In lieu of trying to belong to any number of societies: Chesterton, Sherlock Holmes, the Inklings, and so on: I propose and establish one of my own. Don your intelligence cap at the door; dust off your logic and imagination; did you bring your inspiration and encouragement? We are shapers, my friends; lit lamps; light-bringers. Bring quotes; poetry should be uplifting and thoughtful, or witty and clever, (or both). Humor is encouraged; laughter is invited back. Pull up a chair. Anyone for tea?

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The poet only asks to get his head into the heavens - G.K.C.

"Every day I discover more and more beautiful things. It's enough to drive one mad. I have such a desire to do everything, my head is bursting with it." --Claude Monet

I've been experimenting with art these days, in different forms and mediums. I've never been much of a hand at drawing, haven't tried painting much; if I'm in any sort of hurry my pictures look like a three-year-old's. But I wondered what I could do if I took my time and just enjoyed myself; setting a leisurely pace, trying things out to see what I could do, and having fun with it. And I decided to inspire my first attempts by my love of stars, and add appropriate quotes.

I didn't actually plan this all out in advance. My idea for this theme came while in the process of embroidering this. I had such fun I thought I'd share them.

This next is my favorite art-form. I'm not even sure what you call it... layered paper art, I suppose. I've been making these as long as I can remember; inspired first, I think, by the show Little Bill, and the child's picture book Feast for 10. But I had never tried to mimic any famous works. As you can see this is a rough representation of Van Gogh's magnificent 'Starry Night', with Sarah Williams' "I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night".
Here's my try at sketching for under watercolor.
And here's my watercolor. 'Second to the right and straight on till morning' -James M. Barrie
Ta-da!

7 comments:

Jodi said...

I love every piece, Olivia. I truly do. As you might know, I've been studying painting again. My teacher was trained in the Russian Academy. She's probably one of the best teachers I've ever had. One thing she's taught me that I'll never forget, is to take my time. I used to think that if you could accomplish something well, you could do it quickly. But that only to frustration. Now I've learned that you can spend hours on a simple drawing, and that is perfectly fine. It's helped me to relax, and freed me creatively. Again, I love everything you made. You inspired me.

Olivia said...

Thank you so much, my friend! You are ever an encouragement to me. I look forward to more hours of relaxing over bits of artistry. :)

Auntie Meredith said...

My day made. Thank you for this bright post. We've been in the doldrums today. This feast for the eyes is spirit lifting. Thank you, Livi. I'm not so silly as to think for a moment that it was done for my benefit, but it soothed and satisfied nonetheless. Your words...your heart... have a way of doing that for me. Love you. <3

Olivia said...

So pleased to have brightened your day a trifle! In a way, it was for you -- my lack of skills in the 'pictionary' and 'paper' category inspired me to try new things; as did Carley's beauteous drawings.

And of course if my blog brings a smile to anyone, it was very much done 'for their benefit'.
Love you!

Lyndsay said...

Oh my goodness! This made me incredibly happy. I love your interpretation of "Starry Night". I want it hanging on my wall!

I did a watercolour of Big Ben too recently. :)

Julian said...

i love all of it! So glad youre getting to try many creative things! I like the embroidery!
christina

Anna said...

Absolutely lovely, Livi! You are a girl with many talents and interests, an inspiration to this middle-aged mom!
Mrs. Barber