High school? College maybe?
I was drawing a page from a soon-to-be coloring book and the doorbell rang. It was a special delivery--my order of incense.
I was very excited about the idea of my bundle of mysterious fragrances, but did not want to stop working, so I lit a Frankincense and Myrrh stick and got right back to the image of the lighthouse.
And something a little magical happened.
The scent transported me. I felt like I was at the top of the lighthouse in the dark, looking over the troubled black waters. Off in the distance I could see the sun crack through the clouds, and I could hear the seagulls call to one another.
The waves settled down, and the sun rose. Far off I could see the gulls swooping, and one landed in a field of poppies and smiled at me.
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| Coming soon from the book By the Beautiful Sea |
Not sure poppies grow anywhere near the ocean, nor am I sure a seagull is capable of a smile, and I don't think Frankincense and Myrrh have anything to do with the sea, but that's fine. None of these images existed before I lit the incense, and now they will all be featured in an upcoming book. (The book was originally called Lighthouses, it has now been renamed By the Beautiful Sea.)
All this from lighting some incense? I guess so. Would I have developed these ideas without the mysterious smoke wafting through my home? Maybe. But maybe not. Plus I sincerely enjoyed it, and I think I will do it more often.
Here is some incense I really enjoy. I am not paid by any company--just want you to know the companies and brands I like.
Click here for the meditative Frankincense and Myrrh I just wrote about by Fred Soll
Very popular and less expensive Nag Champa--still yummy
So here is my recommendation--light a candle, put on some soothing music or a healing tone, (I love this one and it supposedly heals our DNA! I'll take it): Healing Tones, light some incense, and draw, color, or paint.
No need for meditation--this makes me feel wonderful and creative, and I have a feeling it might create a little magic for you too.
I also have a library of resources for anyone who likes to color.
Enjoy!
xo Dea
Here is the video, Coloring with Pastel Pencils Part One, demonstrating Conte pastels for coloring. Enjoy.
Sounds like you had a wonderful dream! Happy PPF! Valerie
ReplyDeleteI did--a wonderful daydream! xo
DeleteI love hearing how inspiration strikes other people!
ReplyDeleteThe power of scent is definitely great for bringing back memories :)
I think you are right--more than the other senses. xo
Deletebeautiful happy seagull and poppy piece! Thanks incense!
ReplyDeleteWonderful artwork and a lovely dream indeed!
ReplyDeleteoxo Susi
I can't recall ever burning incense.
ReplyDeleteOh I love the image. The flowers are beautiful as is the gull. I haven't lit incense in ages, but I like that it transported you...
ReplyDeletethe imagination can be fueled by so many things, and smell is a wonderful motivator of memories isn't it,
ReplyDeleteyour painting is beautiful and I believe poppies grow by the sea and I am quite sure I have seen a sea gull smile,,
As an Indian, I recognize what you have experienced. Indians use incense for every occasion. My husband kind of likes it when he is feeling romantic, lol. Beautiful art.
ReplyDeleteInspiration is a wonderful thing. And if burning incense helps - great. I have never burnt any, but I love essential oils, which work magic, too.
ReplyDeleteHi Dea! What beautiful artwork you created. I live in Northern California and poppies grow everywhere. So I believe they can grow by the sea and seagulls can smile. Thank you for sharing your process. I have never tried pastel pencils however I think I will be trying them soon! Your post has been very inspirational.Happy PPF and you have a new follower too. See you next week, Rasz
ReplyDeleteLoely drawing, Dea. Thanks for magical scent ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend xx
I never was an incense person but who knows. You make it sound inspirational. Love your work and really enjoyed the video. I am a mess with colored pencils but you helped me get some courage up to try again.
ReplyDeleteI burn incense everyday and have for most of my life. Since I do live at the beach, (Oregon coast) I can tell you seagulls do smile and we have poppies everywhere. This is lovely piece.
ReplyDeleteYour artwork is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow incredible. I have that exact incense in my ensuite bathroom... I haven't lit it in years. I think I may just give that a try! It truly is the best brand I have ever used! Love the fragrance!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Gorgeous results...love the explanation of how your artwork evolved too!
DeleteOh Giggles do it! I want to hear all about it too. xo
DeleteHow wonderful what an effect the incense had for you! Gorgeous drawings, and those photos are magical too! I have an electric fragrance lamp, which changes colour, in my living room and use it almost daily, and another one with a tea candle in my studio, as well as some incense, but I usually forget to light them. Maybe I should remember more often!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poppies! The whole picture is delightful in its composition. I also really like the shot of the incense and the rock - such beautiful swirls!
ReplyDelete