Dance Design

It is that time of year when the slower pace of winter melts away and life becomes very busy! End of school year events like concerts, dances, art shows, recitals, drama performances and parades absorb my attention and time. As busy as it gets I do love this time of year!
Recently, I have been working on a new design that I will use to make pins and necklace charms. I will be selling the pins and necklaces to raise some money to go towards recital costs for my daughter's dance school. It is one of the favorite things I do during the year.
Here is hoping you also get to enjoy a performance or art show of your favorite dancer, musician or young artist!

Dreaming Of My New Garden

Every year in the spring I start to spend a lot of time outside in the garden. First I clean it up, pull off the leaves and then discover what of my perennials are going to make it back for another season. Next I plant the seeds, taking a casual approach with a loose plan. This year I am hoping to find the time to expand my garden and create a back yard full of lilies, sunflowers, morning glories, marigolds, columbine, nastrium and maybe even some veggies!

I took these photos at the recent Portland Flower Show, it was a beautiful show. Hopefully these photos will inspire my imagination so I can create a new and colorful oasis for me, my family and friends! I also think in these photos and later the growing garden there will be inspiration for a painting or two! Happy Spring!

GRATEFUL!

One of the things I get to do in my working life as an artist is teach. This weekend I had the pleasure of teaching a mother/ daughter duo batik at Artascope Studios. It was a pleasure and caused me to take a minute to reflect on the many things I am grateful for. Here is the short list of the many things and people I am happy to have in my life!

• Art and living my life as an artist
• My husband...my partner...my rock!
• My two kiddos, who have grown up so fast...they are both smart, independent and very cool people!
• My friends...they help get through the difficult and help celebrate the sweet moments.
• My parents who have always supported me!
• My students and customers...without them I couldn't do what I do!
• Spring...a reminder of new beginnings.

Hope this inspires you to take some time to think about what is important to you and appreciate it!

Spring Really is Coming!

I saw the evidence today! Flowers blooming in my garden! I have also been working on some new work this week....something with flowers! It all gives me hope that better weather is coming! Enjoy the sunshine!