Patio life...

Don't you just love this time of the year?

I cannot get enough of this sunshine and time spent on the patio!

I have done a little patio painting...

(Acrylics on canvas, still in progress)

But for the most part, I have been playing with my cameras more than my art supplies!

Snap, snap.

It's the simple, every day objects that I find are the best subjects. Often, these things may go unnoticed.

Take a moment to observe your surroundings...

You will find some lovely photo opportunities, I promise!

Enjoy your sunshine!!!

XO

 

The feather...

I haven't a story to tell you today.

All that I have is a feather.

The passing of a dear friend's brother just last night was heavy on my mind all day.

I painted feathers on sympathy cards...

and this one in my art journal.

I let the watercolors run...

Which to me, represented tear drops.

He was only a couple of years ahead of me and was often in our teenage business, as big brothers are.

Back then, we were quite annoyed.

My heart aches for my friend and her other siblings.

Art always puts things into perspective for me.

Life is short and should be cherished every single day.

I ended today with the final chapter of a book...

On the patio.

Admiring the sky and the sound of the wind chimes.

Peace to all!

XO

 

History love...

History.

I love it now that I am a grown up!

I have enjoyed learning all about Frida Kahlo this year through books, the Internet, a movie, and her diary. Although we studied Frida in art classes, I was never as interested as I am now.

I'm crazy over art history these days.

I never tire of painting Frida and her colorful wardrobe.

I am also very fascinated by her blue house.

I would love to have a cup of coffee on her beautiful patio, surrounded by plants, texture, color...and possibly a monkey or two?

My own patio is quite lovely and this weekend I have really enjoyed it with the chimes playing beautiful music...

Flowers "shadow dancing" to the beat... feathers drifting in with the slight breeze.

Yes.

We love our prairie patio space.

We did enjoy history in another way over the weekend and had coffee in an old underground Irish Pub.

This is O'Malley's Pub in Weston, Missouri- a must see if you are ever in the area!

I took many photos, but really just wanted to sit, sip my coffee and absorb the smells, sounds, and surroundings. Being underground, this pub does have a musty odor, but don't let that stop you. This was not our first time there nor will it be our last. A favorite place of mine!

So worth it.

Xo

 

Chocolate & Chimes...

I am having the most enjoyable Summer!

At last...

I have a comfort zone again, along with a routine. I work outside of the home during the Winter months...

Summer time is dedicated to my art, creativity, and working from home. Yes, I call this place home now.

I'm up at the crack of dawn and work begins soon after the first cup of coffee (and Facebook)! I'm doing more & more commission art so these tasks always take priority over the "Whatever I feel like" projects!

Yesterday I completed my most recent commission piece (chimes, pictured at the end of this post). So, I celebrated today by doing this yummy chocolate cupcake painting! You see, the vanilla cupcake sold a few days ago. Shipped it this morning. Thank you, Gina! I do hope that you will love it! Naturally, I had this burning desire to create another acrylic cupcake to replace the vanilla. AND, this time...

I sculpted a strawberry topper from polymer clay. (Inspired by the chocolate wonder fall that Paul & I indulged in this past weekend, while dining at the Golden Corral)! Oh, so good!

These 4" x 4" cuties are so fun for me! (I think I will need another batch of these gallery wrapped canvases!

When not working from home...

I'm playing. Hanging out with Paul, going to "World's of Fun" on a Friday afternoon and getting a henna tattoo to match his real tattoo! We truly enjoy life together.

Don't you just love the sound of wind chimes?

I find them to be so soothing. After doing this piece, I have also grown even fonder of chimes. They are beautiful. A big THANK YOU to Brian for requesting a chimes painting. It has inspired me to create more chime themed art.

I will now step out to the patio and savor some evening time listening to our chimes!

Until next time...

Art Journaling Daily...

I do it nearly daily.

Not for anyone else, but for myself.

It's a way for me to preserve memories and thoughts.

It's my personal playground for experimenting with various art supplies and techniques.

There are NO rules to follow... EVER!

It's my best friend at times, and aids in my growth.

It's my ART JOURNAL.

Enjoy the peek inside the pages!