GOURD BIRDHOUSES !!!!

So here are the birdhouses made
from gourds. I don't know how
well they'll hold up in the weather,
but they are cheerful and I like them.

A friend asked me if I thought birds
would really use them. Heck, I don't know,
I just like the way they look !!!

Now just need to get them positioned
in the yard.

I think if you click on the image
you can see it enlarged.

THE ARTISTS ADVENTURE

Gate On Rio Grande Paula - 2008

The artist ran away from her day job
and along the winding road
it came to be that she
encountered a wall with a gate

She wondered what could be
beyond that gate
it seemed formidable
so whatever was on the other
side must be of great value

Would it be
fortune?

Would it be fame?

Stardust from heaven
instead of rain?

And then she saw the lock
and all hopes
were dashed.

That night she dreamt
she could click her heels
and float over the wall,
but just when the other side
came into view
she awoke.

Fortunes don't live behind
a wall waiting to be discovered.

Fame isn't all it's cracked up
to be and in reality
who needs fame anyway, you
just end up on the front of
scandal magazines.

And as my friend Annie
reminded me,
we are all made of
stardust.

GOLDEN PAINT DEMO

Artisan's Art Supply Demo Room

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Paula ~ 2008

This past Saturday I attended a Golden Paint/Product
demo at my local Artisans Art Supply store.
Nancy Reyner is a local (Santa Fe) artist who also does these demos for Golden.
Nancy is an amazing artist
she oozes creativity
and at this demo she was a great inspiration for me.
I love painting with acrylics and in particular
their line of heavy body matte paints.
They give the look of tempera or gouache
which I am partial to.

I was particularly encouraged that
I actually
understood most of what
Nancy talked about !!!

Sometimes we don't give ourselves the credit we are due.
~doesn't matter what area of life ~
you are a smart and creative individual
and I encourage you to give yourself a
BIG pat on the back !!!!!!


Go ahead,
Live large,
Even if it is small (believe me, it's still large),
What little positive affirmation
will you bestow upon your soul
today?

4803 - New Mexico

Paula ~ 2008

I love the tiles surrounding this address.
Here in New Mexico many folks have an address set up like this.
It always presents such a mystery to me ~ what is behind those walls??????
A wonderful garden with large trees?
A big weed patch?
Plain old gravel?

What does your imagination tell you about what might be behind these walls?
Where does your creativity take you?
Do you have a vivid imagination?
How does that develop or do we have plenty of it
as kids
and then it fades as we get older,
or it is always there,
we just teach ourselves to ignore it?

Let's play a game !
What is behind this wall !!!!!!!!!!!!!
There will be no winner of course,
because even I don't know what is there,
but it would be fun to play.
What is your guess?
Where does your imagination take you?

THE ARTIST'S GARDEN

Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Paula - 2008

Here it is in summer.
Simply beautiful.
Surely a garden fit for an old master artist,
don't you think?
I don't know who's garden this is
but I do love it.

Some of you may remember this beautiful
Canyon Road, New Mexico
garden scene from a few months ago.

Below is the view from MY patio.
Not quite as shady, secluded, cool and inviting.
My yard is fairly new and a fair number of the plantings are
still babies so I'll post again later in the summer
so you can all see how it is coming.
I love my yard.

My Garden

Paula - 2008

WHO ARE YOU ????

North Valley Residence, New Mexico
Paula - 2008
click to enlarge

Out driving around on my lunch hour.
I love to just drive around and take photos
when something just catches my eye.

These folks have a wonderful plaque of
Our Lady of Guadalupe
next to their front door.
I'm impressed that they boldly proclaim their love for
"our lady".
These folks have their heart in the right place.

Other folks put little ceramic pigs in their front yards,
funky fountains,
whirllybird garden decorations,
flags, etc.

What does your home say about you
when someone passes by?

WHO ARE YOU????

A BUCKET FULL OF FORTUNATE

A Bucket Full of Fortunate
(click to enlarge)
Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Paula ~ 2008

How great to sit on your porch.
Rocking away next to your bucket of "Fortune".
The world passes you by.
Not noticing.
You have a bucket full of fortune.

I have a bucket full of fortune.

Do you?

NEW ART - SANTA FE EGGPLANTS

Santa Fe Eggplants

14 x 18 acrylic on canvas
click image to enlarge

So ................... this is waaaaaaaaaaaaay
off the beaten path for anything I've ever done.

I really enjoyed the process.

Looking for some feedback here, positive and constructive ~

RED HOT POKERS !!!!

A driveway along Rio Grande Blvd.
Albuquerque, NM
Paula's photo - 2007

Some folks here call these fire lilies. I've always known them as Red Hot Pokers. I planted a few last year and then promptly drowned them. This year I started over with three and so far they are looking mighty fine. We'll see.

I always make a point of going down this street to admire this driveway lined with such a fabulous display.

I've been vacationing this week. Well sort of. I took the week off from work and have been enjoying my garden, hanging out at home, puttering about.......my favorite pass time.

Made my first ever abstract painting. My husband isn't wild about it. He wouldn't say he didn't like it, but hey, I can tell. I happen to think it is pretty cool and I felt a lot of satisfaction while making it. Somehow I just felt settled and comfortable when working on it. I'll post it in a day or two for you all to comment on.

Oh and after what must be 2-3 years, I dug out the bag of gourds I've been hoarding. I hope you'll like what I did with them !!!! Stop by tomorrow !!! I'll show you !

acrylic and pen on bristol

4 x 6 postcard - 2007

Sometimes you've just got to fly.

I can't imagine a world without birds, can you? I live in a very arid part of the country however my immediate neighborhood is a bit of an oasis and the birds are abundant.

Once again this year we have a Barn Swallow couple getting things ready for their new family. Hummingbirds are checking out the yard and sipping at the feeder since there aren't an abundance of flowers just yet. The Rosy Finch guys sit on top of the hummingbird feeder, looking perplexed and asking one another how to get to that juicy red nectar.

Summer is upon us. 91 degrees here today.

Get out and get some fresh air and sunshine !!!

MY STUDIO IS IN FULL BLOOM !!

African Violets next to my studio worktable.
Paula ~ New Mexico ~ May 2008

They say it is good to have fresh flowers and/or plants near your workspace. At least I think I heard that some where once......hmmmmmmmm.

Well anyway, 31 years ago I had beautiful African Violets in my new little baby boy's bedroom. That was where the light was best and I was happiest.

I'd not had them again until just this past year.
Why did I wait so long? A very long story.

These are simply beautiful and bring me such joy when I'm at my work table. Just outside the window is what promises to be a bumper crop of Roma tomatoes........hopefully destined to be the best pizza sauce to ever occupy my happy little freezer. I make killer pizza and we love that sauce.

Guess I'm having a bit of a rambling sort of day. It is Friday and I'm thrilled the weekend is here.

We've had a couple of cool rainy days. Just before it rained I'd been out in the garden feeding all my little flower babies. With sunny days this weekend, I'm guessing my garden is going to kick into full speed ahead growing. Thrilling !!!!!!!!

I've more new art to post so check back next week for that.

In the meantime, drop me a comment. I'd love to hear about what's going on in your neck of the woods.

MORE ON "THE ROAD"

Paula's Photo
New Mexico - 2008

I'm 55 years old. More and more these days I find myself reflecting on "the road". What lies in store for me over the coming years. I don't feel older but I sure see it staring back at me in the bathroom mirror. I'm not prepared for retirement. Don't want to end up a "bag lady" out on the street collecting odds and ends, living moment to moment. In the end we all arrive at the same gateway. I guess it's not so much how we got there that matters, but I sure do think about it alot more than I did in previous years.

CROSSES ON THE ROAD OF LIFE

CROSSES ON THE ROAD OF LIFE
Mail art send to Randi Fuerhelm-Watts
4x6 - acrylic and ink on card stock

Imagine yourself floating above the ground.
On a cloudless clear blue-sky kind of day.

Below all you see are green fields,
they stretch on forever.

Breaking the green like a parting of the seas
is a long stretch of highway
and
all around stand crosses.
Like those little mileage dots on the road map.

The crosses are markers on your road of life.

Crosses you bear.
Crosses marking the spot of great personal discovery.
Crosses honoring special moments,
deep agony, joy, pain, sorrow and ecstasy.

Make today the day you acknowledge and honor your crosses.
They all played a part in what got
you to this moment.

Honor yourself today.

ELEMENTS OF LOVE - ll

ANOTHER WORK IN PROGRESS


PEEK # 1 ~ ~ ~
PEEK # 2 ~ TAKING SHAPE

PEEK # 3 ~ GETTING THERE

STILL NOT SURE THIS IS COMPLETE !
STAY TUNED FOR MORE.........

THE ART OF EVERYDAY LIFE

I took this photo along a back road in northern New Mexico. I think near Penasco. It strikes me as wonderful that someone who built this rather ordinary barn would take the time to insert a wagon wheel up near the roof. I think it is lovely if not a bit quirky actually. Imagine the time and trouble it took to get that wheel inserted way up there!!!

Art as a valuable component of life isn't all that unusual ~ if you seize the opportunity to embrace it.

Look around. Where is there art in your life? Allow the door to open, step into those new ruby red slippers and await the wonder that art and life delivers to your awareness each and every moment. Take a moment to tell me about it.....I love hearing from you, sweet blog friends.

Have a great day.

THE ART OF BIRDS INFLIGHT

A happy bird today.

The birds are back. Just like clockwork, the days have warmed, the trees are greening and every morning I have a serenade of birds.

We live in a very arid part of the country. The American Southwest is known for it's hight desert horizons and blazing sunsets. And yes it is beautiful in that way. I love it. However our little neighborhood is like an oasis. Lots of vegetation and trees so the birds are naturally attracted to the area.

Sometime I wish I could freeze them in flight so I can get a better look at how to draw them. Yeah, I know, I could get a book with lots of pictures of birds but somehow there isn't as much joy in that idea. So I'll keep sitting out on my back patio, enjoying the birds.

WORK IN PROGRESS

Recently I did a day on Canyon Road in Santa Fe. Living so close to one of the great art centers in the world just begs a visit on an occasional basis. I had a great time.

In one of the first stops I saw a beautiful painting. One lonely tree with a serene far-off horizon. I thought it was so lovely. By the end of the day, any many galleries later, there was more than a pattern arising. If I saw one "serene lonely tree" painting, I must have seen 50 !!!!!! So much for the ideal of artists not ripping off one another's ideas !

So that said, I decided it was time for me to do the tree thing as well (click on the photo to get a larger image). Mine is kind of tongue-in-cheek and to quote that guy "Bob Ross" that one tree needed A LITTLE FRIEND !!!! My husband gets up at the crack of dawn on Saturday and turns on PBS to watch Bob Ross. Surely you know that guy. My husband is forever imitating Bob Ross by referring to something that needs a little friend. According to my husband, Bob Ross says that a lot.

So anyway, here is my tongue-in-cheek "lonely tree" painting with a couple of little friends. It is a work in progress, not finished yet. I have no idea where this will go. Got any ideas to pass on??????? Sometimes my ideas need "little friends" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'D RATHER BE IN THE STUDIO

I think the title of this book says it all. Of course, I'd rather be in the studio.

I just got this book a few days ago. Being an artist with not much marketing experience (because I haven't bothered), this has helped me to realize that I need to get more proactive about my business.

I'm currently getting the finishing touches on a web page (thanks to dear sweet husband). I've settled on a coordinated design for my business cards and will soon have those ready to go as well. I'm needing some postcards. I would like to avoid the printer route since I don't have a lot in the way of funds to have a run printed. The postcards I find at Office Depot are really inferior quality. I have a really great printer and know they will print nicely if only I can come up with the paper stock. Anyone out there have a resource?

Oh yeah, back to the book. What I particularly like about this book is Alyson's general guidelines for the artist's statement. I've been avoiding that activity and I know I need to do it. I will use the prompts in this book. They will get me off my flabby backside and get writing.

I also like the Conversations Exercise found on page 46. "In a nutshell, the Conversations exercise provides a format for you to engage in a discussion about your art with someone (anyone!). " This really got me to thinking about my art. I'm excited to give this a whirl. I'm wondering SAN and ANNIE ~ maybe you two would be willing participants (I'll write more about this exercise later).

Well...........the day job beckons, so I'm outta here. Have a great day, everyone ! And don't forget to leave a comment !!!!!!! I get lonesome when I don't hear from you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Artist book-a-holic

Do you acquire a lot of books? I call myself a book-a-holic. If you looked at my shelves you wouldn't think that. I've managed to keep the acquisitions at bay. One good way to do that is by using the local library. What a great way to practice abundance!!!! You can pick up a ton of books and it won't cost you a thing!!! Once I donated, oh probably 500 books to the Taos library. For the rest of the time that I lived in that charming community, I'd go to the library and see my donations on the shelves. They've since moved into a new and spiffy location and I've moved away, but back then it was kind of fun.

I love books of most kinds. Presently I'm picking up more and more books related to art. I love to learn about the lives of the great masters, techniques, styles, creativity and art marketing. Sometimes it is refreshing to step back from whatever I'm up-to-my-elbows in and just page through a book. If it doesn't have pictures then my attention span will diminish quickly. I'm a picture kind of gal. Check back soon and I'll clue you in to some of my current faves from the art book shelf.

In the meantime, get out there and have some fun. It's Spring and I don't know about you but it is a beautiful day here in New Mexico !!

ARE ARTISTS MORE HAPPY IN SPRING????

Paula's photo of a garden along
Canyon Road, Santa Fe New Mexico

Everyone one I know.
Everywhere I go.
I hear people going on and on about Spring !

You'd think it was some big, wild and crazy happening !!!

Well folks, NEWS FLASH!!!!! It is!


Imagine the delight in the artist's
mind as images begin
to take on new color,
new vibrancy,
new life.

Moments forever marked
on canvas.

Oil, acrylic, pastel.
It matters not.

Inspiration has found a new birth,
and it be SPRING.

PAINTING, LAYERS OF PAPER, MORE PAINT, MORE PAPER, WHERE DOES IT ALL END????

I think I may put those wings back into it though.
I liked them.

I'm sure you've never put yourself through this,
have you?????

WHAT WAS I THINKING !!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, this painting is officially stalking me.
It started out like this............

I actually liked the windows with the washed out words.
I had a lot of fun working on the wings, painting on the acrylic and
glazing and working on the details.......yes, I really did like those wings.

But then when I stood back and looked at it, I was horrified !

What is that big blob of glazed white in the middle?
What? You're asking me?
How in world do I answer a question like that !

Even I don't know .....

I'm still not sure where this is going,
I guess I'll have to wait,
just like all of you.

Stay tuned !

OIL PAINTINGS, GALLERYS, SANTA FE

Ground Zero. Santa Fe ~ the "big kids" art world.

Amazing how I can walk out my little suburban house, get in my car and in less than one hour be at Ground Zero for the art world.

Yesterday my husband and I did just that.

A day spent on Canyon Road in Santa Fe can be simply amazing.


Some of the pieces are not particularly my cup of tea but one has to admit that the technical expertise, the feeling, the light, the sheer awesome beauty of truly wonderful art is an experience that rivals many others.

Artists like Ed Mell, Betsy Bauer, Melinda Hall, Robert Daughters.

In the end I come home over stimulated. Unable to sleep. Images swimming through my brain.
If I could rub the magic lantern and ask the genie for three wishes, I think that "being able to paint like the big kids" would be one of the three.

I'm sure they all started out somewhere just like me.

CREATIVITY, PAINTING, ACRYLICS AND HAIRCUTS

Lately, feeling in a bit of a rut. Looking at the work of other painters, acrylic, encaustic, collage. It is easy to see other's work as "creative" and then look at my own and see "less than".

My husband is such a champion for me. He's my lover, my mentor, my coach, my best friend and business partner. He said things that truly hit my heart and reminded me that painting is what I do, I am unique, I have a passion for painting and there is nothing wrong with digressing down the encaustic road.

And to Annie who commented yesterday, you are absolutely right! I do always paint straight from my heart.

I'm going to go ahead and take the encaustic workshop. What a great opportunity to meet some new people, try some new moves out on my brain and get a breath of fresh air.

"Breath of fresh air" ~ ha !! Reminds me of a man I once worked for who called it "blowing off the stink" !!!!!!!!!!!!

So what does all this have to do with a haircut? Yesterday by the time I got off work at 4pm , I was desperate to get rid of what felt like my dowdy haircut. I took a leap of faith (every haircut is, really) and stopped at one of those $10 clip joints at the shopping center. Wow, I got a really cut haircut! Layers, whispy and light. Like a burst of new energy and creativity.

Feels wonderful and I'm ready to get back in the studio and paint !!!!!!!

I hope your day is great and, Annie thanks for the reality check. Smooch

Oh and I hate making posts without an image, so here is a little eye candy !!!!

Paula's Photo

Our Lady of Guadalupe
Cuba, New Mexico
2007

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

How many of you artists out there stick to just one style. Say for instance, all birds, all abstract, portraits only, landscapes only?

I struggle with wanting to visit around with different techniques and styles. But if I do this, is it at the expense of professional branding? The majority of my art revolves around mixed media on canvas. Recently I've become aware of an encaustic workshop and would love to learn this technique.

From a business standpoint I understand how important it is to focus on the product, the branding, the marketing. Staying clear in the eye of your audience. What does that do to creativity though? Being someone who is always curious about the creative process yet needing to stay marketable, where is the balance achieved? Is there ever a balance?

Ideas? Suggestions? Thoughts on the matter? hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?????

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

CESTANDREA AND MISS DOODLE MAKE MY DAY

I was thrilled to learn that I was the lucky winner in the drawing over at Cest Andrea !

So running home every day to check my mail box and finally it arrived ! I received the most wonderful earrings (an image that holds much significance for me) and a Miss Doodle painting which now graces my desk !!!!

Thank you so much for such a lovely gift. This means so very much to me!

Thanks again.

DOES YOUR ART REFLECT YOUR LIFE?

Plaza Dog Turns 55
12 x 12 x 2 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250

Does your art reflect your life? Do you employ stream of conscience technique in your creative lineup?

This piece was a fascinating process for me. I started out just laying down paper, paint, ink, and once finished I stepped back and thought, oh my gosh, this says so much.

I have never thought of my work as self illuminating.

Lately I've been just sitting down and letting myself wander. The results are interesting and quite unpredictable.

What is your process like? I'd really like to know how you go about your work, your art, your life ~ what drives creativity? What motivates us to do what we do? Whether it is painting, writing, or cooking..................

THE VOICE INSIDE

Jack and Friends
4 x 6 postcard
Mixed Media

I made this postcard to my daughter-in-law a year or so ago. I really loved the mood that "jack" gave off. Kind of a "make my day" attitude!

I especially like making art on top of layers of old paper, pages from books, whatever strikes my fancy. For me those faint words in the background are like the unheard, inside voice we all have. The things we are thinking but wouldn't dare say, for fear of hurting, insulting, building false hope or whatever.

Throughout life I've usually abandoned the idea of the "inside voice" but as I age I find myself reserving those inside thoughts more and more.

At the first of the year I quickly abandoned the notion of a New Year's Resolution for something more like "My 2008 Motto". My motto for this year is:

Keep It Simple and Be Nice.

So I guess that is what's going on with Jack here. He's being nice and keeping things simple by not allowing the others to hear his inside voice.

Do you have an inside voice? One that you keep to yourself? Why? When? What happens with you have the overwhelming urge to just say what you think? "Oh that art really sucks!" or "Gee I sure hope that hair color isn't permanent"............or..................."I love you".

Please comment, I'd love to hear your inside voice on this topic.

Enough for today.

So check out this one !

You all seem to like these trucks as much as I do!

If I remember correctly we got this photo
in a small village near Penasco, New Mexico.

I imagine the little old guy who loved this truck.
He probably took it out rabbit hunting.
Or maybe he used it to haul hay
for the horses.
Or maybe,
he took his sweetie pie out for a ride
where they had a sweet kiss or two????

Pickup trucks with character abound here in New Mexico.

Recently I was at a local gallery dropping off some of my work
and there was a fabulous painting, quite large, lots
of wonderful color. It was a painting of a
pickup truck. And it was SOLD.
I'm always fascinated when I see paintings like this,
made by someone who really sees
their world.

Spring is getting closer every minute and the world
is out there banging away on your door to
creativity.

Will you see pickup trucks and turn to your canvas today?

I'm thinking it could be fun !!!

Go out and see some fun stuff today. Be inspired.

Elements of Love
16 x 20 x 1 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250

Passion, pain, tenderness.
Whether it is friend, family or lover,
the elements of love run true and deep.
Layer upon layer of passion, pain and yes,
mostly tenderness.

ROSA OFFERS HER HEART

Rosa Offers Her Heart
16 x 20 x 1 gallery wrap
mixed media on canvas
$250

Springtime and Rosa feels love in the air.

What is that song?? How does it go????
"Love Is In The Air"
I think it was from the old TV series "Love Boat"?
I never watched that show but for some
reason I'm remembering the theme song.

So anyway, back to Rosa. She is an angel, see her halo?
She keeps sheep and they graze about her house.
They don't need a corral since they love Rosa and they
never leave her yard.

Tulips ~ ~ ~ Rosa is a lot like me.
This girl loves her tulips !

I wonder if a shepherd looking for work will ever
wander by and offer to care for Rosa's sheep, and
yes,
well,
er,
her heart as well.
I bet she'd offer it up.

Feautred Artist !!!!

Kim at Kim-Creating Space really got me going this morning. She has included in her current post a project that I can hardly wait to run home and try out. I just love the effect she got with technique and can think of all kinds of ways to make this fun and different and my own. How about you? Ready for a little distraction? Try this out !!!!!

NEW CAMERA

Wow! A new camera makes all the difference in the world ! A few weeks ago I took a photo of this cat and it was nice but this new camera makes it fantastic ! Want to look like a professional? Get a decent camera. I certainly didn't spend a lot of money but just a bit more sure does help.

ART THAT MAKES A MARK

Making a Mark on your life. Thinking about life and all those I come in touch with and the implications of making a mark. I like to think I am making a positive mark on the lives of those around me, my friends, family, co-workers, and especially my spouse and grandbaby.

Making a Mark is also about what my art says. The message I convey, I hope, makes a positive mark on those who view it.

Life is short, make a positive mark.

SPRING FEVER

I have serious Spring fever.
It is beautiful here today but I know there are plenty of cold days ahead.
I'm so glad to have this photo of my flowers from last summer.......*sigh*.
Where do you live? When does Spring arrive for you????

"ROCKY"

"Rocky"
acrylic and paper on gallery wrap canvas
17 x 20
$250

I once had a great old cat named Rocky. He was a stray found by some friends and he came home with me. He was a great hunter. Pretty independent. Rocky was a good guy.

ALL OF LIFE IS ART

Thinking about art, like I do.........

All of life is art. There is the art of romance, the art of negotiation, the art of fine dining, the art of simply living.

This coming week I will manage a fairly large project (for me it is large). The company I work for is having new carpet installed in the office. Big project you say? Well it means moving 25+ employees out of their cubicles, taking down those cubicles, laying the carpet and then putting it all back but in a new configuration. Oh my gosh, electricians, data drop and phone technicians, movers, carpet layers, the guys who take care of the cubicle build. And then thee are the employees. Everyone has so much stuff and it all has to go in boxes. Just the computers, copiers, printers, phones, keyboards and incidental equipment is mind numbing. We are a 24/7 type business so our customers need product and service at all times................yes, life is an art.

So for the next week, or so, I'll be practicing a different kind of art from that which I post about here. I'm going to focus on this as art, I'm going to look at this in a different way than one might expect and see what bubbles up.

ART MIND

Yet another day with my friend, ART, no-no-no, that's "art mind", not some hunk of burning love guy. Though I did know a guy named Art once. I digress......................

So many ideas swimming around in my head and not enough time to get them all out. Funny how sometimes it seems like a game of creative feast or famine. My "art mind" is so afire with ideas that I have a hard time sleeping. That is the trouble with this day job....I'm sure I'm not the only one who suffers this disease.

A NEW LOOK

I am fickle. I like change. Boy that old blog page template was getting on my nerves. Not that anyone would probably notice. I like this. Well, for now.

Hope all is well with you.

A CREATIVE STREAK !!!!!!!!!!!

18 X 20 X 2 gallery wrap canvas
mixed media
$250 + shipping

I've been on quite a creative streak here lately. I love these colors. I love the layered paper for a background. I love layering the paint, wiping it off, tweaking the details. This bird makes me feel happy.

I hope your day is happy as well.

PURPLE CAT

18 x 20 mixed media gallery wrap canvas
$250

For some bizarre reason it is nearly mid-night and I'm wide awake. This is so unlike me.

So how do you like the purple cat? I had such fun creating this piece. The silver heart in the middle of her tummy sports beautiful beads.

I like the halo. I'm always looking at those beautiful New Mexican retablos and they all have halos so I thought, this sweet cat should sport one too.

The process for this creation was particularly enjoyable. I love layering on the first pieces of paper, toning them down with color, painting the focal point and then the icing of beads on the heart just makes me smile.

I hope you like it too.

Mixed Media 14 x 16 gallery wrap canvas
$250

Some of my earliest memories as a child are of flowers. I must have been 6 or 7 years old and wandering about my grandmother's backyard I found one single red tulip. I remember being mesmerized by the dark black interior and how it so beautifully contrasted with the deep red of the petals.

SUNDAY ISN'T FOR THE BIRDS

Sunday afternoon. Everyone home and tucked in, dreaming of Sunday dinner.

This past summer we had the fun of watching barn swallows build and fill their nests and tend to their sweet little babies until one day they were all finally gone, no longer returning at night for a tasty meal provided by mom and dad.

The area we live in is quite arid and there aren't many trees. Except for the little oasis where our home is located. This said, the birds really love it and we get endless entertainment watching them. I'm starting to yearn for Spring and Summer, green and growing and the chaotic bird activity.

In the meantime, I entertain myself making art depicting my buddies, the birds.

SPIRITS OF LOVE

Birds are the spirits of love sitting at our window sill. Watching over us morning through night. Ever watchful that we are safe, warm, happy and loved. They are there even when we close our eyes pretending we don't see, we don't know or maybe even we don't care. No matter, the spirits of love are there hovering about patting our hearts, stroking our souls, drying our tears as a mother fusses over her baby.

Have you seen any birds at your window sills today? Have they landed in your hair, not noticed? Hmmmmm? Do you have your eyes closed ? Maybe so, but even still you must feel that soft, and tender warmth in your heart. You DO feel it, don't you?

EXTRA LEGS

This is a page from a book I made for friends who vacationed in Italy.

Sometimes I wish I had some extra legs. So many things to do, so many adventures. Wouldn't it be great ?

I love these paper doll legs.

This post is dedicated to "Linda" over at Frenchless in France who takes a day out to walk the streets of Paris and take such wonderful photos.

THE SMILE OF AN ANGEL

Little Miss Iris ~ Isn't she just an angel?

The other day on the phone she finally got "Grandma" really really clear. She's at that stage where she babbles and then in the middle of it all, I hear something I can recognize. I'm sure the kids understand her most of the time since they talk to her 24/7 (or thereabouts).

Hearing her say "Grandma" was one of those moments. Kind of like the first time my son hugged me in the night and said "I love you".

JUST IMAGINE

I look at this beautiful work of art and try to imagine the technical expertise required to complete and my mind reels.

To create the paint, mixing the pigments. Getting the perspective right. The lights and shadows. Oh and those beautiful expressive facial features.

How many weeks, months did this take? How many hours a day? Until I picked up a paintbrush and seriously tried to create eyes, I had no appreciation for this kind of beauty. Oh my, I am in awe.

The Garden Girls
Mixed Media on 14 x 16 2 inch gallery wrap canvas
$125 + shipping

These are the girls who hang out in my garden all summer long.
They bring me endless moments of joy.

I can't imagine what my life would be like without my garden. Many of my first memories in life are of flowers. The tulips and zinnias in my grandmother's yard brought me moments of total wonderment that have stayed with me throughout my entire life.

Never, never, ever, discount what your grandchild remembers at an early age.

And I tend to feel this applies to life in general, you never know what positive impression you are leaving on you spouse, your co-workers, your neighbors, the universe.

My slogan for 2008 -

Keep It Simple And Be Nice

YOU MAKE MY DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh how sweet can anyone possibly be ! My sweet friend over at A Kite Rises has awarded me the "You Make My Day" award. Thank you so much! Sometimes out here in cyberland it is difficult to feel so alone and yet experience the wonderment of connecting to other's in the world from far away places. Again thank you !

And, with that said I'd like to name a few of my favorites the "You Make My Day" award as well. Here's to Corey - Andrea - Linda - Shelly - Ulla - Sarah - Maryam

And I'm sure there are many of you that I just can't get to right this moment.......best get to work since I still need this day job !!!

Have a wonderful day everyone !!!