Creative Clues Showcase
Dear Creative Clues Fans,
February 2023 was the last month for Creative Clues at LVA. Your contributions over the past two years have inspired and delighted us. As the pandemic eases, LVA needs to resume pre-COVID schedules with programs that had to be suspended for safety reasons. That makes staff time more precious, necessitating a pivot away from some COVID-specific programs, like Creative Clues, and back to in-person offerings.
We’re glad you enjoyed this monthly art challenge. Perhaps you can continue to give yourself a creative prompt each month, even if it’s as simple as picking a word from the dictionary at random. However you do it, we encourage you to keep exercising your imaginations to create and share wonderful artwork as you have with us these past two years!
These upcoming events at LVA are other opportunities for you to share your art.
• art[squared]
• Open Studio Louisville
Amidst the worldly comings and goings,
observe how endings become beginnings.
– Lao Tzu
Annette Cable
LVA Education Director
FEBRUARY Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: PINK
Beth Pahle, “Prismal Rain”, 5X7 mixed media
I enjoy creating fun nontraditional pieces of art.
JANUARY Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: PINK
Faith Müller, “Spring Rain Garden”
This 8”x8” piece of artwork was finger painted with a rainbow of colors then put in the rain to capture the raindrops in the paint. First I used a light rainfall so the raindrops are very small. Then I put it in a harder rainfall and got some wonderful larger rain drops and color blending. This was a fun piece to create.
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork:
Acrylic on canvas in the rain.
This is the 5th piece in my rain painting series called “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.
Shriya Rajguru, “Rain”, color pencil and paper
Age: 5 yrs
My parents always tell me stories about their childhood. They also tell me funny stories about rain and all the fun stuff they did to enjoy rain with their siblings and friends. Whenever they tell those stories, most of the time they tell me about a beautiful bird called peacock. They told me when it rains peacock dance with beautiful display of feathers and that is the way of him enjoying the rain. Watching him dance is a beautiful experience. When my parents asked me if I can draw something about rain, the first thing came to my mind was peacock and I had fun drawing it because it is so colorful bird.
Shruti Rajguru, “This is how I enjoy the rain.” , color pencil and paper
Age: 7 yrs
I love to go for a walk on a rainy day with my favorite red umbrella. When my parents told me about clue for February is rain, first thing came to my mind is my red umbrella. My grandma bought a bright red umbrella for me when I recently visited her in India. This is my favorite umbrella and I can imagine going out without it on a rainy day.
Penny Hundley,
This is a 24x24” work-in-progress, so it may turn out to have nothing to do with rain. At this stage, however, it was making me think of rain pouring down my windows!
Lucie Stansbury, “Acid Rain”
This work is part of a series depicting the environmental issues effecting our planet.
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork:
Acrylic on canvas.
The intent of this piece was to create a work that has visual interest with a message that may not be so appealing. The work depicts the vertical movement of rain with the infiltration of the darker acidic mass that has infiltrated in the rain flow.
Charlotte Beville
, “Spring Rains”
Age: 11
It's a country scene of a tree and flowers being watered by the spring rain
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork: paint, paintbrush, cotton swabs, aluminum foil on a ruler (to make rain drops)
. My mom showed me a video of an artist painting with q-tips so I wanted to try it myself!
Thomas Pack, “Night Rain” is 12' x 9".
A writer and graphic designer for Louisville Water Company, I often find myself thinking about rain, rivers, and the critical role of water in our lives.
Mardi Gras Rain is 17" x 11"
A writer and graphic designer for Louisville Water Company, I often find myself thinking about rain, rivers, and the critical role of water in our lives.
JANUARY Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: PINK
Faith Müller , ”Flamingo Dreams”, Acrylic and glitter on canvas
Ann Windchy, “Full Moon on the Blooming Forest
“
This painting is on an 18” x 24” canvas and framed in a 22” x 28” frame.
This was done with Acrylic resin paste with the use of palate knives and a small dental instruments and brushes to create the leaves and flowers.
It came to life with me wanting to experiment with the acrylic paste. I mixed paint with the paste to create the pink colored medium, as compared to placement of the paste and then painting the dried acrylic paste. I wanted to paint a bright colorful scene and did not have a photo or scene to go by. The dogwoods and other flowering trees and plants were in bloom at the time. Unfortunately, I am not happy with this painting as I placed those path flowers too uniformly. Unfortunately, this acrylic paste is not easy to alter. I do like the colorful aspect of it. I am submitting it because it is definitely PINK!
Linda J. Nelson, “Pretty in Pink”
Every little girl loves a pretty pink dress. Here’s a pretty little girl in her pretty little dress.
This painting was created with oil paints on canvas. It measures 16” W x 20” H.
Penny Hundley, “Tougher Than She Looks” 10x10” mixed media
Penny Hundley, “Catch a Falling Olive ” 8x8” mixed media
Greta Mattingly, “Hat Shop lll” 11 x 14, oil on canvas
I passed a hat shop window in New Orleans and thought it would make a nice series of paintings. This is one of 3.
June
, “Valentine Clover Sweetheart Flower the Zebra
“
Age: 9
My favorite color is pink! So I wanted to create a pink zebra.
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork: paper and acrylic paint
. My art was inspired by my school’s performance of the Lion King
Sarah
, Age: 9, “A Pink Rainbow”
In my LVA art class, my latest project was an “Everything But Icecream” drawing. When I think of pink, I think of happiness. And happiness for me is color. I think a rainbow is one of the most colorful things, so I incorporated that into my artwork,
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork: Pencil, paper, chalkpastel and color pencils.
I had a lot of ideas. Sunset, hearts, daisies. I was thinking of I couldn’t do. But then a very wise man called told me to stop thinking about things I couldn’t do, and start to about things I could. I really quickly thought of “Everything But Icecream” and decided to put pink, yummy things inside.
Martin, Age: 10, “Savannah”, Color pencils and pencils
My work is about the plains of the African savannah with baobab and mahogany trees in the sun rise.
I was trying to figure out what drawing to do and I remembered I’m doing the Lion King play in a few days. I remembered a scene at the beginning of the Lion King at sunrise and thought of sunrises and sunsets I’ve seen. They had blue, pink, and purple. So I Incorporated those three colors to get the idea.
Joseph J Buchino
, “WETLANDS
“
This is a photo of wetlands in Maine, shot with a Nikon D800E camera and a 35-70 mm lens. I simply inverted the colors so green became pink/magenta, blue became orange, etc.
Adam Barmore, “Humana Building”
This work is a 12 x 12 inch acrylic on stretched canvas. I was drawn to the challenge of “pink” because it is not a color I use often. Having been painting architecture for my last few creations, the Humana Building came to mind with its unforgettable pink granite exterior. I decided to go bold with my use of pink giving the building a graphic pop befitting its iconic stature. I really appreciate how the monthly clues spark my imagination and inspire when I least expect it. Thanks!
Penny Hundley, “Tickled Pink” 10x10” acrylic
Penny Hundley, “Pink Play-Doh Pegasus” On glass tabletop.
Penny Hundley, “Quietly, He Speaks” 24x18” acrylic
Sabina Rapp, “I Believe in Pink”, fake flowers, loose canvas sheets, canvas board, acrylic paint, colored pencil, graphite, oil pastels, popsicle sticks, and glue
Age: 16
Work inspired by the photo of Audrey Hepburn standing in front of a pink flower wall. One of her famous quotes was “I believe in pink…” which is where my mind went immediately after seeing the prompt.
I found the picture and immediately knew a Michael’s trip was in my future! I picked out full, pink flowers that I felt embodied the image well. I drew out Audrey on the loose canvas and colored her in using both colored pencils and oil pastels (that is my favorite mixed media duo). Once I cut her out and glued her on another piece so she wasn’t as flimsy, I had to cut the stems off of the flower heads and place them on a painted canvas board to match the picture. Once everything was in place, I glued the flowers down and cut up a couple popsicle sticks. I glued down the sticks to the board on one end and to Audrey on the other to keep her in place above the flowers.
Terry Burkhead, “PINK TULIPS” paint on styrofoam, 16 x 15 x 2
Sara K., Francis Parker School of Louisville,
Age: 7, “Roar-y the Lion
“
The main colors are pink and red to show the lion is happy. It is also happy when it roars. My favorite part of creating it was using the paint. It looks like a 3D sculpture.
My mixed media lion was made with paint, cut paper, pencil, and wire for the whiskers.
The story of how your artwork came to life: At my school, Francis Parker School of Louisville, some older students will be performing the Lion King Jr. for the school musical. Our class worked on creating these lions to display during the play. In my process, I started by practicing sketching the face. After that we outlined the final version of the face. I chose the colors to paint the face. Then I selected the textured paper mane colors to mirror the paint colors of the face. At the end, I added the wire whiskers and the jewels.
Katherine, Age: 8, “Rainbow Zebra, paint and colored pencils
Tell us just a little bit about your artwork: Our school is doing The Lion King, a musical play. My artwork was inspired by The Lion King. My art teacher Ms. Riendeau told us to outline our zebras in black to give it life. And I wanted to make it rainbow colors. Ms. Riendeau also taught us about the Maasai Mara people in Kenya. I made a patterned border of figures inspired by what she showed us.
DECEMBER Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: STARS
Terri Gilmore, “Dream a Dream”
Multimedia Bas Relief (paper mache, acrylics and found paint brush)
A dream of creating 3D art.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night reflects a dreamlike 2D painting while the 3D girl (with closed eyes, as in a dream state, is laying in a 3D hand using a paintbrush to paint the scene. The hand supporting the child represents LVA’s role in uplifting and helping children fulfill their dreams.
Faith Müller, “Star of Joy”
14”x16” acrylic on canvas
Penny Hundley, Field Trip”
Mixed media on 36x18” stretched canvas.
Ken Corley, “STARZ”, paint on stretched canvas, 20 x 36 x 1
Laurie Russman - “NeonKitty Quilts”, Theo & Vincent, batik, (lots of) thread, batting, lightweight fusible
inspired by the fabulous Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, I couldn’t resist creating my own Starry Night (furry version), imagining Vincent and his brother as felines in the scene.
As I stared at “Starry Night,” the tall cypress tree reminded me of a sketch of my felines…it was in my “make an art quilt out of this” file in Procreate.
Penny Hundley, “Star Tracks”
Mixed media on watercolor paper, then mounted on 10x8” stretched canvas.
Penny Hundley
L to R:
“They Saw the Star from Afar and Came to Worship Him”
“There They Found Mary and the Baby Jesus”
“And They Brought Him Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh”
Each piece is a 6x6” mixed media on stretched canvas.
JOSEPH J BUCHINO, “PSYCHEDELIC BUS”
I shot this picture in Washington State, when, coming home from a photo shoot, I noticed this bus in a field. It was quite late, almost 2:00am in the morning, but with the Milky Way in the background, I had to get out and set up for a few shots. I was using a Nikon 800E camera with a 14-24mm lens. I really like the contrast of the brightly painted bus and the pure nature of the night sky.
Terry Burkhead, “BLUE TRUCK UNDER THE STARS”, paint on stretched canvas, 12 x 15 x 1
NOVEMBER Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: LANDSCAPE
Pat Sturtzel, “Early Winter Sunrise”
Many of the fabrics are ones that I hand dyed. The fabric is backed with a fusible, cut into pieces and ironed onto batting. The composition is then machine quilted and bound. This fabric collaged composition was inspired by a photo that I took of a sunrise on Nolin Lake. I have worked with fabrics for over 50 years. I continue to try new approaches and combine a variety of art and fiber techniques.
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
Opening my studio door , I am overwhelmed by the undulating valley with its siren song and its passion of intoxicating brilliant colors.
Joseph Buchino, COUNTY ROAD
I was photographing in Palouse in Washington state, actually facing in the opposite direction taking a picture of the sunset. When I began doing photography some 20 plus years ago, I remember one of my instructors telling the group to always look behind you, even if you think you’ve got a great shot. The sunset was indeed a very good shot, but this is the picture I took when I turned around. Shot with a Nikon D800E and a wide angle lens.
Carly Friel, “Free spirit”, watercolor paper, watercolor paint, and pen
This artwork was made from inspiration of my love for travel. I have always wanted to visit Europe so I decided to express it through art. My artwork came to life during my third period art class. The intense dedication is shown through the precise details.
Desert Walk, “Oil on canvas”
Undercoat of orange fast matte oil and then the “yellow and purple dance” to make the painting pop.
This was a commissioned piece I painted for a couple when they became engaged. It was their wedding gift.
Penny Hundley, “Clear Path to Enlightenment”
10x10” acrylic
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” ~John Muir
Charlotte, ”Tranquillity”, Oil on canvas, orange fast matte oil as a base. Purple, yellows, greens brought this all together nicely.
This is a painting of my son doing one of his most favorite things, fly fishing. I loved all the colors of this Colorado summer day and had to do my best to capture this moment.
Ann Sturdevant, “In A New Light”, Collage
The materials I used were both found and assorted created papers, watercolors, crayons, ink, poorly developed old photos that were not of a particular image but of a color that I found appropriate, carbon paper. All pieces were scissor cut or torn.
I had just moved into a new studio space. The light was different than it had been in my former studio space. In my new space there was a window that looked out onto a yard where a beautiful old willow tree grew. One evening as I was gazing out the window I saw a crow light upon an upper branch of the willow and also a crescent moon appearing in the darkening sky. Three of my favorite images. Therefore the title of the piece, In A Different Light”.
Joseph Buchino, THE HILLS OF PALOUSE
This photograph was taken in Palouse, Washington from the vantage point of Steptoe Butte. When I was there about fifteen years ago, there only one or two photographers on top of the butte at 5:00am; when I was there this year, there were hundreds of photographers from all over the world. It truly is a remarkable area to photograph. Shot with a Nikon D800E camera and a 500mm f5.6 lens.
Faith Muller, “Golden Autumn Sky”, 11x14” Acrylic on canvas
I wanted to create a abstract bright golden sky with yellows and hints of muted pink above a dark landscape horizon. I was inspired by the way the light seems more golden yellow in the fall and the rolling hills of Kentucky.
Penny Hundley, “The Woods at Night”,
11.5x17” acrylic on wood
The trees in this piece were first “found” by removing paint while it was still wet. Then I better defined the ones in front. I lived for a time in a place where this was the view out my bedroom window.
Terry Burkhead, SILVER HILLS BARNSCAPE
paint on stretched canvas, 20 x 25 x 1
Linda J. Nelson, “Take a Break”, 30” x 30” canvas and is created using impasto acrylic paints.
Relaxing by the creek is a special time. Animals move around, looking for a cool drink; water bodies swim around, darting quickly away from visits of humans.
Agnes Link
, Age: 4: “Christmas at Night”
Acrylic on canvas with sparkles on top.
The story of how your artwork came to life: I painted the trees first and then the snow and sky. I added a lot of pretty blue stars and ended with lights on the trees and sparkles everywhere. Christmas trees during winter with the night sky.
OCTOBER Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: ROOM
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt, INVITE IN THE SUN”24”x30”oil on canvas.
This piece, like many of my recent SUNRISE series, sprang fourth from the first light of dawn as I looked out this AM. The sun insisted in incoming over the balcony and through the sliding door into my studio. The sun once again demanded entrance. I opened the sliding door. The sun effused not only my studio but also my entire being.
If I had been a bird I would have soared right over the balcony railing and would have flown as close to the sun as my wings would carry me. This expression in oil on canvas was my second option.
Penny Hundley, “Letter to Harriet Penned in the Garden on a Sunny Day”
8x10” acrylic
Jane Grey is in her outdoor room writing to her friend Harriet. I think it’s a beautiful room!
Penny Hundley, “Nap #1”
A lovely spot for the first nap of the day. We know there will be many more, but right now the sunlight is perfect in this room!
Terry Burkhead, VA-ROOM
paint on stretched canvas, 39 x 27 x 1
Joseph Buchino
When I think of ROOM, I think of the Library of Congress with its spacious, colorful rooms and beautiful architecture. This picture was shot with a Nikon D800E camera and 20-35mm 2.8 lens.
Penny Hundley, “Variations on a Scream”
16x8” acrylic
There is no place like the stairs for leaving your tricycle! She’s sure making a grand entrance into the downstairs room!
Linda J. Nelson, Dinner Time at Shaker Village
This painting was created with oil paints on canvas. It measures 16” W x 12” H.
Home feels warm and comfy on a winter’s night sitting around the dinner table at Shaker Village.
SEPTEMBER Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: AUTUMN
Faith Muller, ”JUBILATION”, Finger-painted acrylic on canvas
This painting celebrates the jubilant colors of Autumn. There are lots of colors to enjoy in the fall and it is a time to celebrate the changing of the seasons. I wanted to create a piece using color and texture to demonstrate joy and celebration of life.
Penny Hundley, “Fall Maneuvers”, 24x24x1.5” acrylic
Falling leaves and water rushing over rocks…a combination that I love!
Kristina, Moonlit, Acrylic paint, brush, palette, and packaging tape.
I went big with this 3x4ft painting. I explored different shapes, colors, and texture to create this piece made from acrylic paint. The first part of the piece involved covering the canvas with packaging tape at certain angles. I then painted over the tape and let it dry. Once I removed the tape, I was left with more white space to create! This was a very fun painting to do!
Ann Windchy, Falling Leaves
I used acrylic modeling paste on board and formed the trees and leaves with a Pallet knife and some of my old dental instruments to form three dimensional trees and leaves. I then painted the formations and background images with acrylic paint. I watched a YouTube video by an artist who demonstrated her paintings using this technique. I always have loved tree scenes.
Penny Hundley, “Sky Holes”, 30x24x1.5” acrylic
This glorious tree was painted last fall. My neighbor’s maple was the inspiration!
Terry Burkhead, AUTUMN, paint on stretched canvas, 18 x 15 x 1
AUGUST Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: COURAGE
Matthews Müller
“Constraint”
Acrylic on canvas, mostly finger-painted.
This piece of artwork demonstrates the courage it takes to step outside the boundaries we, our society puts on us. We can go from the darkness of isolation or apathy and step into our green comfort zone, then take another step of courage to cross into our green zone of what is comfortable, then step move into the yellow zone of allowing yourself to trying to try new things, then with courage step over the boundary into to red zone where you allow yourself to experience life fully. Eventually you can reach the white zone of truly being yourself no matter what others make think or expect of you. Your zen self. I was given the challenge by a friend to visually depict the boundaries and constraints I put on myself.
Emily Swarner
”Zen”
Acrylic, canvas
Acrylic on canvas landscape cherry blossom tree
Linda J. Nelson
”Without Wings”
This painting was created with oil paints on canvas. It measures 24” x 24”.
At over 1,000 pounds it takes courage to jump over a rail. If the beautiful horse had wings we could easily understand the flight. But this horse shows the bravery and determination when wanting to do something.
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
Land Of The Free: Self -Portrait
#2 oil on canvas 30”x 40”
Penny Hundley
“Tougher Than She Looks”
10x10x1.5” mixed media
Angela Porter
”Captivating”
Pastel chalks and pastel pencils on Canson Mi Teints pastel paper.
This is a pastel chalk painting of a curious octopus. Through expression of color and texture with the chalk, I wanted to put this creature in the spotlight for its courage and beauty in the great depths of the sea.
An Octopus is such a interesting creature and so intelligent and intriguing creatures. They retain short and long term memory, can adapt to their surroundings and they can find their way through mazes through problem solving. To me these are courageous creatures behind highly evolving eyes in the depths of the sea. Through bright colors and texture with the chalk, I wanted to highlight how beautiful these creatures truly are.
Linda J. Nelson
”Food Fight”
This painting was created with high flow acrylic and acrylic paints on canvas. It measures 24” x 24”.
I painted these red-wing blackbirds engaged in a little food fight over a place on the food table. The tension of the birds shows courage to get some seeds and nuts for a mealtime.
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
Juliet’s Secret
#1 oil on canvas 22” x 34”
Penny Hundley
“The Path to the Top Is Long and Winding”
24x24x1.5” mixed media
If you look closely at the bottom on the pink path you will read “Everything you need is already within you.” At the very top of the mountain you will see the word “Goal”.
This piece was created in February 2022 and had a lot to do with the Olympics, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr.
JULY: Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: NIGHT
Beatrice Guarneachelle-Holt
“Walking with the Dead”
36” x 60”
Greta Mattingly
River Reflections, Oil on canvas 20 x 16
Inspired by a walk across the pedestrian bridge at night.
Terry Burkhead
NIGHT SAIL, .paint on stretched canvas. 16 x 21 x 1
Laurie Russman
Cherry Blossoms in the Breeze, Cotton batik, thread, lightweight fusible, fabric inks…stitched on my soulmate Bernina 770QE
One of an extensive (60+) series created during the pandemic, my Joy Quilt Project…this piece honoring Sakura season in Japan
:
My muse went on holiday when COVID hit! To re-ignite the energy in my studio, I embarked on a series of 6” square quilts honoring all the everyday joys we could still treasure.
Faith
“Dancing Lights”
, Acrylic on canvas
This is my abstract vision of what an Aurora Borealis might look like. One of my life’s goals is to see the Aurora Borealis, often known as dancing lights because of the way they move.
This painting is finger painted.
Emily
Temperance
Acrylic on canvas 2018
Acrylic, canvas
I was in high school and I took a painting class once. From then on my creativity exploded. I tried many different mediums but acrylic paints were where my heart was. I lost myself for a while and didn’t paint. For a long time. This is one of the first few paintings I did recently after finding myself again.
Penny Hundley
The Pond at Night,
6x6” acrylic
Penny Hundley
Moon over the Pond
, 7x5” mixed oil and cold wax medium
I used a stencil and embedded paper.
Linda J. Nelson
Midnight Rose
I paint what inspires me. It could be a single flower, some kind of action that is interesting to look at, or something that is totally “awe inspiring.” Trying new methods motivates me to stretch myself with every painting. I am always learning and new subjects extend my sense of painting. It’s quite an adventure and a challenge that I love.
This painting was created on a canvas. It is done with oil paint, brushes and a variety of brush strokes. A pretty flower stays pretty when the shadows inch in.
Beauty inspires creativity and imagination. Inspired moments are not always word-worthy but are canvas-worthy. I love to speculate, and this is why I paint.
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
Dreams Of Yesterday: Night Vision
30” x 30”
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
“For Ukraine” 60” x 96”
Oil on canvases
Beatrice Guarneschelle-Holt
Diana
Ernest!, oil and acrylic paint
A classic scene from the movie “Death Becomes Her”
I had an extra 5 ft canvas and this one of my favorite movies
Lacey Artwork
Moon Beam, 8”X12”
When night falls, the moon is illuminated above the ocean with stars and orbs of energy swirling all around showing the active soul of the universe.
The first layer of this piece is spray paint, followed by acrylic, and finished with gel pens.
This piece is one of my favorites, it started out as a very simple spray painting but I got a creative spark after watching ‘how the universe works’ and decided to add a ton of stars and some orbs of energy to show how active and alive the universe around us is. Once it becomes DARK, that’s when we can really see it.
Ken Schuck
Fireflies
When I’m out and about I will often pull out my phone and draw what catches my eye. This is an example of one of those times.
This was created on the free app “sketchbook” on my iPhone.
The story of how your artwork came to life:
I was with one of my closest friends on a walk in Cherokee park when I had to stop and show her a special place I’ve found to watch the fireflies. I decided to draw this experience so I could preserve it better in my memory.
Penny Hundley
Night of a Thousand Moons
16x8” acrylic
Penny Hundley
The Woods at Night
, 11.5x17” acrylic on wood panel
Emily Miller
Night Visions, Acrylic paints, gloss and iridescent media, and brushes.
A red-headed woodpecker lay on his back, diagonally. Tedious brushwork builds up subtle shades of grays and pastels into fluffy textures that interweave to make up the bird's delicate breast. The visible eye is closed. Glossy star-like shapes resembling deep green vegetation cover the background and shift in color depending on point of view.
One day I was walking along the sidewalk and looked down to see a bird laying belly-up on the pavement. This was one of many mysterious dead birds I had seen in a short span of time. I wondered how they got there and how many people had walked by. There is a superstition that says finding a dead bird is a good omen of change. After doing a practice drawing in graphite to study the form, I realized I wanted to be very detailed in my portrayal. A small black canvas hanging out in my studio seemed like the perfect starting place to depict an animal crossing to the other side. The gloss and irridescent media create dimension in the feathers, amplifying transitory light. Night is frequently a time of solitude, and can symbolize the absence of waking life, conjuring up an alternate world of imagining. The profound sense of loss recently experienced by my extended circle of friends (around 6 or more have passed away in the last year, most of them at night) has renewed my interest in portraying vignettes from either side of the afterlife.
JUNE: Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: COLOR
Penny Hundley, Happy Hour
20x20x1.5” mixed media
Most of my work is full of color and this piece is no exception.
Penny Hundley, I Love You Just the Way You Are
18x18” acrylic on birch cradled panel.
I started this piece several years ago and loved the colors so much I never went any further. It remains in my studio and makes me happy when I look at it.
Terry Burkhead
COLOR OF HAPPY
paint on stretched canvas. 11 x 14 x 1
keeping color loose
MAY: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: FLOWERS
Terry Burkhead
VASE WITH FLOWERS
Stretched painted canvas, 18 x 14
Melanie Seibert
Flowers in a glass vase, Hahnemuhle velour pastel paper with Sennelier and Jack Richeson soft pastels. Blended with mainly my fingers and a pastel brush.
I’ve been trying to create texture and depth in the painting. I’ve been experimenting with pastels which is a new medium for me. I’ve been trying to move away from total realism and do more impressionist and eventually abstract work. I found the source on pixabay and wanted to see if I could get the glass vase properly
Ann Windchy
My Butterscotch Irises, Oil on Canvas 22” x 28”. Framed In a guided gold wood frame, it measures 25 ½” x 31 ½
To create an image, I used a grid for this piece of art. I took multiple photos of my irises before choosing the one for my artwork.
I have several colors of Irises in my back yard. Right now it is paradise. I find these butterscotch colored ones to be my favorites. I had to paint them.
Penny Hundley
Monet Mood, 7x6” Acrylic on scrap of Luxury Vinyl Plank
I love to recycle when possible. This piece was done with acrylic paint on a gessoed scrap of Luxury Vinyl Plank. You can see and feel the grain which is perfect for the effect of slight ripples in the pond.
Ann Windchy
My VanGogh, 11x14 acrylic on canvas board. I framed it.
This was done in an art class on a cruise ship. The artist had a collection of books by various artists and we chose which one we wanted to paint. It was more like a group paint-in versus a “class”. They provided the paper, brushes, pencils erasers and acrylic. We met 3 days for 2 hours each. Then when it was over, the artwork was on display for everyone. It was a wonderful addition to the cruise. They have since discontinued this feature.
Linda J. Nelson
Power Grab, 24" W x 30" H painting created with acrylic paints.
If a butterfly could it would carry the most beautiful flowers around while flying in the air. This painting is an imagination of what a very strong butterfly could/would do.
Adam Barmore
Iris, 12 x 24 inch acrylic on stretched canvas.
I call myself a minimalist because I try to use as few lines as possible to capture the essence of the subject.
My other passion is gardening. I have a small garden of iris plants via a group called Garden Guardians that has a goal of preserving iris that are not widely available and in danger of disappearing. The lines and color of this particular iris jumped out at me one morning. I liked the parallel of preserving the representation of this one fleeting bloom. To me, there is a great beauty in ephemeral existence. When I saw this month’s clue of “flowers,” it gave me further impetus to create this work and share it.
Penny Hundley
Evening Prayers, 20x20” Mixed media
There are multiple layers here. I began with random paint, pencils, and papers. I then began working out flower and leaf shapes, adding more paint and papers. Toward the end I cut thin slivers of paper for the veins in the leaves of the Prayer Plant (Maranta Leuconeura).
Aunt Mitty
April Showers Bring Man Flowers
Stretched canvas, colored pencils, fine tip sharpie, zippers, hot glue, Ken’s shoes (Barbie’s friend) and a head from a porcelain figurine. It was all sparked by the tiny package of shoes I found at a thrift store! I had been thinking about making flowers from zippers that I had, when I saw the shoes it all clicked. All I needed was a head. I stopped by the Goodwill and found a fabulous figurine of a farmer. Then I chopped his head off with a putty knife and hammer. It all came together easily with continuing sharpie additions as recently as this morning! It’s fun to add those tiny details.
Maureen Hagerman
Still Blooming, It’s a 30x24” acrylic on canvas
It’s about the exotic, enduring beauty of flowers.
It started with shape and color. No thought of subject. The process eventually found the exotic blooms within
Linda J. Nelson
A Pop of Color, 22" x 30" created with mixed media paints on multi-media paper.
An explosion of flowers makes the world a happy place. Enjoying the "fruits" of tilling the soil, planting seeds and caring for the tender plants is a labor of love. This painting is a special flower-garden-space.
APRIL: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: RIVER
Kristina Kleinert
Powerless Passage, Watercolor pen, watercolor paint, watercolor paper, acrylic painted on wood, craft glue
This piece was created with a mixture of watercolor paper pieces glued on top of acrylic painted wood. The piece evolved over time on its own, with multiple layers and different variations of flow. The creation was a humbling approach to exploring watercolor from the view of an acrylic fan and I gained much respect for watercolor artist techniques.
I took an existing piece of wood that I had painted with acrylic paint and used that as my base. I then explored watercolor paints, water, and salt on watercolor paper in different variations of color and thickness. After letting the watercolor paper pieces dry, I ripped them and then glued them on top of the acrylic on wood. I added additional paint on top of the water color pieces at the end for continuity.
Linda J. Nelson
Living on the River
The painting was created with acrylic paints, brushes and a variety of brush strokes.
This is a 10” H x 8” W painting on canvas and is framed.
Seeing structures like small cabins along a river, by a lake, on a fjord, by a creek or any body of water is inspiring. Capturing those picturesque images on canvas is exciting.
Penny Hundley
Snowmelts ñ
Acrylic paints and torn papers combine to create this scene of snow, ice, and rain waters all rushing over rocks, heading for the river just ahead.
I chose to work on paper for this one. I randomly placed the torn papers, attaching them with gel medium, then began teasing out the rocks. The horizon is high, with just a bit of the river showing, because I wanted to emphasize the rushing water.
MARCH: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: DOTS
Linda J. Nelson, Like a Diamond in the Sky
This painting was created on a 2” thick canvas and is 12” x 12”. It is done with acrylic paint, brushes and a variety of brush strokes.
I paint what inspires me. It could be a single flower, some kind of action that is interesting to look at, or something that is totally “awe inspiring.” Trying new methods motivates me to stretch myself with every painting. I am always learning and new subjects extend my sense of painting. It’s quite an adventure and a challenge that I love.
Viewing fall colors in Northern America is something that really inspires me. Looking from above I see the repeated patterns of the treetops and leaves.
Penny Hundley, Let There Be Love
I used stencils, papers, gel medium, acrylic paint, and piece of copper wire.
This piece was started just before Valentine’s Day, so I had hearts on my mind. The piece of copper wire was added last and gives the piece that little extra oomph.
Penny Hundley, Spots of Tea and a Crossword
Papers, inks, stencils, and acrylic paints were used to create this layered piece on watercolor paper. I saw the hint of a teapot and continued building from there. The circular patterns led me to the title.
Linda J. Nelson, Looking Up
This painting was created on a canvas and is 20" W x 16” H. It is done with acrylic paint, brushes and a variety of brush strokes.
I paint what inspires me. It could be a single flower, some kind of action that is interesting to look at, or something that is totally “awe inspiring.” Trying new methods motivates me to stretch myself with every painting. I am always learning and new subjects extend my sense of painting. It’s quite an adventure and a challenge that I love.
Beauty inspires creativity and imagination. Inspired moments are not always word-worthy but are canvas-worthy. I love to speculate, and this is why I paint.
With sun shining through the trees on a fall day, the colors of leaves are an amazing contrast to the sky. It is a favorite time of year. Looking from below towards the sky I see regular and repeated patterns of the leaves.
Penny Hundley, Blackbird Rising
I used stencils, papers, acrylic paints, and bubble wrap to create this piece. I love the colors and the abstracted blackbird rising up from the ground.
My pieces evolve with a life of their own. I begin with paint and papers, then more paint, then at some point the painting tells me what it is.
Emma Wilkins, Cherry blossoms blooming
Markers and paper
Age: 10
An art piece inspired by pointillism and Japanese flowers. Its almost springtime and I love to draw flowers, also I have seen a lot of pictures of Cherry blossoms and i love the look of them
Kristina K., "Change, World Changes"
acrylic paint, canvas, brush, pencil eraser for dots
Life is a series of dots, or moments -- as described in the book "The Courage to be Disliked".
Oone layer at a time, starting with the background (3 or 4 different layers of paint and large circles, followed by meticulous dots all over, of any and every color, overlapping, and loving the process)
Aunt Mitty, Dotty’s Dot Journal
Scissors, x-acto tools, glue, sewing machine, sponge
Repurposed materials: greeting/note cards, paint, markers, stickers, magazine cut outs, foil HVAC tape, poster board, dental floss, fabric, thread, ribbon
I enjoy mixed media art! I often make purchased greeting cards special in this way for friends and family! The clue ‘Dots’ inspired me to take this card with a doll on and make her come to life by giving her a name ‘Dotty’ and a creation of a Dot Journal!
FEBRUARY: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: DREAM
Lauren Kemme
a long existing dream
it reminds me of sleeping on bunk beds with my brother when we were little
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork: I used the wombo dream (ha!) ai assisted art app and tweaked in photoshop
I used the prompt “existential exhaustion” with a pastel filter and regenerated until I found a version I liked.
Terry Burkhead
DREAMIN paint on stretched canvas.....24 x 36
Diana Heron
This is a coffee table that I refurbished and paid tribute to both the local legend and Andy Warhol. Andy Warhol did a 1977 athletic series that included Ali. So, did my own rendition with acrylic paint and rattle can spray paint on this old coffee table.
Penny Hundley
Citrus Dreams
I feel like I’m lying on the ground looking up through the leaves of the citrus trees we had when I was growing up in Florida.
I used acrylic paint, brushes, spatchers, stencils, papers, and gel medium.
This piece started out totally different, an unintended beach scene. The middle stage was not anything I was happy with so I took a brush and thought I would paint over the whole thing. After painting out the offending parts and blending in with the rest, I was happy with it and realized it still had the Florida vibe that often comes out in my work.
Penny Hundley
The Path to the Top Is Long and Winding
There were so many guiding lights for this painting. 1) The Olympics 2) Martin Luther King Jr and his Dream 3) My granddaughter reading a biography of Helen Keller and learning about her aspirations and goals 4) Louisville Visual Art Creative Clue 5) Everything you need is already within you.
I used papers affixed with gel medium, stencils, acrylic paints, and spray paints.
The story of how your artwork came to life: I began with bold black marks, then brushed on magenta, teal , and red paint. I rotated the canvas and added lilac and Indian yellow. At that point I saw the mountain top and the sun and the subject began to take shape.
JANUARY: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: MOON
Penny Hundley
Night Bird on the Rocks
I had five panels which were all started at the same time. As I worked on them, two ended up with western landscape themes. I used gel medium to affix papers to a cradled wood panel, then I used brushes and spatchers to apply transparent and opaque acrylic paints to work out the image.
Penny Hundley
My Moon is Full, 10x10”
I’ve realized my moon is always full in my paintings. Deep meaning? Or just easier to paint than a crescent?
This is done with acrylic paint and brushes.
Penny Hundley
Moon Rise, 8x8”
This mixed media piece uses tissue paper affixed with gel medium and transparent and opaque acrylic paints applied with brushes.
Dawn Della Bella
Night Rider, Daniel Smith Watercolor
I love to experiment with fluid backgrounds, so created this dreamy night scape using the moon and one of my other favorite subjects- owls.
I enjoy the interplay between tight realistic lines, and the fluidity of the watercolor medium. Using Daniel Smith’s “Indigo” and letting it flow free form, the background almost painted itself!
David Vong
Planetary Moon, Digital photo editing. Telescope.
I wanted to create a piece that envisioned the moon as a planet rather than a moon.
I looked at pictures of planets. I referenced Saturn and used its ring on the picture of the moon I took via telescope with a photo editing app.
Verity
Age: 8
The Dancing Shapes, Construction Paper and glue
I experimented with organic and geometric shapes just like Henri Matisse. I loved reading books about him and his cut paper art. It’s so cool I can make art like him.
I liked reading a story about Henri Matisse. I wanted to create one picture with just geometric shapes and one picture with organic shapes to see how they would look different. I think it is fun trying new things when making artwork.
Jared
Age: 17
kinetic moon
I used paint and a brush
The story of how your artwork came to life: when I finish
Brady
Age: 18
moon fade, chalk, paint
it represents moons crashing
I was inspired by a space tv show
Jimmy Amrhein
Age: 18
Moon at night , I used black construction paper with white chalk for the moon, I used sfumato to smooth out the moon. I then added black chalk on the moon with sfumato for the shadow. After that I add stars and for this I used splatter paint.
I created a moon at night in the sky because January is the wolf moon. In the sky I also added stars to make it look like it’s a starry night while the wolf moon is out. The wolf moon is part of the Native American culture. I was staring at the moon and then the idea came to my mind.
Jacob Parker
Age: 17
wolf blood moon, I used ArtRage to compose my piece.
I made a blood moon and put the shadow of a wolf in front. I liked the look of blood moons so I decided to put a wolf in front to make it part of the wolf moon.
Stephen Simmons
Age: 18
Moonlight Wolf
The Moonlight Wolf is related to the Native American January moon.
This piece of artwork was created using technology on the app “ArtRage.” I used the pen tool for the main portion of the piece. Then I went back over the piece with the pallet knife to make it look more realistic and rough. I did this piece because it was an assignment for school but it became more than that. It started looking realistic to me and just inspired me to do my best at it. This also made me realize I want to do more artwork like this.
Cameron Cottner
Age: 17
Night Time, Water color paint and acrylic with some water mixed in. It was put on black and white construction paper
Splatter paint with dial outed water to give it texture on the moon. Then in the background with more intense splatter paint..
Oumar
Age: 17
Hope in Darkness, Chalk and colored paper
This image shows a crescent moon in space.
I worked diligently everyday in order to perfect and correctly captivate the image of the moon
Nick Coyle
Age: 17
Moon and Stars, I used my iPad and used a pen tool.
My piece is of the Moon, stars, and clouds.
I first made a moon with the sky as a background abs also added stars in the background. Next I added clouds by my moon. Finally I added stippling around everything.
Bobby Brashear
Age: 18
The Night’s Jewel Broken, Pencil, and colored pencil, with sfumato and shading.
A piece which made me consider “what if the image of the moon was not so seemingly perfect in the sky?”
Mark Zanni
The Bogus Man, oil on canvas
This is a reimagined take on Karl Schmidt Rottluff’s “The Shore By Moonlight.” His painting didn’t have figurative or recognizable shapes. When I painted this a couple figures emerged including the central “bogus man.”
David Vong
Planetary Moon, Digital photo editing. Telescope.
I wanted to create a piece that envisioned the moon as a planet rather than a moon.
I looked at pictures of planets. I referenced Saturn and used its ring on the picture of the moon I took via telescope with a photo editing app.
Verity
Age: 8
Succulents Are Lovely, Construction Paper and glue
I experimented with organic and geometric shapes just like Henri Matisse. I loved reading books about him and his cut paper art. It’s so cool I can make art like him.
I liked reading a story about Henri Matisse. I wanted to create one picture with just geometric shapes and one picture with organic shapes to see how they would look different. I think it is fun trying new things when making artwork.
Jaden Domst
Age: 18
Wolf Moon, paint, toothbrush, paintbrush, black paper
I used splatter paint as the method to create my Wolf moon
I decided to not do the same thing as everyone else and use a different method
Luke Morrison
Age: 18
moonbathee, My iPad, the app Picsart
I used photo editing software on my iPad to add a moon into a picture of a wizard pondering his orb. I then overexposed and color corrected the image repeatedly to make it look ethereal. I wanted the viewer to have to focus to decipher what was going on in the image. I added many effects and filters over the image to make it more aggressive and overloading to the senses. The stickers and framing give the image a y2k grade school art class project feel that I think gives a sense of nostalgia and perhaps humor.
I was inspired by the artwork found on album covers of the Drain Gang and always wanted to emulate their aesthetic.
Jaden Domst
Age: 18
Half Moon, pencil, sketchbook, tortillion
I used sfumato as a method to create my half moon and added Smokey corners to make it more real
it’s an easy method to use when you create something like this so I decided to do it because my best pieces involve sfumato
Sean
Age: 18
Snowy Wolf Moon, I used my iPad and used multiple different pen, marker and colored pencil tools on the app.
My pieces are inspired by an American pop culture art class. My artwork came to life from my art class. I was inspired from Native American art and their wolf moons.
Cameron Cottner
Age: 17
Floating Moon
My goal was to make it look like the moon was popping out. The background resembles a galaxy.
I used paint that I splattered on. Then I added colors that resembles what the sky would look like at night.
I had an idea in my head to make the moon look like it’s floating around in the galaxy.
Conner Dick
Age: 16
“Snowy Moon” and “White Glare”
I created images that I saw in my dreams.
I used construction paper, chalk and a tortillion.
I just thought about what I should do so I just got my paper and went to work.
黄富仔
Age: 18
黄富仔
Age: 18
Moon amidst Wormhole, Telescope. Photo editing app.
I had taken a picture of the Moon during the 2nd week of January. I am very interested in astronomy and wanted to create a piece that had the moon being absorbed by a wormhole.
Nick Coyle
Age: 17
Moon, I used a pencil and a paper towel to smooth it out.
I used a pencil to make a moon and Smokey background with sfumato. I started with the moon then background and smooth it out. Finally, I added stippling.
Nhan
Echo in the Night, Embroidery floss on black cotton fabric.
The inspiration for this piece is from a Vietnamese folk poetry called Con cò mà đi ăn đêm. Con cò, in this story, is a stork who went searching for food at night. As many of us know, storks don’t go out at night. However, the poetry emphasizes the endurance and patients of a Vietnamese people. There are many interpretations of the stork’s representation; yet, all represent the working class in society as they spend days and night looking for food to feed their family. Despite the lack of wealth in their life, these working-class citizens/ farmers remain at peace in their minds. Even during difficulties, as portrayed in the piece, it speaks to the Vietnamese teaching of whether hungry, suffering, or experiencing hardship, one must know to keep a good personality, live upright, and live clean. The moon, in this case silently watch and use its light to guide the stork, knowing that there isn’t much that it can do to help the stork from suffering. Yet, similarly, the moon is doing its part in the society to help others and being a part to cease the pain.
Adam Barmore
The Moon
This is a 12 x 12 inch acrylic on stretched canvas. I attempted to capture the calm, hypnotic allure of the moon. The lighting at night tends to reduce everything to a minimum. I hope my use of minimal line and color captures that.
Terry Burkhead
SOLSTICE MOON ....paint on stretched canvas...16 x 20 x 1
CJ Kubac
Age: 16
Darkside of the Moon, graphite pencil and colored pencils.
When I thought of the moon I though of how dark it can be so I though of someone with a contoured face with a lot of shadowing. It can be interpreted in different ways though. I thought of the moon and knew I liked to draw characters so I turned my idea of the moon into a portrait.
Jacob Parker
Age: 17
Super Space Wolf Moon, I used ArtRage to compose my art piece
I drew a wolf for the native wolf moon and deciding to add a twist to it by adding a space themed sky.
I found a similar piece online and I put my own unique twist on it to display it here.
Oumar
Age: 17
New civilization, Chalk, paint
The moons beauty is put into form to simulate its splendid love towards us. The moon was looking quite radiant a particular evening which intrigued my soul into
Sean
Age: 18
Green Moon Wolf, I used my iPad and used multiple different pen, marker and colored pencil tools on the app.
My pieces are inspired by an American pop culture art class. My artwork came to life from my art class. I was inspired from Native American art and their wolf moons.
Trevor U’Sellis
Age: 18
Moon on the horizon, I used my iPad and an app called Artrage to create it.
I was inspired by other art works to create this. It came together in my art class, and I minimal it is, but still shows the beauty of the moon.
I thought of the idea to do this piece while I was in art class. I used multiple layers of drawings to create this.
Mauricio
rise to the sky, I used the app ArtRage to create this piece. They offer a variety of tool to help bring the drawing to life. I decided to draw the moon rising up in the country side. With mountains and poles in the background and stars to represent the night time. I thought of a lonely night driving through the countryside. Seeing all the poles and stars with other planets.
Trevor U’Sellis
Age: 18
Mung Daal receives the moon, I used my iPad and an app called Picsart to create it.
I was inspired by a cartoon called Chowder. In the theme song, the first sentence was “You take the moon and you take the sun.” They didn’t mean it literally, but I took it as literal for this piece. I thought of the idea to do this piece while I was in art class. I used multiple pictures and layers to create this, and I also edited the photos to look authentic. Everything on the piece is a separate medium.
Bobby Brashear
Age: 18
Cosmic Conduit of Anguish, Pencil, and colored pencils, with sfumato and shading.
A simple piece I threw together to challenge my capability with bones, but still get the idea of uncanny effect from the perceived length and size of the hand alone.
This came from the ideas of how the moon can be seen as mystical, or used in a more Cary or frightening context in wrong hands.
Portia
Age: 74
Complement, Discarded poster board, old watercolors (on cheap paper), and Sobo glue.
The concept of “Brother Sun” and “Sister Moon” has always fascinated me. This piece uses the clue to play on the complements of warm and cold, night and day, in a nurturing relationship.
A special welcome to the Mrs. McAnally’s Art Class at DeSales High School!
DECEMBER: Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: SPACE
"yeah, it's all about you and your needs."
Terry Burkhead, MAKING SPACE IN THE FORREST....paint on stretched canvas.... 24 x 10 x1....
NOVEMBER Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: LEAF
Terry Burkhead
LEAF, Paint on cardboard, 24" x 36"
Mark Zanni
Jake, Oil on canvas
The inital inspiration for this painting was the depiction of leaves within the background of the famous portrait painting of President Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley. The foreground and subject of the painting merged from this begining.
Inspired by the aforementioned Kehinde Wiley painting and a wonderful pooch named Jake. This little guy was the master of his domain. He despised dancing and would bark you into submission until you stopped. Of course, he was known to enjoy the more wild side of life when no one was looking.
Whitney Creeden, Age: 39
Autumn Koi, Leaves I collected around town. Heavy weight paper, scissors and glue stick.
I pondered the topic for a while, until I realized I could use the beauty of the leaves in a literal sense. The color, texture and lines lent themselves quite nicely to the scales and fins of my koi. Once I came up with a plan, I collected specific leaves and fir needles over many days. I'd pull over while running errands or gather a few outside the library, for example.
OCTOBER Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: PETS
Artist: Dawn Della Bella
Artist: Penny
Artist: Terry Burkhead
Terry Spangle Dunham
Artist: Mark Zanni
Whitney Creeden Age: 39
Der Keks, watercolor
With a theme focusing on lines, I wanted to force myself to keep things simple. I adopted our family dog because his picture in the ad. His floppy tongue and lopsided ears captured his personality perfectly. They always make me smile when I see them.
Whitney Creeden Age: 39
Der Keks, watercolor
With a theme focusing on lines, I wanted to force myself to keep things simple.The chameleon is one of my favorite animals to observe. They always make me smile when I see them.
SEPTEMBER Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: APPLES and PEARS
Whitney Creeden, Age: 39 “The Fruit of MY Womb”, watercolor and digital 4.5" x 6"
I work in pathology, so the theme of pears immediately reminded me of a uterus. The current events surrounding women's health in TX was a natural connection.
Terry Burkhead, “AUTUMN FRUIT” paint on stretched canvas with computer enhancements....36 x 24 x 2
Verity, "Vibrating Loves" and "Orange, Sunset, Rainbow of Dances", Acrylic paint
Age: 8
In my effort to expand my daughter's understanding and appreciation of art, I came across the LVA Creative Clues works as new ways to teach color theory to her. She quickly was won over as she mixed colors and discovered new combinations and how using a few colors can open her up the entire spectrum. From this work, she created two works with the dynamic results she had mixed, and loved the results so much we wanted to submit and share them with others.
I am home-schooling my daughter and Creative Clues is a welcome addition to our art lessons. Although my parents have been recruited as adjunct faculty for her art lessons, your suggestion for this color theory exercise fits in perfectly with our exploration of color. Last year Verity learned about the color wheel and, as a review and a next step, this lesson was perfect as we begin a new school year. She loved mixing all the colors and experimenting with the interactions. We did two pieces to see how value played into the results too. We look forward to more Creative Clues to integrate into our art curriculum!
Lila L, Age: 9, Casa Della Pere, Watercolor pens and watercolors.
The pear is in a house and there is a bow on the pear. There is a mouse that lives in the pear. I was inspired by the movie "The Incredible Story of the Giant Pear," and the artist René Magritte.
Adam Barmore, Rondelle
This work is a 12 x 12 inch acrylic on canvas.
I was inspired by the September LVA clue to buy some apples and pears from the grocery. My art is minimalistic, so I try to capture only the most essential lines of the subject. Looking at the apples and pears from above, my eye was drawn to the lyricism of the stems--so that became my focus. I added in additional arcs and color to complete the piece. I named the piece Rondelle to capture the overall circular, dance-like rhythm of the piece. This was fun--thanks for the inspiration!
Gianna L, Age: 11, L'automne
I used chalk pastel and pencils for sketching.
It is an apple sitting on a table in front of a wall.
I love Honeycrisp apples and I thought I would do it in watercolor. I decided to try it in watercolor, which didn't work. Instead, I used the watercolor as a sketch and decided to switch to color pastels. It was much easier with the shading.
AUGUST Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: TREES
Terry Burkhead, CHEROKEE LAKE AND ........TREES
Paint on stretched canvas 42 x 33 x 1
Judy Riendeau, Art Teacher
The Old Blue Tree, View outside my art room at St Francis School, Goshen Campus
Terri Gilmore, Senior Adult
Earth Mother, Clay, Mixed Media, Acrylic Paints built up in layers creating a bas-relief. 24” x 24"
The artwork is of a mother as one with the tree. Her arms, legs and hair are an extension of the tree’s branches. The child she carries is the earth.
My goal was to create an image (starting with the nurturing, growing tree) that portrays how the earth, its occupants and all things are connected as one. Each has a spirit and impacts the other. My hope is that my art instills a sense of hope and desire for people to love and respect each other, living creatures and the environment.
Whitney Creeden, Age: 39
series of fruit trees (Clementines, Lemons, Pomegranates), Watercolor on 6x9 watercolor paper, synthetic round brush #1, #4
I recently bought watercolors for the first time and thought I would give them a try. I like vibrant colors and these trees feel so alive.
I'm a busy mom of three who works full time in healthcare. Art is my escape. I paint for a few minutes here and there in-between all our crazy schedules.
JULY Creative Clue Showcase
CLUE: TOGETHER
Greta Mattingly, 61, “Twins”, 5 x 7 pastel
I used hard and soft pastels on a board primed with Art Spectrum pastel primer.
Terry Burkhead, BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK....TOGETHER
paint on driftwood board from Ohio river, with some computer additions for fun
size 14" x 6"
June Creative Clues Showcase
CLUE: LIGHT
Shakia Harris,
Age:30
Golden Hour,
18x24 inch on stretched canvas. Landscape abstract depicting sunset.
I typically use oil paints and palette knives to created textured florals, landscapes, and abstracts. Can view my work at shakiaharrisart.com
Inspired by a trip to Boulder Colorado with my fiance. One of the final days of our trip he pushed me to do a hike up a steep area and I was extremely uncomfortable at first but ultimately it's a moment I frequently refer back to for comfort and reassurance that I can do difficult things.
Terry Burkhead
HEAVEN'S GATE....paint on stretched canvas....36 x 36.....inspired by the light coming through a sky window
Molly E. Whitt
Age
Illumination
Tell us just a little bit about your artwork: I wanted to do a piece entirely from collage magazine pieces that showed light & shadow. It was tedious, but it turned out well.
What tools and materials did you use to create your artwork: Magazine scraps, canvas board, mod podge.
The story of how your artwork came to life: I used a photo of some sunflowers my son gave me for Mother's Day, drew out the image, then filled in with collage pieces.
May Creative Clue Showcase
Brady Monks
Title: The Flag
I used my camera and the wind
The flag is blowing in the wind
I saw a good opportunity of the wind blowing and thought it was pretty creative
Terry Burkhead
Title: Beach Breezes, latex/acrylic on a stretched canvas 36 x 19
Jimmy Amrhein, Age 17
Title: Windy tree, I used ArtRage on my iPad to create this the tools I used on the app were pen and a blending knife.
Its a tree in the wind or breeze with leaves blowing off going with the wind.
I was told to think about the word breeze and to create a piece that came into mind about the word and immediately I knew I was going to draw a tree with leaves blowing in the wind.
Dara Smith, Age: 23
Title: Sky, Acrylic and my deck!
To me when I think of breeze, I think of abstract, conceptual art. You can't "see" the breeze, but you can sense it, and you know it's there... to me it makes me think of open air, and the big blue sky. I wanted to capture this flowy, open feeling with an acrylic pour (on canvas) but the acrylic was even more free flowing than I planned- spilling onto my deck! As I was doing an acrylic pour on my deck for the creative clue "Breeze" some blue paint spilled off of my canvas and onto the deck I was painting on. I stared at it: it looked like the sky! I thought it looked like a portal up into the sky, like when you can see the sky in a rain puddle.
Molly E. Whitt, Age: 40
Title: Shootin' the Breeze, Acrylic on canvas. 12" x 16."
I thought about one my favorite things to do: drink a cup or two of coffee while watching the hummingbirds at the feeder by my front window. I took some creative license because I have navy, heavy drapes, so they would not do. It definitely needed airy sheers whipping in the wind. I wanted to share the sense of calm & joy that I experience in that moment. I love my Princeton Velvet Touch brushes my husband got me for Valentine's Day.
Aidan, Age: 16
Title: faded glory, Camera
The theme was breeze so I took a photo of the wind blowing with our flag
I heard the breeze was blowing outside and remembered the theme so I snapped into action
Lindsey Duffy
Title: Diaspora, Pastel and acrylic on board (8.5" x 11.5")
A breeze is mostly thought of as cool and refreshing, which makes us more comfortable...but it is also a vehicle for dispersion, which is not always pleasant. The separation from what is familiar, the journey and even the establishment can be hard. But the end result is expansion, discovery and growth, which make life interesting and beautiful.
This was a short-term project created specifically for this challenge, and somewhat experimental. The vibrant background is painted in acrylic, but typically when I am using pastels I prime with plain white gesso on the area where I place the figure. This time I decided to see what would happen leaving the background consistent throughout, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results!
April Creative Clue Showcase
Molly E. Whitt, Age 40
Title: Spring Buds
Pan watercolors, watercolor pencils & watercolor markers.
When I think of Spring I think first of of the redbuds I see out in the countryside where I live. They pop up all through the hills & in the little dips & attract local birds. They are very vibrant & make me smile. My artwork came to life by just looking around outside. Springtime is beautiful in Kentucky.
Name: Dara, Age: 23
Title: Clifty Falls. Acrylic paint, paint brushes, fingers, added real leaves from porch outside.
This work was a piece made at an Uptown Art painting class a few years ago. It has been painted over to capture a more "spring" feeling, adding more foliage and mist to create atmosphere and immerse the viewer into the scene. As I was working on the piece on my back porch, pieces of nature kept falling from trees or being blown down onto my workspace, sometimes falling on the work itself. I decided to use this in my piece and go ahead and add the fallen nature in!
Name: Greta
Title: Spring Morning Mist. 30 x 40 oil on canvas
I want to get better at making marks with a palette knife so I tried to use it as much as possible for this painting When I think of Spring I think of green! The misty atmosphere in this scene gave me a good opportunity to use a variety of warm and cool greens
Terry Burkhead
Title: Gift of Spring. Paint on unstretched canvas...8" x 10"
Name: Vivian and Chloe, St. Francis School, 4th grade, Goshen, KY
Title: GREEN!
Name: Dawn Della Bella, Age: 62
Title: Pretty in Pink. Daniel Smith Watercolor on Arches 140# watercolor paper
I love poppies, and wanted to showcase their beauty (this is an opium poppy) - beautiful, but dangerous! I also wanted to explore a bit with the technique of negative painting.
I just started to paint a few years ago after taking my first ever watercolor class at Preston Arts Center- and now it had become my passion! With some extra time on my hands and nowhere to go due to Covid, I’ve been able to give more free time to making art - a little blessing in the midst of this challenging year!
March Creative Clue Showcase
Molly E. Whitt, Age 40, Title: My Studio Chair, Watercolor, watercolor markers, & collage.
It's the chair I sit in by my easel to make my ideas a reality.
I was thinking about where I spend my evenings & weekends painting with the commissions I'm given, thinking about how I can make people smile through the work. I'm also coming up with ideas in my studio for my own original pieces. I love working in mixed media & to show depth/ texture.
Evan Whitt, Age: 5, Title: Operation Chair Robot, Crayola Washable paint on mixed media paper
My mom made me come up with it. I like robots. I only like them with swords.
The story of how your artwork came to life: It doesn't.
Delfina Mills
Probus
Diana Heron, “Precious Baby Boy”, Oil on canvas
Social media: IG& FB: shy1s_art
Terry Burkhead, “TRES AMIGOS”, Paint on stretched canvas, 36 x 36 x 2
Greta Mattingly, Age: 61, “Waiting for Jamie”, 8 x 10, pastel on wood panel
I used a combination of hard and soft pastels on a wood panel primed with Art Spectrum Pastel Primer.
When I saw the creative clue I immediately thought of my pug, Dougie. He has a neurological degenerative disease and uses a wheelchair daily for walks and dog park visits.
February Creative Clue Showcase
Greta, Age 61, From the Heart, 16 x 12 pastel on board
I used a combination of hard and soft pastels on a board that I primed with Art Spectrum fine tooth Colourfix Primer in the color Aubergine.
I’ve painted this art model many times. I had painted an oil of this pose before but this time I focused on her facial expression with her hand close to her heart.
Candace Hutchison, Intertwined, Water colors, photographs and computer. I took photographs of my water color pieces and infused them with some actual photographs.
It is a mashup of watercolor images and photographs digitally manipulated.
I considered the common symbols of the heart, such as blue bird, roses, the simple heart shape it self and that it is synonymous with compassion, love and expression. Looking beyond the cliche symbols lies a heart beat, both real and metaphorically, intertwining all living things. That vitality and perpetual rhythm is what I wanted to emphasize in the artwork.
Probus, Age 61, the Nestled Heart, pinhole or lens less camera with 4x5 black n white film, usually TMax 100, because it’s so forgiving at longer exposures.
This is a pinhole image that I made a the Falls of Ohio River Park in the fall. Because of the river’s current, things are always washing up or washing away. I never see the same thing on the riverbanks due to its ever changing nature. I am fascinated by the trees in the Louisville Area. They have such character and grace under the pressure of changing weather. Pinhole photography gives these old beauties a softly sharp image which adds an ethereal feel
Liyah, Age: 5, Happy Hearts, Pouring medium and Acrylic paint.
Liyah created this piece by using a pouring paint method.
Liyah created this Happy Hearts happily by pouring on the paint and creating hearts on the canvas.
Gena Neumann, “take a little piece of my heart”, hands & fingers/acrylics
I am an Artist who loves to explore alternative materials and work in color. I’ve been painting hearts for the past few months- we all need to share Love during these times
Rachel Delong, Age 18, The Heart of a Tree, Colored pencils
The creation of this piece came about as a result of your clues given, along with our Western Hills High School Art Class assignment given relating to shape, a part of our unit on Elements and Principles.
Vanessa Brandenburg, Age: 23, The Ticker, Acrylic, watercolor
The Ticker was made to show the different meanings of the heart.
As I was doing my research on the word heart. I saw how many meanings there were for the heart. I painted what I has interpreted and hope you all enjoy this piece.
Molly E. Whitt, Age: 40, He Leads, Acrylic paint, rubbing alcohol, brushes for both painting & scratching off paint.
Painted in response to the pain & also hope we went through when my husband was ill. He had heart surgery in late 2019.
I was thinking about the chaos surrounding knowing I could possibly lose my husband to heart failure. I made the background completely black, then added the yellow, representative if light over top. I scratched the heart into the black with the ends of brushes & dripping rubbing alcoholm The inside of the heart represents the miracle we experienced when we found that his heart had created its own bypasses to keep pumping. The water represents the flow; his life. The leads on the heart show our faith during this time. There are three, representing the Trinity. The flowers are the outward representation of continued growth & life.
Terry Burkhead, FOCUS ON LOVE, 32 X 19, paint on stretched canvas
January Creative Clue Showcase
Molly Whitt, Frosted Daybreak, acrylic, modeling paste on gallery wrapped canvas
Greta Mattingly, Winter Blues, 12x9, oil
Terry Burkhead, Raven
Carrie Beth Collins
Carol Jones, Snow on a Kentucky Farm, 24x 36, Oil on board
I grew up in KY on a farm and have always loved old barns in the landscape. Painted from a picture.
Terry Burkhead,Snowman
Carol Jones, Snowy Stream, 8x20, Oil on board
A quick little study of composition and colors. Painted during a class...experimented with different placement of trees and stream for best composition.