Happy days...

The days that make us happy, make us wise.
12 x 12 canvas
The photo doesn't do the colors in this piece justice. It's very bright and the colors really pop. My husband did have to help me a bit with this one, he cut out the bird and leaves. Gotta love a man than helps with your art.
A day in the studio for me today, a bit worn out and sore from yesterday. I've been told that my energy and stamina will return eventually. One happy day at a time.
Have a great one.
Enjoy!

Beauty awakens the soul to act.
10 x 10 canvas
There is a lot of texture to this piece however it's really hard to see in the photo. I used modeling paste and a stencil to create a dimentional background.
Spent the day with a group of artists at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. The highlight of our day was  the exhibit of blown glass by Dale Chihuly. It was fabulous!
Hope your day was a great one.
Enjoy!

New day...

With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts. -Eleanor Roosevelt
10 x 10 canvas
New piece I finished up last weekend. It's now on display at the Lynchburg Art Club.
This started as an experiment with paint with the blues at the bottom. When I was finished, I liked it better with the blues at the top. Very abstract, something different for me.
Enjoy!

Laugh...

We don't laugh because we are happy, we are happy because we laugh.
8 x 10 on canvas
This is my husband's favorite piece to date, he loves the bright, cheerful colors. It's one of my favorites, too. Hope you are having a great week.
Enjoy!

Flower Power...

Nature is the art of God
4 x 12 on canvas
My third and favorite flower. It's supposed to be a Poppy. This is the piece I sold yesterday. So happy it has a a wonderful new home.
Enjoy!

Big...

The art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on. Henry Ellis
18 x 24
My largest piece to date, thought it was 16 x 20 when I was posting the other day. Interesting choice of colors, out of the norm for me. This piece is entirely post stroke and I believe that my art has changed in small ways. When my daughter, Amy, saw it, her first reaction was Mardi Gras. I've framed it in a black floater frame and it's going to the Lynchburg Art Club for their Christmas Show and Sale along with 2 other pieces. One of those pieces I'll be sharing tomorrow.
It's the eve of Thanksgiving, always my favorite holiday although the last three years have been hard. This year will be difficult too, our fourth holiday without Deb. She also loved Thanksgiving and she's the biggest part of why it was always to special to me. All those wonderful traditions are gone now but still so much to be thankful for, even more so this year. I thank God daily for all the wonderful blessing in my life and for allowing me the time to enjoy them. I am truly blessed and so very thankful.
Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
Enjoy!

A willing heart...

Nothing in this world is impossible to a willing heart. Abraham Lincoln
12 x 12 on canvas

This is the very first piece I worked on after I came home from the hospital the last time. I got the background started at the urging of my family and then put it aside. I wasn't ready at yet and I knew if I tried to force the issue, it wouldn't be healthy. I was still very visually impaired at that point and not certain of the future. I tried to stay positive but there were days that it was harder than others. I looked at it almost everyday, even on my worst days, I atleast walked in my studio to see if the urge to create was there. Eventually, I picked it up again, added some more paint and set it aside again. When I heard this quote several weeks ago, I just knew this piece was where it belonged.  This quote sums up how I feel. I knew I needed my art to heal and when I let go of my fear and let my heart lead me, I was ready.
Enjoy!

Blooming...

Earth laughs in flowers
4 x 12 canvas
Another flower experiment, like the first one I created much better but this is still a bright and happy piece. Now working on a third flower.
Started framing my  large piece and found out it's actually 18 x 24, not 16 x 20 as I thought. So I guess that's means I accomplished more than I thought I had. Always a good thing. Will get it posted soon.
It's been a beautiful weekend, time at the Gallery, delivering orders, painting and journaling. My eyesight seems a bit more blurred this morning but I imagine the eyes are a bit tired. Need to take more time to rest them but when I get going it's hard to stop. Taking a break this morning then it's an afternoon of football, racing and art, quite a combination but it's what I enjoy.
Have a wonderful day.
Enjoy!

Friendship is a flower that blooms in all season.
4 x 12 on canvas.
I am truly pleased with this piece, it's fun, colorful, makes me happy.
Enjoy!

New me, new art...

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. 12 x 12 canvas

This is a brand new piece. I think my art is different now, colors a little darker but still a lot of them. While I was finishing up this piece, over the weekend, I thought a lot about my journey. Both as a person and as an artist. I thought long and hard about how lucky I am. There are many things I still cannot do but there are so many more that I can. It's quite a sight to watch me work, changing glasses or   using one of my many magnifiers . It's becoming habit and that makes it easier. Just the pure satisfaction of finishing a piece is worth every struggle. I've come a long way and it feels good.
Thanks to all that have sent well wishes, prayers and encouraging words. They mean so much.
Enjoy!

Happy talent...

It is a happy talent to know how to play.- Ralph Waldo Emerson
8 x 8 on canvas
Isn't this the true!
One of my favorite pieces to date. I love the colors, reminds me of summer.
This one is going on Etsy.
Enjoy!

Journal page, again...

Faith is...
Art Journal page
The quote I shared a few days ago, found a home.
The last of the journal pages for a few days, hope to share a canvas or two, very soon.
Enjoy!

Another page...

It is a happy talent to know how to play. Ralph Waldo Emerson 6 x 9 art journal page
Enjoy!

Art Journal...

A thing of beauty is a joy forever. 6 x 9 art journal page
My husband had to cut the words out for me, I was able to adhere them.
I don't have too much of a problem painting although I seem to be a bit messier than I was before. My main issue with my art is the smaller, detailed work.  Right now I'm working on this journal along with 3 canvas pieces. It's going pretty good and it makes me feel normal again.
Enjoy!

Faith...

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Love this quote...it inspires.
Enjoy!

Earth laughs in flowers
8 x 8 on canvas
Enjoy!

Home...

there's no place like home

8 x 10 canvas

Minor surgery on Friday and healing has begun although it's going to be a longer process than planned. Just not getting back to normal as quickly as I would like. Spent Sunday night and all day yesterday in Fredericksburg awaiting the arrival of our 7th grandchild. Jayden Scott Haun arrived yesterday at 2:16pm, 7lbs, 4oz and 19 inches long. He's beautiful and we are so thankful that he arrived healthy. He has been in the NICU since 5am this morning for reflux issues however this afternoon he finally ate without any issues, he's doing great and they should all go home sometime tomorrow. There's no place like home.

I would have loved to stayed with them longer but really needed to get back home so I can get myself well and feeling better. Truly, there's no place like home.

Have a great evening.

Enjoy!

So ready for vacation...

Counting down the hours...we leave in the morning for the Outer Banks.

In honor of summer, warm breezes and Kitty Hawk Kites...

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly. Lauren Bacall
8 x 10 canvas

Our first vacation in 7 years, ready to read a few books, soak up the sun and relax.

Have a great weekend.

Dance in the rain...

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,

it's about learning to dance in the rain.

5 x 7 canvas panel

What a great quote. Needed this a few days ago...now it can hang on my wall as a reminder on those rainy days.

Enjoy your weekend!

Remember...

Found this on Pinterest awhile back and it is by far one of the greatest quotes ever.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day and remember those that have served and sacrificed, giving us a reason to celebrate and honor, on this great holiday.
Have a great day!