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

Recent Artist Websites and Website Training

If you've been following RPS lately, you're likely awaiting my new website to see my updated portfolio. :)

I'm still working diligently on the new site (coming soon I promise, stay tuned!) In the meantime, here's a recap of some of my more recent artist website launches:

elynnerosenfeld.com

Elynne Rosenfeld, an artist and Reiki master, creates stunning bead-embellished paintings that are spiritually inspired. For this site, I customized a WordPress theme to present her work on a large scale that highlights the incredible detail of her beadwork. The site includes a fullscreen home page slideshow, a filterable gallery, blog and separate sub pages for her bio, cv and artist statement.

cynthiabergpolsan.com

To capture the magnificence of Cynthia Berg Polsan's sculpture, I created a customized WordPress theme to showcase her work in close detail. The home page features a slideshow where the work scrolls from top to bottom and fades in/out for a dramatic effect. The gallery is customized to show three or more views of each piece to get a sense of the sculpture in the round. 

lesyayanush.com

Lesya Yanush paints in a bold, expressionistic style. The goal for her site was to showcase the work without distraction. This WordPress site includes a fullscreen home page slide show and gallery so that the painting takes center stage. I also provided training for her to update the site on her own in the future, which most of my packages include.

gatosilimitados.com

Adriana Gasperi creates charming cat art. To emphasize the whimsical nature of her work, the home page has a floating image slider.  This customized WordPress site also includes an e-commerce store, multiple galleries and a blog. We incorporated Adriana's pre-existing logo in the header along with bilingual text throughout the site. Additionally, I optimized her logo for social media sharing. And my favorite feature is the custom cat cursor I designed for the menu.


Learn more about my design services at: www.robinphillipsstudio.com/design

Also, did you know I offer basic web design training? This is a popular new service I introduced last year.

Read more here!

http://www.robinphillipsstudio.com/store/product/website-training/


:)

New Year Inspiration

Inspiration Minis series, © Robin Phillips Studio

Wise Tree © Robin Phillips Studio

I love how the new year is naturally full of promise. What are your goals this year?

This week we've been hit with record snow and my mind is full of new ideas.

As I reflect on how fast the past year went and the new branches that I have grown, this year I look forward to launching a new website and focusing more on art and illustration. If you are interested my design services, don't worry!  I will continue to offer graphic and web design services as well. With the launch of my new site, you'll be able to see my latest work, get a closer look inside the studio and hear from me more regularly on social media. Stay tuned!

And if you're not already following me,  join RPS Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. :)

“The beginning is the most important part of any work.” 
― Plato

I wish you a wonderful new year!

Xoxo,

Robin

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

New Website Packages

If you're wondering what I have been to lately in graphic/web design-  I'm continuing to work on  artist and small business websites. And I'm now pleased to be offering affordable WordPress design packages and individual website training sessions for artists and small businesses nationally! On a limited basis, I am also working with international clients.

Each project is unique, and I offer my clients much more than just design. Typically, I also assist with everything web-related: domain names, hosting, site security, mobile friendliness, search engine optimization, integrating social media, e-commerce and marketing/branding. At the end of each project, I train my clients on how to update their new site in WordPress so that they can easily manage it.

And... in addition to developing new sites, I commonly take on projects that are simply updates, enhancements or maintenance-related such as:

-moving websites and domain names to new hosts
-mobile-friendly site enhancements
-installing shops, blogs and forms
-changing design styles/themes
-professional advice/training sessions for DIYers
-updating or advising on sites, any platform  - not just WordPress

>>>If you are in need of a new website or advice on your existing website, I welcome you to contact me for a free consultation. And learn more about my design work here. :)

Without further ado, here are some of the latest new site launches/ web projects from the studio...

Mary Lou Dauray

environmental art

www.maryloudauray.com

Site Features/Support:
For this site, I customized an existing WP theme (WP Basic Package expanded), and assisted her with a font design for her name, transferring her domain name, setting up new hosting, site security, optimizing her blog and advice on RSS and social media. We chose a design style that showcased the powerful nature of her work.



Esther Sternberg Art

impressionist-style painting

www.esthersternbergart.com

Site Features/Support:
For this WP Basic Package site, I helped Esther find a portfolio theme and colors that fit the more traditional style of her work. I also assisted her with a font design for her name, transferring a domain name, setting up new hosting, and site security. Finally, I created several custom living room images to showcase how her art would look in a home setting. 

Columbia River Tile & Stone
artistic tile and stone installation
www.columbiarivertileandstone.com

Site Features:
For CRTS, our other family business, I recently updated the website's design/structure (Custom, non-WordPress site) to be fully responsive > mobile and large-screen friendly. Additionally, I added new galleries, a blog, and another sidebar with rotating reviews, helpful information and calls to action. In the future, the site will evolve with more dynamic content.

And finally... a new RPS site is coming! 
Last but not least.... Stay tuned for a new RPS website, currently in the works! Here's a sneak peek at some of the initial design snippets. It's very exciting, and long overdue! The new site will be a unique, custom design that is dynamic, responsive and ultra- mobile-friendly with lots of fun content like design tips, patterns, design ideas, studio/show pics, daily inspiration and more.   www.robinphillipsstudio.com

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