Whimspirations on video!  Here’s a different way for me to share my artwork, a video portfolio, telling musical stories with my images.  I know it’s really Thursday, but i did make this on Wednesday but wanted to wait and post the best version.  Enjoy it anyway!   Here’s my first try, such fun!  Pass the popcorn.

 So far, I have completed 14 new illustrations in 5 days on my beach cottage “deck studio” nestled in the sea grape leaves.  Winter is brutal in upstate New York, and I desperately need the sun and our sea breeze retreat every year to recharge my artsy batteries and fuel my soul.  My  creativity explodes in this environment.

 …and it’s so true, in the right frame of mind, covered in sunshine and surrounded by deep turquoise waters, everything is brighter………Everything DOES sparkle by the sea… 

Looking forward to sharing all my sunshine art with you in upcoming posts.  It’s soooo good to be at the beach!

 The simple stash of watercolor paints and brushes has turned into “mixed media madness”! 


Pretty shelves, a full closet and little drawers house my journals, stamps, inks, reinkers, gel meduims, mists, acrylic paints and inks, pens, micron and pitt pens and gel and glaze pens and more pens, papers, ephemera, punches, die cuts, texture plates, modpodge, crayons,art books, markers, pencils and more!!! (breathe here)  And then there are my Copics.  Copics, Copics and more Copics!!!!!  Oh how i love my art stuff.  It gives me the opportunity to create every day, something new, exploring and experimenting. ***Note to self, i’ll post a picture of my studio when i clean it up (do you ever think you’ll see, it??)***


I consider myself an illustrator, but my current focus is stretching and experimenting with mixed media, using many products to enrich my creative process, while creating a pleasing work of art.  That’s the fun part of my “job”!  Exploring with ink, paper, cardboard, paint, glitter, mists, pens, inks, stamps and modpodge.  It’s a far cry from just paint, paper and a brush!

 …and stardust glitter pens!!!!!!!!  I have fallen back in love with blingy gel pens by Sakura.

 Yes Michael, i DO love my job.  And i am truly grateful that i am able to employ myself as an artist.

Lately i am loving the play and experimentation creating mixed media pieces.  The possibilities are endless layering color and texture, adding shapes and text.  You can’t really see it too well, but there’s even a little sparkle painted into the pieces with Ranger Icicle Stickles.  I usually end up putting bling on everything!  The glimmery particles catch the light and brighten the colors.  Love.

I love painting my whimsical women.  They’re so perfectly imperfect.  This whispy girl holds her heart declaring promises to herself.  My promises….

I’ve always wanted to share art daily basis, like one of those “page a day” kind of calendars.  It seemed that blogging everyday might get annoying.  I won’t be writing about it, like i do here on the blog, just sharing one piece of art on the Facebook page for readers to enjoy with their morning coffee or as a pick me up in the middle of the day.  If your not on Facebook, i’ll still have the Whimsical Wednesday post where i’ll reflect on the artwork.

This is a great opportunity for me, as incentive and motivation to consistently keep creating and journaling things to share.  The daily images will be my virtual “art everyday” calendar, and hopefully the messages will speak to you, find their way into your heart, lift you up, or make you laugh and smile.

 I am so grateful every single day to be living my passion as full time artist.  I paint and illustrate, and i teach and inspire.  My greatest joy comes from sharing my art and helping others find their own creative voice.  I’ve taught and created art professionally for over 30 years and it’s still a privilege to see others influenced by my process and ideas.  Even more exciting when it ignites their own unique creative spark!  


The internet has allowed me a platform to share my work and network with other artists in the licensing community.  I learn so much from these most giving and unselfish people who are always willing to share their stories, experience and support.  We share and celebrate each other’s talents every day.  We inspire each other.  We learn from each other.  And the best thing is that we always maintain our own unique style and original best.  There is never a need to copy!

So in sharing this BLOG HOP with my fellow artist friends, i support the idea of celebrating our talents and artwork, but feel very strongly about copyrights and originality.  It’s just not okay to take someone else’s work, switch it around a little and call it your own.  You have so much to give, be authentic, find your creative voice and surround yourself with those who will encourage and bring out the best you….go sing your creative heart song for all to hear!