Sunday, March 31, 2013

delftware

 This morning before church, I painted a few eggs in honor of my Mother-in-law who is dutch.
Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful day.  I am so thankful for your comments and your support.  Happy Easter.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

light of spring


 I don't know about you but the there is a certain light which exists in Spring as we close the door on March.  It floods through the window as we welcome it and say farewell to the Winter darkness.  One of my favorite poems by Emily Dickinson, she says it all so eloquently.  Easter is a time to embrace the Spring light.

A light exists in spring

A light exists in spring
Not present on the year
At any other period.
When March is scarcely here

A color stands abroad
On solitary hills
That science cannot overtake,
But human naturefeels.

It waits upon the lawn;
It shows the furthest tree
Upon the furthest slope we know;
It almost speaks to me.

Then, as horizons step,
Or noons report away,
Without the formula of sound,
It passes, and we stay:

A quality of loss
Affecting our content,
As trade had suddenly encroached
Upon a sacrament. 

Friday, March 29, 2013

Happy Easter

 Nothing says Easter to me more than a pretty Easter Bonnet for the Easter Parade.  I remember my Mother making me a pastel plaid Easter Ensemble, it was a cape with slits and a matching shift dress.  I truly thought I was the bees knees.  If only I'd had this hat to top it all off.  Audrey looks ready to welcome the Easter Bunny.  Just look at that taffeta bow.
The other day while shopping for some Easter goodies, I walked past a display of Easter lilies and the fragrance was enough to lure me over and stick my nose right into such a wonderful heady scent. Do you wear an Easter Bonnet?  Hope you have a Happy Easter.




Thursday, March 28, 2013

gentleman's room

 Show and tell has always motivated me to do what I do.
Happy to show this lovely gentleman's room which was designed for the Adamsleigh show house.
 If you love a show house, then I am here to tell you to visit Adamsleigh.  Thank-you to Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller for asking me to create this illustration of the Gentleman's room.   The timing for me came at a crazy time since my youngest child was in the hospital and then home so all of my attention was focused on getting her well and support her with necessary tutors but Lisa and Traci were super supportive and enthusiastic about the final work of art.

Contact me if you need original and unique artwork for your next project.  

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

glass half full - in the studio

I have always had a "glass half full" optimistic outlook.  My very own artfully etched PvE glass was created for me by another sunny side up blogger "Everything LEB" which she sent to me with the most wonderful woodsy colored pencils.

Each week, I will post more behind the scene images from my art studio where I work.  Firstly, the light I must tell you is breathtaking.  I face south and get full sun.  I don't know about you but as much I love the northern light, I adore the sunshine and a glass half empty point of view.  Actually my glass is more than half full and for that my works of art thank you.  I always make sure my water is clean and clear for the most colorful works.

Tell me, are you a glass half empty or glass half full kinda person?
I am incredibly grateful for such kindness from bloggers that I have never met but feel I know so well.
Thank-you Lindsay for my lovely PvE glass.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

get excited

 When was the last time you got excited about something?  If you had to think about it, then maybe it is high time you change things.  It might be just something as simple as changing your outlook?
 "Oh my goodness" - now everybody loves to get someone excited or see someone smile with happiness.
What was the last thing that took your breath away, made you blush, gave you an adrenaline rush or just simply got you excited?  I say, if things are dull or boring, change things and get excited.

After all, it is almost Easter and it is time to get excited about the arrival of Spring and all it's glory.
Let's all get excited and find the joy in the change of seasons.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Adamsleigh show house


It is with great pleasure that I share with you a recent illustration for The Junior League Show House.
The Adamsleigh show house shall be open for touring from April 20th to May 5th, Greensboro, NC.
I would like to thank Lisa Mende and Traci Zeller for thinking of me to capture this very special home and project.
Many talented designers are coming together to leave their mark.

Friday, March 22, 2013

an egg cache

Yours truly at the tender age of 3 hunting and gathering an egg cache.
Easter has always been one of my most favorite holidays.
I blame it on the pretty artful eggs.
Check out some very inspiring eggs.
    Is neon your thing?  I love these.
 Maybe au natural is more your speed.  pretty purple egg.
I do love purple at Easter.  Found over here at le Creuset.
 Seriously, you can't go wrong with black and white and silhouettes.  I better get started now.  I think I will paint my own pve designs this year.  Are you planning on having some pretty crafty eggs?


Thursday, March 21, 2013

articulate

pve design - artwork created for Pound Ridge Plume
We have a nightly ritual and I love tucking my 13 year old daughter in to bed at night.  One is never too old to be tucked in and kissed good-night.  It is a time where we can speak quietly one-on-one and I asked her if she could put my artwork into words, what would she say?  She said, It's "articulate, eloquent, elegant, neat" and all of those words made me smile.  If you had to use one word to describe my artwork, what would you say?

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

good manners

pve design- illustration for Sheridan Road Magazine
My children know that their father and I take great pride in instilling good manners, especially at the table.  Over the years we have had many young guests join us at our table and I am often surprised at how some youngsters do not know how to properly hold a fork and knife.  I take pleasure in educating them about the finer things and how in past cultures that your upbringing was not only a sign of your education but also a sign of good social behavior.

Trying new cuisine is also something we highly encourage in a society that seems to cater to children with a limited menu of chicken nuggets and mac n cheese.  Tasting new foods, trying new things instills a sense of confidence as well as adventure.  Our children love Mussels, Lobster, Escargot, and realize how fortunate they are to have such delicacies.

We do have a few rules in our home such as no hats indoors and no cell phones during meal time. (unless an emergency requires a pick up!)  Do you abide by any rules to reinforce good manners in your home and do you feel the need to influence others with proper etiquette?  It is after all an art of fine living.  Having good manners is after all being open to share one's best behaviors, is it not?  Do you reward good behavior?

One gal who is all about Gracious Living and the art of living with good etiquette is Mindy Lockard.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mindy and she even came to our local school for a morning of good manners and tips for good behavior.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

create calm


pve design artwork - finding zen
 "When you become calm and serene on the inside, the world becomes more calm and serene on the outside."  I did this work of art a few years ago which to me represents peace inside a gate or behind a wall.  While we may not live in a gated community, we can promote peace and be a center of calm in an often chaotic world.

8 Tips to create calm;

1.  Carve out time during your day to be alone and quiet.
2.  Create an oasis to go to that is a sacred space. (It could be a tiny corner)
3.  Gather the images or treasures that fill your heart with serenity and bring those to that sacred space.   
4.  Bring something living, a tiny plant, a flower, or something from nature, an orange.  Drink a cool glass of water.
5.  Focus on you and your insides.  How do you feel?
6.  Breathe.
7.  Be thankful for the blessings bestowed upon you.
8.  Promote peace and project calm to those around you.

Do you take time out during your day to create calm?  May I encourage each of you to become calm on the inside and share that serenity with those around you.  Let me know how this works for you.


Monday, March 18, 2013

monday motivation - the push



 Last week, I tried something very motivating that I would like each of you to try. 
 I gave myself a push.  
Yes I did.

I had been busy for three weeks taking care of our daughter to get her well again and when she went back to school, I decided that I needed to really make a push to see some results.  Then I found this push pack and was wishing that something like this existed twenty years ago when I was pregnant with our twins.
I guess each of us need our own sort of push pack when we need to make something happen.
After all preparedness, persistence, perseverance are all part of what it takes to make the push.
 How incredibly clever to have this "push pack" all ready to take with you for the push!  Everything you need to stay motivated to do the work, well the labor - no pun intended.
What sort of push pack would you need to get you motivated to make something happen?  What essentials would be packed?  Can you imagine how much easier one's work would be with everything pre-packed.

This week, I am going to create my own sort of push pack to inspire you to design, create and inspire an artful life.  What would be in your push pack to motivate you?  Persist until something happens.
Now that's what I am talkin about!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

lucky day

It is March 17th, St.Patrick's day and my birthday today. I have always felt it's a lucky coincidence.
I would love to celebrate my day at this pretty table no. seventeen.

It would make me so happy if you would join me.
 As long as I can remember, I have always had a bit of a thing for green on my birthday.  (and for a little pot of gold too)  A little touch of green seems so perfect for this day.

I wish each of you a bit of luck today.

images from ruffled.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

gratitude


\
"An attitude of gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."
John Milton

Each year we host a dinner to show our gratitude for the ski coaches that give of their time and energy to our children and to us.  We are weekend family during the Winter and the early starts, the freezing weather, the snow blizzards and all keep us full of awe.  

I would like to take a moment today and thank so many of you for stopping here to visit, to leave me an e-mail or send me a question or show your support.  It means so very much to me.
You have changed my world.
Your comments about my posts, my art or all of the variety of things that I post everyday have changed me.  

I would also like to thank my parents for Sunday is my birthday and had it not been for their love, I would not be here.  They are together in a nursing home now and I think of them with gratitude for all the love they give.  Thank-you to my sisters and brothers who have been there for my parents.

I am full of gratitude.

Friday, March 15, 2013

show the world

Are you ready to show the world your magic?
Read this over here and be inspired to show the world,
your very own magic.
 Do you have something that you want to share with others?
Perhaps it has been a hobby or something that you love to create?
Part of the magic is sharing what you feel passionate about and designing a life that will open up room for you to create.

When I began my journey as an artist, part of what made me happy was sharing it with others.
It's wonderful to feel the magic when I share my artwork with others and they feel inspired to add creativity to their life.

Are your ready to show the world your magic?
If you have not popped into my little etsy pve shop of my magic, I welcome you to please visit.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

in clover


I often stop to think about luck, about ease and luxury.  One expression I love happens to be "in clover" which refers to just that - living with ease and luxe.  Not a day goes by, that I don't take for granted all the goodness and blessings.  I especially think about clovers, shamrocks and luck this time of year with St.Patrick's day on the horizon. What would be your rolling "in clover" luxury?  Tell me?

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

words

My daughter had a wonderful tutor yesterday who made a special impression upon her to always have 
your dictionary nearby when studying.
It is important to know the meaning of your words.

I always loved this Kate Spade clutch which looks like a modern english dictionary.

Yes, you are your words, make the most of them.
It is so much easier if you can make sense of the meaning of the actual word.
If you don't know it, look it up.

 You might be afraid when you don't know a word, but never be afraid to fail.
Be afraid not to try.
I love this idea of writing words in an old book.
Words on top of words.

Words should never hurt.
Learning new words and their meanings should feel like a hug.
Make the most of them.
What is a word you had to look up recently?

Do you do crosswords, play scrabble or have any favorite word games?


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

extra daylight


I don't know about you, but having that extra daylight last night was such a treat.
Very often, I work from client's photos.  All of my work is done by hand and I begin by looking at the photo and figuring out ways to add lightness and brightness.
It is not plugged into a computer.  Again, I do everything by hand.
It is important to firstly focus in on what is the main attraction.  I spend lots of time looking at all the details and make a list of all the things that I love.  I love the round black awning at the front door and the black shutters.  The brick road in the front is amazing although I know that I need to keep the attention on the house and make you want to go to the front door and find out more about what's inside.
The light is streaming in from above although the shade seems so inviting under one of those gorgeous tall trees.  

Many readers ask me to explain a bit of my process and how I work.
I am always happy to answer any of your questions.  

Are you enjoying that extra hour of daylight in the evening.  It is nearly seven am and it is pitch black but later today, that extra daylight will be so appreciated.

Monday, March 11, 2013

monday motivation - melting point

Last friday, we had a snow storm which caused the start of school turn from a two hour delay to a snow day.  My daughter was not cleared to return to school until monday, so we took the weekend off to spend time playing in the snow.   We built snowmen and I paid tribute to our dog with a snow dog sculpture.  I sent a photo to my son (at University) and he replied that I should think of adding snow art to my portfolio.  One thing for sure is that snow is motivating.  It does not last forever and has a melting point.

Can you think of something that requires your attention or motivation due to time constraints, budgets or limits of sorts?  I can hardly wait for the next snowfall to sculpt and build snow art.

Friday, March 08, 2013

valise

We woke up to a snow covered ground.  My valise is packed and we are heading out the door for a three day weekend.  Our daughter is much better and cleared to go back to school on Monday.  Thanks to each of you for your kind e-mails, flowers, sweets and compassion.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

good food and flowers

I made this lovely meal Sunday and served it to my daughter.  There is nothing like good food and flowers to restore one's spirits.  You can find the recipe here.  I used a free range chicken. I served it in a shallow soup dish.  It was sublime and my sweet girl ate it all up.  "Manger" is what I told her as she took the first bite.  I did get an eye roll which tells me that my girl is feeling better.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

my creative outlet

Let's face it, everyone needs to have a creative outlet.  For as long as I was a little girl, I have been drawing, painting and creating.  Many people always comment that they cannot even draw a straight line.  I laugh and tell them "that's what rulers are for!"

Here is the advertisement in the New York times Metropolitan section with my illustrations for J.McLaughlin for the new outlet opened in Woodbury Centre Mall.  So for those of you that love to shop and also love saving, pop in to the new outlet shop.  The drawings have gotten great mileage and have certainly helped me to grow my creative business too.

I have another advertisement to share from my teenage days that was in a local paper for a shop.  Do you have a creative outlet that is just elementary or natural to who you are?

Monday, March 04, 2013

monday motivation - sunny side up

Everyone needs a little motivation to bring a bit of sunshine inside to find the sunny side up of life.
No matter whatever has been tossed your way, try to toss a little sunshine at it and see how much brighter things look.  For the past few weeks, I must admit to being a bit down about our daughter and the emergency hospital stay and now the home recover phase.  This will be week three and between the nurse, the tutors and everything else on my plate, I intend to keep it sunny around here.

On a pleasant note a dear friend texted me to tell me my illustrations were in the New York Times Metro section for a client which made me smile.  I shall scan the advertisement and share that this week with you all.

So, tell me, how do you infuse your life with a sunny side up attitude.  What motivates you to keep looking up and finding the cheerful side of life?

Saturday, March 02, 2013

tartan clad

The bridesmaids were clad with tartan shawls to take away the chill of the air as they flanked their friend and bride for a December wedding.  I have had a few family health interruptions between my parents and now my daughter so my attentions have been scattered and my work has taken a back seat.

Now I am focusing on polishing the artwork off for this beautiful bride and groom but love knowing that love grows and the memory of that special day lives on.  Thank-you Lorin for your patience with me.  One of the pleasures of doing what I do is working with such incredible people and celebrating the joys of special celebrations.

Friday, March 01, 2013

verdant green

 On this first day of March, my mind wanders off to a verdant green and idyllic spot on the country.
This was a home I rendered last year and I just love all the lush green plantings.  If you are interested in a home illustration, simply take a look over here on my etsy shop.
I have saved this lovely home which I believe is in France too.  Are you ready for some green coming our way or are you longing for a trip to some far away spot where things are verdant green?