Friday, September 2, 2011

Inspiration Avenue: Beach treasures

A couple of weeks ago, I painted an abstract piece for another Inspiration Avenue challenge. I kept believing this piece was not finished, so Thursday I had the chance to use the painted 12 inch X 12 inch X 1 inch wood block as a background for my beach treasures, shells and coral I have collected for years and have tons of.


Since there's no way I can put this on my scanner, I laid it down to get a better photo of the colors (Golden ultramarine blue, permanent violet, and titanium white fluid acrylics). It was at that time


I decided I liked it just as well in this position. Which do you prefer?

Thanks go to Artangel (Angie) who provided this week's Inspiration Avenue challenge.

And for those of you who want an update on my weather, here is the skinny. On Wednesday, my city (Wichita, KS in the USA) tied the record for the most number of days 100 F or higher at 50. That same day, we also broke the previous record for the day, with a temperature of 108 F. On Thursday we broke the all time record of 50 days with 51 days of 100 F or higher temps. I believe the high was 106 F, but I didn't see if it set any other record for that day. And our temps are supposed to be over 100 F today (Friday 104 F) and tomorrow (Saturday 102 F). So we will not just beat that old record, we will beat it handily! Then if we are lucky, we should cool down in time for Labor Day (celebrated Monday in the US). So have an awesome weekend everyone, and a great three day holiday weekend to those of you who live in the States.

19 thoughtful remarks:

Darla said...

Great way to use the previous abstract. I like the last layout best. Can't tell you exactly why tho.

Hoping your heat wave does indeed break by Monday (if not sooner)

Darla

~*~Patty S said...

You are definitely hot hot hot dear E!

You have me wondering how the crab would look at the bottom?

Stay cool and have a great weekend my friend!
oxo

voodoo vixen said...

That is really lovely E!! There is something wondrous about a thick chunk of real wood and to team it up with the shells and coral just makes it even better.
I must think like you... I nearly didn't post my own tipins as it seemed daft when I have to pay to post them back myself as well!! But... I am a good girl most of the time and just obeyed the rules... ;)

Healing Woman said...

Oh, I really like this piece! What a great way to display those lovely ocean shells. Hope it cools down for you soon.

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Great idea to combine the two challenges--the painted block is a perfect backdrop for the beautiful shells! I like the crab shell on top, too :)

Unknown said...

I really like your piece for the challenge this week. I like how each element has a focus but then all is related. Very nice. And WOW on your heat wave. We have had a milder summer this year with only a handfull of days in the 100's. I hope your weather cools soon and until then you have some cool place to be.

Terrie said...

What a great way to build on a piece that you felt needed "a little somethin'" I really like the abstract nature of it and it's somewhat similar to what I did - an abstract background with shells attached. Great minds think alike :)

Gloria said...

Gee, I hope you get a good long break from the heat wave- and soon! (We were 95 today, but it's not a streak.)

Your abstract piece looks good with the nature element added, nice and hefty wood with shells...

Gloria

artangel said...

Love this Elizabeth, and wow you do have some wonderful beach treasures!

I'd never have thought of putting them together but the natural beauty works so well with your abstract painting. I think I prefer the last composition, though it works any way up!

Hope you're keeping cool over there! x

gma said...

Hey I really like that. It's modern and contemporary yet so romantic. Great job!

Sue said...

Hi hun
sorry ive not been by for a few days, busy busy busy. luv luv luv it, being a beach person this is gorgeous, would look fabulous on the wall, did i say i luv it! lol, sue,x

Cathy L. Calamas said...

I Like the crab on top!! Beach treasures are my FAVORITE things. I'd love to hang this in my bedroom. :))

Priti Lisa said...

I love this! A great way to showcase the beauty of each shell, having their own space and 'frame'.
♥♥♥

Tracey Fletcher King said...

I really love the crab shell and love it at the top of the piece. I think this is great fun.
http://traceyfletcherking.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

I prefer the bottom version and it is wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I can picture this hanging at a summer cottage :).
Stay inspired!

Carola Bartz said...

This is a beautiful work of art. I like the color blocks on the wood and how you put your beach treasures onto it. I think I prefer the crab on the side...

WrightStuff said...

Bit hot there is it? We were lucky to break 70 degrees most of the summer!

Well, I love a bit of serendipity - just when you were wondering if your piece was finished, here we are at IA with the perfect finishing 'touch'.

I love to hold shells up to my ear and hear the sea, do you?

Leada Wood said...

How clever you are to combine the two challenges! I like the crab on the right version. Great way to showcase those special treasures from the sea.