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ZenCoyote WIP
Thankfully the snowstorm has passed and I can finally get back to my art! I started the color on Coyote and plan to have it finished this weekend. Coyotes actually have a diverse range of colors in there fur and it has been interesting pairing them together. I can’t wait to see what it looks like once it’s finished!
Also, I have been adding a lot of my work in my shops on Society6 and Redbubble. I am so excited with how my art looks on everything and it’s so much fun building my shop. Make sure to check it out. Yesterday I added Blue Jay Totem and I love how the tapestry turned out!
Thanks for stopping by! Stay warm, free spirits!
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Indecisive Artistry
✌✍🖼Here is a sneak peek on my concept sketch I did yesterday. I have different intentions for it now that it’s on paper. I’ll have to finish at a later date. Today I’m going to create a different one. I’m working on coyote for my next totem piece. I’m a little scatterbrained lately so I can’t make up my mind on how I want to approach it. 🤔🙃☺🤔 No worries though! I will surely figure out something!
Carpe Diem, freespirits!
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I Saw A White Deer!
You won’t believe it! I barely believe it and I saw it! I was driving to the store on a familiar route on the highway. Off to the right is a big clearing where herds of deer are often seen grazing. I always enjoy seeing them when I drive by. Sure enough, on this drive, they were there. A big herd from about 10 – 15. Then I noticed something that was a little off. There was another animal grazing with the herd, right in the center of them all in fact. Most of it was white as snow and at first glance I thought maybe it was snow. Was it a horse? A goat? Holy Cannoli!! It was a white deer! I couldn’t believe it but it made more sense than a goat grazing with deer! I studied it as long as I could. I wanted to turn around so badly and get pictures but I was on the highway and had only my phone, which was at 4% battery. I was so upset that I couldn’t document such an amazing sight! I never in a million years thought I would see such a thing in the wild; I probably will never see another again for just as long! It was literally breath taking. I was in awe. The deer was not purely white though. It looked like someone had poured black paint on it’s head and back and it started to run down the sides. Not a brown, like the other deer, it was much darker. Everywhere else on the deer was totally white all the way down to it’s toes. This deer was truly Mother Earth’s canvas and she did a marvelous job!
I can’t be 100% sure but I think it was a buck. It is hard to make out antlers with the trees in the background but it looked like it had a rack, 4-point perhaps? I came home and drew a sketch of it as soon as I could. If I can’t have a photograph of him, then at least I have my drawing. This is exactly what he looked like (give or take the antlers).
Needless to say, I will be studying the symbolism behind white deer or white animals and see what I can find. I’ll share a post after the holidays with some information on that and maybe another drawing.
Have you ever seen a white deer before? Share your story in the comments below! I would love to hear it! I was ecstatic when I saw this guy! Thanks for stopping by.
Take care, free spirits!
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Zen Reindeer WIP
I finally finished the ink for my reindeer totem. It felt like it took forever. I could have kept going too but I stopped myself. Sometimes I get too carried away with the ink that the color turns out funky. Either that or the color takes away from the ink. Neither are good.
I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go with this piece, though I never do. I did know I wanted it “decorated” to incorporate Santa’s sleigh. I started out with a fancy harness in mind and just went from there. This is the result.
I rushed the body. Their hair is so fine and smooth; I wasn’t sure how I wanted to incorporate it. I attempted a braid-like pattern which I feel I could have down a lot better on. I spent so much time getting the face the way I wanted, though, that I didn’t want to take another day or two to finish the body. So I will have to practice this more in my spare time.
I hope you enjoy the piece so far. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Thanks for stopping by. Check back soon, my next post will showcase the completed totem piece and the symbolism behind the reindeer.
Take care, Free Spirits!
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Totem Animal: Skunk
This totem drawing is unique from my others. I was really worried about the black over powering the tangles or the entire image in general. I didn’t want the skunk to turn into a blob so I incorporated different colors, shades of blue and purple. I like how it adds to the “flower” look and it helps break up the skunk’s body. When I first started this piece I wasn’t confident, especially when I had to scrap the first attempt and start a second. Then, with the color, I had no idea what I wanted to do with it. It just kind of happened. Sometimes you have to let them ride out that way and in the end, it’s worth it. Plus, it makes it exciting to bring art to life piece by piece. With that being said, let’s see what guidance the skunk has to share with us.
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Skunk Symbolism
The skunk is a symbol of self-respect. Everyone knows skunk. Everyone steers clear of skunk. This respect seems effortless on skunk’s part. The skunk is nonchalant; it struts around without a care in the world. Skunk has asserted itself in the world, confident. The skunk shows us we must carry ourselves in a way that demands respect. By carrying ourselves in a confident manner, our energy resonates to others around us and respect will follow naturally. The skunk has no need for violence and aggression. It can live a playful and carefree life because it is assertive and has self-respect.
Skunk has the power to repel and attract others as it desires. The same scent that repels creatures that mean harm also attracts a mate. The skunk represents sensuality and sexuality. Use your power to attract like-minded individuals while warding off the people who will only drain you of your energy.
Skunk teaches us how to control our energy flow. Be careful not to portray yourself as “available” if you are not. If the skunk has crossed your path, you will be attracting the attention of others. Make sure you are aware of where your energy is directed. Use it constructively to assert yourself, instead of wasting it on energy vampires. You have the skills, that’s why people are attracted to you. Stop worrying if you are “good enough”. It is up to you to walk the walk and show that you deserve that respect, respectfully.
The skunk is peaceful yet steps aside for no creature. At first, many would literally turn their nose up to them but they are a strong totem to have. I now understand why the skunk has been following me all year. Assertiveness, self-worth and self-respect is something I have been working on. I’ve made great strides by using my art as my voice and I am thankful I have the skunk to guide me through my journey.
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I learned a lot from skunk. It’s funny how in the beginning of this piece I was not confident in my work but by the end, I felt really good about what I had created. Coincidences like this just make me want to study animal totems even more! I hope skunk was able to offer some insight on your journey as well. Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back often throughout December for a month filled with Christmas and winter related totems!
Beati pacifici, free spirits!
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Sources:
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
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ZenSkunk WIP
I just finished the ink for my latest totem, the skunk. I am very pleased with how this one came out. Though, this is actually my second attempt. My first attempt was not working at all. The tangles were messy and rushed. The drawing was not flowing and I couldn’t “see” what I wanted to do with it. It stunk! (see what I did there) So I accepted defeat and started a new one. This is the result. Much better. I used flower related tangles because I always think of the skunk from Bambi:“He can call me flower, if he wants to.”
Next is color, what little color there is. It will be more or less shading. That makes things easy yet difficult. It’s easy because there is not much to it; it’s difficult because the detail can get lost in the black. I will share the finished piece later this week and we will check out the symbolism of the skunk. I am very interested to learn skunk. I have never looked it up in the past and I see them frequently. I wonder what lessons are in store for us!
What do you think about skunks? Have any funny stories? Share them in the comments below. Thanks for stopping by! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Cura te ipsum, free spirits!
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Totem Animal: Turkey
Today is the day to honor the turkey. I am happy with how this piece turned out. I used prismacolor markers along with colored pencils on this one. I think it turned out a lot better than my past totems. The colors pop and the shading was easier to accomplish. I’m surprised it took me this long to incorporate my markers. I am going to start using them with all my pieces from now on.
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Turkey Symbolism
The turkey is a huge symbol for connecting with nature. It is known as the Earth Eagle. The males have fleshy growths that hang over their beak called “snoods” that they use when challenging other males. This “snood” represents for the third eye. It is time to open our own third eye. Mother Earth will share her wisdom and guidance. Turkeys are a symbol of the harvest and using the land properly to nourish ourselves. Turkeys live in large groups representing abundance. They live full lives with full bellies and we should be doing the same along side our family.
It can be easy to get lost in the materialistic battle to “get ahead” but it is time to stop thinking that way. It is not about how much stuff you have but rather how many lives you have touched. Instead of focusing on personal gain and keeping everything to ourselves, we must share what we have with others. We shouldn’t be greedy but instead have an open heart and be sure that everyone is taken care of.
The turkey is a powerful symbol for Thanksgiving. They are the biggest teacher of self sacrifice and giving. The turkey sacrifices it’s life to feed us. We must show respect for the turkey. We should be willing to make sacrifices, as well, to help others in need.
Let us remember to give this Thanksgiving and help anyone who may need it. The holidays can be difficult for many. It is important to look out for each other. Give away!
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Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you have a lovely time with your family and get stuffed with yummy food! What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Let us know in the comments below. If it’s turkey, remember to show your respect.
Until next time,
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.”
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Sources:
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams & David Carson
Ending quote by Maya Angelou
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ZenTurkey WIP
I was originally going to start working on skunk as my next totem. I saw so many earlier this year and even though the temperatures are growing colder, they are still appearing to me. They must have a message that I need to receive! I apologize skunk but I will have to complete you next week! I figured this week was appropriate to honor the turkey and discover what lessons they have in store for us. Some of their symbolism is obvious, some is not. I will go into more detail on that in my next post on Thanksgiving Day. The turkey’s symbolism will be accompanied with the completed drawing in color. For now, I have completed the ink portion of the piece. I am pleased with how it turned out. I didn’t have to go to work today, another rain out, so I had a lot of time to myself while my son was at school. I put on some headphones, listened to some tunes and zoned out into my art. That’s the best way for me to do great and efficient work. I get so “in the zone” that when my husband tries to get my attention he scares me every time! I don’t even realize he is there. Luckily, I have grown a super power to not let bumps and jerks affect my drawing hand, so no drawings were harmed in the process.
I hope everyone is ready for Thanksgiving. I know I am! I am going to stuff myself until I pass out! Thanks for stopping by this week. Check back in a couple days and see the completed turkey totem!
Until next time,
“The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.”
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Ending Quote by Norman Vincent Peale