New work! My painting, “When Love Blooms,” inspired by the romance of vintage French wallpapers and Chinoiserie with a modern twist, makes its debut as part of Roby King Gallery invitational “Blossoming Art” June show. 7 artists, lots of florals! (36×24 on frescoed panel.)
Exciting news! I’m delighted to announce that my Chinoiserie inspired paintings are now represented by the wonderful Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and I’m so delighted to let you know that I’ve collaborated with Papyrus Cards to create a really special card for Mom. There are jewels, embroidered gold butterflies, sparkles and more bling highlighting my original painting.
And, if that isn’t enough, the inside of the envelope is so pretty, reflecting the art on the card. Papyrus is a wonderful team to partner with-their attention to detail and passion for creating beautiful cards for Mother’s Day and every day is inspiring. Thank you Papyrus! (If you’d like, you can order here or visit the Papyrus store near you.)
“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” Lewis Carroll (Words to live by!)
I’m delighted to be included in the new December Show, “Wonderland” at Roby King Galleries on Bainbridge Island. The group show of gallery artists showcases a wonderful collection of work, all inspired by the story of Alice. I have four new pieces in the show.
While I’ve always loved the magic and wonder of Alice in Wonderland–the characters, the environments, the interactions–the one thing that always has fascinated me the most about the tale is the absolute visualness of it all. The colors, the patterns, the zaniness of costumes and of beautiful flowers, Chinese lanterns above the tea party. That’s what has inspired my new work for December at Roby King.
Here are my ideas behind the new work: Gold leaf in the paintings represents a connection to the blond Alice, the bright gold watch of the White Rabbit, the tiny crown on the terrifying “Off with their heads!” queen. Pinks and reds are constant themes in the story–I’m reminded of how long I’ve been mesmerized by the idea of painting a blooming garden with actual paint! The Chinoiserie motifs reflect the tea party’s joyous color and pattern-filled event, from the table to the china to the guests themselves.
Happy 150 Year Anniversary to Alice and Lewis Carroll!
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| What I Saw at the Tea Party, 40×16 on frescoed canvas with gold leaf | |
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| Through the Looking Glass, 27×23, vintage mirror with gold leaf | |
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| Alice’s Bedroom Wall”, two 12x12s on frescoed canvas with gold leaf |
Brrrr, the warm sunny days of Fall on the Island have changed to grey and bluster, power outages and wild waves on the beach. The good news is that there are plenty of excuses for hot chocolates, roaring fires and, most importantly (and fun), lots and lots of color in the studio.
As always, my art is inspired by the romance of vintage French wallpapers and Chinoiserie with a modern twist.
Here’s a sneak peek at one of my 12×12 paintings that are easy to fit into Santa’s sled. Stay tuned for more!
It’s a joy and an honor to introduce my latest collaboration with the wonderful Papyrus: the new Thanksgiving card based on my Chinoiserie inspired painting, “That Beautiful Morning.”
It’s been a year in the making–good things take time, right? But that’s because Papyrus really takes their time when it comes to the design and production of their beautiful card collections.
I was contacted last year and couldn’t wait to see the completed design. Gold glitter and a gold tassel complete the painting, along with a gold foil lined envelope.
Papyrus is known for their extraordinary attention to detail. Each card the company creates and crafts is lovingly embellished with enchanting and magical extras like sparkling rhinestones and tiny gold charms. I hope you have a chance to see the new card along with the rest of Papyrus’s oh so lovely collection of cards for everyday and every holiday!
Happy Thanksgiving!
(Here’s where to find a Papyrus store near you.)
It was a delight to share the inspiration for my paintings with LUXE Magazine–Ukiyo-e’s vintage woodblock prints, the romance of age old Parisian wallpapers and murals, the patterns of silk and satin kimonos from long ago.
“When We First Met” I and II, now at Gallery Orange, New Orleans.
Thank you LUXE for featuring my work.
When we visited New Orleans for the very first time, years ago, it turned out to be one of those magical times when nothing was planned and everything was wonderful. I think that’s just how NOLA rolls.
The incredible architecture, the wrought iron scrolls and swirls, the music on every corner, the drinks piled high on the trays, K-Paul’s, the streets filled with discovery, Cafe Du Monde, the jazz, the history, the food, the flowers…it was hard to leave.
But now, I’ve returned, in a sense, to this beautiful city. My paintings, inspired by the romance of vintage Parisian wallpapers and Chinoiserie Ancienne, are now represented by Gallery Orange on Royal Street. Please stop by and say “hey” to the wonderful and welcoming gallerist Tracy Gielbert! Visit the gallery on the web and on Instagram: @galleryorange)
Pink has always been a favorite color–I grew up with a pink and white bedroom. And fast forward, when we renovated our 1905 vintage grey shingled cottage that shared the shores of Lake Washington with our neighbors in Beaux Arts Village, we painted the entry way and the all the cabinets and bookshelves in the family room a glossy “Pagoda Pink.” It didn’t seem outrageous or daring; it just seemed familiar and comforting.
Now, years later, in another vintage home on the Salish Sea, I am still painting with pink. A few years ago, House Beautiful showed up in our mailbox with Barry Dixon’s “pink” cover with Paule Marrot’s painting over the mantel and it was such a moment. To see pink, front and center–not too sweet, not too cotton candy, but a wonderful and lovely color that has a place in adding beauty to a room. That was a wonderful moment.
As always, I continue to paint with pink. Sometimes with orange, sometimes with red, sometimes just by itself. Pink will always be such an important friend in the studio.
I’ve been happily very busy in the studio. My solo show at Roby King Galleries on Bainbridge Island opened in February and then, just recently, my June Show at Museo Gallery on Whidbey Island opened. So lots of painting, lots of colors and lots of loving every minute of it. Also, as fellow painters will note, lots of clothes covered with paint and oh well, floors too with errant little drips and the pups sometimes in their fur and the door handle on the front door and maybe-eek-just a smudge of red paint on the old marble counter top in the kitchen…and oh yeah, a little swipe of bright hue on my husband’s favorite fleece from a hug I shared…oops!
I’ve added some new florals to my direction and passion and also new colors–lime green, bright orange, big blues. I still adore birds as a story element, for romance and for the color they bring to the painting. The love of deer has made its way back into my work, along with hummingbirds and swallows and a motif I cherish, the two hare, facing and loving each other.
If you know my work, you know that I am in love with roses, so there’s always that: white roses on yellow, white roses on deep pink,
The inspiration for my work is the romance of vintage Parisian wallpapers and the hand-painted, age-old murals of France–the imagery never ceases to inspire. And along with this, the mystery, patterns, and colors of chinoiserie ancienne.
(I hope you’re following the amazing and beautiful adventures of the restoration of this beautiful castle in France–another inspiration as I paint. The soft and romantic murals they have recovered as they restore the old chateau have been magical.)
If you’re visiting New Orleans, please stop by Gallery Orange to see my work. If in Santa Fe, please visit Gallerie Corazon.
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