Inspiration & Imagination

Painting on rocks is fun! I have created a handful to date. I couldn't afford to buy a book on the "how to's " of painting on rocks, so I figured I'd just give it a go on my own. Since I was not sure of the type of rock to paint upon, this entailed a trip to the rock store. The rock store turned out to be a landscaping sort of place with large round tall containers holding all manner of large rocks. I could never find those kinds of rocks in my own yard. The large rocks around my house have extremely rough surfaces. The rocks at the landscaping place had rocks with smooth surfaces, much like the two prized river rocks I keep for myself (unpainted) that I brought back from my birthplace in WVA.. the New River, actually the oldest river in the world after the Nile. Those I will never spoil with paint. Mother Nature did a fine enough job on them without my input. So I picked through a number of big ole honking rocks at the landscaping place, then put them on the outdoor huge honking scales for them to be weighed. Price depends upon the weight not how many are bought. The total cost was around $25.00 for a about a dozen large rocks. Cool! I lugged them home and there they now sit gathering dust in the studio. So when will I bring out the life of the rocks? That depends. A rock will have to speak to me and tell me what is inside it. Then I'll translate that into something.. be it turtle, bird, dog, cat, fish.. whatever the rock says. I can tell it is going to take some rock bottom rock to rock communication to find out what they will be.. because I've been drawing a blank more often than not. That leads to subject of inspiration and what sparks it? What sparks your inspiration and ignites your imagination? I've found that thinking too much about anything simply results in a headache. So for me at least, the answer may lie in allowing, creative juices to flow, not in trying to push them or pull them into manifestation. I think I might try meditation. If I can just quiet that barrage of continual self talk.. that crazy talk in the head, it would be easier to create. It may be time to revisit Eckhart Tolle for his concepts in quieting the inner voice (ego). Let it flow....let it flow...downstream is easier than paddling upstream.

shown.. painted Great Dane Rock & Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rock by Lyn Hamer Cook©

Does exercise enhance creativity? I've read about it, and yeah I believe there is something to it. I've seen a difference in the studio on the days when I don't get on the treadmill and when I do. It also helps to get outside and walk in the fresh air and sunshine...even on days when the sun is a no show. Wally is a big help in that department. I don't have any human companions to accompany me on walks. Wally is my trainer. He does not allow me to slack off when we're walking. He pulls, tugs, jerks on the leash, launching me into roadside shrubs and weeds along with him. He's quite strong for a 55 pound fella. The moment I begin to daydream and ponder about the bigger picture of the Universe truths ((yeah right))... Wally gets inpatient and jerks me awake so that I have no choice but to join the NOW.. the Moment. Wally is a great example of living in the moment. He does it with gusto. Every scent is a mystery to unravel. Every carcass we happen across, from squirrel road casualty to dead bird in the field is a treat. I have to watch him or he would bring them all home to add to his collection. And so, it's time to hop on the treadmill, then later let Wally take me for a drag up the road. The plan for the rest of the weekend is to work on commissions and the next Pet of the Week contest running on my Facebook page. Check it out and you could be chosen to have a painting of your pet.. all pet photos welcomed. Have a great weekend in whatever you do.

I can already tell that summer will pass far too quickly. Just yesterday it would seem, the Redbud was in flower, the pretty blossoms covering the limbs in a lacy lavender show against the brown landscape. Always the first to burst out in bud, the Redbud is a favorite tree of mine. This week in June, the Mulberry is already at the end of berry season. The squirrels and birds, even a raccoon have enjoyed the thousands of sweet berries. The tree was not planted in the backyard, but came up of its own accord. It has been a blessing to wildlife and I continue to enjoy its beauty. The warmth and breeziness of today gave rise to thoughts of the beach. Fond memories surround the North Carolina coast. With that in mind, I just finished a painting of Corgis going deep sea fishing. It's on a canvas sized 24" x 12". I love painting underwater scenes.

back to the world of the almost living

Long time, no post! The winter was a long one. Like a bear hibernating, the warmth of the Spring seems to waken my spirit. Birds are singing, sun is shining, and the old Maple tree has seen a Mommy squirrel raise a brood. Life begins anew. And over the Winter, I have put on a few extra pounds I had lost. I think it's fairly normal.. must be the Seasonal Affected Disorder I have.. dark winter days just begs for more bread & soup .. (and pizza). I've been delving into oil painting very heavily and I love it. Visit my Facebook page to see the pet portraits I've been painting since September 2012. https://www.facebook.com/PetArtbyLyn Once there, click on Past Competition Paintings. Now, I need to get busy in the studio. Just wanted to update this blog for who knows who. I know nobody is reading it, so I can post anything I want to..PFTTTTT so there!