Nothing is more important than this day

a new tree commission

a nap in the studio

I am still in painting hibernation as I prepare for Jazz Fest, but I wanted to take a moment to share a new recent tree painting and a quiet moment in the studio. That painting is so much about the magic in life and having a homebase to return to after each journey. My experience in painting it for the family was such a blessing. It is one of the few commissions I have done amid painting the rest of my new body of work and it was like taking a little journey to the other side of the river from myself. I wanted to capture movement and tenderness, magic and stability, wonder and gratefulness, all in the same painting. I am so happy with the result and was excited to deliver it to the inspiring family last weekend. I am so grateful for inspiring families, successful paintings and quiet moments in the studio lately, like the nap pictured above. I bought those Holly Hobbie sheets at a thrift store a few years ago, because my big sister had Holly Hobbie sheets on her bed when we were kids and just seeing them now gives me a safe feeling. I have kept them in my studio thinking I might use them in a stitched piece someday, but on this day they came in handy for their intended purpose of rest. I have pushed myself lately and worn out a few times. But triumphed more than not. But I have to say, there may be no better rest than an afternoon studio nap on Holly Hobbie sheets.