across the canvas.
As I was painting tonight, I was listening to Cat Stevens. I found an old "best of" cd and it's been my music of choice while painting "Winter Came Early."
(initial drawing)
I'm happy about where I'm at so far with this painting. To give you some scale, it is a 30x30" canvas. I really liked my prelinimary drawing, but then got stuck the next day. The painting seemed to have lost its focus. Yesterday I wrote a poem about it and the poem seemed to give focus and unity to the painting - gave it a story.
(second night - lacking focus)
No longer just a painting of a dead bird and two leaves and a yellow circle. It is the story of a time when winter came early, freezing the still-green leaves on the branches of trees and catching the birds unaware. There is a power in the unexpected; a beauty in the random order of nature. There is a subtle sadness in letting go; perhaps it is the realization that control is just an illusion. We can make choices, maybe affect small changes. But just as the path of the tiny ant makes no real impact on our lives, so the path of humanity has little impact on the tide of eternity.
The top painting shows how "Winter Came Early" looks tonight. Its not quite as red as it looks on screen. I'll let it "cure" for a couple of days before I'll know what it needs to be complete.
As an aside, I though you might be interested to know I've wanted to do a painting of a dead bird for years now. I have quite a "stash" of frozen birds in my freezer. Kind of weird, I know, but somehow they are so beautiful I can't bear to just throw them away or bury them when I find a little "fallen angel." So I wrap them up in plastic and put them in the freezer in my studio. My grandkids love to look at them, especially the tiny hummingbird. But it has taken me many, many years to have the courage to paint one.
The Beaver is the birth totem animal for April 20 - May 20.
Beaver is the builder of the Animal Kingdom, and has a strong sense of family and home. In building its home, you will find several entrances and exits.
Beaver never limits itself to one escape route. Beaver's lesson for us is: 'not to paint ourselves in a corner'. In addition, Beaver is well equipped to protect its creation. - excerpts from "Medicine Cards"by Jamie Sams
The Beaver Totem reminds you that you have to act on your dreams to make them a reality. It is time for action! Beaver can show you how to construct wonderful dreams. In essence, Beaver tells you to believe in your dreams as if they were real. Build on them as if the dream is your reality.
Beaver Totem is water and earth energy, and incorporates a strong sense of family and home. Beaver medicine is associated with the subconscious, the place where hidden knowledge and forgotten dreams are stored. Beaver reminds you to live your dreams, manifesting them by using the resources available.
Beavers have a gentle nature and are very industrious. An achiever is characterized by industriousness; Beaver knows that limitations cancel productivity. With their sharp teeth and paddle-like tail, they are more than capable of protecting their creation. Totem Beaver tells you to look for alternative solutions to life's challenges and to protect the creations that you put your love and energy into. Read more...
The Heart of Beaver Acts on Dreams is the last painting in my series of twelve 10x10 birth totem animal paintings. Working on the series has been fun, exasperating, challenging, and joyful - as well as a great learning experience both in terms of learning more about painting and learning more about birth totem animals. I definitely found that I related to some of the animals much more than to others, but by the end of each painting I felt I was able to articulate the message of each animal. I think I will continue down this path for awhile to see where it leads, and perhaps start adding other elements of the birth totems - plants, stones, polarity, direction, etc. I also want to keep working on messenger animal paintings - it is said that you will have seven major messenger animals in your life - some you become aware of, others you may not be aware of. These will be animals that appear to you in dreams, or in consciousness, in ways that make you take note. Sometimes you will feel a great kinship with the animal, sometimes a great fear. For instance, if you are deathly afraid of spiders, it makes sense for you to learn about spiders to understand what you fear in yourself.
If you talk to the animals, they will talk with you
and you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them, you will not know them;
and what you do not know you will fear.
What one fears, one destroys.
Chief Dan George
I've always been attracted to hawks, and living in a rural farming community gives me great opportunity to interact with hawks on a regular basis. This year we have a family of Sparrowhawks (really, they aren't true hawks, but falcons) living close by, and they delight us with fly-bys as we sit on our deck in the early evenings. We've also had a pair of Swainson's Hawks that nest in the old cottonwoods - they return year after year, raising their broods. It's fun to watch the babies as they learn to fly! Once in awhile a Red Tailed Hawk will hunt in our fields, but it seems like we see them in the larger fields that we pass on our way into town. They like to sit up on the utility poles and wait for a snack to come by. Lots of times we see them with some unfortunate snake gripped firmly in their talons as they wing off to a perch to eat.
Those born under the sun sign of the Red Hawk are likely to be adventurous and assertive. Along with creativity,
they harbor a desire to be free and unencumbered. Those people closest to them may consider them to be a bit
headstrong at times.
- Birth and animal totem: Red Hawk
- Moon: Budding Trees Moon
- Season Aspect: The Awakening Time
- Wind Relation: East Winds
- Directional Relation: North-East
- Element Relation: Fire
- Elemental clan: Hawk Clan
- Plant totem: Dandelion
- Mineral totem: Opal
- Polarity with: Falcon
- Color Aspect: Yellow/Green
- Musical vibration: C Sharp
- Personality: Active.
- Spiritual energy ¹: Feminine energies
- Emotions: Quickly aroused
- Positive traits: Pioneering spirit
- Negative traits: Impatient, selfish and often times egotistical.
- Compatibilities: Salmon and Owls
- Conscious Desire: To lead, manage head the adventure.
- Subconscious desire: Learning through experience.
- Spiritual Path: Expanding the individual through discernment
- Strengths: Persistence and patience with others
- Weakness: Conceit and intolerance.
Birth Totem Summary: The Wolf
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“Wolf is the pioneer, the forerunner of new ideas, to teach and share with others what they have learned. Wolves have an enormous sense of family as well as a strong individualistic urge. Baying at moon is wolf's desire to connect with new ideas just below the surface of consciousness, for the moon is a symbol for psychic energy.” - excerpts from "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams.
I started this painting a bit differently than I usually do, experimenting with laying in a dark pattern in the background. The whole painting is drawn a bit looser, freer.
In my second session, I went in and fixed a few drawing problems, then started fiddling with the background until I made it WAY too important!
When I picked up the brush the next night, I added more paint to Wolf’s body, sort of patches of color. Mad some mud and had to wipe out a bit! I decided the background was too distracting, so went in and made it less contrasty. It occurred to me while I was painting that this was one of the Wolves that appeared to me a year and a half ago when I took a workshop to help discover my personal totem animals with Suzanne Rougé.
Last night when I painted I decided to darken the background to make Wolf pop a bit more, and worked on creating more form in Wolf’s body. Also added a crescent moon…and writing at the bottom. Close to completion, but not quite there yet.
Birth totem otter is an individual who has incarnated into this particular lifetime to immerse him/herself in the fountain of knowledge. As such, these souls will be in continual search of information, ideas and concepts that will provide a refreshing fountain from whence he/she will thirstily drink. However, as the fountain of knowledge is an eternal and never ending source, in their enthusiasm to glean as much knowledge as quickly as possible, there may exist a tendency within these individuals to skim the surface, rather than explore the deeper waters that would result in truer understanding.
I have to say Otter was one of the most enjoyable paintings I've ever worked on - everything seemed to fall into place almost effortlessly. Even the challenges were fun. This is the 8th painting I've completed in the Birth Totem animal series, and it is fun to see how they all fit together. As I've been painting each individual, I haven't been thinking of how they would hang together, other than I knew I wanted them all the same size and square format. But now that I have eight of them done, I am pleased how each "month" relates to the one preceding it and after it.
I started working in series about two years ago, finally following the sage advice of my friend and mentor, pastel artist Clive Tyler. I must be a slow learner, because he told me that many years ago, when I was a student of his in a pastel class. At the time I was painting mostly landscape and had begun incorporating barns into my scenes, and eventually I got to the point where the painting was mostly about the barn. But the concept of working in a dedicated series eluded me until I began my "Equine Spirit" series. The Birth Totem animal really resonates with my personality - I tend to like to mix things up a lot - not much of a "routine" type of person. So having the challenge of a different animal for each painting but keeping the format consistent has provided a great platform for me to explore and grow.
Speaking of dogs, I noticed, when painting Otter last night, that there is something very dog-like about otters. At least that is how Otter is presenting himself to me. Painting Otter is such a joy! Everything seems to be falling into place - while not "effortless", it is not frustrating either. I'm having a blast! Otter seems to be telling me to loosen up, let go, just paint! And so last night that is just what I did.
As I just painted, trying to be as mindless as possible, I noticed that Raven and Owl had joined in the fun - you can see them in the body of Otter. I don't know if they'll stay, but for right now I'm enjoying having them along. I like the way the water parts where the body of Otter cut through the surface tension and dove joyously into the mysterious, liquid world. The shape made where air caresses water reminds me of a coast, or the border of a state. Or it looks like a liquid tornado, or the swirls of clouds in outer space. I am drawn to this place that exists somewhere. A place where my spirit can play.
Otter is the birth totem animal for those born between January 20 and February 18. Although Otter is not my birth totem animal (I was born at the time when Raven and Snake move together), I think Otter has come to tell me to loosen up, let go, relax, play and stop being so darn serious all the time!
I can't wait to get back in the studio and see what games Otter has in store for me!
This painting is 95% finished - I just need to let the paint set up (dry) a bit so I can come in and re-write the wording so it shows up better.
The Heart of Snow Goose is the 8th painting in my series of 12 birth totem animal paintings. Those born between December 22 and January 19 have Snow Goose as their birth totem animal.
As I was painting,I thought to change the wording from "The Heart of Snake is Primal" to "The Heart of Snake is Tangled." I think people with Snake as a birth totem tend to get tangled in their emotions (I should know!). But in the end I decided to leave the wording as is.
So, I think I'm finished. I signed the front and painted the sides. Now I'll have to let Snake wait with the other Birth Totem Animal paintings until I've completed the series of twelve. Knowing me, I'll go back in and make some minor changes before being 100% done.
I found this description of Snake People and thought I'd share..."Snakes are mysterious, and secretive, hiding their feelings beneath a cool exterior. Adaptable, determined and imSnakes are mysterious, and secretive, hiding their feelings beneath a cool exterior. Adaptable, determined and imaginative, they are capable of bouncing back from tough situations encountered in life. Charismatic, but often difficult to understand. Snake people are often thought of as those who may delve to deeply into the mysterious and forbidden. Those born under this sign have the ability to deceive, as well as charm.aginative, they are capable of bouncing back from tough situations encountered in life. Charismatic, but often difficult to understand. Snake people are often thought of as those who may delve to deeply into the mysterious and forbidden. Those born under this sign have the ability to deceive, as well as charm."
I feel I'm getting very close to completing Snake.
Another good session painting Snake, although a short one, maybe an hour. I redrew some of the patterns where Snake’s body curves so that it is reading better. I also lightened the lighter bands to create more contrast with the black and red, and muted the background a little more. I feel like the painting is moving along well, albeit slowly. But something tells me not to rush, to let things develop in a relaxed way. I’m pretty close to knowing what I’ll write: maybe “The Heart of Snake Reinvents Itself” or “The Heart of Snake Opens New Dimensions.” I have to be patient with the words as well.
I started Session III with Snake by once again finding places in my drawing that were off, mostly in the pattern of skin. This is certainly a challenge; I haven’t had to draw and redraw something this much since I was in Patti André’s class (she is a wonderful artist and teacher, by the way!) But the patterns have to be drawn correctly so that it appears that Snake’s body is turning.
I painted in the background a little more – started making it very abstract with lots of shapes, but then they were too distracting, so I muted it down and it is looking better. I felt more analytical while painting, lots of assessing, but, thankfully, not Obsessing!
It is interesting what Snake teaches. Creativity is definitely at the forefront. There also seems to be a sense of connecting two worlds; that of the natural and the supernatural. One strange – but good – “side effect” of painting Snake is that as my awareness of the shape and feel of Snake grows, so does my awareness that my own body has become less limber. I could just say it is age, but in reality I know that it is because I spend too many hours sitting in front of a computer or standing in front of my easel. So I’ve begun to do a combination of Tai Chi and Yoga before each painting session. It seems to limber up not only my body but my mind as well.
The picture at left was taken after my second painting session with Snake. A lot of mental energy used in drawing and redrawing the coils and trying to make the snake look round. This is where some of my lack of practice in drawing and shading shows up. Note to self: bring your sketchpad everywhere! I know what it "should" look like, but getting my hand to draw what my eye sees is a challenge.
The music I am listening to while painting Snake is "Spirit of the Wind". (I tend to find one CD to listen to while I complete a piece, which usually takes several “sessions”.)The Native American flute music and Snake are perfectly partnered.
I’m having fun with the pattern of her skin: there are shapes that look like tipis or tree trunks or even naked bodies. I’m feeling comfortable with the drawing, although I know I have to redraw some of the patterns where the body bends to create the illusion of roundness. I feel confident I’ll get there…just don’t know how long it will take. Perhaps Snake is here to teach me patience!
Anyway, like I say, painting Snake is a challenge for me. It is not that I don't like snakes, but I've never been fascinated with them like I have with mammals and birds. But I like the symbolism of Snake, who comes into your life to help you with change. As Snake sheds her skin and is "reborn," so we can shed what is old and no longer working in our lives and be "reborn."
Session 1, a snake is "born." I was happy with the general drawing, colors and composition when I finished the first session. For those of you interested in "how long did that take?" this represents about 1-1/2 hours at the easel.
In reworking Owl, I realized that I have been putting pressure on myself to finish the series. I set a deadline for myself and so I am trying to meet the deadline. But it is just an arbitrary deadline. Nothing will happen if I finish a day, a week or a month late. But the looming deadline gets under my skin, and my taskmaster left brain pushes for completion. My right brain says "whoa! Slow down and give each painting your undivided attention and let it emerge and evolve in its own time." My right brain is, well, right about this.
November 23 - December 22. Birth Totem Owl is an individual whose outer personality is focused upon understanding all of Life’s myriad mysteries.
In Nature, the Owl is known for her ability to quietly observe her prey as she sits perched atop a nearby tree limb, waiting for the opportune moment in which to strike. When the moment comes, Owl will fly silently, taking the intended prey by complete surprise.
Like their Birth Totem, individuals born under Owl will fly into new situations and encounters with their eyes wide open and their ears attuned to the slight nuances and mannerisms that will reveal much to them about their new environment or companions. This knowledge may be utilized to gain better understanding and appreciation for Others, or (if the Owl person is operating from contrary Personality), the information obtained may be used to strike down those who they may perceive as a threat.
Perhaps the greatest natural ability of Birth Totem Owl individual is his/her ability to see the good in nearly any situation they encounter. One who is operating from a well integrated Owl center, may inspire Others to rise above their own indifference and succumb to the contagious enthusiasm of the Owl, thereby participating in a group effort to effect positive change in the world around them.
One of the greatest challenges to this particular Birth Totem is that these individuals have a difficult time in settling their own restless inclinations to be forever on the move, if not literally, then metaphorically speaking. So intent are they upon seeing all they can see, and experiencing everything that can possibly be squeezed into one lifetime, that they often miss the deeper sense of satisfaction that can come with setting up nest and nurturing a deeper understanding of a few select topics, rather than skimming the surface of many varied subjects and hence, gleaning little useful knowledge.
When Birth Totem Owl individual can come to the Ultimate understanding of their own restless nature and quell the impulse to fly in fear of what they may find within themselves, then the Higher Self may be met and embraced through their new-found skill of focused concentration.
For more info on birth totem animals, please visit Wolf's Moon.
The writing on "The Heart of Owl" came to me during the last painting session. The song "Better Man" (by Pearl Jam) popped into my head, and I knew that was what I wanted to write.
Depending on what source you use, the birth totem animal for November 23 - December 21 can also be an elk. I may end up doing another painting with Elk. I wonder how many people born in this time frame feel more aligned with Owl and how many feel more aligned with Elk?
A couple of things I find interesting about "The Heart of Owl" is that although the painting isn't "finished, it feels very close to done. I think I am going to leave it alone for awhile, except to make a few tweaks to the face and lettering. Other than that, I'm liking the unfinished feel - supported by the words "...dreams of what might be." We are always growing, inventing and re-inventing ourselves. The interesting thing is that I didn't write the word "owl" - instead let the image form the word. A little departure from what I've done in the other Birth Totem animal paintings, but again, it feels right.
I was surprised at how hard it was to actually get in the studio and paint. I kept procrastinating all day - laundry, vacuuming, pulling weeds. Finally, at 8:00 last night, when I had the house to myself (hubby at a Blues Jam), the dogs and I went into the studio, turned on some Mozart, scraped the dried paints off my palette, added new paint, picked up a brush and...PAINTED! Oh, it felt so good! I was a little nervous about diving right back into The Heart of Salmon, but figured, what the heck. I can always wipe out if I don't like what I've done.
The first thing I did was fix a few drawing problems, just minor tweaks. Then I decided I wanted the background water to look like it had more depth, as if Salmon were rising up to the sunlight. I changed the placement of the words and added the word "rises". Then I added more saturated color to the belly and tail. All in all I'm pretty happy with last night's session. Not sure the water is reading correctly...any thoughts?
Salmon, despite strong river currents, will always return to the place of its creation. Its determination is driven by the wisdom of instinct and inner-knowing, which yields a sense of purpose that cannot be stopped by outside forces. Salmon tells us to trust our gut feelings and inner-knowing.
Salmon teaches us to see every bend in the river as a new adventure, with a lesson we need to learn to grow, even when the flow of life seems to push us back, we can tap the hidden resources of our human spirit. - excerpts from "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams.
This is how Salmon looked after Session 1
Painting Salmon went well - I had anticipated a struggle and was pleasantly surprised. It took awhile to decide on the attitude I wanted Salmon to have, but finally settled on Salmon rising up out of the depths of the water. I had to also research the different varieties of Salmon, and settled on the Steelhead Salmon which, I discovered, is the same as a Rainbow Trout, except that Steelheads go to sea and Rainbows stay in fresh water. I find that fascinating, that you can have fish of the same species act in such different ways. It's also interesting to me that a fish can live in both salt and fresh water. Quite adaptable! That charavcteristic reminds me of the Salmon people I know. Resilient and adaptable.
I haven't finished this painting yet, partly because I haven't become in tune with the heart of Salmon. Perhaps it is resilient and adaptable. I may find out tonight when I return to the studio to paint.
Salmon after session 2
"The Heart of Flicker is Close to Home" is the fourth in a series of 12 paintings depicting birth totem animals. None of the paintings will be for sale until the series is complete.
Flicker is a challenge for me. I’ve had to dig deep within myself to understand the heart of this birth totem animal. I thought of people I know who are Flicker people (those born between June 21 and July 21) – my Dad, my friends Jan and Jeff, and one trait that leapt out was that they have a lot of pride in their homes. They are always working on projects to make their homes safer, more functional, more beautiful. Much of their identity is wrapped up in their home, and it seems to be the outward shell that protects the sensitive and vulnerable part of their self. The Northern Flicker, being a woodpecker, is an industrious bird, and is considered a “keystone” species, in that the nest cavities they excavate are often used by other bird species. I guess they are the home builders of the bird world! It is this attribute of Flicker people that the words, “The Heart of Flicker is close to Home” describes.
Northern Flickers have two main variations – red-shafted in the west and yellow-shafted in the east. (Shafts refer to the underside of tail and wing feathers.) The red-shafted Flickers have a red “moustache” on their faces and a plain grayish-green crown. The yellow-shafted have black moustaches and a red “nape patch” on their heads. There are also hybrid variations between the western and eastern varieties that display characteristics of both. Learn more about Northern Flickers here.
The Flicker in this painting is a bit of a hybrid, with the black moustache and red nape patch of the eastern Flicker and the redder shafts of the western.
Anyway, back to the painting of Wolf...getting the background to look misty was a bit challenging, as I wanted it to feel like light was breaking through. Like this Wolf, I hope someday wolves will be able to come out of the cloak of myth and fear that surrounds them and understood and respected for the important role they play in nature. We humans could learn a lot about ourselves by studying their ways.
I find it interesting that I've been compelled to write words on my paintings. I did a little of this when I was painting my Equine Spirit series, but in those the writing was obscured - you really have to look to find them. And I was using quotes from books I was reading at the time. Starting with my series of Birth Totem paintings, "The Heart of..." , the words are mine and are an integral part of the painting. I also wrote on Kestrel Weathers the Storm, which isn't part of that series.
In writing "The Way of Wolf is the Way of the World" I returned to my first working title for my study painting. And so the painting comes full circle. This mixing of words and imagery just seems right, as it is a way of returning to using words as a part of my creative process. I am excited to see where this road leads.
August 22 - September 22: Keeper of Unconscious Knowledge
Bear seeks honey, or the sweetness of truth, inside the hollow of an old tree, and enters the cave, or womb, to hibernate, and to digest the year's experiences. Bear seeks answers while hibernating, or dreaming, and then is reborn in the spring. Bear teaches us that to accomplish the goals and dreams we carry enter the silence within. If we choose to believe that there are many questions to life, we must also believe that the answers to these questions resides within us. ~ excerpts from the "Medicine Cards" by Jamie Sams
As Birth Totem Bear, you are an individual whose outer personality is one of quiet observation.
Bear's medicine includes solitude, wisdom, change, and communication with Spirit. Bears are associated with trees, which are natural antennas, linking the Heavens and the Earth.
The Bear is the Keeper of the Dreamtime, and stores the teachings of dreams until the dreamer wakes up to them. People with Bear Totem will be quieter during the winter months. However, they must awaken in the spring and seek whatever opportunities are around them.
Bear is not one to make snap decisions, or be forced into any position. Bear takes in all available information, takes it into his quiet place, studies that information carefully, gives it careful thought, and then reaches his own informed decisions based on the facts at hand. Bear is the one who says: "I have to think about this. I'll be in touch later." You can rely on opinions coming from a Bear person as being well thought out and thorough, and based on the facts given.
When Bear shows up in your life, pay attention to how you think, act and interact. Use discernment in all that you do and discriminate with care. Bear teaches you how to make choices from a position of power.
The birth totem embodies the innate characteristics of the dominant forces operating in nature at the time of your birth. The animal aspect of the totem acts as a guide or teacher. Its a good idea keep something representing your birth totem animal in your home so that you can meditate on its characteristics and so learn how those same characteristics help shape the person you are meant to be.
This series came about because I was called to create it when meditating on my birth totem guide, Raven. When I started painting “The Heart of Raven” I had no idea I would end up writing words on the canvas. As I painted, the words came to me as clearly as if Raven herself were speaking directly to me. As I continue the series, I will try to let the animal speak both through my painting and the words that are written.
These are the totem animals that will be in the series. Look for your birth totem painting soon!
21 March - 19 April - Falcon - Awaken.
20 April - 20 May - Beaver - Grow.
21 May - 20 June - Deer - Flower.
21 June - 21 July - Woodpecker - Rhythm.
22 July - 21 August Salmon - Ripen.
22 August - 21 September - Brown Bear - Harvest.
22 September - 22 October – Crow/Raven - Create.
23 October - 22 November - Snake - Transition.
23 November - 21 December - Owl - Silence.
22 December - 19 January - Goose - Renew.
20 January - 18 Febuary Otter - Cleanse.
19 Febuary - 20 March - Wolf - Evolve.
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According to Morningstar, "Awareness that opportunities that seem small on the surface have the potential for great growth and expansion over time. This Hawk helps us to see through to the heart of events and synchronicities that are trying to lead us to our greater goals and higher good. So often we ignore the smaller things in life because we can't see how they could possibly be of much use to us or help us to resolve a problem. Yet when we soar high above to see where they fit in the larger scheme of things, we see how they are a jumping off point that if it were not presented to us and pursued, we could not reach that we are truly seeking."
Seeing the sparrowhawk inspired me to try painting one. This colorful kestrel is a bit more vibrant on my canvas than what you might find in the field!
I heard my first Meadowlark of the season on Monday morning as I was out doing my barn chores. Feeling a bit apprehensive about the surgery I had scheduled to be done later in the morning, the sweet song of the Meadowlark filled me with good cheer and positive thoughts.
My surgery was successful, and now I'm home recuperating. Not quite up to standing at my easel to do a large painting, I'm having fun painting small studies.
March is supposed to be the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. But here on the front range of the Colorado Rockies, the weather has been decidedly lamb-like. Warm and sunny. It is hard to complain when the weather is so mild, but what we really need is a good healthy snow storm! March is historically our snowiest month, and we've got a lot of catching up to do - we've gotten less than half our average snowfall for the season so far.
But...the spring-like weather has got me thinking about baby animals, so I was inspired to start a painting of a mare and foal. I haven't painted anything equine in a few months and just felt like returning to a favorite subject. I like the way the mare's ear is cocked back, and you can just catch a glimpse of her eye. Even though she seems unaware of the viewer, she is indeed quite aware, and ready to take action should anything threaten the foal at her side.It is interesting to me how subtle horse body language can be, and how often we can miss their signals. Horses are constantly communicating with each other - even when it looks to the casual observer that they are just standing there.
At any rate, in this painting I hope to convey the emotional bond that mares have with their babies, while also creating a somewhat ethereal sun-drenched landscape around them. I feel like I'm off to a good start...
