Pink blossoms, Spring fever and creativity overload…

Hello lovely readers!

I’ve got Spring Fever! I’m planning and creating like a mad woman and I don’t want to stop. Lol. Even a bad cold isn’t stopping me! I have been in bed for three days but I’m sketching away.

Dreaming of my upcoming retreat to Scotland – (that is Edinburgh Castle). Can’t wait and yes…you can see my sweet kitty companion, Leo has been keeping me company while I rest.

And one more – a moody gal inspired by some vintage fashion photography.

Lucky for me, I have a pretty great view from my cozy bed – the pink blooms of a cherry tree are just starting to pop! One of my favorite things about Spring. They inspired a bit of a Pin-fest and this board emerged…

Oh and speaking of PINK and gorgeous images, my dear friend Georgianna Lane just published her stunning book! You must get it. If you love Paris and flowers then you will adore this…

To go along with all this flurry of Spring energy, I’m having a BIG SALE on our online classes too! Why not!? It’s the perfect time to encourage growth and creativity, right? I would love to have you in class.

Hope you enjoying the first signs of Spring where you are!

Much love and gratitude,

 

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Art to Adore: Maria Pace-Wynters

Hi there!

How is everyone!? Been uber busy around here with family visitors, summer camps and filming for my latest online Art classes!

However, amongst the chaos I try to make time to be quiet and still, so I can reflect on how this amazing life is unfolding. (I’m trying to learn how to meditate – not easy for me!)

One of the other things I absolutely love to do to unwind is to peruse Pinterest and Instagram for new art to love on. My latest ART crush is on the work of the amazingly talented, mixed media artist – Maria Pace-Wynters.

Gah!! Her work is just drop dead gorgeous. Vibrant colors, lyrical line work and angelic faces! Here have a look…

See what I mean!? Her work literally makes me gasp! These stunning shots are from her Instagram feed. I highly recommend you check it out so you can witness the beauty of these creations!

She also has a lovely Etsy shop! I just HAD to acquire a few of her prints!

Okay lovelies…gotta get back to work! Hope you enjoyed looking at these! So very inspiring!

Much love to you all.

xo,

{all images via Maria Pace-Wynters}

Art Love : Françoise de Felice

Hello friends,

How are you? Spring is blooming all around us here in Oregon and it is truly so beautiful! My kiddos are finally all healthy (knock on wood) and we are looking forward to a trip to Disneyland for Grace’s 8th birthday in April! The Claire Bear will stay behind this time with her grandparents, so the trip should be a tad more relaxing.

So, I’m still working through my Jeanne Oliver online art course where we focus on one master artist each week. It’s been a very inspiring process! One week, our teacher was Kate Thompson and she introduced the artist, Françoise de Felice to us. Oh my! I’m in love. (Thank you Kate!) Her dreamy work is amazing…see for yourself…

Stunning right? I adore the haunting, layered mystery of her work. I could stare at each piece for hours, visually deciphering the meaning behind the expressions and gestures of her subjects. Piecing together the story and admiring the interwoven patterns and textures, the subtly of color…sigh. I told you I was in love. Totally enamored.

What do you think of her work? If you LOVE it…I dedicated an entire Pinterest board to her. Check it out here to see more of her magical creations.

Hope you having a wonderful week.

xo,

Ivy

 

Art Journals to Adore

Hello there. I’m so excited I can hardly sit still. I just signed up to attend this retreat in May 2014! Eeek! I’m scared and incredibly happy at the same time – which I know is a good sign I’m doing something that I truly want to do. A long weekend, on Bainbridge Island creating art with 10 other women – it’s gonna be total bliss! Plus, I’m going to actually meet one of my favorite online art teachers – Jeanne Oliver! Feeling very blessed.

Anyways, I’ve been working more frequently in my art journal. Picking it up casually and sketching or jotting down a thought. It’s becoming a little addictive. I was on Pinterest gathering jouranling inspiration and I thought I would show you some of my favorites. Just gorgeous…

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So inspiring right? I just got this book to help me get more creative with hand lettering too. Love it.

I’m off to go work in mine.

Have a beautiful Friday and a lovely weekend.

xo,

Ivy

Art to Adore: Angela Petsis

Hello friends and Happy Friday! Baby is sleeping and I’m busy pinning…as in Pinterest. Yes. It’s a serious job and someone has to do it. My Pinterest feed is being flooded with images of gorgeous encaustic art! I’m dying to try it! I just ordered this book and I’m looking for a local class or e-course so let me know if you guys know of one.

Anyway, through my hunt for beautiful Encaustic artwork I discovered an amazing artist : Angela Petsis. I am seriously swooning as I go through her stunning portfolio of work! I adore the layering, vintage elements and poetic softness of her work. Absolutely breathtaking.

So pretty right? I told hubby that I want one of her pieces for Christmas! Please go and treat yourself to a peek at her website and Etsy shop.

Have a lovely weekend!

xo,

Ivy

I’m dreaming of…

Hi there. How’s life treating you? We are back into the swing of school around here and I’m trying to get organized and make the most of each day. Not easy. I often find myself being pulled in so many directions that I get overwhelmed. So, I retreat into my own little daydreams. Highly productive. Not.

We have been renting a beautiful home in a fabulous neighborhood but it’s been three years and I’m getting itchy feet! Growing up, I lived in 10 different houses and two countries (the U.S. & Australia). When Chris and I got together, we moved 5 times in 4 years. Finally, we settled in Portland and have lived here for almost 11 years. No wonder I’m getting wanderlust!

Moving is in my blood and I’m totally dreaming of us buying a large piece of land and building a sweet farmhouse. I want a big porch, an old barn for my art studio, chickens (why not?) and a large, white kitchen, where I would bake bread and make delicious meals. Realistic? Probably not, I don’t even bake – but wow, does it sound good to me right now. I’m being drawn to wide open spaces, quiet, solitude, a slower pace. A place to focus and create. Sometimes life just feels so noisy. Know what I mean?

So in my procrastination, I pulled my favorite farmhouse images from my Pinterest board to share my vision with you…

Okay…I think I got that out of my system. Now back to the laundry…ugh.

Have a beautiful afternoon.

xo,

Ivy

* For sources and more dreamy Farmhouse images see my Pinterest board.*