Wisdom # 30

TITLE: Wisdom # 30

MATERIALS: Acrylic, paper and resin on canvas

SIZE: 10cm x 10cm x 3.5cm - perfect size for sitting on shelf!

SOLD

** THIS IS THE FINAL ONE FOR DECEMBER 2006 AND IN THE WISDOM SET. NEW THEME STARTS TOMMORROW **

The whole piece has a crackle medium over it to create an aged effect then resin applied over top. This gives it a really glassy, tile like appearance.

The words read: "Wisdom is not knowledge, but lies in the use we make of knowledge. It arises from knowledge guided by love. To use knowledge with goodness is to make it shine with a value, which reflects eternity in time" - N. Sri Ram

Wisdom # 29

TITLE: Wisdom # 29

MATERIALS: Acrylic, metal and resin on canvas

SIZE: 10cm x 10cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in a metallic copper as the bass colour with bronze coloured metal words. The whole piece is covered in resin giving it a shiny tile like appearance. Perfect size to sit on a shelf!

The metal pieces read "Explore Life Discover"

Wisdom # 28

TITLE: Wisdom # 28

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The dots are all hand painted by brush and are metallic pearl white, metallic gold and red. The words are written around the sides of the painting in metallic gold.

The quote reads "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it" - Margaret Fuller

wisdom # 27

TITLE: Wisdom # 27

MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in rich chocolate colours. The words are written around the sides.

The words read "True humility becomes the source of our wisdom; the more a man knows, the more he realises how little he knows and the most wise is the humble" - N Sri Ram

Wisdom # 26

TITLE: Wisdom # 26 (27/12/06)

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The base is a metallic copper. The dots are all hand painted by brush and are darkest brown, red brown and gold oxide. This painting is really amazing. So hard to photograph.....depends which angle you look at it. Some angles you see the pattern clearly defined....others it looks like all dots. The first photo is taken on an angle....

The quote reads "Nothing is a waste of time is you use that experience wisely" - Auguste Rodin

Wisdom # 25

Would you believe it!?!?!?!? I finished Wisdom # 25....was REALLY pleased with it....took the photo...half way through uploading the photo and.....ARGHHHHH noticed I had spelt one word wrong!!! Back to the drawing board *sigh* BUT finally I've completed it! YAY!!

TITLE: Wisdom # 25

MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in rich earthy tones and metallic gold highlights in the centre. The words are written in metallic gold also.

The words read "Wonder is the beginning of wisdom" which is an old Greek proverb

CHRISTMAS DAY

I'm sorry guys....just couldn't do it today.....even though my fingers were itching...my head spinning with ideas....just didn't stop all day.....well I did stop...to eat! heheheh And eat we did! lol And open presents.... and have 4 over excited manic kids to try and get off to sleep! All is quiet now....finally...and I'm shattered....so off to bed I go.....

Tomorrow is another frantic day....BUT hoping for a few hours in the morning to paint while the kids are all playing with their newly acquired toys!

Wisdom # 24

TITLE: Wisdom # 24

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red, black, grey and cream. All the dots are hand painted by brush. The words are written around the sides of the painting.

The words read "Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power" - Lao Tzu

Wisdom # 23

TITLE: Wisdom #23

MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in blues and metallic gold. The words are written around the sides. Photo taken with the flash on.

The words read "Before we can transcend our limitations, wether in our own nature or in the circumstances around us, we must try to understand what it is that they are meant to teach" - N Sri Ram

Wisdom # 22

TITLE: Wisdom # 22

MATERIALS: Acrylic, paper and resin on canvas

SIZE: 10cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The whole piece has a crackle medium over it to create an aged effect then resin applied over top. This gives it a really glassy, tile like appearance.

The words read: "Wisdom lies less in what we learn and more in our reactions to that learning; less in the quantity and more in the quality of our knowledge; less in the accumulation of facts and nomenclature, and more in knowledge of principles; less in the possession of ideas and more in the right employment of them; less in all that we gather and must shed, and more in what we assimilate into the texture of that which is an immortal reflection of the soul" - N. Sri Ram

Wisdom # 21

TITLE: Wisdom # 21

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Yes....I know this is my third one....I just get so much enjoyment out of these...find them so therapeutic....you can't think of anything else while you're painting them.

Painted in blues. All the dots are hand painted by brush. The words are written around the sides of the painting.

The words read "We're made wise not by the recollection of our past but the responsibility for our future" - G Bernard Shaw

Wisdom # 20

TITLE: Wisdom # 20
MATERIALS: Acrylic, fabric and resin on canvas
SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Painted in blues. The textured fabric gives a great contrast to the smooth glassy resin. The centre is painted in metallic blue with resin poured over.

The words read: "Wise man can see more from the bottom of a well than a fool can from a mountain top"

Wisdom # 19

Just by the skin of my teeth again!!! arghhhhh....... lol

TITLE: Wisdom #19

MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

** The line is straight...just my photograph is crooked - sorry! **

Heavily textured. Painted in red, white, black and metallic gold.

The words read "Wisdom can only be acquired through perfection of living" - N Sri Ram

Wisdom # 18

WOW! Just in the nick of time!!!

This is a crazy time of year to try and complete one a day - with school ending for the 4 kiddies...work...christmas shopping and preparations...not to mention 3 birthdays this week too!! ARGHH!!!

But I did it!! Phew..... And its another dotty one too....told you I felt another one coming on....just didnt realise it would be the following day! lol

TITLE: Wisdom # 18

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in greens and white. All the dots are hand painted by brush. ( the dark patches are actually dots - just hard to see with my crappy photographic skills! lol) The words are written around the sides of the painting.

The words read "Let all circumstances, all happenings in life, be occassions constantly renewed for learning more and more" - Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Wisdom # 17

TITLE: Wisdom # 17

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red, black and white. All the dots are hand painted by brush. The words are written around the sides of the painting. I love doing these dotty paintings too - I think I feel another one coming on before the months ended! lol

The words read "We dont receive wisdom, we must discover it for ourselves, after a journey no one can take for us or spare us from" - Proust

Wisdom # 16

TITLE: Wisdom # 16

SIZE: 20 x 20 x 3.5cm

MEDIA: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in blue, red, green and white. The words are written around the side of the painting in white.

The words read "It is not by knowledge that wisdom is measured, but by the influence which the knowledge exerts upon us, our attitude to that knowledge" - N Sri Ram

Wisdom # 15

TITLE: Wisdom # 15

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in rich earthy tones - this is one of my "beauty" series. (# 14 and # 15 would be my two personal favourite styles and series)

The words read "Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood" - Emerson

Wisdom # 14

TITLE: Wisdom # 14

MATERIALS: Acrylic on canvas

SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in red, yellow and blue. The curves have been scraped through to show the blue underneath which creates great texture. This is part of my "fun" series - just love doing this style of art!

The words read "We can chart our future clearly and wisely only when we know the path which has led us to the present" - Proust

Wisdom # 13

TITLE: Wisdom # 13

MATERIALS: Acrylic, pewter and resin on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 30cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Of course no month about Wisdom would be complete without the Serenity Prayer - so here it is!

" God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference "

Painted in blues with white and metallic silver. The cross is a pewter celtic style one which has resin applied overtop. The words also have resin over them.

*** Please note - the squares around the cross and words are actually square and even....for some reason my camera is making them look all crooked ***

Wisdom #12

Excuse the Trademe watermark in the bottom right corner.

TITLE: Wisdom # 12
MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Painted in limited palette of red and black with metallic gold writing and highlights. The resin is applied over the metallic gold in a drizzled effect.

The words read: "A persons true wealth is the good they do in the world." - Mohammed

I've tried to instil in my children that life isnt about money and matrialistic items...how much you accumulate...or own...Its about true happiness....and this cannot be bought.... true personal wealth comes from within. If only we could all keep this in sight.

Wisdom # 11

TITLE: Wisdom # 11

MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas

SIZE: 15cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Painted in blues with resin applied over top. This gives it a really glassy, tile like appearance.

The words read: "The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." -Proust

Wisdom # 10

TITLE: Wisdom # 10
MATERIALS: Acrylic, paper and resin on canvas
SIZE: 10cm x 20cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

The whole piece has a crackle medium over it to create an aged effect then resin applied over top. This gives it a really glassy, tile like appearance.

The words read "A clean life, an open mind, a pure heart, an eager intellect, an unveiled spiritual perception, a brotherliness for all, a readiness to give and receive advice and instruction, a courageous endurance of personal injustice, a brave declaration of principals, a valiant defence of those who are unjustly attacked and a constant eye to the ideal of human progression and perfection which the sacred science depicts. These are the golden stairs up the steps of which the learner may climb to the temple of divine wisdom" - H P Blavatsky

I really love the words of this....and if we could all apply it to our lives I'm sure things would be a lot better for everyone as a whole....of course we're not perfect....we can't achieve this everyday...BUT we can try...and that's the most important thing.....

Wisdom # 9

TITLE: Wisdom #9

MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas

SIZE: 10cm x 10cm x 3.5cm (Nice size to sit on a shelf)

SOLD

I seem to be having a bit of a theme this month....red...black and gold..... lol

Painted in red with black writing. The borders are metallic gold and the whole canvas is covered with giving it a really glassy effect.

The words read "A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds " - F Bacon

I really like this one....it covers a lot with such a simple phrase. My son and I had a great discussion about this!

Wisdom # 8

TITLE: Wisdom #8
MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas
SIZE: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Painted in red with a touch of yellow. The line is metallic gold with resin over it. Square on you can hardly make out the words (which are in black) but look at it from a different angle and you can see them clearly! My 7 year old son was gobsmacked that his mum could do "magic" ! lol

Can be hung square or on an angle - personally I prefer it angled! :)

The words read "Vision is the art of seeing things invisible to others."

Wisdom # 7

TITLE: Wisdom #7
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
FOR SALE: At Coast and Country Gallery, Browns Bay, Auckland
contact me - sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz

Heavily textured. Multicoloured with metallic gold writing. The colours represent the words - brown for earth, blue for heaven, red for love, gold for wisdom, green for mother nature.

The words read " Create each day anew, clothe yourself with heaven and earth, bathe yourself with wisdom and love, place yourself in the heart of mother nature."

Wisdom # 6

TITLE: Wisdom #6
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in earthy tones with metallic gold writing and metallic highlights.

The words read "When it's obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."

Wisdom # 5

TITLE: Wisdom #5
MATERIALS: Acrylic and resin on canvas
SIZE: 25cm x 35cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

This piece has many layers to it. The colours are red, black, white and grey. There is a lot of symbolism to the colours and shapes used. The first layer is a checkerboard effect with white grey and black (inspired by Escher) The it has a crackle medium applied and red over the top. Followed by the white lines and writing. The whole painting is covered in resin giving it a really glassy appearance.


The words read "Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it" - Confucius

Wisdom # 4

TITLE: Wisdom #4
MATERIALS: Acrylic, resin and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in blue, brown (pale) and metallic gold. The words have resin poured over them giving it a really glassy appearance. The brown symbolises the earth (stoop)...the blue the sky (soar)...and gold wisdom.

The words read "Wisdom is oftimes nearer when we stoop that when we soar"

Wisdom # 3

TITLE: Wisdom #3
MATERIALS: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
SIZE: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm
SOLD


Heavily textured. Painted in red, black (pale) with metallic gold writing. The whole piece has a thin black border around it (sorry got cropped off in the photo)

The words read "The road in life twists and turns and no directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons form the journey are our destination"

Wisdom # 2

Title: Wisdom # 2
Media: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
Size: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in blue, white and a hint of terracota. Almost looks grey/lilac in some lights.

The words read "The wise are modest in speech but excel in action"

Wisdom # 1

Title: Wisdom # 1

Media: Acrylic and resin on canvas

Size: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Red and black with gold writing. Finished with resin.

"If you cant change the situation, change the way you look at it"

One of my best friends told me this a few months ago...and just when I think I can't take anymore....am getting so frustrated....loosing sight...I remind myself of thes words. I stop.... breathe...and reflect...look at things from a different angle...and then the situation doesn't seem so hopeless afterall. Thanks Gavin for those words of wisdom!

WISDOM - Decembers Theme

There are so many different interpretations and definitions of wisdom. Most people agree that wisdom is not simply knowledge of facts or education but something that is developed through experience - not taught.

A wise person displays many characteristics some being knowledge of facts, experiences, knowing and understanding people and having empathy. They can make connections between things, think logically, make projections, apply insights,discern the needs and motivations behind people and have the ability to find the right balance that maximises the overall good. They also have a good philosophy in life which is balanced between what is good for ones self, for other individuals and for society. And above all they have self discipline - To consistently do what should be done without anyone making you do it. This does not come naturally and has to be learned.

In brief - Having experience, knowledge and understanding together with the power of applying all three with prudence, practicality, discretion and common sense; the heart and center of proper moral and intellectual judgment.

The Rule of Wisdom, (according to Mr. Andrews): "A wise judgment, action, or decision is one that brings the greatest good to the greatest number, both in the short run and in the long run, while at the same time thwarting evil intentions and minimizing negative outcomes."

I hope these quotes over the next month will help define what wisdom means to you...and maybe help you on your path to becoming wise.

Make wisdom one of your life goals.

UPDATE on daily paintings

I have had a little bit of a glitch with this.

I was going to start it on December 1st but have only just clicked that I will be at a conference out of town for the 30th, 1st and 2nd! ARGHH!!! But dont worry! What I will do is ... and I hope no one objects .... I will upload the first two early. This means I have to do them and I have to do them now!! So ... off I go to the easel .....

Tomorrow I will announce the theme for the month of December....so please remember to check back in.

Nature

Title: Nature
Media: Acrylic, texture gel and resin on canvas
Size: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This piece was also created to fit in with the NZ Art Guild theme week. Artists are given two weeks to complete an original artwork on a set theme. This weeks theme was "Natural"

The words read "Those who find beauty in all of nature will find themselves at one with the secrets of life itself" L W Gilbert

This painting reflects that....in so far as look past the faults and see the beauty...perfection does not equal beauty...there is beauty everywhere...and when you can see the beauty in everything, regardless, then you will be happy, truly happy, and at peace within yourself.

The resin is intentionally applied in a non perfect way...thinner in some areas...more in others...the lines are not perfectly spaced either....this is done to symbolise and reflect the quote. This is a huge variation for me as I usually make sure that everything is perfectly even, to do so intentionally is not as easy as it seems! lol

The Natural Leader

Title: Natural Leader
Media: Paper, acrylic paint (red and black), crackle medium (to give an aged effect) and resin ( to give it a very glassy glossy finish).
Size: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This was painted to coincide with the NZ Art Guild theme weeks. members are given two weeks to create an original artwork based on a slected them. This weeks theme was "Natural".

I just couldnt single out any one part of this....and I really wanted to share Anjali Mahaldar's message with you.....so I have copied the whole exert below.

The Natural Leader

If you would be a leader among people, do so if you possess these three: courage, strength of character, and humility.

For know well that in your accomplishments lies not personal greatness. Any such notion of personal grandeur is a mistaken one. It will only serve to cloud your mind and blur your vision.

If you will know in the depths of your being that at the heart of your success is the mighty power that you draw from - the very same that sustains the universe, then you will be a bright light among the people, and a person of real distinction.

Place then credit where it is due, and for the occasional error, whether it be noticed or not, be quick to tender an apology, for in this does your humility show, and in this is the mark of true greatness. Know that in humility there is great power. Recognize well this as among the paradoxes of life. Fortunate then, will be those who find a leader in you, for their success is assured.

Keep kindness for your shield, and know this is never a weakness, and find your strength in gentleness. In your kindness you will be compassionate and tolerant.

Out of nobility of heart and honor, use wisely words that heal, and keep away from those that cut like swords only to wound. This is the way of the natural leader.

– Anjali Mahaldar December 22, 2002

UPDATE - Coming soon - Daily inspirational paintings

I have spent the last few days scouring the net, old books, collections of papers I've had from childhood and compiling hundreds of fantastic quotes. Its been so hard to decide which quote to use next. I just cant wait to share them all with you!

So I made a decision - from December 1st I have set myself a goal of painting one each day. This will be an enormous challenge for me as I hardly have time to sleep most days!

I have also decided that each month I will focus on a certain theme - either a quality, word or emotion. You'll have to wait to find out what December is!

Courage

Title: Courage

Materials: Acrylic, modelling paste and resin on canvas

Size: 25cm x 50cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The words read "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak but also what it takes to sit down and listen" - Washington.

This is a phrase that is very dear to my heart and something that I have tried to instill in my children. Sometimes easier said than done. The mountains symbolise the standing up to speak...and the earth sitting down to listen.

It is painted in rich earthy tones and a taupe colour. The ground is heavily textured and the words have resin over them creating a really glassy appearance. Very difficult to get a good photo due to the contrast in colours.

Lumanare

Title: Lumanare

Materials: Acrylic and resin on canvas

Size: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This is the first in my series and was created to coincide with the NZ Art Guilds theme week. Members have 2 weeks to complete an original artwork based on this theme. This theme was "light" .

The words are a Romanian proverb and read "Light a candle in the wind, if the wind blows it out, nevertheless you lit it".

This was the first thing that came to mind when I heard the theme was "light" and I couldnt get this proverb out of my head. To me this means that even though you may struggle toward a goal etc, you shouldn't be afraid to try, because you learn who you are and what life is worth. You should never be afraid of failure or be scared to try something thats seemingly impossible.
The colours are black, red, yellow and metallic silver/white. The whole canvas is covered with resin given it a really glassy, tile like appearance. Please excuse the flash back on the first photo - The resin makes it difficult to photograph. :)