Parts of Art

    It's March, and that means one thing: TIME TO PREPARE FOR SHOW SEASON!    That's right, it's about to get crazy around here. And I mean that in a good way. I've been waiting for show season to start ever since it ended back in November. Even with all the work, all the energy, all the artistic endeavors, all the money and time invested, and all the headaches that come along with it, I am nonetheless excited and ready. So call me crazy, I can take it. And please come see me and hopefully add to your collection of my work.  Here's my booth in the process of getting set up in my yard.            I know it's only March 13th, and my first show isn't for two months. But here's the deal. Right now it's a gorgeous sunny and 70 degrees here in Indiana, so I absolutely HAVE TO be outside. It's been a long winter, and even though this is only "fake spring," I'll take it. Also, I have intended to give my booth an update and take care of...

     I mean, I could get out if I had to. It's not like we're stuck in the frozen tundra with no other options. Been there, done that, and this is not that. That being said, I am absolutely fine with being snowed in with paint, coffee and an easel. It's what winter work is all about. Even without snow I would be in the studio painting with the fire burning right next to me. The snow right outside the window just helps the vibe.    This is a page from my illustrated art journal. If you're a reader of my blog you know that my journal is the place where I play. Play with color, patterns, textures, and just let my imagination go.       And this is where it went! I used this image for our holiday cards, because it was pleasing how wintery and festive it turned out. Once I got the prints back, it led to me thinking of ways to print other pages of the journal.  Mind you, the pages of the journal are not for sale, nor are they intended to be dis...

        Now that my show season is over, it's time for what I lovingly call winter work. Winter work is studio time. It's when I light the fire in the wood stove and sit down at the drawing table and/or easel, both of which are pulled close to the wood stove. It's winter work because when the weather cools off and the leaves fall, the studio is the most inviting place in my life. The warmth of the fire and the smell of the wood and the blank slate on the easel are what inspire and motivate me to work.        At one of my shows I bought this glorious coffee mug from Paige @rockbottomceramics. It sits on top of the woodstove and keeps the coffee warm for hours.  It's a studio staple.     There is purposely a blank canvas on the easel, or in this case, a smooth panel which will eventually be gessoed and painted with an expression of light through leaves. The blank canvas is self care. It's a sign of hope for my future. What will go on ...

 I'm in the woods again. And that's a good thing. My art is all about light through leaves. The path of light. Solace. My aim is to give you that place of solace, so that, like the tallest trees, you can reach up to the heavens. Next up: Art in the Village in Franklin Michigan. Mon, Sept, 2nd. Then it's Penrod Arts Fair, where I'll be in G24. Same spot as last year, but a lot of new art. Sat., Sept 7th.       New this year are my 1/1 monoprints, mounted on 16 x 20. A mono print starts as a linoleum block print but is then embellished with paint, handmade paper, pencils and crayons. Each is one of a kind; hence the 1/1 on the lower left hand corner.  As you know, if you are one of my wonderful clients, you receive 20% off on your purchase of art.  Not able to get to a show but ready to add to your collection? Shoot me an email or message me on Instagram @  parts.of_art  and we'll make it happen. Hope to see you soon!

 Show season is up and running! Next up: One of my favorites, the Crosby Festival of the Arts. It will be held in the beautiful Toledo Botanical Garden June 28-30. I'll be in booth 178 - the Purple Zone- which is where I've been located before.       One thing I love about this event is the location. M y booth is situated close to the herb garden, which is laid out on an inviting pathway, full of life and color. I look forward to taking photos of the gardens, which will eventually find their way into my art. Here's some from last year:      I'm excited to return to the event with my mixed media collage paintings. I've been at work on some new pieces, which will also be available.  Here's a sneak peek at the latest work:        I'm still aiming to capture that path of light through leaves.  I combine paint, papers, ink, wax resist, linocut printing, colored pencils and canvas. My aim is to combine these various ma...

 It's May, and that means one thing. SHOW SEASON!    That's right, it's about to get crazy around here. And I totally mean that in a good way. I've been waiting for show season to start ever since it ended back in November. Even with all the work, all the energy, all the artistic endeavors, all the money and time invested, and all the headaches that come along with it, I am nonetheless excited and ready. So call me crazy, I can take it. And please come see me and hopefully add to your collection of my work. (No pressure) Here's my booth in the process of getting set up. Here is one of the new pieces I'll have there.      My new work is still of the woods, and the luminescence of dappled light coming through leaves. I still aim to give you a place of solace, where, like the tallest trees, you might reach up to the heavenlies. There is more color this time around, more texture and more depth.                ...