Marie’s inner child takes flight while working on this painting!
This petite sun room sports a large window that overlooks the river. A custom-hinged panel secures the window when I am away, and it easily opens to reveal the colorful “I Can Do This” painting that Hank and Marie and I painted in November. (See Creative Alternatives for Home Security.)
End-of-day Calm (Yes, that’s a swing in the foreground!)
When the panel is closed, the birds on the river have a lovely work of art that smiles at them. Today a hummingbird flew through the open window to critique the paintings!
(Hummingbird ID anyone?)
The ‘flip’ side of the panel has been progressing slowly. I usually switch to that after I have finished working on a painting and have leftover paint! It has evolved enough to allow a sneak peek!
It started with a fishing cat that my son gave me years ago!
“IF FISH COULD FLY” (in progress)
Whimsical and Fun!
When black is added, this fish will POP with color!
I have to keep reminding myself, Lisa, this is a WINDOW; don’t get bogged down in details!
This one is painting itself, and I am anxious to see how it evolves! (Are we having fun yet?) Suggestions are encouraged! Should I add butterflies? “Sun” fish? “Moon Fish?” — What should go in the bottom-right corner? (I am considering a clump of orange heliconias.)
Thanks for your feedback!
Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
PS. Please visit Lesley Carter’s entry and help her win a dream “Biggest Baddest Bucket List!”
http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/if-you-could-make-someones-bucket-list-dreams-a-reality-would-you
I sure Like what you have so far. The fishing cat is one cool dude. Since you are asking for suggestions how about flying geckos as well as moon/sun fish.
i just finished washing dishes, and a fat plump gecko was ‘lounging’ about a foot from the sink! of course, a flying gecko will find its way into the painting! thanks, amiga!
z
That is so much fun. Orange heliconias for sure.
a little garden area is needed to give the effect that the fish are in the air and not in the water! thanks!
a little garden area is needed to give the effect that the fish are in the air and not in the water! thanks!
What fun! I’m glad to see that you included a catfish. Maybe some dog fish (sharks) would be appropriate, too.
Yes, this has been fun! Of course a dog fish should find its way into the painting! Thanks! Z
Such a lovely home you have, Lisa. I love the photo through the window.
Starfish or a seahorse perhaps?
the seahorse idea made me smile, and yes, the starfish will look lovely – way up in the image to represent a true star!
thanks! 🙂
z
these are so cute.. i love fishies.. can’t wait to see the finished results 🙂
Thanks! It’s fun to let it progress the way it wants!
Very good, Z. Fishing cat the best.
Thanks! He’s the star of the show! Z
Hummingbird ID…mmmmmmmmmmmm???? Me…checking things out
And I will add Beautiful painting…and what fun!
BB
yes, and did you have an out-of-body experience and fly to the ecuador yesterday?! thanks, amiga! z
The panel is just lovely. What a creative idea for the window! I especially love the fish painting, and the fishing cat makes me smile. Thank you for the beautiful post, z!
Thanks, Amy! I’m glad that the fishing cat gave you a great smile to start the day! Z
This is so awesome!!! I love your creative alternatives for home security. Is the hinged panel plywood or dry board? I have a 15 ft. hand-stretched painted canvas mural above my kitchen. Now, my question is, what would we do if we ever moved? I guess I’d have to leave it in place for the enjoyment of the new owners. If you ever move, I suppose most of your beautiful works of art would stay with the house? You are such an inspiration to me.
yes, this particular painting is on normal plywood. the carpenters built it while my friends and i were in the andes. i usually paint on ultra smooth MDF plywood. i roll the white paint, which leaves a texture very much like good watercolor paper!
when someone asks me to do a mural on a wall, i try to convince them to use a material that can be moved.. we attach it to the wall then add a painted border, which fools the eye.
because my friends helped with this particular painting, it would be hard to leave it behind, but my own art work designed for a particular spot would most likely stay behind.
i am so honored that i inspire you! thanks so much!
z
too cute ! definitely a small garden to show that the fish are flying…hummingbird..possibly an amazilia, from what I could see of colors in photo
si, i think it’s an amazilia as well. red beak, white chest, etc etc. thanks!
Very nice indeed! So whimsical…
I remember your post about painting the outside of the window. The inside looks equally charming! I love the flying fish, but I doubt the cat will catch any.
i read the funniest short story about a dozen years ago… i think it was called, ‘fishin’ for chickens.’ that book of short stories is here;’ i’ll have to ‘fetch it’ and enjoy that story again!
z
Wonderful!!!!
This is just lovely, thanks for showing it “in progress.
you are welcome.. i need to manage the photos in the camera and update the painting. it’s evolving fast!
I love it when you share your art with us Lisa. This is a very joyful and fun piece, I agree with the seahorse some one suggested, I can visualise 3 of them swanning along the bottom border between those blue fish. I wwoofed on a seahorse breeding sanctuary once, they are so fascinating to watch and did you know the male actually carries the eggs in a pouch and does all the parenting? I agree with the beautiful heliconia and how about some of those gorgeous big, green tropical leaves that you photographed for your “green- Let’s be wild” post
sea horses are painted (they were so much fun!) and the heliconias almost became too powerful for that corner… i’ve added green foliage but not that foliage.. i should go back and look at those images again!
the painting is unique and changing hourly!
z
Looking forward to seeing the final art work
I love your creativity Z. I cannot look at your work without smiling and am anxiously awaiting the final result. 😀
It’s wonderful that it all started with something your son gave you. Delightful!
yes, that particular gift triggers a really fun memory for both of us. it will forever be a favorite, and i thought it would make a loving tribute of thanks! z
It looks to me as though the “bait” at the end of the line that isn’t there yet has the same markings as the cat. Nice touch! I think there needs to be whiskers on the bait, too!
the painting has progressed so much, and i will be sure to add whiskers to the bait!
the line will be painted at the very last.
z
you could make a gallery only featuring your river-window with various light conditions
– it would be a dream trigger …
there you are again with your amazing feedback! thanks so much!
z