Looking Close

25% off sale is extended until 12am tonight! 

I wanted to extend the sale and add the 2 newest paintings into the shop! Use Code : SPRING25 for 25% off!

I also wanted to show you some close ups for the new paintings and explain why I used what I did! 

These are some of my favorite works so far and I wanted them to be included in the sale! I've included some details and closeups of the paintings. 

Sterling brought me home Danish farmers almanacs from the 1920's once. He found them inside an old trailer he was working on. They smelled awful. They had been sitting in storage for years!

I was elated when he brought them home. After they aired out and were cleaned, I looked through each page.. putting bookmarks in for future ideas.

This woman's bust started out from an ad from the old farmers almanac. This one was 1923 I think. The painting also has charts and dates of moon phases and planetary alignments behind paint.

 The owl was free handed with no reference photos. In my original photograph that was a light from someone's porch, but I didn't wand houses in this, so I chose to paint an owl of similar hue.

Owls have been showing up a lot for me. Barn owls especially. This one in particular reminds me of a memory where I came face to face with an owl.

He was perched on pole directly in front of me, he seemed to glow in the dark night sky. We only caught a glimpse of each other. Before I could take a breath of pure awe, he stepped off his pole. His body dropped, but his head remained, eyes still locked with mine. And with a swoop of his wings, he flew upward revealing the moonlight.

"Arranging Stars"

9x12 Mixed Media on Canvas 

Original Prints 

This next piece I called "Your Voice" I started out not knowing where it would go. I've already blogged a bit about this piece earlier, so I won't mention too much more, but I did want to point out, that the cathedral painted in there is The Cathedral of The Madeline. This is the cathedral I'm constantly taking photos of and posting on Instagram. The other papers and ephemera in this painting are from old books from the 1960's. 

"Find Your Voice"

9x12 Mixed Media on Wood 

Original Prints 

I would SO appreciate the help of spreading the news! 

Play Time and Transformation

Lately my "play time" has been the most productive part of being an artist. Who knew so much transformation could take place over one weekend. Especially since I technically took this weekend off! 

I decided to take this last weekend off from the structured illustrations and cards I've been doing and instead, play in the studio. I even said it wasn't work.. and I really mean that! I DO have a hard time relaxing because I love to stay busy... but I took this weekend off from my current work demands, and gave into my creative and intuitive side. 

I recently signed up for Mindy's E-course Permission To Play. It's a 12 month art course on loosening up and learning to play while making art! I thought it would be great to do on the weekends as a way for me to stay creative and learn a few new techniques. I've always wanted to add a little more "play" into my artwork, and I saw the class the day before sign-ups ended so I jumped right in! So far I've done a bout 3 of the projects and I've already felt myself loosen up so much.. but what's more, is I'm really liking the new work that is coming from me! 

Most of my work is planned out, with reference photos, sketches and a good idea of what I hope to see as the finished piece. But for the last year or so, I've been wanting less structure and restriction in my work. I look at old work and see boxes, structure and plans... So I have decided to play more, leave mistakes, and let things transform. I try to go in with an open mind and no real expectations of what the end piece will look like. 

I've been focusing on creating more intuitively. To express with color and brush stroke, rather than details and stories. I want to paint moments of emotion, and the colors of thought. 

I've learned a lot about myself in these last few years. I have had a lot of self discoveries, and an acceptance of traits that I've been suppressing..  Like how I'm a total clean freak! I love my closet to be arranged by color. And I pay very close attention to details. Accepting these traits and using them has really enhanced my well being.. but I've always felt that when I create, I would like to feel less in control of every detail. I want my work to be expressive. 

I love illustrating, and I love painting portraits, but I there is something wild inside me that makes me want to loosen up and just express myself. An urge to go with the flow, and watch something transform in front of me. 

I love hidden symbols within my paintings and illustrations. When I plan paintings, I like to hide the symbols.. but when I go in with no real plan, I end up finding symbols.

Many of my Tarot Cards and illustrations are carefully planned and detailed. I love hidden symbology and meanings. I do so much research on my symbols and meanings. Many of my cards are meditated on or seen in a vision. I will have the meaning of the card in mind, or the emotion I would like to convey, then I meditate on it or sleep on it, and pretty soon I will have a vision of that card. 

But finding symbols and meanings within splatters, textures and and colors is not only eye opening, but soul opening.  Finding faces hidden in splatters and movements is intriguing. I could get lost in outlining hidden eyes, uncovering trees and cathedrals, unearthing words and moments. Then Finally to take a step back and find the meaning that my subconscious wanted to express. Not just for me, but for the viewer. 

When I finished "Find Your Voice," (pictured to the left) we looked over the completed painting and searched for the possible meanings.. I was asked questions over the story and meaning within the painting.

Is she sad? Why is she touching her throat? Is she turning from the church? Are they mourning? Why the butterfly? Is she happy? Is the woman being comforted? Restricted? 

And I really have no answer for anyone about the meaning of this piece, other than to ask what does it mean to you?  I can tell you the meaning to me is profound, personal and relieving. I finished it and took a step back and said "Ohhh!" in realization.. "Well, I'm glad that came out." as I felt an odd weight be lifted from my shoulders.

I feel a sense of relief and empowerment when I look at it. But that's only how I feel when I look at it. Sterling said it felt political and rebellious, but others have said peaceful and happy. And I think because it was an intuitive painting, it's up to the viewers intuition and initial emotions when they see it. 

What's interesting is that this came from a time of "play." Where I had no real structure or rules to follow. No worries, stresses or problems... Only the urge to express myself, and follow my intuition. To take a step back and let my higher self paint for a bit. 

 Here is the new painting I'm working on. This one was supposed to be a paper-hearts Valentine's themed painting, but I was a little bit behind. So instead of painting something Valentine's Day themed, I chose to paint the conjunction between the moon, Mars and Venus this last weekend. 

I took a photograph on Instagram  and was inspired to use that shot as part of my background. I also happened to be listening to Radical Face while painting, and the perfect words spoke to me.

 "And I spent my evenings pulling stars out from the sky. 

And I'd arrange them on the lawn where I would lie.

 And in the wind I'd taste the dreams of distant lives." 

I still have a bit more to finish with this one.. so stay tuned to see the end result! I'm very excited about it and the direction it's going. 

My soul is loving this new process of creation. 

Making the decision to take Mindy's Course has been such a good one.. and I'm only one month in! I can't wait to keep learning, and continue to transform. 

Special Day, with Special News! Announcing a Moon Oracle Deck, and my One Year Anniversary!

Today is kind of a big day for me... Just one year ago was one of the worst days of my life. I was laid off from my job again. It was the 3rd time in two years! I was teaching art to troubled youth. I taught for about 9 months before getting laid off.. where I switched to being a substitute. I was happy to be working with the same kids, sad I was no longer teaching art... but relieved I still had a job. Well a few months later I was laid off. It was a really really sad day for me, back then. I thought my world was over. No job, no way of making money. It was a scary day. 

But now it's a day that I celebrate. 

Today is my one year anniversary of doing this full time. 

I made a decision back then to do what I want to do. To do what I LOVE. And make money from it. And it's been a successful year. I haven't had to get into any extra debt, borrow money, or have a single late payment. And I'm so proud of myself. I'm a little sad because I feel my successes are very over looked in my family. I've always been the black sheep.. but this black sheep got a shade darker this year.. I don't always feel fully accepted., but this is something to be worked out another day, because after one year, I can say I fully accept myself, and am beyond proud. 


I remember the night I got laid off, Sterling and I went camping. I cried while sitting around the camp fire. Scared. So scared. Should I apply for another job? Fit into the mold my parents want? Should I try for government assistance? Would I have to move into a cheaper place? So many scary thoughts..... how would I feed myself? My pets? How would I afford rent!? 

But then I remembered affirmations. The whole time I worked at the school I would always think to myself how I wish I had more time for art. I would say stuff like "I am an artist. I want to do my art." I would repeat that phrase so often through out the day in hopes of reminding myself to do art when I got home. Well, I repeated it enough to where it came true. 

Sitting around the campfire that night I realized this is what I had wanted all along. I had been putting this thought out into the universe for so long that it came true! The universe doesn't always deliver how we want, but it does deliver. 

After I got over the shock, I went over a plan. 

I decided to offer Tarot Readings, and I'm still reading for Lotus Tarot.  Tarot has been a huge part of my year.. it's opened me up in so many ways.. and because I started reading Tarot full time, I started my own Tarot Deck. 

This year has been full of so many ups and downs.. and so many lessons. 

I struggled with depression this year more than ever. Not getting out of the house much really sucks.
But I've been learning to take my job anywhere I want! Which has helped out so much.

I also really struggled with waking up. Waking up has been the hardest part of this.. At school, my job started at 7:15. Now my job starts whenever I want it too.. But sometimes depression kept me in bed until noon.... or later.

I started meditating more, and doing yoga daily. I do 100 squats a day, and drink a lot of coffee. I get to have my hair pink whenever I want it, and eat breakfast in my underwear. I get to create art whenever I want. For fun, for money, for me, or for friends. It's been an amazing year. 

(Photo taken exactly one year ago today around that campfire) 

If I could visit Rachael from last year, sitting at the campfire scared and full of woe. I would tell her not to worry, and to trust herself. I would assure her, that in one year she would be extremely proud of her. Even if she felt totally alone in that pride. Because this is a very soul enriching path. 

And today on this very special day, I have another announcement! 

Marissa from Moondaughter  and I are teaming up for an Oracle Deck! This has been Marissa's idea for a few years and I''m so honored to be a part of this deck! It's going to feature mandalas and moon phases, and other spectacular things. I'm so excited. I love the way it's turning out! 
I trust Marissa's vision for this deck, and am having so much fun creating it. I once did a full concentration on Mandalas for an art class and had to do studies on their process as well as create several of my own. So I was extremely excited when we discussed Mandala cards. 

We've got three cards done so far.. but it's been a fun break from my Tarot Deck. I've been trying to work on the two simultaneously so they will be released around the same time. It's very refreshing to finish a Mandala, then start on a illustrated Tarot card. Once that's finished it's a refreshing break to do another Mandala. 

We are still deciding on a good name for the deck, so if you want to help leave a comment here, facebook, or instagram. If we like your name and choose it we will send you a free deck.

I want to finish this post with a sincere thank you to those who have supported me. In Tarot Readings, paintings, the Tarot Deck, Moon Deck... those who have read the books I illustrated. (Another one is coming out in a month! ) Those who read this blog, everyone who supports me. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. This has been a scary year, but wow, it's been so rewarding... and I couldn't have done it without your support. 

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Scenic Office Space

Sometimes I forget how truly lucky I am. This year has been one of the best, but hardest of my life! I've been fighting depression off and on, and learning how to truly "work" for myself. I've been at this full time now for nearly a year... and it's been hard! I'm not talking money hard, somehow the money has always worked itself out. When I say it's been hard, I mean emotionally. I'll get more into all this later in the month.
But a recent discovery I've made, and I can't believe it's taken me nearly a year to realize this, but I kind of get to work where ever I want! I work a lot out of a sketchbook.. a lot of the work I do requires a few pencils, and a sketchbook! So, I'm able to take things with me, and work where I please. It means I get an awesome view of my "office." and It's been a real treat lately. Again, I'm not sure why this took me so long to discover!

I've learned so much in this last year... and in a few days I'll share what I've learned in a separate post. But the biggest and most rewarding for me right now, is that working from home, means I can work from wherever I want!


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Happenings, and a Sale!

So, I've been busy. These last few weeks have been crazy busy, and I'm incredibly lucky for it. You guys all know, I'm giving this whole work from home thing a go. The beginning of this month has been great! Shipping lots of paintings, prints and doing commissions. I've loved every minute of it. In fact I've got another huge box to ship tomorrow.

I was even able to get the printer I've been DYING to get! And, I'm in love. Here is a little bit about my new printer.  First of all, his name is Harry Potter. He's an HP printer, and I say, "Yer a printer Harry." every time I see him. I'm not even a huge Harry Potter fan! But I sure do love my new printer! That test print they did resembles my face upon seeing my printer for the first time!

This printer was specially made for me! Well, re-made that is...  It was a bit pricey, but I'm thinking it will be 100% worth it.
It's a continuous ink printer. There are little jugs on the side of it that constantly feed Harry Potter the Printing Wizard ink. It shouldn't run out of ink for a while... and it's soooo fun to watch. The print quality is fabulous too.

And of course, if you get an artist a new printer, they will need a new shelf to put it on.

If you get a new shelf to put it on, you will need to repaint the knobs, then decide you need totally new ones, which still don't do it justice so you will probably need to repaint the knew knobs too.



And if you get an artist a new shelf with newly painted knobs, you will need to get a new lamp, rug, baskets and containers, and while you are at it, just redecorate the studio!

And if you redecorate the studio, you might as well go to Ikea for other little elements needed in the newly decorated shop. And at Ikea, you might as well take a nap when you are lost in the maze. 

Don't forget to top the entire ordeal off by shopping for shipping supplies and being allowed to cut your own bubble wrap. And being so excited about it you dance down the aisles in a merry fashion. 

Okay, let's take this down a notch... 

Cause this hasn't been all fun and games and dancing with a bubble wrap flag.

I've been under a ridiculous amount of stress too! 

I received an email from my publisher, I'm now able to start the sequel to Cinderskella! 

(pssst go buy it!)

While this is great news, it's also super, mega, mind blowingly stressful. 

My dead line is in like a month... and I have 80 illustrations due! 

I jaw dropped when I saw that email.

Good thing I don't have a day job eh?

So, what this means is a lot of late nights for me. 

(It's 7:10 am as I type this. I have yet to sleep tonight!)

It also means no more custom paintings until after April. 

I'm so sorry about this, I currently have a waiting list you are welcome to hop on! 

Hat turn around time is about a week as well..

And new paintings and the Tarot Deck is on hold until after April.

Good thing time goes by fast when you are having fun??

The wrist brace was introduced after only 5 of 80 illustrations... eeek! 

I spoke with the publisher about the crazy amount of work that needs to get done in such little time, as last year for the first book I had only 40 or so illustrations to do in 6 months. He offered to cut the illustrations in half... but I couldn't do it.

I would much rather work my butt off and be proud of the work I do, rather than chicken out and only do half the work. So, if I ever "complain" about this, it's not really complaining, because to be honest, I love stress, and I love the way it fuels me. I was just explaining to Sterling how I need that stress in my life. I need deadlines, and a good amount of a challenge. It's how I thrive...


I'm very excited for this stressful busy time in my life. I'm excited about the new printer too! I've been wanting it for a very long time.. and I'm Very excited.  So I've decided to have a sale all week! This sale is in the art shop only this time.. since I don't have 3 hours to spend on hats right now. I can't wait for you guys to see the quality of these prints! Plus I'll try to include some special goodies in the packages this week too.
Enter the code THANKU35 for 35% off everything in the art shop. I still have some sale paintings up, so you can take an additional 35% off those paintings that are marked down. The sale lasts all week!

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