Art Inspiration and a Road Trip Part Two.

Here we are again at Roy's Gas, Motel and Cafe. If you're interested in reading up on it's long history, this is a good link.

This site has been used in many movies and music videos.

The famous Roy's sign was erected in 1959

What struck me most was the eerie feeling I got as I walked around exploring the area. 

The motel lobby, with items left strewn about, seemed as if it had been abandoned very quickly.

The cabins evoked that same eerie feeling in me. 

Some were empty and others contained very unique art installations.

Like many of the old establishments along Route 66 this place is frozen in time

According to this site Roy's is selling gas again, but not when we were stopped there. A young couple had pulled in ahead of us and were out of gas. The person there at the time was trying to pump gas into their car but there was no gas coming out. They were stranded and calling friends to come and pick them up. Strange right?? Cue eerie music.....

My Year Ahead.

I'm back in the studio after two meetings this morning and am super motivated. I've been meeting weekly with another artist/friend since last November. These meetings are all about goals, both career and personal, and keeping each other accountable and on track. Of course there is some small talk and plenty of coffee involved.

The Cityline crew taping in my home/studio.

Much was accomplished last year and probably the highlight was my art/design segment that I worked on with Sharon Grech for Cityline. That dream/goal was a year in the making and well worth the effort. The summer months brought some excitement when I noticed that a couple of my published posters were bestsellers online. Travel is oh soooooo inspiring and there were three trips to Vegas (I know!!) and one to NYC. There were also plenty of field trips to the AGO and local galleries, and I said good-bye to an artist friend that left the country to follow her heart (brave soul)

This coming year is being planned and mapped out. I didn't always do this in fact for so much of my life I just 'let it happen' but now I know that once written down, that dream becomes a goal and attainable.

What I know for sure.

Exercise and eating right are key for me to stay motivated, inspired and happy. Not so much the eating right, that I'm quite good with, but when I get really really busy, the exercise is the first to go. I won't do that this year. The workouts are scheduled in and will happen regularly!!

I need to get out!! Long days painting in the studio can be isolating. I need to get out every day for a twenty minute break, grab a coffee or just a walk around the block. 

A few goals from the past couple of years that were put on hold for one reason or other will be on my calendar this year. The timing is right.

I am going to ask for what I want. Step out of my comfort zone more often, and dream big. I'm not going to let my 'inner critic' screw with me as much. Look out 2015, I've got this!!!!!!

Hello 2015!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I've always loved the beginning of a brand new year. A fresh start. 

Think of the possibilities!! 

I've started off this new year by getting my dreams and goals for my art biz down onto paper (yes I prefer an old fashioned paper notebook and pen) but I'm not going to share that on the blog. At least not today.

Today I'm just going to say 

Thank You

Thank you for stopping by and taking an interest. With all that you have to do, the fact that you take the time, come and visit, and read what I post here means a lot to me. I just want to say all the best for 2015. I hope it brings you health, happiness, and joy.

A Time for Gratitude.

Wishing all friends and family health, happiness, and abundance.

Love and kindness.

Peace.

Getting Ready for 2015.

Detail from 'Trendy Birches' 

12x36 acrylic on canvas

$750.

Avaiable at Arts on Queen

All is well here in the studio although I haven't had a chance to get to my easel and paint for awhile now. We got back this past Wednesday from a short break. A long weekend in Las Vegas. It was a much needed break and now that I'm back I'm refreshed and inspired. The desert always does that for me. The wide open space, the big sky and the colors. Oh those colors!

I am now in planning mode. Not only planning festivities with friends and family for the coming two weeks, but also planning for the new year. Setting goals both art related and personal. I like this time of year. New beginnings. A fresh start. How about you? Do you start the new year with resolutions or a goals list?

Messages From the Universe Or In This Case Instagram.

Staying focused on my art has been a bit of a challenge these days. I guess it's the time of year. The hectic pace of preparing for major shows is over. Now planning and prepping for future art related goals and holiday events have taken over. This includes paperwork, organizing, shopping, cleaning etc. etc. Studio time has taken a hit for sure.

When I'm away from my paints and creative tools for awhile, insecurities and self doubt will slowly creep in. Especially if I've been looking at other artist's work on social media, or at galleries and art shows. 

Am I good enough? I'm not good enough. I should be painting this way. Why is her/his painting so popular? Perhaps I should change my style. Why am I not farther along? How come her/his work is selling like hotcakes? 

I am good enough!!!! aren't I ??? 

I think all creatives get like this at times and it's so easy for these feelings to creep in when we are bombarded with images of other artist's work. So I was so happy to see this quote on @glenandjamie's Instagram. 

"A flower does not think of competing to the flower next to it.

 It just blooms."

We all need to remember this at times and I got this message exactly when I needed to see it. Thanks guys.

Join me on Instagram.

 I'm really enjoying Instagram these days

 It's visual and I get that. A picture (to me) really is worth more than a thousand words.

 If you haven't already, follow me on Instagram

 You can get a glimpse into my muses and inspirations, what I'm working on, upcoming shows and events, and what's going on in my world.

 There might even be surprise sales and a 'giveaway' now and then.

Just sayin :-)

A Quiet Moment.

Sometimes things can get extremely hectic here in the studio with art deadlines. When I need to take a break and have a 'Zen' moment, I make myself a green tea and sit down to watch my cat Nami, take a sunbath. I find it very relaxing and a great way to just 'be' for a short while. Want to try but don't have a cat of your own? To the internet!! Videos of cats grooming a plenty.

Birthday in Vegas

Spent a few days in Vegas last week celebrating my birthday. Had a fabulous time as always, Vegas never disappoints. As usual after a trip I'm full of inspiration and ready to hit the canvas.

 Sunrise

 Sunrise facing the strip, view from Aria

 Aria resort and Casino lobby

 Zen Garden

 On the way to the spa and pool, Aria

 Vegas by Jenny Holzer 2009. Part of City Center Fine rt Collection, Aria, north valet

 That's one TALL sign

Paris, Las Vegas

 Container Park

 Vegas is 

 extra sparkly

 at night. 

neonmuseum.org

Wanderlust.

Wanderlust {wan-der-luhst} noun. A strong innate, desire to roam or travel about. Origin 1850-55: German, equivalent to wander(n) to wander + lust desire.

I've been hit with a serious case of wanderlust. Due to the fact that various friends and family have gone off on trips (European vacations) or just returned from yet another business trip or a weekend away. And then there's Instagram and facebook where I've been swooning over destination photos every spare moment I get.

It's been very hard for me to stay focused and spend the hours in my studio. Let's face it being an artist can be a quiet, lonely existence. At least for those of us that do not share studios with other artists. Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to work from home (in my tiny little corner studio) and nothing beats my 60 second commute to work, but honestly, some days it can feel like solitary confinement.

Music or the television for background noise usually helps and I do try to get out daily for a coffee or a walk around the neighborhood, but the walks have been neglected lately because of cold rainy weather (listen up May! You better bring warmth and sunshine!) and there's just too much painting that needs to get done. It's definitely time to plan a little getaway and feed this wanderlust that I'm experiencing.

Blue Monday? I Think Not!

Low Tide  36x36

Acrylic on gallery canvas

$2100.

 High Tide  36x36

Acrylic on gallery canvas

$2100.

Coastal  12x36

Acrylic on gallery canvas

$750.

Hello Monday. Why are you so blue? 

Today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Blue Monday. Nope. Not falling for that!! Does not work because I love Mondays. The start of a brand new week. Think of the possibilities!

I also love the color blue in all it's shades. Sky blue. Ocean blue. Blue glass. Love them all. If I had to pick a favorite color it would definitely be blue. 

Just wanted to share three new abstracts all water themed and various shades of blue. These are available in my studio. Studio visits can be arranged by appointment. Just drop me an email.

Dreaming of Spring.

There has been much going on in my little studio. Even on the days when the windows wouldn't open because of the freezing temps and I couldn't paint. There was paperwork, blog writing, banking, social media and marketing to be taken care of. So when I finally had some actual painting time today, I was thrilled.

As an artist, the inspiration, prep work and the actual painting are the favorite parts of my job. Today I'm working on a medium sized painting for a client and it needs to be done fast. Thankful that I work with acrylics and have my hair dryer handy.

I'm painting a quiet scene using yellows and greens and blues. Birch trees. A subject I've painted many times but never tire of. As I mix the colors on my palette I'm relaxed and happy. I've mixed up this pale shade of green blue with just a hint of gray so often that it just feels natural.

As I paint the blue onto the canvas and create the background I get into my 'zone'. I'm not bothered by the construction noise or traffic from the street, or the sirens off in the distance. In a way, I'm transported into the scene that I'm painting. Blue sky, leaves gently swaying in the warm breeze. Birds chirping. This zen moment has left me craving an early spring for sure. I hope mother nature complies.