Deck the Halls

It’s not even September yet, but I’m itching to put out my fall decorations.  That is no surprise to my family, as I typically beg to decorate for Christmas the day after Halloween.  I can appreciate that each season and holiday deserves its time to shine, but I have my favorites, and since they only come around once a year, I like to maximize the celebration.   My pumpkins and gourds wait patiently in the linen closet, but every time I pull out a fresh towel, I am tempted to get started on my fall decorating.  I will wait, for fear of  being chastised by my family, but August sure is taking her sweet time.

“Ready and Waiting”–Colored Pencil 

 

A Show of Hands: Knuckle Sandwich

I was an incredibly picky eater as a child. I didn’t like meat, but my parents and pediatrician insisted it was a crucial part of a well-balanced diet.  I found creative ways to rid my plate of the food I despised.  I fed the dogs under the table, stealthily transferred meat onto my brother’s plate, tucked it into my pockets, and even smuggled it out of the kitchen in my shoes.  I was always the last one to leave the dinner table.  Most nights, my parents sat on either side of me, begging, pleading, and waiting for me to eat. After an hour or so, my mother usually gave up, slapped together a peanut butter sandwich, and slid it across the table.  When I complained about what we were having for dinner, which I did nightly, my mother often chuckled and said “Would you rather have a knuckle sandwich?”  I didn’t really understand what she meant when I was young, but I would laugh anyway, knowing my night would most likely end with a delicious PB & J.

“Knuckle Sandwich”–Colored Pencil

Skipping School

Fall is right around the corner and students all over the country are returning to school.  Taking a class or two each year not only fulfills my Florida Teaching Certificate requirements, it also motivates me.  Being in a studio setting with other artists inspires me to create.  Since I won’t be taking a class this fall, I will have to rely on gallery visits, long walks with Mother Nature, and my own imagination for the inspiration I crave.

“Coming Together”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals

“Nature’s Finest”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals

“Playing Dress Up”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals

“Circles”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals

 

A Show of Hands: Paint

Someone asked me recently if I made time to paint while on vacation.  Vacations are supposed to be filled with one’s favorite activities, so, yes, I paint when I travel!  I have two different travel paint sets and a variety of brushes, as well as a pencil and a set of pens that are always in my travel tote.  With the pressures of everyday life left behind, inspiration often appears when I’m in vacation mode.  The real magic is in keeping that creativity flowing after I’m home.

“Paint”–Graphite and Watercolor

Vegas Sampler

My time in Vegas flew by way too fast, but I did manage to sample a few of the essentials of any good vacation:  play, celebrate, create, and love.

The Star Trek convention at the Rio

Waiting to see “Love” at The Mirage

Renewing our vows at The Little White Wedding Chapel

“Love”–painted in my room at The Elara

Delays and Connections

Any seasoned traveler can perform ‘travel math’ computations.  ‘Florida summer weather pattern‘ plus ‘late night flight‘ equals ‘travel delay‘.  Luckily, I had my sketchbook and pen with me to help pass the time.  While my flight was delayed, I had the opportunity to sketch other people making connections.

Connecting with an iPhone

 

Connecting with an iPad

 

Connecting with another human being

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cheers

On the last night of every vacation, my family plans a special dinner we refer to as “The Last Supper”.  It’s a time to reflect on the trip, and share our favorite moments.  On our Vegas trip last week, my most cherished memory was renewing my wedding vows with my husband of 18 years.  Somehow, those vows meant so much more than they did the first time.  We’ve lived through the good times and bad, the sickness and health, the richer and poorer, and we’re stronger because of it.  During our Last Supper, when we raised our glasses to toast another fabulous vacation, I locked eyes with my husband, knowing he’ll continue to be my best friend, my love, and my rock for the next 18 years.  Cheers!

“Cheers”– Graphite and Colored Pencil on Multimedia Paper

Feeling Groovy

Lately, I can’t seem to contain the colors and patterns that are floating around in my head.  What to do? Put them on paper, of course, adding yet another hurdle in the quest to define my artistic style.  Some days my art leans toward realism, other days I’m in a fantasy mood, but today, I was simply feeling groovy.

“Groovy”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals

A Show of Hands: Rolling the Dice

Next weekend, we’re heading to Las Vegas as part of my ongoing birthday celebration.  Although Sin City is the gambling capital of the United States, my husband and I don’t frequent the casinos.  We typically spend our time in Vegas shopping, enjoying the incredible shows, and sampling the cuisine. On this trip, in honor of my 50^th, I have decided to roll the dice a few times.  Maybe Lady Luck will be in a generous mood.

“Rolling the Dice”–Colored Pencil on Mixed Media Paper

Joy

I am in love with color.  Whether I find it in nature, in fashion, or on the tip of my paint brush, color can incite a rush of emotions. From the deepest indigo to the palest pink, the color choices I make in my art are very deliberate. The colors I chose for ‘Joy’ came straight from the rainbow. I hope Mother Nature won’t mind that I took inspiration from her amazing color palette.

“Joy”–Watercolor, Ink Pen, and Swarovski Crystals on Arches Aquarelle