Hello Dahlia!

My neighbor grows the most beautiful Dahlia flowers…

She recently gave me a bouquet and I wanted to share them with you!

The colors, shapes and patterns are just dazzling, aren’t they?!

Perhaps you may also enjoy these imaginary flowers that I created in my large handmade journal:

I created them in a variety of art mediums; such as paper collage, ink pens and watercolor crayons.

May ALL these flowers inspire YOU in your art or just brighten your day!

Cheers! 😃

Easter Flowers

I started a watercolor recently that reminded me of colorful Easter eggs:

Then I added some flower doodles to my watercolor with a micron pen:

The flowers were inspired by this bouquet of Easter flowers:

Wishing you a happy Easter!

Cheers! 🙂

First Blooms

The Buttercups are in bloom!!

My husband picked these flowers from the forest near our home.

The arrival of sweet, golden Buttercups must mean Spring is on its way in the Pacific Northwest. Hurrah!

I wrote this haiku to celebrate these first blooms in my art journal:

Golden petals show,

Announcing Spring’s arrival,

A forest treasure.

Next, I added quick mini collages. I enjoy experimenting with color combinations, texture and balance.

I was able to get outside and take two short walks this weekend. My hip is doing great!

I hope you are all staying well.

Cheers! 🙂

Springing Forward

Sunday, we set our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, giving us an extra hour of light in the evenings. Yay!

According to the Washington Post; 70 countries change their clocks mid year for Daylight Saving Time including most of North America, Europe and parts of South America and New Zealand. China, Japan, India and most countries near the equator don’t fall back or jump ahead.

Today’s weird bird is Springing forward with a bouquet of blooms to give you a smile!

Happy Weird Bird Wednesday!

Cheers! 🙂

A Tropical Bird

It feels like winter has arrived in the Pacific Northwest…

So this tropical bird showed up for today’s weird bird:

It was so cold outside that my cat hesitated, not once, but 3-4 times to go outside! Brrr!

Happy Weird Bird Wednesday!

Cheers! 🙂

P.S. Speaking of tropical, I have decided to take a short blogging “vacation” until the end of November. You will find me snuggling with my cat to stay warm!

Petals Fade

We had a sunny day mixed with rain yesterday. I took this photo of a rose bush in my yard.

I thought it was beautiful how the rain droplet was held within its petals like arms holding onto the end of summer.

It inspired me to write a haiku:

Last bloom before frost?

Petals fade but one remains…

Unfolding with hope.

May you find hope in the beauty that surrounds you.

Cheers! 🙂

A Fresh Bouquet

My neighbor grows beautiful flowers in her yard. She recently brought me this fresh bouquet that brightened my day!

I decided to sit outside and paint it in watercolor.

I had an unexpected visitor who was buzzing with happiness!

I am pleased how this painting turned out and plan to give it to my neighbor as a thank you for her kindness.

Whose day can you brighten with a little unexpected kindness?

Cheers! 🙂

August Square-A-Day Project

I chose flowers – real and imagined for my Square-A-Day project for August.

I tried something different and drew each flower square with a .01 black Micron pen:

This gives me the option to try different art mediums when I make a copy. I thought it would be fun to color them!

If you are interested in coloring them also, I will learn how to create a worksheet for you to print and color – let me know in your comments.

I was inspired by other artist’s styles this month, perhaps you recognize Mary Engelbrecht? I have always been a big fan of her art!

Pinterest was also a big source of ideas and I discovered many “how to draw” steps which was extremely helpful.

When I started drawing flowers, I discovered patterns EVERYWHERE such as fabrics, greeting cards, carpet and of course nature – my best teacher!

I hope you enjoy them and share with me the ones that are a favorite pick for your “bouquet!”

Cheers! 🙂

Hello Friend!

My husband and I had to travel to Detroit, Michigan recently.

I messaged my blogging friend, Patty Anne who I knew lived in the area for suggestions on good restaurants.

Not only did Patty Anne have some great food ideas, she rearranged her schedule so we could meet in person! I was thrilled!!

Hello friend!!

We met for dinner and each of us brought an art journal or two to share. We had a blast! I so LOVE Patty Anne’s art!! Seeing her creativity in person was an extra special treat!

And speaking of treats, she made me this sweet little birdy in watercolor:

She even tied it with a bow and added a couple of her special flowers!

I am so touched by her kindness.

We were having so much fun that we forgot to take a photo of us together which just means we have to get together again!

I have been practicing art in “Patty Anne’s style” so I can make her a little gift.

Thanks Patty Anne for such an enjoyable evening. Your friendship across the miles was the highlight of my trip!

Cheers to Blogging Friendships! 🙂

PS. I do hope you check out Patty Anne’s art if you aren’t familiar with it! She paints with JOY!

Frosting Cupcakes

Sometimes making art is like… frosting cupcakes!

You start with a basic recipe, like paper collage:

Add some food coloring or Stabilo Woody water soluble pencils:

Whip up the sugar and cream in a bowl and do a taste test…maybe it needs a little more vanilla or perhaps something else?

When you are satisfied, the silky cream is spread over the miniature cakes. And then you realize it needs one more thing… Sprinkles!! Or art doodles!

I learned yesterday that sometimes it is the process of frosting cupcakes rather than the finished “art” product that is important.

I will be taking another short blogging break next week. I have some cupcakes to frost…

Cheers! 🙂