I hope my demonstration helps to shed light on my process. These days, I do not over-plan an image. During my early years when I was an insecure artist just learning my craft I would plan out every facet and detail. But these days I know my voice and feel rather confident as a technician (though, one can never stop learning!). I draw from heart and soul and just let the art take over.  With that said, I do some anatomical studies (I am a self-proclaimed anatomy geek) and sometimes will draft a good drawing on tracing paper to trace down. But the majority of the art is done with a spontaneous vigor that allows sequences from within the depths of my psyche to help determine an image’s outcome. It is raw creativity that channels through my being without interference and it is the perfect method to employ while working on a project like Ghosts and Spirits Tarot! I’ve opened the chambers of my mind wide open and am enjoying meeting all the spirits milling about there.

~Lisa

Ghosts & Spirits Tarot manuscript

Ghosts & Spirits Tarot image gallery

I just finished the manuscript along with a gallery of images. I have about 25 paintings left to do, having relegated some of the most challenging pieces until the time felt right. I honestly believe you cannot force art, it must surface when it’s ready. This is how I’ve executed this body of work. The ghosts and spirits summon me to paint when they are good and ready to manifest onto the paper.

Here’s an example of a piece that took on a life of its own. The colors, the roots, the details were primarily improvised as I went. During these more spontaneous sessions, hidden creatures make themselves known by peeping through bark, trees, rocks, skies and wherever they choose to appear.

King of Pentacles - Ankou (finished painting)

Another milestone has been the completion of 46 custom soul drawing orders. I began offering them during the 2009 holiday season, and they took off from there. I didn’t expect such an outpouring of enthusiasm (and orders!). I finally had to shut down the custom drawing shop for the summer so that I could focus on completing Ghosts & Spirits Tarot. I loved creating these works and the recipients of the drawings were gracious, grateful and downright sweet. I felt I formed an actual bond with many of my custom drawing customers (many who are now friends on facebook and people I have frequent exchanges with) — as they were extensions of the soul based on keywords that they provided for me. These drawings helped me to grow as an artist in many unexpected ways and helped me connect with those who appreciate my work. Symbiosis at its best!

Thank you to everyone who ordered a drawing from me. I plan to reopen the shop for pre-holiday orders in October.

Other things coming up:
- Late summer Newsletter containing special offers and a giveaway
- Revamped website store
- Possible Etsy shop
- And a Ghosts & Spirits Tarot website!

Oh, and for those of you who have been wondering, the piano playing is going great. I’m working on Meditation for Thais by Massenet. I’ve learned the piece, now to fine tune and bring it to mellifluous perfection. I may post a video on youtube of my playing when I feel ready to “perform”.

Lisa practicing Massenet, Meditation from Thais

I hope everyone is having a fabulous summer!

~ Lisa

Here I am with a foolish young heart (and thin figure!). This is 1995 while working on my first tarot deck: the Shapeshifter Tarot

This is the painting that determined my artistic path. The Sorceress was the sample I painted before landing my first tarot contract with Llewellyn Publications.

Here's a Shapeshifter portrait I did for 60's rock icon, Donovan. I flew to San Francisco and presented the framed painting to him in person at a 1997 Whole Life Expo (my apologies for the poor photo quality--I know I have more somewhere).

Here I am in 1998 at an Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale graduation. At the time I was working on Celtic Dragon Tarot, I was also earning a degree in Computer Animation (very new at the time). I face-mapped the Shapeshifter Tarot images on 3D runes and had them spin around in space. No one ever saw anything like that before and it earned me the top prize in my graduating class (and a subsequent job as a conceptual designer and later, college teacher).

Here's my studio. On the wall is a framed Celtic Dragon Tarot press sheet. As my biggest seller, it holds a place of honor in my workspace.

After Celtic Dragon Tarot, my book Celestial Goddesses was published. I met fabulous people along the way, including my dear friend Pam (professional singer/art educator extraordinaire). This was taken during the Spring of 2002.

I also met my future husband at the one and only Celestial Goddesses book signing. It was destiny!

During the past 15 years, I've nurtured an extraordinary friendship with the brilliant and soulful Kris Waldherr.

While I was earning my Masters Degree in Interdisplinary Studies, Animals Divine Tarot was published. It earned a COVR award the following year (2006).

After Animals Divine Tarot, there was Fantastical Creatures Tarot published by US Games. Here I am at a 2007 INATS East signing/reading. I was busy!

While working on tarot decks and books, I had kids! Here I am with my artistic son Connor in 2009.

Here's Kyra in the studio in (early 2009?). My kids love to draw too!

Here's a bookcover-in-progress I did last year.

I also had a 10 year stint as a Collectible Card Game artist, but after over 100 images I retired from the industry.

I also studied martial arts and earned my Black Belt in TKD as a means of getting healthy and feeling more balanced while in the studio. It's easy to neglect oneself when one is so consumed by one's artistic passions! (2008)

I loved writing this book!

Here's a framed press sheet of The Fairy Tale Tarot that hung at a local gallery in 2009.

Here I am at work in the studio. I use the TP for painting--just in case you were confused. (2010)

Here's what I'm working on now...

and here's what I'll be working on next.

It has been a wonderful journey so far. I can honestly say that I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my life. Yes, I did make things happen, but I also feel I’m a blessed person to be able to live my passion and know who I am. Who knows what will be? But for now, I’m perfectly content with the here and now. But sometimes it’s good to reflect back and take pause. I don’t take anything for granted!

~ Lisa

This drawing is for Rose Vanden Eynden, author extraordinaire

With that said, I must keep this short and sweet, my friends. Here are some images of the Ghosts & Spirits project in progress. And of course, I’ve included a few pictures created by my afternoon studio companions, Connor (9 years) & Kyra (5 years). Sorry, as amazing as Timmy-the-Cat is, he has yet to pick up a pencil. Instead, he has mastered the art of power napping.

"Black Dog" detail of pencil drawing in progress

Paintings in various stages of progress

Kyra loves to draw animals. There is so much joy in this piece!

New York in the future. Connor's drawings tend to have technical leanings.

And while we're working our tails off, whose been sleeping in Kyra's bed?

~ Lisa

ps. The Fantastical Creatures giveaway ends soon, see my previous blog entry for detail on how to enter!

Where I grew up (1971)

Lions, tigers and bears oh my! The mysterious forest is full of unknowns and teeming with mysterious life.  As a symbol of the unconscious, it is a place inhabited by wild things, often obscured by the shadows of tree branches and layered with the remnants of seasons gone by. When we walk into a forest, we step into a world full of adventure and trepidation. We leave the comfort of paths familiar and cross the threshold into a realm  full of challenges and unpredictability. Who knows what monsters lie in wait and who knows where the wayward path will lead. Myths and fairy tales often use the woods as a stage for the evolving protagonist. The character leaves the safety of home and wanders into the realm of the psyche, where growth is inevitable.

Drawing from the 80's

When I was in high school, I often sketched the forest using the wells of my imagination as reference. These forests were alive with spirits and elusive beings, there to provide me with messages. They dwelled  in a place that offered  temporary refuge from the province of a chaotic reality . I loved exploring the twisting tree limbs and fortifying roots that helped me to feel grounded in a world of teenage confusion.  I was wandering into the path of the unknown and these fantasy tree drawings helped me to manifest the deep-seated worries I was experiencing as I approached adulthood.

Pencil drawing done in my teenage years

My Mom as the Hermit (Fantastical Creatures Tarot)

Lisa as a teenager

Lisa in the snowy woods of northern New England, 1990s

Fairy tales often employ these settings as metaphors of the shadow. They are the wild, untamed symbols of our own inner landscapes, where creative thinking and intrinsic energies reside and beg to be released. It is here where we meet frog princes, wise old men, a golden goose, a ravenous wolf, imposing giants, spirit messengers and all manner of creatures that help us shed the constraints of a rational mind. It is here where we let go and become more self-aware. It is under the dappling light that we recognize our full potentials and find our way through the tangle of brush.  Through the darkness of paths unknown, we have the possibility of seeing the light.

Forest images from The Fairy Tale Tarot

Here is a neat “forest” video from friend and fellow artist Carisa Swenson:

The Forest

~ Lisa

I have grown accustomed to working alone in my studio (thus the name “Studio Hermit”), with only the company of NPR, music, and Timmy the cat aka “Studio Buddy” being the potential distractions to an otherwise intense environment. It never dawned on me to ask my 9 year-old artistically inclined son to join me in my sanctuary of creative outpourings.

After receiving a fateful call from Connor’s writing teacher, I began to see the light. Despite Connor’s history of scholastic underachievement, his writing teacher expressed interest in Connor’s creative aptitudes and offered him the chance to have his own writing corner in her classroom. In Connor’s own words, “My teacher told me that I have permission to draw on my narrative writing papers… I like making up my own stories!”. Having long since been designated a child with “attention issues”, this veteran teacher recognized that Connor thrives when given personal space. And from Connor’s point of view, he feels he’s finally being rewarded for being a storyteller—with most of his papers reflecting fantastical exploration, dark and light and human drama. Connor is not afraid to express himself as an artist/writer, and he actually impresses all those around him with his innate ability to retrieve dynamic visions from a world that only he understands. A place that has his full obeisance and where no “attention issues” persist.

I never dismissed or tried to suppress these inclinations (though I was worried about his tendency to either get As or Fs—depending on the day), but I never thought that art/writing may actually be his calling. I know, this warrants a big “duh” from my audience given his genetic predisposition, but having experienced firsthand the stigmas and challenges associated with being an artist, I was somewhat loathe to promote his gifts. I of all people should know that if you are born an artist and/or writer, you are an artist and/or writer—and there really is no stopping the impulse for creative expression.

I have to admit, Connor reminds me so much of myself in so many ways. No one could stop me either.

Ace of Wands: The Fairy Tale Tarot

So I asked him: “Would you like to move your desk into Mommy’s studio?”. Connor must have done double flips—it was as if he had been waiting for this invitation all of his young life. And then he rapturously declared “I’ll be your apprentice and you’ll be Mommy Master!”.  In some ways he already has been, having posed for a few of my fairy tale paintings and having witnessed me at work for as long as he can remember.

Connor posing for Goldilocks. Connor at age 4 watching his tired mom paint.

We moved his desk from downstairs to my hideaway on the second floor and around the corner. It’s official — he is now a resident artist! Since the move, something has happened to Connor. He is eagerly taking drawing lessons from me (having grasped the basics of perspective with amazing acuity) and is the quietest, most concentrated studio companion an artist can have. He has embraced the studio zone.

Connor was always happiest drawing

His material is taking on a new dimension, fostered by his newly found confidence and pride with a title like “studio artist”. His work is vastly different than my own, as he gravitates to robotic design and graphic narratives—filling page after page with storytelling panels complete with blurbs, onomatopoeias and dynamic visuals. His graphic novels are somewhat crude but full of action and moral-driving raconteur. No one taught him how to do this—he just does them.

a montage of some of Connor's creations (before drawing lessons)

Connor is intent on bringing a new level of technical facility to his work and wants to make his worlds appear more real and tangible as he sees them in his own mind. He has an insatiable desire to learn and get better. He has declared more than once that it is his dream to go to art school. Is it my dream for him? No, I was hoping he would pursue engineering or medicine or anything that I perceive might be the easier “conventional” path. But then again, what does that really mean? Nothing is easy if you don’t have your heart in it. I pursued the arts because I HAD to—and weathered all kinds of challenges to remain true to myself. I think Connor should to be true to himself too.

“Listening to your dreams can provide you with the motivation needed to open yourself up to new experiences. If you track your inner voice and follow your instincts, you can prevail against the inevitable challenges that will test your spirit.” ~ From The Fairy Tale Tarot companion book, Once Upon a Time.

And what has ensued? Connor is happier. Connor is more confident. A girl in his class told him “Connor, you’re really smart” (he was all smiles when I picked him up from school after that), and he has already become more focused on homework and intent on achieving those elusive straight As. He needed this boost and now he’s on a mission. Homework must be completed before he can indulge in his creative exploits and it DOES get done because he has an art goal. Though his expository writing assignments do carry over into studio time, there is no need to completely separate academics from play. Maybe he can learn to merge the two and excel at both (the way I did later on). A mom can be hopeful. For now, I will trust my heart and nurture the artist that is my son. Stay tuned!

~ Lisa

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is here and my 43rd birthday is fast approaching. Yes, I too ask myself the perennial cliché question: where did the time go? If it wasn’t for my art, I’m quite sure I would have a hard time determining how I’ve spent the last year (or my life, for that matter). My paintings have always been my personal timeline—they document my own journey in a way that reflects my thoughts, feelings, observations, cognitive and soulful responses and evolution as an individual. I have been working professionally for over 20 years and have proudly amassed a nice collection of published works, with most efforts still being viable and “in print”. But I’ve also hit that midway point—wondering where my art is going to take me from here…

After finishing The Fairy Tale Tarot (read archives) and engaging in subsequent publicity efforts, I must admit that I felt depleted.  It was a long term project that had become part of my daily life (and it still is in some ways). I needed to move forward, but a stubborn wall of artistic fatigue stood in my way. I did work on 2 pivotal fine arts pieces that most certainly hinted at things to come. But after I finished, I was artistically dehydrated. I felt I needed to connect with something outside myself, but wasn’t sure what it was.

So at the spur of the moment, I decided to offer custom drawings through my LisaHuntArt purchase page. There have been many people who expressed interest in owning one of my originals, but felt purchases during a protracted recession was not feasible. And truthfully, I can totally understand this. My immediate solution was to offer unique drawings made to order at an affordable price. This gave my audience the power to determine the imagery and thus be part of the process, despite limited resources. Many of my friends and family questioned my offering—feeling as though I was undercharging people for time spent creating unique drawings for them. But my answer is a simple one. In the process of “undercharging” I was recharging. Not only have these drawings been greatly appreciated by the customer, but they have helped to nourish my artistic soul. And as a result, my palette has been refreshed with new piles of watercolor paint. By giving a little bit of myself to others, I in turn have received.  And creating and sharing has been a joyful experience! It’s one thing to be published and to have ones work distributed en masse, it’s quite another to know that one’s originals are out in the big world being loved and appreciated by those very people who may have purchased the publication. I now understand what it means to be a fine artist and to have originals pass from the creator’s hand to that of someone who loves the creation.

Here are some of the custom drawings I have done for people in the last 6 weeks.

I’m proud of this collection and am over the moon by all the positive responses that the recipients have expressed. There has been great feeling and meaning invested in these works. And in turn, my enthusiasm for painting has been renewed! I was practically explosive with creative energy as I tackled my first painting of 2010, The Bear-Spirit—all that pent up energy released onto the paper with glorious satiation. Thank you everyone! Thank you for helping me to feel the powerful allure of artistic expression. And if you too would like to order a drawing and be part of this growing gallery of these self-determined unique visions—check out my purchase page and let me know what you would like me to draw for YOU.

~Lisa

Shapeshifter paintings in progress

final drawing for Crow-Shapeshifter on watercolor board

As some of you may know, after 20 years of publishing intensity, I’ve taken a break from contracted assignments to work on my own material, unhindered by deadlines, dimensions, or other technical considerations. This doesn’t mean I’m abandoning my identity as an illustrator/writer — I still have plenty more to do/explore in print publishing. I simply needed to refresh myself and flex some creative muscle that has been lying languid since the completion of the monumental Fairy Tale Tarot project. It’s like taking a dive into the ocean after counting grains of sand by the shoreline. I needed to pull away from the details of my daily repertoire and just let loose. This also came about after befriending a bird enthusiast from Canada (who is about to have her first book published) and watching some PBS Art 21 episodes, where varied fine artists discussed their fascinating and individual journeys.

Sketches

With this break I’m flying free through the mountainous terrain of self discovery and am enjoying every minute of this much needed recess. I haven’t felt this unfettered since my early youthful days, when I freely dabbled in the surrealistic vicissitude of the imagination; when swooping brush strokes and splattered paint were par for the course. I want to paint big, bold and textural, and get really physical with the process.

Early exploratory work as a teenager (1984-5)

I had recently read “Pictures Telling Stories: The Art of Robert Ingpen” and inside was this passage:

“When asked about the difference between a painter and an illustrator he often observes that a painter stands to work and an illustrator always sits.”

I wanted to debunk this idea for myself! Why abandon a sense of illustrative narrative when standing? Why label myself and settle in a seat of expectation? I was determined to break my own convention: I stretched a whole sheet of paper on the one oversized  board that I’ve had in storage for years and set out to work.  And yes, moving the board around was no easy task — nor was it easy to paint a large scale watercolor. What I thought might be a brief interlude turned out to be an obsession!  The spirit of the paintings took over — not only consuming my psyche and soul but assuming my full attention in the studio, with creative chaos being a mess inducing bi-product. Oh, my normally orderly surroundings now took on a life of their own as the desire to paint supplanted the necessity to maintain order.

But this is good, isn’t it? Sometimes as artists, we need to shake things up, deconstruct and build anew. For me being an artist is more than just interpreting story or conveying expression, it’s about diving deeper past barriers and depths that we may have ignored for way too long. I suppose this is my way of dismantling potential artist’s block and it has worked to great effect!

Please feel free to visit my purchase page for more information, thanks!

Final Shapeshifter Paintings - click to visit Lisa's online store

~ Lisa

First up: It is an honor and a privilege to be part of an extraordinary gallery event focusing on the theme of Fairy Tales!

FAIRY TALES: FROM DARK WOOD TO HAPPILY EVER AFTER
featuring the art of
Leela Corman, Mary Louise Geering, Lisa Hunt, Amy Saidens, Carisa Swenson, Kris Waldherr, Karen Zuegner and Kristina Carroll.

I am so honored to be sharing artshow space with these immensely talented artists, each bringing a vision of Fairy Tale land that is uniquely their own. I will be having original watercolor paintings from the recently published The Fairy Tale Tarot (Llewellyn Publications) as well as pencil drawings from the book and limited edition prints showcased in this splendid collection of outstanding fairy tale works. This is a rare opportunity to see my original art and the work of others on display for viewing and purchasing. I have to tell you, I LOVE this gallery. It’s a treasure filled with books, art and endless inspiration. I was so lucky to have been able to spend some time in this beautiful sanctuary with my close friend and owner, Kris Waldherr. It felt so comfortable and lovely and was filled with this ineffable artistic energy that really induced feelings of creative satiation.

If you’re in the NYC area, please stop in for a reception and viewing*~* opening October 23, 2009 – opening reception 7 – 10pm ~*~Come meet some of the artists and have the opportunity to meet the proprietor of the finest gallery in Victorian Brooklyn, Kris Waldherr.

Located in Victorian Brooklyn, Kris Waldherr Art and Words is Kris Waldherr’s working studio during the week and a gallery on the weekend. Not only is her gallery a stunning place filled with art, it is operated by the internationally famous artist and author of The Goddess Tarot, Doomed Queens and many other beloved publications.

All events are held at:
KRIS WALDHERR ART AND WORDS
1501 Newkirk Avenue
(entrance on Marlborough Road, around the corner from subway station)
Brooklyn, NY 11226
347-406-5811
subway: Q or B train to Newkirk Avenue
street parking is available

Next up:

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale‘s AiFL Alumni Art Show will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 until November 30, 2009 at the Mark K Wheeler Gallery, The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

During the 1990′s, I attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as a Computer Animation student. And though my specialty was not focused on computer arts (though I was expected to learn and understand 2D and 3D programs), I learned to conceptualize and integrate my traditional artwork within an innovative production environment that enabled me to hone my skills and become a more efficient thinker, painter and project visualizer. Subsequent to graduation, I worked a few years in production houses as a conceptual designer and taught various art classes at my Alma Mater before turning to full time freelance studio work as a writer/artist. But my years as a student and teacher are memorable ones. Not only did I blossom as an artist and person during my time at AiFL, I met my husband, the fabulous photographer and graphic designer Kort Kramer and forged some lovely friendships that helped to inspire and nurture me as I continued on my artistic journey. It’s always a wonderful experience to return to my roots and have the opportunity to display work at the very institution that gave me my wings and showed me the way to endless creative possibilities.

Located at:
17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL

For further information call: 954-308-2109
or e-mail: awites@aii.edu

Final watercolor painting: Cap o' Rushes

It has been a while since I’ve written a life-as-an-artist post. The past few months have been a flurry of The Fairy Tale Tarot promotion (something that has been a fun experience!), getting kids ready for another school year, tying up long neglected loose ends including painting bookshelves, purging clutter and prepping seedlings for the autumnal garden season.

Now that fall is officially underway, I’ve thrown myself back into my studio cave for another intense round of deadline-driven painting. The next several months will be full of creative bustle. I’ve also been preparing artwork and prints for two upcoming art shows (more info next post).

I seem to juxtapose intense painting sessions with recuperative respites. I know it’s  probably more ideal to maintain a steady pace throughout the year, but somehow, those pockets of mental rest prepare me for the next round of explosive creativity. I seem to build up the need to do art before unlocking the dam of ideas, mixing paint while settling myself within the realm of my own alternate universe. During these active work cycles, it’s very hard to pull away from my studio. Thus, I have a conspicuous clock on the wall across from my drafting table. Otherwise, sacred art time would render linear time irrelevant. After all I do need to feed the cat and pick up the kids from school.

Initial rough sketch in journal with notes

Right now, I feel very Ace of Swords. My mind has affixed itself on the necessity to paint. I have a clear vision of what I will be doing for the duration of fall and winter. Yes there will be those inevitable life going ons that gingerly make their way into one’s daily sphere, but I know when I sit down to paint–there will be little pause.

In the Fairy Tale Tarot, Ace of Swords is represented by Cap o’ Rushes. I’ve always loved this story and really connect with the unrealized heroine in the painting. I love the fact that she’s able to adapt (literally, using rushes to weave a garment)  and focus on what she needs to do to prevail under challenging circumstances. In my case, it’s the reality of a busy season ahead. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I am viewing it as the beginning of renewed challenges full of creative opportunities and exciting studio sessions.

Pencil drawing of Cap 'o Rushes

The work I am exploring is daring–and reflects a maturity that is starting to penetrate how I see the world. I truly believe working on The Fairy Tale started something–and has made me believe that exploring the depths of our being, shadowy chasms and all is not a detriment but rather an opportunity to become more whole, more expansive and simply more aware of who we are and what our unique place on the world stage might be. The work I’ve been doing in the past few years reflects this growth and the realization that there is no such thing as “arriving” as an artist. It truly is all about the creative journey. And with that, farther and with a bolder brush I go!

And just in case I start feeling irretrievably lost  during the painting process, there’s always Timmy “studio buddy” there to help keep it real!

~Lisa