My Blog

Echoes

Firemistress — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:42:32 GMT

I had fun working on this piece. Basically I used a sharpie and just wanted to play with lines with no preconceived notion of what the picture should look like.

Peacock Phoenix 1

Firemistress — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:14:52 GMT

I'm experimenting with using colored pencils and ink some more. Also with different color schemes and erasing to create a border, clouds, etc.

Daydream

Firemistress — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:58:18 GMT

Really enjoyed sketching this one...happy with the face shadows especially.

Sleeping

Firemistress — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:37:32 GMT

A neat experiment using a bit of color with an all-gray pencil drawing.

Laying Down

Firemistress — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:48:21 GMT

Working on some pencil sketch images for a friend. This is the first one. Probably not as much blank space as he wanted at the top of the page though. I have an idea for another one as well.

Self Portrait 1

Firemistress — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:00:46 GMT

First real piece with actual artist's graphite pencils. God these are so much better than a mechanical pencil! Oh what I have been missing...These and the blending paper sticks are yummy. I'm pretty happy with how the portrait turned out although again my scanner has faded a lot of the neat shadows in the art. So much better in real life, oh well.

Nocturne

Firemistress — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:19:07 GMT

I'm still working hard on learning/practicing art every day now. I decided to experiment with colored pencils and ink for this piece. I was working on backgrounds, details, contrast, and using a limited color palette. I would have finished it earlier if our WOW raid didn't take 4 hours on Monday :( I'm pretty happy with it though, even though my scanner never does my work justice. I'm really enjoying this stage in my life right now...focusing on learning as much as I can about art by viewing other people's work, reading books on art, trying new things, etc. I was looking at some colored pencil drawings online yesterday and some artists can create the most amazing drawings that look just like photographs. It's inspiring! I also looked at some regular pencil drawings and was blown away by how much they looked like genuine black and white photographs instead of drawings. All these pieces just make me want to learn more and practice more. The journey thrills me...

Day 2

Firemistress — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:11:46 GMT

Another day, another sketch. Today is officially day 2 of my "WOW rehab" lol... So in honor of Father's Day I did this family portrait sketch from a photo that was taken circa 1978. I am obviously well-fed and my dad is hairy, as was the "style" in teh 70's. I am going to send this sketch to them once the store is open and I can go buy some fixative for the pencil work... Man I need a better scanner. This looks so much better irl with the details but whatever.

Water Dragon

Firemistress — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 03:10:05 GMT

I sketched this today instead of playing WOW. God it felt good to draw again! I hope to have a sketchbook full of drawings soon, and a portfolio full of watercolor paintings. I want to aim for at least 1 a day. I feel my life returning to me....finally...

World of Warcraft Vs Art

Firemistress — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:34:56 GMT

So drawing and painting is calling to me so much again. I have been reading this drawing book I picked up with a bunch of painting books from the library yesterday. I used to think that actually studying art would limit my creativity, and I've come really far on my own, but now I realize that learning more techniques will only allow me to better create the things I see in my mind. Learning techniques doesn't limit me at all but actually sets me free more in regards to art. So I am thinking about cancelling my WOW account for a while. It's really hard because I enjoy the people in the game, but I just miss the way my life used to be. A little over a year ago I was spending most of my free time drawing and painting, much of that time spent outside too. I felt so much healthier. I mean, I've been running at night and getting out more again, but it's just not the same. I liked it better when I was more or less absorbed in art most of my free minutes. I was working on becoming a better artist, becoming a better person, and enjoying being with Josh. I was completely happy with this existence. Spending so much time playing WOW now makes me sad...even when I try to limit the time I play I still find more things I could be working on in the game. Before I know it the night is gone and I have accomplished what...getting another alt to level 30? When the whole time my mind and spirit are begging me to go create something instead. But I stay glued to the computer having mediocre enjoyment of a game that I am afraid to know how many hours I have spent playing in the last year. This is not to say WOW doesn't have it's merits...just that...I want to be free again. I want that Bohemian existence back where I am always painting and listening to the greatest music and feeling ALIVE. I don't want to be another WOW drone. I don't want to look back at 2008 and have a collection of lvl 70 Blood Elf characters to show for it instead of a portfolio full of paintings. But I have a lot of trouble turning off the game without cancelling my account completely. And that would be really hard for me. But maybe I should just do it? Part of me wants to a lot...

Canticles of Ecstasy

Firemistress — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 20:02:19 GMT

"Like billowing clouds, Like the incessant gurgle of the brook, The longing of the spirit can never be stilled." -Hildegard von Bingen

The Winds of Change

Firemistress — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 08:58:30 GMT

Being Libra and therefore air in some part of my nature I am fond of wind/air/breeze imagery although of course one cannot see the wind but anyway... So within the last week I have moved to a new place, started a new job, and become an aunt of sorts (given I am not actually married yet). The seasons are about to change again soon and so has my entire life seemingly overnight. It is positive though...like the shedding of old tired snake skins and the revealing of new vibrant diamond patterns underneath. The new place has an extra bedroom and bamboo frontage that I am bringing back from the dead with constant vigilance. God I love it. I will have a place to paint and a place for my aquarium...There is room in front of the apartment for a rich garden of whatever I would like that can actually survive in Tucson. I am thinking a little bouganvelia (spelling?) could not hurt. The job...so far (a week) I am loving the coworkers and boss, it is an artistic and casual environment, for a good cause, and I actually get to move around versus wilting behind some desk somewhere. Kaitlyn Skye, my new (first and only) niece...she is gorgeous! Full head of dark curly hair and of course blue eyes for the time being. I am meeting her for the first time this weekend... And soon it will be autumn...my favoritist of seasons...what could be better than that?

Love

Firemistress — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 23:47:48 GMT

"I don't want to live-- I want to love first, And live incidentally." -Zelda Fitzgerald, letter to F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1919 Meditating on this quote I think of love not just in a romantic sense...love should lead our lives. Love of what we do, love of who we are, love of other people, creatures, plants...as we give we shall receive...positive draws positive. If you are not in love with anything right now...if life is nothing but hell and disappointment..find something to love. Listen to the voice inside or see the images in your mind that answer what you want to become or do...what is missing in your life..then manifest these things in your life. There is no reason life has to equal disappointment. Life should be the pursuit of happiness. There is no other way to live than a life ruled by love...

Numerology

Firemistress — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:14:57 GMT

I got this link from Mary and thought you might enjoy it. It is completely free and gives you an in-depth numerology report based on the book "Numerology and the Divine Triangle", which I happen to have :) There are different kinds of numerology, of course... Enjoy! www.sun-angel.com/numerolog....php#hints here's mine: Name Analysis: Amber Elizabeth.... Expression: 7 The Expression number shows us who we truly are, what we came into this life already knowing. This is where we feel most comfortable and how we automatically act. We attract people and situations to us that require our Expression so that they can further evolve. In this way we play the role of teacher. Naturally we are attracted to occupations that we resonate to, so the Expression number can be a strong factor in our choice of a career as well. Our Expression is the vehicle, with all its virtues and vices, that drives us along the path of our Destiny. It is the essence of our identity. Yours is the path of the mind. Silence and solitude are your doorways into the deep recesses of the mind and the universe. You are the philosopher, the analyst, the seeker and if you'd be willing, the teacher. The time and energy that you spend discovering the microscopic core of things has gifted you with the ability to tap into psychic energy. It is with this energy that you can separate the true from the false. Soul Urge: 11 The Soul Urge number has also been called Heart's Desire and Spiritual Urge. It is our secret, innermost longing. Our dream, our motivation, the fuel that energizes our journey. The Soul Urge number reveals what we secretly strive to be or accomplish. Some have said that this number tells us what we have been in previous lifetimes, the accumulated growth of our soul. You have a direct link to inspiration and can manifest the best life has to offer through your creativity and wise use of the imagination. You inspire others to dream and to make their dreams come true. You have clairvoyant and psychic abilities, which you can develop and use to help others. Sometimes you may feel like you could burst with all of the information and insights you are receiving. Persona: 5 The Persona number describes the way we appear to the outside world, the first impression people have of us. We may not even be aware of how we are perceived by others because we are so often focused on our inner world, and many times the inner does not match the outer. Persona gives us a peek at some hidden talents we have. The talents that we use to get along in the world and in some instances, protect us from it. It is likened to a bag of tools (jewels) that we carry with us along the way. You've got charisma, and a following to prove it. You live by your belief that change is progress, and so there tends to be a quick turn over in your relationships, jobs and even educational interests. You are the proverbial, " jack of all trades-master of none.", and this gives you a multi-dimensionality that befriends you to people of every walk of life. You are colorful in your dress and possess a magnetic sensuality. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natal Analysis: (September 24...) Personal Year: 5 The 5 vibration brings a desire for freedom of movement, speech, and thought. Freedom to follow wherever the 5 senses lead. Travel, adventure, education, and communication are likely interests at this time. Changes are constant and the freedom to move with these changes is very important. Love affairs, sex, indulgences of every kind are a part of this vibration. This is the time to explore and investigate. You are accumulating knowledge and experience for the rest of your journey. Personal Month: 11 This is a month to receive inspiration, meet your fate, or meet an angel. All thoughts should be on love, and the good of all mankind. There may be difficult times emotionally because of the immense amount of energy flooding into you now. Personal Day: 1 Wear red! Go for it! Ask, begin, and be confident! Everyone's on your side today. Destiny: 3 The Destiny number describes the life lessons that we have come here to learn. It reveals to us the path we must take, and the role we must play to fulfill our mission. Often our choice of career is based on this vibration, and if not, then it will manifest through avocational pursuits. We may attract people and experiences into our lives that mirror the traits of this number for us, so that we may develop into our highest potential. We don't always welcome our life lessons, so it is a possibility that we may even feel an aversion to the characteristics of our Destiny number in other people, and we may ourselves act the opposite. In spite of the many ways we may choose to react to this force within us, we have been gifted with all of the talents and energy needed to fulfill our Destiny. You are freedom loving and creative. You are drawn to all that is beautiful, luxurious and expressive, as these are inherent in your own spirit. You are here to express, to imagine and create. Optimism, confidence and focus of ambition are qualities to develop and use in order to live in accord with your destiny. You bring beauty, hope and joy to your world. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cycles The destiny is divided into 3 great cycles, each governing us for specific durations throughout our life. The Seed cycle begins at birth and colors our experiences through childhood and adolescence. During the year nearest our 28th birthday, we move into the Fruit cycle which remains throughout the middle part of our life until the year nearest our 56th birthday, and the Harvest cycle carries on from there. Taken all together, the cycles show us our particular path that will lead to the fulfillment of our destiny. Seed: 9 When the 9 is the seed cycle it can be a very difficult time, because the requirement of selflessness is an antithesis of the natural desire for validation and acknowledgment. The child usually feels very alone, and set apart from the rest of the family. Sometimes they feel as if they were adopted, or they are aware at a young age that their relationship to their family is very temporary. Nine's usually set off in search of their destiny at a young age as they feel much older than their years. Fruit: 6 This cycle is about responsibility, duty, and serving one's fellow man. This nurturing is usually begun at home, as domesticity gives the 6 much pleasure. Beauty and harmony are sought and even fought for. The 6 may have a career as a decorator, beautician, chef, nurse or landscape architect. The most important thing during this cycle, however, is the maintaining of a happy and harmonious home life. Harvest: 6 During this cycle you are likely to be surrounded by loved ones, neighbors, flowers, and pets. All revolves around your home and the magnetism of your warmth and love. Helping those in need is a common aim for the 6, and it is a good time to volunteer or organize fund raisers for your favorite charities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pinnacles The four pinnacles reveal the high spots or heights of attainment that we are likely to encounter as we move along the path of our life. The 1st pinnacle lasts from birth to around age 28. The 2nd pinnacle lasts for 9 years after that. the 3rd pinnacle lasts 9 more years, and the 4th pinnacle carries on through the rest of our life. The peak of the pinnacle is reached during the next 1 personal year. Pinnacles are like sudden inheritances from a benevolent aunt, they can transform the prevailing energies completely and suddenly. It is useful to look ahead and prepare for our pinnacles so that we can maximize their gifts to us and shape them into the most positive manifestation. First Pinnacle: 6 A time for giving, nurturing and taking responsibility for others. The 6 pinnacle brings in domestic vibrations and a marriage may begin or improve during this time. Second Pinnacle: 3 Money, travel, friends and mind expansion are all highlighted and a birth of some kind is likely to occur, either a literal child-birth, the birth of an artistic creation, or the re-birth of the self on a higher level. Third Pinnacle: 9 A time of completion, change, and charity. This is a period where there will be an urge to focus your energy on humanitarian and self-less efforts. Fine artists, poets and philosophers vibrate this energy. Fourth Pinnacle: 6 Children and animals flock to your nurturing energy now. Surround yourself with beauty and harmony and loving companions. Your wise advise is a benefit to all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Challenges The three challenges show us the major influences demanding our attention during specific sections of our lifetime. The 1st challenge influences the years from birth to age 28. The 2nd challenge takes over from age 28 to 52, and the third affects us our whole life. Challenges shape our attitudes and can affect our health. These vibrations that challenge us, cause either an exaggeration of the associated qualities or a lack of them, both of which are extremes which need to be brought into balance. First Challenge: 3 3 challenge children are either too doted on or too neglected by their parents. They are usually an only child, the only boy or only girl or the oldest or youngest. They may have played the role of "friend" to their parents. It is due to this that they learn to perform, and please for love. As they grow up the 3 sees themselves as a fairy princess or handsome prince one day and an ugly duckling the next. They are on the constant lookout for signs of approval. Second Challenge: 0 0 challenge holders are either the one's who give every last bit of all they are given to those who "need it more" i.e. anybody, or they feel so deprived of their essential needs that they refuse to give at all. They sometimes feel an inner panic at the thought of growing older which leads them to do whatever it takes to feel young. This may lead them to marry a much older person or a much younger one, or it may manifest in a child-like "fairy tale" outlook and behavior. Inside, they know that they are very wise and when they are fearless, they can bring powerful messages of hope to the world. Third Challenge: 3 The 3 is the challenge of expression. It is telling us to stop standing in the corner and to get out in the limelight. Dance, sing, paint, write, act, laugh and shower our gifts of creative inspiration on all the people around us. Those with the 3 challenge are usually shy or unsure of their talents and afraid of criticism. Personal appearance is also an issue with this challenge, as insecurity about one's appearance can lead to too much or too little emphasis upon it. A balance needs to be found between extravagance and mousiness, and it helps to remember that other people are much too concerned about themselves to be judging our looks or talents very seriously.

Ribbons of Isis

Firemistress — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 22:18:25 GMT

So I got my new laptop! This is the first one I have ever had that is not from work. I am learning to type on the keys well. My old computer basically fried itself... So I was on a new site...something like crystallinks.com from websurfing and it had some interesting explanations of the eye image relating to the eye of Horus, "I", Isis, and the 12 around 1 symbol of creation. Anyway, I want to spend more time on the site soon. I drew this eye with the 12 around 1 image in the center and experimented with some ribbon-like texture around it with my purple pen. I like the freedom of just picking up a pen and doing whatever I want with drawing as opposed to creating a specific picture (which has its own rewards but is more tiring).

Artemis

Firemistress — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 04:42:08 GMT

This didn't scan as well as I would have liked, but after looking at Ann's recent watercolor painting I wanted to do something that was only 1 or 2 colors. There is something beautiful about using just 1 color on a white background. I used a turquoise pen and some paper and went to town. It is called Artemis because her name popped into my head and legend has it she was quite the female warrior with a bow and arrow (thus the feathery, arrow motif in the drawing).

Double Rainbow

Firemistress — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 04:35:47 GMT

"My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky." -Wordsworth For the first time in my life I saw a double rainbow. None of the half ones....two full half circles of rainbow, one on top of each other. So vivid. Absolutely gorgeous. I had just painted a double rainbow for my old manager about a month ago...

Stellar

Firemistress — Sat, 20 May 2006 08:26:20 GMT

"Why does it have to be human or divine...why not human and divine?" I loved the DaVinci Code..

Under the Stars

Firemistress — Thu, 18 May 2006 22:40:05 GMT

Last night was amazing....there is something so magickal about laying back in a jacuzzi staring at the open night sky above you, feeling the expansiveness and divinity of creation. The light that is in the stars is in all of us too. I love belonging to a gym that is open all the time. I am a creature of the night so I can go around midnight or whenever the mood strikes, ride the bike while I read my book, and then relax in the jacuzzi and stare at the sky feeling the darkness and light and the...nirvana of it all.

Watercolors

Firemistress — Mon, 15 May 2006 19:13:57 GMT

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. Henry Ward Beecher (1813 - 1887), Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit, 1887 I had written off watercolors pretty much when I was 10 because they were so difficult to manipulate without them running all over the page. I also thought the colors were kind of "wimpy" too. But yesterday I decided to try some watercolors I had lying around. God they are delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed myself painting this Dragonfly mandala. What I have been missing out on by limiting myself to oils and acrylics. The merits of keeping an open mind...

Sympathy and Changes

Firemistress — Tue, 02 May 2006 02:37:03 GMT

So I have to write because the words are pouring into my mind and I have to use my hands as a conduit and flood the monitor screen before my mind overflows. Today was people crying in front of me day. I felt like some sort of tear-reaper. First my co-worker seemed not herself so I asked if she was ok. Tears started flooding her face and I (introverted energy that I have) wondered what I did to cause it. Her husband is going to be taking a job in CA for 3 months and the longest they've ever been apart is a week. It may sound like nothing to some people but I completely get it. I completely understand why she's so upset. Then a regular customer comes in and seems off to me to. She doesn't even wait for me to ask what's wrong but starts talking about her father. Right away I know he is dead because I see the image flash. He was 102. I watch a 60-year-old woman dissolve into tears and I tell her he had a good long life. Having to help people with their grief so much today reminds me that I'm terrible at it. I don't have a problem with sympathy...in fact part of the problem may be that I feel too much. I have to stop myself from tearing up too because their pain overwhelms me. The hardest part though is...what do I say? In situations like these I know because of their emotions (which I'm feeling too), how completely inadequate my sympathy statements sound. In addition, I'm feeling a little grief too. My last day is next Tuesday. I've never felt the attachment to co-workers and regular customers that I have at this job. These people are amazing... But I just can't do sales anymore. After 8 years of trying to sell things to people I feel like I'm selling myself...Working for corporate for so long has chiseled little flecks of my soul away and I want them back. I've got tons of prospects right now. I'm not worried about finding another job. It's just going to be hard to say goodbye...

Memories

Firemistress — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 05:26:15 GMT

You took your coat off and stood in the rain, You're always crazy like that. And I watched from my window, Always felt I was outside looking in on you. You're always the mysterious one with Dark eyes and careless hair, You were fashionably sensitive But too cool to care. You stood in my doorway, with nothing to say Besides some comment on the weather. Well in case you failed to notice, In case you failed to see, This is my heart bleeding before you, This is me down on my knees, and... These foolish games are tearing me apart, And your thoughtless words are breaking my heart. You're breaking my heart. You're always brilliant in the morning, Smoking your cigarettes and talking over coffee. Your philosophies on art, Baroque moved you. You loved Mozart and you'd speak of your loved ones As I clumsily strummed my guitar. You'd teach me of honest things, Things that were daring, things that were clean. Things that knew what an honest dollar did mean. I hid my soiled hands behind my back. Somewhere along the line, I must've gone Off track with you. Well, excuse me, guess I've mistaken you for somebody else, Somebody who gave a damn, Somebody more like myself. You took your coat off, Stood in the rain, You're always crazy like that. -Jewel, "Foolish Games"

Dragoon

Firemistress — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 06:20:06 GMT

Modeled wedding attire with Josh today at a ranch in Dragoon. The place has quite a bit of Cochise history and a mystical feel to it. The air was cool and crisp. I was wearing a long, flowy off-white dress and the wind was breezing through my dress and hair. It was a feeling both whimsical and luscious. The rocks and hills were completely foreign in comparision to the terrain that surrounds them. Josh wore a black suit and had the best time posing...he's quite GQ-esque ham and I feel shy in front of the camera. After the shoot we got to hang out with Rochelle and Stacy and had a delicious steak dinner, then stared at Orion in the ebony sky as we strode away...

Geisha

Firemistress — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 16:31:26 GMT

I saw "Memoirs of a Geisha" a couple days ago. Fabulous movie, wish I had seen it in the theater. My highly visual/artistic mind was in love with the inherent beauty of the scenes. I was pleasantly surprised to find the movie did not end sadly too. So, after watching this movie I am inspired to make my next oil painting a geisha, with cherry blossoms and anything else I see that will add depth to the work and capture the geisha spirit.

Returning

Firemistress — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 05:46:16 GMT

I missed tribe. I had left a while ago because it didn't seem like I had enough time for it, but I hadn't realized how addictive it is until it was gone. Glad to be back.