playing with paint

The saying goes 'We are only as good as our last idea.' In our fast paced and trend directed design world, it demands we are constantly learning and pushing ourselves. I thrive in this environment but time is alway my enemy.

Last month I fit in two painting classes that couldn't be more different from one another. I am scheduled to take a calligraphy class this month. It is not to say I will master each new technique. It does keep my creative heart and mind engaged though!

I mentioned Mati Rose's six-week painting course, "Daring Adventures in Paint,"where I am experiementing with acrylics and collage. I also tried my hand at botanical illustration taught by a wonderful teacher and artist, Kathleen McKeehan. It was a short class so I didn't produce much to show you. This meticulous and time-comsuming watercolor technique was like meditation for me...like doing yoga.  Below are some of Kathleen's amazing watercolors.

How are you learning and expanding?  What advice do you have for staying creatively engaged?

Below is the beginning of my painting.  I know it doesn't look like much but botanical drawing is all about studying details and trying to replicate what nature has created. 

It is a very long process of patience and paint.

Autumn: an impermanence of color

Autumn is officially here but in Seattle we felt it coming a few weeks ago already.  I think this is why I am so focused on color right now.  Autumn produces a burst vibrant hues but this time of the year also reminds us that color is temporary and winter is approaching.

No better time to come across distinguished photographer Eric Meola's work.  I especially gravitated toward his photos from India where part of my design heart lies.  Meola's deep understanding of color results in powerful and inspiring images.  I am already eyeing his updated book, INDIA: In Word & Image, as an addition to my library.  Meola's work will certainly help keep me inspired and 'creatively warm' through the winter.

What inspiration have you discovered lately?

All images below from Eric Meola's India gallery

We are in love...

...with color!  We may have reminded you of this love affair in "Everything Red."  In our quest, we recently discovered Austin, Texas, photographer Emily Blincoe. Given our eye for anything floral, her "Garden Collection" caught our attention. Blincoe's "Sugar Series" is also inspiring.  Ideas for candied prints are just jumping off the page.  But don't forget to eat your veggies!

Emily Blincoe's "Garden Collection"

Emily Blincoe's "Sugar Series"

Emily Blincoe's fruit and vegetable series

Emily's beautiful and inspiring work can be found on her Flickr page and Tumblr pages as well as her Etsy shop.

surrounded by patterns

On a recent trip to the Seattle library, I became fixated on all the patterns around me. Inspiration surrounds us if we just take a moment to observe our surroundings.

Have a great Tuesday!

dahlias blooming everywhere

The Puget Sound Dahlia Association Show was this past weekend. Amazing! 

Great color, phenomenal shapes, and inspiration everywhere. Take a look for yourself.

color love

I love fresh cut flowers. I was needing a little pick-me-up

and I saw these at the grocery store.

How could I resist? Full of color and inspiration.

whats inspiring me today - Beatriz Milhazes

This video interview with Beatriz Milhazes is what is inspiring me today.  

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her work!! I hope this inspires you today.

psaligraphy artist: Karen Bit Vejle

The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle had a wonderful exhibition by psaligraphy artist Karen Bit Vejle.  Psaligraphy literally means the art of drawing or painting with scissors.  Her storytelling behind each piece is as inspiring as the art itself.  The exhibit was amazing! 

Click here to go to her website and view more.

The below images are taken from her website. 

"My heart and soul are at peace when I have scissors in

hand and the paper dances between the blades." -Karen Bit Vejle

 

"If my art can make you stop and wonder for just one

instant, I think that would be wonderful." -Karen Bit Vejle

pucci please...

I have always loved Pucci.  The colors, the movement, the large scale prints.  His prints from the 60's and 70's are my absolute favorite!  These two dress prints inspire me to paint - a HUGE painting that is bright and big!  Hmmmmm......

it was magical...

Bali was magical. An amazing 3 weeks traveling around Bali and the Gili Islands.  It is funny to write this post as I sit next to a fire sipping hot cider.  Bali was only 2 weeks ago and although my suntan is fading the impression Bali made on me is still strong.  

Here are some of my memories...

admiring nature

enjoying Balinese food

watching breathtaking sunsets

taking a Batik class

watching my husband paint a batik!

the generous and wonderful Balinese people

being invited to a special ceremony

riding a horse cart on an island with no cars.

watching the sunset with the feeling of complete inner peace

the beautiful statues

the amazing salt water pools

the market in Ubud

the offerings

the ladies who balance the world on their heads

the decorations everywhere (this was for a wedding)

being in love

the island of Gili Air...my favorite place

the mohito's with chili peppers!

the dance

Some things you can not capture on film:  

The smell of incense outside, everywhere.

The feeling of absolute calm.

Hearing a little voice from behind a gate yell at us, "Hello, I love you." (this really happened!)

The inspiration I brought back in my head and in my heart.