Inspirations – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Wedding Invitations

With an awe inspiring venue and blush peonies as their muse, this couple’s invitation will surely be delicately painted with a sophisticated flair.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Papers, Blush Peony Handmade Wedding Invitations, Blush Peonies

Inspirations – Alberto Giacometti and The Ghostly Celebration

Alberto Giacometti was first introduced to me in college by a professor who likened my figure sketches to his.  At the time I was a bit offended as I saw Giacometti as dark and messy.  Over time though, I gained an appreciation for this artist’s deconstructed figures and the elegance of his sketchy hand.  Today his moody portraits are inspiring a fun inspiration board I am calling The Ghostly Celebration.  Sure, fun for a Halloween day post but this look juxtaposes ghostly details with elegant materials and finishes fit for any time of year.  I’m working on a project currently that the bride is calling her look Ghostly Glam.  Oh just wait…it is so good.  So enjoy everyone and take another look at Giacometti.  Try not to get lost in his haunting illustrations.

Giacometti painting, Ghostly Fashion, Olivia Leigh Photography, Elle Moss, Damask Wedding Invitation, Most Haunted Wedding Venues, Giacometti Sketch

A Peek into the Studio – Paints, Palettes and Projects

Sometimes a simple act can lead to big things.  So I attribute my new watercolor palette to a lot of the gorgeousness going on at the studio as of late.  Call me crazy but nothing inspires me more that a white sheet of Arches and a palette full of fresh, new watercolor.  Soak it up.

First project off the new palette is hush hush so all I can say is I’ve been lost in lovely pink blooms for the past 2 weeks!

We’re trying out new textures and techniques lately  so how appropriate that our first swatches of Momental fabric arrived yesterday? Thank you Spoonflower!

Working on some incredible projects with super creative planner Constance Curtis.  This week we’re painting on rough cut wood with abstract ocean waves.

Lastly are Eileen’s painted ribbons and lovely lace and a sketch of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, divine.

Inspirations – The Twilight Garden

Twilight daisies, Night Garden, Twilight Garden

If any of you follow my tweets you may have heard that our July 4th was a big one.  The hubby’s been prepping fireworks for our big bash since March, yes, March!  As I sat and watched the colors explode in the sky I also noticed how the light illuminated the landscape and became enchanted.  Twilight gardens, albeit obscure are nonetheless stunning.  How about this for a wedding palette?

Inspirations – Mint, Aqua and Coral Watercolor Wedding Inspiration

This palette of freshness makes me smile…paired with lovely ivory tones the look is whimsical and clean with a modern twist on a classically elegant vibe.

Sweet Bird Cake, Patterned China, Papers, Versailles Swirl Wedding Invitation, Watercolor Wedding Invitation

My Story is Art – Painting Quiet in Zion

There is a certain quiet that only comes from being outside.  Fresh air, clean breezes and the sounds of nature are both basic and complex in the most comforting sort of way.  This week while hiking up the Emerald Pools trail in Zion National Park I did not feel that familiar calm I normally do.  It was a sunny, brisk day and everyone in the park seemed to be on this trail.  It was difficult to hear my own thoughts let alone any quiet on this particular hike.

I decided to head back down the trail in hopes of finding a bit of solitude in my painting.  Of course the most perfect vista was just off the trail and I knew would not provide any sort of recluse.  I sat anyway, pulled out my paints and proceeded to sketch.

Footsteps rustled behind me as hikers whizzed by…but then it was an hour later and I was immersed in the color, dancing light in the canyon and my hands were covered with watercolor.  I realized in that moment my painting had transported me to a small, quiet place amongst the hustle of the trail and I was grateful.

The painting is still not complete and only about 20 minutes from the stage you see here, but that isn’t the point.  I made a moment for myself with the creation of this piece; a moment of sweet quiet amongst the noise.

Guest post – Nick and Aleah of Valley & Co. ask What Inspires You?