Inspire- Spring

Happy Spring! Inspirations lately...

"Our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others" - Archbishop Desmond Tutu

The Portland Home and Garden show, Orchid Society

A touch of spring in the garden....

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them" -Henri Matisse

In the studio...

More inspiration minis coming!  (This series of small originals are created in acrylic and mixed media on wood panel- Follow RPS Instagram  #inspirationminis for updates or visit the RPS Shop- Inspiration Minis to view all available for sale)

Minis in progress- Peace Mandala, Rainbow Mandala, All One, Giving, Bright Spirit

Sneak peek, new larger paintings:

 Creatrix, Mother Earth- in progress (a section)

Reflection, first sketch

Sewing/fabric followers, expect to see some new floral patchwork pillow patterns coming soon! The series will include rose, iris, lily, and orchid.

And... back to creating :)

Xoxo,

Robin

Studio Sale!

It's that time of year again for an art studio sale!

As many of you know,  I show my work at galleries and events throughout the year, but the online store is the main source to buy my art, with over 100 items...

A heartfelt thank you for supporting and following my art. It is my hope that it lifts your spirits and brings you joy :)  In the face of life's challenges, I believe that the more we can support each other and our planet as individuals, the brighter our future can be. A portion of the proceeds from my animal and bird prints is donated to wildlife organizations.

If you've been eyeing a painting, print or pattern, this is the time to grab one at a great price! Or if you've just landed here, welcome! Read more about why I create healing art here.

With the discount, many of my small original paintings are under $100, and some are even under $50.  Photo and laser prints are under $20.  Just use code SAVE30 at checkout.

Local (Portland, OR area) purchases can also be hand-delivered- feel free to message me on FB or drop me an email!  Follow me for updates and behind the scenes pics from the studio if you'd like too on RPS Facebook,  Twitter, and Instagram .

New in the shop!

Inspiration Minis

4x4 paintings on wood panels 

Inspirational Mini paintings © Robin Phillips Studio

>>Browse All Original Paintings

Love Ornaments

Inspirational Dangle Ornaments

>>Browse All Art Ornaments

2016 Prints

New poster prints now available for 2016 paintings! Giclee (archival ink printed on archival paper) available on request.  A portion of the proceeds from animal and bird art prints support wildlife organizations

The Light Within © Robin Phillips Studio

The Grand Dragon Race © Robin Phillips Studio

Though the Enchanted Forest © Robin Phillips Studio

Ecstatic Joy © Robin Phillips Studio

>>Browse All Art Prints

Framed Prints

A selection of small framed prints are now available!
All regular 4x6 and 5x7 prints also come with a mat, ready for framing 

5x5 Animal Spirit Series Prints, pictured Horse Spirit © Robin Phillips Studio

Joyful Spirit, © Robin Phillips Studio, 5x7 matted photo print in frame

>>Browse All Framed Prints

Art makes a special holiday gift, thank you for browsing the shop :)

Love, peace, and blessings to you this season!

Xoxo,

Robin










SaveSave

Healing Power of Art/ The Light Within

Spirit Bird © Robin Phillips Studio

I am honored that my piece Spirit Bird has been selected for The Healing Power of Art 2016 exhibition organized by Manhattan Arts International, which runs through September 20! 

"Art holds the power to ignite the flame in our hearts and transform our minds. Art reveals the beauty as well as the horror of the human condition. Through art we are given the key to connect to a higher purpose." ~ Renee Phillips, curator

The Healing Power of Art is a wonderful online community of art/artists that promote well being and positive change. Artists in the group are inspired by health/healing, education, social work, environmental awareness and more. See the exhibit and read more at:  http://www.manhattanarts.com/hpa-1/   and  http://healing-power-of-art.org

So, why do I create inspirational/healing art and how did I get started on this path?
Some of you have already heard my story or parts of it. But if you're new to my blog, welcome! And let me tell you a bit more... 

The short answer is that my academic/career background is in art, design and psychology. And I have a love for beauty combined with a strong interest in positive growth and healing :)

But it's really life experience that moves me to create inspirational art. In just forty-some years, I've gone through many personal challenges- health, money/lost jobs, family/relationship difficulties, losing family, and being close to alcohol/violence to name some of the bigger ones. I've also seen over and over how much difficulty exists in the world- everyone is not treated fairly or equally nor have the same opportunities. I've seen how our Mother Earth has been ravaged, and how people turn against each other due to "differences", sometimes even such small differences. In my weakest hours, I have wondered why life has to be "so difficult" but ultimately know we all must endure. And in my strongest hours, I embrace the beauty of Earth and hope to inspire others who are feeling down or struggling too. It is my hope that my art may lift your spirits and bring you joy :)

Without going into lots of endless, embarrassing and depressing details, I can ultimately say that I have been completely humbled by my life experiences. And this has deeply strengthened my sense of compassion. Through trying to understand and express some of my earliest challenges, in college I studied psychology, art and spiritual traditions.  A big turning point for me came in my twenties, when I was diagnosed with diabetes. Having to face a serious chronic disease with dangers and complications at such a young age made my life flash before me. All the sudden, I realized that my time on earth is limited and I felt the calling to do something meaningful with my life. As a graphic/web designer, this also moved me to work with non-profits and small creative ventures as opposed to agencies/corporations. Onward to today, sometimes my daily life is not easy, but I am continuously thankful for the time and the blessings that I DO have. 

Several years ago, I worked with VSA Arts, an organization promoting the power of art for people living with disabilities. I fondly remember the strong spirit of all the people I met there- especially how those who faced the greatest challenges were so positive. And, furthermore how art opened up a world of new possibility- a world with no limitations, a world of pure love and joy. This experience, among others, reinforced my healing art path. Buddhists have long believed suffering leads to compassion and enlightenment, and I do see the truth in this principle. I don't wish that suffering is necessary for anyone. But to be able to see the beauty in life amidst difficulty is a gift that we all have access to, at any time. Seeing the light is what moves us forward from darkness. 

I turn to art for positive energy and healing. It will always be there regardless of life's circumstances- a guiding light. Positive imagery and words celebrate what is beautiful in this world and cultivate love. I feel the point of focusing on the positive is not to blindly ignore our problems, but to celebrate what IS right, why life matters, what common ground we might share, and to illuminate a new path forward. From a psychological perspective, I believe happiness is the first step towards lasting, positive change. 

As a step beyond personal healing, I believe art can ultimately be healing for the world because all living things are connected. The arts are a powerful medium for highlighting activism, beauty and positive change, but it is just one channel of many. Every kind gesture or suggestion to support a cause matters. Shine your light!

The Light Within © Robin Phillips Studio

My Latest Painting, The Light Within

We all have a bright, beautiful light within, regardless of our circumstances. In this piece, it was my goal to create a more universal-looking figure that is not gender or race-specific, because this piece is meant for everyone. Our magnificent internal light is all-encompassing, reflecting and refracting rainbow colors. It is our central beacon of hope and healing. Know that you always have this source within you. 

This original piece is 14x11, painted in oil. 

Love and light!

Xoxo, Robin

Soulmates + Spirit Bird Paintings

I've just finished two new oil paintings, Soulmates- 11x14 and Spirit Bird, 8x10. You may have seen glimpses of these in progress before, and I am proud to say they are now finally complete.

Soulmates captures the union of two hearts in a moment of pure bliss. Bluebirds and an idyllic landscape symbolize this delightful happiness that we call true love or sometimes first love. In every relationship, there is give and take, and thus the ying yang symbolizes perfect balance. Originally, I envisioned this piece as a possible Lovers card for a tarot deck. Perhaps it will someday be so! Soulmates prints are now available in the RPS shop.

Spirit Bird represents a moment of connecting with the divine. Birds are revered in many traditions as living close to spirit or as messengers of spirit. This piece doesn't focus on any one tradition in particular, but rather celebrates the importance of spirituality in our lives. Whether it is a hopeful thought, prayer, meditation, reading, ceremony or song, it is like a moment of magic, possibility and upward flight. Spirit Bird prints are now available in the RPS shop.

And... both of these original paintings will be on display in Portland's Siren Nation Paint Your Art Out show opening next Saturday June 27, 6-9pm at Olympic Mills Building, 107 SE Washington St. It will be a fun evening with live painting demos, art auction, wine bar, music and more. Over 40 NW artists will be featured. If you live in Portland, stop by!

In the studio.....
Both pieces were painted with Holbein Duo Aqua oils from Japan. Water-soluble oils don't always get a good review compared to long-standing traditional oils, but these are remarkably high quality and are also compatible with traditional oils, acrylics and mediums.

UPDATE: Framed and hanging at the show.....

See more pics on Instagram @robinstudio :)
 
♥ Robin