On The Easel - Cat Houses
Just a few things I’m pulling out to work on again. Cat houses! I think every cat should own one, so I’m making some in my own little way. Each with a different architectural flair. Not sure why I didn’t finish these when I started. Something about 2020…
Tropical Pond Painting - Up Close
I wanted to paint a tranquil place—a place where water swirled but didn’t rush, where plants were juicy and the light was inspiring. My canvas was tall and narrow, or short and wide, depending on which way I turned it…
Neat Stuff I Learned Painting Brass Era Cars
Oh, the Brass Era cars! Not only were they mechanical wonders, but they looked like a million bucks! For the roughly 20 year period from 1896-1915, these horseless carriages turned heads and caught the sunlight…
Vibrant Pillows Made From Lightweight Fabrics
Those of you who know me personally, know that I've been sewing with my mother for a gazillion years. Slipcovers, cushions, drapes, pillows—she taught me how to do it all. It’s a skill I feel privileged to know. Thanks Mom! Lately, pillows are…
How To Transfer Sketches To Canvas
Anyone lost in a good doodle knows, the vision just flows when the pressure is off. That’s the beauty of a sketch. No expensive paints wasted. No clean canvases compromised. Just a cool idea scratched to life in it’s barest form. But…
Painting a Frog Prince
The classic tale goes back a couple of centuries. A princess visits a pond and finds friendship in a frog. Over time, her affections grow and her kiss breaks a nasty spell, revealing that the frog is actually a noble prince. And, you know the end, they live happily ever after in the pond. Wait…
Retro Clock Painting
Anyone here remember winding a clock? The kind where a snooze button is an actual button—not a spot on a screen. You can feel the hard edges, hear the grind and click. These mechanical details aren’t so common these days, but I remember them. And these bits of nostalgia came rushing in with…
Cozy Coastal Scarves
February in Florida is cold! Or so we like to think. It may not be the frozen tundra, but when the temperature drops to 40 it feels like Antarctica to us warm-bloods. The funny thing about Florida Winters though, is temps can be freezing in the morning, and rise to the 80's by noon…
Artist Spotlight: Caroline Daley
To make this year shine, I've decided to throw the light on some super talented people that live and work in my area. And to keep it personal, I'm delighted to start with my longtime friend and fabulous artist Caroline Daley. Maker of vibrant...
Piano Recital Cookies - Recipe & Little Story
Sweet old Mrs. Akin lived in a big white house. It was ancient, beautiful, and maybe a wee bit haunted in my elementary-school-aged mind. This is where I had my piano lessons each week, and conveniently, where we had our...
First 'Dickens On Centre' Festival at Amelia Island
It's a glorious day indeed when I can celebrate two of my favorite things—Charles Dickens and Christmas. So lets raise a glass of grog to Amelia Island forputting on it's first ever 'Dickens On Centre' festival. Victorian splendor...
Classical Art Gets Out & About
If you've been seeing things in the city—mysterious and pretty things like Boroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism—you could be experiencing enlightenment, or you may be seeing the work of the fabulous Outings Project. This endeavor...
Art & Story at Prelude Chamber Music Camp
Summertime is the perfect time for kids to explore the Arts, and for those with a musical gift, there's a special way to experience a little culture here in Jacksonville Each year, for two weeks in June...
Tunnel Book Project
Here's a nifty project I shared with students at the Prelude Chamber Music Camp. This, my curious friends, is a Tunnel Book, and it's my first time making something like this. I've seen a few creations on this theme and they're really inspiring. I love the idea of...
Christmastime In Savannah
Savannah knows something. This is the feeling I carried home with me after my first trip to Georgia's famed historic city. It's hard to explain it's richness, you have to walk it's streets to know. I hope you can someday! This place is steeped...
Sweet Savannah Waterfront
There is a place, a magical place, down by the Savannah River where the curvy sidewalks and cobblestones lead you straight to sugar overload. This Christmas we discovered two wonderful little candy shops...
Grapple With The Apple and Smile
During the holidays, my food contributions are usually sweet and decorative. I'm thankful that my family makes the bigger meals, and they're probably thankful that I don't. I'm not a bad cook, I just...
Little Fall Carnival
Oh end of October, with your cool starry evenings and whispering pines, are you just trying to be extra nice? Why else would you bring a carnival straight to my neighborhood? Thank you, and thank you again...
Echo of San Marco
Here in Jacksonville Florida, we have some amazing little historic areas, and with the Fall weather rolling in, I've had a yearning to explore. So for the meantime, I'm laying the paintbrush down in exchange for a little discovery...
Conquering Fears
Here's what you get when the desire for a cinnamon roll is greater than the fear of popping the Pillsbury can. Yes, I'll admit it, I'm a bumbling baker. And worse, I'm squeamish about the cardboard packaging marvel...