Inspirations – Spanish Inspired Floral Pattern in Watercolor

So why this simpler blog post you may be wondering?  Read why here.   Want to see more, head here.

Inspirations – We’re Taking a Blogging Breather

Inspirations – Thankful for Adam

The Holidays bring out a certain nostalgia, of course, don’t we all feel it at some point?  Friends on instagram and twitter have been sharing daily thankful thoughts this month and I wish I was doing the same.  Stopping this morning to think about what I’m thankful for translated into this, I’m afraid, very sentimental, impromptu post.  I give you fair warning….

When we were first married I would hear stories from more seasoned couples, those who were married maybe 5 or more years.  Some would talk of how your love grows for the other, how it transforms and builds every passing day.  How could I be in love more with Adam (The Hubby) than I was at that moment?  We spent years dating, intertwined our lives so tightly, wrote wedding vows and exchanged them – how could I show or feel love more, I wondered?  I simply couldn’t imagine it.

Green Apple Photography

But here I am, nearly 13 years later and I’m humbled by this man I call The Hubby.  He has become someone I not only love and admire but someone I look up to.  Not in a old-school, “the husband knows best” sort of way though….Adam inspires me, to be kinder, more generous, more understanding…every day without fail.  I couldn’t have dreamed the life we built together.  I couldn’t ask for anything more.  I couldn’t imagine the person I would be without having known or felt his kindness.  So grateful today…so grateful for today.  XO

Inspirations – On Being Literal…

In the studio, the word literal has no shelter.  In my world, the stuff of making art, creating impressions with something tactile like paint requires a need for embellishment both literal and figurative.  We strive to paint a picture of our couples’ love everyday without necessarily painting the whole picture.  Do you know what I mean?  We like to leave a bit to the imagination; allow for flourish to excite and delight, leaving the straightforward and documentary for snapshots on Facebook.

Some of this world’s most admired artists were masters at suggestion…Van Gogh didn’t need to paint every Starry Star to elicit magic in the hearts of all who view his masterpiece.  DaVinci’s Mona Lisa stares off into a world unknown to the onlooker yet still her grin captivates.  Georgia O’Keeffe flooded her landscape paintings with a curious luminosity and stark composition yet we still feel the warmth and drama of the desert’s impact at each glance.

Van Gogh, Leonardo DaVinci, Georgia O’Keeffe

Modern artists like Jose Villa can tell a story of passion in a simple glance from a bride in front of his lens.  A beam of light for Elizabeth Messina can trickle into her images and conjure more emotion than room full of clapping party guests.

Jose Villa, Elizabeth Messina

The delicate quality of Elsa Mora’s thistle paper-cut sculptures would likely make you stop in your tracks and gaze long before real thistle caught your eye.  We ourselves as watercolorists adore the way an abstract touch of paint and water spread across the page can create moments of joy.

Elsa Mora, Momental Designs

It is in these abstract and less literal moments that art begins to tell the true story of its creator and viewer.  Finely detailed, uber realistic and straightforward moments have already told all there is to tell.  Where is the fun in that?

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.