Inspiration

Recently, I was reminded by Patience Brewster, the artist behind these adorable Christmas ornaments, that August is Artist Appreciation Month! I thought I would do a post about who/what inspires my work to celebrate. I have given it a lot of thought over the past several days and come to the conclusion that color is probably my biggest inspiration. I get so excited when I squeeze new paint onto my palette and working with fun colors is almost like a therapeutic experience. 

I not only like to create art, but I love admiring others work as well. I seem to be particularly drawn to loose, colorful watercolors. I have always thought of color, especially in paintings, to be healing in some way. I have been known to soak up the beauty in paintings in galleries and in nature that invoke a positive emotion in me. What I hope to achieve is create works of art that cause others to feel something, like I do when I'm admiring a really beautiful painting or taking in a breathtaking scene. And, in a way, this extends to my quilts and other handmade items as well. I love the way handmade quilts, decorative items, and artwork make a home feel. 

So, in general, I am inspired by color and the beauty around me. If I can put that love into my work in a way that extends to the person admiring it, I have done my job. :)

Butterfly Gardens

This is a painting that I'm working on. I'm not sure if it's done yet or not. I'm going to let it dry and have another look at it tomorrow. I went to the Minnesota Zoo last year, and took a ton of pictures at "Butterfly Gardens." I loved it there! It was so heavenly being surrounded by flowers and butterflies flying around everywhere. I could have stayed there all day long. I was looking back to those pictures and feeling so inspired. So, that's what let to this painting. I think a series may arise! :)

New Hand Painted Cigar Boxes

I was up early this morning painting some more boxes. They are now up in my Etsy store (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/). These boxes are painted with roses, prairie flowers and rainbow shower tree flowers.