Monarch Dreams • 60 x 72 Acrylic on Canvas

 

Sitting in a coffee shop last week, I noticed this, etched on a coffee cup:

What would you attempt to do if you were assured you would not fail?

Gee, that’s sure deep for a cheap ceramic mug, isn’t it? Insightful or not, it caused me pause.

They called them dreams where I came from. Today they come cleverly packaged as goals, journeys, “5-year plans” and career objectives. Whatever they are called, dreams still do exist, and that is a valuable thing.

Dreams, wishes, hopes - all symbolized here as the monarch butterfly delicately resting on thin fingertips, moving us forward in life. The butterflies you carry in your hand, gingerly protected from the wind, are the dreams you choose, the bravery you conjur, the humor you share, the clarity of your integrity. And, depending on how well you demonstrate those qualities, the result is dreams fulfilled (or sometimes not).

I believe dreams are to be protected, held behind you, not shared very often and, like a Monarch, delicate and beautiful.

So, Dear Friend, pour yourself a warm cup of brew and dream a little dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monarch I • 60 x 72 Acrylic on Canvas

 

If you mindfully look at any leaf, or flower, or child, you’ll see the beauty of a Higher Power that resonates in all creations. I believe we must not only protect that beauty, both in outer space and on earth, but we must deliberately guard our inner space, our spirit, as well, symbolized here as the monarch butterfly delicately resting on thin fingertips.

I was diagnosed with cancer a little over a year ago and it was followed by many surgeries. The surgeons had a job to carve away, but it was my job to protect MY inner beauty, my family, my soul, my butterfly. To keep my spirit gracious and joy-filled, not full of fear or sadness, was my task. When the winds came into my life, they were put behind me by putting my head down and going through them - concentrating on what I couldn’t see, but knew: the good ahead.

If there were anything I could share from this, it would be:
The beautiful memories you have, the strength you
conjur, the humor you share, the clarity of your
priorities - they are the butterfly you carry in your hand,

gingerly protected from the wind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Dusk in Quebec # 2 •

24 x 24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Dusk in Quebec # 4 •

24 x 24

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dusk in Quebec • 36 x 36

My tiny niece, Jessica, tossed rose petals down the aisle on my wedding day. I remember she wore a thin crown of silk flowers and pink ribbons. Today, she attends college in Italy, speaks four languanges, enjoys dancing with her long arms waving in the air and we both think Matt Damon is probably a good kisser.

We spent a week together, families too, in Quebec this summer. As the day cooled, we all tossed on sweaters and decided to go for a walk. She removed the long, thinly woven scarf from around her neck and in a moment, she wove it gracefully around her head and her curls tumbled out over the top, her big hoop earrings shook loose below the wrap as she tucked in the edges. It was a moment movies are made for.

We walked, talked about her new apartment, economics in Dubai and James Blunts’ new album. My, what magical things are happening under that turban. Her sparkling humor comes out like spurts and blossoms. She drinks espresso now and cares about saving old oak trees. Indeed, what a magical time for my once tiny niece with a thin crown of silk flowers - now grown into a turban full of genuine purpose, a kind spirit, carefree giggles and her vivacious colors twisted into a walk at dusk in Quebec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Dusk in Quebec • 36 x 36

My tiny niece, Jessica, tossed rose petals down the aisle on my wedding day. I remember she wore a thin crown of silk flowers and pink ribbons. Today, she attends college in Italy, speaks four languanges, enjoys dancing with her long arms waving in the air and we both think Matt Damon is probably a good kisser.

We spent a week together, families too, in Quebec this summer. As the day cooled, we all tossed on sweaters and decided to go for a walk. She removed the long, thinly woven scarf from around her neck and in a moment, she wove it gracefully around her head and her curls tumbled out over the top, her big hoop earrings shook loose below the wrap as she tucked in the edges. It was a moment movies are made for.

We walked, talked about her new apartment, economics in Dubai and James Blunts’ new album. My, what magical things are happening under that turban. Her sparkling humor comes out like spurts and blossoms. She drinks espresso now and cares about saving old oak trees. Indeed, what a magical time for my once tiny niece with a thin crown of silk flowers - now grown into a turban full of genuine purpose, a kind spirit, carefree giggles and her vivacious colors twisted into a walk at dusk in Quebec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dusk in Quebec #10 • 36 x 36

My tiny niece, Jessica, tossed rose petals down the aisle on my wedding day. I remember she wore a thin crown of silk flowers and pink ribbons. Today, she attends college in Italy, speaks four languanges, enjoys dancing with her long arms waving in the air and we both think Matt Damon is probably a good kisser.

We spent a week together, families too, in Quebec this summer. As the day cooled, we all tossed on sweaters and decided to go for a walk. She removed the long, thinly woven scarf from around her neck and in a moment, she wove it gracefully around her head and her curls tumbled out over the top, her big hoop earrings shook loose below the wrap as she tucked in the edges. It was a moment movies are made for.

We walked, talked about her new apartment, economics in Dubai and James Blunts’ new album. My, what magical things are happening under that turban. Her sparkling humor comes out like spurts and blossoms. She drinks espresso now and cares about saving old oak trees. Indeed, what a magical time for my once tiny niece with a thin crown of silk flowers - now grown into a turban full of genuine purpose, a kind spirit, carefree giggles and her vivacious colors twisted into a walk at dusk in Quebec.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOSE UP: Dusk in Quebec #10 • 36 x 36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Cocktails • 52 x 74

What is FUN? I mean REALLY FUN? It’s belly laughs. Old friends. Funny stories. “... Remember the time we got the boat stuck and Joseph, wearing those lime green neon running shorts, had to climb out and push us free! Remember that?” (ROFL).

These pieces were inspired by my dear husband, Joseph. He is genuinely happy when there’s a crowd: All his friends around, telling jokes, sipping Mimosa’s and spinning words in a clever way. He loves to froth cappuccino’s with his fancy Pasquini machine. It’s time to have a timeless good laugh. To see him laugh, richly, fully, is a complete high.

He asks me what he can pick up at the store for the guests, he wants to be in on the planning. “Cheese, bread, wine?”

When he’s buttoning up his linen shirt, he tells me old stories of Francois, his shirt-maker in Beirut who tailored his shirts when he was a boy. I then know he’s happy. Friends are on their way over, life is good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close-up of Cocktails

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Feather Hat • 48 x 30

 

There's something about a beautiful woman, one eye shielded. Like a wedding veil, sunglasses, a scarf, anything that allows a woman her presence - and hiding - at the same time is nothing short of stunning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Klimt-o-maniac • 36 x 48

My art school teacher reviewed my charcoals and said, “Don’t draw; you should paint.” Fearing my rendering skills were weak, she clarified herself, “It means you have too much imagination for a world of black and white.” Yes, there are different sides to every story, symbols we don’t necessarily instantly see, the world isn’t monochromatic. Life is messy.

She taught about Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, who I grew to admire as artistic risk takers. My husband bought me many books about their art and kidded me that I was a “Klimt-o-Maniac.” (And that was WAY before their art came into vogue - so, forgetaboutit, I’m still cool...)

In a dramatic fur wrap, I painted this Klimt-style portrait. It began as a portrait of a model, but I soon realized it looked more like me than her. But look how protected she (I?) am - what is she (am I) covering up? Why an arm across the heart? Even the body looks disconnected from the head by a fur collar. As provocative as this painting is, it also begs the question, “Why so guarded?” I know - well, now I know. This painting took years to reveal itself to me, hanging in my foyer, looking back at me everyday. What is it saying?

Well, one day, over a cup of hot tea, maybe we can
talk about it.

 

 

 

 

 

Lady in Pearls

The spoltlight is gentle on her face, and despite the pearls, the earrings, her hand gracefully pointing to her chest, nothing, NOTHING compares to the trance-like beauty of an amazing face. Absolutely nothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Aqua Eyes

As an artist, I spend many hours alone. Me, my paintbrushes, some towels and music. And sometimes, I want a challenge. This favorite painting of mine was a personal challenge - it's called a limited palette. I gave myself four colors; white, black, cerulean blue and cadmium red. That's it. And this is how she was born. And she remains, one of my prized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evening Secrets • 30 x 48

Title: Evening Secrets

I had forgotten what it was like to feel like lovers. Now don’t get me wrong, I deeply love my husband: It’s just that romantic love is disintegrated by errands and schedules and bills and fatigue. Except for the night, this night, when we had a gentle rain. And thanks to just one umbrella between us, we remembered what it was like to be lovers.

“EVENING SECRETS” reflects the split second when an umbrella offers the chance to snuggle in the breeze next to the one you love, the chance to take in the scent of the rain on the pavement, gritty and sweet. Feeling his arm, bent, holding the stem of the umbrella - the same arm you have fallen asleep on for years, familiar but forgotten. Except tonight: Sweet evening secrets under the rain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Burst I

Aghhh! What makes the painting “happen?” Is it careful planning before putting brush to palette? Is it seeing it in your head and then just going for it on canvas? Or do you rely on tried and true rules of composition and see it develop? For me, my best pieces depend on two things; just the right music and comfortable sandals. No kidding. The wrong music clogs up the paint, I swear. And if my feet hurt, the painting really stinks.

The day these pieces came to life must have been a particularly good one - maybe it was just the right lyrical combo of KT Tunstall, Alicia Keyes and something far left of center like Mercury Rev.

These pieces are multi-disciplinary - but all hand-drawn or painted. I might scan some elements into my computer and use Photoshop™ to make the repeat pattern. Then, the canvas and paint come into play; I’ll handpaint silk pieces and use them as echoing accents to the prints.

“Burst,” the series, is an ongoing exploration of sumptuous materials like chiffon, cotton watercolor papers, creamy paints and cashmere. These pieces are meant for nothing more than turning up the music, sipping something good, and slipping off your favorite slippers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Man • 30 x 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Woman • 30 x 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Child • 30 x 30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burst in Gold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Arabesque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Private Dining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Burst II

Aghhh! What makes the painting “happen?” Is it careful planning before putting brush to palette? Is it seeing it in your head and then just going for it on canvas? Or do you rely on tried and true rules of composition and see it develop? For me, my best pieces depend on two things; just the right music and comfortable sandals. No kidding. The wrong music clogs up the paint, I swear. And if my feet hurt, the painting really stinks.

The day these pieces came to life must have been a particularly good one - maybe it was just the right lyrical combo of KT Tunstall, Alicia Keyes and something far left of center like Mercury Rev.

These pieces are multi-disciplinary - but all hand-drawn or painted. I might scan some elements into my computer and use Photoshop™ to make the repeat pattern. Then, the canvas and paint come into play; I’ll handpaint silk pieces and use them as echoing accents to the prints.

“Burst,” the series, is an ongoing exploration of sumptuous materials like chiffon, cotton watercolor papers, creamy paints and cashmere. These pieces are meant for nothing more than turning up the music, sipping something good, and slipping off your favorite slippers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Burst III

Aghhh! What makes the painting “happen?” Is it careful planning before putting brush to palette? Is it seeing it in your head and then just going for it on canvas? Or do you rely on tried and true rules of composition and see it develop? For me, my best pieces depend on two things; just the right music and comfortable sandals. No kidding. The wrong music clogs up the paint, I swear. And if my feet hurt, the painting really stinks.

The day these pieces came to life must have been a particularly good one - maybe it was just the right lyrical combo of KT Tunstall, Alicia Keyes and something far left of center like Mercury Rev.

These pieces are multi-disciplinary - but all hand-drawn or painted. I might scan some elements into my computer and use Photoshop™ to make the repeat pattern. Then, the canvas and paint come into play; I’ll handpaint silk pieces and use them as echoing accents to the prints.

“Burst,” the series, is an ongoing exploration of sumptuous materials like chiffon, cotton watercolor papers, creamy paints and cashmere. These pieces are meant for nothing more than turning up the music, sipping something good, and slipping off your favorite slippers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOLD Sultan

Acrylic on Canvas • 24 x 24

 

I do not like to travel, but my dear husband does. Maybe I'm a creature of her cozy habits: I like my shower, I like to do laundry, and I don't like taking my shoes off at the airport. Worse yet, while getting packed to go on our next journey, I forget how great our previous trips have been - the people we see, the memories stored away and the surprises tucked in along the way.

 

Meet Sultan. I did. In a small village in Lebanon, in the mountains. He carried supplies tied to his burro's back and in small baskets tied to the sides of the saddle blanket. I loved him because he didn't know a thing about airports, home alarm systems, e-coli, erectile dysfunction or aluminum siding. He knew that he loved his family, his life, and he smiled for me with few teeth and all the joy he had.

Please, meet Sultan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimono I

 

Mixed Media on Canvas • 16 x 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimono II

 

Mixed Media on Canvas • 16 x 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cocktails at 8

 

Acrylic on Canvas • 30 x 40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cocktails at 8 (close up)