DIANE CLANCY'S ART ~ Enhance Your Spirit ~ I am an artist who creates vibrant paintings. Please visit my other blog at www.dianeclancy.com/blog and my website at www.dianeclancy.com.
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you laugh you way back to hair and health!!I have had several great responses asking to show you how I create these fanciful images. Here is the family companion of my sister’s family - she has her own sitting post at the window.
I thought it might be helpful if you could see what I do. Here is a picture I took of Violet. The second image is what I did with the image to make it into an “Fanciful Animal Image.” I cut Violet out of her picture and created a field of flowers for her to play in. This is how I enhance animals.
Violet III, Digital © Diane Clancy
In a comment yesterday Sue O’Kieffe (whose blog is Sacred Circles Mandalas) says, “When I first saw “enhanced” on your website, I was expecting something like restored photographs of animals, so maybe there is a better choice of wording.” I had no idea that someone would think that - although, of course, someone would. Since then I have changed the wording to fanciful to better describe the image rather than what I do.
Violet in Flowers, Digital © Diane Clancy
In another post Sue continues, “What if people had a favorite animal that wasn’t necessarily a pet? (Such as a medicine/totem animal?)” I had been using the words “animal companion” to show respect to the relationship many people have with their animals. But that phrase doesn’t really account for totem animals either. And, of course, I would be delighted to make a field of flowers or butterflies for a totem animal.
As I have been getting feedback on this issue, I have decided on "Fanciful Animal Images." If you would like to see the sites the are devoted to this, check out Fanciful Animal Images or the animal section on my website.
Lately we talked about biodiversity of the species - while focusing on the human species. You can read about the last post. A key point for humans is that there is actual strength in difference. Diversity of people are important for the stability and evolution of humans. Unfortunately, languages get lost every day! Unbelievable that there are that many!!
Beseeching, Digital © Diane Clancy
Then there is biodiversity
(Wikipedia) of the rest of the species. Science actually echoes thought (or is it the other way around?), the idea that there is strength in difference. Variety in species is actually necessary for the continuation of life. It used to be thought that many animals were cool and a nice thing. The more it gets looked into, it becomes clearer that it is necessary for life.
We have all heard of how many medicines that are so helpful actually are found in plants and microorganisms - that has been an incredible breakthrough. But each of us, human, animal, plant, microorganism … is part of the web of life. Variety actually strengthens our resistance to problems.
The potato famine in Ireland (1850’s) is seen to have been caused by a lack of variety in crops. When things are too uniform, they are weakened so that they are more vulnerable to catastrophe and problems in general. Think about each of us. I know when I do things only one way, when my rhythm is broken, I have less resilience to make changes more easily. To some extent it is similar with nature.
When agriculture gets too uniform and we lose heritage varieties, the ecosystem is weakened. Right now, there is a strong movement in saving old varieties of plant seeds to have for the future. Unfortunately, at the same time, there is a movement by big agribusiness for uniformity so that they can grow, pack, move and sell more easily - that is, more uniformly. This is part of why buying locally is important.
It is disturbing that we are losing so many species every year at this point. It is greatly disturbing that so many species are getting destroyed - yes, I mean destroyed - with the rain forest destruction. The rain forests hold some of the keys to life in many ways - biodiversity, oxygen, indigenous peoples, natural medicines .. the list goes on.
There are some efforts to protect species that are endangered and bring them back. The bald eagle in Massachusetts, US has had some real success. But these plants and animals are another reason why we need to protect the environment and look at our ecological footprint - as so many of us are doing.
This is just a quick overview, but I hope I have given you food for thought about why variety and difference are important for our very survival as a human species. A bright point is that there are still some new species that are being found - particularly in Indonesia. It is amazing to me! Not that these species are new - but those people who keep track of such things are finding them for the first time. This gives some hope for biodiversity - this also means there is that much more land we need to protect - at the same time we respect the needs of the people who live there and depend on these areas.
I know I have given a very slight overview of this topic and welcome your own thoughts, experiences and ideas!
~ Diane Clancy
This post got way too long so I am starting with biodiversity of humans and will share the rest of what I have written soon.
Consciousness, Digital © Diane Clancy
There is a lot of discussion … such as “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” And “in diversity there is strength” and the “web of life.” Often it is groups who are promoting difference and diversity among types of people. A fun, interesting world with a diversity of races, classes, attitudes, religions, ethnicity, sexual identity, physical looks, health, ability differences, genders (some people are breaking gender barriers) and more.
There is a lot of pressure for conformity of ideas, dress, looks, attitudes, values in the culture in the US. I know that that is also true elsewhere. Someone who is seen as different is often seen as a threat - to “our” way of life. And I am not just talking race and politics here. I am also meaning women who don’t wear make-up or dress fancy, men who are seen as feminine, people who wear their hair wild … the list goes on. Of course, there are many subcultures that have different values from the mainstream … but usually the pressure is still there.
I personally agree with the viewpoint that there is strength in multiplicity and I have actively worked toward supporting a diverse world since young adulthood. And I have worked to create acceptance of difference with much of my time. I strive to put my values of embracing divergence into action in my life. They also say “uniformity is the death of creativity.” This is the theoretical viewpoint I live with.
They also say “variety is the spice of life.” Appreciating and celebrating difference in the human race helps us appreciate diversity in the rest of the species on earth (more about that Friday.) Back to my painting tonight. Great consciousness is necessary as we dance our way through life, loving and supporting each other and the earth.
~ Diane Clancy
Many of you know today - Monday, October 15, 2007 - is Action Blog Day - to help promote awareness and action around the environment. Rima and Neda are showcasing art on their gallery Maraya Galleries
. This art can be for any of the dozens of ways to support the environment. I chose peace! My line to go with this painting is “Peace is Necessary for All Living Beings ~ Humans, Animals ~ and the Earth.”
Peace, Digital © Diane Clancy
Peace is Necessary for All Living Beings ~ Humans, Animals
~ and the Earth
Not only is war tragic and destructive to people and animals, it is also terrible for the earth. Of course, bombing is awful for people and the earth. And then there are all the active ammunition that is lying around that explodes when people and animal step on it.
But the other piece about war and the environment ~ the amount of resources that go into war is criminal, in my opinion. Besides the human cost, there is the environmental cost. Jet planes, bombs, transporting people, supplies and ammunition all have a very great environmental cost.
It is important to reduce our own consumption of oil and other resources ~ and enormous amounts of resources are going into current wars. Never mind all the financial resources that go into war rather than alternative energy, education and heath care.
Let's all work together to reduce our impact on the environment and get us back on track!
~ Diane Clancy
Julie had a challenge for using paint and this is one of my entries. I almost threw away this dog for the first 5 times I worked on it. But then it started to take form and I think it is great fun! I think it is obvious there is a lot of paint-work on this one.
Happy Dog, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you so much for going with me on this journey of my first making of ACEO or ATC - I am very excited and appreciate the company!!
~ Diane Clancy
Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is another entry - the final one.
Freckles Posing, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you so much for following all these ACEOs!
~ Diane Clancy
Marnie had a challenge for doodles and this is an entry. I hope this qualifies as doodles ...
Flowers in the Sun, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you so much for being part of my journey!!
~ Diane Clancy
Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is another entry.
Storm A-massing, ACEO © Diane ClancyJulie had a challenge for using paint and this is one of my entries. I started making the kitty in paint, but the size brush vs the size paper was problematic. But the kitties' head, ears and white parts are paint. And the whiskers too.
Freckles at the Crossroads, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you for looking at my favorite little kitty!
~ Diane Clancy
Time to Party, ACEO © Diane ClancyGodelieve had a challenge for monochromatic cards and this is one entry.
Lace and Flowers, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you again for being with me in my journey!
~ Diane Clancy
Tracy had a challenge for one layer cards and this is my entry.
Dancing Heart, ACEO © Diane Clancy
Thank you for following my process with me!!
~ Diane Clancy
Hearts and Lace, ACEO © Diane Clancy
At the Dance, ACEO © Diane Clancy
From Blog Action Day
: “What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day? One issue. One day. Thousands of voices.”
Neda Doany of Papiers Collés mentioned that Blog Action Day is is sponsoring such a day on Oct 15 to promote caring for the environment. I know I plan to participate and encourage you to consider getting involved too. Details are at the site Blog Action Day.
Animals IV, Digital © Diane Clancy
This is quoted from their site - “On October 15th, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.”
I know this issue concerns me greatly and I am sure it does you too. I also participate in the global meditations for peace. I have done lots of activist work also, but will jump at the chance to do this raising of awareness too.
~ Diane Clancy
The Empty Chair - Pastel © Diane Clancy
It is interesting to me to see the difference in images when I put them into different mediums. My teacher, Michael Coblyn, used to talk about how each time one takes an image and translates it to another medium, it is important to see it as a new painting.
He encouraged us to not get caught up in trying to duplicate the image but instead to look at it as a new creation. This thinking has been incredibly helpful to me as I have taken my paintings created in traditional mediums and translated them into digital paintings.
After I created this pastel, I took a good hard look at it - and it was very striking to me. That empty chair in the window is very poignant to me - it feels very lonesome. I was caught in just creating and then stepped back and feel that there is a lot of power in this image.
~ Diane Clancy
Today has been a day of loose ends. I have been completing several projects and trying to figure out how to put a calendar onto my blog, www.dianeclancy.com/blog, without dominating the blog. But I did get outside and take my walk.
Inside and Out, Pastel © Diane Clancy
I was just going to share the above, but then I realized this is too good an opportunity to miss for talking about the creation of this image. I can tell a whole lot of people at once - if I am lucky!
I painted this while I was in school. Our teacher, Michael Coblyn
, had us go into a dark room with our pastels, a slide projector and a model. Michael Coblyn shined a slide on the wall with the model standing in front. In the dark we had 2 - 3 minuters to paint with pastel.
Then he flashed a second slide on the model for 2 - 3 minutes. We went back and forth between the 2 slides many times. We had to pick and choose between the different views we saw with the 2 slides to create one coherent image.
Since then I have been meaning to try the technique using a 3D computer model and figuring out how to shine slides onto the 3D model. But it hasn’t reached the top of the list yet … will it ever?
But, in the meantime, I am delighted to have this image. Thank you for looking at it with me and learimg about my creative process.
- Diane Clancy
I sell my cards at the local Visitors Center - we are a tourist area. This area is geographically gorgeous and full of artists. People from Boston and New York City come and look at the prices that artists are selling our artwork for and they pull out their check books.
Bambi in Flowers II, Digital © Diane Clancy
The going price for artwork is much higher in the cities and often the people who travel can afford to take home beautiful paintings and quilts and sculptures and photographs. There are a lot of beautiful items that almost anyone can afford also! We in the area are working on building the creative economy in Franklin County.
The staff at the Visitors Center told me that the tourists want cards with deer and bears on them. So, I thought I would give it a try to see if my version of Bambi would be enjoyed enough by people to take Bambi home with them.
~ Diane Clancy
In honor of full summer in New England, eastern U.S, here is a display of flowers for you! I hope you are enjoying your summer or winter, depending on where you are. I feel so much lighter with the sun and warmth. I want my artwork to help others feel uplifted like the weather is helping me.
Flowers XI, Digital © Diane Clancy
I had a lot of fun with this creative process of making this digital painting by choosing flowers in pinks and purples and putting them all together. These colors make me happy!
These are really more spring flowers I think. A friend mentioned to me how spring is a lot about “allowing” - allowing the energy of the season to carry one upward, like the flowers pushing up through the dirt to blossom. I am ready for some allowing and blossoming!
Thanks for stopping by and smelling the flowers!
~ Diane Clancy
This abstract design is full of fun and life and asks … “what’s going to happen next?” I know I would love to get a present with this wrapping paper. (I would like to get a present anyway, but even more so with this paper.)
Abstract Design IX, Digital © Diane Clancy
I am still looking into licensing these designs for wrapping paper or fabric. If you would like to read more about this process for the abstract designs, please read the post Abstract Design XI in my other blog www.dianeclancy.com/blog.
I think the movement and energy of this digital painting is fun - the movement is horizontal, vertical and diagonal. The composition of a painting is important. One wants to keep the eye of the viewer in the image and to keep the person looking around at different parts of the picture. I think this works in this painting.
Does anyone know of ArtFlock, http://www.artflock.com ? I have heard of Etsy, http://www.etsy.com/, these last few weeks. I am glad to find other artists have been satisfied at Etsy. Does anyone know if ArtFlock treats their artists well also? Thank you for any help you can be!
~ Diane Clancy
I’ve always enjoyed the colors blue and yellow together - ever since I was a child. There is some way my eye goes back and forth, back and forth between a bright blue and a bright yellow. Many people have been drawn to this particular digital painting - from my aunt who was over 90 to young children. The birds, representing nature, are part of what I think draws people into this picture. Also, this image is at the border between realism and abstraction - where I think much interesting transformation happens.
Nature Reflections I, Digital © Diane Clancy
I created this image using Studio Artist, a very unusual art program. I started with a beautiful photograph of several birds and then digitally transformed the picture. I think many people are drawn by the fact that they can see birds - but often they keep looking trying to understand what is going on.
As with much of my own creative process, I can never quite reproduce what happens by accident. I do much better when I am aligned with my muse and allow the flow to happen than when I try too hard to “make” things happen. Of course, technical skills are still crucial - but, for me, the greatest reward comes when I feel in the flow. I wish for us all to be able to live in that flow.
- Diane Clancy
Several years ago I had my first exhibit that had room to hang about 40 pieces of my original artwork in a variety of traditional mediums. After hanging all this work, my artist friend said, “I didn’t think all your work would go together - but it does! Your work is all about color. I never realized that until I saw it all at once. I thought the differences in mediums would make it feel fragmented.”
Outer Flow XV, Digital © Diane Clancy
This experience helped me realize that the unifying theme of my artwork is color. I play with color in most of my work. I often create series with similar subject matter and different colors.
It is part of my method to explore variations in form and color - often subtle. This technique particularly interests me. The “Inner Flow” series explores small changes in form. Going from “Inner Flow” to “Outer Flow” delves into transformations of color.
About Outer Flow III, Sue O’Kieffe of Sacred Circles Mandalas
said, “this image has a much more celestial feeling to it ” than the “Inner Flow” series. So, I think this name of “Outer Flow” is a winner.
~ Diane Clancy
Now this image makes my heart sing! I love the bright bursts of aqua floating through the painting and the purples in the background - or is it deep space? My soul is fed very deeply by this image.
Outer Flow III, Digital © Diane Clancy
A few days ago in the post Beginning Life III I said that I would play with the color in that image to make the colors more in harmony with my inner color sense. This is the result of that play. I feel so much more uplifted when I look at this digital painting. I like the other one, but I love this one!
I am open to another name than “Outer Flow.” In the post Inner Flow III, there is a related image. This morning when I was reaching for a name, I thought of the Inner Flow series. You can find many technical details about creating these paintings in that post.
The Beginning Life series feels like the inside of cells …. The Inner Flow series … I think of them as being inside and on the micro-level. So far, I think this Outer Flow series reminds me more of the universe flowing around - the planets and such - the macro-level.
You begin to see my process of naming my paintings. I plan to make videos in transforming the image from Beginning Life III to Outer Flow III. Perhaps it is interesting that all 3 images mentioned in this post are “III” - a mystical number.
~ Diane Clancy
To me this looks deep - life being created right before our eyes … Again it is 3D - I can go right inside this image and floating around with the rest of the pieces of matter and life. We are now at the beginning of this year’s cycle of life (in the northern hemisphere). Time to start afresh!
Beginning Life III, Digital © Diane Clancy
I created 17 different images in the Beginning Life series. Once I got going playing with this set of digital paintings, I couldn’t stop. They are so similar yet so different. Years ago, someone suggested they would be fantastic in a video. I think I know how to do that now and it is on my list of things to do.
This was created entirely in the computer program Painter with KPT filters. As with many of my other digital images, extensive layering is involved to create the translucent properties of this painting.
I think I will translate this image into a different color scheme. Those of you who follow my work know that green is not my usual choice. I wonder what this would look like in my pink/purple/aqua. I will get back to you on that.
~ Diane Clancy
Emma looks like she is having fun … walking through the butterflies with her dainty little paw gracefully poised. What fun to have these beautiful, colorful butterflies all around. This is part of “Fanciful Animal Images” that are so popular with many people. Emma doesn’t have to worry about prioritizing in her life. Well, that may not be true, she probably has to decide which butterfly to chase.
Emma in Butterflies, Digital © Diane Clancy
But I bet you are like me - often not sure how to prioritize the many tasks that lie strewn over my life (and house.) Actually, I too have many beautiful butterflies to chase … marketing these animal images (making the site, creating more images), online stores (posting more items in my stores, setting up CafePress, starting eBay), reworking my business card as suggested, work for clients, catching up on reading, researching and email, and, oh yes, painting - that’s right, I am an artist. I am sure you know the drill.
Today I worked in the physical world (you know, off the computer). I actually have moved the stacks of business related folders from my bureau and from the table in the living room. Now it almost looks like a house instead of a business (at least that part of the house). Hopefully my new, revised system will work.
Organizing the house, studio, office (same thing) often falls through the cracks. It is very satisfying that it is feeling more spacious here. I think the openness will help me with my other work - be less distracting. Then tomorrow I have to start prioritizing all over again!
~ Diane Clancy
Emma looks so precious to me as she is stepping forward with her little paw. This digital painting is fabulously cute in my opinion. Tonight I feel that Emma is going through a forest of flowers.
Emma in Flowers II, Digital © Diane Clancy
The other day I spent the day at a workshop that was promoting an internet marketing package that was incredibly powerful and interesting, but I did not feel it was right for my needs. But I did learn a lot about search engines and different techniques.
With their package they offer a great database for keeping track of potential customers and making it easy to send out newsletters. Educating myself about newsletter software is on my list of things to do. I have a database of products and clients, but it is not connected up to the web. I will need to decide if the one program can do the job or … what.
It is also time for me to get serious about getting a shopping cart and getting that set up. At least now I am able to take paypal for credit cards for the convenience of customers. Time for these next business steps!
Animals III, Digital © Diane ClancyThis is a digital painting that will be very good for licensing. I think these animals are incredibly fun and fanciful. The curves of the animals follow the curves of the paths they are following. Unlike much of my work, the colors are a little muted. Again, these designs would be great cards and wrapping paper.
I am so hopeful that this weekend I can make some progress at getting my work more widely available at Etsy and ArtFlock. I am so excited - I think this is the right timing for me - and hopefully for the market! A new, important step for me.
~ Diane Clancy
Arriving, Tempera © Diane Clancy
A friend of mine was training with Michele Cassou to teach “The Magic of Painting as Spontaneous Expression.” I had already found a book and video of Michele’s work and technique before I knew my friend was taking classes. I had been using the techniques on my own, so I jumped at the chance to be a test student for my friend.
Two of the paintings I created in this class, “Arriving” and “Underground,” are very popular for me in cards. Hopefully tomorrow I will get to CafePress besides Etsy and ArtFlock. Perhaps this will be one of the paintings that I sell at those online stores.
~ Diane Clancy
~ Diane Clancy
This design is like a mandala to my mind. I like the sense of water flowing and the flames of fire in the one digital painting. This is part of my wrapping paper design series but I am not sure if it would be good for this purpose. It is very different from much of my work - except I do feel incredible motion in this painting and does evoke an emotional response in me. Actually, now that you mention it, there is also a richness of color that is in harmony with my other artwork.
Abstract Design X, Digital © Diane Clancy
That is what I want to share about in this post tonight … this being different from much of my work. Lately a friend said, “I love the whimsical and poetic quality of your work. A true inspiration!” I am very excited about a fellow artist (or anyone for that matter) seeing my work that way.
I have often spoken of color being the underlying unifying theme of my work. This quote from yesterday is making wonder if a “whimsical and poetic quality” could also be applied to my paintings of all kinds. When I think through my work, perhaps this does cross from my oil paintings to my kitty paintings to my designs.
But I have on my mind tonight … am I too spread out? Some reading today suggests that very important to specialize. To not do work that is different from what one usually does. I need to keep thinking about all this.
~ Diane Clancy
I can use some “inner flow” internally at the moment. I have been pushing very hard to get this blog and Susan’s Blog up and running and to establish the habit of posting every day. I am happy that the weather is warmer again. I am in a maintenance mode rather than an inspiration mode. But I do feel inspired when I look at this digital painting. That feeling of being uplifted by my images is one of the highlights of my work!
Inner Flow III, Digital © Diane Clancy
One of the ways that I decide if an image is finished, is by how it makes me feel. If the results of my creative process make me feel more connected to my soul, then it is a painting that works for me. I want to be creating more beauty and bring more light into the world.
This is a painting I created in Photoshop with KPT filters with many transluscent layers. This layering gives this image the depth of field that it has. There are dozens of layers in many of my digital paintings. Thank you for being with me as I have been enjoying “Inner Flow III” and, in the process, strengthening my own inner flow.
- Diane Clancy
These butterflies are created from nozzles that I made myself from clipart that I have rights to use. I used Illustrator and Photoshop in creating this image while working with the nozzles and layers. I enjoy the almost 3D quality of this painting.
These images I have created using companion animals are some of my most popular images for cards. Many times when someone sees “their” kitty or puppy, they immediately want the card or print. It is fun to feel like I bring happiness to people as they see a touching image of their special friend.
Some people have asked me to make these paintings from photographs of their own animals. Because I use layering, I am able to keep the cost more affordable. I have also created specific backgrounds for people’s companions. I am happy that so many people like these paintings so much!
Thank you for stopping by and reading,
~ Diane Clancy
I bet you are like me - often not sure how to prioritize the many tasks that lie strewn over my life (and house.) Actually, I too have many beautiful butterflies to chase … marketing these animal images (making the site, creating more images), online stores (posting more items in my stores, setting up CafePress, starting eBay), reworking my business card as some readers in my other blog have suggested, work for clients, catching up on reading, researching and email, and, oh yes, painting - that’s right, I am an artist. I am sure you know the drill.
Organizing the house, studio, office (same thing) often falls through the cracks. After spending some time a few weeks ago organizing, it is very satisfying that it is feeling more spacious here. I think the openness will help me with my other work - be less distracting. Then tomorrow I have to start prioritizing all over again! Of course, the trick is to keep things organized!
Thank you for stopping by!
~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog
Animals I, Digital © Diane Clancy
Today was also a productive day for me for the business! I am now able to accept visa and other credit cards through PayPal. That has been on my list of things to do for a long time. I upgraded my account to a business account today.
I also worked on my Etsy shop today! If you want to visit Diane's Etsy Shop to check it out, please feel free! I now have a Mini Etsy shop on the sidebar of this blog. I am so excited because I have been wanting my work online for sale besides at my website for a long time! I can also put in a PayPal shopping cart and people can buy from my site with PayPal. I hadn't realized that selling through PayPal on your site was totally secure.
~ Diane Clancy
www.dianeclancy.com/blog
