Thursday, June 19, 2014

Follow Me

Hello, All,

I'm still painting, illustrating & writing.

I've started a new writing service. I write blogs, articles, social media and website copy for overwhelmed business people.

I also have a new blog where I focus on only good news.

Please, visit: www.TracieSeedArt.com  and Join: www.GoodNewsRhody.com

FOLLOW ME:

on Twitter: @tracieseedart and @goodnewsrhody

and Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracieseedart and www.facebook.com/goodnewsrhody

All is Well and Good,
Tracie

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Step by Step Towards the Future

It has been years.  When I mean years, I mean almost my entire life.  My memories begin at about age 4.  So, I can honestly say that for the past 40 years, I have wanted to illustrate books.  I still haven't done it, but I am working on it.  Finally.

When I was little, I would draw all sorts of stuff:  fruits doing ballet, mice wearing Holly Hobby dresses, girls frocked in the latest fashion and unseen lands of my imagination.  I've been an artist for many years and have recently delved into trying my artistic hand and illustration.

About four weeks ago, I began a night class at RISD from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  It was very difficult for me to sign up.  Between my desire to be in bed by 8: 30 (don't judge me:  my kids get up at 5:45 a.m. for school) and my deep-seeded feeling of inadequacy, I've been pushing this class off for at least a decade.  Yes, a decade.  Isn't it amazing what fear does to a life? It slows it down to a molasses pace and wastes precious opportunities!

So, in my 40s, I have found bravery.  I signed up for a class.  I parked on the East Side in the dark.  And I walked two blocks down College Hill (WAY down) to get to my class.  Keep in mind, that I had to walk back up (WAY Up) the same College Hill to get back to my car.  I was very nervous and insecure.  These are big steps for me. I still haven't paralleled parked, but maybe, just maybe, I will brave that one of these days!  And, I don't like to drive in the dark and I don't like to hike from and to my car

I'm four weeks in to my class.  I just finished the above illustration.  There are a lot of things I see wrong with it with composition and execution.  But, you know, I am proud.  I am proud that I did it.  I showed up.  I walked up and down that darn hill.  And I put myself out there.

What have you always wanted to do?  Sit with that question for a bit.  Make a decision to do one--just on--step towards that goal.  Make a call.  Send an email.  Sign up for a class.  Whatever it is...make it happen.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Lion of Judah

Lion of Judah
12" x 12"
Acrylic on Aquaboard
Commission
NFS


I was thrilled when I was asked to paint a portrait of a lion: a nice break from farm animals and pets.  I adore painting all types of animals, but this one offered a special challenge: how to paint a lion strong yet welcoming?  In history, literature and life, a lion has been a symbol of strength, leadership, loyalty, royalty and honor.  In the Bible, The Lion Of Judah is a symbol of Jesus Christ:   "Jesus is commonly referred to as the 'overcoming one' and 'the one qualified to open the scrolls and seven seals.'  According to the Book of Revelation 5:5,  Jesus was the 'sacrificial Lamb' and the 'Lion of Judah.'  The prophecy of the coming of the Lord to 'judge the world' as the Lion of Judah is clear all through Revelation 5: 1-5." (http://www.buzzle.com/articles/what-does-the-lion-of-judah-represent.html).   The only time I remember a lion referred to as "cowardly" was in The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.  Even then, in the end, the Cowardly Lion discovers he has had courage the whole time--he just wasn't giving himself credit for it.  In yoga, the lion pose (Simhasana) is one in which, if done properly, shows no shame.  In essence, you take a strong kneeling pose, widen your eyes,  open your jaw as far as possible, stretch your tongue out and down, and, finally, roar as loud as possible.  In nature, a lion is able to spot danger and head it straight on full force.  A lion teaches us that when we are faced with insurmountable struggles,  we need to find our inner lion, roar and face our challenges despite our fears.  Now that takes courage!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Puppy Love

If you are a dog lover, you know what it is like to have one of these sweet creatures as a member of your family.  I've grown up with dogs and can remember each and every one of their names, faces and loving licks by heart. There is a quote by Anatole France that hits home every time I see a tale wag:  "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

Here are some recent pet portraits I've created for clients.  When presented to the customer, each one met their painting with either a smile, a tear, a laugh or even all three!  Hopefully these images will help you remember a loved pet in your life.
www.TracieSeedArt.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Valentine Gift for Animal Lover

Need a perfect Valentine gift for a loved one who loves animals?  Tracie Seed Art is now specializing in Personal Pet Portraits.  There are an arrangement of sizes and prices to meet all budgets. Cats, dogs, bunnies:  you name it!  I also paint farm animals for your fellow cow, sheep, pig, and chicken lovers. Order soon for timely delivery! www.TracieSeedArt.com