Yucatan, Mexico

Time has really flown by since my last post, but now I have Mexico pictures for you! Recently, I've been immersed in a busy stretch of new website projects and paintings- which I am excited to share soon. Anyway, without further ado...

We started off our trip in Cancun, then drove around the entire Yucatan Peninsula visiting small towns, ruins, cities and everything in between for two weeks.

Historical town of Valladolid

A beautiful church in Izamal, and the most wonderful lunch there...

Stunning Mayan ruins with many carvings still intact at the large site, Chitzen Itza....

Next we were on to the capital city of Merida...

Every neighborhood has a central plaza...

We stayed in the sweetest boutique hotel with homemade meals...

Came home with the teal blue one the left! Saw so many beautiful textiles....

Mayan displays and artifacts at Museo Cultural de Maya, the artistic detail is just astounding

Of course I found my way into a fabric/crafts store.... had a challenge testing my Spanish :)

But, left with a full bag!

Next we were off to see more ruins....

The grand site of Uxmal.... Can you imagine what a large city center this must have been?

At Sabah, a small remote site, we saw the most stunning relief sculpture still intact...

Along the way, we lunched at a beautiful hacienda in the country...

An exquisitely carved pineapple...

And stayed the night at another one....

The next morning we were off to Calakmul, a large jungle site who's first leader was the powerful  Jaguar Paw

At the top! We saw monkeys in the trees...

And then back to the coast/ Riveria Maya for several days on the beach....
We stayed in Akumal at the main beach, which is known for sea turtles. Got a chance to see several while snorkeling!

Agave and Ginger at the Jardin Botanico Dr. Alfredo Barerra Marin

More ruins on the coast at Tulum...

My favorite art galleries by the beach... :)

And finally ♥ Artesanias Mexicanas ♥  Some of the treasures we brought back :)

And a tiny sketch from the beach....

♥ Amo a Mexico!

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