Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday!

Destined to be an artist? Hmmm

I still have drawings from when I was a kid to teen years but forgot this moment or picture existed until I went rummaging through photos the other day.

Unfortunately it's all too easy to get distracted when going through photos and mementos because then minutes turn to hours. haha

Call for Art - Largest Piece to Date!

Today I took the plunge and started the largest piece to date for me....36 x 48". I'm really excited to work on this piece because it is for a "Call for Art" and this call is for something very near and dear to my heart. It's for a cancer center here in North Carolina.

Let me explain why it's special to me...

My sister is a cancer survivor as well as I've had some other family members who are cancer survivors or unfortunately left this world too soon because of cancer. I also used to work with cancer patients so you could say cancer has been an ever-present being in my life.

When I saw this call for art I knew I HAD to go for it.

In the call's description, there was no theme but wanted a color palette that was of blues, greens, and earth tones to representative of Eastern North Carolina. What stuck out the most in the description to me was this..."provide a calming sense of being and appeal to a broad audience."

It is my mission to paint an abstract that will hopefully evoke just that. I need to paint large to fit the space so off I go to the art store and grab myself a few canvases (just in case). I am instantly inspired...not only by the color palette but also what it could mean for me to connect with the audience that will come across my painting (patients and non-patients alike).

I am grabbing my best blues, greens, earth tones and even the pops of color that I can possibly incorporate into this large piece.

Wish me luck! I can't wait to see what comes of this piece as I channel my own story, my loved ones stories, empathy, and the message and emotions that I hope to convey.

Payment Plans Now Available!

I now offer payment plans using Partial.ly in hopes to streamline this process for clients. These payment plans are designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy and collect art. It enables clients who may not usually buy art to start a collection with payments spread over a reasonable time period, or established collectors to purchase higher priced works.

The great thing about using Partial.ly is that I can allow customers to change the duration and frequency of the payment plan terms. 

More information can be found here.

Payment Plan option is available for artwork priced $80 and up and for pieces being sold directly through my website.

I look forward to working with current clients as well as new clients utilizing this option so that you can purchase original artwork for your home or office space.

Anything Goes Juried Show 2019

Exciting News Announcement!!

My piece, "Genesis," was chosen to be a part of an upcoming show Litmus Gallery & Studios!!!

"Genesis" is a 12x24 expressive and intuitive abstract piece that I completed recently along with its “kindred spirit” – “Evolution” which is a 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract.

I'm honored to be a part of this great opportunity and if you're in the area, please be sure to stop by during the exhibition!

Exhibit Calendar:

Friday, October 4: Exhibition opens / Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, November 1: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, December 6: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm / Exhibit closes 9 pm

October 4 – December 6: Exhibition opens Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment.

Anything Goes 2019 Juried Show Submission!

I saw that Litmus Gallery was having their Anything Goes Juried Show for 2019 and of course wanted to enter.

I appreciate that they want to help artists (especially emerging artists) gain exposure and there is a wide variety of submissions which is really cool to see. It’s also really great to connect with other artists when going to the exhibit and reception evenings. I was able to connect with a few artists last year and it was an incredible night!

Wish me luck!

The three pieces that I submitted are below:

Genesis – 12x24 expressive and intuitive abstract. I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Evolution". This piece is the smaller of the two and was named "Genesis" as this piece was the beginning for the color palette. The carmine/red color represents the birth of this painting and the inspiration and idea with the color palette that I chose.

Evolution – 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract. I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Genesis". This piece is the larger of the two and was named "Evolution" because I took the color palette chosen for both pieces and changed my brush strokes and markings and evolved the colors into a very moving and expressive and intuitive piece. As you look closer you will still see hints of the carmine/red color that was also used in "Genesis" because it represented the birth/the beginning. I included more green into this painting to represent the growth of these paintings and their color story.

Unexpected Happiness – 24x24 expressive and intuitive abstract.  This painting is a product of instant inspiration. I wanted to mimic the colors as close as possible from the bouquet of flowers that I received from my sister and friends when they surprised me at the group showing/juried show at Litmus Gallery in Raleigh (Anything Goes 2018)! I was completely taken aback and was so happy that they came out to support me. God has truly blessed me with some amazing and thoughtful people in my life. I hope this painting brings a smile to your face like it does mine because I associate those feelings of happiness and love when I see it. The colors are bright and wonderful and certainly brighten my day!

Coffee and Contemplation

Each morning I sit at the breakfast nook in my kitchen while sipping coffee (aka fueling up) and watching the hummingbirds fuel up for the morning.

In these moments it’s quiet in the house and I can get lost in thought. I contemplate the daily tasks, future goals, etc. and then I look at my kitchen table. As the morning sun shines through the window, it instantly makes me reminisce.

This table is no ordinary table. It’s a table that used to be my Mema and Papa’s. It has its scuffs and markings but it adds to its character. It’s a table where so many memories were created...having breakfasts, dinners, games and most importantly laughter.

Taking these moments to revel in the memories and then be inspired to create your own memories is important.

Don’t ever forget to create your own memories. That’s what your loved ones will cherish when you leave.

Newest Paintings!

"Genesis" 12x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Evolution". This piece is the smaller of the two and was named "Genesis" as this piece was the beginning for the color palette. The carmine/red color represents the birth of this painting and the inspiration and idea with the color palette that I chose.

"Evolution" 24x24" expressive and intuitive abstract

I created this piece most recently as I was instantly inspired and determined to finish this painting along with a, let's say, "kindred spirit" painting, "Genesis". This piece is the larger of the two and was named "Evolution" because I took the color palette chosen for both pieces and changed my brush strokes and markings and evolved the colors into a very moving and expressive and intuitive piece. As you look closer you will still see hints of the carmine/red color that was also used in "Genesis" because it represented the birth/the beginning. I included more green into this painting to represent the growth of these paintings and their color story.

“The Light Within” 24x24” expressionist and intuitive abstract

This painting gave me such joy to create. As always, my favorite part of my paintings are how I can get lost in them when creating as well as when viewing the finished creation. For me, I like to look at all of the different markings and squiggles from each layer. I find it calming.

Feeling Inspired and Energetic!

I’ll be working on a few abstracts before finishing the “In the Garden” series. I felt incredibly inspired so I couldn’t wait until I finish that series before starting on my intuitive abstract paintings again. It feels absolutely wonderful to be creating abstracts again.

I recently saw that a local artist guild had a call for art and I knew I HAD to get to work and start creating. I was instantly inspired and started painting. Since I just learned about the call, I was hesitant wondering if I could do it even if I was inspired. I shoved those silly doubts to the back of my mind and put my mind to it.

My mom always said that’s one of my most admirable qualities...once I put my mind to something, there’s no stopping me and that was said to me at an early age.

My art may not get accepted for the call submission. That’s always the risk you take when submitting. Will it stop me from trying? Nope. Will it stop me from creating ever again? Not. A. Chance.

WIP #1

WIP #2

WIP #3

Jerry's Artarama "My Story" Contest

I recently entered into the Jerry's Artarama Artist Merit and Achievement Awards contest. This contest is in honor of their 51st Anniversary as well as their founder, Jerry Goldstein, who always loved to hear a good personal story.

This is from their website:

"With the help of the Jerry Goldstein Foundation, Jerry's Artarama, and its sponsors, we are giving away a minimum of $51,000* to artists with great personal stories, incredible talent and/or unique creativity and achievements to share! Jerry always liked a good personal story and we hope that you share one with us. No matter if you have achieved immense success, are still struggling or are a student wanting to go to art school your story is important to us!"

Here is my story submission:

"To be honest, I was slightly hesitant to share my story but I feel it’s crucial for me to share what brought me to where I am today with my art journey in hopes to inspire others. I am a self-taught artist who loves experimenting with color, texture, and movement when it comes to painting.

I, like most artists, had a love for creativity and art at an early age. I grew up drawing and coloring and was mainly inspired by comic books and cartoons. I never took up painting but always wanted to especially when watching Bob Ross. I remember my mom purchasing me a Bob Ross painting kit, but unfortunately I never used it.

Through the years I kept up with drawing but eventually that phased out once other things took precedence.

Fast forward to 2013, the year that was a defining yet difficult year for me. It was the year that my mom passed away. It was sudden. It happened while I was with her. It was heartbreaking. I hadn’t hit such a dark period in my life prior to that moment. I kept on with life because that’s who I was and still am. I persevered. I needed to keep on…not just for myself but for my kids and family.

From 2013 to 2015, I had to do some soul searching. What was my purpose or meaning in this world or this life that can be gone in an instant? That’s when I prayed and asked God for guidance on what I should do. Slowly but surely I started to listen…paint. Take that pain and paint. Just paint. At that time it wasn’t about creating a masterpiece, but just to paint until I felt complete or happy with what was on the canvas. Once I started to paint and started to open myself up to the idea that I could be an artist, the ideas flowed.

Painting became my therapy as I finally started to grieve my mother’s death and painting will always be therapeutic for me. I want my emotions to become a teacher, not a master. With each brush stroke, marking, and layers I am able to clear my head, heart, and soul and what bogs it down. Once I get my ideas or emotions on canvas, it is a sense of release and calm.

Whenever I question myself as an artist, I remind myself that my mother would certainly be pushing me and encouraging me to keep doing what I am doing. The fact that I have already inspired and reached others through my artwork and my art journey is one of the biggest motivations for me to keep creating. Having loving and supportive friends and family is also what keeps me continually motivated.

I truly do believe that I was created by my Creator to create.

I would love to be able to win this award to purchase art materials for my canvas work as well as funding future projects that will require more expensive materials and supplies. My goal is to continue creating art for sale as well as helping with community projects and organizations through my art and/or art sales."

Thank you to Jerry's Artarama for holding a contest like this. They have so many wonderful contests and opportunities for artists.

"Works from the Heart" Donated Art Piece UPDATE

My piece, “You Are Loved” packaged and ready for the “Works from the Heart” Kids First, Inc. fundraiser in Elizabeth City, NC. They’ll be holding an artwork gala fundraiser May 3rd!

I felt this painting was most appropriate with its title and color story. These colors are bright and colorful and I hope to inspire feelings of happiness and peace when one sees this painting. May it find a new loving home and may they find peace and happiness when viewing this painting.

I was told by an artist friend about this child abuse center and their need for donated artwork to help raise funds. The center helps provide on-site medical and forensic evaluation as well as support for the child and family after the fact and so much more that they do.

If you’d like to know more about this wonderful organization and/or the fundraiser, please visit their website by clicking: Kids First Inc!

"Awake" SOLD!

“Awake” is officially spoken for at this time! This artwork is being sold via my Payment Plan option.

Did you know I offer Payment Plans on my art?

My whole motive in that is to offer payment plans that are designed to make it easy and affordable for everyone to buy and collect art. It enables clients who may not usually buy art to start a collection with payments spread over a reasonable time period, or established collectors to purchase higher priced works.

Royal & Langnickel's March "Featured Artist of the Month"

Recently I had shared on social media that I had a HUGE announcement and now it is official...

I'm the "Featured Artist" for the month of March with Royal and Langnickel. The earliest month they had available was March and I thought "How serendipitous!" since March is my birth month! What an amazing opportunity and I feel incredibly honored and thankful.

The article went live today!

You can check out my article on Royal & Langnickel's website here.

They also featured me on their social media accounts, please feel free to check those postings out as well.

Royal & Langnickel's Facebook post:

Royal & Langnickel's Instagram post:

Please remember to like, comment, and share because every bit helps an artist!

NOTE: The article will be accessible (:::hint hint::: shareable) even after March.

"Works from the Heart" Donated Art Piece

I’m happy to say that this piece, “You Are Loved” will be donated towards a great organization called Kids First, Inc. in Elizabeth City, NC. They’ll be holding an artwork gala fundraiser on May 3, 2019!

I felt this painting was most appropriate with its title and color story. These colors are bright and colorful and I hope to inspire feelings of happiness and peace when one sees this painting. May it find a new loving home and may they find peace and happiness when viewing this painting.

I was recently told by an artist friend about this child abuse center and their need for donated artwork to help raise funds. The center helps provide on-site medical and forensic evaluation as well as support for the child and family after the fact. There’s so much more that they do so please feel free to look them up or read the brochure included in this post.