Buon Natale!

Merry Christmas, Roman-style! Many of the restaurants in Italy had beautiful displays of food either in their windows or in front of the doorway, but this place in Rome was dressed early for Christmas.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Ahhh, The Colors & Textures of Venice

Late afternoon light on the Grand Canal

My sister-in-law, Annie.
"Everyone looks more glamorous with Venice in the background."

Venice made me feel like I was a photographer...with my point & shoot.

I just returned from Italy and I am newly inspired! What a beautiful place. It will take more than one post to cover even the highlights, but I am starting where the trip started, in Venice. What I loved most about Venice was all the ancient, weathered walls and window shutters in beautiful, muted colors and textures. The pinks, corals, ochres and earthy grays and browns have me inspired to start a new series of watercolors. 

Collage of texture and the start of a new palette.

My favorite photo of Venice.
Residents chat with their pull cart of market purchases
 on this side street off Via Garibaldi.

Playing with the leaves.

I am never sure where an inspiration is going to take me. Collecting these leaves on my walk started me playing with different backgrounds to capture them on. Then, I thought a little bit about whether I might do a painting based on the photo. And, I also dug into a little color palette play.
Sometimes these meanderings of mine result in a creative project. And sometimes...it's just another day of play...

Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd & Duralee Fabrics!

I keep seeing this ad. I loved it the first time and it keeps stopping me, so I finally clipped it and pinned it up on my wall. The color combinations and the design of the textiles are gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd and Duralee!
http://eileenkathrynboyd.blogspot.com

http://www.duralee.com

Anthropologie is Food for the Soul

Browsing in an Anthropologie store is like visiting an art gallery. It always gets me inspired. I picked up these post-its on my last visit, because...well, I must have fun post-its. Love the artwork by Betsy Thompson, whimsical and sophisticated at the same time.  

This is why I love Elle Decor

This image from the July/Aug issue of Elle Decor stopped me with it's beauty. I had to look up the photographer and share some of my faves. To see more of Ilan Rubin's work, and there is a lot to look at go to www.ilanrubin.com.

Step One: Get Started

I have been inspired lately but I have not made the time to start creating something new. I think it is because I am not sure which direction I want to go in, not even sure what medium. 

So when in doubt, do something, do anything. Just do, instead of thinking about it. The rest usually works itself out. So I did. 

Early Morning

I am up early this morning. An inspiring time. This is the tree I look at every morning as I drink my coffee. I have taken a lot of pictures of this tree.

"Remember to take your daily dose of color."

Port Authority, New York

Eating healthy and embracing color –  two of my favorite things! New York social sculpture artist, Tattfoo Tan, has combined the two with his NMS: Nature Matching System to create awareness and encourage us to eat our fruits and vegetables.

I love this and what it represents. Read more about the art, the project, the murals at tattfoo.com

Placemat

Grocery Store Stickers

I want to paint like a 6 year old!

Keeping my artwork fresh is always a challenge for me. I tend to overwork things, trying to get them just right. Sometimes that process can suck the life out of a piece of art. So I admire any artist who can keep things loose and spontaneous. One of the reasons I am captivated by children's art.
I was completely blown away by this body of work that was created by my niece, who is only 6 years old. She has been taking classes for a few years now and these small canvases are each beautiful on their own. My sister-in-law creatively gathered them together to create one stunning piece for her kitchen wall.

Random sightings of beauty

Shooting on location is one of the best parts of my job. I have been lucky enough to travel to some wonderful places. And work with some talented photographers. But even unglamorous locations offer moments of inspiration and beauty. These are just a few things that caught my eye last week. I am no photographer, but I can't resist capturing things that inspire me, including yet another concrete floor.