The kit includes: A high quality signed archival print with a certificate of authenticity, a GST tarot deck signed on both the box cover and the little white book or "LWB", a signed "extra" card, and a custom original colored pencil drawing using a keyword of your choice. Everything is wrapped with loving care to assure safe delivery.

I’m offering a Ghosts & Spirits Tarot limited edition kit numbered 25. As of this writing, nearly 10 orders have been placed by individuals from as far away as Thailand. I’m always excited to put packages of my art creations together for people. For the custom colored-pencil drawings, the keywords so far have included: raven, enchantment, cat, Rainbow Bridge, dreamer and reincarnation. I don’t pre-plan these pieces, but allow the automatic function of my subconscious to deliver the image or mental “impression” onto the page. The results are undiluted energies that reflect the unfettered creative spirit. I love making art and hope the recipients will connect with these snippets of vivacity.

"Enchantment", "Rainbow Bridge" and "Raven". These "impressions" were rendered using colored-pencil on cold-press watercolor paper.

The print is of excellent quality and perfectly captures the richness of the original paintings. I’m quite pleased with the quality of the paper and inks and thank Kort (hubby and assistant) for designing the layout of the images. Also, the Ghosts & Spirits Tarot deck feels nice and sturdy in the hand. I’m happy with the results and hope you will be too! If you would like to order a limited edition Ghosts & Spirits Tarot kit, visit Lisa’s Ghosts & Spirits Tarot page for availability and ordering information. Please be sure to include a keyword for the “Impressions” drawing.

***

Meanwhile, I finally finished the Grouse-Shapeshifter watercolor painting. I posted the initial sketch back in December, but allowed this piece to rest until I felt compelled to tackle the rather challenging subject matter. After spying the finished drawing from the corner of my studio, feelings of guilt started penetrating my internal muse. I couldn’t ignore the grouse any longer. I picked up the art board, placed it in on my art table and got immediately hooked. Once I started painting, that was it. I lost myself to the drumbeat of the intriguing forest dweller and felt myself yearning to bring it to vivid life.

It took a long time to capture depth and detail. I don’t know if it was the watercolor paper’s sizing (or if it was because I let the stretched paper sit around for months), but the surface kept sucking in the pigment as if the forest was thirsty. This made color application somewhat tedius, but the end result was a richness and warmth that really helped elevate the image’s luminosity.

sequence of painting-in-progress

Part of being a watercolorist is learning how to work with the unpredictable. For me, this is partially what makes the medium exciting! There is no erase or undo button, there is no opaque savior and there are no do-overs. You either get the medium to work with you or you don’t. I find it has a rather anthropomorphic quality to it—and feel that going-with-the-flow is the most effective relationship you can establish with these wonderful paints. In my humble opinion, if you don’t feel challenged or a wee bit on edge when using watercolors, you’re probably doing something wrong.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

May has been an exciting time for the kids: Kyra accepted her ‘Reflections’ art award with her other school-mates as our local Congressman Ted Deutch stood by. For those of you who have been following Hunt-Kramerville news, Kyra spent hours upon hours, days, weeks working on her “Sunset Sea” entry. We were so proud that she placed 2nd in her age group. Yeay Kyra!

Kyra and the other winners being recognized for their work. BTW, Kyra insisted on wearing a purple tu-tu to the event. Who am I to argue with an aspiring artist's wardrobe choice?

And here’s Kyra playing for the Spring piano recital at Lynn Preparatory. It’s the first time she admitted to having butterflies in her stomach before going on stage. The boy behind her cried his eyes out before entering the auditorium. I believe going on stage is a frightening prospect for most people and our usually confident 7 year old was no exception. I’m impressed with anyone who can perform in front of a live audience. Fortunately, once on stage, Kyra handled herself with complete composure, even when her music sheet flew off the piano. Watch the video to see her flawless catch. The “technical difficulties” are definitely grooming her for future performances.

Last but not least:

Connor, the more solitary artist (like his Mom).

I think this is kind of a cute piece, despite the typo.

~ Lisa 

A Yuletide gift from my dear friend Cindy Coombe

The transition from 2011 to 2012 was a mix of excitement and tumult. We finally finished our kitchen, with a mere few days to spare before visitors descended on Chez Hunt-Kramerville. During that period of “out with the old/in with the new”–my press proofs for Ghosts & Spirits Tarot finally arrived. The smell of new kitchen and fresh press proof sheets were acute reminders of how life is constantly changing. It feels good to enter 2012 with a sense of newness and fresh opportunities. We also added a few home accouterments that helped to enhance our abode including the above new message on our reading room wall. My friend of 25 years sent this incredibly thoughtful gift to me as it so encapsulates what I do. I toyed with putting in my studio, but felt it was an important message to share with the whole family. We’re a wee bit creatively eccentric here, so this quote resonates for us all.

Dark, rich and delicious. The proofs are stunning like sinfully mouthwatering chocolates, at least that's how I feel!

Meanwhile in the studio, my family was as excited about the Ghosts press proofs as I was. These are by far my darkest, rawest, most subconsciously driven works to date. I really surprised myself with this body of work. I didn’t know I had it in me! But obviously things had to come out, and boy did the ghosts pour through keyholes in the mind.

Kort and the kids holding up the Ghost goodies.

Here I am holding the cover proof. This is what a box would look like if flattened. Lots of careful planning for the designer! Also, my fans chose the cover art! Yup---we had a vote on Facebook and "Snow Ghost" prevailed. For those who voted for "King Hamlet", it was decided that his presence would grace the back of the box, so everyone wins!

I’ve also been “letting go” of some original watercolor and pencil artwork, much of it published as I realize I can’t hold on to them forever and prefer if they would be in the hands of those who would truly treasure my creations. Here are some samples of reasonable offerings I’ve made exclusively through my Lisa Hunt Art Group Facebook page. So far, everything I’ve posted has sold which is really nice. I also know that my customers are getting wonderful deals for original art with an added personal touch. Thank you for your continued support. Keep an eye for future art postings!

This is a watercolor illustration for a book entitled Magickal Mermaids and was sold to Mary.

This one was a book cover image for "The Guide to Little People" and sold to Kelli.

This monochromatic watercolor painting appeared in D.J. Conway's Elemental Magick. I added a remarque on the mat board. As of this posting, this piece was still for sale.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

The kids have winter break, so it was nice to see Kyra being creative as she was teaching herself how to draw fairies, elves and princesses. She is adamant that I don't help her as she thinks she's already better at drawing them than I am. Hahahah!

Connor, having just earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do "Foot and Hand Way" has been studying anatomy. He did a pretty good job drawing his own arms on notebook paper. I like the fact that he colorized them with his new colored pencil set.

And last but not least…

After 15 years in darkness, Kort has finally graduated to an office with a window. He seems much happier these days as a result! Congrats Kort!

Happy Hunky Hubby in his new workspace

Wishing everyone a fabulous 2012!

~Lisa

Spirit Drawings

I just mailed out the last of holiday orders—drawing right up until the last possible moment to assure delivery of goodies. I can happily report that I have completed and mailed almost 40 Spirit Drawings in the last few months (Yes, I’m still taking orders). What a ride and what a great way to keep everything energized in the studio!  In between working on commissions for people from around the world, I managed to finish up Ghosts and Spirits Tarot (at the printer as I write), and work on paintings for my Bird project.

Here are a few newly rendered drawings stretched on boards and ready for paint:

Pencil renderings of Robin-Shapeshifter and Grouse-Shapeshifter. Robin-Shapeshifter illustrates dawning of the new, resurrection and birth--appropriate as we approach another year cycle.

With one eye on the 2011 hourglass, I’m cleaning up the studio and am reflecting on the approaching holidays. In my house we fully embrace the magic of this time of year. Our yearly ritual entails discarding clutter and old energy in anticipation of the new year ahead and the sense of renewal that accompanies it.  What will you be doing to prepare for 2012? Do you plan to break any chains and let go of those things that are weighing you down?

Jacob Marley and his chains from the Ghost and Spirits Tarot. The painting was still stapled on the watercolor board when this was scanned.

15 Chains (Jacob Marley)

In A Christmas Carol, Jacob Marley was Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner and only friend. On Christmas Eve, the anniversary of Marley’s death, his ghost paid Scrooge an unexpected visit. The ghost’s chains, cash box and padlocks encumbered his spirit and served as reminders of his material-driven life. Marley comes to his parsimonious partner as a symbol of this potential dreadful fate, telling him to expect three spirit encounters. The ghost of Jacob Marley hangs in limbo as the shadows of an illusionary life keep his spirit in a state of stasis.

Divinatory meaning: You are harboring obsessive desires that cannot fill an empty void. Instead, it is weighing you down with deep-seated dissatisfaction. Open your eyes to the truth and start recognizing what is truly important.

(From the Ghosts & Spirits Tarot, due to be published early 2012)

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

After almost 7 years of intense training, our 11 year old son earned his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. With his Black Belt, his Master finally cut off his Padawan braid. Connor transitioned from boy to young man—with his Black Belt heart and mind there to navigate him through his challenging middle grade years (yes, bullies are a persistent fixture in the preteen landscape). There is something to wearing a Black Belt—it alters a person and makes the individual feel keenly aware of one’s environment. It also instills a confidence that goes with having journeyed from an unaware white belt to a humbled black belt who has learned to expect the unexpected. Once a black belt, one’s perception is forever altered: from the ashes rises the warrior ready to take on life’s challenges with perspicacious intent. Connor holds his head higher, appears more focused and exudes a positive energy that says “here’s a good, conscientious guy”. I’m proud of what he’s accomplished and feel confident that he will remain on the path of good character and future achievement.

Connor's Black Belt ceremony. Photos by Kort Kramer 2011

Meanwhile, here’s a clip from our 7 year old daughter’s recital.

Her piano professor, who is a brilliant musician and masterful instructor, told me “She is going to be great when she’s eight!”. We’ll see, but for now, I’m enjoying watching this ray of sunshine grow.

At the Lynn University Conservatory venue in Boca Raton where Kyra performed

Kyra performing while her teacher looks on. It's a good sign that he's smiling!

Wishing everyone a very healthy happy holiday and an inspirational year ahead!

~Lisa

Artist and model Tamara Newman sent me a beautiful photo of herself to use as inspiration for a bird shapeshifter piece. I immediately knew I had to draw her. I loved how she pulled up her hair and looked to the sky as if she was about to open her wings and fly into the heavens of endless possibilities.

Tamara, hailing from the United Kingdom exhibits her work at various art festivals and has had work published in FAE Magazine and The Magical Times. Her magical creations are also sold in specialty shops in Glastonbury and Cornwall. Tamara boasts a strong following of admirers and fans with her versatile presentations. I love her dragon font!

Tamara, a beautiful lady and an accomplished artist in her own right.

Everything about her posture, her countenance, her coloring and even her fantasy artwork made me gravitate to the barn swallow. Lesley Morrison, who is writing the companion book for the “bird project”  (to be published by U.S. Games) e-mailed me some thoughts about the swallow and the powerful energies that they possess:

“The swallow is a herald of many interesting energies. It is precision of flight, innocence of spirit, upward movement, and a link to many powerful deities. Swallow has mastered agility, whirling in flight and changing direction in midair to capture its prey.

Swallow is a harmony, balancing the peaceful and chaotic faces of life. It is a hope that wherever our dreams may dance we will master the instincts to catch them.” ~Lesley Morrison, author of The Healing Wisdom of Birds

Painting of Thumbelina flying with her swallow friend from The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn 2009)

I’ve always loved the swallow and relished painting one in flight for the beloved fairy tale, Thumbelina. I’ve always viewed this bird as a harbinger for a happily ever after, with its fantastical fae-like presence. It darts as it flies with its swift, incisive movements—almost as if it is in play, teasing human observers with it’s unpredictable movements.

“The swallow is an auspicious symbol of hope and renewal. It glides over the waters of the unconscious, where dreams and collective myths flow. The bird and girl fly through mists, leaving their troubles behind.” ~excerpt from The Fairy Tale Tarot

I started with a sketch, taking design/layout and anatomy all into consideration.

Then I refined it by working out the anatomical kinks. Photos tend to distort and in this case, the arms are largely obscured by shadow and fabric, so I drew out the bones and muscles and adjusted their size to give the drawing an elegant, aesthetic quality. Once I felt I had a solid drawing to work from, I rubbed the back of the tracing with graphite before redrawing it onto a stretched sheet of ARCHES 140 lb. watercolor paper.

The traced-down image serves as a basic template for the final drawing. After many hours of intense rendering with a fine arts mindset accompanying every stroke, I felt the drawing was finished. As you can see, much of the drawing is created spontaneously on the watercolor paper. These days, I rarely over plan the tracing—I just let the details emerge without formulaic construct. This helps me connect with the image on a deep, soulful level without distractions.

Detail of face

——————————–

In Hunt-Kramerville news:

Goodbye old kitchen! Little do people know that the woman behind the soft pencil drawings and delicate watercolor paintings has been slowly remodeling her house the frugal way–with her own hammer and nails.
I grew up amid construction, having helped my family build their house when I was a little girl (now my wise old Pop advises and helps me with my house). Believe it or not, the physical demands of home improvement tasks actually feed the intense creative spates in my studio. It’s the act of renewing something that breathes fresh air into cognitive streams. I don’t get artist’s block because I build blocks, so to speak, between brainstorming sessions. This balance between home improvement and artistic expansion is a satisfying way to move through my middle years. My feet are solidly on the ground, yet I can still spread my wings.

Connor will be taking his black belt test in December. Cutting off the *padawan* braid will be part of Connor’s transition to Junior Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Poor Kippers won’t be able to perch on it anymore.

~ Lisa

Parrot-Shapeshifter on the table with photographic reference

I’m not a big fan of using photographic reference. For me, I feel it tends to impede my creative flow. But sometimes a photograph will provide the artist with a peek at the world from a new point of view. When I rely too much on my own mental resources without refreshing the internal well, there is a potential for stagnation and redundancy. I’ve seen this happen to other artists and it scares me about myself. If an artist keeps taking the path of least resistance, it can get boring to the viewer. My favorite artists tend to be those who keep it fresh by expanding their repertoire while maintaining an air of humility about their work. They are the forever-learners who push and push and push never letting ego hinder the process.

My own favorite pieces tend to be ones that I consciously move into edgy realms of new possibilities. It’s like peering over a cliff and taking that leap without knowing exactly where and how you’re going to land. I think it’s important for an artist to be conscious of potential failure without fearing it. Fear and ego are often closely aligned. Let go and see your work fly!  If a painting doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world but the beginning of further understanding and growth.

doodling ideas in sketchbook

With Parrot-Shapeshifter, I felt I needed to change up my palette so to speak and knew the extraordinary spirit that is the author/artist Emily Carding was just the energetic boost I needed.  Anyone who has acquainted her/himself with this amazing woman will know exactly what I’m talking about.

Photo of Emily Carding by Anna Simon

Lesley Morrison, author of The Healing Wisdom of birds, describes Parrot as, “A magnificent species of bird, parrots give the medicine of color to the world, and the healing everyone experiences through its beauty.  People who carry parrot medicine are often drawn to the visual arts, even costume design, or wherever they can work with colors on a daily basis.”

photo reference and inital watercolor paint washes

Who better to pose for the chromatic Parrot-Shapeshifter than a fellow artist whose work encapsulates the essence of parrot energy? Emily is a woman who exudes vibrant charisma as a photogenic model/actor and as an accomplished artist and writer. She has published many works including the brilliantly executed Transparent Tarot. She has many well-received decks with Schiffer Books and is currently working on projects entitled the Simple Wisdom of the Household Dog and Faery Crafy, both due out next year. You can learn more about the lovely Emily by visiting her website:  www.childofavalon.com.

I asked Emily to say a few words about being “Parrot-Shapeshifter” and was surprised by her reply, indicative of her generous spirit:

” I have been a fan of Lisa’s work since long before I was ever published myself so I am honoured beyond words to be the inspiration behind this extraordinary piece of art. When Lisa asked whether there was a particular bird I felt a connection with, I gave her free choice as I was curious to see what she would choose. The parrot both surprised and delighted me- the more I look at it, the more I realise how perfect a choice it is. I think Lisa has really outdone herself with the extraordinary colour and detail, as well as her trademark touch of magic!” ~Emily Carding, November 2011

Thank you Em — xo

Here’s what you helped make happen…

The finished Parrot-Shapeshifter painting.

While sketching Parrot-Shapeshifter, it became clear to me that I really needed to look at some good close-up shots of parrots. I wanted to understand those delicious patterns on the feathers and felt it was necessary to acquire good reference. I asked my friend and local photographer Moxie Nox if she would be willing to provide me with photos from one of her outings to a local sanctuary.

Moxie's amazing close-up of parrot. Look at the details!

I was delighted by the many poses and skillful zooms that she was able to provide for me. Please check out her website and friend her on Facebook. She is a delightful, insightful woman who has so many gifts to share. www.moxienox.com

“I’ve always been fascinated by the birds and enjoy taking pictures of them. I’m very fortunate to live very close to Flamingo Gardens (Davie, Florida) where I love to go often; to lose myself in photographing the birds and other wildlife that reside there. It’s pure magic in those Gardens.” ~Moxie Nox aka Melissa Ritchey

Many of us artists tend to be studio hermits and even semi-recluses, but the richness of our work often includes the outside world and how we see and feel about everything around us. This includes the symbiotic exchanges that artists often share—full of mutual support and words of inspiration and of course, helpful critiques! I’m fortunate to have largely avoided artist’s block during my 25 year career and credit this for having nurtured and maintained many diverse relationships with kindred creative spirits. Thank you Em and Moxie and thank you everyone who has touched me in ways that have nurtured my art!

In Hunt-Kramerville news: The house of continual creative messes

Speaking of vibrant colors: Here’s Kyra’s PTA 2011 “Reflections” art project submission. This year’s theme is “Diversity”. She recently completed a unit on coral reefs at school and decided to apply her knowledge about biodiversity and symbiosis to her art. Kort and I are extremely impressed with her  innate talents and undeterred confidence. She knew what she wanted to do and went ahead and did it. I thought the whole cut-away idea was really cool! As soon as we get it back, it’s going to be professionally framed.

"Sunset Sea" by Kyra Kramer

Here’s a picture of Connor in his Halloween costume that he designed and made himself. Unfortunately, he claimed the discomfort of wearing it made it hard to trick or treat!

Connor in his homemade Iron Man costume (his comic book hero of choice at present) Photo: Jonathan Hunt 2011

~Lisa

The arrival of pre-press material

When the fed ex guy dropped off a fat box from my art director at U.S. Games, my happy dance alarm threw me into a whirl as I quickly tore into its contents.  Out came the final Ghosts & Spirits Tarot manuscript, card back designs, card art and the long-awaited cover designs. It is hard to describe how one feels when one first lays eyes on pieces of production, but it is similar to seeing one’s artwork or earned award newly framed and hanging on the wall. It encapsalutes one’s work and dedication into a small bundle of instant recognition and it’s loaded with emotion.

The front cover design (not finalized)

The back of the box design

Card back design

The Ghosts and Spirits Tarot is like nothing I’ve done before. It called into action every nook and cranny of my psyche—employing deep dark figments of recessed fears along with the myths and legends that have occupied my creative life since I was a child. Not everything is dark, heavy and scary, but it is probably the first deck I’ve created that exposes so much rawness with vividity. It is untangling of sorts—where all the hung up pieces have fallen out of a web of resistance; tumbling into these 79 cards. Here are some sample cards for you to look at (more coming in future blog posts). I tried to pick a variety to help illustrate the diverse nature of this unique deck.

Yes, 79 cards. The other thing that makes this deck different is your involvement through social networking and the many eyes and voices that have contributed to its evolution. I had fans and friends vote for pieces including images for the cover art and an image for Four of Swords. Due to the overwhelming response and strong arguments for both images in question, the good folks at U.S. Games decided to include both Snow Ghost and Hamlet on the card box. You made this happen! For Four of swords, instead of the omission of one of the images, it was decided that an extra card would be added to the deck. How fun is that?

Here's the extra card that so many of you voted for. It's one of my favorite images in the deck.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news:

Kyra’s daily repertoire includes books, critters and artwork.

Kyra, Kippers and Timmy--trio of bookworms.

I love this diorama that Kyra did for her coral reef project. It earned her an A!

Happy sea creatures!

Contrasting Kyra’s peaceful realms is Connor’s robo battles:

I'm impressed by my 11 year old son's intuitive perspective skills. No, I do not teach him how to do art. He just does it.

~ Lisa

Bear Spirit and Celtic Shaman Healer

Mermaid Dreams and Bird Spirit

These drawings are rendered on quality paper using graphite. They’re mounted on foam core board and are lovingly wrapped with protective cellophane. They take approximately two weeks from initial order to delivery. A “spirit drawing” certificate of authenticity is included.

Each original drawing is beautifully wrapped with my own hands.

This certificate of authenticity was designed by the talented Kort Kramer and is signed by me!

If you are interested in ordering an original drawing at an affordable $28.00, please visit my Spirits Drawings page at my Ghosts & Spirits website.

In other Hunt-Kramerville news…

Connor putting his graphic novel writing/drawing skills to good use!

Connor is a chip off the ol’ block. He has figured out that embellishing one’s Language Arts writing assignments with accompanying illustrations is a great way to engage the reader (and hopefully the teacher). I used to do this too and still do!

And… Kyra took and passed her Green Belt test. She has definitely inherited my “Wildhorse” spirit, though I can’t kick as well as she can. Congratulations Kyra!

Kyra doing a front kick. Watch out!

~Lisa

I always start with big bold watercolor washes, letting the paint flow as it will. It's very much a "wait and see what happens" exercise and is the least premeditated part of the piece. I used several different blues, greens, and reds to achieve layers of rich hues. I purposely left some whites of the paper---it just felt right.

After the initial washes, I waste no time going right for the face.

The beginning of a painting is invigorating. So many possibilities.

I slowly build up the layers and add more and more detail using a #0 brush.

Along the way, I posted this on facebook:

“Here’s the Swan-Shapeshifter watercolor painting. I think it’s done. I certainly don’t want to overwork it. Thoughts, friends?”

The painting nearing completion. This is the image I posted on Facebook.

Here are some select invaluable and insightful comments. I wanted to include them all as there was such a resounding response, but it would definitely take too much space on my blog.

Marcy Currier Just looking at it through my artist eye– when I’m working and I look at the page, certain parts call out and say, Hey, I’ve got something for you. The top of your page seems to be saying that. For me its kind of like there being a door or a tunnel. Is that helpful?

Rae della Luna Congrats! I’m drawn to the androgyny of the central figure, and don’t know why it came to mind but here goes: I feel it’s a male cross-dressing with swan (much better than Björk did the swan!) and it gives a modern, urban feel (think Cirque, BurningMan, or fests) instead of the more ubiquitous combination of animals meets fantasy movie in artwork these days. Me likes!

Lise Winne Love how the hair and feathers intermingle!

Valerie Sylvester I especially like the “circles” in it! Beautiful, as always, Lisa!

Moxie Nox This is simply spectacular!! I love the tones and how everything flows around together… I do agree with Kort’s perspective on darkening the top with deeper blues. As you know I totally rely on all things visual, I don’t see a ‘horizon’ here where the sea meets the sky when I usually see them in most of your other paintings. (If you know what I mean). To me, it seems like this view was captured from the sky, as the swanlady is swimming on her back, with her head resting on the swan’s belly… Dang, I wanna swim with her! haha.. Awesome as always!

Mickie Mueller I could look at this forever! It would be a great piece to meditate on.

Victoria Evangelina Belyavskaya wow, having tried watercolors I now know how exquisitely delicate this painting is!!! white and watercolors: that takes a lot of thought, planning and experienced talent! great job!!!

Stephanie Arwen Lynch She feels caught right in the middle between water and air. As if this transformation is a perfect expression of the dual nature of both the swan (swim/fly) and the woman (woman/swan.) Love it. I wouldn’t darken it because of that.

KiKi Thomas-Lee I love the intricacies of the feathers and the hair, melding and blending.

Terri Bivona Stunning! When I see art like this, I keep thinking…How???? Such talent!

*Terri, I don’t know about talent or even exactly how, where and why. But I have the need to express myself through these paintings. My art is as much about connecting with something deeply internal as it is about creating something that others will be moved by. Thank you!

As I move the painting into the finishing stages, I work on deepening the shadows and allowing the light areas to glow while exploiting all the marvelous textures afforded on watercolor paper.

Here's the finished watercolor painting of Swan-Shapeshifter. Thanks to the suggestions of friends and fans, I darkened the sky and tightened up some of the feathers. This resulted in a more luminous finish, more obvious focal point and an elevated sense of movement.

In between washes and paintings, I’m also working on Spirit Drawings for customers. I received a few orders so far and will post each one as I complete them. These drawings differ from “soul drawings” in that they are purposely focusing on spirit, the ethereal and something ineffable. These are not portraits, they’re creative explorations using keywords provided by the client. For example, one of my first orders included the words: Trees, bears, good spirits.

If you would like to learn more about “spirit drawings” please visit my Ghosts & Spirits Tarot website. The orders take approximately 2 weeks to turnaround and mail to you. If you would like one for the holidays, now is a good time to make your request. These are for a limited time only.

And the best news here at Hunt-Kramerville: Kyra was chosen “Student of the Month” in her second grade class!

Here I am posing with Kyra after the awards ceremony.

The award is primarily in recognition of having a positive attitude.  I’m proud of my daughter for being outgoing, kind-hearted and enthusiastic about people and life in general. She has a way of cheering people up with her sunshiny demeanor. To me, there is nothing more important than maintaining good character, a positive attitude and exercising compassion and care.

Kyra's self portrait Age 7

~ Lisa

Here I am posing with the legendary Stuart Kaplan, tarot authority and founder of U.S. Games Systems. I enjoyed having lunch with this charismatic genius who has brought so many visionary decks and products to fruition. He knows his stuff! Not only that, but the brownie ala mode that Stuart had ordered for me was the best I ever had.

Here I am sitting with the creative team. From left to right: My editor Lynn Araujo (modest brilliance), My designer Paula Palmer (sweet, talented lady) and Stuart Kaplan (Mr. U.S. Games).

We ate at a dockside restaurant with fabulous views and good food. Left to Right: Lynn, Bobbie Bensaid (VP at USG and owner of BulaBula Fashions, where I acquired my new favorite tunic), and Stuart (I hear he plays a mean game of tennis).

Lynn is one of the smartest ladies I have ever met. She's a fulbright scholar who holds a doctorate in linguistics. I would say my manuscript is in good editorial hands!

Here's Paula at her desk working on Ghosts & Spirits Tarot. How cool is that?

Stuart insisted I sit in his chairman chair. I felt like a queen! haha. What a dream office--full of all things tarot.

Posing with Pamela Colman Smith originals. Talk about a peak experience!

After seeing this tarot wall, I know what my next home improvement project should be.

One wall of the U.S. Games' museum. Drool-worthy!

So many games, so little time.

I had no idea that Schultz and Seuss worked on cards too.

Everyone signed and inscribed a copy of the glorious Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set for me. This is now one of my most treasured possessions! This is a must-have for all tarot collectors and enthusiasts. It is a stunning package!

Many of you may know this book. I'm lucky to have a signed copy!

Last but not least, here I am posing with my friend Patrick Valenza's Deviant Moon Tarot panels. Aren't they stunning?

Life is composed of fleeting moments. But some experiences have the power to serve as inspiration for years to come. Visiting U.S. Games was one of those experiences. Thank you team U.S. Games Systems for your top-notch hospitality. It was a day to remember!

~ Lisa

The finished Heron-Shapeshifter watercolor painting

One of the most common questions I get as a professional watercolorist is: “How long does it take you to paint a picture?”. That’s a fair question though not an easy one to answer. It depends on a variety of factors including: subject matter, the amount of detail, how a painting flows along and even the level of distraction one may have to reconcile when one is working in one’s home. Distractions like kids and kitties.

Timmy, Kyra and Elsa giving me a dose of cuteness

I can say this for sure: I’m a much more efficient and confident painter now than I was 20 years ago. I’m also less fearful of taking risks and following my heart, something that has helped me avoid creative disasters and technical difficulties. The heart and soul direct the painting, not the hand, not my education and certainly not what I think people may want to see. This total liberation of one’s creativity makes for efficient, and mostly satisfying days in the studio.

One can see the difference if one compares images from my first tarot project created back in the mid-nineties to the works I’ve done in recent years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still proud of what I had accomplished with Shapeshifter Tarot. But it was painted using a younger, more timid brain. Like the soft hues of “The Dreamer” in the painting below, my  artistic voice was still a quiet whisper that needed to develop its vibrato.

My first big project: Shapeshifter Tarot 1995-97.

During those early years, I drew and painted with painstaking care. I was slow and inexperienced and sometimes let deadline anxieties get the better of me. My fear of making mistakes made for long hours in the studio. Thank goodness I was young at the time and could get by with little sleep.

Lisa in the 1990s with a Shapeshifter portrait of 60s music icon Donovan

Fast forward to 2011:

Many paintings and publications later…

The once insecure girl is now a bold woman in her mid-forties who takes on each painting with gusto and know-how. That doesn’t mean I don’t make mistakes, but now I know how to work with those mistakes to great effect. With my current project, the paintings are large, alive and symphonious. The frigidiy is gone, the paint strokes deliberate and the time clock is non-existant (yes, there is a deadline, but I no longer fret about it). If I would have to guess, each bird-shapeshifter is taking me about a month and the process is pure, uninhibited enjoyment. That is a luxury that I feel I’ve earned and one I’m thoroughly enjoying.

Initial watercolor washes

Halfway through

Final details and dry brushing

And thanks to modern technology, I can scan my painting between paint sessions and share them with you…when not being distracted.

More distractions. This is for the birds. (Photo: Kort Kramer 2011)

~ Lisa