Special K

Special K is a painting inspired by my little girl Karina. I haven't done a portrait of her EVER. Funny, I guess I just don't do many portraits and even feel like I'm not very good at them. And really, this doesn't look like her, she has soft brown hair and brown eyes, but I liked the idea of painting an impression of her.






















She is feisty, yet quiet, beautiful with a joyous laugh and maybe a little too serious at times. When Karina saw this piece, she knew it was her and didn't even comment on the red hair and how it is not an exact likeness of herself. That is the mind of a child, so accepting and she actually understands that I did it on purpose! Maybe her attitude is wearing off on me, I hope so. She is so special, isn't she?

A trip to the zoo

Spring is officially here and this weekend, since we had no social or work obligations it was so nice to wake up this morning, pack sandwiches and take a trip to the zoo! The animals were a little sleepy this morning, but I got some great pics of the giraffes. They are my daughter's favorite animals and they are becoming one of my favorites too.


















The girls ran around checking out all the exhibits (so nice to not have a stroller this time!) visiting the petting zoo (so stinky) and finally ended up at the most anticipated carousel ride. I decided to not ride this time and get some pics of the girls, and found myself getting some other images of the ride itself. Carousels are so cool! After a picnic lunch, a pit stop at the zoo playground, it was time to take two very exhausted little girls home for a restful afternoon. It was a good day.

Shimmering Roses

This afternoon I went to the Atlanta Bridal Show with my sister to check out all those things needed to plan a wedding. My sister is getting married in August, so she thought it would be fun to go to this show and get some ideas. Since I never had a traditional wedding of my own to plan, it was kind of cool to go through the motions of figuring out how to put a grand event together. It is going to be crazy challenging, but it surely will be fun. At the end of the day, there was a bridal fashion show.



















Totally hilarious models strutting around with goofy little skits and an obnoxious MC to boot. I could definitely do without him, but the models were actually great to watch. Some of the dresses though were gorgeous and it made me think about what I would choose if I had to. Not that I even want some big 'ol billowing white number, but it would be fun to pick that one amazing frock that makes you feel amazing. If I could ever afford one of Vera Wang's (or crazy enough to participate in the running of the brides at Filene's basement) I would wear this one called shimmering roses.

Once in a blue moon

Springtime is almost upon us in the southeastern part of the country, and I am ready and waiting! With the new of season, it's always inspiring to paint and create because of the sense of renewal and change. Woodland themes are all the rage these days. And so I thought I'd jump in and create a little nature scene of my own.






















This was actually inspired by Pierre et le loup (Peter and the Wolf) When we visited Paris 6 years ago (yikes!) we went into a book store and bought some French children's books for our future brood. We were talking about having kids and doing some travel before the big life changing event. This book has a cd and is narrated with beautiful music where each character represented with an instrument. Anyhow, it's not a wolf, but a red fox. Like I said, it was inspired in a way :)

Caught myself in a princess treasury!

I finally caught one of my pieces in a treasury today, my Neverland print! There's this cool little tool to search if you've been featured in an Etsy treasury at craftopolis.com. I was so excited because I've only been featured one other time and forgot to take a screen capture of it. So here's the Princess themed treasury for your viewing pleasure.

Unwavering Spirits

A piece I did a long time ago during my pastel and watercolor phase. But this piece spoke to me after I read Sea of Poppies, a story about the opium trade in India during British rule in the 1830's. One of those epic tales that sweeps you into a culture that is so unfamiliar territory to any of us who live a comfortable existence. The amazing tenacity of people and the struggle to survive in the most deplorable conditions. When visiting India, I saw the poverty and absolute suffering people endure and it is unforgettable. I can only think that those who are so devoted to their faith, it's all they possess. One constant in their lives that allow them to keep going.

This piece illustrates an unwavering spirit bird guiding and protecting even when a person is unaware, but still follows the pull of that spirit within themselves.

Designing a museum school logo

I have been working in a team effort on a logo design for a potential charter school in our neighborhood. Our community voted on the Museum Concept which is a curriculum that promotes project-oriented learning, partnerships with local museums and serving an intercultural community. It's very exciting to be in on the ground concepts and giving a unique look and feel to the school that will literally be the "face" of the establishment for years to come. I've had the opportunity to work with some super creative folks and love getting the community involved with choosing an identity. The logo above is my concept which is one of 3 that will be presented. The other two are designed by another artist. The vote is taking place tonight and I will be so excited to find out which idea is chosen!