Ellen Brenneman Studio

Fine Artist. Blogger. Tree Hugger. Forever Yogi.

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🦌 Deer can hear sounds from nearly a half mile away and they have extraordinary camouflage; one moment they are present but in the blink of an eye they seemingly disappear into thin air. If Deer has come across your path recently, he or she likely wanted to be seen. Deer are among the most softhearted of creatures and symbolize tenderness. Deer are also acutely aware of their surroundings and can quickly sense danger. They remind us to stay connected to our gentle side but also ask us to follow our instincts by observing our surroundings and react quickly when needed. Use your intuition and overcome life's obstacles with gracefulness. Be caring; be compassionate. Be Like Deer. 💫💕 Prints of this sweet girl can be found in my Etsy shop. Link in bio. • • #doeadeer #etsyartist #indianaartist #wildlifeartist #etsysuccess #deerspirit #spiritanimals #spiritanimalguides #spiritanimaloftheday

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One of the last few pieces in my auction ending this morning on Facebook. I painted this hawk shortly after I started working full-time as an artist and even though I still feel very connected to him all these years later, sometimes you just know when it’s time for a piece to find a new home. How much of your artwork do you hang onto for sentimental reasons? #hawk #spiritanimalguides #wildlifeartist #etsysuccess #etsyartist #raptors

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Deer Medicine is on the horizon. When @200wordsforsnow made a suggestion that I paint this little lovely I already thought it deep in my heart somewhere. Grateful for the validation because whenever Deer appears, a beautiful message always follows and I think we could all use a little beauty right now. 🦌💕 • • #deertotem #deermedicine #spiritanimal #delicatebeauty

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

My recently finished painting of Flamingo arrived at her new home in Louisiana to join several of her siblings and just in time for Mardi Gras 🎊Not only do I love the way these are displayed (hanging framed artwork from a mirror? How cool is that?) but I love how the festive beads are strewn all over, just adding to the lively energy within this home. • #artdecor #etsysuccess #etsylove #mardigras2018 #customerappreciation #indianaartist #lovemyjob #gratefulformyjob

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

One of my customers sent me this photo yesterday. This is one of the most clever display ideas I’ve seen for my spirit animal cards. What a perfect way to display both the prints as well as the written symbolism on the back of each card: they are fit between panes of glass within this window frame. Just fantastic. 😍 • #customerappreciation #tarotcards #animalartist #indianaartist #wildlifeart #homedecor #artdecor #upcyclingart

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

Sometimes a painting just rises to the top; this beautiful girl has become a favorite of mine; perhaps for you too. Prints of her are now available on #Etsy. SPIRIT OF FLAMINGO: The spirit of flamingo rings the message of balance, community, and the ability to remove impurities from one’s life. Flamingos need social interaction in order to thrive yet they don’t feel pressured to be part of the crowd. Standing straight and tall and often resting on one leg, the flamingo exhibits an incredible sense of balance. We can learn a lot from watching this marvelous display. When our lives feel out of alignment, flamingo reminds us to filter out that which pulls us from center and to opposite directions. By being mindful of where our priorities lie, we can regain a sense of balance and live a harmonious life. Be mindful of your priorities. Be well rested; allow time for friends and fun. Be in balance – be like flamingo. 🙏🏼💕💫 • • • #flamingos #flamingolove #etsyartist #birdart #tarotreading #spiritanimal #spiritanimalguides #nurserydecorideas #nurseryart #floridaart #yupopaper #indianaartist #southbend #southbendart #pinkflamingo

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

I love the way this jackrabbit is popping up from the bottom; I think he wants us to know that he’s aware we are looking at him 😂 The original painting will be up for dead in the spring auction on Facebook, however, prints are available by following the link in my bio. 🐰SPIRIT of RABBIT: Rabbits are alert and observant, symbolizing abundance and good health. They are quick thinkers, always eager to spring forward and jump through life. By being aware of his surroundings, Rabbit teaches us to believe in our intuition and focus on what we desire. If a problem or concern has caused you to lose the bounce in your step, set your intention for a positive outcome; then, be like Rabbit and spring forth! 🐇 🐇 🐇 #rabbitsofig #rabbitpose #bunnyrabbit #wildlifeartist #cutenessalert #rabbitears #spiritanimals #spiritanimal #nurserydecor #nurseryart #nurseryprint #nurseryanimals

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

This sweet girl is finally finished. The original painting will be up for bid during my FB auction in April, however, you can find prints by following the link in my bio. The symbolism I wrote for Kingfisher is very timely for me; does it speak to you, too? ➡️ The Kingfisher perches high atop a branch, scanning the waters below for fish. With the keenest of timing, she swoops from her perch, often submerging herself in order to spear her prey with her long beak. Her eyesight is one of her greatest allies; nothing distracts her from her goal – not swiftness of the water current, nor reflection from the sun. The Spirit of the Kingfisher asks, “Are you using your unique gifts to help propel you towards your goal?” while it’s important to prepare for the right moment to strike, remember that the current will not slow down for you. Having faith is believing in things you cannot see. Take that plunge and submerge yourself. Have trust. Be brave. Be like Kingfisher. 💫 • #kingfisher #birdart #southbendartist #indianaartist #wildlifeart #becourageous #seizethemoment #animalsymbolism #etsyshop #etsyartist #etsyseller #artwithheart #artspeakingtruth

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

Wolves are loyalists. They mate for life, they are fierce in unwavering devotion and have been known to sacrifice their own lives for the sake of the pack. They live by a strong set of rules and understand their place within the hierarchy of the pack; even so, wolves are protective of their sense of individuality. Wolves roam during the night and the Spirit of Wolf encourages us to face our fear of the unknown, of things we cannot see. In order to grow we must keep moving forward and trust that instinctually, we will follow the right path. Be disciplined but also be willing to trust your instincts. Be open to learning and pass that knowledge on to others. Be loyal without losing your free spirit - Be Like Wolf. 🐺💫 The original painting has sold, but select prints can be found by clicking the link in my bio. #wolfdog #wolfdogsofinstagram #wolflover #wolves #wolftotem #spiritofwolf #indianaartist #southbendartist #tarotart #loyalty

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‘Spirit of Wolf’ coming to life. #etsyvideo #etsyartist #timelapseart #spiritanimal #wolftotem #wolfspirit #tarotart #wolftattoo #indianaartist

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Wolf, Owl and Fox are the top three most requested paintings for my Power Animal series. Only when I feel an animal is trying to get my attention do I paint one more than once. In this case, wolves have been appearing everywhere I look over the past few weeks: on TV, in my newsfeed on Facebook and here on IG, in articles – even in nearby conversations. When I get this many taps on the shoulder I always oblige, so here is my progress of wolf for you today and she’s looking happy to be back on paper. 💕🐺 #wolves #wolf #wolftattoo #wolvesofinstagram #southbendartist #indianaartist #tarotart #wolfspirit #spiritanimal #fwinks #dalerrowney #etsyartist

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Mystery and folklore often surround bats. Quite often they are misrepresented as bloodsuckers and carriers of disease. In reality, these creatures play a huge part in reducing the bug population and they are important contributors of pollination. Bats are truly unique in that they are the only mammals capable of flight. They are social beings with exceptional communication skills. Imagine hundreds of bats flying out into the night without ever colliding with one another; that is quite a feat! If you are feeling unappreciated and misunderstood, if you often retreat into the darkness, call upon the Spirit of Bat to guide you out of the shadows and into your power. Bat also teaches that one should never rush to judgment based on sight alone. She serves as a gentle reminder to be more open-minded about things we do not understand and encourages us to look beneath the surface. Condemnation may come from simple misunderstanding so take the time to gather your facts before making a firm decision. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover. 🦇 Original and prints available on Etsy. http://etsy.me/2xPOVay #bats #spiritanimals #animaltotem #spiritanimalart #animalartist #batsofinstagram #batlove #indianaartist #southbendindiana #southbendartist #indyzoo

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Walrus is now finished! Both painting and prints of this sweet fellow are now available in shop; Link in my bio. 💫 Walruses are social mammals that are most often found lounging on pack ice when they aren't busy scouring the waters for food. They have several protective layers which provide them with warmth, energy, and buoyancy which shows that even though they may live in extreme conditions they are safeguarded and secure; they are survivors. Though their large tusks may look like a hindrance, they are used for protection against predators, to hoist themselves onto the ice, and as a tool to reach food. The Spirit of Walrus reminds us that we are all gifted with unique abilities; if something in your life presents itself as an obstruction, see it instead as an advantage that will serve you. Have faith in yourself and draw upon your inner strength when obstacles seem too monumental; you are much tougher than you realize. Be Like Walrus. ✨ #walrus #animaltotem #walrusspiritanimal #arcticlife #tarotart #walruses #animalartist #nurseryart

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Marley‘s health has been in decline for nearly a year and even though I promised her she would not have to endure more surgery, we were backed against a corner; two cancerous tumors needed to be removed, one from her back and one from her muzzle. Anyone who knows my Emmie (on the right) knows that she can get quite jealous of Marley, but she’s always been sensitive to those in distress. Today I found her with her paw gently resting overtop Marley’s as if to say, ‘I’m here to support you through this.’ 💕✨ in a world of suffering, even the smallest gestures of love and compassion don’t go unnoticed. #puresweetness #gentle #goldensofinstagram #rescueaseniordog #compassion #doglove #instagolden #picoftheday #sweetness

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My offering for today’s’ #inktober Challenge, a zebra grazing. Drawn on a sheet of scrapbook paper. ✨😊 #zebra #zebraink #indianaartist

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

✨Turkeys are among the most symbolic of birds. In Native American culture, they are given the highest honor for their sacrifice. Their feathers were used in rituals and served as symbols of abundance, pride, and plentifulness. Despite the suffering of near extinction in the 1900's the turkey population, through conservation, once again began to thrive.For centuries, they've agreed that the turkey is one of the hardest animals to hunt due to their incredible eyesight and alertness. They honored the Spirit of Turkey with the understanding that if one were captured, it was because he willingly sacrificed himself for the greater good. Be thankful for your bounties; live your life with the understanding that what you have at this moment is exactly what you need. 🦃🙏🏼 * Turkey is ready to fly off to a new home. You can find him on #etsy by following the link in my bio. #turkey #poweranimal #oraclecardreading #inkartist #turkeystagram #farmlife #spiritanimal #indianaartist #southbendindiana

[ellenbrennemanstudio]

‘A pointillism drawing shouldn’t take too long,’ she says. 🙄😂 #inktober #whaledrawing #whales #outofmycomfortzone #challenges #goodhabits #micron