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acrylic paintings, how to secure a large window, I can do this painting projects, Island Traveler weekly image of life CREATIVE
Some photo challenges seem to be tailored for my interests. The Island Traveler asked for interpretations for the word Create. No pondering was necessary for this challenge, as my friends Hank and Marie had just helped transform a problem area of the river house into a creativity chamber!
Moving the kitchen to the far side of the room last month allowed space for a petite sunroom. The stunning view became the focal point, but the new “picture” window presented a security problem. How could the window be protected from break-ins?
A creative answer materialized just in time for Hank and Marie, who were on their final week of vacation, to help with a new “I Can Do This” painting project! Are you curious to see what we did?
The new window has a made-to-fit framed panel that swings on hinges! It easily bolts shut and also swings open to reveal a boring surface. Hmmm, what could we do about that?!!!
The recent trip through the Andes presented many opportunities to buy unique hand-made items. Multi-colored straw birds migrated to the coast with our plunder of hammocks, pillows and baskets. When I announced that we were going to draw and then paint those straw birds in huge oversized proportions, Hank and Marie looked at me with incredulous expressions!
Smirking a bit, I selected one of the birds and held it in one hand while rapidly drawing the essence of the bird with the other. “It doesn’t have to be perfect.. Look at the birds – each one is totally different from the other. Let’s have fun with this!” In less than a minute, I finished my funky bird and handed Marie the pencil.
Like a duckling in water, she took the pencil and never looked back in doubt!!!
Her drawings were better than mine! Note the graceful and flowing lines of the hummingbird! That’s what happens when art bubbles up from your soul and out through your arm/hand. There’s no room for self doubt or fear of criticism;with childlike uninhibited bliss, one should draw for the joy of drawing!
After a sunset cocktail break, Hank stepped up to bat and added his touch of humor and personality to the design.
The negative spaces came alive with color, and the birds all but jump off the wall with the final application of black!
Started on Saturday morning with the three coats of white paint, the painting was completed on Sunday evening. We took several breaks and visited some of my favorite landmarks of the area, but when back at the house, we worked hard! About four more hours of fine-tuning colors and one meticulous final application of black paint patiently awaits my attention, but basically, the painting is finished!
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you our highly-creative window security device!
And here are some of the stars:
Thanks again, Island Traveler, for selecting a great theme that merges with events in my life!
Thanks, Hank and Marie, for a unique work of art that will reflect your smiles every time I look at it! . . . Z
Gwen Rhodes said:
love this !! it is so completely you and wonderfully creative. What a great project to do with such great friends. Marie came over and told me abit about the trip and the rose tour…what a great place. Welll thanks again for sharing these pieces of your remarkable life.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you so much, gwen! i was amazed at how well the painting went, and it reflects the whimsical nature of the birds.
the rose tour was amazing, and we ran out of time before touring the agapanthus farm.
thank you so much!
lisa
free penny press said:
Wow.. what a great idea and the end result is nothing short of wonderful.. I love this..really love it!1
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! It will forever be a record of great times with friends as well as an easy-to-close security panel! Next week I will start working on the back side! Hmmm, I wonder if Hank and Marie could come back for a few days!!!! :)) z
Bluejellybeans said:
Is gorgeous! Habeis hecho un trabajo estupendo 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
muchas gracias y con mucho gusto! z
Gemma said:
LOVE IT! (Are you surprised ?) 😉
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
you are too funny, gemma! thank you so much for your forever-positive support! it truly means a lot!
lisa/z
Imelda said:
Amazing!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks! i’m so happy to have those great memories attached to that ‘security device’!!!!
marie groff said:
Lisa, It was such a joy being with you and we have been re-living the good times. You are one amazing woman. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Great post!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Dear, dear Marie!
You and Hank should give ‘traveling companion’ lessons, as you two ROCK! Hank was forever patient when we were wistful for a photo stop (or bano stop!) and we could say more by saying nothing during moments of extreme beauty that left us speechless and tearful.
I look forward to hearing more about the olive ridleys!
Thanks for navigating the hurdles to comment. and tell everyune, ‘hello.’
love,
z
catbirdinoman said:
Wow! How great to see creativity in progress. I wish I had that kind of talent!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thanks! I suspect that talent is lurking like a hibernating animal. You would be surprised to experience this painting approach – at times is seems like magic!
Susan said:
That was such an awesome idea, I love to draw and paint Louisana swamp scenes. If i get home sick when we move there I will have to remember this and paint a beautiful cajun scene!!! Beautiful designs!!!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thanks Susan! Yes, I can picture a classic Louisiana swamp scene: Towering cypress trees with swollen trunks, Spanish moss blowing in the subtle breeze, mallards or pintails coming in on their final approach, a lone alligator and an egret watching from afar.
I lived in Catahouls Parish in the late 70s and 80s.
Thanks so much for your comment!
Z
Susan said:
Wow thats great, we are looking at San Clemente first. I have gators sunning them selves on my fishing pier daliy, I live on a lake in Vacherie, La.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
I have good friends at San Clemente, John and Mary McDonald. http://johnandmarylivingitupinecuador.wordpress.com
when are you heading this way?
z
The Wanderlust Gene said:
A wonderful post, Lisa – a real window into the exuberance of rampant creativity, hard work and lots of fun. Now just confirm the mechanics for me – when open, the panel is a piece of mountain Ecuador on your wall, and when closed, it will challenge local birds to investigate these Andean immigrants? I’ll bet local fishermen will start using it as a landmark among the mangroves.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Hey! Thanks for the smile! Yes, the local fishermen are surely wondering what the gringa is doing this week! I keep expecting the hummingbirds to come to/through the window to inspect those bright colors! I will take a few photos to show the simple working mechanism – sometimes the carpenters just don’t ‘get it,’but this time they scored a great big ten and got it even better than I hoped! The window and panel were installed while Hank, Marie and I were in the Andes!
Z
The Wanderlust Gene said:
I’d really like to see that – I love creative solutions to practical problems and knowing how things work 🙂
pommepal said:
G’day Lisa that is one really inspiring piece of creative art. It made me smile it is such happy design and colours I am inspired to transform the doors in my oh so dull garage and do murals all over them, maybe a stylised tropical forest design!!!!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
hey amiga
i replied to this, but it must be spinning in never-never land with all of my lost socks!
i hope that you follow through on your idea to transform the garage; if so, please keep me posted! i’ll be your number one cheerleader, and coach if you need any help!
z
pommepal said:
Hey thanks for that support. First things first though this week I go north to pick up Matilda our van, so am abit in limbo at the moment…
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Enjoy your trip! Z
bentehaarstad said:
Great work. They are wonderful!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! We had a great time painting it! Z
hughcurtler said:
Delightful!
babso2you said:
Wonderful post Z! Love the development and process, and of course the final product! B
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Gracias! How great it is to have friends help with a project that smiles back every time you look at it~
z
babso2you said:
Indeded!
LuAnn said:
So creative and so colorful…the perfect addition. 🙂
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thanks! Next week a few of my younger friends (in their 20s) will help paint the ‘flip’side!
Z
Richard said:
Lovely and very creative but do you think those creatures are scary enough to deter break ins???
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Ha ha! No, they are not very scary are they? Thankfully the panel swings shut against the window and bolts firmly into place~!
Z
petit4chocolatier said:
So creative : )
I absolutely love it all.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
I’m so glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!
Z
island traveler said:
I’m speechless! The Art you, Hank and Marie made jumps with so much optimism, fun, excitement , passion that comes from a child-like heart, a somehow creates a moving effect that touches those who sees it. I was a sickly as a child. Hospital then felt like a second home. My comfort was drawing, which then led to painting when I was older. I got so tied up with my work and the demands of family life that I forgot about it and how it felt when you are in a “creative” inspired mode. That the world seem to freeze and all you hear are the strokes of your brush and your heartbeat. Love the painting, the colorful straw birds, the sunroom with a beautiful view and yes, the pic of Hank and Marie with the sharp tooth. Super cool. Thanks for sharing a priceless version of “create.” Take care.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
i prescribe a painting session with your precious son! if painting gave you comfort, you should not let that part of you atrophy. it would be great to see some of your art – and your son’s – and your wife’s!!!! \
thanks; i am glad that you like to post!
z
aken4 said:
Hmm i enjoy the articles, the photos, i enjoy everything, this is really creative, Your post are always powerful thank u for directing me to your site once again. U have given me what to think of. Thank u
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
you are so welcome! you are doing so well, and i love seeing your various works. i also liked seeing your students and the classroom!
z
johnandmarylivingitupinecuador said:
LOVE IT !!!!!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! It certainly adds a lot of the room! now there’s a dilemma — do i watch the river and the birds, or do i enjoy the painting?!!!
z
ioanna aggelidaki said:
Great, playfull result!!! VERY well done!!!!!!! 😀
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
muchas gracias! we had so much fun, and it continues to smile!
z
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Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thanks so much, amigo!
Z
travelerlynne said:
I am just blown away by this! All this burst of Lisa inspired creativity from friends took place in a relatively short period of time. What a colorful transformation in you sun room/river view room. What will you do with all the woven ornaments? They are delightful to look at.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
I returned home tonight and have started at the top of the queue and am working down, so i see that you’ve answered your question! The ornaments are so precious – they are made by a group of women in the andes, and i look forward to having time to return and visit the group, interact with them and of course take photos, learn abut each one, and share what i learn with everyone here!
i need to get set up for selling some of their wares via this site!
z
travelerlynne said:
What a great idea and of interest to me!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
great! break out those paints when the weather gets soggy and cold! Z
PragueByKaty said:
Super idea, I love the colors
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
i was writing a note to you on your page when your note to me arrived on this one! that’s two strange coincidences in one morning! the same thing happened a few hours ago with another blogger!
thanks so much, i am glad that you enjoyed the project!
lisa/z
kristc99 said:
Fabulous! Love the story, the shared process, and the art.
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
Thank you! Painting with them is a great experience! z
Zen and Genki said:
so original- love it!
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thank you! it smiles at me every time i open that ‘security device;!
gita4elamats said:
STUNNING!
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Michael Godfrey said:
Toledo sanctificado, Zebra! What you need is a relaxing week or two in the
frozen, hostile North where your fanciful depictions of life abajo de veinte degrados
would brighten our days. You do good work. I still regret that your scene of the Rufous-naped Wrens got away from me. If I’m lucky I’ll see your new estate some day.
Love and thanks,
Michael
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
thanks, dear michael! i hope that one day we’ll be swapping wordpress comments from your new account. write about the rufous-naped wrens, and maybe i’ll pull out some archive photos and do a study for your new post!
keep posting on google, though it is so hard to get a comment to go through. you will have a grand time in ecuador – but ask hank and marie, it takes a lot of time to see the country! we had a great trip through the andes!
thanks again!
Z
Playamart - Zeebra Designs said:
testing one two three to help leslie carter w/her dream!
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