6 x 6 in. (click here to buy original)

Once I got over my morning crankiness in part due to the fact that I for the SECOND time this week, dropped a package in the package box slot without the postage! And then to top it off, I got the same postal employee to help me open the box, who asked me if I was the same person that did this last week, and then proceeded to ask me if I have the rest of my business under control. Good Lord.

Let me start this blog post again: my morning crankiness was gone as soon I came home from my morning shipment "walk" with the Lu, and my friend Cathy was happily painting in my dining room/studio! Today was our painting day! And she was happy, not only because she was painting (without parenting simultaneously~although I missed little Annabelle today) but also because Sean made her one of our signature coffee lattes.

So, a glorious day of creativity it became ~ the best kind. And the two of us painting together, reminded me of when I visited Cathy in her Venice studio several years ago, to paint with her ~ at a time when I could only dream of this work as my living. It’s little moments like these, when you snap out of your crankiness and realize just how far you’ve come and how truly glorious (my word of the day) your life is. Cathy lives in NY now, so it has been such a treat to have her here again for a visit this last week. (Oh, and let me not leave out one of the best parts of today, the fact that I’m writing this from my bed with a cat sound asleep and snoring on my leg and foot, now if that doesn’t inspire you to leave your office job...?)

Let the painting begin...

...and continue

...and it’s finished and beautiful, as are all of her paintings! And, Cathy looks so cute with her baby bump ~ and now I sound like a Hollywood tabloid reporter...

Hope you’ve had a good Monday too! Maybe even a creative one?!

Oh, and I meant to tell you that I’m "technically" on a little vacation this week. Sean has the week off from teaching and we’ve decided to vacation from home, a novel idea. So, I’ll see you when I see you ~ here at the ol' blog...especially with that podcast I’ve promised!

This is a very special commission I finished this week. I’m so happy with how it turned out. In fact I’ve decided to make it available as a print over at the shop.

With all the internet posts and discussions this week, it seems quite a few of you have just recently found your way over here to the blog and also the podcasts. I want to say hello, welcome and thank you for your kind comments about how listening to the podcasts are making a difference for you. That’s why I do them! As I’ve mentioned before it means a lot to know that my intentions in sharing my thoughts are matching how you are receiving them. Next week stay tuned for the newest podcast carrying on the discussion that has been rampant at this blog, Erin’s and Holly’s as the three of us join together and share advice in a segment Erin so appropriately titled, Roadmaps: a guide to creative pursuits.

I am wishing you a happy, happy weekend.

16 x 20 in.

The sock monkeys that is! I’ve added a couple of new paintings to my Larger Works gallery. And a 16 x 20 in. sock monkeys is one of them. It’s so fun to give these characters a little more breathing room, and see how they look in their more spacious environment.

I also want to use this post to answer Mindful Mimi’s question about "how do you photograph paintings for the web?". The truth is, I don’t really know the best way yet. I’m just learning. You see, all of my small daily paintings fit on my flatbed scanner, an Epson by the way, which I love, because in my opinion it picks up the colors beautifully. You can see every detail down to the brush strokes. My paintings are also acrylic so they dry quickly and I can scan them right away. It’s tricky photographing art. What I think so far, is that you need to invest in a really good camera. I’m using the Nikon D40 ( 6.1 megapixel), also LOVE it. A good quality camera can and will make all the difference. (But, if you don’t have one yet, don’t that let stop you from getting started...I know how we can make excuses that keep us from our creative lives...)

When you do take your pictures, and I imagine any good photographer will tell you as did my college photography teacher, don’t be a afraid to shoot a lot of images (thank you digital camera age) until you get a good one. When I photograph my clay characters, I have shot up to 40+ images of just one. And I do know this, natural light is best. The flash just does not work for me. It gives a false impression of the colors and makes the subject feel harsh. I’ve also heard that outside light is good, but I prefer inside because I like to photograph the paintings or characters in their likely setting so you can see them in a home environment , sometimes even with other objects in the frame. Having other objects included also gives a potential buyer a sense of the size of the painting. Basically, start looking at magazines, catalogs, other artists photography ~ Flickr is GREAT for this ~ and see the style that you like and try to re-create the elements in those product shots that inspire you. I find that with any product you are selling, you are also selling a feeling that is often conveyed through the photograph. So, think about who you are, what you represent, what feelings you want your work to represent, and include that as well. Above and beyond, most important, of course, have a nice clear image of your painting.

I hope any of those tidbits of advice might help. This is what I know so far. If you’re a specialist at this please jump in and leave a comment. I certainly would also appreciate any tips you have, especially as I continue to venture into the larger paintings.

Winter Trees 3
9 x 12 in.

*Edit* for Diana ~ I use the EpsonRX500. It’s a flatbed printer scanner and this model, I believe is 3 years old now. It only scans as large as 9 x 12 in.

I have to admit I’ve been away from the computer almost all day. I’ve been having such a nice, unexpected Tuesday "off" playing with the lovely Cathy and sweet Annabelle. Photos to follow...But in the meantime my blog post for today is over at the fabulous Erin’s blog, Design for Mankind. Erin has been sharing this series called "the dailies" over on her blog, 19 posts so far. Each "daily" features creative ladies who photo journal an entire day and share it as a blog post. It is such a fun way for the readers to see how we "really" spend our day~ and for me, I can see ~ so, this is what I do all day (besides just rescuing Garbo from the tree)! I decided to record a Creative Thursday, seemed appropriate, don’t you think?

And it seems that my daily schedule in this post has stirred a discussion on "how do you leave the corporate world exactly to pursue a lifestyle business in the creative arts? ~ especially financially!" I get it! So often, everything looks good on paper, but how are these people, of which I am now present company, REALLY supporting themselves, and are they REALLY supporting themselves, and really making a living as artists? I’m thinking a podcast might be good way to answer this because there’s so much to say on this subject alone. In fact most of my podcasts are in part dedicated to this topic, because in every podcast I choose to talk about a step I took and continue to take to make the leap and keep on leaping. I remember how desperately I wanted the to know the answer to that very question even 1 year ago. And I was so grateful to anyone and everyone who would share with me, how they made that transition. I’m happy to share as much as I can on this subject, because of just HOW much I wanted to know. I will also post a comment at Erin’s to add to the discussion, that I will share here as well. I’ll be back soon...

You can read my post over at Design for Mankind, right here. Thank you again Erin!

*Edit* March 26 ~ Ok, so I’ve now officially left 3 "book" sized comments over at this post. I seem to have a lot to say this on this subject...too much to post here as well, but let’s just say the podcast is being written!

4 x 4 in. A Monday monkey. If you’ve ever seen the British version of the TV series "The Office", there’s one episode where Ricky Gervais says "monkey" ~ makes me laugh every time. (original is sold)

Easter’s not just for bunnies....Since all my digital files are now officially organized ~ I found this image I made a few years ago when the little Garbs was just a kitten. I had to share it with you. And every year, Trader Joes offers these yellow daffodils. You bring them home as closed stems and they bloom within moments of putting them in water. Hope you’re having a beautiful Sunday. We’ve got some lounging in the yard and egg coloring going on over here.

4 x 4 in.

I’ve decided to continue on with the whole "dandelion theme" over here. I’m surprised I hadn’t thought of this one before. I’m sort of head over heels for this little fellow. But what can I say, other than the reason I paint "cuteness" is because I LOVE "cuteness". And speaking of cuteness...Holly compiled a fantastic children’s art round-up (including 60 artists) over at the Real Simple Blog, where she is now a regular contributor! As always, I’m honored to be included (thank you!!!!!) ~ and I’m mentioning it here because so many of you buy my art for children’s rooms and if you are looking to add to your collections, definitely check out this compilation of artists. And it goes without saying, but you know as well as I do that this kind of work is not just for the kiddies, as it’s just as fun for the adults!!

have a WONDERFUL holiday WEEKEND!!

(original is sold)

7 x 5 in.

What can I say, but happy first day of spring! I feel especially excited this year that it’s finally spring ~ and today is one of those GORGEOUS days again. Lulu and I headed out for our usual walk to the post office this morning to take in the gorgeousness.

(original is sold)

*Edit* March 21 ~ He’s now available as a print over at the shop.

As promised, a new one! Enjoy. While having trust certainly brought me this far, I still have to gently remind myself to keep on trusting the process, and in the words of Michael Neill, "just do what’s next" which at this moment is post this podcast!

click above to listen now click here to download MP3 Download Instructions Mac Users option click and Windows users right click on link above to download the file.

Here are the links to Michael Neill’s radio show (you have to register to listen to the archives, all free! ~ otherwise catch his newest show, live today at 12 p.m. PST.) And to learn more about Michael and his work, his website and last but not least a link to Michael’s newest book that I’m presently reading, and it’s WONDERFUL!!

Here they are, bunnies and peeps, getting ready to make their appearance over at the Etsy shop in a few hours. Just like the tiny originals, they’re so crazy cute all together!

5 x 5 in.

May this elephant bring you luck today, just by visiting the blog :). He was painted while listening to Sean’s Irish Mix on his Ipod. Happy St. Patty’s Day! Peeps and bunnies will be tomorrow. See you then!

(original is sold)

LOVE him! Today is Sean’s and my anniversary, and we’re taking the day off! And what a lovely day it’s been. I want to acknowledge Sean...

5 x 5 in.

I was working on commissions this week, and sweetie bear appeared in one of the paintings. So, she needed a painting of her own. Here she is in her garden of blooms inspired by those charming stamps, and IF’s topic, "garden".

Thanks for your well wishes and comments about the tiny portraits...there’s only 1 LEFT ~ maybe, just maybe, there will need to be a few more coming... I LOVE hearing from you, and so many new internet friends, too! happy creative thursday.

(original is sold)

*Edit* Sweetie bear is now available as a print over at Etsy.

each one is 2 x 2 in.

Mixing it up on a Monday. Ten tiny paintings. I’m sort of loving them all together in a row. I didn’t even plan the ten paintings on the tenth coincidence, but it works out nice. So much fun to paint these. I’m returning to my roots, when I used to draw teeny tiny drawings with a marker and frame them in an embroidery frame.
I think everyone should have a tiny portrait.

You can find them right here at Etsy.

Let’s just say, I’ve been feeling pretty sick over the last month ~ especially the last three weeks. You probably couldn’t have guessed this because the blog and my work have continued as usual ~ simply because creating and sharing it with you have kept me going lately ~ (that and Sean). This I’m sure you already know, but I LOVE my work. When you love your work this much, I guess that means that you’ve probably discovered at least one part of what you’re supposed to be doing in this life. I’m not going into any details here, because it’s complicated and because this is my blog, the place where I prefer to share the fun parts, the best parts, the bright shiny moments in my days. The good news, is that I’m feeling better, especially today, and as with everything - this too will pass and all that yammering on about slowing it down, I’ve finally done it! You start to listen when you’re body tells you "enough". Which is one of the reasons why I’m even wanting to share this here on my blog. When you are feeling really sick ~ that’s when you REALLY APPRECIATE everything. Nothing works without your health. So, if you can learn from me, slow down if you need to, take time if you need to. It’s important. All those things that feel so urgent ~ not really so if you’re not feeling well. These are the times when you realize, just how much of day to day happiness lies in the little things. I know we hear this all the time, but I have a much deeper understanding of what it means to really appreciate life, especially those little things ~ like these new "beautiful blooms" stamps ~ gorgeous!, a blooming orange tree, that we’ve just discovered in our yard ~ our house smells like honey because of these tiny flowers ~ and this "Lynette Lady Bug" timer from Anthropologie.

Also, if you’re my friends who live close by and check in at the blog, now you know where I’ve been ~ sorry I’ve been missing. Posting on the blog and visiting via emails has also been the extent of my socializing lately. But, slowly but surely, I’m finding my way back. And to those I’ve called in tears the last couple of weeks, especially my mom ~ thanks so much for your support.

I am wishing you a happy Monday ~ yes, even though it’s Monday, it’s a happy one (hang-in if you’re at a job you don’t like and you have the Monday blues ~ you’ll find your way to loving Monday’s too) especially because I’ll be right back with some tiny paintings...

4 x 4 in. (2 tiny chickadees and one who thinks he’s a bunny again)

Well, if you want to know what I’m doing on a Saturday. This is it. Originally cleaning was on the agenda, but I can’t put the paint brush down. Hmmm..cleaning? or painting? I’m a girl obsessed. You should know that I also have some fun paintings planned for release on Monday...

I hope you are having a beautiful Saturday. It is another stellar weekend here in L.A. Thanks again for all the sweet messages yesterday, especially those of you who were willing to share your stories with me and everyone else. I truly appreciate you.

It seems that many of you who are needing a little extra encouragement following your creative dreams are finding your way here ~ and I couldn’t be happier about that! That’s what I’m here for. A reminder that it IS possible for all of us. And, I’m cooking up another podcast... to keep the encouragement coming. Lots of love to you.

(original is sold)

...and as of today, Monday the 10th these peeps are available as a print over at Etsy. As is this little birdie.

"the gang celebrates"

I woke up this morning and realized that today is my 1 year anniversary selling prints over at Etsy. This was a very special day for me, as it marked the beginning of me being able to make a living with my art. With that said, I’m going to celebrate! And I’m also going to celebrate you, who have contributed to the dream come true in so many ways. I’m giving away a LARGE print today!! My first ever blog "give away". In honor of the occasion, I’ve decided to give away a "the gang celebrates". The print size is 12.5" x 17".

Here’s how it works. Just leave me a comment here at this blog post with whatever you feel like sharing. You can tell me what you’re doing for the weekend. You can tell me how happy you are that it is Friday. You can tell me your creative dreams. You can just say "hi". And, tomorrow morning, Saturday, at 9 am Pacific Standard Time, I will randomly choose a number, and the number that corresponds to the blog post comment, will get the print. Happy Friday! ...and thanks for EVERYTHING!!!!!!!

*Edit* Saturday, March 8. Email was having trouble at 9 am this morning, so I bumped the contest until 10 am. And we have a winner!!! comment #17 ~ miss Mati Rose!! Can I just say, I knew you were out there :) It was so nice to "meet" some of you for the very first time. Having a blog give away is fun, so I think we’ll have to do this again some time ~ dont' you think?

(and if you had your heart set on this print...I’ve now listed it in the large size right here at Etsy)

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be releasing eight giclees of my art on canvas. I’ve started today with this pretty one, Rosie’s Tree. I painted this last May and now it is available as a Giclee printed on stretched canvas, in, get this!! a LARGE size of 19" x 26". I will only have one available and it just went up over at the ol' Etsy shop.

Wishing you a happy Creative Thursday!

4 x 4 in.

You know I couldn’t leave Milton as a single bear in search of love...for long. He found his match, Minnie. In the world of Creative Thursday, everyone finds their love.

(click here to buy original)

6 x 6 in.

Can I just tell you, that we are having the most GLORIOUS weather that began yesterday and looks like it will continue through the week. Whenever I wonder why it seems like everyone and their brother moved here to Southern California...on days like today, I know why. THE WEATHER!

We spent all day in our garden yesterday, and I could not have had a nicer Sunday, reading and lounging about, beneath the soft warm rays of the sun, accompanied by sunglasses, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat of course :)

This is a new owl that is joining the Creative Thursday family and her name is Sunday. I also experimented with some new colors in this one too.
(original is sold)

*Edit* March 4 ~ It’s now available as a print over at Etsy!

"arctic friends" 10 x 10 in.

I’m excited to be the first featured Indie Artist at the opening of Grace Kang’s second Pink Olive Boutique opening in Brooklyn! While still focusing on baby gifts, this second store will also spotlight the arts, indie designers, vintage finds, and home decor...LOTS of fun stuff!! You can find my originals as well as a selection of my prints at the boutique, and you can also find them at her online shop starting next week.

If you’re in the Brooklyn area, here are the details! The store will be open on Saturday, March 1st from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 167 fifth avenue (between Lincoln and Berkley place).

Thank you Grace for inviting me to join you in your exciting new venture!!

5 x 5 in.

What does one paint on leap day? Why, a frog of course! I’ve never painted one before, and now I sort of love this little green fellow.

I happened to watch the Martha Stewart Show today, and she interviewed, Rob Kalin, the founder of Etsy. Thank you Rob for founding Etsy by the way. It made all the difference for me.

It’s exciting that main stream is finally learning about and sharing all the talented artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs taking the internet world by storm. I was wondering when they would start to catch on to what’s happening. Times are a changing and I’ll say it again ~ it’s so EXCITING!! ...and I think this is just the beginning...
I hope you’re having a happy Leap Day, a happy Friday, and happy weekend ahead.

(click here to buy original)