Friday, October 18, 2013

Illustration Friday ~ ENTANGLED


Watch out...you don't want to become ENTANGLED in her web.

To see the myriad of takes on this prompt, hop on over to Illustration Friday and check out all of the marvelous artwork there is to see.

This original mixed media collage is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Thankful

I am blessed to live in a truly beautiful place. Peterborough is a lovely small town nestled in the mountains of southwestern New Hampshire. Like many people, I have become so used to the beauty around me that I've come to take it for granted.

Driving home this morning after dropping my youngest son at school, I traversed the canopied streets back home realizing that in perhaps a matter of days, the beautiful fall foliage would all come down. When we get to this time of year it only takes one strong rainstorm to bring the remaining leaves down.

I decided I would be sure to make time for a walk through our beautiful neighborhood, camera in hand, and record nature's fall splendor.

I am so very thankful to be living in such a wonderful place. We came to New Hampshire in 1990 and I'm always grateful that our life journey brought us here. (Well, maybe not so grateful in the dead of winter.)

Today's walk was just what I needed. Complete solitude. Not one single car on the road. Silence interrupted only by the wind through the leaves, the chirping of crickets and occasional birdsong. My "photo assignment" kept my mind focused on my surroundings and offered a much needed respite from too many troubling thoughts.

Each step along my way brought another glorious vista or interesting object nestled in nature.

Although I saw no one else along my hike, I did catch the eye of a rather curious cow.

The larger than life landscape before me was dazzling, but the small and unassuming natural elements were equally as grand.

All along the way there was beauty, both natural and man-made.

I walked as far as I could on our dead end street then turned around and enjoyed all the beauty on my way back home.

As I walked up the hill towards home, I was feeling thankful for my spot in this beautiful town. More thankful than I have in awhile...because I took the time to notice.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

"Get Thee to an Art Retreat"

Wiser words were never spoken. Although the Art Is...You Art Retreats abound with art and creativity, there is so much more you receive from the experience. Camaraderie, generosity, friendship, laughter, inspiration, support and love are around every corner. Event organizers, Sallianne McClelland & Ellen Legare, work tirelessly year-round to ensure that the events are all you'd ever want & MORE!

This year I taught "Little Book of Secrets," a class where we created small journals using mixed media techniques and filled them with art journaling. I strive each year to make the student kits not only complete, but attractive, fun and filled with special goodies.

As in past years, I was blessed with a lovely group of students who took to the techniques like fish to water and in no time were creating gorgeous journals!



Each student created two beautiful little journal books...each very unique with the artist's personal touch.


Art Is...You brings joy not only to attendees and faculty, but stretches far and wide to bring joy to others. This year's "Living in Generosity" event provided art journals & kits to needy women and children as well as dresses & dolls for young girls in need.

After a day filled to the brim with creativity, there is always time to relax and laugh with friends whom we seldom see...time to catch up over drinks and a nice meal.

All too soon it is time to say goodbye and we look forward to the next time we are reunited.

YES..."get thee to an art retreat"...and if you want to attend the "best-of-the-best" then you need look no further than Art Is...You Art Retreats. In 2014 the AIY family will be traveling to Dixie, Australia, California and back to Connecticut. You owe it to yourself to join in the fun!

© Nancy Lefko

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Illustration Friday ~ UNDERWATER


Summer is over and although it will be some time before I stroll the beach again, I'll spend the meantime dreaming of the ocean and it's UNDERWATER magic.

To see the myriad of takes on this prompt, hop on over to Illustration Friday and check out all of the marvelous artwork there is to see.

This original mixed media collage, on gallery wrapped canvas, is available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko