Copyright: Magnolias Up Close by Lisa Goesling
I remember drawing these flowers this past spring. They were right outside my front door and blossoming and twisting open right before my eyes. Today is quite the opposite with winter's gray skies and chilly winds. Thanks to nature and my black clayboards, I can enjoy spring all year round!
Copyright: 3D Thistle by Lisa Goesling
I have been intrigued with using Black Claybords as sculpture. They have a bit of depth to them both by their very nature and by creating dimension through line. I haven't used a jigsaw in years, but going around the Thistle was easier than I thought it would be. Can you notice that I even went around the little hairs at the top? Now I know I can achieve this technique, can't wait to apply it to my next piece of art!
Copyright: Close to the Sun by Lisa Goesling
I find it interesting that this flower is called a Sunflower and has a lot of the same properties of the sun. It has the center shape surrounded by 'rays' which light up the garden. There is a whole lot going on in this 8"x8" space!
Copyright: Larger Than Life Texas Thistle by Lisa Goesling
I created this piece for an organization called ACT, Artists Changing Tomorrow. It is part of an International Fund Raising event taking place at The Gallery at Round Top, in Texas. What can be huger than changing lives through art? As owner, Karen Vernon so eloquently put it, Learning through the arts not only results in the creation of beautiful works, but contributes to greater academic achievement, higher test scores, and the creative thought that leads nations. Thank you Ralph Arvesen for allowing me to work off of your gorgeous photography. I incorporated both the Texas Thistle into this piece along with the background flowers which are Crow Poison. (They sound a little scary so I left them black and white!)
Copyright: Marigold by Lisa Goesling
This flower has so much energy. I love the constant movement, the gorgeous colors, it seems to jump right off of the page! I am so glad that it went to a good home!
Copyright: Composition of A Coleus by Lisa Goesling
These leaves are interesting in and of themselves. Coming in close makes them infinitely more interesting! I tried to capture the variegated leaves with their sharp contrasting reds, greens, yellows, maroons, and purples. They almost appear as if someone has taken a paintbrush to them. Of course, that's what I ultimately did after drawing them!
Copyright: As Far As The Eye Can See by Lisa Goesling
This one was a little crazy, it took on a life of it's own. Have you ever looked deep into a flower? They are filled with so many shapes and textures, I got completely lost in the details!
Copyright: Small Dahlia by Lisa Goesling
I look at this flower and marvel at how the pink outlined petals create a constant movement of shapes, sizes and patterns. I continue to be surprised by the interplay that occurs within a single element in nature.
Copyright: Eremurus by Lisa Goesling
My husband sent me a gorgeous arrangement for our Anniversary. I know that most people would place them on a table and simply enjoy their beauty. Personally, I couldn't wait to study the details! I had no idea what the name of this flower was, all I knew was that it was fascinating. I loved the forms of the buds, the way they grew along the stem, the color combinations, fabulous! When I was finished the piece I headed down to Kabloom on the second floor of the Mart to ask exactly what I'd created. Turns out it's called an Eremurus, (or more commonly, Foxtail Lily). Who knew?
Copyright: Burst of Energy by Lisa Goesling
That's what it took to create this piece! There were so many little elements interacting with each other, hard to believe I finally completed it!
Copyright: Colored Columbine by Lisa Goesling
I love the subtle effect of the black on black in this piece. One of the key goals that I aim for with my art is to create multiple layers as they appear in nature. By adding the black outlines to the background, the actual flower seems to float right up to the foreground!
Copyright: Orange Tulips by Lisa Goesling
By not focusing directly on the flowers, it adds interest to the entire composition. People expect the flowers to be the star, I like to give the viewer more than what is expected. The leaves interact with the orange flowers bringing your eye right into the art and the rich tones add a stately elegance to the tulips.
Copyright: Small Evolution of An Iris by Lisa Goesling
My folks were art lovers and built a stunning collection. I remember being quite young and being shown a small painting they had recently purchased. It was no larger than 8"x10" done by a Dutch artist in the 1700's, I believe. The art was filled with layers of details, so much so that they had me look at it through a magnifying glass. It opened up a whole new world for me, I could see so much more than appeared with the naked eye. I believe that that little painting influenced the way I approach my work today. I begin with a magnifying glass, studying all of the shapes, textures, and details. Small Evolution of An Iris, captures the multiple layers and movement of the leaves and flowers outside my door. Art doesn't have to be huge to be powerful!
It sure is nice when friends send flowers! I especially loved receiving these Lily's since I am crazy about the sender! Besides smelling great, it was fun capturing all of the shapes, textures, patterns, colors and of course-details. This image was used in a Dick Blick Materials Ad in Drawing Magazine.
Copyright: Alex's Flower by Lisa Goesling
I should know this flower but I am not certain. If you know, will you please educate me? Sometimes I stroll around and photograph flowers and have no idea what I am shooting! I guess my expertise lies more in the execution than the actual flora! Don't you love how the wind plays with the petals?
Copyright: Hydrangea by Lisa Goesling
I captured this Hydrangea just before it burst into full bloom! It's composed of a combination of large showy and small inconspicuous flowers. But even the smallest ones aren't safe from my etching tool! I tried not to miss a single one, and yes, it did take a long time to create!
Dragonfly by Lisa Goesling Copyright
I am lucky enough to reap the benefits of drawing this creature that my friend Renee photographed. Can you believe the amount of detail and design that is involved in these delicate insects? Perfect for this medium! Those beautiful transparent wings dotted with gorgeous patterns are actually quite strong. Dragonflies have been clocked flying almost 60 mph!
Copyright: Black and White Orchid by Lisa Goesling
Have I mentioned that I absolutely love Orchids? The extraordinary patterns that occur in nature confirm my belief that there is a force bigger than you and me. How else can we explain the intricate designs that make up this rare flower? Orchids appear simple at first glance but as you look closer, there is so much more! Not unlike nature itself, I begin with something simple and attempt to turn it into a thing of beauty. When I etch away at the black ink, details emerge from the layer of clay. My hope is that my art takes your breath away, just like these flowers do for me!
Copyright: Multiple Weed Flowers by Lisa Goesling
I can't help being intrigued by the lowly weed. I am not certain who decides what is a weed and what isn't. All I know is I see beauty in the graceful shapes of the flowers, and incredible detail all the way down to the little fuzzy hairs that hug the stems. Can you see the bee?
Copyright: Open Magnolias by Lisa Goesling
I wish that you could smell these flowers blooming right outside of my door! They emit the most delicate perfume! Magnolias are 95 million years old, having been around even longer than bees! They say that they developed to encourage pollination by beetles. One minute the tree is filled with buds and the next it is completely consumed by blossoms!Copyright: Open Magnolias by Lisa Goesling
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