The Landscape of One Life

It's very easy in life to continue down the familiar
path, never straying to far from what is safe and
known.

So in order to grow, we have to stretch and bend,
reaching out beyond the comfortable boundaries
created and maintained, in search of something
that will lead us in a new direction.

Often times situations arise urging us onward,
leading us toward those first steps of discovery.
For the past nine months, I have been part
of an exchange focused around the subject
of nature. Each month, participants make
an 8"x 8" piece of art based on a particular
nature theme.

For March... the theme is Landscapes.

I am a long time admirer of landscape paintings
and artists. Individuals, such a Wolf Kahn and
Lilias Trotter, constantly inspire me with their
scenic masterpieces. They flawlessly capture
the wide expanse of space and distance, using
color, shape and line to depict breathtaking
reflections of an unending horizon.

I, myself, have been a closet landscape artist
for a number of years. Mostly experimenting
with my longings to depict the land, and the
sky among the private pages of a journal.

Now however, this March theme has forced
me to step beyond such safe confines and
create a work to share with the world.

Using molding paste to build a rough and
uneven texture across a pristine canvas,
I simply let myself go, trusting my artistic
voice to find the landscape I have dreamt
of painting... I have dreamt of sharing...
the beautiful Plains of my life.


Although this piece still needs a few finishing
touches to be complete, I feel a great sense
of wonder and excitement, as I experiment
with new mediums and a new found freedom.

And maybe... just maybe it's time to walk down
a path I have yet to travel.


March 12:

"I wrote my days
upon the Plains, these
grains of parched earth
with words scattered about
to the wayward winds
that stripped away the husks,
polishing every letter,
softened by time
until ripe for harvest.

left to gather what remained
of those moments, and
finding silken threads
of memories,
I wove a tapestry
of fine gold,
taking root
becoming the landscape
of one life."

The view from my window

The view from my airplane window revealed a Kansas landscape dusted with the colors of fall. I returned home on Sunday from days spent in Portland at the Art and Soul retreat.

The event was magical and wonderful, all rolled into one!

Marylin and I brought back with us precious memories as souvenirs from the trip. The hospitality was outstanding, as usual, and we felt quite blessed by the friendships we made and rekindled during our travels. Two particularly touching moments for me was when my friends, Shari Beaubien and Jan Harris, each gave me an exquisite gift. I hope to post pictures soon of their lovely artworks that now grace the walls of my studio.
We had the distinct honor of hosting several workshops for a second year in a row. Our classes were completely inspiring and brimming with such talented individuals.

We are always so incredibly lucky to be in the company of the most beautiful people. Above is just one of many artworks created in the Nature Painting workshop on Thursday.

I have created a Painted Nature Photo Album so that you can see the other BREATHTAKING!!!! pieces made during our time together.

It is OH... SO HARD FOR ME TO RESTRAIN MYSELF, and not post more artworks from our Fusion classes. But Marylin will be sharing those with you later this week on her blog.

On Friday, this incredible journey also led me to an early morning meeting with six other artists that are all part of the art challenge, Nature Gathered.

What started out as a somewhat daunting task to come together at 7:00 a.m., turned out to be a wonderful occasion, and a real bonding experience for those involved.
The day continued to weave into it more cherished memories with a visit to Apifera Lavender Farm, which is the home of the very famous artist, Katherine Dunn.
Katherine and I started conversing via email all the way back in March, and she graciously agreed to receive a visit from us while we were visiting Portland.

I have been a real fan of both Katherine's work, and endearing tales of life on a farm.
She was a most gracious host. The conversations were quite lively as kindred spirits discussed art and life.

She even introduced us to her also famous little donkeys; Pino, Paco, and Lucia, who were completely adorable!

We also got to meet the silly one-eyed Pug, Billy and lovable chocolate Lab, Huck.

The little donkeys were also happy to receive visitors, and sweet Paco proudly showed us his beloved pumpkin patch.Before long an entire morning had passed and it was time to go. But there were plenty of little donkey kisses to go around as we said our goodbyes.
What a wonderful adventure... my visit to Portland! These perfect moments for me to hold close to my heart...

THANK YOU EVERYONE.. for making this time so very special. I will remember it, always!

Coloring My Days

From the very beginning, my world has been one in which color has played an important role.

I love all color, of course some more than others, and my preferred palette has changed through the years.

As a child I would beg my mother for a new box of crayons, every time we shopped at the discount store, even though I had plenty at home. I always wanted the largest box on the shelf. You know the one... with 64 waxy color sticks, neatly lined up in ascending rows, looking almost like a choir. The cool box with the bonus crayon sharpener built right into the packaging.

I adored opening a new crayon box, and seeing all the brilliant hues with every tint and tone of the color wheel that my child heart could imagine.
As an artist, my life is still filled with many, many colors! I have the pleasure of playing in my so-called crayon box almost everyday.
One of the interesting projects I have been invited to participate in, along with fifteen other talented artists, is a year long collaborative challenge focused on Nature themes.

We have started a blog called Nature Gathered, and by the end of this month, each of us will have posted our first work for others to view.

I have already started working on my July piece for this challenge. The first theme is birds.

Now you would think this would be an easy subject since I am constantly showing you birds on my blog, selling works with such subjects in my little shop, and teaching Nature related workshops. But in realty, I have been ponder on this piece for over five weeks.

Why so difficult, you may ask. Well...the word challenge according to Webster's Dictionary means,"to arouse or stimulate especially by presenting with difficulties".

This is the first piece in a body of work I will be presenting. It will represent a subject I hold most dear. I am also wanting to take full advantage of this opportunity to grow and stretch my art in new directions.

After much thought and consideration regarding this new path, an area that had always fascinated me when I was working in retail product design was patterns or patterning. Although I consider myself a representational painter, I am constantly drawn to more abstract elements. This is something I would like to begin incorporating into my future works.

As I have been furiously creating, new ideas keep coming at me like wildfire. I find myself snipping bit and pieces of inspiration from here and there, tucking them away to use later.

Although the work you see above has yet to incorporate any birds... never fear, I have my fine feathered friends waiting just off stage ready to make their grand entrance.

I also want to take this chance to give you a studio remodel update, as I have had several personal emails inquiring about my progress.

The remodel, I am very happy to announce, is almost complete! And you are NEVER, NEVER, NEVER... EVER, EVER going to believe the transformation. Just a FEW more finishing touches and it will be ready.

Below is a sneak peek at the freshly painted work tables and my brand new fabric storage bins from Target.com.