A Day Late...

... I spent this weekend pulling everything out of my walk-in closet, there were mountain size piles of clothes in my living room. Pants, shirts, shorts, skirts & dresses. Then jeans, pants, tees and blouses, color coordinating everything as I put it all back. It looks amazing and it feels good to have that done. I've still got to go through all my shoes and underwear drawers. Hubby & I loaded big boxes of clothes that I don't wear, won't ever wear, never have worn or don't fit to the thrift store just this morning. Then I saw this video. Wah Wah I might have to go buy a few back now! hahaha

A Little Word on Wednesday

Speechless. So beautiful.

Salvator Mundi (Savior of the World)

This Leonardo da Vinci painting was thought to be lost or destroyed but has been found and will be on exhibition at the National Gallery in London. To read more click here.
Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan at the National Gallery in London (11/9/2011 to 2/5/2012).

Abstract Anxiety...

"Forgiving" 6 x 6

"Understanding" 16 x 20

These are the first abstracts that I am parting with. It's a little scary. They were painted w/ layers & layers of acrylic paint, scraped, scratched, brushed & rubbed.

Surprise San Francisco!

Hubby woke up early. Made coffee and then woke me up. He was taking me on a surprise trip! He wouldn't tell me where we were going but it wasn't long before I figured out we were on our way to San Francisco. For what reason I had no idea. It wasn't until we were there that he told me his surprise. He had purchased tickets for the Picasso Exhibit at the De Young Museum. Such a sweet surprise! This was so special & sweet because walking through galleries & museums is not really his thing, however, sneaking a glimpse of him from across the gallery floor it was clear he was enjoying this exhibit too. Picasso, a surprise within a surprise really. The work smelled old, maybe it smelled like Paris. I loved the smell of it. Quite a few of the paintings appear unfinished. They are; but are they? Some appear somewhat sloppy. An unpainted portion of canvas just appears white in a print or photo so I until up close & personal I was unaware. What made him stop? Fear of ruining what he had already done? I've been there. Arrogance/Self importance? You get what you get & you don't throw a fit. Impatience? Indecisiveness? or total Freedom? I am still mentally digesting every piece I saw. It was inspirational. I can paint anything I want and in any color that I want and if it isn't pretty so what? I was really taken with his metal work, sculptures and collage pieces.

These are a few of the photos I snapped along the way.

The Empress...

...no it's not me! haha It's an eclectic little shop up the hill from me in Placerville. The Empress is definitely the lovely Carolina Smith, shop owner of 11 years. Her wonderful shop, located at 582 Main Street, is full of unique clothing and whimsical items. Her shop has a style of it's own, the best way to describe it is a little bit steampunk, pirate, gypsy, victorian, mermaid, saloon girl! So me right!?! Whatever it may be, it's a wonderful collection of her handmade upcycled redesigned fashion creations and is truly a reflection of her beautiful spirit. I am thrilled that she is selling some of my cards & art in her shop. We have much in common and I hope that our friendship will grow. She makes me want to put my brushes down and pull out my sewing machines. I'm like the guy in that commercial that is fighting with himself for a cigarette! hahah I have way too much on my plate right now to create another project for myself but Carolina does inspire me. Maybe one day soon...

A few Saturdays ago I wandered the Farmer's Market across the street from her shop before she opened. I bought some huge organic blueberries from Oregon and took them to the Cosmic Cafe next door to eat with a hot soy latte. I sat in a chair so close to the door it was almost on the sidewalk. I people watched and eavesdropped on a few interesting conversations. Honestly I can't remember the last time I spent a few relaxing hours out all by myself.

Carolina must love coming to work each morning. When she opened her shop it was full of the aroma of fresh coffee wafting in from next door, her collection of incense, and the old old building smell. I'd love to wake to that each day! We spent the morning in her magical shop with my camera. It was so fun.

If you would like a one of a kind portrait to be transformed into a beautiful mermaid, a pirate mermaid, a mermaid princess.... all I need is a photo. It's truly a unique gift! Email me for details or click on the mermaid above!

Sharing

Just wanted to share this wonderful video of one of my favorite Artists, Michael Parkes.