The cloudless sky and high temperatures made the summer sun particularly hot.  As I opened the windows, and took a deep breath, I experienced an almost imperceptible stillness in the air –summer was ending.

I’ve spent a great deal of time during this lingering pandemic, staying positive and informed, cleaning out the old, and spending soul searching time re-evaluating and committing to what is truly important in my life.

I’m feeling energized by my recent discoveries and decisions.  Yet, as I drove, I felt this quiet yearning – a desire to step outside my routine.

Since then, I’m continuing to embrace the silence, and explore new things, like: an outdoor rooftop cinema movie, a different dance class, meeting a new friend in person, and the fun of a local ping pong game.

What feelings do you experience when you take in the bright and varied shades of yellows and muted lavenders in this piece?  For me the sensual figure emits energy that feels actively alive, cool, calm and inspiringly confident.

With fall just around the corner, I don’t want to miss one more moment of this season’s beauty.

How will you celebrate the end of summer?

We all have many sides to us.  And depending on our beliefs, upbringing and life experiences, we’ve discovered, expressed, and celebrated not only our responsible, courteous, and respectful selves but also our playful, nonsensical and sensual selves as well.

After all music, art and dance offer us chances to connect and most importantly, to feel.

Temptress shares her beauty – her curves and her fullness as a woman.  She doesn’t shout. Gracefully she moves her body and freely she swings her arms.  Yet even faceless, we are pulled to her, curious – intrigued.

As I spend a few moments with Temptress, I can’t help noticing her confident strides and unabashed freedom as she strolls – the sun’s warm rays, enveloping her.

Feeling sensual and in touch with our basic nature doesn’t require getting dressed up and doing the town, particularly not during the current and changing waves of the pandemic.

But it does invite us to stop, breathe more deeply, and discover what is sensual and satisfying for us.

It could be as simple as putting your feet in lush green grass, stepping outside to smell the sweet fragrances of the season’s flowers, or noticing the blending of flavors of your favorite foods as they melt in your mouth.

You’ll often find me singing unrestrained (accompanied by several famous singers) dancing in my living room, or taking a few moments to enjoy the delicious rich and satisfying world of art – revisiting paintings, and surprised and delighted to discover something new I hadn’t noticed before.

How will you reconnect with and express your lively, spirited, and exuberant self?

Breathing deeply
Stretching softly.
Finding peace
Where stillness resides

Summer is in full swing, and I truly hope you are enjoying the beautiful outdoors –evening concerts, walks on the beach, picnics in the park and golden sunsets.

A hand/shoulder injury last year, has been limiting my abilities to engage in and share with you the lush, rich and inviting world of art.  I’ve missed discovering with you the many ways art can stir our souls, open us up to new possibilities, and keep us inspired, especially during challenging times.

If you are facing an unexpected, unknown, or difficult road ahead (as I may be), together let’s take some dedicated time to seek the stillness within – a moment of silence, and then another and then another.

I know for myself that when my mind races ahead bombarding me with unpleasant or fearful scenarios, the richness of the silence anchors me – making it easier to quiet my mind and take the next step that is in front of me.

As I embark on this healing journey, I will remain as active and creative as possible, encouraging you to continue enjoying uplifting, stimulating and enlivening artwork that speaks personally to you.

Forging a new path or engaging in a new venture can be exciting, thrilling and perhaps a bit daunting.  New aspirations take time, energy and focus.  They may also require acquiring unfamiliar skills, a learning curve and some trial and error.

For example, I’m fascinated by the energy vibrations of color and unusual color combinations.  Early on in my art career, I experimented and mixed – and mixed and mixed again.  And for a while, the color ended up looking like well, mud.

In my inner image, I could see and feel the color I was compelled to create.  And I kept mixing until I matched both what I saw, and what I felt.

But what if your vision is fuzzy?  What if you can only see a part of the picture?  How do you take the next steps?

When I look at this piece, the shifting shapes and warm swirling images remind me that our lives are constantly changing.  The soft muted tones relax me allowing me to stay receptive until the midst clears.

What helps you the most when your picture is blurred or incomplete — a walk on the beach, inspiring art and music, time with loved ones, or just having some fun?

I know I’m on the right path if I’m experiencing wonder, openness, and curiosity.   And when I can’t see through the haze, I take time to appreciate all the many satisfying and fulfilling dreams and desires, large and small, that I’m living and enjoying right now.

Meet with friends, travel, dine in a restaurant – and my favorite, go on a hug-fest!

Myself, I will have the privilege of attending some non-profit galas to celebrate and honor well-deserved honorees.

Short of having to determine which dressy wear still fits, post-Covid, it will be a delight to shed my casual clothes for something with a little sparkle or shine. I want to connect with those I haven’t seen in so long and kick up my heels and dance.

When you imagine yourself free to go anywhere and do anything, what would it be?
Are you tired of seeing family on the small screen and are ready to see them in person even if it means traveling long distances?

Are you ready to thrust yourself back into activities, classes, and groups whether it be for business or pleasure?

Or does sitting in a park or stretching out at a local beach make you moan out loud?

Whatever you choose next, may you take with you all the wisdom and knowledge you gained during this long quarantine – giving you the freedom to deeply, richly, and completely enjoy the activity, savoring each moment.

Maybe this year gave you opportunities to deepen your confidence or perhaps it was shaken by unforeseen events.

When I look at Golden Goddess, I’m reminded of what true confidence means to me.

I’m easily drawn to the undefined space around her face, and I just find myself taking a leisurely soothing breath.  She is confident yet open.  The soft fluid lines and rounded shapes relax me and the calming blues and welcoming greens comfort me. . The array of golden colors radiates a quiet strength that invites me in and inspires me when I’ve lost my footing or had a setback.

Since art is a personal experience, I encourage you to immerse yourself in the lush colors and the flowing lines.  Give yourself these moments to discover something unexpected and enriching.

And as we re-enter the world, and begin interacting with others face to face, may we emit a welcoming confidence in ourselves and an open inclusive energy to others.

Is there a dream or goal you put aside this past year that you want to revive?

Perhaps you want to dedicate more time to building your business, connecting in person again with friends, or increasing your enjoyment of the simple pleasures of each day.

Sometimes creating something new flows easily, and other times we may need to reach for things that inspire us to move forward.

Take a moment and look at this painting, then close your eyes and just breathe.   As you open your eyes, notice which area or areas pull you in, and how they make you feel.  Is it the lush bright greens, the soft billowy shades of rose colors, or perhaps the subtle splashes of yellow and strokes of white?  Maybe you’re drawn in by the fluid lines and stance of the figure.

For me this piece re-awakens feelings of exhilaration, openness and aliveness.  I feel a renewed thrill and motivation I will bring to my current work in the studio.

Whatever you decide, imagine you’ve already begun.  And before you take the next small right step, stop and luxuriate in something of beauty that will keep you inspired—energizing art, moving music, stimulating writing, or the splendor of the outdoors.

And remember, it’s always a good time to make a fresh start.

I created Power Suit 2 to express how satisfying it can feel when we take the time to present our best selves each day.

What we wear as well as what we place in our environment can affect our attitudes and well-being more than we might realize.

Think about it.  What colors come to mind that make you feel warm and open, confident and self-assured, or dull and lifeless?

My personal preference for wearing a fair amount of black with a pop of color gives me a neutral backdrop to create paintings alive and vibrating with color.

Take a moment and look at Power Suit 2.  What areas draw you in first—the rich deep purples or the bold magenta reds, the rounded shapes with splashes of white or perhaps the vastness of the unpainted space?

Now let yourself absorb this piece and notice how you feel.

The colors we place in our surroundings and choose to wear can support our intentions to feel confident, positive and brave when we interact in the world – even if no one can see the smiley faced pajama bottoms underneath…

I encourage you to take a moment and connect with this painting.  Imagine yourself walking barefoot, gentle blue green waves washing over your feet.  Take a deep breath and picture how warm the sun feels caressing your face and body – breathe in the fresh salty air.

The ocean is constantly changing.  And so is our current climate of unrest.  More than ever, it’s vital we cultivate stillness and feel instances of deep contentment.

With the increasing anxiety and worry, I’ve noticed more unexpected mind chatter that can quickly gain momentum and turn a simple concern into an escalating fear.  You know the feeling, heart starts racing; breathing becomes shallow, maybe followed by tightness in your neck or stomach.

When this happens, I start by noticing the tightness in my body and take some deep breaths, bringing me back into the present moment.  It is in that stillness I’m able to determine if there is an actual fear I need to address or take that free form chaotic chatter and use it to shift my focus.

I try to keep it simple by turning my attention to a colorful piece of uplifting art.  Or I step outside and take in the beautiful colors of nature and the sky.  If the chatter is more agitating, I get lost in my favorite music and take a few minutes to stretch my body.

When circumstances seem to prevent me from taking one of these actions, I step away for a few moments and think of the many things, large and small, that I appreciate in my life, right now – especially the people I love and who love me.

Whatever your challenges are, may you be surrounded and supported with all the loving help you need.

And in the middle of those challenges, may you take some time, to find ways to bring more peace and contentment into your daily life.

Have a wonderful love-filled holiday.

Some say there are signs everywhere if we would just look.  Others don’t believe in signs.  And still, many think we create our own signs.

In a world of information overload, where do we turn for answers during this time of unprecedented uncertainty?  How do we find and follow the path that is right for us?  And what if there is more than one road to follow?

I created this piece to express the depth, the wonder, and the benevolence of the unseen –layers of tranquil amethyst and imaginative violets and plums –inviting us to explore the deeper mysteries of life and those within ourselves.

Many years ago I was in a high stress career and frankly, burnt out.  The hours were endless and the unrealistic deadlines an everyday occurrence.  As I gazed out of my high rise office building, I heard a voice deep within me.  “It’s time,” it said.  “Time for what?” I asked.

Over the next weeks, I received this message more than once.  I did my best to breathe through my fears and let go of any resistance so I could go within and listen.  While I was terrified, my decision to leave felt right –deep within my body, heart and soul.

Had I not listened intensely, I may have never discovered my love and reverence for creating art and how powerful and uplifting art can be for others.

Even if we are faced with several choices that may lead us into the unknown, I believe it is up to us to decide what is best for ourselves, and especially if, at times, we don’t know what that is…

We can go within.  And let…

“the unseen power
Reveal what is hidden inside our hearts.”