belt it

I designed these needlepoint belts and they are still going strong over here.  We have a saying around my place- when we need to save a little or lose a little, we say "tighten the belt - dear!" Well, with Thanksgiving upon us and the current state of the economy, times seem to indicate a little saving is in order, tighten that belt or loosen it, whichever suits you or yours.  

I especially loved designing the bottom one, a fire breathing dragon for my Knight.  Life is all about choices, which one would you belt?  

will power

Painting by my sister Liz Coomes

"The Queen of Seattle"

I have been after my sister to "start her blog" and she would say, "I will"- when I am ready. At last, she got the "will power" and joined the fun over here.   I am thrilled to share with you her talents as well as her ability to always look for the light. She radiates such a positive energy and always looks to share her love of paint as well as joy for life with others. 

As my eldest sister, we have so enjoyed one another's company for many years. She dedicates her life to many a cause and she provided such support when my son came home from the hospital back in September, as did many others.  She actually drove "by herself" from Kentucky to and from, now if that is not will power then what is?   Her willingness to help, to be there, to always spread such cheer is infectious all in the midst of her own family dramas.

Landscape painting by Liz Coomes

We always enjoy comparing notes about our family, the many splendid gifts that our Mother shared along with talented Aunts.  At an early age, we baked, sewed, crafted, made, did and were never ever bored.  We still scratch our heads at how our Mother raised seven of us to find passion in doing a variety of things, dancing, sports, art, music etc.  

pve design of the "love shack" - illustrated for my sister and her husband circa 79 

Welcome my sister with a comment or if you need a painting of some land or somebody, she is the one who will rise to meet your special need.  Just consider how fortunate I am to be born with a strong, sweet and powerful sister.  Welcome Liz today over here.  She will be so glad you did.

cat's meow

The cat's meow or purr in this case, is all about being able to enjoy the moment.  If you have a pet, you will know how an animal can stop time.  All they want is love and a little attention.

This is one of the first of a "sketch" in the works, asking for attention. Purr.

housework

I have a lot of "housework" today, many homes to illustrate and the one thing that I really try to capture is to make one want to feel the soul of the house.  I often wonder what kind of life must be going on inside, what is cooking on the stove, what needs to be folded or washed, and all the love that it takes to make a house work for it's inhabitants.  If there was one thing that you would say that your home needs to work, what would that be?  

good mattes

Time permitting, I love to ship my art finished in a good matte, one that finishes off the work and protects it too.  Framing may also be added on my end or yours.  The above illustration was sent with a generous five inch matte, a double cut, gray and white.

The client added the black matte inside and the simple chic frame.  Ready to hang in your very own gallery!

party people

pve design - "cocktails" illustration

Apologies for the not so great photo of my "party people" illustration.  This happened to be from a wedding that I was booked to illustrate for and it all made my heart beat a bit faster. The party season is approaching like a freight train and I think for fun gifts, I will bring along my sketch pad and draw, new meaning to "working the crowd" - right!   Sounds like a good plan to avoid gaining any holiday excess or to avoid being tempted!  What are your favorite memories of parties that you have given or attended?

handy door knocker

A dear friend spotted my door to door post yesterday and sent this wonderful "door knocker" which she took a photo of while in France.  Don't you love the the color of the door and that door knocker truly must come in handy!  

door to door

"The Blue Door" of a client's cottage for the Holiday Card~

In a matter of days, many of us will be opening our doors, embracing guests for Thanksgiving Day or the Holidays which shall descend upon us swiftly.   I shall be posting a series of doors from around the world.  Knock Knock, who's there, do you hang a wreath or have something wonderful to share?  Ding dong, it's me, here to see your door!

memories of a dress

You know the one, the dress that brings back all the memories of the day when you heard those words, "for better or worse."  Well, a new painting like the above is being "given away" by this talented artist.  Not only can Diane Bronstein wield a brush, but she has an amazing photo safari class that she teaches as well as several blogs (Inspiration by Design) that she keeps.

Without a doubt, my wedding dress has to be my favorite dress.   My very own design, created from a heavy double face silk which I literally could have worn it inside out sewn by one of the most amazing seamstresses who took pride in her work.  Inside around my waist, I wore a nude grosgrain ribbon from which to bustle the back and cleverly attach to the ribbon.  I felt very elegant, not fussy and I would wear it again today as well as marry the same man.  Memories of a dress, from that day forward for better or worse.   The best memory is that it also cost very little to make.  Fashion cents comes in hand every now and again.

Some other dresses that seem to be calling my name are from the Bottega Veneta Collection.

Chic Sheath dresses for day to dinner.  Post the above painting and tout about your favorite dress today.

honor tree

The intent of my visit to my parents was to help them both, to make them both feel better, but in all fairness, my visit was to honor them.  I witnessed my parents, still very much in love with one another, in sickness and in health.  When we honor the ones we love, we find new meaning in our own life.  As the holidays are upon us, one way to honor your parents or a family you love is to make a simple family tree, an "honor tree."  The above tree is so simple from Martha, just a pretty colored paper and a white pen, write the names to form a tree of honor and simply frame.  What a lovely hostess gift!

How do you honor those that you love?