The challenge word this week on another illustration blog is "
soar".
Hank Soar played nine seasons for the
New York Giants and caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the 1938 NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers at the Polo Grounds.
He coached the
Providence Steamrollers in the Basketball Association of America (the forerunner to the NBA) in 1947.
His officiating in a baseball game during World War II drew the attention of Philadelphia Athletics manager Connie Mack, who recommended him for an umpiring career. He became an American League umpire in 1950. He was the first base umpire when Yankees' Don Larsen pitched a perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. He was again at first base on June 1, 1975 when Nolan Ryan of the California Angels pitched his fourth no-hitter. Soar also officiated in four All-Star Games, as well as the American League Championship Series in 1971. His on-field career ended in 1975, but was an assistant supervisor of umpires into the mid-1980s. He was greatly respected by players, a rarity among umpires, prompting
Ted Williams to say "He's absolutely consistent, that's the most important thing in calling a pitch.''
Hank Soar died on Christmas Eve, 2001 at age 87.
Fairies have often been known to soar in small flocks by day.
However, at night they tend to travel in a more solitary manner.
©Ginger Nielson 2007
As I look back on 2007, I realize there's baggage I need to leave behind. It's filled mostly with broken promises to myself. As I went about my hurried life I was forgetting to take care of my main goal, to replenish my spirit. Some of you remember that from last year. I got caught up in my wonderful new studio until opening after opening consumed me. I became part of the downtown artwalks, which are wonderful, but
I was forgetting the real reason I needed to be there. I needed it to be my sacred space where I made art, period. No agenda other than to fulfill my need to paint from my heart. In all of this racing to be part of something, I lost a part of myself. It wasn't all bad, believe me! I sold a lot of paintings and made a ton of new friends who love art. But still, in the end I feel empty.
So, what I've decided I need to do as I soar into the new year is leave a lot of bad habits and distractions behind. I'll keep the stuff that was working for me and leave the other stuff. And yes, Illustration Friday is a keeper, so you can bet you'll see me here each week. I'm looking forward to it!
New Year's blessings to all of my friends who have supported me each week. May we all soar into 2008 with good health, an abundance of friends, and gratitude for even the smallest things.
acrylic on canvas done for Illustration Friday, "soar."
This image is a constant theme in my work and I have painted it many ways,colours, in different mediums, sizes and dimensionally sculpted it too.This version is from my personal stationary except my letterhead would be inserted in the sky. The unfinished illustration below would be perfect for the Illustration Friday's topic "soar" but it keeps getting set aside for more pressing work. Hopefully one day I will see it as I do in my mind in a children's book form titled "Flying Home". That would make my heart soar!
I hope everyone has a fun,safe and very Happy New Year!!!
so beautiful ginger esp the second one
i like the second one too ;oP
Beautiful work, Ginger! Happy 2008!
Beautiful work. Your colors are gorgeous!
I really like how the viewer sees from above in the second one. Very well done.
you really capture the magic and lightness that is fairies.....blessings for the new year !!!
Wouldn't it be fantastic to hold a fairy in your hand? Great job Ginger!
I thought about having my own fairy when I was little. This illustration is amazing.
I looove the 2nd one. It brings back memories of my childhood when I actually went in search of fairies...
Beautiful Ginger, you know I like the Fairies! Great job!
Santa (below) looks great too! I also like your new "Ginger" icon!
Happy 2008!
Ohh... That's magic! I love fairies, too.
Happy New Year Ginger!
Aaah Ginger, both are filled with wonder and delight! You really captured the magic here! I hope you capture even more in 2008! You are such a special and talented artist!!!
These are wonderful!
Happy New Year.
love
"Quick, Henry, the Flit!" :)
LOVE this!! Absolutely fun and magical!
Beautiful, colorful and clever depiction of the word, Ginger.
Wonderful, both of them!
Wow! Wonderful. I always enjoy the "glow" in your work.
Fantastic illos! So full of hope and wonder - Happy New Year!