We all need a little color (plus: another new painting!)
“Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing?” Picasso
Holding all of us in my heart this morning in the wake of more tragedy. I took this photo the other day of Isaac and a friend hugging and it’s been the reminder I’ve needed that love is still a strong force that all of us can hold on to no matter what.
And in my art world lately: one of my favorite parts of painting is layering different colors near one another and feeling that little jolt of joy when they make each other brighter and more vibrant. Certain colors combinations do this naturally (like orange and blue, green and red, yellow and purple), but there are so many variations to try.
When I set out to create this new piece, my goal was a simple layout, a simple background, and a vibrant little character full of color.
Here’s where the painting started:
Love is a gift (plus: my new whale painting)
“Everyone knows how to love because we were born with that gift” Paulo Coelho
I love this idea that love is a gift we all have access to and that we all share.
When life is hard, lean into love and embrace the support you find there. When the path isn’t clear, lean into love to help clear your senses. Then fear erupts, let love soothe your spirit. The simplicity appeals so much to me and helps me to appreciate the different ways love shows up in our lives every single day.
Recently we went on an apple picking trip and I snapped a quick photo of Eric up on a ladder and little Isaac eating an apple below. I adore this photo for the red spots of apple peeking through the green, the big expanse of sky, my little family sharing an experience, the rush of gratitude I feel for capturing this new memory.
A new painting from start to finish (plus: I’m glad to be back!)
“Always remember to judge everything by your inner feeling of bliss” Osho
Hello again!
It feels simultaneously like no time has passed and like years have passed since I last wrote an update (in reality it’s been a little over a month). I needed the mental break and the time to create new art and connect with my family before a very busy Fall. It felt good to take the break and it feels good to be back.
The past few weeks have been tumultuous for so many (most recently: the devastation in Texas). If you’ve been seeking a concrete way to help Houston families put their lives back together, here’s a great way to help. I know we’re now all watching and praying that the next hurricane drops in strength before it nears land. My heart is with you, friends.
Here’s what I’ve been up to during the month of August:
We took a trip up to Maine with family to stay on one of the lakes. Here’s the view:
Gratitude first (plus: a brief writing hiatus)
“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond” Rumi
Be grateful for whoever comes.
I’ve had this quote in my mind for a while now as a reminder to re-frame any challenging experiences, but it’s also helped me to see how much good there is all around us.
There really are so many little daily love moments that can get lost in the shuffle of trying to make it through the day.
Here’s one of my recent favorites where Isaac reorganizes some of my supplies.
My third year: a business review (plus: a sale!)
“A little magic can take you a long way” Roald Dahl
I recently had my business anniversary – 3 years!
Here’s my year 1 review and year 2 review if you’re interested.
I’ve thought I can’t believe it’s already been 3 years and has it only been 3 years? in the same moment and both feel equally true.
So what have I been up to this year? Here’s the completed artwork I’ve done in year 3:
