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About 2 months ago I received a message regarding a commission.  As my website shows I have mainly painted on a smaller scale so when asked to create two 24 x 36 paintings my mind went into overdrive!  Did I have the studio space to make this happen? Could I estimate the job materials, time & price? But mostly I wondered if I could get over “blank canvas syndrome” and start the paintings like I do all my others.  Well, here are the completed pieces and I have to say I really enjoyed the process.  Looking back on it, I  think the hardest part was working in my small space and ending up covered in paint, afraid that any movement would strike up dust that would be forever embedded in the drying surface! End result, happy client = happy artist.  

My studio is my happy place but some days I just need a work space that offers a clean paint free surface. I created that this week by investing in a new desk & file drawers to replace an uncomfortably small used desk I grabbed off of craigslist years ago. Being a visual person, I know I need my surroundings to appeal to my eyes & my soul. However, I don’t always provide that for myself, why? Self care doesn’t always come easily, often times taking a backseat to everyday life & guilt over spending the money. Now that it is here, I have made sure to include some of my favorite colors, my art, collectibles & my Mom (laptop wallpaper), who was so supportive of my art even though her own taste ran much more traditional. Overall, having this revamped space makes this gal happy and isn’t that what self care is all about!

A walk around the sculpture park brought me to this piece. At the time, 4th of July weekend, I wasn’t feeling especially “peaceful” but when I came around the corner and saw the sun streaming through the fingers I was reminded that there is light at the end of most tunnels. The peace sign has always been one of my favorite symbols and this representation does not disappoint.

An image taken from one of my original paintings printed on Aluminum. This allows for a washable surface that can withstand the heat from the stove top. This particular image was custom colorized to match the client’s decor creating a one of a kind piece.

So the other day a client told me what she saw in the print she purchased. The feedback surprised me because it was something I never saw or imagined. This is what art is….

I ventured to an arboretum last week & came across these flowers. Now for me, certain colors just touch me down to my very soul. I truly have a visceral reaction to them, one that is difficult to put into words. I took this photo because I wanted to be reminded of the deliciousness of the color & to be able to tap into the feeling whenever needed.

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

~Wassily Kandinsky

The birth of a pillow starts with a painting, then an art print then a pattern design. This photo shows how often times only a small segment of the original painting is used. I photograph the area of the painting that I am drawn to whether it is the shapes, color blends or just the “mood” of it that is appealing. Sometimes I sell the paintings as well & some are kept to be used as templates for future designs. A lot of work produces the end result but it is “happy” work. #lifeasanartist #pillowlove #momsthatpaint #smallbusiness