The Art of Making Leaf Angels - and living Artfully, Every Day #aedm Day 28

Today’s Art Every Day could be called “Creative All Day” between baking, cooking, painting backgrounds, writing, taking photos, and the next to last performance of "Beyond Therapy".

 

 
 

The main work I created, though, involved photography, something which hasn’t been my focus this month: in one sense, there is that feeling of returning to my roots AND a profound appreciation for the growth I have experienced this month.

Intriguing to find, after I had written this, that Leah included this quote on the Art Every Day main page: “If you keep following your own footprints, you will end up where you began, but if you stretch yourself your artwork will flourish. ~Donna Baspaly”

I love dwelling in the AND place. The Julie-fied version: “If you keep following your footprints and continue to intentionally grow, your artwork will flourish and your understanding will deepen.”

I wanted to capture Bakersfield’s autumnal colors. Here in Central California’s San Joaquin Valley we don’t get much of an autumn, but there are some reds and yellows and oranges to be found if you know where to look. I inquired of my facebook and twitter friends and got a bunch of recommendations for location shoots.

The other part of shooting autumn colors, for me, is light. I want the light to be just right.  I prefer dawn or dusk rather than bright light or overcast.

Rain started in the mid-afternoon so I wasn’t sure what I would do. I was ready to go at 3:30 and decided to just head out, no matter what, and as soon as Samuel and I left the house, the sun nudged a cloud out of the way.

The sun wasn’t with us for very long, but I took advantage the best I could.

We went to the Oleander neighborhood and to Beale Park, specifically, with the plan to visit Hart Park at a clear dawn hour. I have photographed there at dawn before – it is gorgeous.

 

 

My favorite discovery of the day was the ability to make Leaf Angels a la Snow Angels. Samuel is such a good sport, he will try almost any zany activity I ask him to try.

What zany, creative activity will you try next, in order to grow?

Comments

[Jodie Landers Arvizu]

I love the picture of Samuel in front of the yellow house in Oleander. Their trees are always so pretty. You have inspired me to take my own sons out for some fun fall pics. Thanks Julie!

[Shannon]

Great photos!! Ah I love those creatively charged days. Happy stretching!

[sueokieffe]

Your leaf angels are wonderful. Yea Zach! Your own in-house angel. I have never done a photoshoot at dawn. Someday I must try that. I like taking photos when it's foggy, and up here on the North Coast of CA, we get lots of that.

Your gracious and generous comments during this AEDM have touched my heart. Thank you so much!

Sue

[susie]

I had never thought of leaf angels. What a wonderful photo. Thank you for all of your inspirational work and words this month.

[Vicki]

I've never thought of making leaf angels.

May I copy this idea next fall (if I remember?) with my grandchildren?

xoxo

[Diane M. McKnight]

I never thought of leaf angels before, but this is a great idea for fun. My kid is probably too old (18 1/2) to find this interesting, but I might still.

[Rebecca Stees]

Fun photos! I really enjoyed looking at your flickr stream today!

[Renu (midnitecreations)]

I just love the first pic with the paint colors swirled together and then noticing that the leaves have the same colors.

[lilas]

love the leaf autum, here, where i live, no autumn leaf
thanks

[Kara aka Mother Henna]

Leaf angels! Brilliant! I love that photo of the paint and, is it gesso?, in the bowl -- lovely! Thank you for the reminder, too, that it isn't just art every day, but being creative all day every day. heART and lots of miracles to you! k-