Happy New Year!

Kelsey Brookes

Today while browsing through Instagram, I came across the work of Kelsey Brookes. How amazing? I'm falling hard for these works of art.

Instagram site can be viewed here.

Etsy Find

While surfing through Etsy, I came across these prints by Child's Touch. How great are they? I think these two are my favorite! Check out more here.

Mickey Mouse

Vacation is on the horizon and I could not be more excited! We are headed to Disney World and my 2.5 year old little girl has no idea what is in store. Seeing the constant excitement and joy in her eyes will make for one very magical week!

In preparing for our trip, I came across a few Mickey Mouse illustrations that I had to share. These are so inspiring and make me want to dive head first into character drawing.

 

photo source

 photo source

  

 Stay tuned for fun and inspiring photos from our trip! 

Art Quotes

When I seem to be uninspired, I sometimes help give myself a kick start by reading through quotes. Here are a few of my favorite quotes related to art that never let me down.

Art does not solve problems but makes us aware of their existence. It opens our eyes to see and our brain to imagine.
-- Magdalena Abakanowicz

My mother said to me, "If you become a soldier, you'll be a general; if you become a monk, you'll end up as the Pope." Instead, I became a painter and wound up as Picasso.
-- Pablo Picasso

Art is not about thinking something up. It is the opposite -- getting something down. -- Julia Cameron

Painting for Mom

This year, we had a "low budget" Christmas and many presents were made by yours truly. This is a painting that I did for my mom that I named "Momma Kitty". I hope she enjoys it! What do you think?

New Motivation

I hope that everyone had an absolutely fabulous holiday! If yours was anything like mine, then you are now suffering from a food overload which is contributing to a serious lack of motivation. I believe every ounce of energy in my body is still being dedicated to digestion.

So...in hopes to get the creative juices flowing....Check out this assortment of beauty. Give me your thoughts on the ones you like. Hopefully, we can get each other motivated!

Each of these are for sale in my Etsy shop and makes a great gift!




"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." - Rachel Carson

Leonardo Da Vinci

Yesterday afternoon, I finally went to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit that was being shown at the Birmingham Museum of Art. Not only did I see his amazing work, but also learned many interesting facts about Leonardo himself. I never knew that he was not a prolific painter. He had fewer than 20 paintings and of these not all of them were finished. Although he had few paintings, he had hundreds of drawings and sketches. Some of these sketches and drawings are what made up the exhibit that we saw yesterday.

While studying the art, I found his minimal stokes to be quite fascinating. It only took him one stroke to convey what it takes most many shades and shadows to create. He makes it look so easy...as does anyone who is brilliant at their craft.

This photo was taken of a promotional piece created for the exhibit. The original piece was part of the exhibit.

Calm and Heal

Creative expression always helps me in more ways than I ever realize at a specific time. It is always when I look back that I see how I was able to vent through art. Painting, photography, or whatever your passion may be - when you think of it as a way to use your art as a way to clear your head and to redirect your negative energy - You will be amazed at how you will let yourself go into your work.

Painting is one of my creative outlets. If I am down on myself, stressed or worried about something, painting always seems to be an excellent way for me to release the negativity. This one, in particular, took me a little time because I kept adding layers and wanting to add colors in different places but I think I am officially calling it quits on this specific therapeutic piece!

Simply named, "Abstract" for now, I will be posting it in my Etsy shop soon when I decide how much to charge for it. I have yet to post any paintings in my shop, therefore any thoughts on the piece, pricing or anything else related is appreciated. Hope this inspires you in some way!

Farmers' Market, etc.

After many dreadfully hot days, this morning finally began to feel like Fall may actually be approaching soon. Yay! We woke up early, and decided to head downtown to Pepper Place Farmers' Market where fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches all made their way home with us. Mmmm...Check out these apples! Of course, I had to tote along my camera, but I was glad that I did. I was able to catch some great shots. One of which, this "Delicious Apple" print is now available in my shop. I think I might put a copy in my kitchen to bring some color to the walls.


On a completely different note, here is a peek at the greeting cards that were created from the inspiration of beautiful Stella, mentioned and featured in yesterday's post. These are also now available in my Etsy shop. Where you can view more images, with more detail. These are much different than my typical style so any and all comments are appreciated!

Black, White, & Seen in NYC

While digging through some old photo files, I came across some that were taken with my old point and shoot camera.

While living in New York City, I found many free things to do (believe it or not). My absolute favorite thing to do was to take off on foot and just explore. Some days I would just walk a different direction on the same street or on the other side of the block. Something so simple can create a completely different experience in a city so rich with life. There was no way to predict what you may see. This series is focused on black and white art found random places throughout NYC.



This photo was taken on one of my day walks. I'm not sure the exact location of where this was, but it was painted on the side of a wall somewhere in lower Manhattan. It struck my attention and had to get a shot. Looking back, I'm so glad I did. I get so much inspiration from this photo.



Walking with friends, on a beautiful day in lower Manhattan, I remembered why I would never leave home without my camera. Amazing sidewalk art that appears out of nowhere. Truly amazing talent.

One of my absolute favorite works of art. I'm not sure why, but this wall was so amazing to me. It could not have been easy to produce this, and the emotion is so intense that the artist undoubtedly had reason behind its creation.

I have so many photos of different things I have experienced during travels. These files in particular are from the time I spent in NYC and I have many more. Did this series bring you inspiration? Would you like to see other series? Architecture and other captures? I would love to hear your feedback on this posting as well as if you are interested in others like this.