Art Inspiration

I thought it would be fun to show a few pictures I have snapped from the trails that were loosely used

to inspire some of my artwork.

Update on Coloring Book Project - Weeks 1-5

 

So, here is where I am so far.  It has been quite a challenge to go from years of doodling on scrap paper (doodles that I would throw away after finishing) to producing artwork that I am scanning into the computer and trying to get formatted for publication.  It has been quite an experience already, and I'm only half way done.

 

I'm thrilled to have many complements on my artwork, it certainly helps motivate me to keep going...but there is a huge difference in people admiring my work and people being willing to purchase a book of digital prints of my work.  I feel like I'm annoying people with all my posts of my works in progress, but I feel like it is the most effective way to raise awareness of my work for future sales?  That is truly going to be the most difficult part of this project...marketing!  I'm up for some suggestions in this area!

 

I have made a few pdf files available for download at  https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieSteps, and will be adding more work in the upcoming weeks.  Currently, each file is $1.75  (buyer will be able to print as many copies as they wish of that purchased file).  This obviously isn't intended to bring in a lot of profits, but I'm hoping it will help to promote the work, and perhaps it can be better appreciated in a tangible form.

 

I am also happy to send people a free file of certain pieces if they will color them and share on social media to help me promote the work.  Let me know if you are interested.

 

Thanks again for those who have been following this project, and for all the kind words.

 

Update on Prairie Steps Coloring book Project (Week 4)

I'm making some pretty good progress on the book.  It feels like it has been several months since I started this project, but I'm actually still in the first month.  I had hoped I'd be close to done by now, but now, looking at all that goes into such a project, and being determined to put out some good quality artwork, I'd say it will probably still take another couple months to make all the art...let alone getting it digitized, edited, formatted, and published.

I'm always so eager to complete a project I'm on because if I don't get it done pretty quickly, I am likely to move on to something else.  I have no intention of giving up on this project, but I have seen that personality trait popping up in the creation of my artwork.  I'm good to get about two pieces done in one particular style before trying something different.  At first I was afraid I had several different coloring books going on at the same time, but now I think a conglomeration of styles combined into one book will work just fine.  That is pretty representative of my personality, so since the book is primarily tied to a blog about my outdoor adventures running, hiking, etc. it seems fitting that it should be a good representation of what is inside my head.

The Trail, My Mistress?

This morning, after a few weeks of not going out much and certainly not training like I intended to, I tried to go for a speed hike.  And it was kind of creepy, but it was like the trail took on a personality...and it was NOT happy with me for some reason.  The snow had melted and the trail was now muddy, so muddy it seemed to be spitting at me.  Then it tried to suck my shoes right off of my feet.  After fighting it awhile, I swear a tree branch reached out and slapped me across the face.  On purpose! 

I began to think about my wife's reference of the trail as my "mistress"  (It calls me early in the morning and says "Come to me, I've been waiting for you."  It attracts me and seduces me with its beauty.  I run away to it for hours at a time for my own personal pleasure... Ok, I'm starting to feel guilty).  I suddenly began to see the trail this morning as a nagging woman who was mad at me for neglecting her for so long.  She was certainly unhappy to see me!  She was refusing to let me have an enjoyable time this morning!  So, I quit.  I decided to go home to my wife (well, right after I wrote this blog post...perhaps writing is yet another mistress...)

In all seriousness though, sometimes the trail does seem to be alive.  When I go for a run or a hike on the trail I like the solitude.  I like to be alone.  But occasionally I get the feeling I am not.  In many ways it is alive if you think about it.  There are little bugs and animals everywhere that have eyes that seem to be watching.  The grass, trees, and plants are actually alive and growing, right?  And they are said to respond to music and noise.   Sometimes I get the feeling the trail is listening to me when I sing.

I deliberately sing and talk to the Lord on the trail sometimes, but I'm not one of those guys that equates God with "Mother Nature."  I believe Nature is simply a system God created.  However, once I seriously pondered the thought that maybe God sees and hears us specifically through the nature He has created, and that in fact He does see us and hear us through the eyes and ears of other people and animals.  Probably just a crazy thought of mine, but perhaps it is something to think about.  Next time you think you are alone but don't feel alone, remember that you actually aren't.  Go ahead and speak.  Let yourself be heard.  And think about Who you are talking to.

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." -Romans 1:20, 21

Progress on Coloring Book Project - Week 3

It's been a long, busy week full of mixed emotions as we buried my wife's grandmother.  She was a faithful, godly, hard-working woman.  She will be missed, but is in a much better place now, with Jesus her Savior.  As always, you never know how much a person meant to you until they are gone. 

Anyway, the family was down this week, and we spent a lot of time together (comforting, reminiscing, and fellowshipping).  The preparations for the funeral, extra time spent with family; along with the regular, daily duties to perform, made it a little difficult to get a large amount of artwork done this week.  However, I was able to get a few pieces done, and looking back I'm a little surprised to see they were such time-consuming pieces (I worked a lot of late nights). 

Along with the work shown in this video, I have the beginning of another piece and several ideas for more to come.  I anticipate that next week will be a profitable week in terms of getting work done on the coloring book project.  Thanks for following, and I'm looking forward to posting more next week!

Progress on Coloring Book Project - Week 1

So, it was a pretty good week in terms of producing artwork.  Unfortunately I didn't do much running or hiking, but this was a good week to substitute that for art.  First of all, I was recovering last week from being unusually sick with whatever everyone in our family and in our church has been passing around.  Secondly, it has been pretty icy out (I've got pretty bad experience with running on ice!).  So, I was able to fill a couple hours each morning and each night with producing artwork.  I don't know how much it will suffer once I get back to running, but I plan on posting my weekly progress on this project (with a similar video for each week).  Thanks for following. Have a good Lord's Day tomorrow!

Relax, Explore, Create

 

Ok, so once again I find my little ADD brain scattered in way too many directions.  I always get to this place, and then I have to evaluate, eliminate, and organize a little bit.  So here it is:

I have summarized what Prairie Steps means to me with these three words--"Relax," "Explore," and "Create."  I find trails, running and hiking, and art all to be relaxing.  I love to explore and find new adventures.  And "creativity" defines who I am in many ways.  Prairie Steps has been allowing me the opportunity to do the things I love to do, whenever time allows. 

So, every time I can I am grateful to share these things with others who find any type of inspiration or pleasure from my little adventures or my artwork.  Please share this blog with anyone you think would enjoy.  Thanks.

Update on Coloring Book Project

I was super happy with the encouragement I got after I shared my newest "little project" on social media.  Not every "project" I feel compelled to take on generates a whole lot of interest.  And, actually, that doesn't usually stop me from going through with said projects anyway.  Even when these endeavors seem to be a waste of time to others, I learn from them, I grow from them, and they help define who I am.  And when I feel like I am done, I move on to something else I'm inspired to do (God allowing).

But this one generated not only an influx of encouraging support, but more of a "No, seriously.  You need to do this!" type of response.  So, I have definitely decided to move forward with this, but I may need some help.  I've already had some great suggestions on how I might be able to utilize this artwork.  Thanks, and keep the ideas coming!  But my biggest obstacle right now is the fact that I don't know the first thing about getting something published, produced, and marketed.  If anyone can help with some suggestions or resources on this subject, I'd really appreciate it.

I'll do a little research and try to give an update next week (I have to move slow because I only have so much time in a week that I can set aside for my "little projects" along with Ministry, side jobs, and hanging out with my family). 

Thanks again for the support and encouragement!

Episode 2 of "Footprints on the Kansas Trails."

I'm excited to finish compiling enough clips to make another short film.  I mentioned this one briefly in my last post, "Can't Leave Out the Creek Side!" This one took me about three sessions (I lost all clips I took on the second session).  I'm still only using a cellphone and Windows Live Movie Maker, so again I apologize for the quality of the video.  But I'm learning.  And hopefully I will eventually get to the point of purchasing some equipment...we shall see.

In the meantime, I hope this gives a little taste of what this trail is like.

About the music: 

I'm actually still in the process of getting permission to use this song from Southern Raised.  If you end up watching this video with no music, I guess I didn't get permission.  I'm pretty sure they won't mind me sharing their song since I'm not profiting off of it, it promotes their music...and (in this particular song) it really gives the Gospel message.  Either way, I appreciate the song and for some reason felt like it fit.

Thanks for following.

Introducing the "Footprints on the Kansas Trails" Project

 

After a long spell of putting this blog on the side burner, I recently made the decision to take it in a different direction.  There is a vision I have had ever since I first changed the name of the blog to "Prairie Steps" about 4 years ago, but I haven't taken any steps toward making the vision a reality...until now.

 

Footprints on the Kansas Trails Project - Film #1 

"Running on the Lehigh Portland Trails"

First, if you don't know me, allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Rocky, I am currently a youth minister/pastor's assistant at Iola Baptist Temple in Iola Kansas.  I run.  But honestly, I don't know if I can really identify as "a runner."  I love the outdoors, I love challenges...I love adventure.  I like running, but I'm just as satisfied with a nice brisk hike through the woods, a canoe trip down a river, or even sleeping under the stars next to the nice, cozy flame of a campfire.  When I do run, I run at my own pace.  I'm not fast.  And I walk when I get tired.

So, it seems like quite a stretch for me to try to inspire anyone to become "a runner."  No one is going to read my blog or watch a video clip of me running in order to pick up pointers on how they can shave time off of their next 5K or half-marathon (I might be able to help a little, simply from experience and reading lots of material on running).  And, even though I enter into ultra distance races because I love the challenge, I can't give much advice on ultramarathons either. 

Mostly, I just like the excuse to get out in nature, get some exercise, suck in all the oxygen off of the evergreens, listen to the rhythm of my footsteps and the singing of the birds.  I like the opportunity to get alone with God, thank Him for His beautiful creation and for the opportunity to serve His Son Jesus with all my heart and all my soul.  And in the process, I like to share it all with others.

That's what this vision is all about.  I want an excuse to see all the trails that are near by, from the most popular trails, to the "best hidden secrets."  I also want to be able to share them with others and encourage everyone to enjoy the benefits of getting out in nature.  So, I began to dream a couple dreams.  Who knows where they will take me, but while I'm waiting to see, let's just have some fun!

For now, I have absolutely no budget for this project.  I can't afford very many days off to make videos and write stories of my adventures. I don't have any equipment except for a few free programs on my computer and a cellphone.  I have nothing by way of sponsors or financial supporters... But as you can see, I'm still able to put a little bit together.  So, I hope you will enjoy it.  Please follow this blog, subscribe to my YouTube page, and like my Facebook page if you are interested in seeing the future of Prairie Steps.  I have a lot of ideas, but I'm up for suggestions and any advice you can offer.

Thanks for reading.  Remember, life is always an adventure.