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

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

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

My backyard: View from the studio (Photo: Kort Kramer)

I am very lucky to have a lake view from my studio window where I can watch birds frolic, fish and fly.  Ducks, pelicans, cranes, egrets, grackles, chickadees, crows, mockingbirds, hawks, vultures, loons, cormorants and a host of other species provide me with a show of flapping wings and glorious calls.

But by far the most spectacular and mysterious of these visitors is the Great Blue Heron. It silently swoops down with perfect grace. Then it patiently stands by the shore with sturdy long legs and focused intent. Its smooth deliberate moves make it a perfect specimen for the artist (and is much easier to draw than a hummingbird!). I enjoy watching and sketching this otherworldy wading creature. To me, it epitomizes patience and provides a good reminder for hyperactive humans like me to take it easy and go with the flow.

Through choppy waves and still waters, these stealthy predators exercise great patience. (Photos: Kort Kramer)

"The heron's majestic beauty exemplifies the need to develop good coping skills in the face of challenge. It exercises patient vigilance when hunting for food, even though the outcome may not be successful." ~Animals Divine Tarot companion book

Sketching the birds was easy, creating a bird-shapeshifter composition was not. Not all drawings are created equal—some flow on the paper with immediacy, while others require more patience and exploration. It took me a while to capture the essence of what I  envisioned and felt about Heron.

This is the process of working through a drawing until it feels right.

After a few frustrating sessions, I had to walk away from this piece. But when I came back, there he was—I saw the Heron-Shapeshifter surfacing from the water, breaking the impasse that had left me cold the previous days. He revealed himself to me when I stopped forcing him from his hiding place. He came to me like a fish between the ripples. I didn’t waste any time and went straight to the watercolor paper, like a heron diving for that prize. I triumphantly finished the drawing in a day’s time—a reminder that you can’t always force art, it has to come to you.

Here's the final drawing on cold press watercolor paper. Following my gut instinct, I decided to flip the design.

One last note from Hunt-Kramerville:
What would be a blog post without posting my kids’ drawings too! They see me sketching and drawing birds and wanted to be part of the fun. Kyra took a cartoon-ish approach while Connor couldn’t resist sketching a “robo bird”. I should read him Hans Christian Andersen’s The Nightingale so he realizes that real birds are better than fake ones.

Left: Connor age 11 Right: Kyra age 6

The Specter Bridegroom from Ghosts & Spirits Tarot

I love the piano. To me, the keys are allegorical. They are emotive, mysterious, scary and can be a girl’s best friend. They can feel hard and cold, slippery and wet, warm and soft–all depending on what is being played and how it’s being played. I’ve cried tears on the keys and have stroked them with affection. They help bring mind, soul and hands to a place where musical narratives can flow with their cleansing tendencies. In German, this is called “Seele waschen” or soul washing. It’s the seele waschen that has kept me from completely abandoning my relationship with the piano. Even when I wasn’t playing it (sometimes years between), I would listen to its soft whispers in my mind. Piano has always been there with me, through everything I’ve done in life.

I was fortunate enough to have classical training as a child with a music professor whose own son started at the same time and went on to Juilliard and beyond. He was committed. I was the rebel. He had the discipline. I had preoccupations. He went on to be a great pianist. I rejected the instrument by 14 thinking how clever I was to do so. I turned my back on the piano–I had “piano hands”, “a good ear”, an aptitude at the start, but I wanted to be emancipated from the practicing regimen and lost sight of the piano’s purpose in my life.

This is only a half truth. What really happened? In the eight grade, I auditioned for a talent show doing keyboards with my friends Mike and Maura on vocals. The performance was a disaster and I swore to myself that I would never play in front of people again.

and I didn’t.

Until now, 30 years later.

I had dabbled on piano over the years, but it was largely ignored until my own daughter started playing with an intensity that brought me back to an innocent time of being the enthusiastic student who wanted to learn how to play. Those feelings, the yearning to learn, grow and feel something awesome as one plays flooded me with an unexpected reawakening. I knew what I had to do.

I restarted piano lessons and fell madly in love with the learning process. I was now the fool with her piano and it felt wonderful to be reunited with my old friend.

Here I am practicing at home. The glasses are just for fun:

Just four months after my first lesson, I was performing in front of a roomful of mostly strangers. My playing was not great as the piano had a few more lessons to teach me: humility and respect. Just because I thought I knew my pieces and thought I played good enough doesn’t mean the piano keys were going to completely cooperate when it had to. My brain took momentary vacations between measures and my fingers decided to engage in interludes of abstraction. At one point, I went completely blank–forgetting everything I knew about piano. Has that ever happened to you? The dreaded disconnect between mind and hands did happen while I was playing in front of a room full of curious people, but somehow my soul held it together. I kept going on and didn’t give up. I showed the piano that I had fortitude and that I wasn’t going to cower to self perceived failure. I was determined to finish what I started no matter what.

Here I am performing at my first recital ever, mistakes and all:

I finished to loud applause and got a big hug from my teacher. I think the fact that I made it through was enough to generate support from the kind strangers who bore witness to my tenacity.  I had the courage to face the piano as a new, old student without losing myself along the way. One woman even came up to me and told me how great she thought I was and she herself had thought about playing again. Can it be that maybe just maybe I had inspired her? If that is true, then it was SO worth going up there as the fool and her intrepid piano playing. I’d like to think that I’ve inspired my daughter as well. Hopefully she will get past the age 14-hump 8 years from now and realize that sticking to it is the clever thing to do.

My brilliant teacher told me that stage fright is like a naughty phantom. When it happens, it’s an invaluable experience. “It is like an initiation ceremony for the stage”. She is already talking about the next time I go through it as if the “naughty stage fright phantom” is a permanent fixture on the stage, so to speak. Instead of pretending it’s not there, one must be prepared to deal with it!

With that said, I’m sticking to it with no intentions of ever straying from my musical path again. Fortunately, I found a kindred spirit in my amazing teacher and friend Sivabruntha, who has been undyingly supportive and encouraging of me. I will blog along the way, through tangled wood and smooth riding pathways. Music is art and art is music. I don’t do art and music perfectly, but I have the passion to do it and that is what is really important. As my friend Patrick Valenza recently told me: “It’s the process, not the outcome”. Well said, my friend.

Innocence (The Fool), Growth, Strength, and The Star. Artwork from The Fairy Tale Tarot, Shapeshifter Tarot & Celtic Dragon Tarot

Have any of you experienced stage fright? I would love to hear your stories.

~Lisa

Poltergeist: Drawing and final watercolor painting

2011 is turning into the year of the unexpected. Instead of fearing the chaos of what seems like truncated routines, I’m learning how to accept the unexpected and to be flexible. Part of this has entailed taking on projects and creating images that I never thought I’d do: new subject matter, new methods, bold creative assertions and a sense of the spontaneous along the way. I’m also studying piano compositions that I never thought I’d learn–a structural pursuit in one way, but one must make time to practice! In between, there’s unpredictable life stuff to tend to. And you know what? It’s exciting to be in a bubble of this sort of chaos–where I’m sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what the day will bring.

I worked on Poltergeist while my husband, who had just turned 40 (Oh, the irony!), threw out his back and was bedridden for nearly a week. It was a tough time full of anxiety. It’s hard to see a loved one suffer—so I took my turmoils to the paper and cranked out this piece. An update: Kort is doing much, much better. Thanks to all of you who sent healing wishes during his recovery!

Painting in progress

As the ghosts paintings are drawing to a close, I’m starting to mentally prep for my bird project. What a nice surprise it was to get a parakeet for my birthday. Meet Kippy or Butterball (no reference to the turkey product please!), as I’m calling him more and more. He’s another studio buddy who chooses to perch and poop (doh!) on my lamp and watch me draw—no worries, art is out of poop range. He’s a sweet bird with impeccable taste and has adopted Timmy’s (studio buddy kitty) preference for classical or jazz music. Kippy is more than willing to let me sketch his beautiful plumage.

Kippy "Butterball" hanging out near my desk

I also have a new hamster. Meet “Evil Creature” (real name Pumpkiny-Pooh). Just look at those red eyes and you can see why this name just rolled off the tongue, with utmost affection of course. EC’s particular idiosyncrasy is that she loves tissue and toilet paper, as she aptly demonstrates in the following photo.

"Evil Creature"

Are you wondering how bird, hamster and cat get along? Well, the critters love the very chaos I just spoke of and are too sanguine to bother each other. There is a good energy in my studio that is conducive for happy creatures.

As for the “boogie woogie”:
I officially started piano lessons at Bravo Academy, where my daughter studies music as well, under the tutelage of an outstanding professional. I haven’t had a formal lesson in 25 years, but that didn’t stop me. I went in holding my beloved Chopin book, with every intention of focusing on Nocturnes. Instead, Sivabruntha hands me Winifred Atwell’s Five Finger Boogie and tells me to play it. Um, I’ve never played anything but strict classical fare and here I was looking at a piece that, from my perspective, is a routine breaker! But despite my initial hesitation, it turns out, I love to boogie on the keys! It’s exhausting music but also invigorating for the mind, body and spirit. So in addition to a Chopin Nocturne, I am working on perfecting Five Finger Boogie for an upcoming late spring recital. I’m the first student of Sivabruntha’s to work on this, so I’m honored to be studying such an outstanding piece. I’m also glad that I’m being exposed to some incredible musicians that somehow fell under the mainstream radar, unfortunately.

Here’s Winifred playing her composition back in the 1950′s (I’m guessing) during the height of her fame.

Oh, and just a reminder–I’m smack in the middle of my forties and yet I’m far from being stuck in a malaise of middle age doldrums. It’s never too late to paint, play piano, or do things that you wish you can do. I find that it’s okay to break routines. Just go do it! I don’t mind being the oldest student of anything–as long as I keep learning and growing, I’ll never get truly old.

~ Lisa

Finished watercolor painting of Jacob Marley

It’s hard to believe that a month has gone by since my last post. But given the hectic pace that was December, I’m not surprised that some things were woefully neglected along the way including my blog. Yes, I did do a lot of art and yes, I did manage to finish a dozen soul drawings and send them out to their intended recipients in a timely manner and yes, my kids are doing great.  But no, I did not get enough sleep and no, I did not make the time to indulge in other soulful pursuits like playing the piano, reading some new books that have been sitting by my nightstand, writing letters and e-mails to loved ones and friends or getting my house to be the enchanted fairy tale abode that I envision it to be. Thus, I knew 2011 would need to be planned and constructed from a more centered place in my being. It is possible to do it all, but only if I simplify and maintain a good balance between myriad priorities and interests. If I can’t plant a grand garden, I’ll nurture a smaller one, so to speak.

Antique Fairy Tale book cabinet

Here’s an example of what I’ve been doing to start appealing to this resolution. I spent New Year’s refurbishing an antique desk/cabinet that I’ve allowed to stand neglected for years. After the final polish, I filled it with some of my treasured, antique fairy tale books (my daughter added her modern touch here and there).

Kyra adding her fairy touch

But instead of stuffing every nook and cranny, I strived for a harmonious, aesthetic display that honored each volume as it should be. To me, this is symbolic of how I see my life and studio in the near future. Instead of jam-packing my day with sundry tasks, I hope to fill my day with balanced, modified efforts that render me feeling accomplished rather than depleted. My fairy tale cabinet is there to remind me to honor the moment and remember the nuances of the story along the way, rather than trying to process and digest all the chapters at once.

Here I am finishing the last painting of 2010.  Painting the encumbered Jacob Marley was an excellent way for me to purge end-of-year stresses. I now feel ready to take on the new year! I hope you are too.

Happy New Year friends!

~Lisa

Kobold painting-in-progress

It’s that time of year again…

Black Friday!

I’m having a sale on select originals, 50-75% off art from my personal collection!

These include images from well known publications such as Celtic Dragon Tarot and Shapeshifter Tarot as well as other beloved illustrations. The originals were all created using professional grade materials. All of my art is drawn and painted on Saunders Waterford 140 lb. professional/archival watercolor paper. If properly cared for (no direct sun or damp places), these paintings will remain pristine for generations to come.

Here’s a sample of what’s on sale:

Stasis

Click here for further purchasing details.

If you order this Black Friday weekend (sale runs from November 24- 28th), you will receive a free 4×6 sketch suitable for framing (please specify if you’d like it personalized). In addition, you will automatically be entered to win a signed, limited edition 13″x19″print of my popular Owl Shapeshifter painting.

All work is handled with loving care and includes gift wrapping.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

~ Lisa