My Studio

Here's a mini tour of my studio :)  It has two work tables, a computer desk, a closet, and a beautiful window that looks out to our garden. (Update: see my new studio since 2013 here)

I designed this quilt on the wall above my drawing table. The rainbow colors and spiral is a symbol of the beauty of life and growth.

Here's the view out my window! The lilac tree is in bloom, and our vegetable garden (in back by the fence) is beginning to sprout. It's inspiring to see everything grow, and change through the seasons.

Right now in my studio, I'm excited to be working on a new piece, 'Soulmates'.  Here's my first sketch on canvas for this piece. It's all about eternal love, balance, and spirit connection. A yin-yang is in the center of the heart to symbolize balance. They emerge from a magnolia tree, with its large blooms. A wild rose bush grows at the bottom of the tree. Birds flutter by a double rainbow in the clouds :)

Kuan Yin Spirit

Kuan Yin Spirit ©2011

Just completed this beautiful new painting, 'Kuan Yin Spirit', honoring Kuan Yin, Buddhist Bodhisattva of Compassion. Her ten arms represent the thousand arms she is said to have, that help the world. A pink light of love radiates from her center. Purples and blues represent spirit and peace. I used beads and charms to add detail, and it shimmers softly in the light. The garden that unfolds before her, shows her beauty and grace. May your day be filled with peace, love and kindness!

Cabin and Coyotes

I've been working on a lot of crafts lately, inspired by cabins, nature and the simple life. I'm almost finished with this cabin cross stitch- I altered a pattern I found based on an old sampler.  Then, I've started a crochet sunburst square blanket in earth tones and forest colors. 55 squares total will make the blanket, only 46 left to go! It will be so warm and cozy, I can't wait until it's done.

These same inspirations are behind my recent painting, Coyotes Under the Moon. Here in Portland, coyotes live in the forested areas, by creeks and they often wander out at night. The evergreens majestically surround the city and there are lots of trails and wildlife. We enjoy going on a lot of hikes in the woods and in parks with our dogs. One time I was on a wooded trail near dusk, a coyote came running up the path and stopped about 6 feet away, wagging his tail. My dog wanted to play with him, then it was time to turn back the other way. My painting is about this spirit of playfulness in the woods and the mist :)

Coyotes Under the Moon © 2011

The Garden

I'm excited it's finally time to get the garden started this year. We have a large plot in our backyard and we'll be growing lots of herbs and vegetables. Hard work digging up a lot of weeds as a first step (those are the piles you see). It's like holding a blank canvas and then watching things you create come to life. Inspiring! My painting Transformation (below), is all about this time of year. I would love to hear about your garden, too. I'll post more pics of the garden as the season goes on. Happy planting!

Transformation © 2011