I usually try to come up with an animal related theme when contributing to the word of the week at Illustration Friday. Animals are such a big part of my world, it doesn't feel normal to leave them out of my posts. I knew what I wanted to do for this week's word, "Theory", but I first had to find the right model on Google. I was looking for an animal with a soulful expression to represent a point I'm going to make which is, I find it hard to believe there are people out there whose theory is 'animals don't have souls.'
Animals are known to make choices to help people, their own species, and often times other species. Animals come from a place of pure kindness unless someone has beaten it out of them. They're unjudgemental and love unconditionally. They respond to our emotions, and even if they're ill-treated, they're quick to forgive. They love us no matter how fat, thin, bald, ugly, or ignorant we may be. Animals are used as therapy aides in hospitals, nursing homes and classrooms all over the world. They can even detect when we're ill by picking up certain chemical signals our bodies give off. Many dogs and cats have been known to actually nudge their owner in a place where there is a growth starting, and thus saving many lifes. They lie grieving by the bodies of loved ones who have passed away, and many have waited for years and years by a door or on railroad tracks, wherever, for their owners to return, never knowing they passed away. Just waiting, waiting at the last place they saw them. It breaks my heart.
So, do I think animals have souls? You bet. They're pure kindness of heart and my life is richer because they're here.
Now look into this guy's eyes and tell me you don't see an old soul.
I thought so.
Click here to see what this post has caused :)
acrylic and colored pencil on scrapbook paper for Illustration Friday's promt: Theory.
Good Morning:
First of all, let me just give a hearty "Thank You" to all of my blog friends. You have continued to stop by and read and leave comments, even though I haven't had time to keep up with my end of the deal this past week. I can't really put my finger on why things have been so busy and hectic here, but I haven't been able to keep up with blogging, listing, and reading other's blogs. It's true, as we all know, that sometimes "real life" gets in the way of computer time! So...that being said, I think I've got things on a more manageable schedule and I have high hopes of visiting all of my favorite blogs that I have missed so much.
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As the spring season progresses, the lovely warm weather is becoming more joyfully predictable. I'm so looking forward to laying my garden walkway this weekend. In the meantime, I found this lovely Clematis that I intend to plant this afternoon:
And I received a pleasant package in the mail yesterday. All the way from England, no less! I've been looking forward to this package for a few days, and I was absolutely NOT disappointed. I purchased a lovely and whimsical print from artandghosts last week. Not only did I receive the stunning rabbit print that I bought, but also included was an extra goody!! I am excited and so very happy with these 2 prints.
Another pleasant surprise came my way this week. My dear neighbors across the street came knocking on my door with an unexpected gift. A vintage set of green enamel wear.
I am planning on using them to store some of my art supplies on my desk. Isn't this a beautiful vintage set of enamel wear? I must say, this has been a nice week so far. Filled with unexpected goodies and treats.
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I've listed 2 new prints this morning in My Etsy Shop. For whatever reason, I like crows! Many of my collages include crows and I guess I was in a somewhat crow-y mood today. So, I listed 2 of my crow pieces:
Pesky Crows (ACEO)
A Crow In The Desert (5" x 7")
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Another heartfelt "Thank You" goes out to Sarah at http://fortheloveofbirds.blogspot.com for featuring my collage "A Crow In The Desert" on her blog today.
Until Tomorrow:
Kim
Garden Painter Art
gnarly-dolls
Kim's Kandid Kamera
You made me cry at work! That means you are an amazing artist! Yes, animals have souls. People who don't have one, will never know...
The eyes are soooo beautiful!!!
Bellissimo.
Cata
Such beauty in the blue and gray colors. Very touching.
Your image and text moved me as usual. You have very interesting takes every week. My favorite was your hats but this is a close second. Keep 'em coming! Gorgeous illustration!
Beautiful, beautiful illustration! And, yes, I do believe animals have souls. I cannot imagine any other way. I feel closer to God when I'm near them...
This is wonderful! Since moving from country to city, I miss the comfort of the old animal souls that used to keep me company everyday! I admire your depth in image and words!
I think this wonderful creature is wondering if humans have souls...
PamPod
Beautiful! Great thoughtful take on th topic of theory. You really managed to show us the gorilla's soul. Just look at those eyes! Truly beautiful.
ohh yes they do! 8) this is a wonderful sketch!
Wow Laurel! A powerful entry this one! Great illo and great story!
An amazing rendering! And your post made me think about Max, my dog. I miss him. Their love is wonderful, isn't it?
Your painting is truly soulful, and your rendering is always so excellent. I do think animals have souls, and I even think that some animals have the souls of people who have passed on and have decided to come back and keep someone else company. Sounds silly, I know... but I am certain that my cat Jezebel is really a person... and I don't care if i sound like a crazy cat lady:> Beautiful work and post, Laurel!
lolo!!!!! he is GORGEOUS! the soft colors, the hairs, the blue...just just lovely. lookit those eyes...pure sweet emotion. :))))
so beautiful, lolo!
teri
his eyes are full of wisdom
Look at the those eyes! Wonderful illo. Lovely blog. Thanks for visiting my blog by the way.
This is a beautiful piece and really captures something in the eyes, if not a soul at the least emotion and sentience.
Very wow!
Oh goodness me, your post nearly broke my heart! And I could not agree more! I love animals, and I truly believe that they have a soul.
wonderful illo! Just look at those eyes...
Love,
Carra
wow this is absolutely amazing rendering, well done! I would have to agree that animals have souls. they are just as feeling as we are ("animals are people too!")
thanks for stopping by my blog!
WOW, this's a powerful illo!!! I love it!
(^v^)
This is both a wonderful post and a wonderful painting. I love animals also ... I currently have a dog and 3 cats. I really like the colors you chose for the painting ... they are very serene.
Lolo. You have really tapped into your amazing gift with this post. I can't even find the words to tell you how amazing this artwork is. You truely have a gift, thank you for sharing it with us all.
National Geogrphic has a wonderful article "Inside Animal Minds" in the March Issue. Really terrific photography in it for the piece too.
This is absolutely beautiful, lolo ! Congratulations ! This ape seems alive and is so expressive, I love it !
So sensitively illustrated!!! Though the jury certainly is still out on if animals have souls or not, they are amazing creatures indeed.