vignettist

 It's true.  Call me a vignettist.  I love painting artfully created vignettes.  Little portraits that show an arrangement of a collected order.  The cards for the above are available in my etsy shop.  I have white, pale blue or hot pink envelopes to go with if you like.  If you order today, I will add a surprise to your order that will make you smile.

I painted these in gouache a few years ago when I was new to blog land and fell down the most "Absolutely Beautiful Things" blog.  I sent them to Anna to gift to her Mother.  I need to paint some of my own beautiful things arranged in vignettes.

no limits

I love knowing that there's a new kid in our town.  My Mother always told me "the skies the limit" and I'm betting that this artist's Mom told him the same thing.  I am literally blown away by his work.
Check out Alexandre Arrechia over here and here.

penthouse party

Trolling around on pinterest and came upon this spectacular penthouse party or it could be some private club.  (here it is 230-Fifth) I mean "wow."  How's that for a Tuesday.  Dreaming is fun.

monday motivation - creative courage

"put 'em up" painting the lion at pve design studio 2013

I am so delighted to share with you a new friendship and a little "put 'em up" monday motivation.

During Storm Sandy, we met each other while juicing up our electronic devices at a dear friend's home who had power and was kind enough to share with many who scrambled to stay connected, fed and in need of a warm shower or meal.  We were all feeling very vulnerable and incredibly sad for the devastation that Storm Sandy left behind and the courage to re-build and start moving ahead.

Yes, Matisse not only had a way with paint, but a way with words and indeed 

"Creativity takes courage."

My new friend shared an image of a colored pencil sketch study of a lion and the desire to paint the king of the jungle on a very large canvas.  I invited her to come to my studio and bring her fears.  The transformation of witnessing another individual face a blank canvas head on and pick up a rag or a big brush and just "start" does take amazing courage.

Perhaps you need a little "put 'em up" or a bit of creative motivation to take time for you, creative time to allow yourself to face your fears and find your creative courage.  I would be happy to help you.  By helping you, you in turn help me.  Creativity is an act of courage.  What is the one thing holding you back from starting to live your life more creatively?

Mother's love

As a Mom, I know that our love is not measured.  It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.

My parents remind me to spread love everywhere I go and then I find the words of Mother Teresa to be inspiring and motivating.  I wish all Mother's everywhere love today.  Happy Mother's day.  My Mom is 86 and I wish her love.

to inspire

mask and "doodles" by Ulina

It's so incredibly wonderful to meet other artists along the way and meet with them in hopes of inspiring them to create and live a more artful life.  This week, I feel that I have inspired two women who have already started plans to dedicate themselves more to their art.

I feel so full of joy to share what's worked for me and how I have been able to be here for my family while creating an artful life.  Do you need a little push or some direction to get yourself living an artful life?  I would love to inspire you.  Feel free to connect with me.  All it takes is passion and a plan to get started.

on the menu

I did say that I was going to challenge myself to paint each day but have been so caught up with work and life so I thought I would share some of my recently published work.

One of my boys will be coming home tonight from college for a 3 day weekend and I am thinking about my menu.  It dawned on me that I could turn to Sheridan Road "Good Eats" May issue.

I am eating as much whole and fresh as possible but I do love salmon and I know my son does too.
Dashing out to send off some artwork and then to the grocery.  It's pouring here so I better wear my rain boots~

monday motivation - ceremonies

I have a few wonderful events happening in my life, one was this past Saturday.  I witnessed my son carry the American Flag for the color guard which was very emotional for me.  He was awarded a Bronze Medal for Academic Excellence.

Today is our daughter's confirmation so I am busy gearing up for that.  Lots of ceremonies to celebrate~
I have such a grateful heart for all the hard work that goes into each ceremony.  I also feel so much pride and joy for all the students serving their country and in good faith.

Happy Derby Day

Wishing each of you a Happy Derby Day.  I created this work for J.McLaughlin on thursday and friday it was posted to the J.McLaughlin facebook, talk about fast!  Hope each of you enjoy the Derby in style and sip a mint julep in honor of My Old Kentucky Home.  Question, horse-shoe up or down?

avocado

Motivated to paint something fresh each day as part of my May challenge, I am also dedicated to eat more whole foods and eat fresh.  Avocado is one food that I love.

Have you ever heard that the avocado is referred to as God's butter?  

Well last summer, at the beach, I overheard a Mother giving a spoon full to her child and telling him it was 

"God's butter."

Avocado's are a "superfood" and so good for you.  

Great alone with a little salt and honey drizzled on top or added to salads or fresh smoothies.  

I love how they come packaged in a pretty green bowl.