be doers

Certainly you have attended an event with the movers and shakers and the doers of the world, have you not?

Are you a doer?  

My sister told me last month when I shared all I had going on in my world and she said, "I am not surprised, you are a doer of the world."

 I remember years ago being so inspired by another artist and friend whose work is prolific, I made a remark to her, "How do you create all this?"  She replied, "This is what I do." I shall never forget those words.

So, if you happen to be here for the first time, this is what I do and have done.

I illustrate storefronts.

I create personalized monograms.

I absolutely adore spaces, interiors as well as exteriors.

 I lost track of how many homes I have illustrated for clients and friends.

 Don't even get me started on my love for capturing canines.  If you own a pet, then you know all about the things we do for our creatures and the unconditional love they bequeath.

I do love the color green too.

                

 I do love Park Avenue in New York, especially in the Springtime when the esplanade is all in bloom.

 I also do oils and want to do more oils because they slow me down.

Many of my works are created to be used for custom notecards.  

I do love to write notes, send letters.

Well, like I said, I guess this sums up a bit of what I do, what I create as an artist.

This year, I look forward to doing more, more artwork, more inspiration and more design.

Tell me, are you a doer, what do you do?

one new thing

Today is the first day of a brand new year.

Try one new thing every day this year.

Host a dinner party, Read that book, Light candles, Use cloth napkins, Hug someone, Say thank-you, Drink more water, wash your hands, Write that letter, Listen to music, Slow down, Exercise, Eat  more greens, learn a new skill, plant a garden, take more photos, give to someone in need, Try one new thing.  Laugh more.  Add more glitter to each day.  Meet a friend for a monthly lunch.  Love more.

What is one new thing you plan to try on this first day.  January One, Twenty-Thirteen.

monday motivation - memorial

Here we are on the final day of December 2012.  Indeed it falls on a monday and once again each of us need to find our own motivation but I do hope that my artwork makes you think of certain motives to create, design and inspire an artful life.  In the midst of creating art for others, I am reminded by all the works and how they serve as a memorial to celebrate life and cherish each day and every creature.

Many works of art can serve as a memorial or a tribute to a person, place or thing.  This illustration of a particular cat named Buddy was a commission that a client gave for a holiday gift.  Memories of loved ones do deserve a memorial.

A work of art can serve as a memorial of all of the years of love spent devoted to one another.

Do you have a sacred or holy corner in your home dedicated to the memory of a person, place or thing that might motivate or inspire you?  In many cultures, a sort of shrine as you enter your home can create a respect for life and in a way give honor to your own life.  Fresh fruit, flowers or a candle to light can add so much to one's day as we connect with those that have gone before us.

Wishing each of you a splendid day this last monday of 2012.   Take time to create a memorial with photos, artwork or mementos to honor those that were a part of your life.  I will be back in the New Year to bring you more mondays full of motivation, artwork that you can create, inspiration and of course my own art which motivates me each day.

sunday sparkle

 Snowflakes have a way of inspiring sparkle.  I found this sweet snowflake added to a place card.

While skiing, I stopped to admire all the snow laden branches.  They look like lace.

This has been the scene for a few days in a row, lots of sparkly snow coming down.

Perfect for skiing and for preparing hearty cozy stews.

 

I have this hearty stew simmering on the stove to bring to the ski mountain for our Sunday lunch. All you need are onions, garlic, parsnips, chopped veggies, potatoes, water and I used some leftover roast beef.  Season, simmer, and then serve with some crusty bread.

Skiing certainly creates an appetite for warmth.

Hope everyone is enjoying a sparkly Sunday today.

snow time

A blanket of white snow during our holiday week is a blessing.

My son on the left with his buddies from when they were in preschool.  I still see them as power rangers and super heros.  Wishing you all a beautiful week surrounded by those you love and here's to making memories to savor for years to come.

skiing in the catskills

Winter time skiing in the Catskills is lots of fun.  The Catskills Winter Sampler offers a great deal on skiing the mountains in the Catskills of New York.  We have lots of fresh snow and I am off to ski!



Enjoy the day.  Are you a skiier?  Do you ski?

Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

We wish you a Merry Christmas;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding;

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer

We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some;
We won't go until we get some, so bring some out here

We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Peace to each of you.

All of the above artworks were created by pve design

merry and bright

May your days be merry and bright.  

We have been having lots of fun as a family skiing and "chillin" (as my college sons love to say.)

This year I was so busy creating cards for so many special clients that my own holiday card took the backseat, the paperless route.

My gift to saving a few trees and reducing a bit of Christmas card clutter.

That said, thank-you to each of you who sent me a card.  I love seeing how families have grown and all the creativity that abounds.

Blessings to each of you on Christmas day and in the coming year ahead.

UPDATE; Winner is Vivienne Strauss. Check out her blog over here and her wonderful artwork.

sunday sparkle

 My husband and I had a few laughs while we hung a strand of sparkly lights outside as a garland around the doorway.  Our dinner guests mentioned how they love the lights during the holidays.  I do believe that those sparkly lights set the tone for an all is bright and all is calm evening.

 My Sundays are now all about finding and embracing the sparkle!

I crave lights, sequins, glitter and festive touches that shine.

 Think of your self as a strand of lights suspended from above and go about your day shining brightly.

good company

 Even the most beautifully decked out holiday home needs good company.

We attended a holiday party last evening and one of the toasts given in honor of the host and hostess was just how wonderfully skilled they are at gathering such good company.

May you find joy with the good company you keep.

Enter my "give it away" - I will be back Christmas Eve to announce the winner.Winner shall be selected by random number generator.

"My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company." ~ Jane Austen