I hope everyones Easter and/or Passover was nice! It has been quite rainy here (with the exception of a few very nice sunny hours today. I have been taking rainy walks, meandering outside if only for a bit. I just love it outdoors in the rain, indoors in the cozy dark. Yesterday I bought the most yummy blueberry tea (more on favorite teas a later date!) And oh dear my orchids are suddenly not doing too good… buds are falling off before blooming?? Today was back to work. Well, outside to do some walking with my little one!

Yesterday was so perfectly dreary! I walked through a pretty swamp area of the woods with little meandering streams while my tiny one napped in his carriage. The skunk cabbage (or meadow cabbage, swamp cabbage… whatever-have-you) was blooming in all its glory. Did you know that the pungent odor created when tearing the leaves of a skunk cabbage attracts its pollinators? Flies and bees! It was used a a medicinal plant and talisman by Native Americans as well. Usually the first dramatic bit of greenery in these parts. And the woods were so misty. Love love love the early spring.

And today is my birthday! This morning my husband surprised me with the most beautiful orchid for my collection. More photos to follow…

I think my creative muse is most wild in the springtime. Blooming and blossoming ideas and sketches right now. Outside most of the day today, sitting pond side. The air smells of cherry blossoms, the earth cool. Sketching sea ladies based on antique photos and hanging out with my little guy. Happy spring!

During the next few days, in my shop, I will be offering framed and matted prints of a few oil paintings from a couple of years ago. Coupled with the sweet creamy frame, this one is one of my favorites. I usually don’t produce framed prints but I just received a shipment back from a store and decided to offer them on etsy.

And this (from one of my favorite vintage shops on etsy) , The Sailors Apprentice Dress …oh my, isn’t it so completely perfect (and goes so well with the above print). From the color to the big tie bow to the buttons, pintucks and white stitching details….I want to wear this dress on a chilly late spring day whilst searching for shells on the sandy shore. I have slightly warmer weather on my mind. And we have a nor’easter coming tomorrow. Spring’s April fools!

pieces of lace
walnut oil
sepia photographs
color swatches

she’s a botanist

In my state of extreme busyness…so many photos not posted this winter! I have been documenting my favorite seasonal things here and there, these are my winter things (totally justified as we are still in a winter state weather-wise round these parts). Last week was a wintery, blustery mess (complete with a snow day, hooray). Let’s just say that I am quite happy to be packing some of these things away till next year (ditto for the chocolate).

1. plaid wool scarf
2. beret from the thrift shop
3. a favorite anthropologie shirt dress that was worn for the entire holiday season (it’s soooo comfy)
4. mittens with fingerless gloves underneath were a must for long stroller walks in the chilly air with my little one (actually wore mittens today, so much for spring)
5. nib brittle, yum!
6. blue willow chard found in the swamp (my little mr is quite the adventurous baby now!)
7. the best tea towel ever, from a bag sale
8. super cozy socks!

And my most-favorite chocolate bar of the moment (well, one of them). Dark chocolate nib brittle with the cutest little label. Purchased at Whole Foods, strongly recommended. I am so into candies and chocolates these days.

And a very happy spring to all (please come soon!)

Hello! I am super excited about this new year! Why do so many new art ideas and inspirations surface when I am at my busiest? I love and despise it at the same time! For now that part of my life will be on hold, as I am about to embark on a second major transition in my life right now (the first being the birth of our son). The return to my full time job begins tomorrow. That, coupled with being a new mama seems like its going to be quite a juggle so I am being gentle with myself. I will, most likely, be away from my blog for awhile until I get adjusted to all this. And I will, yes indeed (everyone does!). So yes, that is where I am at right now. I am loving being a mama right now, so that is first priority. Happy new years to you!!

An original oil painting.

Vintage framed originals and prints.

Wish I could of been there!

I hope everyone is having a magical holiday season!

I have been busy, busy with baby (perhaps the busiest I’ve ever been in my life!!)
and next week marks the end of my maternity leave. Savoring this last week off and the snowstorm that is upon us.

Yesterday I took a break from my little one and drove up to beautiful Beacon, NY to deliver pieces for my “Wandering in Wintertime” show. With it’s location alongside the Hudson River, Cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and the Dia Museum Beacon is definitely a good place to day trip if you live in the NYC metro area. So if your in the Beacon area December 11th or afterwards, pop on by to Blackbird Attic!.
ps- I won’t be able to make the show but if you go I would love to see photos!

I am happy to announce my upcoming show Wandering in the Wintertime at Blackbird Attic in Beacon, NY. My show will feature framed prints and some originals. Perfect for gifts! If you are in the area please stop by!
A very happy, restful, cozy (and very yummy!) Thanksgiving to all!