Quiet moments and the red fox...

Hello to you!

It's been awhile, hasn't it?

There isn't a day go by that I don't think about blogging but then I find myself involved in so many other things,... all creativity gone by evening. I have always enjoyed keeping a blog, even if only my eyes view it. For me, it has been a tremendous part of my creative process and so very therapeutic. I suppose that we all experience times such as this. Quiet times.

Less time spent on computers and iPads....

More time to look around and see.

Hubby and I did go exploring this past weekend! With the warmer temperatures now, I am more eager to be out and about, indulging in other passions such as photography, gardening, farmers' markets, travel, or just a simple stroll down to our pond.

When not painting, I enjoy just living a country life. Plucking fresh strawberries from the vines...

watching sunsets, butterflies and cows. Seriously, it's a different lifestyle that I best describe as "serene". I want to capture and savor each and every moment!

Ok. On to some art!

I paint every week day so here a a few of my latest works.

I will end this post with a quick prairie story.

Just a couple of nights ago, hubby and I were returning home from an evening drive. As we made the turn onto our property...I saw, for the first time in my life, up close...

A RED FOX!

He looked right at me and seemed startled by our presence. He paused for a moment and then scurried away! Ironically, I had just painted these acrylic foxes on this very day!

TRUE STORY.

Until next time, my friend.

Xo

 

 

 

 

Easter Blessings!

April!

Oh, isn't it so uplifting to see all of the pretty pastels and budding trees again?

Today I regret not having my camera or even my iPhone with me...

But I was only going to the mailbox when I saw them...

baby ducks swimming in our pond! Yes! Of course I stopped. I watched them for a moment. Smiling. I wondered where they came from and where might momma duck be? I just hope that they will be safe.

We have had heavy rain for two nights. I hear frogs moving into the valley, by the creek behind our house.

As you know, April showers bring May flowers and I believe this because the bulbs that I planted in the Fall are popping up from the earth.

I have played outside on the nice days that we had earlier in the week. On cooler days, I have played indoors. Painting and making my own paper flowers!

Aren't they fun?

Postcards. ACEO's. In between my commission work.

We haven't any plans for Easter but we will see our family very soon!

How about you?

Whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful day and I'm sending watercolor Easter blessings your way!

XO

 

Fun art & swapping...

Well, hello there!

How are things in your corner of the world?

Is your weather playing tricks on you, as mine is here on the prairie? One day it is 40 degrees outside but then on Friday and Saturday it was a glorious 70 degrees here! I wore sandals! Oh, joy!!!

Cold and raining today. Seriously.

Perfect days for Happy mail, wouldn't you agree?

I sent this "Bird theme art swap" out just last week.

My recipient did get it and it did brighten her day! I think that it is safe to say that I am enjoying this group very much! I cannot seem to link it to this post, but if you would like to join in on the swapping of art, search for " Art Exchange, Happy Mail Love" on facebook. Several new theme swaps were just posted last week so you will have plenty of time to look them over and select the themes that interest you!

Here is a peek of some ACEO's that I painted over the weekend...

many of them for the theme swaps.

"CIRCLES" theme.

" CROWN" theme.

" DEER GIRL" theme.

And these vintage trailers were painted simply for fun! You see, my best friend, Lori (Also in the " Art Exchange, Happy Mail Love" facebook group), came for a three day stay! Yay!!!

We spent many many hours painting.

We tried our hands at abstract...

sipped coffee.

watched 80's movies.

laughed out loud.

instagrammed.

and painted again and again.

Oh, how I love these girly visits and yes... I got teary-eyed when I watched Lori pull out of my driveway on Monday. I never want the fun to end!

I am so glad that Lori was here to witness this pretty sky. The photo does not show the lovely pink that was quite present.

Breathtaking.

Yesterday I returned to my routine. Smiling as I reflected on the new memories made with my special friend.

Grateful for them and for her.

I do hope that you created your own wonderful memories over the weekend!

I will return soon!

XO

 

Could it be?

Could it be so?

Has Spring suddenly sneaked up on us?

By the sounds of the birds whistling from the trees and the sun beams bursting through our windows...

possibly, it is so.

Just a week or so ago, I painted this scene in my art journal.

It was real.

This was happening.

Strong winds, blowing snow flurries, grey skies. Silent birds!

On Friday, I painted much happier birds!

I have thoroughly enjoyed some "me" time in the studio. You know... art for fun and leisure.

It has been many years since I have participated in online art swaps and challenges with like-minded people. Recently, I decided that in order to remain happy in my career as a full time artist... I must also include some time and activities, free of commands and instructions. I decided to seek out, reach out, and get back into a few online communities that I thought would be a good fit for me. Since these groups are still rather new to me, I am not yet going to share the links. Allow me, please, time to participate in some of the events before making any recommendations.

I have limited myself to only one art exchange per month and one creative challenge per month so that my fun will not interfere with commission work.

I had forgotten just how joyful it is to sit and paint oodles and oodles of ATC's (Artist Trading Cards), and ACEO's (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)! I found myself smiling big and already feeling excited to receive cards from other artists! I create ten and in return, I will get ten cards to add to my own collection! Yes!!! I absolutely adore such sharing of art and creativity!

How about you?

Do you participate in any creative online groups? If so... please, share with a comment!

As for my work, I recently had the pleasure of creating a baby gift. My client provided me with the colors, the theme, and baby's name. This was so much fun... afterall, who does not love baby elephants?

I was thrilled when I was sent a photo through my public facebook page, of the recipients holding the gifts at the actual baby shower. More JOY!!! I LOVE what I do!!!

I also love interesting skies. And the moon.

Just last night I dashed out of the front door with my Sony nex 5r to capture this!

So worth it!

Could it be...

a Spring moon?

See you right back here soon!

XO