"Meditation is listening to the Divine within." ~Edgar Cayce

Hi Everyone, 

Today was lovely.  A long walk to begin the day followed by painting in the studio this afternoon while Gingersnaps napped.  The quote above by Edgar Cayce is so true.  

Today I sold a painting to my friend and collector, a painting for her meditation loft.  And tomorrow I plan to go to the Edgar Cayce Institute. Also to an art store, Jerry's Artarama, my first experience inside this store where I have, in the past, had to purchase on-line!  Finally there is one nearby! I am so excited!

And incredibly, this morning, on my outdoor camera, a chick-a-dee was frantically speaking to me through the camera, its second appearance there, this time for a longer time.

(I tell you, this "Things with Wings" art theme of mine has really taken on a life of its own.)

And so this painting of the owl today, in honor of my Mother, who loved owls and had a nice collection of owl figurines, which she shared with all of her children.

Namaste`

Enjoy!

"The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of the animal guides you, you can the true reality and see beyond illusion and deceit. The owl also offers for those who have it a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown and the magic of life. " ~ Ted Andrews, "Animal Speak"

Chickadees as animal totems are symbolized as cheerful and truthful beings who teach us the art of flexibility and curiosity regardless of size. Although their voices may be small, they have ideas that can make big, positive changes. For us, this serves as a reminder that there are “no small parts, only small actors” when it comes to life.

Greetings Everyone!

Today when I awoke, I was alerted that there was someone at one of my outside cameras.  When I looked, this is what I saw! 

And the best part is that today is my Mother's Birthday! (she passed in 1995, age 72)  ... my parents loved feeding and watching the songbirds, and as a matter of fact, the last conversation I had with her (just a couple of hours before she died at home) was about what birds had been at her feeder that day.  And my Dad always joked that he would "come back" as a chick-a-dee.  So there is no doubt they can feel the energy of my current painting theme, "Things with Wings".  Such a thrill.  

Since the chick-a-dee was visably the choice today, I called this painting, "Present"  because obviously they still are!

Have a great day everyone.

And Happy Birthday to Dorothy. xox

Enjoy!

"Knock on the sky and listen to the sound." ~Zen Saying

"The men of experiment are like the ant; they only collect and use. But the bee...gathers its materials from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own. "
- Leonardo da Vinci

Hi Everyone, 

DAY 13, Friday the 13th!  (Actually 13 is my lucky number. )

Since my theme is "Things with wings" I have been thinking alot about them.  And today I considered the bumble bee.  A friend to all.

And looking on google I found the following info:

"The bee symbolizes community, brightness and personal power. Follow the bee to discover your new destination. The ancient Druids saw the bee as symbolizing the sun, the Goddess, celebration, and community. At festivals, mead was usually drunk - the main ingredient of which is fermented honey." ~ Bumble Bee Symbolism, Pure Spirit

So its all good.  Very Very Good.  And honey and mead really tip the scale for the sweet bee.  

So lets lay back on the substances or things that have harmful or poisonous effects on the bees (and us).  Because there are just better ways to take care of the yard.  Like planting more flowers or veggies and letting the bees do their thing.

I have received some excellent suggestions for more "things with wings" to paint.  THANK  YOU!  And if their are any more requests, please feel free to suggest away!

See you tomorrow, 

Enjoy!

"On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are"

~ Sting

Hi Everyone, 

Meet "Penny".  She is my daughter's chicken, or she was until she was killed by a ruthless hawk a few weeks ago.  While deciding what to paint today, the song "Fragile" was playing on Pandora in the background, and a sweet photo of Penny appeared.  Need I say more?

So she has become the painting for Day 11 of my 30 day challenge.  (Its really going by so quickly.)

Today I had the pleasure of company in my studio, painting with my granddaughter.  Lots of conversation, laughter and feeling very comfortable and cozy there.  And even Gingersnaps joined us while she took her nap close by.  She is my 16 year old lhasa apso, and very close companion.

And on behalf of chickens everywhere, I would say that although Penny was killed by a hawk, her life was much better than most chickens.  I am disgusted by the way chickens are raised for mass consumption these days.  And it is my hope that someday, in the very near future that factory farms are replaced by more humane farms.  After all, animals have feelings.  Chickens have feelings.  And who are we to say that they don't deserve a pleasant life? 

So with that I will close and see you tomorrow.

Enjoy.

"The red hawk is the messenger bird, and wherever it shows up, pay attention. There is a message coming.”~ Ted Andrews, "Animal Speak"

Hi Everyone, 

I finally got around to painting the red hawk today and I don't know why it took me so long.  He is actually the reason I decided to do the 30 day challenge this year! 

He lives in my neighborhood.  (actually its more accurate to say  that I live in his neighborhood)  I see him most days, either perched on a low branch, sitting on a fence, or soaring by....  I even saw this amazing bird zooming down so fast that I actually felt sorry for whatever he was after, I doubt it stood a chance.

So after seeing him over and over again I had to laugh.  I knew I had to paint him.  And I will be putting him in some future paintings as well.  

His beauty startles me every time I see him.  There's alot written about the symbolism of the red hawks, and I liked the following message:

"Many different cultures believe when animals cross your path, they’re bringing a message to share with you. The Cherokee belief that Red Tailed and Red Shoulder Hawks are messengers of vision. When you see one of these beautiful birds, what ever it was you were thinking about at the time, is happening around you or it’s going to come true and manifest in your life."

So with thanks to my red hawk for inspiring me, I will sign off.

See you all tomorrow,

Enjoy!

"Better to start up a thousand wrong roads than to spend your life going nowhere because you know the way." ~Robert Brault

Hi Everyone, 

Today, the ninth day of the January daily painting challenge I decided to sketch the cardinal again.  This time, the female.  A symbol of renewal.  One of the things we all are constantly doing.  (whether we know it or not)

So when I think of renewal, my first thoughts are of my art.  But I must confess that so far I have never struggled to keep it fresh and new.  It just happens.  I don't really judge it either.  I just try to get out of the way.  Because although I do have to critique myself to a point, I have also learned to accept my work and move on to the next one.  I find alot of artists, both professional and not, stop painting or don't enjoy it anymore because they are deciding its not good enough.  And I find if you just do it, just keep painting no matter what, eventually things lighten up and you learn something.  You learn what you love or what you hate. But that is better than learning nothing at all, right?  Its called moving forward.  Same thing with everything in life.  If you don't keep trying, you'll never know yourself.  What you are capable of.  And what you are not capable of.  But mostly, just give yourself the benefit of the doubt.  Because, like Bob said, "He not busy being born is busy dying." ~Bob Dylan

(So we might as well stick with renewal)

That's the lecture for today. 

ENJOY!

"Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best."  ~Author unknown

Greetings Everyone!

Day 8 of my 30 day challenge and I chose the cardinal today.  For many reasons.  But mostly because of their incredible beauty, both male and female.  Of course "avian sexism" has been observed with some, but they, like many great birds, somehow get away with it!  I believe they have incredible charm.

We have been seeing alot of them lately, with the recent snow they are even more breathtaking.  And they have several "meanings" to so many ... of course they are confidant, but also symbolic of "wealth, power and enthusiasm.  Knowing what you want and how to get it."

They also say that cardinals appear when angels are near.

So whatever they mean to you, I hope you enjoy this one.  

He certainly brightened my day!

Enjoy.

Hi Everyone,

Today is day 7 of my 30 day challenge and it is snowing like crazy.  And we already have 11 inches!  Gorgeous.

And it fits right in with my "Things with Wings" theme because there are so many birds at the feeders today. (We had four deer out back as well!)  ~ but this is about wings ....so...

The blue jay won out today.  And this one is covered up in snow, puffed to stay warm.  On google I found "Blue Jay Symbolism: Fierce, Passion, & Authority."  And we all know this is true.

(They can actually imitate the hawk's call to lure him away from their nest... so very cool.)

And when I checked out the blue jay on the shamanic journey page, it said that "the jay is the power animal symbol of being in the present."  Practicing mindfulness and being in the present is the goal this year so "Puff Daddy"  is sending that message today.

Enjoy every moment!

See you tomorrow.

To see one of these birds floating on the water is a symbol of reflection and balance, going inward and finding stillness. If this bird has a full bill it is an omen of unexpected abundance coming your way.

Hello everyone!

Got a late start to my daily painting but had a blast with this pelican.  And my granddaughter!  I think its especially nice to share our creative energies in the studio.  

So I saw this pelican in the wild west a couple of years ago and was pleasantly surprised.  He was alone, content and just in such a peaceful setting.  Painting him today put me right in that very same spot and I hope it does you too!

So with that I will see you tomorrow.

Enjoy

"I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house-top."
~ Bible

"Ours is the only country deliberately founded on a good idea."

 ~John Gunther

Greetings Everyone, 

Another eagle today.  Its funny, I've been painting eagles and bears lately.  (How strange to be impacted by politics in this way.)  It wasn't at all intentional, but that's happening, because I am a product of my environment,  and so is all that I create.  So I have decided to embrace it and let it come out and show itself in whatever form it wants.  After all, I am a painter who paints from emotion and instinct primarily.

So America, the eagle, has come back again today.

For those who don't know, this is all part of my January challenge, which I do every year.  The idea is to paint whatever shows itself, every day.  There is also a red hawk in my yard, lots of cardinals, and other songbirds who will fit into my theme of "Things with Wings."

Let's see who or what visits me tomorrow morning!

Until then ~ 

ENJOY!

"When a storm is coming, all other birds seek shelter.  The eagle alone avoids the storm by flying above it.  So in the storms of life may your heart be like an eagle's and soar above." ~ Author Unknown

Hi Everyone, 

Day 4 of my January challenge and the eagle has landed!  Right here in my studio. I photographed this bird in a shelter either in West Yellowstone or Maymont, Virginia.  Both places shelter them and they really are incredible.  Also love seeing them flying, always a majestic sight.

Painting him today was great fun, listening to BB King and Janis Joplin.  And enjoying some lovely warm temps outside.  I may revisit this one.

All paintings for this challenge will be finished before framing, but you get the idea.... and all by the way are for sale, just leave a message on my website if interested.

See you tomorrow.

Enjoy!

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work. "

~Emile Zola

Hi Everyone,

Today was a good day to paint this little duck as it was pouring when I awoke.  A good day for ducks as my mother always said.  Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie also helped inspire this work today!  I have no idea what kind of duck this is, I will have to research when I have time.  If you know just leave a comment.  I saw this scene when I spent some time in Montana a couple of years ago.

Some of you may know that I am currently painting in a new studio in the South.  Its a great space but a challenge as I am working with a more limited pastel palette here.  Still I love it.  

See you tomorrow!

Enjoy

"A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails."

~Donna Roberts

Hi Everyone!

This grizzly bear and raven are the best of friends in West Yellowstone.  When I saw them sharing a meal I couldn't help but smile.  And today when I was looking through some photos this was my first choice to paint for my daily painting.  

They live at a shelter for grizzlies there.  Its very beautiful and well done.  This is the oldest bear, and the largest.  He came out at the end, alone.  And I think that's why I loved this photo so much.  He seemed to enjoy the raven being there with him.   And I imagined they were conversing on some level.  Animals have special insights that we don't have.  We can learn alot from them.  

And when I think of the conversations I have with some of my own dearest friends, I feel that I totally understand the bear and the raven, on some level.....

So with that I will close and I hope you all have great friends and conversations.

See you tomorrow!

Enjoy!

"Blackbird singing in the dead of night, take these broken wings and learn to fly.  You were only waiting for this moment to arise."

John Lennon & Paul McCartney

Happy New Year Everyone!

This morning I found myself at the crack of dawn, with coffee in hand, bundled up, on a boat.  Me and my family were floating down Queen Creek heading for the York River with Captain Chris.  We were all excited to see the first light of the new day.  We talked about resolutions, hopes and fears.  But mostly hopes.  And lots of laughter.  A great way  to welcome 2017.

For a few years now, I have begun each new year by publishing my daily paintings for the month of January. These are sometimes finished, sometimes not.  I enjoy starting the year doing what I love the most.  And this year I have chosen a theme.  "Things with Wings"  Because this year, I think we really need to observe them and see what they will tell us.  We need to elevate each other and stay focused on the joy.  I embrace those that make me feel like flying.  And so this year I will celebrate the winged messengers all around me.

Today as the clouds broke, the first sliver of light came through, and far in the distance was this blackbird.  Full of purpose, strong and joyfully going along. .... This is my wish for all of us.  

See you tomorrow!

Enjoy!

ps... if you want to follow along, just check out my blog on my website! "www.LindaDessaint.com"