Chilean Wedding Map

One of the fantastic things about keeping a modest Etsy shop is that is allows me to connect with people not just all over the U.S. but also all over the world! I’m currently creating a custom painting for a woman in Finland. This project was another such international client. I created this custom wedding map for a bride in Chile. She was married in a Church followed by a reception at a private park. She wanted a map that would convey the feeling of the rural feel of the venue, characterized by rolling green hills.

Custom Castle Invitation

I created this custom save-the-date and wedding invitation for a couple who will be marrying at a beautiful castle in the Italian countryside. In the year I spent studying in Rome, there were many travels into the small hilltop towns of Italy.

It was a delight to make this painting and recall those days exploring the beauty of Italy's landscape and architecture. Congratulations to Kelly and Jesse!

Two Paintings

These paintings were commissioned project by a woman for whom I had created custom wedding invitations several years ago. She requested a custom painting of a beautiful bouquet of wild flowers in a mason jar, for her mother. After I completed the painting, she requested a second painting on the same subject matter for her mother-in-law. It was an interesting exercise to paint the same subject matter twice. I think I managed to achieve the same feel in both paintings though the particulars of the colors varies quite a bit. I particularly enjoyed painting the rich hues of the door knob featured in these paintings.

Shall we dwell in possibility?

With the passing of Thanksgiving and the design of a holiday postcard, I’ve been reflecting on Emily Dickenson’s poem “I dwell in Possibility.”

The poem reads:
“I dwell in Possibility –
A fairer House than Prose –
More numerous of Windows –
Superior – for Doors –

Of Chambers as the Cedars –
Impregnable of eye –
And for an everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky –

Of Visitors – the fairest –
For Occupation – This –
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise –“

In reflecting with gratitude for the year gone by and celebrating the new start of the coming year, I feel aware that the possibility of the present is where I desire to dwell. It’s easy to yearn to hold onto the experiences of days gone by or to project ourselves into a positive or negative future. I will struggle mightily though, to be present to myself and others in the each moment, and to behold the possibility that exists there.

Michigan Audubon

This is a commissioned painting, made for a couple who married at the Michigan Audubon in Manistee, MI. This picturesque site along Lake Michigan’s eastern edge is the oldest of Michigan’s conservation organizations. It was formed in 1904 in order to secure protective legislation for birds at a time when the millinery industry was harming songbird populations. 

The Outdoor Art Club

In June I traveled to the bay area for the wedding of my friends Chris and Jessie. They married at the Outdoor Art Club, a beautiful venue in quaint downtown Mill Valley. The private, nonprofit women's organization was formed in 1902 and their stated mission is “To preserve the natural scenery of Mill Valley and the surrounding country, to beautify the grounds around public buildings, to work against the wanton destruction of birds and game, to encourage the development of outdoor art and to engage in other civic, literary and charitable work." 

It was a relaxed celebration in a idyllic setting. The reception was colored with delightful teal accents, wild flowers, and a main course of delicious pizza! I was so pleased to be able to celebrate the marriage of an old friend and to visit a Mill Valley and the Outdoor Art Club. I made this painting for the couple to mark the occasion. This is the charming entrance to the Art Club, in June the foliage was lush and I felt as I was passing through the gate into an enchanted garden. Congratulations to Chris and Jessie!

The South Shores of Lake Michigan

In August I had the pleasure of joining in the celebration of the marriage of my friends Helen and Tom. They married at the south shore of Lake Michigan in the beautiful Gary Aquatorium. The Aquatorium was built in 1921 as a bathhouse and for years was the focal point of Miller Beach. It was a delightful celebration complete with good company, beautiful scenery, and fantastic music. 

The setting was rich with the opportunities to document the occasion with a painting. I made this painting of the lake as seen from the second story wedding location. I enjoyed painting the unique column capitals of the building, the rich tones of the native grasses, and steely lake beyond. Congratulations to Helen and Tom!