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This was over a month ago (kinda tells you how fast my August has flown by) but, I didn’t want to let sharing about my experience of July’s third Friday artwalk go. It was such a great date with myself. I had plans to go with a friend and our kids, that fell through so I was going to go with just my kids but, Bert ended up being home from work early and the kids didn’t want to go with me. I was a little sad at first and thought for a second I would skip it however, I really wanted to the see the She Deck exhibit before it closed. Not seeing it would have been a big bummer so, I decided to go on my own. It was an awesome time. I forget that I like being in my own company. I like to move at my own pace and wander. I like lingering when it feels good. Couple that with my love for viewing and experiencing art and that makes for a perfect date. I spoke to a few artists and a gallery owner while there which I wouldn’t have done if I had company with me. It was a great reminder to go out, even if no one wants to go out with me and maybe especially if no one wants to go out with me.

Pieces by women artists will abound along Grand Avenue on Third Friday, as {9} The Gallery also presents a “Summer Solstice” exhibition, plus a “She Deck” exhibition of skateboard decks, at the Frontal Lobe Gallery at Bragg’s Pie Factory.

Top: Exhibit at {9) Gallery, Artist Brenda Edwards

Middle: Mural on the side of {9} Gallery, Artist Amanda Adkins

Bottom: Summer Solstice Exhibit at Frontal Lobe Gallery, Artists Lisa Von Hoffer and Lauren Lee

 She Deck Exhibit at Frontal Lobe Gallery featuring over 50 female artists showing their skateboard deck creations.

I happen to have my art on exhibit at the Fair Trade Cafe during third Friday also. I was blessed to sell two artworks during my time being featured! Heartfelt thank you to Fair Trade Cafe and those who enjoyed and purchased my art.

I have been struggling to find a rug for a couple years now. Since I regularly change the artwork hanging in our living room, I felt like keeping it neutral would be best. However, as a family with two boys and a dog I have come to accept that a light beige rug is not the right fit for us. After two failed attempts at trying a light colored rug only to have it destroyed shortly after bringing it home, I decided I needed to change it up and add a pop of color. We checked out a clearance section of the furniture warehouse and ended up with this bold beauty! (Rug modeled by Hudson, he loves how soft it is).

We took it home and right away I knew a DIY project in store for me. Our weathered coffee table was no longer a match and had seen netter days so, it was time for a facelift. (Below Ethan and Hudson are modeling the new rug with our current coffee table, notice Hudson is once again laying on it because it’s so soft and Ethan was told to please remove his shoes right after I snapped the picture, haha)

The sanding begins, and continues, and goes on some more. I had envisioned a natural wood top with white sides and natural drawers. Well this table top was stubborn and the previous two layers of paint just would not fully come off. After about 4-5 hours of sanding in the hot summer heat I threw in the towel and decided to paint the entire table white leaving just the drawers natural.

I was pretty unsure about a white coffee table. But the results turned beautifully! The new white table and bold rug transformed the whole feel of the room. It is now so much brighter, more lively and I love it so much. We keep the lights low and the window blinds barely open so, this room could be quite dark before. On a side note, this table has been in our home for about 14 years! It started out all natural, then blue/green, then white top and green sides and now white! One of the many reasons I love wood furniture is that it can be transformed again and again. I think the simple updates made a huge difference. Total cost for the rug and paint for this transformation was just $120. Now, I’m thinking I need a few more new pillows! So, what do you think?

Artist creations: Silhouette Pillow of my kids made custom by Desert Baby, Dreamcatcher by Rachael Rice Art, Beach art pillow and Fireflies art pillow available in my Etsy shop, Phoenix painting by me.

I’m answering 3 creative questions today!

1. What have I been working on?

oh, a variety of things!

my sketchbook: I have been trying to work in my sketchbook more. I have had the one shown above since 2010 and it’s still not finished. I know that the practice is good for my soul and my art so, I’m challenging myself to work on it more often. After all these years I finally gave the cover a little art love.

wedding invitations: I wrapped up a luscious purple wedding invitation suite that I had been working on with a sweet couple for a few months.

new flower art: The most exhilarating project has been the process of working on three flower still life’s and then completely painting over them in a style that is more reflective of me and my work. It was an amazingly freeing process and one that reminded me to “paint like you“. I plan to photograph them this weekend.

custom kids art: I am in the beginning stages on a few custom art pieces that will hang in the bedrooms of two little boys.

2. Why do I create what I do?

I started years ago with the desire to share the creative things I was doing in my life with the world and to sell my creations. Though I still do that, my goal has changed. My journey to becoming an artist has had numerous starts and stops. My dream is paint and be a self sufficient artist supporting my family from my creative work. I do this to share myself through art, create custom pieces for important moments in one’s life and to bring joy to the lives and sacred spaces of those that collect my art.

3. How does my creative process work?

I begin by choosing a subject I’d like to work with and gathering bits of inspiration. I may make a vision board and collect things that inspire me, I may sketch ideas, I may take pictures but, many times I just start painting and see where it leads. If I’m working on a custom piece I tend to sketch more and draw on the canvas before starting however, if I’m working on my own art, I’m much freer and enjoy letting the art unfold. I usually start with a general idea and layout in mind but, let myself get lost in creation and explore.

When artistic opportunities arise at my kids’ schools I try my best to make the time to help. It’s not always easy but, it is always worth it. It’s a way I can be involved while doing something I love to do – win/win!

Here are two art projects that came up this year that I was happy to help with.

Hudson’s class worked on a collaborative art project to auction off at the school’s annual fundraiser. I was delighted to help the class with their creation. I brought in few options and the class voted on which idea they liked best. Then, I went into class a few times to assist the kids in painting the background and patterns for the piece. We also decided to include their classroom character traits so, you’ll see words like Honest, Respectful, Appreciative sprinkled throughout. Then I took all the painted sticks home, arranged them and framed them. I really love the end result – the kids did an amazing job!

Ethan’s school athletic day was centered around the Greek Olympic games and the P.E. instructor had the idea to create shields for the teams. They traced Greek symbols onto the shields and me and few other parents painted them for the event. I also helped out during field day by scoring the shot put event and got to see the opening and closing ceremonies with all the shields displayed! Such a fun day.