the story of chromosome X

So very much can happen in a months' time! And how amazing it can be!

'The Story of Chromosome X'  36x36 | Vintage Ephemera, Graphite, Acrylic, Ink, Colored Pencils, Pastels, Gold Leaf

Unexpectedly, and a bit last minute, I decided to submit a painting to Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center's 10th Annual juried exhibition "X". SBDAC invited the artists to interpret the symbol X to honor their 10th anniversary season for the month of June.

Once committed, I still had to figure out my interpretation of the symbol X.

I stared at my blank canvas for a couple weeks waiting for it to speak to me. Nothing. Then more nothing. It continued to stare at me and still nothing. I only knew my daughter would be the subject. But how on earth does that interpret the symbol X?

And then...one day, out of the blue, like an explosion or the excitement of Christmas morning, Chromosome X was born! Of course I had to double check and look up Chromosome X and Chromosome Y to 'just make sure which was which'......just in case I didn't pay close enough attention in Middle School Biology. LOL. Whew! It was all good! I was on the right track.

....and so it began. I didn't know anything at that point other than using my beautiful daughter as my muse and using an element of all the techniques and mediums I am forever drawn to.

The painting was essentially intuitive. I had no real plan. No sketches. No idea. I didn't see the final piece in my head. I let the painting tell me the story. The Story of Chromosome X. The beginning when God created woman. The love songs. The definition. The beauty of a woman.

I loved every part of this painting adventure including receiving the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center's Choice Award! Such an honor! And surprise! I overheard and was told such amazing compliments and "WOW's" from the Center and the public and fellow artists. I am honored.

It filled my heart & soul and affirmed once again, the path I am on as an artist!!

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 10th Annual Juried Exhibition 'X' Choice Award 2018

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!

having fun with watercolor

A lot has been happening around here. School is out for Hannah and Nathaniel, so our daily schedule has changed quite a bit. Trying to keep those 2 busy is a job in itself! I've had some job changes so new doors are opening and I am looking forward to all that lay ahead. In the midst of it all, I've had a chance to play with some new pieces and pick up my watercolors again. I always seem to forget how much I love watercolors.

I've kept most of these pieces small (5x7) so that I could work on different styles and designs without committing to anything too large yet. I am still having such a hard time committing to just one medium or one style. I absolutely love, love, love them all! I couldn't even claim a favorite color if I tried. Do most artists go through this? It is so hard to market what I do with such a wide-ranged style. As a graphic designer I often have to produce a specific style according to the clients requests, so I am used to creating a different 'look' from one job to another. I guess that's where some of this comes from, but really, I have always been this way. Is it a curse or a blessing? I'll just keep creating what is in my heart and God will take care of the rest!

let's catch up...

Time just goes by much too fast around here. I'm sure you're familiar. Kids, teaching, work, art projects, home projects....well, LIFE! Blog-time has suffered though I have to confess....I have really become quite enamored with Instagram and well, that's where I've been instead. Is that a bad thing? Feeling a little guilty for not being here, too. So let's catch up a little....

Hannah and Nathaniel in Miami visiting the Wynwood Walls

Hannah and Nathaniel are always keeping me on my toes. They are growing so fast and silly as ever. They are both Scouts and school keeps them extra busy, too. We've even worked in a few adventures in the midst of it all. Gotta slip in some fun to balance it all out!!

Big-Eyed Fish, Acrylic,  24" x 24"

On my end, in-between the teaching and work, I have been able to get some projects started and completed.....commission pieces and works for inventory. This little guy I started back in 2011, I think. 2011!! For some reason I never finished his eye and the poor guy just sat there year after year while other projects were started and completed. Crazy!! 2015 was the year to give him an eye...and so I did!! I like him. He's quirky and bright and colorful. Fun!!

String Art Elephant, Gift for Hannah

String art. What fun! I don't think I've done one of these since high school. My photos aren't great but the thread is metallic silver and the wood is stained the most iridescent plum color. Very pretty and best of all, Hannah loved it.

Vintage Bible Page, Pen & Ink, Prismacolor Colored Pencils (approx 5"x7.5"), Incomplete

I've worked on lots of vintage bible and book pages and still need to photograph them all. Once I do, I will post those. This one I had started of Daniel in the Lions Den received so much attention and requests that it made me come to realize I really needed to consider prints for the bible pages. I didn't think it was something I was going to consider, but I am definitely rethinking that original idea. So much to think through when you are trying to develop your business.

So many more projects to show you, but will have to wait for another day.
Until then...Blessings!

the plans God has for me...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Vintage Bible Page, Pen & Ink, Prismacolor Colored Pencils (approx 5"x7.5")
- Sold -

 It is amazing how your life can change so quickly. So unexpected. The last several years have been such a long road of twists and turns for me, my family, my career, my art...and then out of the blue, or so it seems, it all changes. Something that changes your entire professional future which in turn changes all the rest! This road has felt bumpy and unpaved just too many times. A road that truly didn't feel like it was leading anywhere...and then you turn a corner and you stand before an amazing field of fantastic! and everywhere I turn is filled with even more fantastic! But God already knew. He knew the plans He had for me. He had already prepared this road for my life long before I even knew the road existed.

One more reminder in my life to TRUST HIM!!!

let the children come

 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

Vintage Bible Page, Pen & Ink, Prismacolor Colored Pencils (approx 5"x7.5")

A recent commissioned piece. I really love the way the words peak through the leaves and flowers. I have numerous other pages and will be posting those very soon.

God's bounty in nature

Such an abundance of beauty we are all surrounded by....our glorious Nature! A gift given to us by God. To love. To appreciate. To take care of.   "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it" Genesis 2:15

Almost daily, when I am sitting in my studio, I can look out of my window and watch the numerous birds frolicking within the trees and grass, singing songs that I am certain are meant for me only. What a blessing to have these beautiful birds...bluebirds, cardinals, finches, woodpeckers and more...stop by to visit my back yard. Meanwhile, gorgeous butterflies and dragonflies fill the air. How can you not be inspired by it all?

Vintage Bible Page, Pen & Ink, Prismacolor Colored Pencils (approx 5"x7.5")

violets and forgiveness

“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.” - Mark Twain
When I saw the 3 words 'bunch of violets' under the poem, I knew violets were to be the creative design behind this page.

Vintage book page "The Last Days of Pompeii", pen & ink, Prismacolor pencils (approx 4.75"x7.25")

your path in life...

“Do you choose the path, or the path choose you?” Hmmmm....something to ponder. Do we really want to change anything from the path of our life?? We always say we would have changed this or that, go this way or that way, choose something different...but in knowing that, everything...everything would be different as we know it now. No thanks. Wouldn't change a thing!

Vintage book page, pen & ink, Prismacolor pencils (approx 4.75"x7.25")