the message of the spirit owl

Spirit Owl - 8x10 - Wood Canvas, Watercolor, Gouache, Ink. Sealed w/ UV Satin Varnish

 "Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire!" -Unknown

As I had a few weeks of health issues recently, I ended up with quite a bit of quiet time in my world. And it got very quiet around here. So very quiet!

It's funny really, when we beg for some 'quiet time' in our lives, to just be left alone for a little while, and then, all of a sudden when it arrives, you realize how precious your life is with all of the chaos and interruptions and friends and family. It was good though. It was.

It gave me a chance to have some serious heart to heart, uninterrupted conversations with God. It gave me opportunity to step back and just breathe and rest. And it gave me moments to clear my mind and allow inspiration to come forth like a firestorm. I came to realize I cannot just sequester these ideas and pursuits away, especially when fed by fear. There is no room for fear in my life!

I am so thankful for the quiet time and even more thankful for the chaos! I am definitely thankful for the chaos! And I love this sweet little forest creature born in the midst of it all. A strong and beautiful spirit owl filled with wisdom and intuition. And when his spirit guides you, you can see your true reality, all while offering guidance to explore your unknown and the magic of life.

Magical!

blue

Blue - Approx. 5x4.5x0.5 - Wood slice, Watercolor, Gouache, Ink. Sealed w/ UV Satin Varnish

“The bluebird carries the sky on his back” Henry David Thoreau

As many times as I try to use more subtle colors when I create, I often find myself these days drawn back to the vibrant color family of blue. It's ironic really because growing up, I hated blue! I mean really hated it. It's actually my birthstone, Sapphire, and I received a lot of gifts surrounded by the color blue or my birthstone. A lot! I thought it was dull and blah! I was jealous of my sister and her green Emerald! I mean, wow! LOL

Too funny because I wear a lot from the blue family, my home is decorated with a lot from the blue family, and I have created a LOT of artwork where blue and all of it's relatives are a big part. I am not sure what changed other than my love affair with earth. Whatever the reason, blues and greens and everything in between, make me smile!

let's sleep under the stars

Let's Sleep Under The Stars - Approx. 4.5x4x0.5 - Wood slice, Watercolor, Gouache, Ink. Sealed w/ UV Satin Varnish

Lately, I have been dreaming of the stars and camping and fresh air! I haven't pitched a tent in a bit too long and I look forward to much cooler weather so we can escape and sleep under the stars. There is nothing better!

These little wood slice rounds I had in my studio were a perfect earthy canvas to paint that dream. It can be hung on the wall, or hung as an ornament, or even sitting on a shelf or desk. It makes a fabulous gift for that camping lover in your life, too!!

When life gets busy and you need an escape, it may be time to sleep under the stars!

time to catch up

It's been a while! Well, I am back, once again. A lot has happened in my personal and business life since the last post of August, 2016. One thing never changes...time sure does fly by quickly!

I will do my best to catch up with anything important since that time, while keeping up with the now. That's the goal. And a few other things I have up my sleeve, too. But for now, one thing at a time. 

After the last post and coloring book I was blessed to have the opportunity to do another one! This one was filled with inspiration for Moms, but I really tried to make sure it spoke to anyone and everyone. You were able to find them in most WalMart stores throughout the US, Amazon and a few other places, too. I can't wait to do another one. 

new release!

I am so excited to finally tell you about my latest release! Insert drum roll here please.....

Inkspirations Fruit of the Spirit: 
Coloring Designs to Nourish You with Love, Joy, Faith, Peace and More. / Adult Coloring Book

Can you be humbled and proud all at the same time? It was an honor to get to work on such a fantastic project with HCI Publishing, and especially using God's word as my guide! Coloring books are so big right now and standing out from the rest is the key. More than not, the adult coloring books out there are filled with clipart and extremely generic overall. I do hope this one stands out!

Each page is designed and created around a specific Scripture, using the 'fruits of the spirit' as the premise. The Bible speaks of visible "fruits of the spirit" as characteristics of a Christian...the attitudes, behaviors and traits that someone who believes in Jesus Christ should show. My hope is that while spending time with each page, relaxing and enjoying the process of coloring you reconnect with God and His word.

Well, I learned so much while working on these pages and I look forward to future projects.
(pssst....I might already be working on one, just sayin'. I'll update soon). I am also looking forward to finding these in person in the stores (WalMart, for one, purchased quite a large order). How cool will that be. So cool.

Don't forget to get them on Amazon, too!

long time...too long

I have missed you. I have been here the entire time, but my life got a little crazy for a while and unfortunately, my blogging world is what suffered so nothing else would. But, I promise to never let that happen again. Promise! Well, lets see. For the short version...the kids are older and still amazing, we moved into a beautiful new home, many new professional Blessings have come my way, lots of new artwork to share, and much more. Ultimately, life got busy. I'm back now so let's get started.

Pen & Ink

John 15:12

Here is a piece I finished yesterday. October is National Anti-Bullying Month and ultimately these words say it all. Love Unconditionally everyone!