Painting through Grief – A Sparrow Emerges!

May 21, 2023 | Art, Essay, Nature Journaling, pattern design, Reflections, Surface Pattern Design, Watercolor, watercolor

This blog post has been difficult to write. I have started over more times than I can recall. Some months it seems to write itself. Other months I search a little harder for the precise words, the kernel of meaning, or just the right tone. After numerous failed attempts this month, I ‘m simply going to say what’s on my mind and in my heart and move on with the faith that next month’s letter will come more naturally.

I published a post on Easter weekend with no inkling that life in our household was about to experience a small tectonic shift. The Saturday of Easter weekend, Django died, joing Carter who passed over the rainbow bridge in January 2022. Carter had been ill and frail for awhile. Django, on the other hand, was a 15 year old puppy most days. His sudden illness and passing has left us in a state of quiet but noticeable bereavement. For the first time in 26 years there is no dog curled with us on the sofa, no wagging tail and happy bark to greet us at the door. There is no longer the need to “watch our step” in the backyard or rubberband the pantry door shut- yet we still do those things.

But grief is part of love and itnegral to this cycle of energy that cradles us all. And so I have leaned into the ache knowing that time pauses for no one.

On a more positive note, Cohlmia’s Springfest was a jungle of fun! Thank you to all who stopped by to say “hello!” and congratulations to Cali who won a free mini print. I am excited to welcome new faces to this newsletter/blog. Please excuse the somber tone this month. It’s definitely an outlier.

In the Studio

This quick watercolor portrait of Django resides in my watercolor sketchbook. The portrait of Carter on the right is also in a sketchbook dating back a few years. They are not polished and their flaws are apparent. In the case of Django’s, it was my attempt to face the reality of his absence through art without judgement or performance pressure.

Last month I dedicated my studio time to preparing for Carney Fest and Cohlmia’s. For the next couple months I am looking forward to spending time learning, experimenting, and playing with the ideas percolating in my head. I have more ideas than time! After a brief period of personal painting, I will begin creating original watercolors to stock in my shop. Even now I am playing with different presentation techniques. The sparrow and stylized flower composition pictured at the top of this post is nearing completion. Once I am finished painting, I will seal it with a UV protectant spray, affix it to a wooden gallery board, and coat it with wax buffed to a soft sheen. It will then go to Hummingbird Fine Craft to look for a permanent home. My newsletter readers will be the first to know!

What I’m Reading

The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans

Food for Life by Phil Spector

Manifesting Change in 2023

Jan 31, 2023 | Essay, Reflections, Self Improvement, watercolor

January just HUMMED by!!!

I am amped up about the potential inherent in a new year. I’ve said it before- there is nothing special about January. Really, it’s just another day and another month and another opportunity to try again. Life should be about the Mulligan!

But I guess what makes January special is the communal effort and will to try to do better. When we are all striving to make changes it seems more accepted to deviate from our usual behavior. And then there is the magical power of symbolism which lends its weight to helping us turn over new leaves- even if just for a few moments!

Change is exciting- but damned difficult! Change the side of the bed you sleep on for one night? Never. Change the part in your hair? Not happening. Change up your menu selection at your favorite restaurant? Are you crazy?! People are creatures of habit. I am a creature of habit. Habits are reassuring because we know what to expect. We know how much pleasure or discomfort we can expect. We just feel RIGHT in that spot- not in any other spot. So, change only comes through concerted effort, and perhaps the magic of symbolism is there to help us through the difficult transitions.

For the past few years I have been attempting to change the course of my daily life. I don’t remember the moment when I adopted the belief that if I wanted to pursue art I just needed to do it. But committing myself to learning and doing EVERY day has brought me a good distance from my starting point. I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am also motivated by the small victories to push for larger ones. All this contemplation led to my word of the year for 2023- MANIFEST.

In 2020, as I was committing to this idea of becoming who I want to be, I decided to adopt a word to guide me through the year. The word was “bold”. I took my cue from Nature. Mother Nature is the world’s first avant-garde artist, the premier haute-couture designer, Gaudy’s earliest ancestor. Mother Nature fashioned life from the most unimaginable shapes then colored them with an explosion of colors and patterns that would make Tim and Heidi simply gnash their teeth while hissing “edit!”. Nature did not worry about what the heavens would say about such garish creations. The result- a globe filled with color and beauty that man continues weakly to emulate.

I am amped up about the potential inherent in a new year. I’ve said it before- there is nothing special about January. Really, it’s just another day and another month and another opportunity to try again. Life should be about the Mulligan!</p>
<p>But i guess what makes January special is the communal effort and will to try to do better. When we are all striving to make changes it seems more accepted to deviate from our usual behavior. And then there is the magical power of symbolism which lends its weight to helping us turn over new leaves- even if just for a few moments! </p>
<p>Change is exciting- but damned difficult! Change the side of the bed you sleep on for one night? Never. Change the part in your hair? Not happening. Change up your menu selection at your favorite restaurant? Are you crazy?! People are creatures of habit. I am a creature of habit. Habits are reassuring because we know what to expect. We know how much pleasure or discomfort we can expect. We just feel RIGHT in that spot- not in any other spot. So, change only comes through concerted effort, and perhaps the magic of symbolism is there to help us through the difficult transitions.</p>
<p>For the past few years i have been attempting to change the course of my daily life. I don’t remember the moment when I adopted the belief that if I wanted to pursue art I just needed to do it. But committing myself to learning and doing EVERY day has brought me a good distance from my starting point. I am proud of what i have accomplished. I am also motivated by the small victories to push for larger ones. All this contemplation led to my word of the year for 2023- MANIFEST.</p>
<p>In 2020, as I was committing to this idea of becoming who I want to be, I decided to adopt a word to guide me through the year. The word was “bold”. I took my cue from Nature. Mother Nature is the world’s first avant-garde artist, the premier haute-couture designer, Gaudy’s earliest ancestor. Mother Nature fashioned life from the most unimaginable shapes then colored them with an explosion of colors and patterns that would make Tim and Heidi simply gnash their teeth while hissing “edit!”. Nature did not worry about what the heavens would say about such garish creations. The result- a globe filled with color and beauty that man continues weakly to emulate.

My internal dialogue about the role-model of Mother Nature and the adjective “Bold” was extensive, so I decided to put paint to paper as a visual reminder throughout the year. The resulting watercolor showcased animals of the sea and exotic plants of the world.

Choosing a single word to guide my actions that year proved effective- far more effective than resolutions! So, this year, as I reflected on my progress and where I want to be, the word “manifest” repeatedly appeared. I knew the universe was gifting me my guiding principle for the year.

“Manifest” reminds me to stop waiting and start doing. It’s a firm admonition that nothing will be given to me freely. But when I give myself to the work, I will receive in kind. (A little side note here… a pat on my own back and an ask of you. I made and edited my first little video this week! Tackling video was on last year’s list of skills to acquire, but I tackled it early this year! Do me a little favor and give it a look. https://fb.watch/ioVgMWQUXD/

I’d like to know how you approach a new year. Do you set resolutions? Adopt a word? Fashion a list of goals and actionable steps? I would LOVE to hear how you are welcoming the new year!

In the Studio

I have been painting humming birds! These are small 6×6 originals that I am selling at Hummingbird Fine Craft. If you are outside of the Tulsa area and would like to purchase one from me directly, send me an email. I am selling them for $60. Currently, I don’t have plans to print them. If you would like to see what is available, use this link or navigate to my home page. More hummingbirds will finish up January and then I will start over with a new theme- Rabbit!

Off the Shelf

(What I’m Reading Now)

Colleen Oakes Blood in Wonderland

James Clear Atomic Habits

TASCHEN Plant Magick

Food IS the Destination!

Sep 22, 2022 | Art, Humor, Reflections, watercolor

Hadley’s Date Shake, it was on our list of destination foods. Some people travel to destination cities or resorts- but Christine and I were traveling to food.

In the 9 days I spent with Christine traveling from California, through Arizona, New Mexico, and Southern Texas I ate my way across multiple continents. Meals included: Persian, Korean, Chinese, Punjabi, Puerto Rican, and Mexican. (I am sure I have missed a couple.) If you have never wrestled with goat on the bone swimming in biryani while balancing your styrofoam plate on the dashboard, then you have never really road-tripped.

This morning as I sipped on my homemade Chai Date Smoothie I fondly recalled that heavenly date shake that kicked off our traveling culinary adventure. Hadley’s appeared on the map shortly after we departed Burbank while my stomach was still full of leftover Chinese dumplings and pastries I scavenged from the refrigerator. And despite the fact Hadley’s is a “fruit stand”, they were clearly famous for their date shake! The tiny flecks of nature’s sweet goodness suspended in thick creamy vanilla ice cream. There is no ice cream in my smoothie. I have sacrificed the frozen creaminess in consideration of my ever expanding middle-aged waistline and cholesterol count.

It’s mid-September and I feel as though I am just now climbing out of the food-induduced coma only to discover that the world has moved on and my clothes no longer fit. So, I dusted off the stationary bike and said a quick prayer of thanks for Spandex-infused denim and yoga tights.

In the Studio

I LOVE learning, watching others, trying to replicate their techniques, their strokes, their accomplishments. So, I have been focusing on some in-depth tutorials. I spend hours watching and re-watching slowed down videos with my paintbrush in hand. Then I take those lessons to my personal projects.

Gargoyle on the Moon AKA “Night Watchman” is one of those projects. The original painting is approximately 7” square. I actually painted it twice! I digitally adjusted the second version for greeting cards. The first version (seen below) contains much more detail and gold mica dust. I have made a few prints available and the original is for sale. Contact me if you are interested.

I am leaning into ink as October approaches and I plan to participate in the annual Inktober Challenge. I hope you will follow along on social media.

Neon Zeppelins and Parchment Sculpture: Connecting the Dots

Jul 1, 2022 | Art, Essay, Reflections, watercolor

It begins with a single squeaky note, like a neglected gate hinge, but then it undulates moving up and down on the heavy motionless air, an ancient song declaring the sacredness of summer. Summer temperatures arrived weeks ago, but it is the recital of this ancient song that marks the summer season for me. As a solo, the song feels mournful. But as a chorus, it is a cacophony of community.

I spotted the first hollow shell days ago, a delicate parchment sculpture clinging to the rail. I must have been distracted because the significance didn’t occur to me. But two evenings later when I heard the mournful solo, my ears pricked and my heart leapt- “the song of summer”. That’s the moment I recalled the parchment husk—- Where did I see it? When did I see it? Those details are lost to me.

Life’s like that. Small observations barely noticed- but later they rise into our consciousness like neon zeppelins. Lately I’ve been trying to open myself to the forgotten observations that have brought me to today. That sounds estoteric, but it’s not. It’s really just me trying to discern how I became the “me” of today. Sometimes a little memory lights up and I connect another dot.

The little light that shone this week? A sudden remembrance of the year my mother purchased picture books for me. I can’t remember if it was Christmas or my birthday- only that I was no longer a child. But she knew me well enough to know that pretty illustrations were my shiny objects.

In the glow of this light another observation lit up- Jan Brett. When my children were young, I LOVED buying them books and reading to them. The great thing about toddlers is that YOU can choose the books! And after discovering the totality of a Jan Brett illustration, I purchased many Jan Brett titles (thank you, Kohl’s.). The stories were afterthoughts. I fell in love with her style, each illustration flanked with illumination of sort.

Last week I became re-acquainted with Fables and the artwork of Mark Buckingham. Years ago the stories intrigued me, but this time I brought fresh eyes to the newly launched title. THIS time, I drank in the art FIRST. Observing myself, I surprised myself. Why didn’t I see the art 20 years ago? Perhaps I did. Memory is a fickle thing.

From the abandoned shell to the newly discovered comic page, I am connecting dots, I am excited to find the next, and the next. Do you connect dots?

In the Studio

The snail and thrush are two of my watercolor sketchbook entries I completed this month. The thrush is flanked with illumination-inspired panels.

Since May I have loaded a ton of new products into my Society6 store, including desk mats, beach towels, acrylic trays, wrapping paper, and so much more! I am really proud of these designs! Use the links to take a peek. While there, follow my shop, drop some hearts on your fave products, and check out their Sale! Promotions regularly rotate.

As always, you can acccess my entire Society6 shop from the Shopping tab.

Check out the beach towel!

Check out this mini print!

Check out this backpack!

Check out this desk mat!

A Singing House Whistles While I Work

Apr 11, 2022 | Art, Digital Art, Essay, Garden, Humor, pattern design, Reflections, Surface Pattern Design, watercolor

Mojito Please Banner Art_landscape orientation

April blew in with such ferocity this year! My doorways have been moaning for weeks on end- a slightly eery sound that I have begun to liken to Moaning Myrtle. If you have never heard your house “sing” before, I will explain. The wind comes through the gaps with such strength that it causes the copper flashing to vibrate and intonate. The first time I heard it, nearly 19 years ago, I was home alone with my babies while my husband was away on a business trip. It frightened me until I was able to process what was happening. But I digress. Resuming….

As I sat down to write today I reviewed my posts from 2022 and I startled myself with how much I wanted to share with you. I have let more time slip by than I intended. So, please, pause here to grab a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or perhaps a cookie and a glass of milk. But get comfortable and let’s catch up!

In January I shared my Intentions for 2022 and it is important to me that I continue that conversation. Accountability. I set these five intentions for 2022:

Eat more veggies!
Keep a cleaner garden.
Become more disciplined in my approach to learning.
Learn to create process videos.
Create free downloads for my website subscribers BEFORE March!

Let me start with Number 5- I’m a little late, but I have done it! I have created my first free download for you. It is only the first; you can plan on more. When visitors sign up to receive email from me they will be taken to a Thank You page where they can download the freebie. Those who are already on my mailing list will receive a separate email with their link. This first freebie is a bookmark. I haven’t decided how long the free bookmark will be available, so download it when you receive the email. If you have troubles with the download or you don’t receive your email, just let me know. I will post a follow-up blog entry with suggestions for how to print your bookmark.

Flowering Quince Bookmark

Plant Babies!

New Art! “Hummingbird with Screen”

Number 4- Sadly, I haven’t even BEGUN to tackle this one. Let’s get that garden growing first!

Number 3- Becoming more disciplined in my approach to learning has been a biggie for me. Sometimes I feel like I am stalling out- but when I grant myself a little grace and look at my work with objectivity I see great strides here. I have spent considerable time painting birds lately under the tutelage of several self-guided classes with differing approaches and strengths. The instructor in me says I haven’t earned an A- yet. But, I will get there!

Number 2- Oh My! In order to keep a cleaner garden, I have to clean it first! The ideal time would have been Winter- but if you know me, you know I hibernate when the weather is anything less than 68 degrees F. So, that leaves Spring. And if you are a parent, or remember parenting school-aged children (or adults), then you remember how your calendar can simply explode overnight!

My son is a Senior in high school and just attended prom this past weekend. Graduation events are beginning to fill the calendar. Soccer matches have begun to populate the little white squares. And in between grass fires, weird cold snaps, and the occasional promise of severe storms, I know the garden is calling! But each day only holds 24 hours and I demand to sleep at least 7 of them, so something gets ignored each day.

In the past I have delayed gardening until the last possible minute holding onto the fear of losing seeds and seedlings in Spring Flash Floods or odd late frosts. This year won’t be much different. I have begun to clean out last year’s crops, but I haven’t finished. We haven’t even turned on our irrigation system yet. The baby plants are thriving in my studio nursery. I have sown a few seeds outside, with disappointing results. If the wind wasn’t bad enough, the squirrels immediately dug up the fresh soil. The morning after planting seeds I discovered holes dug all over my cleared beds!

Last- 1. Eat more veggies! Do convenience salads count? We haven’t made a heap of progress here- but, if you recall, the whole point of setting Intentions instead of Resolutions is to emphasize the PROCESS or the journey. I have eaten a few extra salads, which is easier as it becomes increasingly warmer.

Your turn- Did you set any Intentions, or resolutions, this year? Did you share them with anyone? If not, I invite you to share them with me. You can include them in a comment or send me an email. I would love to return the favor of being your accountability partner.

Hops - A Rabbit

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Let’s Plant: A Spring Haul and What’s Hopping!

Mar 15, 2022 | Digital Art, Garden, Reflections

The postal carrier delivered JOY in an envelope today- actually over 2 DOZEN little envelopes!! Hooray for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds!

Each winter I pore through the catalog and select seeds for the garden. I try to be frugal and reuse seeds from year to year, but some years are big spending years because my seed stock has grown old or depleted. This was one of those years.

Additionally, I was feeling particularly optimistic/experimental when I placed the order and I decided (again) to try starting flowers indoors. Though I may have started too late for that. It’s hard to tell here in OK. First I chastised myself for not placing my order weeks ago. Then I soothed myself when yet another weird snow storm blew in following an 81 degree day.

While waiting for the new seeds to arrive, I sorted through the bucket of seeds I keep in the refrigerator all year and started a small half tray in my indoors grow house. A select few have germinated- squash and pumpkins, you know the GIANT seeds. A couple tomato seeds have poked their pale heads up through the peat as well. Germinating is the no-brainer part. Now, if I can just get them all to become plants!

In the Studio

I have been squeezing art into the nooks and crannies of my days, but I feel ashamed I don’t have more to show for it. Though I do have a stellar rabbit!

I have been wanting to create another shirt, and I really wanted to try out screen printing which requires a very different type of design from my last shirt. I thumbnailed a few ideas and then set to work bringing my rabbit to life- at least on the screen. After the initial drawing I cleaned up the lines in Illustrator and I am off to meet with the screen printer!

I will have shirts to pre-sell at my Pop-Up Artist Shop at The Market March 17-31! I had hoped I would have the shirts, but weather, global conditions, and other extenuating circumstances have decided that shirts would not be ready to wear until April. So… pre-sell it is! The shirt is heathered brown, super soft, and will have “Hops! The Rabbit” on the front side.

The Market is located at 81st & Harvard and is a wonderful collection of small local shops selling housewares, furniture, accessories, art, & more. I am thrilled to be a part of their Pop-Up event!

In addition to my two weeks at The Market, you will find me at Hummingbird Fine Craft. I have “Okie Proud” relaxed muscle tank tops in stock now- just in time for warmer weather. But supplies are limited. Greeting cards, art prints, travel cups, stickers, and more are always available. Hummingbird Fine Craft is open Tues – Sat and is located on Studio Row.

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Next Entries »

Painting through Grief – A Sparrow Emerges!

In the Studio

What I’m Reading

Manifesting Change in 2023

In the Studio

Off the Shelf

(What I’m Reading Now)

Food IS the Destination!

In the Studio

Neon Zeppelins and Parchment Sculpture: Connecting the Dots

In the Studio

A Singing House Whistles While I Work

Hops - A Rabbit

T-Shirts & Stickers

Let’s Plant: A Spring Haul and What’s Hopping!

In the Studio

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