Tag: #birds

Flamingo WIP + Updates

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Work In Progress

Happy Monday everyone! Was your Monday as blah as mine was? Sometimes, days are just like that. Rain doesn’t help those days either. You just want to curl up on the couch and watch a movie until you pass out. Any how, I survived the Monday blues long enough to write my post tonight. There are a couple updates I wanted to share.

First of all, I have added more color to my Flamingo Totem. It’s becoming very bright and I’m excited to finish it! I have always avoided pink in the past since it was far from my favorite color. Lately, I have had more of an open mind with my work and have used it for my Flying Squirrel Totem and now flamingo. It’s nice to change things up every once and a while. Plus, I have always put limits on myself and my work, unintentionally. I use to “make rules” or guidelines to my art that I wasn’t allowed to teeter from. Like I was forced to stay within a certain style of art or subject. I have no idea how I picked up this terrible habit but I am proud to say I have kicked it and now create whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want. My art has improved greatly because of it! I’m even going to pick up painting again, which I am excited for. I just need to get some more supplies, first.

Secondly, I wanted to share that I’m back to my full time job as a landscaper. I’m going to have to make some changes to my future content. As you can guess, Spring and Summer are the busiest months for a landscaper! Last year, I tried to keep up with my Totem Animal posts the best I could. I always shoot for one post a week but it can be difficult keeping up with everything. Not only do I need to create the drawing itself but I put a lot of time and energy into the research for each totem. Then when I have an understanding of it, I need to type it out for my blog. This is done in between my landscaping job, family responsibilities, social obligations, appointments and every once and a while….sleep. Not to mention any other efforts that need to be put into my business as an artist such as marketing and social media, editing my work for products and uploading it to my online shops (Redbubble and Society6) and how about just talking and connecting with people! I always tend to lose my mind a bit when Spring comes around! I have to lighten the load.

I do not want my artwork to suffer and obviously I can not take time away from my family or my job that is currently paying the bills. Therefore, I am going to halt new Totem Animal symbolism posts. I will continue to create the drawings like I have been but I won’t be able to go over each one in detail about their symbolism. The art is more important than the writing and I don’t want to become discouraged because I can’t keep up with both! Don’t worry, I will still continue to keep my blog. I just won’t be able to write such lengthy posts for a little while!

I hope you like the Flamingo Totem so far. Let me know what you think in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week.

Happy Spring, free spirits!

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Flamingo WIP

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Work In Progress

My next totem that I am working on is the flamingo! They are a very bright colored bird and have odd proportions. The weather is finally starting to get warm and act like spring so I thought a nice tropical creature could help get us in the mood! It’s going to be beach season soon! Beach or not, I just want to be outside!

Here is the completed ink for flamingo. The entire animal is done in tangles unlike my recent horse and orca totems. I can’t help but use zentangle when creating feathers! They are too perfect for the occasion.

I will also be incorporating the legs but have decided a new and fun approach. I am drawing the flamingo on three different sheets of paper. Then, when I scan them into the computer, I can piece them together making one long print! It’s going to be cool! I like trying something new with each piece that I do so let’s see how it turns out!

Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back next week to see the finished flamingo in all it’s florescent feathers!

Stay flashy, free spirits!

Twitterpated

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

Spring has finally arrived! The weather is trying to make the shift from cold and frigid to into warm and inviting. I can hear the birds throughout the day. It was silent during the winter then one day, it seemed all the birds came out at once to sing their songs! I love it! I always think of the scene from the movie Bambi when the owl explains that all the birds are twitterpated! Twitterpated? Yes.

“Nearly everybody gets twitterpated in the springtime. For example, you’re walking along minding your own business, you’re looking neither to the left, nor to the right, when all of the sudden, you run smack into a pretty face. WHOO-WHOO! You begin to get weak in the knees, your head’s in a whirl! And then you feel light as feather, and before you know it you’re walking on air! And then you know what? You’re knocked for a loop! And you completely lose your head!” -Friend Owl

It makes me laugh every time I think about it. So in honor of springtime and a great movie here are is a collection of all the avian totems I have drawn so far.

There are still quite a few I need to cover but it’s a pretty great collection to start. I have the flamingo in the works right now. It’s going to be fun playing around with the different shades of pink. For now though, we have these beauties! You can read about each birds symbolism by clicking the links below.

You can also find prints and other cool products with these images @Redbubble and @Society6!

Which drawing is your favorite? Is there a bird not pictured here that you would like to see? Drop a suggestion in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by today!

Fly high, free spirits!

Totem Animal: Blue footed Booby

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

This post is all about boobies! I’m sorry, I had to! Ok, but seriously though it’s about boobies. The blue footed booby to be exact. It is the latest animal I chose for my totem series. I had a lot of fun with this piece. I really enjoy using zentangle when drawing birds. Their feathers always come out awesome! I was excited to use the blue colors to create the feet, as well. I didn’t use any ink around the feet like I did through out the rest of the piece. I wanted the color to be the only part of the feet you pay attention to. This is also why I didn’t add any tangles to the feet. I kept the colors for this drawing realistic. The blue footed booby is so beautiful on it’s own. I didn’t want to take away from their natural patterns and colors.

The blue footed booby’s symbolism is just as interesting as their appearance. It was difficult to dig up information on this one. It was a unique choice on my part. Not too many people stumble across these guys too often, being that that they are only found in Central and South America. However, I was seeing them repeatedly online and my son brought home some school papers about them so I decided I needed to check this one off the list.

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Blue Footed Booby Symbolism

The word booby comes from the Spanish word “bobo”. Bobo means stupid. Some think this name was given to these birds because of how clumsy they are when on land. Although they bumble around on land to mate and care for their young, they are most graceful in the air and water. They soar through the air, above the ocean hunting for food. They will dive straight down into the water, with speed and elegance, to gobble up unsuspecting schools of fish. When searching for a mate, males use their vibrant feet in a courting dance to show off to females. The brighter the blue, the more attractive the mate. They also use their feet to protect their young and keep them warm. Because of their size, the only predator boobies have
(besides humans) are sharks.

The blue footed booby is a survivor. If one has crossed your path you can expect the same for yourself. No matter what life is throwing at you, you can come out of it stronger than ever! Dive deep within yourself. There are more layers than just the surface. You have strength deep within that will help you get ahead in life.

The booby is fearless. They may look silly as they stumble around, doing a little dance. They may be a bit goofy with big blue feet that don’t quite seem to fit the rest of their body. Though in the end, they are still confident and continue on. So what if your own dance is a little clumsy, it’s yours! Strut your stuff, don’t be afraid to be you! Single? This could be your time to shine and pick up that cutie you’ve been too shy to approach otherwise. In a relationship? Don’t forget to have some fun every once and a while. Remember to dance together, even if you look silly.

The blue footed booby is also a symbol of creativity and dreaming. It might be time to take that dream and make it a reality. The booby is telling you to keep in touch with your creative side. Anything is possible, as long as you can imagine it. Use your creativity to make it happen.

Blue footed boobies live on the coast. This symbolizes unity of all the elements. The sun shines on the coast (fire), the booby birds dance on the shore (earth), they soar through the sky (air) and they dive into the waters(you guessed it, water). They use all the elements to survive and have achieved a balance between them. If we can obtain this balance in our own lives, we too can dive deep into the open water and come out with an abundance of fish….or whatever you are aiming for!

With awkward feet and a name that makes you giggle, it’s surprising how powerful a totem the blue footed booby can be. Balance your life and remember to look within yourself for the strength to survive. Stay silly and spend time with the love of your life.

I hope you were able to gain some insight from the blue footed booby. I was happy to learn as much as I did about them. They are unique and interesting creatures. Have you ever seen one of these birds in person? Share your story in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by this week! Check back soon for my next totem piece, the orca.

Dive on in, free spirits!

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~Totem Animal art by Free Spirit Meg~

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Zenbooby WIP

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Work In Progress

Hey Everyone!

I’ve been trying to get as much drawing as I can done, in between all these snow storms. I do snow removal overnight when it storms so it can be quite exhausting. Sometimes I just need a day to sleep! I was almost able to complete my latest totem drawing today, the blue footed booby. It’s coming out quite nicely and I’m excited to finish it. I worked on it today while I watched movies. I watched 1922 and began watching Dances with Wolves. Both are great movies.

I have quite a few totems I would like to get done in March. After a recent poll I did (which is still open until I finish the blue footed booby) it looks like my next totem drawing is going to be an orca. The orca is my favorite marine animal. I’m really excited to start that one. The poll is still going though so it could change. Jaguar is a close second! After the poll winner, I will be doing the horse. It is my top favorite animal so it is insane that I haven’t done it already. Plus, I have had a lot of requests for horse lately (which is also in the poll if you want to vote for the horse and see that one sooner!) After that, a friend of mine suggested doing a flamingo since it is a vivid and colorful animal. Also, everyone’s getting excited for warmer seasons so it’s the perfect animal to add some Summer vibes!

Thanks for stopping by today! Check back soon for a lot more totems to come!

Stay warm, free spirits!

  • #1 Pencil sketch
  • #2 Ink
  • #3 Color pencil
  • #4 Color pencil and Prismacolor markers

Totem Animal: Turkey

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

Color Turkey WM

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

 

 

 

ZenTurkey WIP

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Sketchbook, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

BW Turkey WM

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

 

Updates from the Road

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in FSM Updates, Travel

Hey All!

We’re having a blast in Ohio. My parents, son and I took the boat out on Lake Erie this past Wednesday. We caught a bunch of perch and fried them up the next day for a fish fry with my brother’s family. The kids went swimming in the pool and we hung out with the horses for a bit.

Today we are exploring Grand Rapids, OH and later a bike ride at Oak Openings Nature preserve in Swanton, OH.

Then, tomorrow we begin the long drive home. I have many photos to go through and share, to include my daily photos. I’ll be working diligently when I get back to get all these photos posted! I can also get back on track with my totem animal drawings and their symbolism. I have a few photos of the wildlife in the area as well, mostly aviary. Perhaps one of them will inspire my next piece.

Check in next week to see the adventures!

Until next time,

“Adventure is out there!”

Totem Animal: Mourning Dove

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in Totem Animals, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

Morning Dove Totem Color

My latest totem piece is a gift for my grandfather. It is a mourning dove with my own personal symbolism attached to it. You can check out that story here. I am very happy with how the final piece turned out. The pose is unique and active. The wings were my favorite part to draw. Creating feather patterns and following the elegant curve of the wing fascinates me. I have always loved wings and feathers. It’s as if I use to have my own and dream to have them back.

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Mourning Dove Symbolism 

They are a symbol of feminine energies, motherhood and nurturing. They feed from the ground showing us to stay connected with Mother Earth. The dove is a messenger from a higher power. You can hear their call more often at dusk and dawn. This is when the veil between the physical realm and spiritual realm is the thinnest. They bring a message of love and peace. It is time to put your mind to rest and remember to love yourself and others.

The mourning dove is a symbol of new birth. Remember your creator, your Mother. Her energy can help create a new life. A new you! The mourning dove can guide you down a fresh path. No matter what burdens our past we must “mourn” and move forward towards a brighter future. A future full of compassion and comfort. Native Americans use to listen for the mourning dove, knowing it would bring them to water. Be at ease and let the water carry you to a new adventure.

If the mourning dove has flown across your path today, it brings peace and hope. Let go of what has passed and make room for more love. Connect with nature to take advantage of the nurturing energies she provides. This will give you a regenerative boost in the right direction. Fret not and let the waters gently carry you to your next chapter.

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Thanks for stopping by this week! I hope the mourning dove has brought you at ease as it does for me, every time I hear that call. Have you seen a dove recently? Share your story in the comments below!

Until next time,

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.”

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Sources:
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews
https://www.whats-your-sign.com/dove-symbolism.html
Ending quote from the movie “The Notebook”

 

 

 

 

 

FSM Updates: Mourning Dove WIP

by Free Spirit Meg, posted in FSM Updates, Sketchbook, Zentangle Inspired Art (ZIA)

Morning Dove Totem BW

I finished the ink for my latest totem drawing. I am quite pleased with how it turned out. I usually have my Zentangle book handy so I can use official tangles in my work. This time I created my own tangles and was happy with the results. I want it to be 100% original and unique since this is a meaningful gift for my grandfather. I can’t wait to see how it will pop with the color added.

I want to start a realism piece very soon. I have focusing a lot on my totem animals and Zentangle as a way to clear my mind and work on my time management. It has been a while since I have created a realism piece and have decided it is time to get back in the saddle. Speaking of saddles, it will be an equine related piece, which is another subject I have neglected. I can’t call myself an equine artist if I don’t have any equine work!

I will also be working on my website. I have a lot of fun playing around with the customization and will be working on making everything neat and easy to find.

Thanks for stopping by. Check back next week to see the completed mourning dove piece and the symbolism behind this beautiful creature!

Until next time,

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” -Will Rogers