You’re My Blue Sky

You’re My Blue Sky

One of my favorite songs includes “You’re My Blue Sky” in it! It’s by the Allman Brothers and fits with today’s painting and our front yard activity too. I’ll share more in a sec but first I want to welcome new readers to this blog. And, while I’m at it, I’ll describe the purpose of […]

Mighty Butternut Squash: a Favorite Things Painting

Mighty Butternut Squash: a Favorite Things Painting

What soothes a cool winter night? Mighty butternut squash, of course! I confess I have not always been a huge fan of this winter vegetable. But, recently, my older sister sent me a fantastic recipe called Moroccan Butternut Squash and Chickpea Stew. Oh my gosh, the stew is delicious, quick and hearty. But wait, this […]

Time for Tea: a Favorite Things painting

Time for Tea: a Favorite Things painting

When is the best time for tea? If you’re British Mr Studly in our household, any time is a good time for tea! And, there’s a delightful process associated with tea time. How to Make Tea Fill kettle with water. Put the kettle ‘on.’Pick your tea. In Mr Studly’s case it’s Twinings Darjeeling. Open up […]

Favorite Things: a painter’s 2020 journey

Favorite Things: a painter’s 2020 journey

One of my favorite songs is “Favorite Things” by Julie Andrews in the musical Sound of Music. I love the way her voice and music lilt upwards as she describes her feelings for some of her favorite things. For instance, she loves “Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens.” Who wouldn’t love some occasional […]

Decluttering online

Decluttering online

Hello creative person! I know you, like me, would rather be drawing, painting, writing or doing your favorite passionate pursuit. But I have a question for you. Are you a fan of the decluttering fad that’s everywhere these days? OK I understand how important having a tidy space is. We’re currently living in a studio […]

Love Hate Love Hate Love

Love Hate Love Hate Love

Location: Philadelphia, PA aka The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection Greetings! For the past 5 years, my husband, David, and I have been living in Philadelphia. I got accepted into art school here in Philly and we were both up for an adventure. As we stare down the end of our living options […]

Inspired by a Master

Inspired by a Master

Throughout history, artists and ateliers have promoted the challenge of painting a Master Copy as a tool for learning. The benefits, including technical and inspirational lessons, are numerous. For instance, the painter can actively focus on the Master artist’s thought process, problem solving and inspiration. I describe my first experience in painting a Master Copy […]

Drawing drills, drawing and drilling

Drawing drills, drawing and drilling

Drawing drills Why bother with drawing drills when I’ve been out of school for 6 months? Well, truth is the commitment to the craft requires drawing drills. And, since David and I are staying in Philadelphia 1 more year,  I’ve enlisted the help of one of my instructors, Stephen Early, to help me continue to refine […]

Shady Characters

Shady Characters

While drawing these figs, I immediately thought of the words “shady characters.” You may think that the figs are the shady characters, right? After all, the figs are casting shadows and they look ‘shady.’ But the truth is I am the one who is the ‘shady character.’ On two separate morning walks this week, I […]

Life after art school in 3 words

Life after art school in 3 words

How is life after art school? I’ll share three words with you. Well, OK, I’ll share 3 words in 2 different ways and reveal my MA roots, too. Wicked awesome exciting Wicked awesome scary Why is life after art school wicked awesome exciting? As one classmate described it, “I feel as if I am free!” […]