Inspiration

Ah, the muse is fleeting.  As I have started my avocation of  creating art in a meaningful way I continue to struggle with finding the inspiration for the next piece.  A recent find The Artist's Quest for Inspiration by Peggy Hadden came at just the right time.  I have some time as the year winds down to read and reflect.  It is full of tips, quotes and exercises to nurture creativity. One of the quotes;  "Inspiration demands the active cooperation of the intellect joined with enthusiasm and it is under such conditions that marvelous conceptions, with all that is excellent and divine, come into being." Girogio Vasari  


Another source of creativity for me is the interaction of other artists.  I own several pieces by Kathryn Jacobson so her recent show at the CRMC, Through the Eyes of a Chaplin, was perfect timing to recharge.  Her artist's reception was well attended and seeing the arts community was invigorating.  Be sure to check out her show in the next few months.  http://artsalliancecheyenne.com/events/art-is-healing-%E2%80%9Cthrough-the-eyes-of-a-chaplain%E2%80%9D/
 
When all else fails I paint poppies.  That form and the bright colors always cheer me.  They are typically small and are called Field Poppies. 

The Other Artist

While I may work on a painting for hours and hours, with one click another form of art can be created. Don is just beginning to see the world through the lens of his new Nikon.  Of course that one click has many more clicks that don't turn out and the images are typically not in the backyard as are the flowers  that I love to paint.  The Chihuly bridge of glass is located in Tacoma, WA and is awe inspiring.  These two images were taken of the ceiling of the bridge.  
 http://www.chihuly.com/special-projects-chihuly-bridge-of-glass.aspx

We recently cruised along the Adriatic and  Don's photos keep the memories fresh.  Every port was unique.  The white town of Mykonos, a Greek island, was a particular high point.