Umbrellas

I find inspiration in odd places sometimes, it's often a trick of the eye that will give me an idea. For example, I've been inspired by things I've seen in reflections in glass, in wood grain, and in shadows. In the case of today's art, I'd clicked on a picture shared by a friend on Twitter and for a moment I thought it was an abstract painting with umbrellas in it. In the next moment, I saw it for what it was, a view of the Grand Canyon with a gate in front of it. But I decided to bring  what I'd seen in that brief moment to life. It's 15"x20" with acrylic on paper and I was able to put the masking fluid to use again to create the umbrellas.

Sometimes inspiration is odd and we can wonder about whether to bring it to life or not, or we can just go for it. Why not?

Tags

26 Comments

  4. I love this… Inspiration is such a romantic entity, isn't it?
    Today I was thumbing through an old coffee table book and I saw a photo of Einstein's office. It was like a ginormous EUREKA! tumbled through me. Tomorrow, watch the blog! LOL. It will be there…. tee hee hee hee….
    I especially love the colors on your painting. So vivid!

  7. I can definitely see why you saw the umbrellas (although I was already on alert as to what it actually was, so I didn't see them in the photo), and I love the final result of your moment of confusion/inspiration :)

  10. Leah, Once again, you have provided a wonderful example of your marvelous talent. The umbrellas are so charming in your painting.

  11. I'm learning so much from your paintings and your sharing of how they come to be. (The masking fluid is on my wish list. I'm buying more paint tonight!) I love that blue.
    A friend posted this on her Facebook a few minutes ago:
    “If you hear a voice within you saying, ''You are not a painter,'' then by all means paint… and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent VanGogh

  13. love it! clicked the pic, saw what you meant immediately. also like the bright of the umbrellas against the dark- just like bright umbrellas brighten gloomy rainy days. and the reminder that the sun is shining somewhere.

  16. I love the way the umbrellas seem to dance. The use of masking fluid brought me back to my college days. So fun. Thanks for posting on my blog today and for making the AEDM challenge possible. I am expanding and growing as an artist and I love illustrating my blog for the first time ever. Hugs

  21. I love this one, Leah – especially the colors!  Funny thing, I was just thinking of doing a project involving umbrellas yesterday.  I think we're on the same wavelength. :)

  23. Oh my god so much energy ! firstly how crazy that the grand canyon picture looks like umbrellas.
    Secondly (inner child) How beautiful is that blue in your picture.

    Thirdly masquepen thank you so much for the link I am going to have sooo much fun with that tool.

    The process is unfolding for me magically … thanks Leigh for support too.

  25. Love the contrast in this piece, fab work! I think you are right that inspiration can be odd, but who knows how the mind works. It’s mysterious and cool…and I think it’s great to follow your gut in these situations.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *