New Year, New Horizons

Around here, we are ready to ring in the new year! 

And in a few short weeks Jeff and I are off to the Yucatan! On our way, we will visit family we haven't seen in a while in Atlanta, which will be so nice.  I will be posting pictures of our adventures on Instagram @robinstudio and RPS Facebook. Expecting to create a new series of paintings based on this trip, it will be an amazing experience. Can't wait to discover the Mayan ruins, landscapes and gardens,  native art and crafts. We'll be driving all over the peninsula visiting a variety of cities and of course, beaches. :)

In progress: Siamese Parlor, Meditation, Owl Spirit, Eagle Spirit paintings

In the studio lately...

Creating more small pieces to replace those sold for OneDer Gallery. If you're in Portland, do check it out! All art is local and priced under $100- such a great deal.

In collaboration with Renee Phillips of Manhattan Arts International, I am now working on artist websites nationally. I'm delighted to be working with Renee, who is an amazing coach and advocate for the arts. A new RPS website is also in the works. Stay tuned!

And for fun, more holiday sewing.

In the new years sewing basket are more kitchen towels, hot pads, and perhaps a new table runner (if there is time :))  Sewers, stay tuned for new winter and spring pattern releases to be announced soon!

The winter garden...

I am always in awe watching nature cycle through the seasons. Isn't it truly amazing? Now the garden is at rest, and it has cleared the slate for a new horizon, new growth, new possibilities.

We saw a few snowflakes in the air the other day, but alas no snow. Growing up in Wisconsin, I used to be so tired of the snow, but these days I have fond memories of how beautiful it looks. Especially on all the evergreens around here... a touch of snow would be nice! The rain drops we have are stunning though- shimmering on the plants in early morning light. And feeling thankful for how the winter rain keeps everything so nourished and green ;)

Japanese Garden- Winter  © Robin Phillips Studio

Blessings to you for a happy new year!

♥  Robin

Happy Holidays!

Coyotes Under the Moon © Robin Phillips Studio

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday! Around here we are in the holiday spirit- handmade woodland home style ;)

Little collectibles from Audubon Wild Arts Fair! (Yes I had to crochet robin's eggs for the nest too :))

This sweet collection of santas and elves is from my childhood...

Iko loves sleeping on the dog's bed

Made planters with garden odds and ends- Dwarf Alberta Spruce, Cedar, Euphorbia and Holly

Holiday sewing time! This year, new towels, potholders and pillows. Hoped to do a simple Xmas quilt too, but time flies away from me...

Paper fun- I embellished store cards this year to save time, but it was still fun getting to be a little crafty with holiday paper strips and sequins.

Peace + Love + Blessings

♥  Robin

New Series! Spirit Animal Paintings

Excited about my latest small series of ten pieces- Spirit Animals! For nature lovers and people of spirit across world cultures, animals and birds hold a special place in our hearts. Spiritual meanings of animals vary in different traditions, so I painted this series with a general intention to promote love and reverence for animals.  Created for the local Big 500 show, a large Portland affordable art show at People's Art, I chose to honor woodland and mountain animals typical of the west, along with endangered animals close to my heart- lion and polar bear.

 The show runs through December 31, if you are in Portland and haven't seen it yet, check it out! The show also benefits the Oregon Food Bank with a food drive and a percentage of sales will be donated. Alongside People's Art is also a great new gift shop, OnDer Gallery featuring local art under $100. A selection of my small paintings and prints are available here as well.

Most of the original paintings have now sold in the show. However if you were hoping to get one,
check out the Spirit Animal prints now available in the RPS shop! I will donate a percentage of the sale from each of these prints to World Wildlife Fund.

In the studio painting...

First I drew a background design inspired by native weaving along with western motifs. My love of textiles, animals, and interest in nature-based spiritual traditions led me to choose this vibrant combination. In respect for indigenous cultures, I chose not to replicate any significant spiritual designs,  instead I created a simple design based on more commonly used motifs.

Planning color palettes!

Filling in the background colors...

Painting the animals...
I started with a simple line drawing of each animal based on photographs. Then I added simple areas of shadow and highlights.

Filling in the details...
Here I begin adding more precise areas of shadow, line and highlights

Which one do you like best? 

'Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.' -Anatole France

♥