Let’s get outside (plus, new art prints in the shop!)

“The earth has music for those who listen” George Santayana

The weather in Philadelphia has been beautiful over the past few days – warmer, sunnier. I’ve been working with the windows open and feeling unbelievably grateful for each little moment when the breeze blows in (I couldn’t open windows at my old job).

I don’t want to take these moments for granted, or forget how hard I’ve worked to simply feel fresh air on my face throughout the day.

I’ve also been getting outside more lately, whenever possible – Eric and I have started going on more walks in the neighborhood and through the woods nearby. Sometimes the simple act of taking a walk outside feels like everything I need.

My paintings are generally always inspired by nature, among other things. I love that being out in the woods brings us so much to work with: sound, texture, color, light, contrast, movement. I’m often drawn to my favorite elements (skies, trees, water), but the possibilities are endless in regards to how to paint them. I’m finding so much happiness (and challenge!) inside this possibility.

This week’s painting is inspired by one of my favorite spring / summer memories: a sleepy evening when there’s nothing to do but sit outside and dream, listen to the crickets fill in as music, and feel the ground still warm from the heat of the day.

I suspect there’s something slightly magical happening here: a home for fairies, perhaps? Lately I’ve been so in love with the idea that our world is not black and white, and that there’s so much still that we don’t understand. Here is a landscape that lies in the dreamy in-between that connects fantasy and reality, and I feel that the most wonderful, heart-opening conversations happen safely here in this space. What can you feel?

I’ve also been absolutely loving acrylic inks lately. I use two brands (Liquitex and India Inks), and find that I use them more and more frequently in my paintings to achieve these deep, vibrant colors. They are so fun to mix with paint. Give them a try if you like to experiment.

Last but not least, I’ve been hard at work turning my new paintings into art prints and I’m happy to share that a number of them are now ready! Head over to the shop to check out these new print options. :) I’ll be sure to post when the next batch is ready (as well as the original paintings!).

If you’re able to this week, step outside for a few minutes and let the sun warm you. Don’t bring your phone. Don’t bring your computer. Simply breathe for a few minutes until your body relaxes. I’ve yet to find a bad mood that can’t be softened with fresh air and a few minutes to dream.

With love,