An Owl in my Dreamcatcher

I have been coming across owls lately..  such a total buzz for me .. I always stop breathing for a moment or six :)

I am so delighted to have magical wise owl energy following me that it inspired me to create a
dreamcatcher series, with Owl Totem being the first.

The owl spirit animal is emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. If you have the owl as totem or power animal, you’re likely to have the ability to see what’s usually hidden to most. When the spirit of the animal guides you, you can see the true reality and see beyond illusion and deceit. The owl also offers for those who have it  as a personal totem the inspiration and guidance necessary to deeply explore the unknown and the magic of life. ( - Spirit Animal.com)

                                         ' Dreaming with Owl '

                                          Watercolor - 9 x 12 

                                        Helen Wheeler-Shaw                   

                                         

                        This Painting is available in my art store 'The Sacred Gift'

Illustration Friday - Silent

The topic for my Illustration group ( Illustration Friday) , this week is  'Silent'..

this reminded me of a a painting I did last year called 'Silent Navigator'..

you can view this post here..

this was actually my first whale painting..I had forgotten about it as I have been so excited over my latest watercolor version.

I apologize to my regular followers who have seen this one this week already.. but I really love the idea of re -presenting to the Illustration Friday group the NEW silent one a year later..

'Silent and Sacred'

watercolor

9 x 12

hot press

I really love whales.. the silent giants of the ocean..  this is the first of my 'Sacred Ocean' series.      
I'm feeling a Sperm Whale or Blue Whale coming next..


Thanks for visiting.. Sending you some whale love for your weekend.. !


Helen xxxxxxx

Illustration friday - Little Owl watercolor painting..

The topic this week that has been selected by my Illustration Friday group is ..'Mesmerizing'..

the first thing that sprang to my mind was an Owl.

This little owlet may be tiny but she had me mesmerized while I painted her.

There is something about owls with their magical eyes'.. I would love to find this wee one peeking out from my pumpkin this fall...

have a great , lazy Sunday afternoon :)..
Luv Helen

Satin Bower bird watercolor for Illustration Friday - Disguise

Alberto is feeling quite confident that the ladies will swoon over his beautifully decorated bower. All thanks to his ingenious disguise, Alberto had the courage this year to steal the 'most delightful blue treasures' he had ever seen.
.. Alberto is a lover not a fighter.. .


The Satin Bower Bird hails from Australia.. the male is well known for stealing all manner of blue objects with which to decorate his bower nest'.. the 'blue bower' is to attract the female, who apparently is delighted by pretty blue things that match the eyes and shining plumage of the male. Blue pegs ( New Zealand speak for 'clothespin' ) and drinking straws are obviously very alluring.. they are often found outside decorating the bower.


Ready for love'
Watercolor on paper
9 x 12
Helen Wheeler Shaw

Luv H xx

Imperfect. IF - Sea Turtle watercolor painting..

Joining in this weeks topic for the Illustration Friday' group..

               'Imperfect'  

This little sea turtle was inspired by Allison'.. a sea turtle at South Padre Turtle Rescue, Sea Turtle Inc; who after losing 3 of her flippers to a predator was able to swim again after being fitted with a special prosthesis.
I am sure being able to glide through the water again seemed 'most perfect 'to Allison, no matter how imperfect she may look.

'Perfect'

Indian ink and watercolor

9 x 12

Helen Wheeler Shaw

Remedy- Illustration Friday

This week for Illo' Friday.. the theme was 'Remedy'

I decided to paint a natural remedy from my home country New Zealand.

Wild Tea tree  ( Manuka is the name given by the New Zealand Maori) is covered in rosy pink or white clusters of flowers in the summer, much to the bees delight.. ( they make the very popular tasty ,medicinal 'Manuka Honey', from the pollen.

'Manuka'
Watercolor on paper 8.5 x 11
Helen Wheeler-Shaw

Manuka has many health benefits, the essential oil from the leaves is a miracle in a bottle, full of antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. I always have a bottle in my bathroom cupboard.. and often have a few drops in my bath . The scent is a fresh, clean 'pine' type smell and combined with all the magical anti-bacterial powers', it also makes a fantastic natural cleaning spray.

Thanks for visiting.. sending you all  fun, happy 4th July wishes for all in the USA :)
Cheers , Helen xx

Ilustration Friday..'.Beneath'

Hello everybody!! I've joined in on this weeks 'Illustration Friday' prompt..

this wee bird has a powerful word beneath his feet.... one we cannot do without in this world..a sure way to find peace..

A little watercolor while Zackary plays about my feet...

Have a joyous weekend people..

Love Helen xx

Illustration Friday..'linked'

Hi visitors... here is a Helen version of an illustration showing 'linked'

these two are linked through their early morning song'.....



Watercolor on paper....thanks for taking a peek!
Cheers , Helen

Illustration Friday... on Tuesday

Hi people, I'm back in the saddle after our 'wee setback'.. I returned to the studio yesterday finally.. , I found it pretty difficult at first without my loyal 'studio buddy'. Eventually I felt her presence around me and managed to produce this piece.. I guess it's a bit of a self-portrait.. her face reflects my heavy heart.. but the butterflies symbolize the presence of those unseen.. silent supporters and bringers of light and love.

The theme for Illustration Friday this week was 'Perspective'...
hmm. I guess this is ... 'Losing someone you love, puts All .. into Perspective..'


But. today .. the sun is shining in Texas.. it's a new day.. have a lovely , joyful day everyone!!

Love and light to you all.. Cheers , Helen

Illustration Friday..Adrift..

Ok I know Illustration Friday On a Wednesday...?
Well I am just glad I got to do it at all .. sick Toddler home with Scarlet Fever...

I thought that went out with the Plague!!!... maybe I need to hang a skull and Crossbones on the door?
Any way.. the theme this week was ...adrift.. here is my effort completed at midnight last night..

Adrift on a sea of tea...


Have a lovely Wednesday !
Cheers , H

Illustration Friday...

Hi there .. this weeks , illustration topic is 'Focused'..
I thought this little watercolor I have just completed 'fit's the bill' quite nicely..

'this wee Fantail is pretty focused on a 'flutterby lunch'..

Illustration Friday..and leaving on a jet plane!

Ok guys , here is my offering for Illustration friday.. 'Unbalanced'

A little bit of a reach here ..BUT as I am flying out to New Zealand in an hours time for a month with my 2 year old ON MY OWN ( so help me God...) I trust that you will forgive me..

I have become VERY UNBALANCED even thinking about changing planes 4 times over 24 hours with my blessed one....

This is a watercolor illo I have just completed for my brand new baby niece ( who we will be visiting in New Zealand) along with Grandma and Grandpa

This is for 'Eleni Rose' welcome to the world baby girl.......




I will have my laptop with me , so I look forward to visiting all your beautiful 'Unbalanced Ones'
Cheers , People,
Helen

Illustration Friday...Blur..

Jasper knew he wasn't the fastest in the flying competition so he thought his costume would psyche out the opposition...


Illustration Friday prompt ...blur....

"I'm a fast flying owl...... I'm a blur... I'm a fast flying owl.. I'm a .."
Have a great weekend people!!!!!

Helen xxx

Illustration Friday - ummmm...on Tuesday!!

But I have done it people ,( sick toddler caused a wee delay)!

This week the prompt was ...skinny..

I thought it was only right to do a self portrait of me at 7 yrs

(click on her to get a better view)






ummm... yes I was a pathetically ( is that a word) skinny wee thing...but...
it paid off in the end... still fittin.. in them jeans!!!! ( it was worth the torturous teasing!)

Hee hee!!

new illustration - 'skinny minnie'

Illustration Friday - ummmm...on Tuesday!!

But I have done it people ,( sick toddler caused a wee delay)!

This week the prompt was ...skinny..

I thought it was only right to do a self portrait of me at 7 yrs

Illustration Friday - 'Fast'

Here is my first wee drawing for the 'Illustration Friday" group, ( which is my latest cool discovery!)
This friday's topic was 'Fast"

umm... 'fast bunny' ( I thought in keeping to the spirit of this weeks topic, I should draw him fast as well, hence a scribbly belly!)







Added a dash of watercolor. printed it out on some card.
I am happy to say thanks to 'Illustration friday'

I have my first Christmas card!






Thanks for peeking in here , hope you all have a lovely friday!