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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lessons from Outdoor Painting

I recently did a field trip assignment for our fearless painting tribe.  (http://dirtyfootprintsworkshops.com)

We were to head outside to paint - and I was quite excited.  The spicy colors of fall are seasoning every overlook and capturing that beauty in paint was sure to be enjoyable.

Next time, I'll just have to remember to pick my spot a little better.  The video shows the story, but a quick overview: The family & I went to Brown County State Park and set up camp at a beautiful spot overlooking miles of orange, red, yellow, and green spotted hills.  After getting everything in place, we were literally attacked by ladybugs.  I tried to love them.  I tried to love nature.  I tried to be one with it all.

But when one crawled down the back of my pants I said words parents probably shouldn't say and decided the ladybugs had won.  This time.

I did finish painting at home.  I used techniques from 21 Secrets (written text on tissue paper, which I then adhered with a medium to make the tissue paper almost translucent) and a Rilke quote I heard on the drive (from the podcast Being with Krista Tippett on NPR)...and ended up with this:

(Is not impermanence the fragrance of our days)

Because I always find the process more fascinating than the end product, here's a look into the site, the ladybugs, the drive, my attention issues, and how the painting progressed.

10 comments:

  1. this looks terrific! i love to know the process and the story behind a finished piece of art - makes me enjoy this all the more! and now i know... even ladybugs have their cute limitations!

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  2. OMGoodness!!! I'm sorry...but I laughed so hard of the photo of the kids and Chris on the ground!!! It looked like the ladybugs got him so bad that he was down--and your poor kiddos were trying to help him back to life!!!

    That's just hilarious!!!

    And...everything I looked at online says the significance of ladybugs is good luck. Why not buy yourself a lottery ticket tonight?!? Play the number of ladybugs you saw!

    BIG Hugs!!!

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  3. I love this video! =D

    I've never heard of a ladybug attack before!

    I love the warm & spicy and also cool colors in your painting.

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  4. Thank you for the morning belly laugh. :)

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  5. That video was hilarious! I forgot how unruly those ladybugs could get in the Indiana Fall- I used to love them until my old house filled with them on the ceilings and walls! You just don't know what to do with those little guys!

    Beautiful painting, beautiful family, beautiful inspiration. Thank you for sharing your process with us during these lovely fall days before winter comes knockin' on our door:) I heart Brown County!

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  6. What a GORGEOUS painting, Lisa! You did a fabulous job with it. Sorry, but I couldn't help but giggle at the ladybug escapades. I am happy you prevailed - in spite of the "attack." Thank you for sharing such loveliness and a little brevity, too. :) Theresa

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  7. sharing a part of your day was fabulous. loved the leaf play, childhood memories flooding back, refreshing video of life lived for today - no distractions just opportunities along the way.

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  8. BEAUTIFUL!!! My favorite part was the break to play in the leaves. Cute! xoxo

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