new art prints and greeting cards: fireflies and dandelion

Fireflies

Dandelion

New art prints are available in my shops online at Society6 and Fine Art America.

New greeting cards are available in my shop online at Fine Art America.

I continue to work through professionally scanning my collection of paintings. I completed these two paintings in the summer of 2009. You can see my painting work in progress here and here.

I am grateful for my shops at Society6 and Fine Art America to help bring art prints and greeting cards of my work to you, dear collector. When you buy a product from Society6 or Fine Art America, they produce it using high quality materials, they give you multiple options to customize your order such as print size, with a frame (prints above shown with walnut conservation frames offered in my Society6 shop) or on canvas and they ship it to you on behalf of me, the artist.

om: my new 'do

 

My endearing husband pushed me to treat myself. We are going away for two nights without the kids this weekend and he wanted me to do something for myself before we go. All last week he asked me if I wanted to get my haircut (since I have been saying that I wanted to cut my hair for a few months now) or if I wanted to get my nails done (I think my last pedicure was in the summer, yikes!). Both were obviously tempting but, I am down right frugal about treating myself. I responded that I was okay and that we should just save the money for our trip instead.

Well, his birthday is this Monday the 13th and a friend gave him a card with some birthday cash. Do you know what he does with it? He gives it to me and tells me to treat myself. When I hesitated, he headed over to Groupon and found me a deal on a haircut at Green with Envy, an organic hair salon. This was an offer I just couldn't refuse, that is right up my alley so, I jumped on it. I got my hair cut into a short bob and it looks and feels so light and healthy! Plus, I look a lot like I did when we first met so, he really likes my new 'do. I am one lucky girl to be married to my man, Bert. I am grateful for his love and kindness and am really so looking forward to our romantic getaway this weekend!

One Moment [OM] is a weekly meet up that promotes living in the moment.  Whether funny, sad, ridiculous, or banal, looking for these moments can promote balance in our lives. Anyone can join – read about it here.

a creative outburst and exciting news!

The universe really does listen, especially when you are putting what you really want "out there" for it to hear. Two days ago I was contacted by an artist organization that holds grassroots showcase events in cities across the country. They found me through Etsy. After submitting an application and talking to someone last night, I was invited to be part of their event held on March 1st. I do not have all the details yet but, I will be sure to share them when I do.

I am beyond excited and honestly a little terrified. This will be the first time I put my artwork up for judgement in a public arena face to face and that's more then a little scary. My mind was racing ... what will my setup look like, what kind of promotional materials should I have, will I be able to talk about my art in an articulate way, but mostly, am I be good enough? That's fear and doubt right there. And that had me jumpy all evening, totally unable to sit still. So after pacing around the house, talking a few loved ones ears off and putting the boys to bed I headed into my studio and painted. I figured the best way to channel my energy in a meaningful way was to have a creative outburst!

Two hours later I am at the finish line with my willow painting, I added some touches to a small feather painting in progress and I laid the groundwork for 2 new paintings! Both of which came directly from my sketchbook. The sketch on the left with the yellow background I did 3 years ago and knew that I would turn into a painting someday. It will have a bit of a whimsical touch when I am done with it.

Note to self - You must sketch more, you never know what those sketches may turn into!

new painting: feather trio wood block and prints

Feather Trio Wood Block

A local artist and friend Jill Helms (check her out she's amazing!) gave me two small wood blocks last year when I stopped by her studio for a visit. She had a bunch and I fell in with the size and shape. Cute little chunky wood blocks that you can stand on a shelf or hang on the wall, what's not love? They sat in my stash for awhile until I had a calling to draw feathers and thought the little block would be a perfect canvas.

I drew a trio of feathers, just because the idea of researching three different feathers sounded fun. I am kind of a research nerd. I love looking things up, I used to visit my neighbors house as a kid and read random sections in their Encyclopedia Britannica. I loved those books. I finally got my own Encyclopedia set from a yard sale when I was in middle or high school. Nowadays I use the interwebs of course.

Feather Trio Art Print

I used a lot of restraint keeping this artwork black and white. I wanted to add in a splash of color at the end but, just couldn't bring myself to do it. The painting was screaming - but I look so modern and crisp and sleek in black and white, just let me be. So I did and I am happy I did, it was meant to be black and white.

Painting is available in my Etsy shop and prints are available in my Society6 shop.

painting in progress: willow tree

It's amazing to see where this painting started and where it is now. It has gone through a few transformations. I am really close to finishing it, yay! The colors pop and I really like that, however I kind of miss the loose feeling of some of the earlier stages so, maybe I can bring that back in a bit. Not sure. I flip back and forth between loosening up and being detailed. I'll have to listen to how this picture speaks to me as I continue working ...

february goals

 “It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.” ~ Margaret Bonnano

January was slow and reflective and I lacked motivation. I started the year knowing I needed to slow down. I craved soups and warm foods. I found myself sleeping a lot and had a hard time waking each morning. I read a great fiction book just for fun. Everyone in our house caught a cold that seemed to last forever. We settled into a bedtime routine for the boys in their newly shared room. I wanted to share all the new things I have created over the last two months and add new items to my shop but, the timing wasn't right. I rebelled against all the "should do's" calling out to me in my head, tried to quiet them and let them go. Next month I said. Next month I can start fresh with enthusiasm and a full heart. So here I am, starting the month fresh and excited about getting down to business.

In the interest of keeping balance in my life I am setting at least one goal in each area I would like to focus on. By including family, health and soul goals I'll remind myself to check in on those areas as well as business.

February Goals  

Business - work on artist statement, about me, my work, my methods and my philosophy

Art - complete willow painting and scan 4 artworks for prints

Design - continue work with logo and wedding invite clients

Shop - add new jewelry and artwork to shop (10 items!)

Read - from passion to profit

Family - a valentine craft with boys, trip to Sedona with my husband

Health - notice and limit my carb and gluten intake

Soul - meditate 15 min each night, do something alone and away from home just for me 

Creative Every Day *night* - constellation artwork, walk in the evening, create at night

If you would like to join in the Meetup biz goals fun, head on over to Athena Dreams to read more about how we support one another and how to join in.

looking back, a year in review

After lots of slowing down, head clearing and rest, I am finally ready to share with you my look back at last year's goals. Time to reflect and celebrate all that I’ve learned before I start my "to do" list for the new year.

Keep an open mind
I resolved to keep my creative path open and although I sometimes struggle internally with the idea of focusing on one medium vs. many, I have become increasingly more accepting of my multi-art personality. I feel that I am narrowing in on my core passions and want to continue to clear away what isn't working or bringing joy. This year, I would like to weave my passion into everything I do.

Make more art
Art ... I delightfully focused on making more art last year. I sketched more, explored watercolors for the first time and completed ten acrylic paintings, 10!!! Of those paintings (3) were commissions, (4) I made as gifts, (2) sold to a collector and (1) is currently for sale. That's huge and looking back on it felt effortless and very joyful. That makes me believe that completing 15 or 20 paintings this year is totally possible. By continuing to make more art and allowing myself permission to be present in each project; my point of view, style and most authentic self will be that much clearer.

In addition to making more art, I began a long term goal of offering art prints of my work! I found a local place to have my work professionally scanned and after getting a few scans done I opened up shops on Fine Art America and Society6 so, that prints of my artwork may be purchased. I have wanted to offer art prints to those that enjoy my work for a long time. I am excited to see how much further this will go this year.Oh and I created my first art print wallcalendar! I look forward to creating a new calendar each year.

Design ... In looking at my freelance design work, I continue to love creating wedding invitations and I need to share my work in this area. So far every wedding project I pick up is for someone I know or from word of mouth. I am currently working on my 7th wedding suite design, lucky #7! I have been hesitant to get this part of my indie business going but, I think it's time to start really think about it. I took my entire design portfolio offline this year. It was so outdated I couldn't stand sending people there. So this year I need to rework my design portfolio. It's kind of daunting to think about but, I need to do it to move forward.

Etsy ... And lastly I took a look at my Etsy shop. When I make things from my stash of beads, wood, paper products, magnets or any other craft I want to try on a whim many of those experiments end up as real items for sale in my shop. Thus far, I haven't had much of a plan for this area. I have narrowed in a few things I really like doing like magnet sets, canvas and art jewelry and finally posted a few original paintings in my shop this year. My photos are looking so much better from when I started and that is something to celebrate. I have a little outdoor setup I use to try and keep them consistent. There is still more work to be done in the photo dept. It will always be an area of improvement for me but, I am proud of the way pictures look right.



Stay Involved
Activities this year that keep me grounded and connected to art and my communities were: Art Masterpiece, The Meetup Biz Goal Sharing, Creative Every Day and Art Every Day Month, East Valley Artisans, The Artists Corner - Sharing Tips and Tricks Group, Phoenix Philanthropists Volunteer Meetup and One Moment. I have called myself a groupie on more then one occasion and over the past few years I have tried many different groups and meetups. I feel good about the ones I am involved with now.

Experiencing art with kids in the Art Masterpiece volunteer program is really cool. There minds are so open, I love hearing what they see and how they feel. Art Every Day Month was mind blowing and I can't wait to participate again this year. I joined the One Moment (OM) blog meetup to share my one moments. It is has been nice getting to know the other participants and share my life on a more personal level with you here, on my blog. My local art group has been inactive recently but, I met some wonderful local artisans and keep in contact with them.

This year, I want to stay with what feels good. I would love to take a workshop or go on a art retreat and be immersed in creativity with other creative souls. That would be fantastic.  

Overall Well Being
Work ... I'm still working too much, too often but, I did set some loose boundaries this past year. I took Saturdays off and limited my time on Sundays too. I started taking a hour lunch breaks during my regular work week to enjoy the afternoon at the park with the kids after school. This has been a great mood lifter for all of us.

Health ... I stopped my gym membership with the idea I would save money and practice yoga and zumba on my own. So far neither has worked for me. I am home so much, I need to get out for these activities. I like being in a class - it pushes me further. I would cry a good cry in yoga pretty regularly (do you ever do that?) and that helped relieve so much stress. I am however, 2 pounds away from a big weight loss goal so, that is so exciting. (2 pounds, really?! can't I just be there already!). I have read many healthy cookbooks and simple living books from our library this year and with each one I learn something new. Knowledge is power! Beets have become a staple in my diet and I find that I now crave them! They are delicious grated raw on top of salad or juiced with apples, carrots and ginger. They have done wonders for my gallbladder and digestion. It's been a stellar year overall for our family's health and I am really grateful for that.

Life ... I lost both my grandmothers this year and that was hard, really hard. Being that I only get to see them once or twice a year I still feel like when I visit New York this summer they will be there. It shook me up a lot and made me question where I live. Really question it. When thinking into the future I know I want to be closer to my sisters and I want to enjoy life with my parents while I still can. I would like to focus on cultivating deeper connections with the important people in my life this year. As my kids get older and more independent I want to remind myself they are still young and need my attention when they need it, not when I'm ready to give it. I think I'll use the beginning of each season as a reminder to check in with myself, reflect on our family connections and make adjustments. When you push in one direction is very easy for another area of life to get off kilter, keeping the balance is necessary for me to live my happiest most fulfilled life.


So that's where I am at. It took my so long to process this, all month really. I kept coming back to this post and thinking on these points. Whew,it was exhausting. Now that I have looked back I need to start looking ahead! That is where the new explorations and possibilities lie. Cheers to a Happy New Year!

project letter writing

When Linda from a la mode stuff posted about project letter writing earlier this month, I immediately smiled at the idea. I love receiving letters and with the holidays still fresh in my mind, my of love for mail was renewed. Living away from most of our family means that the mail is super exciting during the holidays. The kids loved checking the mail every day in December and have been pretty disappointed this month. Each year I keep a list of the things we receive for the holidays with the intention of sending thank you's and each year I end up sending an email, Facebook message or making a phone call instead. Not this year! I cheated a bit and had the kids write many of the cards 9since they got most of the gifts after-all) but, we did it! And today I am sending our last couple of thank you's. One really sweet side effect is that my son grabbed a card and wrote his dad a thank you this week for finding his Super Mario Wii game. And last night when discussing a memory of baking cupcakes with my Aunt last year, my other son said we should send her a thank you for making cupcakes with us! The kindness and gratitude spreads once you start the pen writing.

Would you like to join us in project letter writing? There are no hard and fast rules, just mail a card or letter to someone each month and with it a little happiness unfolds.

om: hello princess

My sweet little boy is sitting next to a sweet little girl in kindergarten who is teaching him how to draw princesses. I have been the recipient of many, many princess drawings this week. I love that the first one says "Hello Prinses" in the bubble. Do you see how much his drawings have evolved? His last one yesterday is so much more detailed. He makes my heart smile.

One Moment [OM] is a weekly meet up that promotes living in the moment.  Whether funny, sad, ridiculous, or banal, looking for these moments can promote balance in our lives. Anyone can join – read about it here.

bead jewelry sale!

I marked down all bead jewelry in my shop 30% through Jan 31st. No coupon needed.

Click here to shop sale items.