October Projects and feeling 'Fall-ish'

I've been in my studio a lot these past few weeks and started painting on my birch panels, trying not to think so much about an end product as much as enjoying the PROCESS. I've also tried to keep an open mind at what's 'coming at me' as far as ideas & inspiration. As I mentioned to another artist blogger recently, I've been finding tiny, white feathers around our apartment -- we don't have any birds & the only birds around here are all black so not sure what that's about :> I've also found some books to research my lifelong interest in angel/iconic art and folk art, as well as my newfound interest in Mexican & Spanish influenced art which I've been immersing myself in since moving to the Southwest.

This was a WIP until today when after being stuck on the background surrounding her (which is a good reminder for me to include the bkgd in as I work on the main subject so I'm not stuck at the end wondering how to tie it in!) I experienced a breakthrough and decided that less is more and finished the piece with some simple folk art motifs which are my own handcut designs.

'Guardian Angel' mixed media folk art, 12x12 birch plywood panel

I've decided with this series on wood panels, that the originals will not be for sale until I complete all 6-8 of them, but I am going to put up some prints and other items for this design. I think it would make a great holiday card and paired with some of the wonderful accessories in my Zazzle shop, a great gift idea too especially with Christmas coming up :>

I'm finally starting to feel that Fall is officially here in Southwest Texas (finally) although it is nothing like the ones we had back in Michigan where there was a riot of color and a wonderful, crunch & crispness to the air. Ah well, such is life, we must go with the flow for resisting usually involves quite a lot of energy which is better spent filling our creative well.

With that said, I'll wish you a Happy Fall and whatever season you find yourself in right now, may it feed your SOUL and nuture your SPIRIT.

Fall-ing in love with Autumn

Just wanted to share some of the glorious color we're seeing outside our windows these days. I have always loved this time of year - crisp smokey air, wildly colorful & crunchy leaves dancing carefree in the wind and of course nature's bounty which finds its' way to our supper table where we give thanks for all that is good in our lives.

I've had much time to reflect on things of late while in transition mode for my new space. Having to sort through and organize things that I put off for far too long has also helped me put many things in perspective. I'll follow up with a recap on completion of the room next Muse Monday and of course will let you in on my storage and set-up ideas as well as helpful tips/links that I found along the way. Until then...

October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter.
-- Nova Bair



Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.
-- Elizabeth Lawrence



A child looking at ruins grows younger
but cold
and wants to wake to a new name
I have been younger in October
than in all the months of spring
walnut and May leaves the color
of shoulders at the end of summer
a month that has been to the mountain
and become light there
the long grass lies pointing uphill
even in death for a reason
that none of us knows
and the wren laughs in the early shade now
come again shining glance in your good time
naked air late morning
my love is for lightness
of touch foot feather
the day is yet one more yellow leaf
and without turning I kiss the light
by an old well on the last of the month
gathering wild rose hips
in the sun

-- W. S. Merwin, The Love of October