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

In honor of this anniversary I’m having another giveaway. Either leave a comment below or  Follow and “tweet” the following message on twitter.com: “Win a signed 2′x3′ poster of the ‘Queen of Swords’ for the Celtic Dragon Tarot’s 10th Anniv! Follow Lisa & RT. http://is.gd/4Lf4x” Entries will be tallied at the end of the month and the winner randomly drawn from them. Commenting here AND on twitter gives you 2 entries, but no further submissions will not be counted. I will gladly ship anywhere around the world.

Also this month, we’re having a sale on a limited edition Celtic Dragon Tarot Kit. Included is:

• a signed American release of this legendary  kit (deck & book)
• a signed, archival  print (choice of the Moon, King of Wands, the Hermit, the Magician & the Lovers)
• a unique dragon sketch by me, Lisa, done just for this special offer on an individual basis
• a Celtic Dragon greeting card

There are just 15 of these kits available and they’ll be at the low price of $60 (a $95 value) only until January 1st (S&H is FREE in the continental US). I’ll have a paypal link on the Purchase page of my website soon, or you can message/email me to reserve a copy.

CONTEST CLOSED-The winner will soon be announced. Thanks everyone for your participation!

In the coming weeks, I will be having a Celtic Dragon Tarot giveaway to celebrate the deck’s 10th anniversary. Check back for further details.

If you would like to purchase a print or tarot gift set, please visit my purchase page: http://www.lisahuntart.com/purchasing.html

Thank you, everyone! ~Lisa

Llewellyn is generously giving away 9 uncut press sheets suitable for framing. Having personally signed these beauties, I can attest to the outstanding reproductive quality of these unique “galleries” showcasing The Fairy Tale Tarot artwork. I am happily the owner of one of these sheets and recently had it framed to hang in my home. What can I say? They’re really cool and collectible!

Here’s a link to the contest. Good luck everyone!
~Lisa

Win Your Own Little Piece of Happily Ever After

We’d like to take this opportunity to announce that a redesigned LisaHuntArt.com site is in progress including a whole new look and easy to navigate features. On the Purchasing page you will find some exclusive offers including signed prints and Fairy Tale Tarot kits. We will keep you posted as we add more goodies in the weeks ahead. Be sure to check them out!

~Lisa

In honor of it’s release, I’d like to announce an opportunity for you to win a signed copy of both the new Fairy Tale Tarot kit and a print of the Fool card (Little Red Riding Hood). There are two ways to enter, here are the details:

• Just leave a comment on this blog post with some way for me to contact you. Or…
• Follow me on twitter.com (http://twitter.com/lisahuntart) and re-tweet this just as it is (without the quotes):
  “RT & follow @LisaHuntArt to win a FREE signed The Fairy Tale Tarot kit & Little Red Riding Hood print. Details: http://is.gd/2I5XS #FTT“
• Do both, and DOUBLE your chances to win!
• Comments and tweets must be left by 11:59 September 18th. Names will be collated and drawn by a hat by a 3rd party Sept. 19th. The winner will be announced on this blog, Facebook and Twitter on September 20th.

The signed copy of the deck and print will be mailed out to the winner by the following weekend. If the winner does not respond by that time, a new winner will be drawn.

Thank you and good luck to everyone!

~Lisa