"Friends of Mine"

"Friends of Mine"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$550

I would introduce you, but I have a feeling you've already met. 

Sunshine and Roses. 

Two friends a girl should never be without:))

Lexington, KY Workshop---Day Two

Talk about a bumper crop of daisies!!  Amazing what artists can do when given the space and time to create:))  It was pure joy to go from easel to easel and discover the perspective and juicy colors that each of the artists were bringing to life on canvas.

See for yourself:))))!

Told you it was a bumper crop:))))!!!

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"Knowing"

"Knowing"

36 x 36" oil on museum quality panel, framed

$3500

Eyes. From a place far beyond where I can see, comes an asking.
Do I matter?
It is the only question that really matters. Peeling back layers, I realize that all the doing in life is our way of prying and prodding to hopefully illicit the words we so long to hear.

Yes, you matter.
Your life is important, has meaning, matters. That is it and all of it.

Detail 1 (Joy and Love scripted in amongst the roses!)

Detail 2 (The writing from above written into the painting once again served to remind me what it's all about.)

                                       In progress in my studio--Eddie napping in office next door...

The papers taped to the glass door in the photo above became my guide--hammered out late one night, I read them many times throughout the time spent in my studio.  You can click here to read what was on them.

Please Note:  This painting is waiting for the right person to connect with it.  You know who you are...:))  As with all of the available works from this collection, "Knowing" comes framed and  shipping is free in the continental US through December 31, 2010.  To those of you who have been wanting to own a larger painting of mine, I want to make it possible--so all of these pieces are also available with flex payment.  You can pay all at once, via the paypal button below, or email me here  to spread it out to 3 pays/3 months. 

Gratitude Mission
#30Thanks Day 30--The Last Day!
I never knew when I started this 30 days ago, how much joy it would bring me.  I have found myself looking forward to the next missive, the sense of adventure of what can I examine closely today that I am thankful for.   Funny too how life has that "boomerang" effect built into every move we make.  I have had so much good coming my way via words of love that my heart has done filled up and spilled over..:)))  Thank you for coming along with me for this gratitude mission and thanks to Marissa Bracke who started it all.  It has made for an extra special, extraordinary month.  Even Eddie is in a more benevolent frame of mind.  He borrowed my credit card to go Christmas shopping for me.  Okay, I am grateful---not crazy---but it was fun to go along with him  ( like I didn't know he is cruising the Pet, Bath and Beyond store for himself.) 

For you, it's not about the doing....it's about the listening.
When you listen, you know what to do.
When you know what to do....the rest comes easy.
You are, without a doubt,  amazing ...

I love the words to this song....Big Hugs and Have a Beautiful Day~  Click Here

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"Rose Steps of Italy" SOLD

"Rose Steps of Italy"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

A good set of stairs to sit and write the story of your life.  Surrounded by roses and a glass of ice tea nearby, start with how you came to be in Italy!

Gratitude Mission

#30Thanks Day 27 --Thanks for belief, for hope--it makes all the difference.

When the world seems flat, don't believe it.  Just because the roundness can't be seen from where you stand....it doesn't  mean a thing.  Absence of belief in its roundness does not make it flat..:))  A few years back there were two schools of thought on just that very thing.  The world did not flatten because some believed it to be so.  It stayed, fully shaped, waiting....for someone like you, with lots of hope, to set sail towards their dreams with vision, with faith, and with hope.  Anything is possible when we believe. 

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"Happy Dots" SOLD

"Happy Dots"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

(yet to be signed and tweaked, will be available for purchase end of week..:))

Polka dots make me happy.  They seem just a bit juvenile and a little carefree.  It seemed like a good combination for a paint along with the class today.  As you can see below, I planted this painting and it has produced a bumper crop..:))  These artists are moving fast--can't wait to see what they come up with tomorrow--which will be the last day.  It always flies by so fast, I can hardly believe it!  Tomorrow a group photo is in order so you can see the faces behind these beautiful paintings..:))  

Gratitude Mission, Day 4: Thank a utility or service worker

#30Thanks  Day 4

Okay.  This one wasn't as easy for me.  I had to stop and give it some thought.  Which, after having expended brain cells all day teaching, was quite the effort..:))  But I do appreciate all the people behind the scenes who work at  keeping me (us) in electricity.  From keeping my air in my studio clean to lights to paint by, from hot baths to soak tired feet  (after workshop) to microwaves to make hot chocolate --my life would require a lot more work to achieve the same results.  Ever heated water on a wood stove to try and get enough to take a bath with???  Yep, I can pretty much say a very hearty thank-you to all the folks who keep the juice running to my home.  I take so much for granted when I flip on a switch and have a world of conveniences at my fingertips.  Life is so good!  Thanks to all who work as utility and service workers! 

Since I a sure it has crossed your mind---  I did ask Eddie if he wanted to take part in the gratitude mission.  I thought it might help him to put things in perspective a bit.  Now I am wishing I hadn't .  He handed me his list this morning. 

It started with him "thanking all the little people" and went south from there....

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"Accessories From Italy"

"Accessories From Italy"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

I have a friend named Jeffrey .  Jeffrey makes jewelry.  He tells me the only thing that separates me from the *animals (see Eddie) is my ability to accessorize. 

Which I used to believe 'til I saw Eddie wearing my beaded scarf.  So much for that theory! 

However, when it comes to the Italians--they do know how to accessorize.  Color around a window doesn't just have to come in the form of flowers.  It can be fresh laundry, full of color, softly stirring in the breeze.

Now that's something you don't see on HGTV...who knew you could get fashion tips for yourself, your house,  and take a mini trip to Italy all at the same time....
And just so you know that I always tell the truth-- here's Eddie with my scarf. Haven't worn it since then. I hate it when someone looks better in my clothes than I do.....

Note: It was a great show on Artists Helping Artists with Carol Marine, the premiere daily painter.  If you missed it, just remember , they are recorded!  Just click here then scroll down to On Demand Episodes.  Click play and enjoy~

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"Italian Hideaway"

"Italian Hideaway"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

It's Friday.  And I am thinking you are needing a place to get away .  Somewhere where no one knows your name and you can sleep as late as you want and stay up as late as you want and eat what you want.  It's on a side street,  a bit off the beaten path but an easy walk to the corner market to pick  up fresh chevre and some home-made  olive oil to dip your bread in.   There's some great Merlot and lemoncello in the cabinet so help yourself.  My only tip is---don't tell anyone where you're going. Especially if his name starts with an Ed and ends with a 'tude.  Dude with a 'tude.  That's all I'm sayin'.

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"Bliss Blue French" SOLD

"Bliss Blue French"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Periwinkle blue is a favorite color of mine.  Obviously I am not alone in this ----  turn down any street in the south of France and you're likely to happen upon this delicious color dusted onto shutters, doors, gates and the like.  And what always makes the blue so blissful is the addition of just the right touch of pinks and reds in the way of a scented welcome. 

 On this spring day, I am heading out to the market to pick up a loaf of fresh baked--what else---French bread..:))  Later my friends (you know who you are...:)) and I will share it, with a big dollop of creamy butter, and sip our glasses of Merlot together....and since it's such a lazy, blissful afternoon.... we'll spend the rest of the day curled up in overstuffed chairs with our favorite books.  And maybe take a nap....Eddie says 16 hours of sleep a day is just the right amount....:)  This is one time I am not going to argue with Eddie....

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"Blanchisserie Fraiche...French Style" SOLD

"Blanchisserie Fraiche....French Style"

6" x 6" oil  on museum quality panel

$200

How is it that even the most mundane thing--- like laundry--- can fold  itself into a thing of beauty when surrounded by flowers and stirred with the fresh breezes of Provence.  Truly some of the most simple things in life hold within them such incredible gifts.  The smell of blanchisserie fraiche (fresh laundry) brings a sense of wholeness and  hope--a reminder of the goodness of life. 

So today, as you remove the clothes pins from your laundry on your French balcony--take time to bury your nose in the scent of a beautiful life...who said doing laundry couldn't be fun..:)))




 

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"Italiano Entrata Gated" SOLD

"Italiano Entrata Gated"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

I love a good mystery and there is mystery with the gated entry.





Especially when the gate is iron and framed with roses. The spacing of the bars on the gate allow for air and sunlight to pass through, but keep out the stresses of life. It is a private garden, an oasis of coolness, that offers respite.





Today this is your place. Only allow in those with a ready laugh, open to living their life with arms wide open.....drink in the divinity of life at its best...:)





And when you have rested and are ready to leave, slip the key behind the bush on the left. Only those who read this will know where to look for it...:))





Now get on with your day--only you and me know you started the morning out in Italy!

P.S. If you would like to know how to leave a comment on my blog, click here..(each comment left on my blog = another chance to win one of my petite paintings that I give away each month!)

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"Just One French Window...." SOLD

"Just One French Window..."

6 x 6in, oil on panel

$150

They say the first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem. Well, I am admitting I have a fixation on windows. Especially French windows. However, I am just gonna go ahead and say it. I don't want your help. I can handle this. I am still in control. Just a window a day. That's all. Well, on a day I am feeling nervous, maybe a window and half. But that's it. Seriously. Okay. If you see me post two window paintings in one day, then call for help.

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"Winter Sunshine" SOLD

"Winter Sunshine"

Oil, 6" x 6' oil on canvas panel

$150 unframed

Today, take a tip from Eddie. The next time you see the sun shining, pull your chair up close to the window and soak it in. Eddie says it is extremely important to remain motionless while doing this. He tells me this is when he does his meditation (which looks suspiciously like sleeping). Of course he also tells me he hates the smell of tuna.

I don't believe everything Eddie tells me.

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