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...