beloved snow queen...

I wanted to share a personal Christmas story, inspiration, or piece of art to warm the holidays and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Peaceful New Year. In the midst of working on this my daughter, Christine, posted a beautiful, heart-warming Christmas story about the Snow Queen and the amazing woman who brought her to life for all of us. Thank you Christine!

Read about the Snow Queen at http://www.unspeakablevisions.blogspot.com/ 

 

happiness is...

living with gratitude, being thankful for all you have rather than thinking about what you don't have. Topping my list of all to be grateful for is my family. Today marks my daughter, Christine's birthday. Ok, it was 26 years ago, but while looking through my photo collection I came across this photo and couldn't resist posting it. Christine is one of those shining lights, someone who brightens the world by her presence and is truly unforgettable. What an amazing adult she has turned out to be. Happy Birthday Christine!

new works...

In the last week or so I finished two mixed media paintings. I added crumpled tissue paper with gesso to create some interesting textures, used both watercolor and acrylic paint, saran wrap, colored pencils and ink. Then the paintings were sealed with two coats of varnish and gloss medium.

If you haven't experimented with mixed media painting yet, I highly recommend it. When I find myself unable to focus (in those moments where all the normal life challenges seem to gang up on me), yet my muse is calling me to do something, I usually begin a mixed media work. It transports me creatively and before long I'm immersed in a new piece of art. The best part is that there's no limit, other than your own imagination, as to what you can incorporate into your mixed media painting!

thank you veterans...

With much appreciation and gratitude...thank you to all our Veterans, past, present and future! Let us never forget all those who gave up so much to protect our freedom. "All gave some, some gave all."

inspiration versus aspiration...

As some of you know, I joined the "Art on No" group of artists in Pittsfield last month. I really love going there to paint, draw, think about and talk about art...but mostly to create art. Here are the promised photos. The afternoon light is splendid; the energy in my studio is extraordinary and the hours spent here make me truly happy.

 Always the philosopher, I've been thinking a lot lately about what motivates us to create. Some say it's aspiring to new heights, reaching goals, but I find myself motivated more strongly by inspiration wherever I find it...in the studio, in nature, being awestruck by an image I can't seem to let go of, being in love, or dreams. What motivates you?

you blink and in an instant, your little girl has grown up...

Twenty nine years ago today, my first child was born and happy doesn't even come close to describing the way I felt. Part of "living the dream" included raising children and this brought a richness to my life that I will always cherish. Today Kate is a wonderful woman, wife, sister, daughter and friend to all who know her. As much as I adored being a day-to-day mom to my little girls (and I truly did), now that they are grown and living amazing lives on their own, I love the moments we share together as friends, as family, as women who love and respect each other.

Happy Birthday, Kate!



wabi sabi...

Here are my top five magazine picks of the moment. In this month's Whole Living magazine there's a wonderful article about the ancient aesthetic philosophy of wabi sabi. Wabi sabi originated from Zen Buddhism and is exemplified by the significant, yet simple tea ceremony. While finding words to define wabi sabi has been difficult throughout the ages, the philosophy is easy to grasp and appreciate.

Now I understand the link between wabi sabi and my appreciation for all that's imperfect, slightly worn, changeable and naturally beautiful. Wabi sabi influences nearly all my personal preferences. There's a link between wabi sabi and my strong attraction to nature and the natural order of things, which heavily influences my art and can be felt in my paintings. Maybe this explains why I love things that are slightly off kilter rather than the perfection that's so celebrated in the western world. In my most aware moments, I find the wabi sabi principles create a sense of freedom embracing impermanence, imperfection and what is.

Small Works Show and Open Studios

New Neighbors

As some of you may remember, earlier this year I began my fascination with pagoda type families. Well, things have gotten a bit out of hand. I have just completed a series of eight paintings, three small ones and five larger ones, celebrating both family and nature.  This week two small ones were juried into the Small Works Show at the Welles Gallery in Lenox, Mass.

 

Family Down the Street

I've also hung several in the gallery space outside my studio on North Street in Pittsfield (Art on No) hoping to share this fascination. I am headed to the studio now to begin work on a new series, definitely not rock related, but these pagoda families just tickled me. I just love rocks, what can I say?

Think Pink

It's time again for the 7th Annual "Think Pink" Art Exhibit, sponsored by The Berkshire County Breast Health Team and The Storefront Artist Project. The exhibit will be at The Colonial Theatre from October 1st-10th during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I'll be dropping off "Bloom" this evening for inclusion in the exhibit, as one of sixty artists who are participating. The opening night reception will be held this Friday, Oct. 1st  from 5:30-7:30 PM. If you're in the area, it promises to be a wonderful evening.

the alchemist...

“When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision. “ This is from one of my favorite books, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, about following your dreams.

A week ago I secured a studio/gallery space at Art on No, Pittsfield, Mass. for September 1st - a rare find that I am so excited about. After I've moved in, I will post a photo or two to share.

the dream just gets better and better...