Inspiration Close to Home

Sometimes all it takes is cleaning out the studio to remember why I do this thing that I love.  Earlier this week while preparing a portfolio selection, I came across these:

Tuscan Iris, Caran D'ache Neocolor II on paper 6" x 8"

Best Friends, Holbien and Portfolio oil pastel, graphite on paper  6" x 8"

Birthday Flower, Caran D'Ache Neocolor II on paper 8" x 6"

Bluebird, Caran D'Ache Neocolor II on paper, 6" x 8"

Midnight in the Garden, India ink, watercolor and acrylic pen on paper 8" x 10"

Midnight Snack, India ink, watercolor and acrylic pen on paper, 8" x 10"

Painterly Light, Holbien and Portfolio oil pastel, graphite on paper 6" x 8"

Polka Dot Memories, Portfolio oil pastel, graphite on paper 10" x 8"

Sieve Handle, Prismacolor pencil, acrylic on chipboard 8" x 6"

Blue Light Special, Portfolio and Holbien oil pastels, graphite on paper, 12" x 9"

Spatula Handle, Prismacolor pencil on chipboard, 6" x 8"

Striped Beads, Prismacolor pencil and acrylic on chipboard 8" x 6"

Tibetan Red, Prismacolor pencil, graphite, acrylic and glitter on chipboard 8" x 6"

I love how each of these pieces has its own presence, and how they tie together through the use of color and material as well as subject matter.  I can tend to get caught up in the "I can't draw that, it's not serious enough" trap, but art is supposed to express what is important to the artist and to help others see the way they do.  Looking through old work can help me remember that.  And also inspire new work.

Wearable Light, detail  watercolor and graphite on paper, 14" x 20"

What treasures do you have waiting for you in your studio?  Why not find out?

Should/ers

Today's post is a little different.  It's about self care and how we physically deal with overwhelm.  You can find it over at Mama's Comfort Camp .



For those of you who may not be familiar with the site, here's some information:

My friend Yael Saar is a mama on a mission to remove guilt and shame from parenting in order to make room for joy and love. She is the Founder and Keeper of the Mama’s Comfort Camp, a Facebook community that functions as a safe haven and refueling station for hundreds of moms from around the world. This community is free and open to moms of kids of any age, and we share our laughter, tears, and triumphs, all the while normalizing motherhood struggles and bridgeing the gap between expectations and reality in a uniquely nurturing environment.
I'm grateful to be one of the Campers, and I would love for you to join us.