Lynndee LeBeau Creative Life: September 2011

Tomorrow the sun is crossing the celestial equator. These days always bring a flurry of activity for me as I immerse myself in the studio. At the moment I am feeling quite inspired by the change of seasons. Here is a new illustration that came about recently.....

The perfect autumn day would have blue skies and puffy white clouds and there would be a crisp little wind blowing these gorgeous leaves off of the trees. A print of this illustration can be found for sale at my Etsy store if you need a a little bit of autumn to gaze at right now.

You know I've been an artist since I was 14 or so years old, and I have been a professional since my early 20's in one form or another. It's been such an interesting road for me. I'm often asked how do I stay inspired to keep making art? Well, I think I've "learned" how to be inspired over the years especially when my creative tide is at it's lowest ebb. I have found that when I go exploring I am inspired. These days I love to look at other people's amazing blogs. Here is one that really makes my heart sing......Susan Branch, the artist and author extraordinaire. She never fails me with her unwavering life loving posts. Another new place to find wonderful images that fill me up is on Pinterest - a really cool site where you can make a virtual pinboard of imagery that you love.

As this new season begins to unfold I am so grateful for all the beauty around me in all it's forms. Here is a photo I took recently that made me feel all ready for cozy days in the kitchen in my beach cabin.

If you are a kindred spirit I hope you will keep on being inspired and being creative. Keep the fires burning, trying new ideas and putting them out there. No second guessing what is in your heart. Then take care to refill the well. I want to share this truely wonderful quote I found on Susan Branch's web site because it really struck a cord in me.....

"On some hill of dispair, the bonfire you kindle can light the great sky - though its true, of course, to make it burn you have to throw yourself in." quote from Galway Kinnell

I have to say that the weather here abouts has been so wonderful. Perfect for that dreamy state of pure enjoyment and happiness just for the sake of it. Not very much work has been happening in the studio, but then there must always be a time for the refilling of the creative well. There was time for one last summer reverie and I took it. So now I'm feeling contented and ready for the change of seasons. Here's my newest illustration, which is perfect for easing into autumn.....

I want to throw in some photos here because it has truely been a spectacular end of the summer, with blue, blue skies and my garden looking sweetly full......