I finished working on this vintage radio painting yesterday and I just love it! I found the vintage radio at an estate sale, where I dug around and found it in the attic. I think I got it for a couple of bucks and I am still mesmerized by the turquoise color of the 60's. So far this summer I can't seem to get enough of estate sales.  If I see a sign I have to immediate make an emergency 9-1-1 stop! and have a look around.  I think it might be the adrenaline rush of finding the perfect vintage treasure.  I always paint a little bit of still life when I need to mix things up in my work.  I am also still not painting in my studio but painting in my kitchen...  Maybe it's a sign of change?  I am thinking my studio might need a complete makeover!   I have started making my list of diy projects for me to tackle or should I say transform my studio- more on that soon.  I'm adding it to my summer goal list .  How is your Thursday going? I still can't believe it's the la...
I have been using Instagram for about 7-8 months and I still can't get enough! .. It's kinda addicting.  Instagram is photosharing via your phone and you can use one of their photo editing filters on the pic.  It's soo interesting just looking at the little glimpses into life.- I limited my collage to only 1 puggy picture. :).. since I have about a million.. It's been with me to so many places and catching the cutest little furry faces.  Also for the record I created the coffee creamer tower of power- not my husband.  He doesn't have the balancing skills like me. Are you using Instagram? Let's link up!  Just search for my name Erika Lee Sears!...
Hello! We finally have gotten some decent weather and we trying to figure out what adventure we want to do over the weekend. I always love to put it as an adventure- it makes even the little things exciting.  I am thinking maybe going to hike up by this lake about 45 minutes from town and it so happens to be right next to a wine vineyard or two.  I only know 2 things about wine.  1.  I like to drink it. 2. Even fancy wine can have a screw top... I was a little surprised at this but it's true.   What are up to this weekend? ...
I am organizing an art show in August with my good friend Anna.   The show is organized in conjunction with the group Siren Nation !  Only Portland area artists because it's a one night only show. :)  I am so lucky to be apart of this event because Siren Nation is a nonprofit devoted to inspiring women in the arts.  Siren Nation has been going strong for several years and they really let Anna and I plan and do lots of fun things for this event. Paint Your Art Out is Siren Nation’s annual celebration of visual art, including live painting demos, art auction and a showcase of art by Northwest artists. Other activities may include performance art, audience participation art, live music, DJ’s, food, or whatever outrageous ideas strike our creative fancy. Immerse yourself in art, get inspired and celebrate the spirit of creativity.   Call to Artists:   Paint your art out is a 1 night only juried art event and it's set for August 18th.   We are looking for 2D art work and...
My parents have decided to sell their home that they have lived in for over 25 years.  I remember when they built it and I even had my wedding there. :) For the first time ever my parents have decided to clear out the clutter and go through their treasures.  I don't know if you remember Beta VCR? My parents bought Beta instead of VHS because it was better quality and it would last longer. They still have it.  So my parents save everything! and I even remember when my mother told me that CDs were just a fad.  I wanted to share with you some of my latest inheritance. I don't agree with new fur at all! I love my furry friends. I am ok with vintage fur hand me down pieces. (this one is rabbit).   This piece is my mother's from the 60's.  One of my favorite stories of my mother is that she was on the spanish tv version of American Bandstand.  She was one of the go-go dancers and would wear this piece out and about to all the dance clubs and performances.  She told me the fu...
Since summer has rolled in- I have the urge to go camping.  I have been eyeing one of these bad boys for quite some time and I know maybe Santa will put one under the Christmas tree one year. :).  Well I want to admit that I am a little bit of a wimp when it comes to camping but I do like doing it with a little style. Retro2Go 1.  Forever21 2. Tempus Fugit (vintage)   3. Delias 4. Ruche 5. Modcloth   6.  Ecote Macrame Are you planning any fun trips for the summer?...
Since I have my tv turned off this week... I wonder if there is a tv addict self help group, I totally sound like an addict!  I wanted to put together some of the music I am loving this summer.  I am wondering what the summer song will be but I guess we won't find that out until the end of the summer! Best Coast- very beachy :) Foster of the People - perfect for any road trip. Fleet Foxes. I drank the kool aid on this one and my husband has been singing this album at the top of his lungs for weeks. What are you listening to this summer?...
This week is a special occasion- I am going to try and go a week with out television.  I am not sure if I can do it but I think it will be well worth it. I always say that I am a child of television.  When I was a kid my mother would plunk me in front of the television for morning cartoons and then we would rent movies and I was around the television pretty much all the time.  I know that I watch a lot of television and justify it to myself that it keeps me plugged in, and I do love it, but I do need a break.  I will miss you Judge Judy, Real Housewives, STYCD, and all of the glorious reality television I love to watch. I am feeling  brave at the moment and hopefully I won't crack this week.  Have you thought about giving up TV?...
I am so happy that it is summer time :) and one thing I do love is road trips! We took a day trip up to the mountain and visited Lost Lake.  I were so excited to hop out of town and I even packed a little picnic.  This summer we want to do lots of mini road trips!  It was about 75 degrees or so in Portland and we totally thought it would be sunshine up the mountain.  I was surprised with the amount of snow that was still on the ground. This lake is a non motor lake and you can rent dreamy paddle boats and can camp.  Most of the hiking trails were closed due to snow but we did go around the lake and I am pretty positive I saw a bear foot print. Tim thought it was more likely a large dog, but they have bears in these woods!  What are you up to this weekend? I might drag Tim out of town to another lake and maybe try a warmer one....
I wanted to say thank you so much! I can't believe I have over 200 followers and I never thought I would have met so many amazing people with my blog.  I am so lucky to have meet you.  I have learned so much from doing a blog and have even become a little braver. :) Thank you! Tim told me that my green dress looks like a Starbucks apron. I told him that you don't wear a bow belt with a Starbucks inspired dress!...
I wanted to show you the amazing pictures of the monkey forest sitting in the middle of Ubud, Bali.  The monkeys are protected by the government and they have free reign of this forest. You can even buy bananas and little treats for the monkeys and feed them when you get inside and they pretty much only pay attention to you if you have a tasty treat.  In fact at the entrance they say no plastic bags allowed because the monkeys will run up and grab the bag.  Also ladies shouldn't reach into their handbags because the monkeys will think they are reaching for a treat and they will snatch the handbag. I was also surprised at the amount of monkeys.  They were everywhere!  Since this is a sacred place, there were a lot of temples around the area. See that monkey snoozing in the picture? I wanted to just take one home but I am not sure if my little pugs would like a monkey brother. They are pretty diva like :). ...
This is the last photos of our trip to Asia and I really had a special connection to Bali. I hope some of the magic will rub off on some of these photos.  The markets were amazing and full of color.  I loved seeing all the hand made items. Gorgeous doorways everywhere! Art Studios.. and Art around every corner. I was simply in heaven! MMMMM! I am not 100% sure what the dessert was but it was delicious.  Of course no place would be complete with out me having a delicious coffee beverage. :) I loved every second of Bali.. more to come....
Happy Thursday! If your in Portland- I am going to have some of my paintings up for first Friday at Studio 2507 :).  I am going to have several paintings that I worked on while I was in Asia last month.  June 3rd 6-9pm  Studio 2507, 2507 SE Clinton St., Portland, OR 8X10 Oil on Board. ...