Seek

This is one of my newer quote paintings. I couldn't believe how fast the process went with this one...when I stepped back from it, I felt like it had painted itself. There is something very calming about it to me. I used a quote from a Sarah McLachlan song and I can almost hear her whispering voice when I look at this one. Her lyrics are true poetry in my life. I have always admired her as a song writer. I just find her to be brilliant on so many levels. If my painting could in anyway capture a visual moment of her emotion filled songs then I would feel pleased. I aspire to be a strong, honest artist like Sarah and so many others that allow themselves to live in the moment. Real and alive, succeed or fail, at least it is true.

"I want an indigo painting..."

This one was a challenge for me.



My father-in-law travels all over the world for work. He has had the privilege to see some amazing places. During one of his trips to London he saw an abstract painting that he fell in love with and came home to tell me about it. He kept saying, "It is this indigo circle that goes from very dark out to light." Naturally I said "Oh, so it is purple." He said, "No, blue." Ahh, and who said art was subjective...

I tried to get as much info out of him. Having a background in graphic design, I learned fast that a request for a "classy ad" could be about a million different things. So I asked as many questions as I could to get my own "image" of what this painting looked like. I hadn't ever re-created something I never had the chance to see. I could tell he loved that painting and I wanted to make it match what he saw. He knows when he sees something if he likes it or not and I wanted him to like it.

What is great about my father-in-law is that he loves abstract art. That is so cool to me! So I was looking forward to painting it but found myself so nervous at the expectation that came along with it. So, what else could I do but dive right in, the original wasn't going to clone itself. I had a lot of fun doing it, I always do when I paint abstracts. It is such a free feeling, like reliving youth where there are no lines to color inside. Creating it was great, it was the waiting for the reveal that caused me to be neurotic.

But he LOVED it! I can't tell you how relieved I was! I think there was a visible change in me when he jumped up and said "It's perfect!" I just think it is wonderful to have people inspired enough to return home still talking about a piece of art they saw that just stuck with them. So thank you Indigo painting in London...although I never met you, I was able to make one to fill the inspiration you gave my father-in-law.

Tiger Eyes

This painting was done for my mother-in-law. She has a genuine love for the African culture, she has traveled there twice to bring medicine and food to people who can't afford it themselves. She has a wonderful testimony and her visits, along with the people she met, made a huge impact on her life. From her travels, she has brought back some beautiful sculptures, baskets, masks and fabrics. The influence can be seen in the two main rooms of her home. It feels different than someone who just chose to decorate with a "Safari Flair", it feels very authentic. All her pieces tell the story of her travels. I had talked with her about doing a painting of tiger eyes a while back. I found a photo that had a similar look to what I was going for and I sketched out my own version. I have had this since September 2004. I was able to complete it and give it to her for Christmas this year. It really excites me to contribute to a decorating theme that means so much to her. She really loved the painting and that still is the true reward for me. Knowing I can create something that brings another joy makes me extremely thankful for the gift of art in my life. Sidna, I hope you enjoy "Tiger Eyes" for years to come!

New Painting: Courage

"Courage" is my favorite of the four new quote paintings. Not because I think it is my best but there is a combination of elements that feels very personal. The image does (since I use myself) but it is the image and color mixed with the quote.

"Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires...courage."

The quote is one I personally felt when I decided to start my own business. I had some critics who wanted me to know all the stats of small business failures in their first year, I had some critics who wanted me to play it safe. But more importantly, I had a strong support system of family and friends and they helped give me courage. While the girl in the painting is looking down, contemplating her future, I have since looked out onto the horizon. To all my critics, you didn't beat me down. I am going to pursue my dream until I have no more breath to give it. Thank you to all those who encouraged me and continue to believe in me. I have mapped out a course of action and I will follow it...with courage.

New Painting: Life Is In Your Hands

Sorry it has been a long time between posts. December was a very busy month for my business and for me personally. It feels good to be writing on my site again. Seven new works have been put on the site since my last post. Four of them are additions to my quote series. It amazes me how fun it is to add more paintings to my series. I have never been one to create a series, my work has always been on an individual basis. But this has been a really neat experience, almost like they are sisters, connected only like a family can be.



This yellow one, "Life Is In Your Hands", is my husbands favorite of the new four. I have heard that from some friends too. I always enjoy hearing the feedback of others. Mostly I enjoy hearing why it is their favorite. But if you know me, I like to know why we do everything. He feels it is very balanced composition wise but also the most realistic portrait I have done. Realistic is secondary to me, first I want to convey a single moment and emotion side by side with words that narrate your experience. This quote probably pertains to most of us from time to time;

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

That would be my wish for all of you this new year, to live all the days of your life. Just like I hope to capture small moments of life on canvas, I hope you live each moment with all the breath and spirit you have inside.