Back to the Studio

I had a great time on vacation with my husband. We visited several museums, an arboretum & nature center, and the beach! We rented a car, so I was able to go into the city when he was at work. I was so proud of myself for navigating in such a metropolis! It's amazing how fast paced life can be for some people. Seeing how others live makes me appreciate the simple life I have and not take it for granted.

While I was at the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden,

I took a few shots so I could share them with you: 

Quarantania by Louise Bourgeois

Adam by Emile-Antoine Bourdelle

Oiseau by Joan Miro

 Now that we're back home, it's time for me to get back to the studios, tend to the gardens and start working on outside projects for the year!

First on the list....

ready to glaze

bisque ware needs glazed and loaded in the kiln...

dirty studio

clean the pottery studio...and then
make ART!

Don't forget to follow 10 business women share their secrets with you starting tomorrow!!!

back in time



jules olitski

There are so many reasons I get overly excited about art and the museums that house what I believe to be the most precious artifacts of history. Yesterday I visited the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and was pleasantly overwhelmed by the enormous collection of artists that I have only heard of and haven't had the opportunity to experience in person. One of the galleries I viewed was a retrospective of the abstract artist, Jules Olitski. He was a Ukranian born American that began painting with minimalist style and ended his career literally plastering paint on canvas that gave it a sculptural 3D effect. After viewing this collection, it was clear that I favored his earlier works, the stained paintings from 1960-1964 but respect the works he continued to create throughout his career.

Artists such as Lee Krasner, Frida Kahlo, and Modigliani were just a few that I was overjoyed to see in person.



Lee Krasner Blue and Black



 One of the final galleries I explored was one full of modern day contemporary artists. Beth Cavener-Stichter's Inquisitors was beyond amazing.



Beth Cavener-Stichter The Inquisitors





Off to another museum!!!

Have a wonderful day and don't forget about the 101010 Project that begins May 1st!



Art Making Break

curvy tree

I'm away from the studios for a few days, so I'm not doing a lick of creating except I have my camera close by for everything and anything that I think deserves recorded. Needless to say, I've already taken well over 200 pictures and recharging my battery as we speak.

This morning I found my way to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. I walked the trails and saw beautiful trees, lots of birds, squirrels, butterflies and a turtle! Towards the end of my walk, I came to an overlook which was marked the Buffalo Bayou. I'm a Colorado girl and don't travel much south. So I am not used to seeing these gorgeous trees and swampland like forests. But I'm definitely not used to seeing a sign like this:

gator sign



 Tomorrow I'm off to the museum district!  Until next time....

Have a wonderful week!

samos

love life

love life by SAMOS

I finished the painting!
 I thought there would be a little more in the voided space,
but I liked the simplicity of it.

 painting in progress 

Did I mention that I saw some sand hill cranes the other day? We spotted one in a creek and then found them nesting at the top of some trees! Anyways, later that day I started a new painting and you'll never guess of what? You're right, a sand hill crane. It's still in the beginning stages, but I think it's coming along well.

bisque ware

a daisy pot

Have a great weekend everyone and

don't forget to

check out the 101010 Project!

Networking: virtual vs reality

Caole and I @ Planet Earth
 and the 4 Directions Art Gallery 2009

This morning I opened up my email to find my newsletter from Alyson B Stanfield, the artbizcoach. She talked about how networking face to face pays off and gave 5 networking essentials. This article hit close to home. I don't know about you, but I get consumed with social networking and tend to forget how important it is to go to those Friday night gallery nights or getting involved in a community art program. I am especially guilty since I live in a rural area. It's not easy for me to be very social (face to face). Although I do understand the significance to your creative business and I actually do miss it sometimes. When I lived in a city, I really enjoyed going to all the art openings, seeing my friends, and meeting new artists. Reading Alyson's article gave me the nudge I needed to step it up a notch. I'm going to try harder to be more involved in the art community and make it a point to attend those 1st Friday night gallery openings. Thanks Alyson!

And I hope you haven't forgotten about the 101010 Project!

Starting May 1st you are invited to follow 10 women and the insight to their businesses.

love life: a work in progress

a work in progress

This last weekend I went on a road trip with a friend of mine to Oklahoma. We were very fortunate to miss all of the tornadoes that hit the state and are thankful to be home safe here in the mountains. I started a painting this morning that speaks about life, who and what we are so blessed to have on this earth, and how not to take it for granted. It's only in the beginning stages, but I think it's off to a good start.


Have a Happy Monday & be thankful for your life!

Travelin' Boys

we love our new ride!

Saturday was too beautiful not to go for a ride.

We loaded up the family, our friends
Ellen, Snickers, & Roscoe
 and headed out.

Lexi looking up to her big brothers, Neo and Lumpy

a granite mine via McCoy Gulch

enjoying a beautiful day

Happy Accidents



Aqua Mocha Planter

No one wants to make mistakes, but in the world of creating art, it can be inevitable. At times I find myself finding ways to appreciate the little mishaps of  paint that has dripped in a place I didn't intend a drip or a crack in a pot that only allows me to cherish the work in my own home. So the next time you have a happyaccident, be grateful and you may end up with a new beautiful piece of work that is unique in its own way!

Orange Ladybug Planter

April Showers

It's snowing!!!

I'm so excited to see white fluffy flakes falling from the sky even though I have already started my garden for the summer. I was warned that we may have freezing temperatures until the middle of the month, but with the nice days we've been having, I couldn't help myself. Needless to say, the garden is covered and will hopefully withstand the much needed moisture we are getting today.

muddypotts in my kitchen window

Being a Monday, I've been pretty busy in the studio and on the computer. The kiln is loaded and firing both bisque and glazed pieces which will bring more work for tomorrow! But I love every minute of it!

Upcoming News:

***I was interviewed for the EBSQ Facebook Artist of the Week by Amanda Makepeace. It will be published tomorrow, so stop by and check it out!

***I'm working on a very cool collaboration spearheaded by Robin Norgren of Well of Creations with nine creative women. It will be in full swing starting May 1st, but if you're curious, which I know you are, you can check it out here!

 



                  the kids are wanting to play, so i'll check in with you all soon!

                   have a wonderful week!!!