monday motivation - doing

pve design - custom home commissioned art - house proud portrait

Monday for me is all about doing with the goal in mind of completion.
This home commission was sent and received.  Delighted to hear my client was thrilled.
Notes were also ordered to go with this order.

  I work with a lovely printer locally who is always busy "doing" and does such a great job for me.

 Pretty envelopes in sky blue, paper bag brown, gray and of course classic white were included.

Monday is all about "doing" and checking off my to do list.

Hope you are feeling motivated to just keep doing and working towards crossing the finish line.

Here is what my client said, 

"I got them!!! Just so in love with the note cards and the matted artwork is wonderful.  I could not be happier."

Gives me motivation to just keep "doing."

spring at lava barre

Have you started your spring exercise routine?  Well if not now, when?  Why not join Lava Barre or at least be inspired to join the corps of a class.  Maybe a bright new colorful top or a brand new water bottle is just the thing to get you motivated to blossom and get moving.  What sort of exercise regime do you do to strengthen, tone up and feel your best?  Click on Lava barre to see their fabulous pinterest board too motivate and inspire.

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.  

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.

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.

monday motivation - color

Monday morning and part of what gets me going are my paints and the part that is fun for me, to paint in the color.  I am going to share some of my favorite paints with you and brushes this week.
There is a chance we may have an early closing today at our schools due to a 90 percent chance of snow, which means this morning my full attention needs to be focused on finishing a few other works. well - painting that is.

candelight

There is a spot nearby which has been in business since 1955.  

"Candlelight Inn" is known for it's hot wings and landmark red buildings.

Nothing fancy, just a local spot to unwind and enjoy a bucket of hot wings, a cool beverage and lively conversation.  There is always a wait, a line and a crowd.  If you do go, make sure you bring cash as they only accept cash.

The owner contacted me to illustrate his business buildings to have printed on a post card after he had seen one from another local business that I illustrated.  It was a series of back and forth and juggling life in between.  I tweaked and fine tuned the artwork until it was approved.  Finally the above artwork was completed and ready to be used for advertising and marketing.

Although mail comes in many forms, businesses are always looking for ways to send out mailers or e-mails to let their customers know of sales or of special events.  It is amazing to think that some businesses I have been creating for since there were only a handful of shops and little by little they have grown to many many shops.  I love knowing that many companies are still burning the candlelight to grow their businesses.  If you are in need of artwork for mailers or marketing, feel free to contact me.

location

 Location, Location, Location really does say so much especially when it comes to coveted real estate and then of course,  to coveted art.  Ahem. Well, not just any art but feast your eyes on the illustration.
I was so excited to see the art take the page instead of being relegated to one tiny corner.

 
My latest illustration, in the latest issue of Sheridan Road Magazine.  Sometimes just a line or a shoreline can say it all.  For this particular work, I thought keeping it simple in shades of watery blue worked best to convey the "North Shore" from "Lake Bluff" on down the line to "Evanston."

Does your address need to be illustrated to show off it's location, location location.  Let me know your whereabouts?  Did you know that I also illustrate on location for parties or events?

up the street

This recent commission was done for a client to give to a friend up the street.  How nice to give a gift of art to cherish.  It was a bit tricky to piece several photos as this house is tucked in and has such charm.  I can imagine that outside area to be just delightful on a Summer night and those window boxes the envy of that neighborhood.

On campus

A lovely client came to me with a request for a work of art to give to her Father. How wonderful to have a special memory on campus. Timely for me since I have twin sons who are high school seniors and will be off to college in the Fall.
This week as many students are waiting to receive envelopes or e-mails as to which schools will accept them for the coming Fall, including my twin sons. It is an exciting and somewhat anxiety driven time for students and parents.

If you attended a University, what were some of your favorite memories of being on campus?

Wishing all of the students all over the world much success and happiness on and off campus.

carriage house

A carriage house holds special meaning for a couple who were married and stayed here. This commissioned work of art will serve as a lasting memory of a very special beginning. I love how places and times can immediately conjure up special memories. Do you have a special memory of a place you stayed? A work of art makes a wonderful gift to give.