Lindsay Blog

Here we have a few paintings based on photos my sister took on her recent trip to Cancun. In case you haven’t noticed, birds are one of my favorite things to paint! Probably because their anatomy is a lot easier than many other animal groups. I’m looking at you mammals.

I was very inspired by the colors of the sea and the beach. I’m not big on backgrounds, so I just crammed the color palette into the birds themselves.

Word has it that this pelican was rather friendly! Not camera shy at all. Lucky for me!

Just now realizing that this seagull guy looks a bit sad and lost. Don’t be sad little dude! Your beak and legs truly are attached to your body! Lindsay just has a thing for white space. Artistic expression is nothing to cry over.

-Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden-

Strangely enough, I picked up this book because I didn’t much like the movie. After seeing the film, I remember thinking that it was beautiful to see and to hear. (it’s still one of my favorite soundtracks to listen to) But when you take away the visuals and the music, the story that it portrays is very lacking. A lot like a soap opera, actually. Didn’t hate it, but wasn’t that impressed.

I just knew that they must have left a lot out of the movie. I was intrigued as to what, so I got the book. And what do you know, I was right! There are so many things that were left untouched. I don’t think movies should or even can be exactly like the book, but there is a limit to what you can do to the story without changing it completely. (aka, ruining it) Whoever did the screenplay for Memoirs of a Geisha seriously missed the point of the book. But hey, that’s just my opinion.

My absolute favorite thing about this book is how believable it all was. I would have believed it to be based on a true story, had Golden not said otherwise. It’s clear that he did extensive research. I wish more authors would do that!

I felt completely immersed in the world of geisha. You learn a lot about the culture, the superstitions, and the life that they led. Some still do? Not sure. It’s all so foreign to me, and this book makes me want to learn more. Incredibly fascinating, even when talking about the less than admirable aspects of being a geisha. (note: they aren’t prostitutes in fancy outfits)

There are a few parts of the book that move a tad slow. I can forgive this, I think. I imagine there would have been some very boring parts of life for a geisha. Sayuri poured tea about a million times and not for herself!

I love learning about other cultures in any way that I can. If you’re the same, I think you’d like this book. It’s PG13; just a warning for anyone of a more… delicate nature. Heh heh, unlike myself!

…at this blasted catfish! I really did not like my last attempt. I had to make my universe right again by painting him for real. I apologize for the repetitiveness. But hey, everyone loves a good catfish, right?

Right?

I think that’s much better.

…at digital art. Perhaps not the VERY first, but close. I find digital art to be extremely difficult and time consuming! I don’t think I’ll stick with it. Real paints are much more enjoyable.

Having said that, here’s what I was messing with tonight:

Yeah…. I think I’ll try painting this same fishy guy in watercolor.