While painting in the Arts of the Albemarle Plein Air event, I had the chance to meet Verna Austin Wall.  Her father was the last lighthouse keeper at Bodie Island Lighthouse.  She told me there is an article written in Our State Magazine about the history of the lighthouse and the families who lived there, it's worth the read.  You can see the article here.

 

One thing I like about plein air painting especially in places where I'm not familiar are the people I meet who know the area and the unique history of the place.  In North Carolina, there is no limit to the history and it makes a newbie like me feel more connected to my new home.  

 

Here is a picture of Verna with my painting, "Lambs Marina" 15x22, Watercolor

 

 

February is the perfect month to travel and erase that winter brain fog that settles in.  I painted this giant leaning palm in Honolulu--just one of many during our short visit to the Island.  Then, it was on to the Sonoran Desert in Tucson for the International Gem Show!  Amazing finds!!   I'll be weaving wire through those precious gems and blogging the results soon!

A brilliant red cardinal perched outside Chickadee Studio this week reminding me of the importance of contrast. He can stay, but the snow has to go!

This year, at least for a while, I want to hone my portaiture skills! I began with yours truly! I'll be putting a show together—stay tuned!

I had to listen to some bluegrass while painting one of my Christmas commissions!  There's some great holiday bluegrass out there, y'all!  

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When my paintbrushes are drying, I love to try my hand at jewelry.  This lariat necklace of aquamarine is stunning any time of year.  It looks fantastic on bronzed skin and linen, or showcased on your favorite cashmere sweater!   

A portrait of two year-old Parker with her quintessential little girl pigtails for my friend, Angie.   Those eyes--what a doll baby!

Daily painting?  Yes, please!  I took a workshop with Lisa Daria Kennedy and I highly recommend it.  She offers painters helpful exercises to avoid blunders.  I learned a ton and will enjoy incorporating bold brushstrokes in my daily painting adventures.  With the clocks going back an hour I had time to capture her dog Brie, and I'm so happy I did, he is cute as can be!  

These adorable cookies were served at Lux Salon to celebrate the puppy portraits I painted for the stylists. I'm so happy with all the enthusiasm and recent commissions for more portraits! Thank you to everyone at Lux!