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

Upcoming, Holiday Season Shows/Sales!

Opening First Friday October 7, 7-9PM, The Tarot Show and Day of the Dead, show runs through October 28

Splendorporium Art Gallery, 3421 SE 21st Ave., Portland, OR
splendorporium.net

Pleased to be a part of this show again, after exhibiting in it once before! Two of my pieces are in the show this year: Soulmates, representing The Lovers card and The Light Within, representing The Sun. 

Opening First Thursday November 3, 5-8PM, Siren Nation "Celebration", 10th Annual Visual Arts Show, runs through December 30

Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR,  portland5.com

November 13, 10AM - 5PM, Siren Nation Art/Craft Sale, McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd St., Portland, OR,  sirennation.org

I will be participating in the Siren Nation shows again this fall, and this is my fourth year showing with this great organization that supports local women in the arts. 

Saturday/Sunday November 19-20, 10-5PM, Audubon Wild Arts Fair, 6x6 Bird Art show, Montgomery Park building, 2701 NW Vaughn, Portland, OR, wildartsfestival.org/6x6-wild-art-project

A fundraiser show for Audubon Society, this is my eighth year creating a small donation painting. The paintings usually sell quickly, and if you want the chance to purchase mine, definitely plan to be there Saturday morning. I'm about to start my piece, follow RPS Instagram for sneak previews!

Early December Online Studio Sale!
Online friends/followers, once again I'll be offering 30% off and some freebies in the RPS online store !  In late November, make sure to look for the sale announcements and a preview of my newest items on RPS Facebook. :)

Opening Saturday December 10, 2-10PM, Big 500 show/sale, runs through December 23,  Ford Gallery, 2505 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR

This is an excellent local show of over 500 artists with works priced at just $40! It's my fourth year doing the show, and I'm pleased to be a part of it again. I will be painting eight small panels for the show. Follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my works in progress... 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Xoxo,

Robin

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

Painted Dragons

The Grand Dragon Race © Robin Phillips Studio

I'm pleased to be participating once again in the local show, Fire on the Water: Dragon Boat Art , curated by the fabulous Alea Bone of Bonewerx. This show celebrates the art of Chinese dragon boat racing, a Portland Rose Festival tradition. The show runs through August 30, and if you're in Portland, you can see it at Portland'5 Centers for the Arts, 1111 SW Broadway.

Join us for the 2nd opening reception on Thursday, July 14 from 6-9pm! 
Event details here:  Fire on the Water: Dragon Boat Art 

My painting (above) is available for sale in addition to many others by local artists.
Contact Jeannie Baker at 503-274-6556 for purchase information.

This year, Oregon Art Beat also covered the show. Watch the episode here!!

See opening night and more pictures on RPS Facebook and the Fire on the Water Facebook pages

First strokes on the canvas...  acrylic and wash

Building up thin layers of acrylic

Adding golden scales :)

Creating water texture...

Final touches... with lots of tiny brush strokes

Framed and hanging at the show!

Dragon Blessings!

:) Robin


SaveSave

30 days x 4+ Shows

It's a busy month of shows/openings for me, including some juried shows that I am pleased to be participating in. If you're in the Portland area, I hope you can make it to one or more of these events! I will also be posting details and pictures on RPS Facebook and Instagram. So follow me there, if you are not already. :)

April 7 - May 31, Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales show   
Closing Reception is Friday, May 27, 5-8pm  - Cash bar, hor d'oeuvres, and costumes
P5 Centers for the Arts- Antoinette Hatfield Hall, 1111 SW Broadway, Portland, OR

This special show features paintings based on scenes from Grimm's fairy tale stories. 

Through the Enchanted Forest © Robin Phillips Studio - scene from Twelve Dancing Princesses

May 7- May 31, La Vida Veggie Art Gallery  
4925 SW Angel Ave., Beaverton, OR

For the month of May, I will have an assortment of six to eight larger paintings on display along with artist Kelly Powers at this locally owned, cozy cafe/gallery that has a super delicious veg menu! 

Ace of Wands © Robin Phillips Studio

May 19 - June 14, Siren Nation 2016 Paint Your Art Out
Opening Reception: May 19, 6-9pm, Salvage Works, 2024 N Argyle St, Portland, OR

Once again, I'm excited to be participating in the Siren Nation art shows. There are two events: Opening Night is a fundraising event, and there is also a month long show.  Follow me on FB or Instagram for a sneak preview of a group of small works that I will show... 

Deer Spirit © Robin Phillips Studio

June, July Shows- Stay Tuned! 

I'm also currently working on new pieces for Fire on the Water: Dragon Boat Art Show, in the Portland Rose Festival, and Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 

More details will be announced in a couple weeks on RPS Facebook!

XOXO, Robin

Through the Enchanted Forest Painting

Through the Enchanted Forest, 16" x 12", Acrylic/Mixed Media © Robin Phillips Studio

I created this small piece for the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Art Show curated by Kelly Williams, currently on display at Portland'5 Centers for the Arts through May 31. Each participating artist chose a scene from one of the Grimm's Brothers stories to illustrate. If you're in the Portland area and haven't seen it yet, do check out this magical show!

My piece is based on a scene from the story Twelve Dancing Princesses:

“Then down they all went, and at the bottom they found themselves in a most delightful grove of trees; and the leaves were all of silver, and glittered and sparkled beautifully…. Then they came to another grove of trees, where all the leaves were of gold; and afterwards to a third, where the leaves were all glittering diamonds… On the other side of the lake stood a fine illuminated castle.”

To me, this is one of the most magical scenes in the story. The princesses escape through an enchanted forest of silver, gold and diamonds to meet their princes and dance all night long. I hoped to capture a sense of excitement and wonder in this painting.

Through the Enchanted Forest prints (photo or giclee) are now available in the RPS shop! Wouldn't this print be adorable in a little girl's room? Or it would add a whimsical touch to a feminine/antique room. :)

Behind the scenes, painting in the studio...

I approached this piece with a vision of an old German book cover opening to illuminate the scene. The princesses are descending down the cellar stairs and through a doorway into the magical forest. To create the figures, I referred to images of bridal and Victorian models. One of my favorite Victorian fashion sources is the classic Godey's Lady's Book. 

For the scrollwork, I traced design templates and then filled in the filigrees with a tiny brush. 

I hand-stitched metallic-foil glass beads through the canvas to create the effect of diamonds in the trees. 

On opening night...I became a princess myself :)

Framed and hanging at the show on the 'Wall of Maidens'...  

"Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale" - Hans Christen Anderson

♥ 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

♥