Monday, August 27, 2012

Word Painting





Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.


Edgar Degas




Whether we write flowery prose or poetry,

novels, client copy, articles, blog posts,

or all of the above,

I believe we paint pictures.

We "make others see"

whether we feel our words are art-worthy

or not.

Indeed. We create.

Stirring the reader's mind

through thoughts and images.

Placed there with our paintbrush.


What work of art are you creating this week?


Happy writing,

Karen 

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

32 comments :

  1. Hoping work as a mother, writer, creative thinker, and child of God.
    ~ Wendy

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  2. What a great inspirational post. I try and create a piece of 'art'every day...whether it is a blog post, taking a photograph, working on my art journal....or plodding along with my 'great american novel' ;)

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  3. Wendy,
    I think you are creating art in all those ways. Keep it up, you are in inspiration! :)

    Danielle,
    Thanks so much for your kind words! I appreciate your input. Sounds like you are determined; I appreciate your encouragement!

    Alex,
    I know, it's great! When I saw it I knew I had to share! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  4. Love the quote! I'm always trying to inspire my children, but in fact they inspire me. Thanks so much for checking out my post on Alex's blog today.

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  5. This poem is so inspiring! It's exactly what we writers do...paint thoughts and images through several mediums. Just lovely, Karen!

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  6. Rosaria,
    Thanks you! Appreciate you coming by!

    Ciara,
    I know, it's great, right? I agree, children are inspiring. :) Enjoyed the post over at Alex's today!

    Livia,
    You know, I didn't intend for it to be a poem, I just like the text and layout this way for a bit of "punch". But I guess it would qualify as a poem, couldn't it? Thank so much for your kind words!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  7. Beautiful!

    I love thinking that art is "what we make others see" ~ so true.

    This week, I'm writing...and writing.

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  8. What a lovely and true revelation. Thanks Karen!

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  9. Oh, I love this--how creative!

    I am working on a new humor book, and am really excited!

    Love,
    Jen

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  10. Loree,
    Thank you! It's something good to remember, at least for me, b/c I can get in my writer's mode and head sometimes...and I need to think how it comes off to others. :)

    Diane,
    Thanks so much! :) Appreciate your thoughts.

    Lydia,
    Thank you! Something to remember, you know?

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  11. Jen,
    Thanks a bunch! Wishing you the best with the book. It'll be a good one, I just know it. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  12. I love the quote, too--and the painting. Makes you want to take a walk right into the picture. Thanks for such a pretty moment of inspiration, Karen :-)

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  13. beautiful poem & quote! I want to remember that as I create.

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  14. cool quote from Degas.
    It's so great being a writer :)

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  15. Awww, beautiful one. That's why sometimes it's so hard to reflect on what we want to convey our language to the audience.
    Loved it Karen!

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  16. Been sort of down lately. Started work on an article on choices.

    Doing some letter writing for the nonprofit.

    Need to get back to story.

    Have a newsletter to get started.

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  17. Nicely said, Karen!

    I'm working on revisions for my YA novel in verse this week (and many future weeks, I'm sure.)

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  18. Kenda,
    I know, I found that picture on Stock Exchange - wouldn't mind having a print of that. I thought the same thing; it's inviting you to come and visit! Thanks for your kind words. :)

    Melanie,
    As I mentioned above, poetry wasn't my intention, for I've never thought I was good at it. But it is heartening to know that I was a poet and didn't know it! lol

    Lynda,
    I agree! Had to share it, you know? :) It is great being a writer!

    Yeesi,
    We really do have great potential to offer pictures for readers. A privilege and responsibility in many ways. Thanks so much!

    Cecelia,
    I hope we've inspired you to paint some wonderful things. You've got it in you! :)

    Ruth,
    Thank you! Best wishes with your project! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  19. Beautiful put, Karen. And now I'm feeling so much better. Thank you!

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  20. Thanks, Karen. Perfect inspiration as I begin a new project.

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  21. Hi Karen,

    One of the things that captured my imagination as a young person was the ability to see the action. I knew I wanted to write like that someday.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  22. What a blessing to hold that paintbrush and prod people's imagination with it. And feelings. I love it when my writing makes people cry. Not sure why... but I like to know my words touch the reader and I guess it comes from that.
    Blessings, dear Karen. xx

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  23. Joylene,
    Thank you! I know this inspired me, and wanted to share it with all of you, :)

    Linda,
    Best wishes with the new project! :)

    Susan,
    I like that, "captured my imagination". It is wonderful when a writer can do that! :)

    Dorothy,
    I think I know what you mean. You want to feel as though you affect the reader in some way. Best wishes with your painting! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  24. Lovely and inspiring!

    Bless you!! :)

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  25. Oh, Karen, I've always loved the idea of painting with words. I tend to think in pictures when I write. I'm currently doing some devotional work-for-hire projects that require fresh ideas. My idea well has been running dry lately. Your post reminded me that I need to get out of the house and look around for some inspirational pictures that I can turn into words.

    God bless you!
    Jean

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  26. Excellent use of - well, words! :) The 'painting' is coming hard this week, but it's coming.

    I've had readers tell me they can picture what's happening when they read my stories. So I know just what you're talking about.

    Of course, your word pictures about orange purses and such are powerful, too. ;)

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  27. Aw, I love this! You're making me want to go write a poem now.

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  28. I love this word picture, Karen. I'm diving into a new story, so this is just what I needed. :)

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  29. Cheryl,
    Thank you! The quote inspired me, so I just had to share! :)

    Jean,
    So glad this helped you. I too, need to get out and do some serious writing refreshing time. :)

    Rhonda,
    Thanks a bunch! Orange purses just inspire me across the board, what can I say? :) I too, can picture your gang's antics sometimes!

    Talli,
    So glad! Hope it continues to inspire all of us! :)

    Sarah,
    Thank you! Best wished with the story! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!