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!

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

"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.

Anything Goes 2018 Ending Reception

Well the month for the exhibit surely came and went very quickly. Unfortunately I didn't place in the exhibit and I didn't sell my "Awake" piece but that's okay. Sure it's a little discouraging. I would by lying if I told you I didn't feel a twinge of disappointment from not placing and/or not selling my artwork. We all will feel disappointment or feel discouraged at some point especially when it's a career that you put your heart and soul into, but it's best we don't let that deter us from meeting our goals and dreams.

To all of the dreamers and doers - Keep on dreaming and doing! You WILL get there in due time.

Not every artist (or whatever your field is) made it overnight. Seriously. I believe every artist I've EVER come across or talked to have said that they didn't make it overnight. For some, it took a few years and some it took over a decade before they "made it" to a more satisfactory state of their career.

Some days I feel like What's the point? and other days I feel confident and thinking to myself I got this!

I look forward to submitting to more exhibits and call for artists and more importantly to just keep creating more art.

Unexpected Happiness and its Inspiration

"Unexpected Happiness" 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!

The inspiration for "Unexpected Happiness":

Opening Night at Litmus Gallery!

Last night was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better opening night. I got to network with some great resident artists at Litmus Gallery as well as local artists.

Another major thing that happened was my sister and friends came to support me. It was a complete shock for me but of course I was pleasantly surprised and on the verge of tears at their sweet gesture. They brought flowers (inspiration for an upcoming piece or two?) and after awhile we all went out to eat and celebrated my opening night. How marvelous, right?

I am absolutely blessed to have such love and support from friends and family.

P.S. The hubs didn't mind all of the gal talk and banter. He is a relatively quiet guy but he's my #1 cheerleader and I love him for it!

Me pictured with my 8x8 abstract piece entitled, "Awake," for opening night at the Litmus Gallery for the "Anything Goes 2018 Exhibit".

Me pictured with my sister and our mutual friends who surprised me with flowers and their support by showing up for opening night.

Wake Med North Exhibit

I dropped off some art pieces at Wake Med North today and what a beautiful display they have available for local artists. This is a great area because it is high traffic and the artwork IS the main focal point so you definitely can't bypass the area and overlook the artwork that is displayed.

Even though I may not make any sales from this, at least it is a great opportunity for exposure and that is very important for an artist. Self promotion and exposure are two major things that artists need to keep in mind especially when starting out.

I was lucky enough that the "Artist of the Month" for November was available via the local artist guild that I'm a part of (Wake Forest Guild of Artists). A huge thank you to them for coordinating things like this for the artists.

Anything Goes Juried Show 2018

Exciting News Announcement!!

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

"Awake" is an 8x8 abstract piece that I completed awhile back.

I'm so 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, November 2: Exhibition opens / Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm

Friday, December 7: Wine Reception 6 – 9 pm / Exhibit closes 9 pm

November 2 – December 7: Exhibition opens Thursdays 10 am – 2 pm and by appointment.

Anything Goes 2018 Juried Show Submission!

I found out some INCREDIBLE news today!

When I saw the opportunity to submit for this show, I actually created the 20x20 piece entitled, "You Are Loved". I was instantly inspired to create that abstract piece and took on a color story that I had in an art journal of mine.

When I submitted, I saw that you could actually submit up to three pieces so that's when I decided to also include "Awake" and "Arise" into my submission.

Wish me luck!

The three pieces that I submitted are below:

Arise – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by Southwestern color stories.

Awake – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by a moment in time when I felt most awake in my art journey. The white represents being awake and that feeling being more dominant hence taking over the dark.

You Are Loved – 8x8 original abstract piece inspired by a moment in time when I felt most awake in my art journey. The white represents being awake and that feeling being more dominant hence taking over the dark.