I want to make art everyday in 2015.  It sounds simple, right?  I don't know if I am crazy for taking on this challenge but I feel like I need a project to make some sort of art everyday.  Since having my second baby only seven weeks ago, the only thing I miss other than sleep is making art. 2015 is just starting and when a new year rolls around, it's a time or maybe an excuse to start something.  Maybe it's just a way around a new years resolution, but a new year is a fresh start and just about anything can happen. Now...The Rules. 1. Make art everyday, no matter how big or small. Any medium counts. Even if I draw a stick person or just snap a blurry photo, the point is just to make art. 2.  I am not allowed to give up. This is very important. 3.  I am not allowed to throw away any artwork or rip out any pages in my sketch book. I am allowed to start over.  I have been known if I get fed up with a painting or mad at my work. I start painting over canvases or ripp...
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  Nora has been talking non-stop about Santa and has been practicing opening up her presents.  We finally took her to see Santa and she was not happy.  She ended up throwing her shoes and Christmas list at Santa. Poor guy. hehe....
I love doughnuts! I have been known to wake up at the crack of dawn just to get my hands on a warm, fresh doughnut. This shop is open 24 hours. Since I have been painting different parts of Portland for the art show, "The Big 500", I thought, why not paint Portland's most famous doughnut shop? There are lots of amazing doughnut places around town, but VD was Portland's first unique doughnut experience. They have doughnuts with fun combinations such as bacon maple glaze or my personal favorite the Captain Crunch donut. It's one of those places where, if you are visiting Portland, then you have stop in.  What's your favorite doughnut?  Details about the show. Opening Night: December 13. 2014 and opens at 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (if you are planning on going opening night, go early!) Dates: December 13, 2014- January 11, 2014 Address: Top Floor of Pioneer Place,  People's Gallery, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR Want to see more artwork from the p...
Aren't these Sabre cameras pretty great? I don't think I could ever get tired of painting these bright old cameras. I can't put my finger on what makes them so special, the color, the font, or maybe the adorable geometric design.  It just boils down to my love for old things. Even though the Big 500 opening has happened, they are doing an additional opening in accordance with the 3rd Saturdays art receptions.  The great thing about this opening is that there will be a lot of artists to meet and there is still a ton of art to view.  (More details about the show and times listed below) Details about the show. Opening Night: December 13. 2014 and opens at 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (if you are planning on going opening night, go early!) Second Opening: December 20th 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Dates: December 13, 2014- January 11, 2014 Address: Top Floor of Pioneer Place,  People's Gallery, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR Want to see more artwork from the previous years?  B...
Here is another peak for this amazing art show, the Big 500. This also happens to be one great place for fried chicken.  I think my favorite is the color of the building and the way the sun is shinning makes me think of summer time.   This weekend there are so many fun holidays things happening around Portland.  I need to finish up my holiday shopping and it's Tim's birthday. Juggling two kiddos and finding the perfect gifts is going to be quite the holiday adventure. What are you up to this weekend? Details about the show. Opening Night: December 13. 2014 and opens at 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (if you are planning on going opening night, go early!) Dates: December 13, 2014- January 11, 2014 Address: Top Floor of Pioneer Place,  People's Gallery, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR Want to see more artwork from the previous years?  Big 500  // Big 400  //  Big 300  //  Big 200  //  Big 100 PS. Want to buy a copy of this print? Click  here....
This is my 3rd piece for the Big 500! (more details below). I have been meaning to share more work for this awesome show, that opens this very Saturday.  I was able to finish all the paintings before having baby Everett, but have been slow to share on the blog.  I just love painting these little slated roof buildings because there is just something so cozy and adorable about them.  I have been doing some painting in my studio since Everett has been born, but not every day and I miss it.  Just looking through my paintings for the show, makes me want to get back in the swing of things. Details about the show. Opening Night: December 13. 2014 and opens at 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (if you are planning on going opening night, go early!) Dates: December 13, 2014- January 11, 2014 Address: Top Floor of Pioneer Place,  People's Gallery, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR Want to see more artwork from the previous years?  Big 500  // Big 400  //  Big 300  //  Big 200  //  Big 100...
Wow! I still can't believe I made it through childbirth again! Childbirth is one of the most difficult things that I have ever done in my life. It's one of those things, that you don't know you if have it in you until it happens.  Even though it was so incredibly hard and awful, it made me feel so proud, strong and even fearless. Everett's birth was a million times easier than Nora's birth, but they say the second time around is easier than the first.  I was scheduled for an induction on that Tuesday 11/11 at 6:00 pm, but the baby had other plans. I started having really heavy contractions on 11/10 at around 10:00 pm. I was kind of in denial that I was going into labor because the contractions came on really fast.  I was completely convinced that I was having Braxton Hicks (false labor), and it was one big false alarm. I was pacing around the house and Tim started timing my contractions.  He ended up calling the hospital and they told us to come in.  The contr...
It has been completely quiet around here, but guess what?  I had my sweet baby boy.  Welcome to the world Everett Kai Sears.  He came into the world with a very short labor and delivery. (More to come on my birth story). I am so great-full that he came out healthy and big pile of cuddles.     He has been such a sweet and mellow baby (thank god) but just by the look in his eyes, he has a twinkle of mischief.  Baby Everett loves to be held and sniffs around like a little puppy, which of course is my favorite!  His dislikes are burping, farting, and pooping, and I am sure he will change his mind in the future. I still can't believe I'm a mommy to two little humans and I am going to have my hands full. I hope that I can keep up with documenting the time because I don't want to forget the little moments.  I love that I am entering this new chapter in my life of having a family of four. ...
Here is the next painting for the upcoming show The Big 500 , and it is one of my favorites. I decided to paint a few landscapes for this show because this show has turned into one of Portland holiday staples.  This is George's Tavern- just a regular bar in Portland but some how the with the light and power lines, made it extra special.  The best part about painting landscapes, especially the common every day scenes are finding the unique details about them. Details about the show. Opening Night: December 13. 2014 and opens at 2:00 pm - 9:00 pm (if you are planning on going opening night, go early!) Dates: December 13, 2014- January 11, 2014 Address: Top Floor of Pioneer Place,  People's Gallery, 700 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR Want to see more artwork from the previous years?  Big 500 // Big 400  //  Big 300  //  Big 200  //  Big 100 PS. Want to buy a copy of this print? Click here....
It's the time of year again and I've started painting for the Big 500.  The Big 500 is a holiday art show that showcases 500 artists! Each artist is given 10 wood panels (8 inch by 8 inch) and all the same price, which means there will be about 5000 pieces of affordable art-work. This show gets crazier and crazier every year, and the line to get in for opening night is pretty insane. People camp out and wait in line hours before. When the doors open, it's a mad house to get in and there will be art collectors ripping art off the wall. The best part about the show is that there is art from established artists to emerging artists. All of the art work is the same price and it's hung saloon style (all mixed up). There is also a huge diversity of art from portrait artists to abstract to mixed media, pretty much there are no rules! One year someone did crochet male parts, on their panels (true story). I have been participating in the show since it first opened years ...
I had a friend of mine, tell me about this amazing little apple stand, and it so happens to be pretty close to my house. One of my favorite things about living on the edge of the city, is having access to local farms. It's an apple stand that sits in front of an orchard and you pay based on the honor system.  So you pick out what you want and leave it in a home-made wooden box.  It's pretty great. The apples from this stand are so crisp and fresh, that I could eat them all plain. It's one of those stands you could smell that apple fall smell before you walked up to it.   Since it's  fall, why not bake?  I decided to make some apple pie bread and the crunch of the crumble on the top, with the fresh apples.  It's that good.  I have been eating this bread nearly every morning dunked into my morning tea or hot coco. If you want to be really naughty, toast a slice in the oven and then add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Serious business. Yum. Ing...
8x10 oil on board Do you ever feel like you are running out of time? I'm about 6 weeks away from having my second baby, and feel like that time is slipping through my fingers. I know what to expect with the whole baby process this time around, but my major concern is time.  I love being a mother, a wife, and an artist but it feels like by growing a family, that the other roles are getting larger and the part that's just me is getting smaller.    I think I'm just in this juxtapose position that I want to have all my work done and have the whole birthing process over with. So with losing time, I just want time to go faster.  I know, now, it's just a waiting game for basically life to happen. It's official, I have started working on holiday and client work, before I go on maternity leave.  After Nora was born, I think I only lasted a couple weeks before I was back in my art studio working.  Making art was the best sort of healing after birth because it...
I'm participating in a group show at People's Gallery , opening next week. The title for the show is Icon a Show of Portraits and I couldn't be more thrilled to participate.   The curators for this gallery work so hard to bring art into the community and they continue to inspire me with their dedication and creativity. One of my favorite icons of all time is Alice Neel . She was a true trail blazer for women in art and in life. She was someone, that just had to make art.  There is something so admirable about someone's spirit, and is willing to do whatever it takes for the passion of their craft. Her art was something that ran so deep with in her, that it came through in her paintings. If you have a chance to see her work in person, her energy leaps off the canvas. When her paintings are on display at the Portland Art Museum, I go visit them. When I'm in New York City, there is one that is close to the elevator on the 3rd floor at MOMA, that I visit. The...
Portland Rhododendron Gardens is easily one of my favorite little parks in Portland because Tim and I got married here. It's a special place, not only because we had our special day here but we used to come here for dates too.  We would just walk around the park for hours, holding hands and talking. It's truly one of my favorite hidden gems in the city because it's never really crowded, and it's like a secret garden. We spent the morning walking around all the different lakes and streams.  The whole garden is extremely toddler and pregnant lady friendly which earns extra bonus points. There are lots of nice big wide paths and not to many hills. There are tons of big fat ducks and bossy geese around the lakes, and they love visitors or I should say snacks.  I didn't realize this but I gave Nora a graham cracker and a goose chased us around for nearly 20 minutes.  and just for a crumb! It actually felt pretty creepy, like I was in some movie ( Attack...
I have really enjoyed sharing my sketchbook on this blog and in Instagram . There is something that makes me feel so much more braver as an artist, when I just put it out there. In making just 1 piece of art, there are so many different layers and ugly phases.  The best part of keeping a sketchbook is seeing and revisiting those past phases and layers. For a long time, I was extremely self conscious about sharing my studies and sketches because the work was just not done yet. It's hard showing your work, that is half finished or just show your imperfections as a maker.  I guess I am realizing, there is something beautiful in seeing the beginnings, the in-betweens, and thoughts of something. I have been taking a little bit of a break from painting landscapes and to be honest, I was a burnt out by them.  I have been painting them for so long, that it felt like I was struggling to find inspiration. Inspiration is everywhere but I was blocked. When I do a gallery show or get a re...
One of my favorite things to do, is to make art based on my dreams, especially while pregnant. Dreams when you're pregnant tend to be a little on the strange side and more vivid.  I think it might  have something to do with the extra boost of hormones from the baby, but they sure are unusual. When I was pregnant with Nora, I had nothing but vampire and zombie dreams. I had this dream I was swimming under water and I was surrounded by gold fish. I remember the goldfish were swimming around me and I would try to swat them away.  When I was able to hit one, they would keep swimming but turn sparkly and blinding.  The water was cool and I can still feel how it felt on my skin. Making art based on dreams, it reminds me that I can make whatever type of art I want.  It can be good, it can be bad but it's more about the stream of consciousness. Sometimes I think I get so wrapped up in an idea or a project, that I forget about letting in room for the unexpected and letting acci...
I have been thinking a lot about traveling. It's really odd because when I was pregnant with Nora, all I wanted to do, was stay with in a 5 mile radius of my house. (no joke) With this pregnancy, all I can think about is hopping on a plane or a car and just going some where.   Having a 2nd kiddo is more than likely make me even more home bound, at least for a little while.   So for now, I can fantasize about taking a road trip. Hitting the highway next to the ocean and tasting the ocean spray.  Oh and the best part of any road trip is pulling over for snow cones and look out points, sounds amazing doesn't it? This print is in my in my etsy shop. Happy Monday!...
I am a huge sucker for a real-life painting. I just love going to an art show or the museum and strolling along through all of the paintings. There is something so special and magical about an an original piece of art that it's almost as if the artist was able to freeze time and capture a moment, an emotion, a movement, a feeling or even just the energy in the air. Art is something that lives within its materials and only an artist can make it come alive. It's looking at the layers of simplicity and complexity for the hidden meaning behind the layers of paint. It's watching a sculpture stare back at you almost like it's living and breathing. When it comes to sculptures, I just want to reach out and touch them.. or maybe I should say poke them! The best thing about buying art is that I will have it forever and I can enjoy it as much as I want. I have collected a lot of art throughout the years and each one I truly still love looking at and that I could never part wit...
I have been totally craving pickles, maybe it's my pregnancy talking or maybe it's the fact it's summer, but we've been going through about a jar a week. I thought to myself, could it possible, could I make my own pickles? I'll be honest, making my own pickles has made me love eating them even more! They are after all, the greatest sandwich and burger accessory of all time.  Lately, my favorite is on the side of a grilled cheese sandwich. They add that extra special, crunch, acid and zing to every bite. Pickles are such a easy and quick snack, and I don't have to feel guilty about eating as many as I want or giving them to Nora. She always requests, pickles at breakfast time.  I don't know about you, but oatmeal with a side of pickles sounds like an amazing combination to me.  hehe. Refrigerator pickles are so incredibly easy and fast to make,  it makes me wonder why didn't I discover making them sooner. Want to know the secret to good pickle? ...
I am totally 100 percent embarrassed about my old kitchen table.  I have had this table for maybe 8 years now and I have not been nice to it, like at all.  I have done so many projects on this table and it completely shows. There are a ton of water marks, scratches, burns and who knows what else it has been tortured with.  I even convinced myself that there was some level of character rather than a crazy mess.  Maybe me being 5 months pregnant might have something to do with me feeling like I need to complete all of my projects and clean every nook and cranny of my house, but I knew it was time to tackle the table.  Tim wanted to just get a new table but I of course convinced him to give me a chance to try and salvage it, and if he liked it then I got new kitchen chairs. Completely fair deal, right? Before starting on this project, the main thing I was worried about was seeing what was underneath all of the damage.  I thought I should strip it and try to save the wood and if it was...
If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed I have been doing a little painting.  In my first trimester it was pretty hard to do any sort of art work but I am slowly finding time and solutions to paint. Let me tell you, I really missed it, like a lot! I have been mainly working in my sketchbook and have been painting in bed.  I know in bed isn't the best place to do any sort of art work but there is nothing more comfortable than wearing a good pair of pajamas, in my favorite pair of fuzzy bunny socks, laying on a big pile of pillows and making art. And, why not? Art can happen anywhere can't it?  Did you have a view master as a kid? I sure did! It's a little device that you look through with circular cardboard filled with color photographic film.   They have been around a long time and the one that I had when I was kid was filled with disney cartoons.  The view master is a place that once you look inside it puts you into this little viewing tunnel and liter...
Hello! Did you have a good weekend? We escaped to the coast for the holiday weekend and it was pretty amazing weather. When I say ah-mazing I mean it was so sunny, warm and I could run and dip my toes into the cool crisp ocean water. Getting to be in the ocean is a pretty rare occurrence in the Pacific Northwest because it's always so cold and the sub zero wind blows extremely hard (even in the summer), so it's such a luxury when you can really enjoy the beach and play in the water.  This is my first 4th of July celebrating on the coast in Washington and here you can buy the fancy fireworks.  These are the fireworks that my husband gets really excited about and as soon as we go in to firework tent, he immediately grabs his own basket and gets into this frenzy of needing to get his hands on the biggest and loudest fireworks possible. Now if only he could be so passionate about shoe shopping.  In the end we went to 3 different firework stands to make sure we weren...
Wow! Birds. Flowers. Old Photos.  What more could you want in a collage?   Ben Giles alters old photos and uses collage and injects them with color and energy.  The black and white pictures with the over lay of big, bold, beautiful vintage images are so out of ordinary. Love so much! ...
Having creativity is such an important thing to your person and soul. There isn't anything better than feeling that surge of magic when you find that special something that inspires you. I get stuck every now and then and what helps is always being on the look out for inspiration and to have a few activities to help those creative juices flow.  Here are some of my favorite go-to challenges or activities that get me unstuck from a rut.   1.  Go to the art museum and go straight to the current exhibition.  The current exhibition usually changes seasonally. The art museum usually has a few different sections that they rotate the art to make it feel fresh but there are some that are permanent display that are just plan boring. skip it and go right up to that amazing current exhibition and be in the world of the artist.  Walk slowly and let your brain enjoy what your looking at and ask yourself at the end how did they make that? Before you leave visit the museum gift shop and buy yo...
I don't have much of a green thumb. What I am I saying? My plant survival rate is pretty bad, if I take a plant home the chances of it dying or getting eaten by the pugs are extremely strong. But this plant is special- this plant is my longest living plant.  This plant has survived college, Tim and I dating, us getting our first home and the birth of our daughter. I know this plant looks a little on the scrawny side but its the plant who lived.  This plant was in need of a new pot and I picked up this one at Ikea and wanted to add a little something extra. I used a gold leaf that is a two in one application because generally gold leaf you have to apply an applicator then apply the gold but the two in one is way easier and a lot less messy. Supply List. Ikea pot Bristle Paint Brush Gold Leaf Painter Tape- if you don't have a steady hand. Use the painters tape to tape of the areas you don't want gold.  If you have a steady hand then just paint on the gold leaf.  It...
Antoine Rose is a self taught photographer that shoots the series called Up in the Air .  He has been working on this series since 2002 and has photographed all over the world from the beaches of Rio De Janeiro to Miami.  He shoots these beach scenes from helicopters with out doors and being suctioned on to the sides of buildings just to get the perfect angle and view.  quite the dare devil eh?  I love the burst of color and even though there is a lot going on- they remind me of a large scale abstract painting the way your eye move from color to color. ...