Not far from downtown there's a rusted, old abandoned space-metal building sitting in a state of decay from neglect. There are several block shapes spray-painted in random colors as though graffiti artists used the side of the building to test their new cans before tagging the local businesses and schools.
In spite of the blacktop surrounding this building, a small tree pushed its way through the asphalt-covered ground several years ago. The part of the building behind the tree makes such a beautiful backdrop, like a giant patchwork quilt sewn together stitch by stitch, always there to embrace this tree.
It's Redbird's favorite place, especially in the afternoon when the sun glows on the warm colors of the quilted metal. It's as though Redbird gives the tree a reason to stay alive with the promise of her daily return.
What some may perceive as decay and neglect, Redbird finds a sacred space that welcomes her with warmth, grace and beauty.
Done for Illustration Friday's prompt: Stitch. Acrylic and colored pencils on scrapbook paper.
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beautiful painting!!
Such a lovely rendering, and such a lovely story as well. Just beautiful.
enchanting: michael dailey
lolo...this is so lovely. i love love the soft color blocks, the form of the tree, and the very sweet redbird.
the acrylic and the pastels make such a winning medium team! hooray for you to explore it all! :))
lovely illustration and such a fine tale.....
This is lovely! Wonderful illo!
What a beautiful painting, really lovely.
this is my absolute favourite to date ( until the next favourite comes along). Rich color and strong design.
Very, very nice. The colors are awesome! And nice big view to enjoy in all it's glory!
What an interesting mix of media with scrapbook paper foundation. I love this piece, Laurel, very good job with the story as well!
Lovely, as always!
Love the colors and the shadows. ;-)
Filled with beauty and hope! Love this!!!
I don't know which I like better, the story or the illustration. Both are poetic.
Lovely colors!
what a wonderful Story. I love this painting a lot! Great Colors.
this is so gorgeous! one of my faves this week so far.
This has turned out beautifully! I love the cast shadow from the tree to the wall too!
Thanks for the welcoming back and your comment on my blog. I'd my car stolen in the beginning of November, it threw a huge wrench in the works for me. Fortunatly I've a good friend who has been letting me use her car for awhile.
Such beautiful things are often missed. Redbird (and Laurel) see the hidden beauty! Thanks for sharing!
the colours are so warm abd inviting.know i'm back when i see your amazing stuff.
Beautiful.
Very nice pastel colour scheme and wonderful story to accompany it.
ohh i like this a lot-everything about it.
Well, how about that! We both used acrylics this week. I think this one is beautiful! Mine is nowhere near the beauty of yours. PS. I am making you my agent!!!!!!
I'm glad redbird has her place to be.
WOW!!!!
Beautiful!!!!
Red bird can see the beauty in all things! Love this!
This piece has such a warm and dreamy quality to it. Great combination of quilted background with the naked greenish gray tree.
You are one of those rare bloggers who truly dare comfort and inspire.[at least that's how I see it] Thank you again for your lovely words on my blog!
what a lovely story!...and what a wonderful painting; a really great composition, layout and colors!
I love love love it!
You always see the beauty and calm behind every wall!
Love all the time and thought put into this Laurel.
Aow. Again, a very thoughtful, serene and beautiful piece!
This is stunning, and made even more so by the accompanying story. Thanks for sharing!
If I were a bird this might be my favorite place as well. This is just charming!
This is such a pretty painting! It's lovely on a visual level - the rendering of the tree and branches is excellent, the shadow on the building is a perfect touch, and Redbird seems to glow - but it's also extra lovely with its story. beauty finds a way to appear in almost every place. You captured it so well:>
Oh...so beautiful. I love your story and it's meaning...despite being surrounded by metal and asphalt, the tree and Redbird don't despair! The colors are so warm and soothing. And, of course, your story is as well.
On a less serious note (because I must) -- dibs on your art when you die!
I enjoyed your artwork and writing. This would make a nice quilt.
Beautiful! Such wonderful color and softness - your paintings always have such magic in them!
I swear visiting your blog is like going to church, or temple, synagogue, you know that spiritual place in nature… always a breath of fresh air. This piece is so peaceful. Btw, thank you for commenting about my design. I am in the process (have been for some time) in preparing to look for another design job and would love to find something that utilizes my skill with pattern and color. I'm getting past the fear and to the place where I know things will open up, if I keep focus and faith in what I do best. Enjoy your week!
Beautiful colors! Very sensitive!
My soul just sighed. Your story accompanied by your lovely painting brought a little mist to my eye. I had the same reaction to the scene in "American Beauty" when the boy-next-door shows a film he took of the discarded plastic bag floating around in the wind, along with some leaves. It was as poignant as a ballet.
Beauty surrounds us, sometimes in the most unlikely places. Thanks for reminding us.
thanks Lolo, your work is so beautiful!!!
this is glorious. the colours are zinging right through me, and your speculation about why the tree lives...rings soooo true.
i love this. i love this. i love this.
Really like the way you made the shadow play off of the colors in the backround...nice
lovely image. and i could just imagine the place. i see alot of that particularly in countrysides where i walk and its so sad sometimes to see a decaying beauty becuase of neglect. like those ancestral houses i remember as a beauty when i was a kid.
wow that's very lovely. love the pastel colours and beautiful interpretation of the tree's and bird's life. I always think and artist is not so much in what you do but in how you look at life - you are a true artist in all ways!
wow that's very lovely. love the pastel colours and beautiful interpretation of the tree's and bird's life. I always think and artist is not so much in what you do but in how you look at life - you are a true artist in all ways!
This picture is exquisite! And what a lovely story...
Thanks for your kind comment! I really like your painting. Very beautiful...
lovely story, lovely bird, enchanting painting.