cards! cards!

I have always loved cards. I collect them and stick them on my wall, the images and messages on them inspiring me and becoming part of my 'courage armour'. I look at them to remind me of things I want to do, paintings I admire or ways I want to be.

And now I am creating my own. I have put my little red angels onto them and they look GORGEOUS! I gave one of 'Faith' to a friend about to make a big leap of change in her life. I was so touched by her response - I dream that they may inspire others.
















On the back of the cards I have written -

I got a bit teary when I wrote it (call me a big sop!) as I remembered the times when I needed a helping hand to see the rainbow through the clouds. I do hope my paintings make a difference.

I took my first printed cards carefully down to my studio to take photos of them for my etsy shop page. I was concentrating so much I didn't notice that the tide had risen and overflowed onto the banks - wet feet for me!  Luckily I made it to the safety of my doorway and had a lovely afternoon watching the swans float by as I painted.

dancing stars

Some stars tumbled out of the sky to dance on the walls of children's bedroom and help them have sweet dreams.

How precious is sleep! My 'little' sister just had twins. They joined my darling nephew at 16 months. She is my hero!

These stars danced into my imagination for them... I loved the way the watercolour paint ran and congealed into dreamy swirly puddles. An excercise in freedom and control - rather like children it seems!

Sending lots of love to those awake in the wee hours attending to little angels.

my hideaway studio

Because the universe is full of grace I was one day gifted with a studio. Somewhere in London on the river, full of magic and ripples of light sent scudding across the water. Herons sit looking like old wise men and if I am very lucky I catch the blue opalescent flash of a kingfisher.

I wanted to share it with you - this magic space which enriches and inspires me.

angel boy

I sat and thought one day of the love, patience and resilience it takes to be a mother. I am in awe of those around me who are parenting.

And so I drew this little angel in homage to my sisters, friends and all those raising little boys whom will one day take on the mantle of the world and have their own adventures. 

Sending you an angel - for your courage and to help you both as parents and someone fulfilling their dreams. 

And to little boys as they grow, hoping they keep their hearts open and their spirits strong. 

my etsy shop!

I am so proud of my little shop. Each time I put up another image it is as if I am sending one of my babies out into the world.
It takes so long to scan and colour correct each image (the perfectionist in me!) and I feel a glow inside as I finally get each one into my 'shop'.

Here is one of my latest I have posted  - my painting to remind me about balance.

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.188250954.jpg

The more I look at her, the more I grin somewhat ruefully. Tis 10pm and I should be in bed and asleep as part of my new, better balanced lifestyle! Less late hours, more self discipline, time with my husband, in the garden...

I have a couple of new paintings sitting staring at me, wanting to be released into the world. Not to mention all the others that are clamouring to be painted!

inspiration

Just back from Barcelona and in awe of what one man's vision and commitment to his passion has done to inspire thousands of people. The Segrada Familia, all of his work, is a monument to creativity and self-belief.

Gaudi you are one of my heroes!

balance

One of the things I have often struggled with is the balancing of the passion of my heart with the reasoning and logic of my head. 

Which one is the correct one to follow?

Often one will pull more than the other, as though I am in the middle of a balancing act walking through my life. When they are in balance I am able to walk straight and with confidence. When I allow one or the other to pull unreasonably I can veer off in the wrong direction and fall off my path.
      

Rather like a tightrope act finding the right balance in life! I had to paint it...