raven painting might be finished; here's it's name and symbolism

 hi all!

i'm now at a stopping point where i might be satisfied with my raven painting, huzzah!  there might be some tinkering here and there, but for the most part i'm happy with what it has to tell me.  

yes, i took the plunge and did the scary thing by getting into more detail with the ravens, and that meant possibly messing them up with some white lines.  and yes, i was freaked out when those lines weren't to my satisfaction, but i muddled through the scary bit by letting the lines dry and then doing a wash of purple and blue over the white, creating more muted linework.  i also worked in other spots to get the look i wanted.

here's some close-up shots of a few of my favorite bits, then one of the painting as a whole- though it's really hard to see the details and such with the poor lighting and the glossy paint.  this one will be difficult to get a quality photo to put in my shop, and it might have to wait until summer for a good day so we can take it outside to photograph properly.

the main raven has 3 chakra points, explained later

here's showing the third eye chakra

 

this dude still has the "4" on his chest that you can see when the light is right

love the gold texture in this sweeties chest

and the pink in the legs

note the gem- explained later

 

this area is delicious to me!

including the throat chakra

the crystals all have fun areas

this batch has gold that shines in areas

crystals= healing/healer

 

this has always been a favorite spot

fun colors and texture
 

 

and the painting as a whole;

i present to you

"Ravens Realm"

 jenny gabrenas finished 2/6/23

 

for the sake of simplicity (cause i'm tired!) here's the notes i took before and during the painting, to get my mind into the project.  i'll interject with some thoughts as i re-read my notes

Raven painting ideas;

 

3 ravens in different poses, 1 main raven.

Collecting baubles around them, lots of eye pauses

Purple in main raven, yellows, oranges around, sunset, gold/metallic (some gold sheet maybe)

messy textures, collage, scratching paint

The fool tarot card (journey) (decided not to add this detail)

Chakra symbols/colors ( 3^rd eye- dark royal blue; throat- turquoise; root- red)

Crystals, necklace, heart (didnt add the heart)

Added later as I painted- Sun rays into raindrops.  (to imply "intuition sharpened by challenges")

 

 (as i got into the painting, i looked up raven symbolism.  the bolded words imply important imagery and intentions to be added)

 

Raven symbolism taken from;  https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/raven-symbolism-meaning-spirit-animal/  and other similar sites

 

Raven helps us change our perspectives.

 

Raven’s variety of sizes of feathers as well as iridescent black is symbolic of this bird’s connection to shifting consciousness in many cultures. Raven helps us discover power and wisdom lying in the dark.

 

Because of their association with communication and psychic abilities, Raven is symbolic of the Third Eye Chakra and spiritual awakenings. This interpretation of Raven’s meaning in your life is easy to understand when you consider the Raven’s iridescent color from black to blue. Considering generic bird symbolism associated with communication, you can also connect Raven to the Throat Chakra. The dark coloring of Raven’s wings and connection between this bird and the Earth can also lead you to attribute Raven’s meaning as symbolic of the Root Chakra, reminding you to ground yourself when facing obstacles.

 

Let this sage master “call” to the quarters of creation with your intention.

 

Raven has been called a master of time. Procrastinators out there, get ready.

If Raven wings his way into your awareness you are about to get a lesson in using time wisely. You may be in the right space at the right moment, and Raven encourages that change in movement in your life. (editing jenny here; i had initially wanted to add a pocketwatch in the main ravens beak, but it didnt want to be added there.  might revisit this idea somewhere else)

 

A Raven totem means that you are often the human version of Mercury, delivering information to others. This may be something mundane like guidance in their protection or something deeply spiritual. Raven people often walk the line between the worlds, acting as a bridge. (bridge to other worlds=walking the ladder to the moon)

Raven totem is often found among healers and those who are charged with the sacred duty of helping others initiate into deeper mysteries. You may be a leader who is responsible for protecting others and facilitating healing and growth during times of darkness.

First, however, you may need to heal yourself and embrace your own higher wisdom. Raven totem can reveal your true power and potential as your intuition is sharpened by challenging circumstances. You may go through a difficult path that leads you to be reborn in a significant way when Raven is your totem.

delve into the realms of the unconscious and reaching for your true Be-ing.

Big things are on the horizon and Raven helps you to prepare. Learning to adapt, speak up for yourself and fight back when you have to are all lessons that are part of Raven symbolism.

 

Ravens can portend a journey, transformation, the need to change your consciousness or perception, or a symbolic death and rebirth.

 

Raven can also help you take back what is yours. Known for their tendencies to steal shiny objects, Raven symbolism is also about being attracted to what holds value for you. Don’t be afraid to reclaim what is yours. Often this comes in the form of healing past traumas or healing your Inner Child.  (red gem in ravens mouth=taking back what's mine.  needed at this time)

Raven’s appearance most likely is an omen that something is about to transform your life. Whether positive or negative, total transformation is usually dramatic. And, so, Raven spirit can help guide you safely through the fray.

Remember that Raven consumes the remains of other creatures, giving this bird the additional symbolic value of cleansing. Perhaps there is something old and unhealthy that you may need to purge? Raven is a great helpmate for that. 

Raven is also an excellent teacher, guide, and partner for magical studies and efforts.

Your ability to reverse your associations of death from something to fear to a recognition of a powerful rite of passage completing the circle of life, death and rebirth is also part of Raven’s message. Raven helps us change our perspectives. 

 

One thing is for certain, with Raven around your life will not want for mystical adventures and spiritual surprises.

 

that's the end of the symbolism i found that i needed to include.

 

Words needed for raven energy;

mystical adventures and new awakening

healer, heal yourself

change perspectives

raven intuition

collections

reclaiming my self

speak up

raven insights

fly free

 

 

raven stands up for herself

raven has powerful medicine and painting these beauties was important for me at this time.  i hope you enjoyed reading about my journey into Ravens Realm!

 

until later,

jenny

 

3 new paintings in the store!

hi all!  i mentioned last that i finished one new painting by going over an older painting, and those two are now in the society6 shop.  i also realized that another finished painting was forgotten when we were uploading into the store, so that is now up as well.

this will be a "quick" post, as these posts, while fun, are very tiring for me to make.

first off is my "best friends" painting.  i was inspired by a class to paint this, but also as a memory of a vacation i made with my bestie.  

textured and multilayered, these besties are living their best lives at the beach!  note the heart between them. 

"Besties Holiday";

here is a link to the art print

i was excited to see this as a shower curtain!

imagine the feeling of being at the beach with these gals, right in your own bathroom

 

you could even bring them to the beach with you as a beach towel! 

 

 

or as a travel mug!

there are 58 products available in many different price points for this particular original painting.  i'm currently thinking of uploading some previous stopping points to this one, as it certainly had some interesting pauses!

now to the painting that "Besties Holiday" replaced on this life-sized canvas...

when in the depths of depression, keep that one spark alive.  don't let the darkness invade your glowing light.  let your light expand.  you are important, you are a warrior, you are worthy.

the very moody "Of Darkness and Light";

here's the art print

and a beautiful reminder on an iphone skin

 

or as a sticker  to plaster everywhere

(and remember, you are loved)

"Of Darkness and Light" has 49 products of which to choose to put this original painting!

 

 

and to finish this post off, and i can't believe i forgot this wasn't uploaded yet...

 

the very textured "Farm Roots" 

a colorful and abstracted painting of my childhood homestead, showing how beautiful and fun life on a farm was to me.

here's the art print

 

showing it x-tra large to show texture

 the shiny areas in the grass on the hill by the house, and the bush on the left

notice the words "farm" above the tree line, and "roots" by the swingset 

drips as roots from the house

and hidden-in-plain-sight hearts

lots of fun details missed by a small format

and coasters

"Farm Roots" has 48 exciting products, some new, available for this original painting.  

as of this moment i have 199 original paintings uploaded into the store for your browsing pleasure! 

until later,

jenny

 

movement in the studio

hi all.  since i've last written i've been busy on an original as well as class work that is my style and reference combined with the artist/teachers style (so still original work, but inspired by the class).

lets start with the first project i worked on.  i found a reference photo on unsplash that made me swoon and imagine my own likeness in place of the model.  the image is based on van Gogh, whos work is very inspiring to me, and so i'm running with the idea of putting me inside of his Starry Night painting.

"Becoming the Art (ist)"

still in progress

 

reference photo by Marina Montoya on unsplash.com

at the same time a favorite contemporary artist came up in week 8 of Lets Face It 2022. emma petitt finds fun and unique poses and uses foreshortening to create beautiful figurative, full-figured gals.  i love her style and the way she layers paint, so was excited to play with her again!  find more classes of hers, including free ones, here

 

here's emmas' style;

 you can buy prints of some of emmas work here, and you can watch fun time-lapse videos of her creating here

 

and here is emmas week 8 class in Lets Face It 2022;

 

more classes, including free ones, at kara bullocks site

 

i used my own reference photo and covered up an old, unfinished painting of mine that didnt speak to me anymore.  i felt that the old painting said what it needed to say at the time, and made sure i photographed it to go into my store, but it was finished healing me.  it was time to focus on fun.

here's the old painting

"Of Darkness and Light"

 

here's my main inspiration photo with a heart between the models.  i had references for hands and feet as well, with a total of 4 reference photos.

photo by felipe bustillo on unsplash.com

 

and here's the new painting (with me for size comparison)

"Besties Holiday"

 

i wish i were there with them.  it's COLD in massachusetts!

(slippers and hoodie went back on real quick after this photo was taken)

this is a better painting for my mental health, but getting my depression out onto the canvas was important.  i love the feeling of this new painting and the heart their bodies make between them!

 

"Besties Holiday"

and some fun detail shots with all the texture

friends at heart

 

 

their toes in the sand

 

 

the look of love

 

 

this morning sweetie and i put this painting and 2 more up in my shop.  details coming soon, or just visit my society6 shop to see them first!

 

until later,

jenny

"Focused on Fluidity" in the shop

 hi guys, i finally have something new to put in the store, so i present to you;

"Focused on Fluidity"

octopus doesn’t fit into someone elses box; she's too smart for that.  octopus knows her heart and mind, and searches for her own truth.   this octopus is full of love, she knows her worth, she owns her story, and is strong in her power.  

 

to look at products, click the words underneath the photo.  if you wish to see more items with this print, either scroll down from that page, or go to my store main page

framed art print

tapestry

 

coasters
 

 

totes

 

 

water bottle
 

in total i counted 68 products you can order with this image!  with departments such as tech, home decor, bed and bath, office, and tabletop, you have multiple ways to enjoy this image, in your home and on the go.  too cool!

 

until later,

jenny

 

 

"Farm Roots" painting progress and result

hi there, and good morning, or afternoon, or evening.  i'm meeting you wherever and whenever you are, cause that's how i roll.

as of starting this post, it is monday, july 19, and my goal for the foreseeable future is to work on sketches and paintings each weekday.  i'm going at my own pace, as my body permits, so it may be slow progress, but i'm documenting as i go.

this morning i did a quick sketch (if you remember this is going to be a not-perfect abstract painting of my childhood home) on my drippy canvas with water-reactive pencil and then sprayed lightly with fixative.

 

i'm pretty pleased to have this unique perspective of the house before it was renovated and the shape of the back was changed.  this is the look of many memories playing on that lower shed roof, trying to climb my way up.  a happy day it was when i finally had the strength in my little body to fight my way to the crest!  that roof is no longer there, as it now has a big, beautiful sun room on top of it, but the base holds the sun room just as strongly as it holds some beautiful memories in my heart.

a little more work to the sketch, and it was onto the fun part of painting this piece!  i am going for it this time, and chose wild, fun colors to represent the endless days of exploration i had as a young child.

i decided to make the windows much smaller, and i like that look for this painting.

 

i chose colors based on the values in the B&W photo i have.

i didn't like how my focus was drawn away from the little shed

whose roof was the main subject for me

 

i like this color better for the shed, even though the value is off

and here is how it hung on my wall for a while as i pondered the next move. 

i'm thinking it needs a little bit more, and am waiting on some art supplies to come in so i can play a bit more on the canvas but with new stuff!

 

tuesday morning, after thinking about what and how to add, and talking it out with sweetie, i had a plan, and it was good.  didn't want to wait for new supplies, i just went in and did it!

 

here is my final piece, titled "Farm Roots".

i added my swing set and a drippy tree that i saw in the paint to the right, and added the word "roots" in pink, darkened some pink areas here and there and in the windows.  i darkened the green behind the house and added a 'bush' to the left of the house to soften the lines and to represent the huge lilac bush that hides that side of the house.  all those drips reminded me of roots and i ran with the theme of that, up-played all the drippiness, and used the play of words for the title.  

i took a lot of artistic license to this painting and i'm happy and proud i was able to get to this point of experience that i can play with my art instead of trying for exact likeness to the photo.

until later,

jenny

updating the For Sale page

hi there my friends!  hope your light is still shining bright, or at least still shining, and that you are giving yourself the care you deserve as the wonderful human you are.   because you rock!

I was messaged the other day an inquiry about one of my mini paintings listed for sale.  yay for inquiries!  that gave me a happy, but also made me look at my For Sale page and notice I have not updated it in a very long time.  time to get to work on that bit, I suppose.

so, in order for me to make it easier on my mind while I re-learn the revamped bits on blogger and piece the For Sale page together, I think I will add the paintings right here first so when I take breaks while working on it I won't get too lost.  I remember it being difficult last time I worked that page, so I think the Jenny brain needs a cheat sheet for this.

this is the first step to a re-worked For Sale area, but it's a step in the right direction.

I'm trying to put the paintings up in groups that make sense, so you might see multiples of one subject.   "just keep scrolling, just keep scrolling".  they are numbered here (29 paintings in this post!) just for myself on this post and not for any communication about said paintings.  

these are all original mini paintings of varying sizes, full of texture and movement and perfect for an alter or to sit upon a table or in among the books on your shelves.  they will bring a bit of joy and some of them come with a message if you choose to listen.

1.

"Sure-Footed"

4"x4"

mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

People who connect to Rabbit are clever and creative but may be working to control anxiety.

They are ready to run from potential harm but can relax in their safe burrow.

Use Rabbits energy to know you can release your fears; you can protect yourself.

2.

"The Treasure"

4"x4"

mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Rabbit is associated with luck, fertility and abundance.  

Know that your ideas are prolific and will come to fruition as you act on them.

Keep an ear open for opportunities.  Do the work and save your riches

to make it through the long, cold months.

3.

"The Pause"

4"x4"

mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Bunnies are clever animals as they can hide in plain sight just by staying still.

They teach us to think outside the box.  If Rabbit is calling to you,

he may be telling you to stir up your own creativity.

Don't let your ideas sit idle for long and be willing to do something unexpected.

4.

"Silent Flight"

5"x5"

mixed media; collage with maps, acrylics, inks

$25 + $5 shipping in the US

Owl might mean a change in life at this time.

Take Owls ability of clear sight to help you see the right course during this change.

Look for patterns and signs in life to help you.

Owl is a guide to help you see through the veil of illusion.

Call on Owl when facing a decision.

5.

"The Visioning"

5"x5"

mixed media; collage with maps, acrylics, inks

$25 + $5 shipping in the US

Owl represents your inner wisdom and may represent an upcoming change.  

Creating a vision board may be a way of fostering what you wish in order to see how the life choices

you make now play into the future you desire.

Call on Owl to help you chart these courses and to see any potential obstacles.  

You have the answers.

6.

"Spring Bouquet #1"

highly textured mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

6"x6"

$36 + $5 shipping

These flowers will spread joy daily and never need watering.

Made with collaged paper, then painted over in a drippy, loose, interpretive way 

to create a carefree focal point for any room.

7.

"Spring Bouquet #2"

highly textured mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

6"x6"

$36 + $5 shipping

A fresh spring palette of colors awaits you each morning with this abstract artwork.

I began with a collage of papers to which I imagined the bouquet into being 

with heavy pallet knife work and dripping inks.

8.

"Spring Bouquet #3"

highly textured mixed media; collage, acrylics, inks

6"x6"

$36 + $5 shipping

Imagine this sight as you sip your morning coffee.

A soothing bouquet of spring colors to bring joy into your day. 

Made with Collaged papers over which I used a pallet knife to create a loose, textured piece.

I then added drippy inks in my signature style.

9.

"The Transformation"

mixed media; washi tape, acrylics, inks

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Butterfly is a guide to your newest inner change in life.  

Be it mental or spiritual, 

Butterfly is there to help you through the dark cocooning and onto flight with light wings.

Soul work is not easy, but it is important that you make this change.

10.

"Playtime for Otter"

mixed media; washi tape, acrylics

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Otter is a playful soul, finding the joy wherever she turns.  They accept challenges head on with a shrug and continue forward with a positive outlook.

Call on Otter Wisdom when you have doubts that you can get through life troubles with a carefree attitude.  their antics will brighten your day.

11.

"Red Eyed Frog"

mixed media; washi tape, acrylics, inks

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

People with Frog Totem are great healers.  They have empathy for those around them.

They help those in need by cleansing old energies to make room for new.

Frog says you are coming into your own power.  Release what doesn't resonate and follow your guidance.

12.

"Heart of the Fox"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics, inks

2.5"x2.5"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

collage says "lift up your heart"

Look for the unintentional hearts in this piece!  The red heart I brought forward.

You are a smart one to have the heart of the Fox.  Always looking for solutions to daily obstacles, 

you have found the best way around trouble.  

You are able to provide for yourself and loved ones, even when times are rough.

13.

"The Wary One"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics, inks

2.5"x2.5"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

The Wary Fox pays attention to what surrounds him.  

He wants you to make sure you are not being deceived 

and that your path is free of what does not serve your highest good.  

Make careful decisions under Fox's wary eye.

14.

"Be Yourself"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics, inks

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Sloth tells you to enjoy those small pleasures found.  Embrace your differences.

Be odd and relish in the oddness of others.  Normal is boring!

Sloth teaches peace, tranquility, kindness and understanding.

Sloth people have big hearts full of compassion.

15.

"Carry the Love"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics, inks

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Sloth teaches peace, tranquility, kindness and understanding.  

Sloth people have big hearts full of compassion for others.  

Carry your light to the world with a patient smile on your face.

16.

"Resting Sloth"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics, inks

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Sloth tells you to add self care to your routine.

Enjoy the sun on your face as you read a book;

relax and take a nap;

eat something healthy to fuel your body;

spend some time in nature.

embrace your dreams.

17.

"Busy One"

mixed media;  washi tape, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

A busy worker bee goes flower to flower,

collecting pollen

 for the hive.  

Always helping her community.

18.

"True Colors"

mixed media; collage, washi tape, acrylics

4"x4"

$24 + $5 shipping in the US

Peacock is in your life to tell you that you are here for a reason.

You are enough, as you are.

Show off your personality and strut your stuff!

Grow into your beautiful plumage, honestly; with grace but also with balance, knowing that just as peacock is perfect, so are swan and duck.

19.

"The Night Wanderer"

acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

Elephant memory is strong, and his mind wanders from one memory to the next. 

 Are there things you need to let go of?  

Now might be the time.

20.

"Out of the Mist"

mixed media; collage, acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

This strong elephant walks bravely in her own path.

She trusts her inner knowing and that of generations before.

She trusts her journey

21.

"Colorful Bull"

acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

Elephant is here to suggest you may have something you need to say to another.

Make your dreams known, open up and express yourself.

22.

"On the Savanna"

mixed media; collage, acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

This Elephant reminds us that nurturing ourselves 

is as important (or even more so) than nurturing others.

You cannot pour from an empty cup.

Your instincts will guide you to know where you need support.

Find your way Home for care.

23.

"At the Watering Hole"

acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

You enjoy caring for those in need.  A sense of family is important to you.

Elephant is loyal and loving in all situations, but remember to fill your own soul.

24.

"Nebula" (SOLD- thank you!)

acrylics

3"x3"

$17 + $5 shipping in the US

This Elephant holds secrets of the Universe inside her.

Use your inner knowledge to guide you.

25.

"Swift to Love"

Magnet 

mixed media; collage, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$15 + $5 shipping

26.

"Dog With a Red Ball"

Magnet 

mixed media; collage, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$15 + $5 shipping

27.

"Those Pitbull Eyes"

Magnet 

mixed media; collage, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$15 + $5 shipping

28.

"Nice Doggie"

Magnet 

mixed media; collage, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$15 + $5 shipping

29.

"Pug With the Heart of Gold"

Magnet 

mixed media; collage, acrylics

2.5"x2.5"

$15 + $5 shipping

my paintings enjoyed their spa day and photo shoot this morning!

as always, you can contact me for any of these original paintings by email  

jenny@heavenspiritcreations.com

or message me through my facebook art page

you can also get any of these, plus many others, in my society6 shop, and put them on totes and other fun and useful items.

thanks for looking!

until later,

Jenny