It's all coming together

Christmas is coming! Along with all the shopping and preparations (and eating sugar cookies like they are being discontinued) I've been on a roll with creating more work. I need to also do a post soon for Noah...his 22 and 23 months have happened and he'll be 2 next month! (waaaaaaahhhh!). I'm overwhelmed by this and feel like if I don't write the post then he'll stay little. No more babies. Paige is already talking about her fifth birthday coming in April and I'm clinging to Noah's last bits of baby stage like water in the desert. I'm trying to make lots of little movie clips of his mannerisms so I can have them to remember and reflect on. I'm trying not to get melancholy about his growing; but some days are harder than others. *sigh* I'm working to soak in every special moment, hug, snuggle, sloppy kiss and giggle. It's the marrow of life, right?

On to the work!
Speaking of babies; here is a card for the baby-just-born:

I tried to make this baby look gender neutral using colors that aren't too specific. I used gouache as the paint, colored pencil and collaged the imagery together. Fun!

Here's an encouragement card for someone going through a rough patch of some kind:



I think it's nice to give these kinds of cards because they are usually a nice surprise and it's always nice to know someone is thinking of you and remembering you during a hard time when you tend to feel most alone. These are the kinds of gestures that can really make a difference for someone else. The sloth is pretty silly; and I thought it brings a lighthearted smile to someone who needs one.

This next piece is a redone version of my Hunter Boots print. I wasn't satisfied with the old one, so I've revisited the concept with my new style and I feel better about it.

This was created using gouache, pencil, and collaged lace.

I redid my popular canary on a camera print in my new style as well (I'm offering both a 5x7 and an 8x10 size). I used gouache, colored pencil and collage for this one as well.


I'm enjoying my time in the studio and figuring out how to best balance being a mother and an artist. Every day is something different but I'm learning many lessons. The morning light is an especially peaceful moment where I look around and see beauty even in my dirty paint water.



Snag the new work in my shop if you want!

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More cards, hooray!

I've got more cards out! Oh boy! Here's one to get if you know of anyone who's got a baby on the way (adopting or pregnant): Oh Mr. Stork; I hope there's a car seat in there! And then I created this whimsical little hand-lettered card a bride-to-be gives a friend to ask if she'll be a bridesmaid in the wedding. I guess people do that now? I love traditions that might involve cards. More fun for me! You can snag these over at my shop; thanks for considering them!

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Winter in New England painting and card

I finished my wintery New England painting I'd started 2 weeks ago! It took forever...there were many days I couldn't work on it thanks to mommy-duties and other days I had a scant few minutes here or there. I've never taken on this level of detail before. It was more therapeutic than I thought it would be.

I also made it into a "Warmest Wishes" card too.



There is a nostalgia (for ME anyway!) that lies deep within when it comes to the end of a snowy day as a child. You spend so much time out in the snow making snow angels and snowmen. You get all cold, breathless and rosy-cheeked before you scurry in for hot chocolate. And sometimes it starts to snow again as the evening starts to ascend. You see the leftovers of the day...the wet boots, the puddles on the floor, the mess of mittens and hats...and you can't wait to do it all again tomorrow.

 

There's something about that moment, though, when the day is over that feels quiet and a little lonely when you look out the window at the peaceful landscape. All the wildlife is gone to bed.

I also wanted the setting to be an antique New England farmhouse...rustic, sparse, lots of beautiful land to gaze upon, simple and cozy. This is all why I love living here and want I want for my family.

The print and card are available in my shop. I hope you like it!

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Newest Work

Wow, I've been a busy lady lately. Kiddos, painting and unpacking, Oh my!
I'm popping by quickly to show you my two latest shop additions!

The first is the You Are My Sunshine art print (perfect for a nursery!)
You can get it in an 8 x 10 size or an 11 x 14 size.



The other is an "I Miss Ewe" greeting card. Punny! A great card for a sheep lover; obviously.


Both are available in my shop! I hope you like them!

I feel like I'm really starting to zero in on my artistic style and what I love to do most. Painting with Acryla Gouache has been such a joy. It's easy. It's quick. It's fun. I use a mix of regular gouache and acryla, depending on what I'm doing. I also feel like I'm discovering my intent as an artist; so I think I'll talk about that in my next post. Exciting things going on over here!!!

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New Work

 I finally got around to posting 2 of my latest works: a fun anniversary greeting card and a New England-y landscape painting. I did both paintings using gouache.
Both are available in my shop! I hope you like them as much as I enjoyed making them.
The landscape painting is of an antique house that was down the street from us where we used to live.
 It had a huge row of lilac bushes in front of it that were quite spectacular in the spring. I saw this view when I would walk by on my way to the post office.

I'm now entrenched in a new nursery-decor painting that is filled with detail and I'm so excited with how it's coming out so far. Hopefully I can show it soon!

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Lately

These two kiddos are getting along lately! They also fight more too. Ah, siblings.



Isn't it funny how Paige's headband falls around her forehead? She looks like 80's Jane Fonda.
She claims she "likes it this way." But her head is just too small. hee!!!



I am starting to move into my studio space in my house and it's coming along nicely. I have loads more boxes and books to unpack but I've put my painting desk in working order. Now, I'm finding time to paint by putting Noah in daycare 2 days per week. I have a few projects I'm working on and researching right now.



I just created this little gouache (pronouced "Gwash") painting of my neighbors' dog as a gift because they have been kind. Plus, this is the dog I called animal control on when it wouldn't leave my porch (when we first moved in). Oops! Turns out he is a little lovey and they don't have a leash-law here. He was friends with the former owners so I bet he was just looking for a treat! I'm learning all about country life here! The people are extra friendly and so are the animals!

I'm going to add other details to the painting, including his name. I really enjoyed making this; perhaps I will do some more pet portraits?

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21 months old

Dear Little N.,

You turned 21 months old the other day! Just like every other day I cannot stop wanting to squeeze your chubby little bear-cub body. I never tire of you holding my hand (squeezing my finger oh so tightly) or the way you bring me the toys you want to play with.





This month you have been discovering that you have your own opinions about things and now you make it known. Yes, you've started having tantrums. You don't like or want to share. You only like to do things YOU want to do and the way YOU want to do them. You prefer to live on your OWN schedule. I'm so sorry my sweet; but life just doesn't work that way. I'm sorry it makes you cry and stick your lip out. I'm sorry that you feel you have to yell about it and stomp your little feet. You'll get used to things pretty soon; but you sure are trying your Mama's patience!









Despite your newfound independent streak you are still my little fella and I love you no matter what. You are a ray of sunshine and each smile brings me relief, hope, and love. Keep smiling, ok?

 







You are a whirling force of curiosity, wonder, helpfulness, and affection. You are wonderful and I love you to infinity for always.
Love always,
Mama

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Leaf Peeping in Pepperell, Ma

After we dropped Paige off at preschool Noah and I took a drive around our new neighborhood and took photographs of the changing leaves. Well, I did. Noah zonked out in his carseat (too early of course!). I find the landscape to be so soothing here. So much detail and lovely places to explore! New England foliage can't be beat! Pepperell is filled with some of the best scenery I've found in one place. Here are some of my favorites, but you can see the whole set here.

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Pickin' time!

OMG, we live right near an awesome apple orchard and farm stand. Score! I can't say enough how much I love our new town. I think the kiddos are pretty happy too. Paige yelled "This is the biggest apple in the WHOLE PATCH!!!!!" every single time she picked an apple. (I didn't correct her to say "orchard") You could hear her little voice echo through the land! So sweet. Living in the New England country is better than I imagined. There seems to be a new treat around every corner.

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Paige loves

Paige, lately you love:

Your headband...
 

Making art...specifically drawing with markers and cutting paper to turn into elaborate animal collages...
 

Your baby chick toy that you named "Boo-Boo."

 

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Preschool 2013-2014

On September 3rd Paige started at her brand new preschool in our new town. It was a hit and she loves it. Too bad her brother isn't quite as thrilled to have her gone.










When did her legs get so long? Where did my baby go???

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