Lucy the Valiant

My friend and I share a love of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. She named her baby girl Lucy, after one of the main characters. Naturally, I wanted to do a painting for her with elements of the story. And since Aslan (the lion) is such a central piece of the plot, I wanted to incorporate him. I don't usually draw animals so I wasn't sure how I'd do this at first. I knew it wouldn't be realistic but I didn't want it looking cartoon-ish either. So I ended up sketching his face on tissue paper and letting the pattern be his mane.

The break-through of spring is a big theme in the first book.

One of the best quotes from the entire series--my friend's favorite (this is not the entire quote, only an excerpt).

I'm working on more story-art. Combining them has such a powerful connection for me.

{This print now available in my shop}

Wishing you a fantastic weekend full of beauty and tender moments!

Rachel Awes: The Colorful Doodler

I'm so excited to have Rachel Awes here today! She graciously agreed to answer some questions:


1. I love your whimsical works; how did you find your art style?
i began creating art because i was moved by hearing the moments of beautiful insights from my clients in my psychology practice. i would write down something lovely they said + later try to draw it. initially, i could go through a whole notepad of scribbling to search for some authentic lines that expressed what their sentiment felt like to me. somehow, over time, these scribbled lines began to have some kind of consistency to them. my breath came through the page.

2. What are your favorite tools?

my favorite tools are my heart + ears + arms to hug + the beauty i see in people + the colors of orange + green + yellow + softblue + red. i also love markers + acrylics.

3. What advice would you give a new artist starting out?

have fun. play. follow the colors + forms that bring you joy. follow them all the way home.

4. If you were a famous actor/actress, who would you be?

pippi longstocking.

5. And a few either/or questions just for fun:

Chicago or Hong Kong? chicago.

Cream cheese or Sour cream? cream cheese.

Roses or Tulips? tulips. + for extra credit, always with love. xo, rachel


Thanks so much, Rachel! Pippy Longstocking's a favorite of mine too!

Rachel Awes is a psychologist, art playgroundist, writer, wife, mom, + friend, who loves listening to the beauty in people. Join Rachel: on her blog, her beautiful shop, pinterest, facebook and twitter.

Wanna Trade Strengths?

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I want someone else's strengths; mine are lame.  I took a strengths test this week (here) and these were the results:
1.  Appreciation of beauty and excellence
2.  Curiosity and interest in the world
3.  Spirituality, sense of purpose, faith
4.  Love of learning
5.  Gratitude

See what I mean? Lame. Because, what can I do with these?  I guess I see where a Love of Learning and a Spirituality/Sense of Purpose could be helpful. But appreciating beauty? Doesn't everyone? I mean this isn't exactly stand-out material.

I got my results and wished I'd been strong in Bravery/Valor or Industry/Diligence/Perseverance--now those are strengths. They seem gallant-- mine seem unnecessary.

Although, the funny thing is that if someone else came to me with this list, I'd be able to see how it plays out in their life and why it's important. But being me, I struggle to see the significance of them in my life. Not that I'm ungrateful (see strength #5).

Then it hit me, my strengths can all be used here on the blog. *cue the Twilight Zone music*  *doo-doo-doo-doo* No wonder I love blogging! *cheesy smile*

My strengths do have a purpose, they do, they do!

What are your strengths? Do you like them or would you wanna trade? Forget I said mine were lame, they'll look great on you!

Also, the winner of a free calligram print by Joni James is: Camille Yanair! Congratulations!
{Sorry I didn't have this on the post earlier. Obviously organization isn't one of my strengths}

Home Office Dreams

I've been dreaming about a cozy studio re-do. Here are some of my favorite picks so far:

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I'm drawn to all shades of blue. I also love the bright pops of orange, red, pink and yellow. My studio is mostly desks, table and chairs right now. I'd love to have a cozy area to snuggle in and read or have my family hanging out near me.

My studio has a large picture window, and across from it is an opening into the living room. Bookcases line the only full wall in the studio and a wide doorway is across from that. This makes for fantastic lighting but less wall space. Trying to keep the open feel and not blocking the walkway is making my dream space a bit of a challenge. But I've got graph paper working for me and attempting to find a good layout.

Do you have a space of your own or dreams of one? What would you like to fill it with?

I Love Flying Kids

What I'm loving lately:

• My kids "flying" to find the eclipse.
• Having a day full of nothing so I can catch up.
• A new refill for my loose-leaf calendar. I'm trying to get organized, yet again.
• Figuring out my decor style with Rachel Denbow's Style Your Space course.
• Being asked to paint one of my art girls on a GUITAR!! Oh my gosh...the plans. I've been sketching and scheming. It's sitting by my art table just waiting for me. :D
• The quiet Saturday morning date with my son. No one else was awake, so we took off. It was such fun one-on-one time.
• Reading beautiful art books and feeling extra-inspired.
• Having my husband back after his trip to Cambodia.

What are you loving lately?