How Great The Art

I have been busy every morning painting. This week I have been able to paint with more clarity. Last week I had too many projects swimming in my brain. Over the weekend I decided I needed to focus. I decided my daily practice would be up to me to pick the subject matter, and I would paint from real objects. And, they would be things that I love. So, I bought some macarons. Macaron Monday it was for me, and I really enjoyed my painting while listening to music. My email for my class came through and it was the perfect theme to include macarons. I came up with my vision for the week really early and started sketching ideas. But, yesterday I lost focus. I decided to paint real objects and some lemons and limes were close by. Then I decided, after looking at everyone else's work (that mostly is all digital) to buy an ipad and apple pencil. I was excited get it home and get creating. I got pretty far by nightfall playing with the brushes and color. But, I wanted to fin

It was so nice to take a weekend off from my new daily routines. I try to paint each day, clean out a cabinet, tackle the basement, read, and list on eBay each day. Friday everything really got to me. I didn't know where to start. Every day I went food shopping and Friday I realized I never got eggs to make french toast for the weekend. It took me until 4pm to get to the food store. And, I accomplished absolutely nothing on Friday. Realizing I was feeling a bit frazzled, I decided to take the weekend off. It was so nice to get out to Atlantic Highlands Art show: Art in the Age of Covid. My friend, who is more than half way to goal of painting 30 self portraits had her work displayed in the show. Then I came home and went on a zoom meeting with Julia Cameron who wrote the book "The Artist's Way". She is promoting a new book called "The Listening Path". It was nice to hear conversation about a book I have always wanted to rea

Ahhhh the joy of life. Well, if it was only that easy, to feel that way, during the time of Covid. It is hard to find the joy with so many restrictions and limitations. But, I feel we all have the power to turn a frown upside down. I am going to share with you my biggest fear. I fear getting depressed. I have seen it take lives of seemingly happy people. With the amount of loss I had last year, it is something I am probably too conscience of. So, I keep myself in check. I also consciencely will go on little adventures to feed my soul. You may have noticed my theme last week. It was french and I included it in the food I ate, the music I listened to, the sites I visited on the internet, the subjects I painted, and the products I used to clean. I used all of my senses. I love the smell of lavender and lemon, associated so much with Provence. But, I have to say New Jersey can provide your senses with the french joie de vivre (if you are in the right places). And, if you ar

The Inauguration really comsumed me this week! It's Friday and I have no idea how we arrived on this day so fast! I went to Frenchtown over last weekend and it has taken me this long to write about it. It was a little over ten years ago I was able to visit Paris and experience a macaron for the first time. The line for Lauderee was about twenty minutes long in the freezing cold. Slowly we were opening shops in the United States, and at least yearly I would try to visit the Lauderee in New York City. I have been wanting to visit the one in Washington DC all year, and it finally reopened after covid. I hope to get there this Spring. In the meantime, I went to my good friend, the internet, to see where I could get my hands on a macaron and a hot chocolate in New Jersey. I discovered a candy store named Libbybeans and I couldn't wait to get my hands on the cute little cup. I will use it for watercoloring this week. I ordered my hot chocolate and they were sold out alrea

"The New Dawn blooms as we free it" Closing words to the poem "The Hill WE Climb" written and spoken by Amanda Gorman for yesterday's Inauguration of President Biden. Did you know Illuminating yellow and gray are the pantone color of the year? Their meaning together is: resilience and hopefulness. . She wore a bright Yellow Jacket. Her words were powerful. How she articulated her words, and the motions of her hands almost as if she was singing with her hands. It was incredibly visual even though she was there for her written word. At the tender age of 22, a Harvard graduate. She has already branded herself, and plans on being the President of the United States in the year 2036. I was blown away by her Artistry. Her originality was incredible. I went right to You Tube and watched video after video. I learned how she couldn't pronounce R's. And she recited parts of Hamilton with a lot of ryhmes and R's to overcome it. I watched her

Do you buy yourself flowers? I love to buy flowers from time to time. Around this time I would see a bunch of daffodils for 99 cents, and would put them in my shopping cart at the grocery store, without even thinking about it. My mom told me how much she admired that. She watched her father give my grandmother flowers on my mom's birthday. And, my dad didn't really buy my mom flowers, much. But, she would want them and never think of buying them for herself. I never thought twice about it or thought it was a big deal. Now, my excuse is to paint them too. But, I really think it is important, espcially this time of year to bring nature inside with us. It really can brighten your mood. I loved everything about the "Sprouts" flower van. First of all, it's blue and white. She had a beautiful selection in french buckets all priced by the stem. I honestly might drive an hour back to the pop up as many weekends I can before Valentine's Day. I also was

Going into the start of the third week of January and feeling hopeful. I really do enjoy being home, but the song "I got to get out of this place" also comes to mind. I really try not to go anywhere, and save money. But after a few days, I was out the door. Sunday I went to Princeton and wanted to go to Frenchtown for a little taste of Paris inspiration. On the way there, driving through Hopewell, I saw the VW flower cart called "Sprouts" and it stopped me in my tracks. I have my own rules right now, as I am trying real hard to save as much money as possible. I will spend money on food, fresh flowers to paint, and anything handmade. I was treated to a pop up shop by a organization called Home Front . WOWZA! I was blown away by the creativity, inspiration and goodness. I had no idea places like this exsisted, and during these hard times, a welcome surprise. Check them out! The artwork I bought was about 8"x8" and painted on canvas and a fabr

Today is Blue Monday, apparently the most depressing day of the year. It is also Martin Luther King day in America. One of my biggest fears is having darkness dim my light. I am afraid of giving in to fear of change and not feeling hopeful or optimistic. When I am home for long periods of time and I find myself sinking deeper into my couch. I know this is the time I need to take a long car ride. I love to listen to music and look at the change of scenery. I saw a local photo group on facebook was doing the gargoyle tour of the Princeton campus a couple of weeks ago. It reminded me I had bought a guide when I visited the Art Museum. I started to plan my day and the first disappointment was the museum is still closed, because of covid. Last week I had a very successful week going through my mom's things and items I had been looking for magically appeared. The gargoyle tour book was one of them. I looked at the map in the book and realized where I would have parked when I

I wasn't going to write today, but I saw this you tube video. I knew I really wanted to share. I didn't have one of my best days, yesterday. I felt like I was going around in circles. I hate not getting enough sleep. It was really nice to wake up this morning after seven hours straight sleep! So, today is a new day. Hope to complete whatever I left unfinished. And, I think for better days, I will be using the crock pot, more. And, making sure we eat at 6pm. Of course, drink lots of water (one of my biggest struggles). And, try to work on projects that can be put to rest each day. Looking forward to seeing actors from Bridgerton on Drew, today. Not having anything on TV to look forward to, can drag me down. Too much bad news, actually really crazy news. And, the commercials dragging it all out and making us fearful is getting old. We are all in our houses watching this circus unfold. So, for sure, 10am for me, I am done with TV and social media. Quote of

I can't believe we are two weeks into January! One of my surprises, is I really thought my basement was a never ending story. I thought I would go down there and sort and move pile to pile. But, there is light at the end of the tunnel. After this week there is a good chance it won't look like a dump of college textbooks, artwork, mom's clothes, store inventory, art supplies, holiday decorations and "important papers". I am Starting to realize if I throw it out, I don't have to deal with it any more. Ahhhhhh....can you hear the angels singing? It really became a revelation. But, in ten years there has been quite an accumulation. This made me incredibly upset with myself. Because, when we moved here, I sorted out twenty years of accumulation, and swore I would never do that again. But, these were different circumstances, especially working full time commuting to Woodbridge, and still having a store. And, both of us making all of the inventory. In

One of the hardest things I have ever been able to create is a self portrait. It is one of the most encouraged projects when you go to school for Art, but not mandatory. I did one I might share tomorrow I did for Advertising Art some 30 years ago. In the summer I was attempting to do one again. I had found this photo copy of my engagement picture my daughter had started to use for her Senior Thesis. She had cut the middle as a woman's profile and added the gold glitter. I found it while going through our basement. (Which I have spent a few hours each day trying to organize and throw out one bag of garbage each day). So, I put it with a Frida Karlo activity book I worked on. Frida was known for doing mostly self portraits. I just stared at it and couldn't do it. So, yesterday I picked up a box of markers I discovered downstairs. And I went to work on creating this self portrait. I also picked up where I left off in drawing a face and flowers for Lilla Rogers class

Have you ever heard of this before? I have been noticing it on social media. I think I have been doing this all along on my blog. I am not used to having so much time at home, and really noticed when I was home in the Spring I had to write daily to help clear my mind. It became very addicting. Any way, I think anything to help get through tough times is welcome. I also realized how much I need a change of scenery to help me see things more clearer. I was happy I started the year painting little pictures of the holidays. I like the idea of using them for postcards or attaching them to greeting cards. I didn't know what to write on them. After visiting with my daughter and family, the idea was born and I came home and finished them. I wasn't going to take any classes to focus on my art work, but after an unproductive week and ending it with a 24 hour stomach bug, I gave in. The site is called Creativebug and I LOVE it! I am only two days in, but I feel more product

Yesterday was a great day to be my four year old self. Honestly, she has no understanding of what is going on and neither does my sixty one year old self. We both think the best thing to do, is to just keep calm and carry on! The story of this picture is a very vivid memory. My parents took us to Santa's village somewhere in the mountains of New York. It had snow and reindeers to feed outside. It was magical as you can see in the expression on my face looking at santa. But, if you look at my brother's nose you will see that it was cut. The bus we were on lost control and hit a pole. Buses didn't have seat belts in those days and my brother's nose went right into the bar from the seat in front of him. It was traumadic for the whole family, driver and bus load of people. But, we went on with the day and made the best of it. But, I think the moral of the story is our parents and decision makers of this country want the best for all of us. And, most of all

So, the other oak tree older then 500 years in New Jersey is in the town of Salem. I spent the first twenty years of my life growing my roots on Salem Avenue in Spring Lake. When I first saw the story of this tree, the ending made me happy that the seeds were sent to many towns . Here is the you tube video I watched . I have been struggling this year (as many have) with loss. And there are many quotes about trees and how they lose their leaves every year, but Spring brings them new life. It was comforting for a few days, but then realizing I am human and have feelings it didn't help. But, it did make me feel stronger and helped me from not breaking. Here is advice from a tree which helps me keep the faith: Advice from a Tree By Ilan Shamir Dear Friend, Stand Tall and Proud Sink your roots deeply into the Earth Reflect the light of a greater source Think long term Go out on a limb Remember your place among all living beings Embrace with joy the changing seasons For eac

I had never been to Basking Ridge before last year. I have gone twice since finding out about the Farmstead Arts Center. A couple of weeks after my mom passed away, I was looking up my maiden name. I learned about my father's ancestors from my mom, and I knew his ancestors had a long history in New Jersey. The original Stelle arrived in New York from France in the 1600's. I have a copy of a family tree given to my father. The history is interesting and well documented. When my search brought me to the Farmstead Arts Center, it was comforting to think of something to look forward to. In October I went there and was offered Studio space to rent. It was a way to look forward to diving into my art. But, I am really not ready or organized, yet. The property is beautiful with a large Magnolia tree. I would love to paint the tree in full bloom. And, the studio featured a window overlooking the tree. I was impressed with the beauty of Basking Ridge. So, on Sunday I had

Well, yesterday I decided on where to visit on my map first. Luckily, I really don't feel like leaving the house. So, I am going to divide what I discovered in a few posts. I guess it really is good to lay the foundation, by discovering what my roots are. I think my roots are not just my family's history, but the environment in which I was brought up in. In 2019 I found I was fascinated with acorns, when I would take my walks in Spring Lake. If I saw a perfect one, I would pick it up. I would think about acorn quotes, look to see what tree they would drop from, feel the rich woodsy texture, and try my hardest not to put it in my pocket. But, I would put it in my pocket, continue my walk, and wonder why I couldn't just throw it back on the ground. I think it is out of appreciation. And, if there is anything in my life that I am the most appreciative of, is where I was born and raised. Quote of the day: The greatest achievement was at first and for a time a dre

This is a graphic from one of my antique scrapbooks I own. I took some time yesterday to look through a lot of my collections of vintage victorian scrap. I will share more this week. I am taking my time and each morning writing down visions of what I have in mind for the future. One day at a time, I want to use my time wisely. My main goal is to get rid of as much "stuff" as possible. When the four walls start closing in on me, I would like to take some road trips in the state of New Jersey. I would also like to take photos, hopefully illustrate and blog about each trip. I bought an illustrated road map from eighty years ago and would like to see how many of these places still exsist. I would like to concentrate on what I CAN do safely and not what I am can't do, because of the restrictions of Covid. I want to savor each day and rest my head and think I filled myself of to the brim of what is available around me. Sometimes I think I would have loved to live

During this time of isolation and reflection, I am going to embrace and celebrate this little girl. I am not going to go on a diet, plan an excercise stragedy or change my lifestyle. I am simply going to go with the flow of my life, like a river. I am going to get on a big, comfortable floaty and jump in the river. Climb onto the floaty and hold on for dear life. I am going to put my head back and enjoy the ride. With my eyes wide open, so I can appreciate all the beauty that surrounds me. If I bump into any obstacles, I am going to take them as they come. I am not going to let anything stop me from the joy of a river ride. I am going to listen to music, soak in the sun, handle all of my problems, eat what makes me feel good (hopefully it will be more healthy) and breath in the good and take a big exhale of the bad. The time is right for appreciating how far of a ride I have been on. And, simply put, appreciate what I have accomplished. But, also nurture myself, so I can grow o