Inspiration Revealed

When I can, I will try to create a piece inspired by some of the themes discussed here and of course I will share it with you. Here is a new ACEO I created with texture as a large part of the inspiration. The texture is created with the circles as well as the distressing and even the raised hills and trees create a relief texture. I really enjoy creating things that you can feel as well as see. I need a name for this piece too. A name usually comes to me by the time I finish a piece, but this one is stumping me. The word "layers" repeats in my mind whenever I look at it, but I'm curious to hear some suggestions from my readers.

Through my Eyes - Texture

Here is a mosaic of pictures I took this summer that feature texture through my eyes. I hope they inspire you to use some texture in your creations. If you haven't already done so, remember to go to PCAGOE.com to vote for your favorite piece in the Texture Challenge! You can see my entry in the previous post.



1. Macro 365/161, 2. Macro 365/161, 3. Macro 365/160, 4. Macro 365/155, 5. Macro 365/140, 6. Bronze gingko- Macro 365/132, 7. Macro 365/125, 8. macro 365/107, 9. DSCF9912

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

**If you are ever inspired to create something from one of my posts, please let me know as I would love to be able to write a post and share it with my readers.**

Through My Eyes

Just a quick post to share a favorite photo. It was taken on a recent field trip with my oldest. This one encompasses so many of my favorite things: circles/spheres, texture, nature and an incredible shade of green. I hope it inspires you too! Check out some other inspiring nature photos in this thread in the Nature Inspired Art Flickr group and if you haven't already, come by and join the group and share your nature inspired art and your inspiring nature photos!

You Were Inspired by What?

OK, yes I have been extremely delinquent in my blog posting this week. I was so proud that I got a weekend post in last week, and then I just haven't been able to get it done this week. I actually have several posts already created in my head as well as 1 interview and another one I hope to get soon, so hopefully I will carve out some time to get back to blogging. I apologize for lack of inspiration this week, but hopefully this little post will make up for it.

I am often saying "take a closer look" at things and you may find some new inspiration. Well while looking a little closer at my sons treasures from the last post, I found a very interesting pattern inside the little hats of his acorns. The same pattern is on the actual acorn where the hat sits. I am guessing the pattern is created from the place where the 2 connect. (I know a brilliant deduction) Well I thought it would make a cool texture for something, so I went ahead and carved a stamp. I actually carved several of the little circles on one stamp, but I didn't like the effect when I put it to clay. So I put it away until I bought some great antique brass finished ring bases. The warm brown color made me think of the using the little stamp again, only this time using just one circle. Oddly enough the circle fit perfectly in my cutter, but it left an untextured ring around it. I wasn't too sure what I would do with that, so it sat a little longer. Meanwhile the boys and I went on one of our nature walks and found a bunch of acorns in different colors. I had an inspiration. The non-textured part would be perfect for a little punch of color, so I took the cues from the acorns again and used a golden yellow, green and rust red. of course I distressed them a bit, and I really love how they turned out. They are perfect for fall and a bit smaller than my other rings, so hopefully they will appeal to folks who though the others were too big. I think overall they have a lovely texture and organic feel. I already have some ideas for similar pendants and necklaces, so we'll just have to see if I have any time to create them. So, I tell you to take a closer look again, and if inspiration strikes, but doesn't turn out how you thought it would, walk away and come back to it, you may find that the inspiration just needed a little more time to marinate in your brain.




















These last 2 photos show a different pattern that I found. Maybe they will inspire you. Also check out and/or join my new Flickr group, Nature Inspired Art. It is a showcase of artist creations inspired by nature. We already have over 200 members and 128 photos in our pool!

Be Inspired - Texture

This week's inspiration is texture. It's everywhere, so you just need to open your eyes and sometimes take a closer look to find it. Nature is a fabulous place to find some of the best textures, as are urban areas. Here are some great textures I found on Flickr.



Take some time this week to look through your home and look at things a bit more closely to find hidden textures. Have you ever noticed the texture of your bath scrubby? or the different textures of the spices in your spice rack? How about the texture of your deck or porch? So much texture, so little time! As you are looking, start thinking of how you can incorporate some of the textures in your work. Add some, lumps, bumps, curves and swirls. Take shapes and patterns from the textures and put them together in an interesting way. The possibilities are truly endless. Check out how these artists have incorporated texture into their art (just click the picture to see more work by the artists featured):
































Here are some words to get you inspired: smooth, rough, lumpy, bumpy, ridged, valleys, highs and lows, distressed, silky, relief, layers, patterns, repetition, grooves, peeling, pressed, soft, shiny, dull, impressions


Take a little time this week to explore texture and make something that can be enjoyed by your hands, as well as your eyes!

Remember, if you are inspired to create something from one of the Be Inspired features, please send a picture and description to my e-mail, blockpartypress@yahoo.com and I may feature you on my blog. The piece must be inspired by the Be Inspired post and cannot be an item created prior to the posting. If your Be Inspired piece is featured, I will send you a free pendant from my Etsy shop (I will choose the pendant and it will be a surprise).