Pianos with Parents...

Hello out there!

Time flies when we are having fun, doesn't it?

We enjoyed a Memorial Day weekend, filled with colorful events, good food, a trip to the farmers' market, exploring... with my fantastic parents who came to visit!

A miniature train display was quite the sight...

 

But I must say that the "Pianos on Parade", held at Union Station (an old train depot), in Kansas City, was my personal favorite.

The artists painted the pianos right there, for us to enjoy!

Once the pianos are completed, they will then go to the local business that sponsored them.

How cool is that?

Take a look...

Although I took many more photos, you get the idea. They were amazing!

I love hanging out with mom and dad. I miss them already.

I'm back to painting. Something colorful!

Of course, there is a story behind the skulls...

but I'm just too tired to tell.

It must be all of this rain that we have had here on the prairie.

Until next time,

XO

 

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

 

A weekend of favorites...

The weatherman told us that we would be enjoying warmer temperatures here on the prairie.

He fibbed.

So...

After a Friday night out to eat sushi with my handsome hubby...

We returned back to our cozy home.

In sweats.

I have lounged in my favorite chair.

With my favorite beverage.

Painting tiny watercolor postcards.

This is how I remain happy and content during the cold months. Oh, I also squeeze in afternoon slumbers on the weekends. Waiting for sunshine.

Tell me. What do you do to survive the cold and grey periods?

I shall pour yet another cup of Joe.

For me, this has been a weekend of favorites indeed!

Enjoy!!!

 

Traveling Art...

It thrills me to share my art and to know that it is being shipped to so many different states! I'm not just referring to commission work, although this charming, hand painted hippie suitcase was a commission...

Traveling to Texas soon...

But I also find joy in swapping art.

If you read my blog regularly, you are aware that I recently joined in on some creative online challenges and exchanges. I also did a blog post showing off my new Midori Traveler's notebook. Oh, my! I don't know how I ever got along without this Midori planner. I use it daily for sketching inspiration, taking notes, keeping track of events, swaps and due dates. I store packages of sticky notes inside the zippered pouch (sold separately) and jot down addresses of clients and art swap recipients and then stick them in my Midori. When post office day rolls around, it's so nice to have these addresses ready to stick onto the boxes and cover with clear shipping tape!

Now...

there is a Midori "Round Robin" taking place and I am happy to be a part of this fun event!

If you are wondering just what a "Round Robin" is...

A group of artists agree to the responsibilities involved (deadlines, shipping, tracking), and ship their journal (in this event, a Midori notebook), to the first artist on their list. In return, I received this notebook from another participant. This is a passport size Midori notebook... and it came to me from Canada! How cool is that?

So, I kept the notebook for one week and added some art to it's pages.

Now I ship the notebook to the next artist on my list to do the same. You may view our traveling notebooks on Instagram #thetravelingnotebook.

Once the notebooks have traveled to each participant, our original notebook is returned.... Filled with art from various artists from all around the world. That is a "Round Robin" event! It's been several years since I have been involved in one so I really am enjoying this all over again!

Here is a peek at another art swap I shipped to California last week-

The theme was "Bird quotes".

And I am currently working on some post card swaps...

Do you allow your art to travel?

It's so rewarding!

We must make time to play, right?

Wishing you a fabulous day!

 

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