Safe On Arrival

Hello friends!!! I wanted to talk a bit about my latest pastel painting "Safe on Arrival" 18x18 inches Pastel on paper. The inspiration behind this piece is one that asks me as an artist to not only create from the heart but to trust my intuition and follow that "nudge" when I get it. As 2010 came to a close I made some difficult but very positive changes in my professional life. With those changes came fear, uncertainty, excitement, and a deeper trust that I was doing exactly the right thing.

I was developing a concept for a trompe l'oeil piece and it just wasn't working. After many photo sessions and drawings the "magic" just wasn't there so I trusted that it wasn't there simply because there was something better waiting, there always is! If there is one thing I have learned in life is that there is no such thing as "No" in the Universe. There is yes, not at this time and I have something better waiting for you! With this in mind I let it go knowing the moment I made myself ready to receive the gift, it would be given. On New Years Day 2011 I walked into my studio thinking about my career, life, etc., when I happen to look over at the area I use for packing and shipping. There was crumpled piece of packing paper that was catching the morning light perfectly! It's all I needed, there it was...my next piece. I had a small group of roses I was going paint at the time and combined the two to create this piece.

The significance of the paper being packing paper used for safe travel of my art is very important. It sends the message very clearly, "my goals, dreams, craft, joys and desires are on the global move...and they are safe" much the same way the delicate flowers in the piece have arrived as the title suggests "Safe on Arrival"

The Pastel Journal Magazine Top 100

I just picked up a copy of The Pastel Journal April 2011 issue showcasing The Top 100 Competition Winners and it is such a thrill to have my painting "September" 16x12 featured as a second place winner in the still life/floral category!! There is a very nice interview written by Michael Chelsey Johnson about my award and piece along with a quote from Juror Claudia Seymour "The artist did a perfect job of painting them in an unusual setting and arrangement that works for interest but also shows off why everyone loves these gorgeous flowers"

I love this painting and it is such an honor to have my work recognized and published in this way!