Well, with days like National Say Something Nice Day, perhaps it’s the perfect reason to actually throw caution to the wind and actually BE nice to one another.

Over the last 50 years, the world has really undergone so much in the way of change, and as soon as the 21st century took over, technology started to play a huge role in separating the human race.

The magic of kindness has a ripple effect, spreading outward from person to person until it touches the lives of countless others. It has the power to create a ripple of positivity that can change the world one act at a time.

Here’s my little contribution to being nice. I often wonder what people think when they see this.

I’ve always thought the idea of leaving little art around town would be a cool thing to do. Haven’t done it yet. Have any of you? Let me know in the comments.

So let's make a commitment to be nice to one another—to spread kindness like confetti, to lift each other up, and to be the change we wish to see in the world. For in a world that often feels divided, kindness is the thread that binds us together—the common language that transcends borders, cultures, and ideologies.

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

In the heart of every artist lies a deep longing for inspiration—a desire to tap into the wellspring of creativity that flows within and without. Yet, our world is filled with noise and distractions, finding that elusive muse can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. I find that working outside in my yard helps me reset.

Garden meditation is a practice of presence—a journey inward to the depths of our being, where the soul finds solace and the spirit finds renewal. And for artists, it is a gateway to a realm of boundless inspiration and creativity. I've never been really successful with formal ‘meditation’ but I do find I’m in the zone, so to speak, when I’m working outside.

I find my garden is more than just a source of inspiration—it is a muse, a collaborator, a partner in the creative process. Whether you're a painter, a poet, a sculptor, or a photographer, the beauty of the garden offers endless possibilities for exploration and expression. Whatever form your art takes, the garden provides a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations to draw upon.

So, I invite you to take a moment to step outside, to breathe in the fragrance of the flowers, and to let the beauty of the garden infuse your work with passion, depth, and meaning.

I‘d love to see anything you feel inspired to create. Feel free to share in the comments.

Navigating Creativity: Charting New Artistic Territories with Old Maps

Ah, the allure of a weathered map—its edges frayed like secrets whispered across time, its creases holding stories of voyages and adventures long past. In a world obsessed with GPS and digital navigation, there's something undeniably romantic about holding a tangible map in your hands. But what if I told you that these antiquated relics of exploration aren't just for finding your way from point A to point B? Oh no, my friend, they're also a treasure trove for the artistic soul.

Picture this: You stumble upon an old map in a dusty corner of a second-hand bookstore, its hues faded but its spirit alive with the promise of distant lands. Your heart races as you imagine the possibilities. Will you frame it and hang it on your wall as a conversation starter? Nah, too conventional. Instead, you decide to let your creativity run wild and incorporate it into your art.

But how, you ask? Fear not, fellow traveler, for I am here to guide you through the labyrinth of artistic inspiration.

1. Mixed Media Magic: Embrace the chaos of mixed media by layering the map with other materials. Tear it into fragments and collage it onto a canvas, adding acrylic paint, vintage stamps, or even bits of old postcards. The juxtaposition of old and new, the familiar and the foreign, will infuse your artwork with a sense of depth and intrigue.

2. Cartographic Collage: Who says maps are only meant for navigation? Channel your inner cartographer and create a collage using snippets of the map. Highlight cities you've visited, places you dream of exploring, or simply let your intuition guide your scissors as you carve out abstract shapes and patterns.

3. Decoupage Delight: Transform everyday objects into works of art by decoupaging them with sections of the map. Whether it's a wooden box, a plain notebook, or even a piece of furniture, the map will lend a touch of wanderlust to your surroundings.

4. Vintage Vignettes: Take a step back in time by incorporating the map into a vintage-inspired vignette. Frame it alongside old compasses, binoculars, and brass telescopes to create a sense of nostalgia and adventure.

5. Storytelling Serendipity: Let the map inspire you to tell a story, whether it's through poetry, prose, or visual storytelling. Allow the contours of the land, the names of exotic locales, and the faded ink of ancient cartographers to ignite your imagination and transport you to faraway realms.

So there you have it, fellow adventurers—five ways to breathe new life into an old map and chart your own course through the vast sea of creativity. So grab your compass, unfurl your sails, and set forth on a journey of artistic exploration like no other. Who knows what uncharted territories you'll discover along the way?

When one of my mentors, Louise Fletcher, recommended a book called ‘Your Brain on Art,’ I promptly ordered from Amazon. It is all about a new field of study called ‘neuroaesthetics.’

Neuroesthetics is an attempt to combine neurological research with aesthetics by investigating the experience of beauty and appreciation of art on the level of brain functions and mental states.

Cool, eh?

The author’s offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years!

As artists, I think we already have an idea of the value of art but isn’t it wonderful to have it presented in such a formal, scientific format? The arts are not just frou frou stuff. They are an important part of our lives. A necessary part, as far as I’m concerned.

If you are interested in learning more, here is an article from the Harvard Crimson on the subject.

They have a fabulous beer garden full of flowers, fire pits, and friendly folks. It’s a lovely way to spend some creative time outside in the fleeting warm weather here in Michigan.

Painting outside seems to expand the possibilities. Maybe it’s the open space? It’s definitely the warmth of a sunny day for me.

I will often schlepp my art stuff out onto my deck and paint away. I’m a morning person so I start early. The puppy drop happens around 3pm. That’s when I’ll sit down with a celebratory drink and peruse what I painted that day.

I know not everyone is a fan of beer. So fill your cup today with your beverage of choice. (I won’t tell)

Some Beer Trivia

Beer has an interesting history and unique fun facts that can be thrown around with a group of friends, especially on Beer Day! For instance, maybe everyone doesn’t know it was the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution that made alcohol illegal in 1919!

Try these fun facts out to impress those friends at the bar on Beer Day:

• Oktoberfest began in Munich in 1810 as a celebration of the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

• At the 2010 state fair in Texas, USA, Fried Beer won the prize for the Most Creative Fried Food! (Who knew beer could be fried?)

• In response to America’s Prohibition Act, Winston Churchill stated that this was an “affront to the whole history of mankind”.

• A beer pipeline was created in Germany, where more than 100,000 gallons of beer was piped through 7 kilometers of pipe to serve visitors to a heavy metal music festival. The purpose was to keep the grass from being ruined by beer trucks driving back and forth over the festival grounds!

Beer drinker or teatotaler, raise a glass today!

So before surgery, I set myself up to be able to do some art.

Working in one of my small concertina sketchbooks. They open like an accordion and are so much fun to play in.

Here’s the first spread (1st two pages). Used some caran d’ache sticks, ink, watercolors, and pencil.

These next images are close ups of the following pages. Mostly using watercolor, Posca pens, and india ink - then adding collage elements for more interest. I will probably come back and futz some later.

Want to try out a concertina sketchbook? I ordered mine on Amazon. The brand is Seawhite. Here is a link

Let me know what you think. I got a small one for my sister who is into Zentangling and she loved it.

A day to forgive and be forgiven, Forgiveness Day is a chance to set things right. It is the perfect opportunity to set aside old differences, move beyond grievances or hurts, and start afresh.

As artists, I wonder how many of us forgive ourselves for perceived shortcomings. You know, that critic in your head that comes out sometimes?

• You’re not a real artist

• No one will like/buy/want your work.

• You have no talent.

The list goes on and on. Sigh … it’s exhausting.

Ever notice how we say things to ourself that we would never say to someone else?

Self-forgiveness: By forgiving ourselves (or putting that internal critic in a closet and closing the door), we allow space for personal growth, self-love, and the opportunity to create positive change in our lives.

Forgiveness is conscious choice to release the negative emotions associated with hurtful experiences.

When we choose to forgive, we experience a myriad of emotional, psychological, and even physical benefits. Forgiveness reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting better mental and emotional well-being. Forgiveness empowers us to reclaim our personal power and regain control over our lives, as we are no longer held captive by that negative crap.

When we forgive, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, cultivate a sense of inner peace, and create space for love, joy, and personal growth.

Forgiveness is a profound act of self-care, strength, and resilience. By embracing forgiveness, we release ourselves from the bondage of pain, resentment, and anger. We invite healing, growth, and freedom into our lives, fostering deeper connections with others and nurturing our own well-being.

So give yourself a big, fat hug and go to your studio and make stuff!

One such soldier was Lt. General Samuel Geary who started a fundraiser so the good doctor could continue to give doughnuts to his patients.

Then the Salvation Army connected with the fundraiser. They sent 250 volunteers to help put together huts; recording one day that served up to 300 doughnuts and 700 cups of coffee!

Because the majority of the workers were female, the Salvation Army workers started to be known as “Doughnut Dollies.”

Back home, in honor of the work created for the brave soldiers on the front line, people used ‘National Donut Day’ to raise awareness about the war, and to raise funds for the Salvation Army. This tradition to raise money for the organization still happens today.

How cool is that?

And just what does this have to do with art, you might ask? Aren’t we always looking for ideas to spark new work?

Maybe you create a painting of donuts that could hang in your local coffee shop. Heck, a whole series of small pieces that just might appeal to customers and put some dough (pun intended) into your pocket!

Here’s a couple of links to get your juices flowing from Kohl’s and Wayfair. Even Andy Warhol got in on the fun.

June is also Great Outdoors Month

So after eating all those donuts, you get yourself outside and work them calories off.

Cinco de Mayo is not a national holiday in the US, but people still celebrate it as a way to honor Mexican culture and heritage, and to honor the contributions of Mexican-Americans to American society.

The holiday is often marked with the consumption of spicy Mexican food and drink, which has helped to make it a popular celebration among foodies and those who enjoy trying new and interesting cuisine … and margheritas. Just sayin.

And then there is National No Pants Day

There is a huge list of things that we do ‘in the comfort of our own home’, or should I say ‘remove’ in the comfort of our own home.

It all started as a college prank but the idea had caught fire and in 2000 it took off across the world.

And so it was that families and friends all over the world banded together to free themselves from the tyranny of trousers! National No Pants Day is now a popular and much celebrated day all over the world. Viva la revolution!

Courtesy: Days of the Year

Get your margherita
and head into your studio to make stuff.

Sans pants*, of course.

*Unfortunately, I have a bad habit of wiping my hands on my butt.

May is also National Photography Month

I love taking photos of weird stuff like cracked asphalt, tree bark, rocks and other interesting sites that catch my eye.

This painting was done from a photo I took of the back door of a rusted semi trailer.

Take your phone for a walk and watch for those unexpected subjects!

If there’s anything that almost anyone can relate to it is the painful and unfortunate drudgery of housework. Sure, there might be a few people out there who actually enjoy housework, but certainly, they are in the minority–and they probably shouldn’t be trusted.

Today, there are tons of neat appliances to help clean the house. Most people don’t have to haul water in to do dishes anymore. And yet, housework is easily one of the most drugeriest drudgeries the modern world has to offer!

So National No Housework Day was created: to remind us that we deserves a chance to let it all go every once in a while and relax in our (probably comfortably) cluttered but happy home.

So take the day off

and go to your studio/closet/table and create stuff!

Courtesy: Days of the Year

If you would like to offer your two cents, CLICK HERE to take my short survey to help me choose my next steps. You may just win a free art print!

Right now I’m in the throes of redoing my home office. Removing old wallpaper and a new paint job is on the agenda for the next week. Once this is done, I’m back in the studio. So make sure to fill out the survey!

All that black … ugh!

I’ll be sure to post some ‘after’ photos once it’s done.

Did you know that March is National Craft Month ?

Even if you don’t think you are especially artistic, there’s never any harm in giving things a go. Maybe this month, instead of buying cards for birthdays or anniversaries, channel your inner artist and make some of your own. Making your own gifts to give to friends and family is a great idea too – and always appreciated. Remember – it’s the thought that counts!

If you don’t really fancy getting crafty yourself, you could always visit your local craft markets and pick up some beautiful handmade items from local creators. Jewelry, knitwear, cards, decorations, scrapbooking equipment, sculptures, materials, customized shoes, hand-stitched clothing, homemade baked goods – there’s always something for everyone.

Courtesy: Days of the Year.com

What new creative activity are you going to choose?

HAPPY

Easter ushers in the season of new beginnings.

Flowers sprouting. Trees budding. The energy of new life swirling around us.

Now is the perfect time to reassess our growth potential as creatives.
To plant seeds that will sprout new creative potential. Here’s to ingenuity and innovation.

What will you commit to that furthers your artistic expertise?

While you are pondering that deep subject, here is a bit of fun to get those creative juices flowing:

An Easter Egg Hunt!

• What if no one likes my work?

• I will never get into an exhibit.

• My work will never be as good as <insert name>.

Sound familiar? Gotcha, my friend. My thought process usually goes something like this:

(First time I saw this I blew coffee through my nose! It’s so true, right?)

We all go through doubts and fears when making, talking about, showing our work.

I find that viewing the process of other artists very encouraging. I may see an unfamiliar technique, discover a fresh color combination, or notice that I do the same things they do. My go to time-frame is to watch just before falling asleep in the hopes that the creativity I see will hobnob with my own.

If you find watching other artists helpful as well, then you are in luck! I just uploaded a new video to my YouTube Channel that gives you a peek into my creative process. Wouldn’t it be great if you find a new technique to add to your tool box or discover new ways to use color, and to build confidence in your own practice?

Check it out here.

Please comment, like, and share after watching.

I was on the hunt for the Spring Expos put on by my local garden centers this year and put myself right into the middle of it all.

I approached both English Gardens and Bordine’s about painting on-site during their Expo hours and they both loved the idea. So, my friends, I will be painting live on-site:

April 4-5, 2020 during the Garden Party Weekend at the W. Bloomfield location of English Gardens.

April 18-19, 2020 during the Spring Expo at the Rochester Hills location of Bordine’s.

My sister and I have attended both these events in past years and found that these two locations are the ones you want to visit. The displays are amazing, there’s more ideas, and SO many more plants.

Even though we both know it’s too early to plant, we always come home with some beautiful plants or herbs. Being surrounded by all that wonderful uplifting energy is contagious - you just can’t help yourself. At least, that’s what I tell my hubby when he cocks his eyebrow and shakes his head, LOL.

Anyhoo, it would be great if you stopped by to say ‘Hi”. I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t want to be surrounded by all that gorgeous splendor?

So here’s to celebrating SPRING in all her glory!

Most worked. BUT …

There was this one piece that just did not make the cut. What to do, what to do?

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one this happens to, so I decided to make this a teachable moment. I filmed the revamping process I went through, including my thoughts on WHY I was making my next move.

I believe it’s essential to understand how to use the principles and elements of art in order to create strong compositions and successful art. I love the colors but, oh my, it’s so busy. When that happens, it’s difficult to hone in on the focal point - which should be the flowers. Do you notice how the bottom area keeps drawing your eye away from them? The top and bottom are fighting for your attention but only one should dominate. It’s about letting one thing be the star and everything else is just support staff.

When you see the before and after below, it looks like the colors of the flowers changed, right? They did not. What changed was the color around them. The color combination of complementary blues and oranges stayed the same; what changed was the background. I took away the busy-ness by using a solid color to surround the flowers. I also eliminated all those unnecessary lines from the bottom, which let those funky stems shine.

So, head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the whole process. I’d love to hear your comments. (Oh, and please subscribe so you don’t miss any new videos.)

1. Make preposterous promises.

2. Set gigantic goals.

3. Make no master plan.

Here's a couple examples:

• I'll lose 20 pounds by Feb. 1st. (Unless you're getting rid of a small pet, that's not likely to happen.)

• I'm going to pay off all my credit cards. (Really? You gonna cut them all up?)

The excitement of the season overtakes us. But ...we strangle our enthusiasm with unrealistic aspirations, with promises we know down deep that we're unable to keep.
                  
Here' Some Suggestions of What You CAN Do:

• Brain dump all the 'wants & shoulds', write them down on paper.

• Prioritize them - what is the absolutely, positively, most important sure thing you really, REALLY want to achieve?

• Lay out a plan to get yourself there. What are the baby steps? What is the 'one thing every day' you can do to move ahead to your goal?

I don't know about you but my life is stressful enough without putting unrealistic expectations on myself. My New Year's resolution is to provide you with outstanding opportunities to improve your creative, artistic skills. Oh yeah, it's on baby!

Please accept my sincere wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Joyful, Creative New Year. See you on the other side.

Big, Powerful Love,

House & Garden Magazine.UK approached me to include my work in their January, February, and March 2020 issues! My work will be in a section called ‘The Art Edit’, as well as digitally represented on their website in the section called H&G Shops: Art.

How . Cool. Is. THAT?

I am totally geeked and ever so grateful to have this opportunity to share my work with thousands of people across this big, wide world.

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Next item on my list is about giving back.

I was contacted by John who hosts Art. Bundles for Good, which touts being the best deal in online classes. Details will be coming out next week but let me share a little of what to expect. Right now there are almost 50 artists offering over 95 classes. From soup to nuts - well, art soup and nuts, lol.

I offered 3 of my digital classes to the mix. The total value is over $3700 dollars and you will have the opportunity to get all 90+ classes for free! I mean, seriously, folks, it doesn’t get much better than that. Even if you don’t win, you will be able to purchase the package that include a whole year's worth of access to all the classes.

Best part? 25% of proceeds goes to charity. This is the 4th year he is doing this and it is wildly popular. So many great artists are participating.

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New Fun Art for Sale

December 7 - I will be participating in a Holiday Pop Up Shop at the Northville Art House. The Shop will be open from 9-4pm and I’ll be featuring small florals and my quirky birds; perfect for hostess gifts and/or stocking stuffers. I just love those quirky birds and I’ll share some photos in a future post.

December 14 - I’ll be at the Troy Athens High School Art & Craft Show. This is the 29th year and the show will be open from 9-4pm. Don’t know exactly where I’ll be located yet but will keep you posted. Should be some great holiday shopping opportunities.

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Don’t Forget to Visit the Brighton Chamber of Commerce

My new works will be on display until the end of the year and you can visit any time during business hours. One piece already sold and if you are interested in purchasing one of my paintings, because you are on my mailing list, I’m offering you a 20% discount.

Maybe you want to put one on your Christmas list? You just never know …

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Whew! That’s a LOT.

And that’s not even counting all the art classes coming up this month. I’m going to be a very busy girl!

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As we rush head-long into the holiday season, don’t forget to stop and enjoy the small moments - they often become treasured memories.

One of my favorite self portraits by Van Gogh is on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts. I had seen many photos of it but when I went to see it at the DIA, I was stopped in my tracks. The colors! The brush strokes! The energy of actually seeing the artist’s handiwork.

I invite you to experience that same sense of wonder. Along with some yummy treats and maybe a glass of wine.

STOP BY AND ENTER TO WIN ONE OF MY ORIGINAL 11” X 15” STUDIES

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

There are over 20 new works on display and I would love to chat with you about my process. This past summer was an exciting time for me artistically. I’ve been experimenting with new techniques to achieve a fresh, energetic look to my work. Something a bit more raw than my previous paintings.

I’m very excited about this new approach to making paintings and would love to hear your input.

So mark you calendar right now:

Friday October 18, 4-7pm, Brighton Chamber of Commerce.
We’ll have a chance to chat, have a snack or two and maybe a glass of wine.

Here’s a little preview:

There will be an event on my Facebook page where you can RSVP. I so look forward to seeing you!

Stop by and enter to win one of my original 11” x 15” studies

Looking forward to seeing you!