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I am art-challenged. Can't draw a lick no matter how hard I try. That’s why I appreciate art and watch in wonder as artists create beautiful images. Today’s guest blogger, Carolin Palmer, is one such creator.
She designs whimsical gardens, illustrates children’s books, draws nature posters for her Canadian homeland, and more. She starts with a simply sketched vision, adds dimension and details, and brings her art to life with color and finesse.
Fasten your seat belts and lock that tray table in its upright position as Carolin invites you inside the mind of an artist.
Before you go: scroll down to the end of this post to see a 30-second video of Carolin in action and download a free coloring page.
Seeing A World of Snapshots
Carolin Palmer, Artist I see things that are not there, and I make up stories to go alongside my whimsical snapshots. I hear voices saying things from creatures that can’t talk. I live my life from the pictures no one else can see. I like my imaginary world, and sometimes times I deliberately go there to avoid the reality around me. It is my escape, and it offers me a break from the ills of the world we sometimes live in. These are just a few examples of the many visions I have every day. They happen so often, and it’s impossible for me to paint them all. Sometimes, I wish my brain had a built-in camera, with the capabilities of my computer, but my hard drive would crash weekly from overload. In fact, I am now seeing a flashing banner run past my mind screaming, "CRASHING, CRASHING, CRASHING! BACK UP FILES NOW!!!!!!"
Sometimes, I wonder if all illustrators see snapshots of the world the same way I do. For me, it is often just a normal day, doing normal things, when I see something that appears one way and quickly transforms to something else in my mind.
It can be as simple as seeing a truck drive by on a highway with a dog hanging its head out the window. And then the illusions begin.
Illusion AND Illustration
Do any of these things sound like reasons for concern? Do I need to seek professional help to stop my visions?
I have had them my whole life. Without them, I would be lost in a world that I would not recognize. It would be dull. I would lose many of my funniest friends, the ones that never let me down and are always around. I grew up telling them my darkest secrets and going on adventures with them. They knew my wishes and dreams even before I knew what they were.
I pray my characters and I will be together forever. I do seek professional help but not to get rid of my visions; I seek help to get them out to you. I would like everyone to see life the way I do. It is a place you will want to stay and play.
A hundred years ago, I would be locked up for such insanity, but now I am called an illustrator with a right to have illusions. I AM AN ARTIST!
Before You Go.....
1. Enjoy a free download of Carolin's nautical-themed coloring page. 2. Watch a 30-second video of Carolin in action as she creates your coloring page. It's very special to her because it brings back memories of her beloved Nova Scotia homeland.
Connect with Carolin Palmer
Coloring page designer, author, illustrator and mother of nine, Carolin Palmer was born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. She is completing her first novel, an adult non-fiction book to be released in 2016, and she is also working on anything creative: painting shoes, designing T-Shirts and kid-friendly gardens, writing, illustrating, and managing her blog and social networks.
Recently, Carolin was selected as artist for an adult coloring book http://ellenmilliongraphics.com/ The new books will be available in spring 2016. Carolin continues to create and submit coloring pages, so follow her through the social media links below for updates.
Join the conversation
Is creating art illusion? Illustration? Both? Neither? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
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This week, we're having fun with a Halloween-themed guest post on the always-awesome MotherDaughterBookReviews.com Join us for a travelogue led by Sweet T, who hops off the pages of Sweet T and the North Wind to bring you to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (southeastern US coast).
These fragile barrier islands are only three hours east of my home, and I love visiting them. Their beauty lures tourists, but back in the day, they were isolated, sea-faring communities accessible only by boat. Bring a light jacket and get ready to bump into history (First Flight), mystery (Croatan) and ghosts (Blackbeard!).
Please read the rest of the story at motherdaughterbookreviews.com. Don't forget to leave a comment or like, and tell them Cat and T say, "Hey!"
Have a look around. Like what you see?
Click below to receive this blog by RSS feed or email.
Would love to have you to sign up for my newsletter
Subscribe to updates about my books. Receive my free downloadable tale for the Driving Down to Dillon: A Very Short Story of Love and New Beginnings.
The celebration from my 2-year blogoversary giveaway has ended. The ten winners received their prize, and I filed away all my giveaway goodies until the next time.
It's been great fun meeting new people and reconnecting with long-time readers. Fuzzy is having the time of his rabbity life, traveling to new places and making himself at home with readers. I'd love to see your photos of where you've found Fuzzy or read his tale. You can forward .jpg files to me via email: [email protected]
Like what you see? Don’t miss a post!
Click below to receive this blog by RSS feed or email.
Would love to have you to sign up for my newsletter
Subscribe to updates about my books and receive my free downloadable tale for the Driving Down to Dillon: A Very Short Story of Love and New Beginnings. |
Cat MichaelsBlogging about books, writing, family life, travel and more good stuff. Meet Cat
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