Run Lori Run!

In Unison

I've been captivated recently by the phenomenon of murmuration.  You've probably seen the videos going around, this one is really popular. But how do they do it?  This article is pretty interesting:  "As Wired points out, this mechanism has more to do with physics than biology. Murmuration flight depends on the same principle that underlies a phase transition of a solid to a liquid or that some physicists say could cause the collapse of the universe. The molecular behavior of a body — whether it's ice in a hot room or a murmuration in flight — changes until it reaches a point where it can no longer exist in its current form. It becomes something else. It melts; it turns left."

Mind. Blown.

So my latest painting is an attempt to capture that feeling of awe when you look up and see hundreds of starlings dancing in unison.  An amazing thing.

Finally

  Ah, finally spring is around the corner!  I have my seed catalogs, garden planning notebook, seed packets spread out around me. Is there anything better after a seemingly endless winter?

This is what the garden looks like now:  things are starting to inch up out of the ground.  I have some serious pruning to do!

Things will be hopping again in June!

Learning

Is it possible to take decent photographs inside a bleak, grey Portland house in winter? These days my photos are either cast in grey or yellow tones. Agh! I spiffied up a corner of my office to take pictures of my artwork because it gets the best light in the house but even then my photos are so dark!  That is my task this week:  learn to take better indoor photos. Any tips?

New

I'm so thankful for you guys, my blogging friends who have been visiting me here for years now.  Hope you have a fabulous new year!

As for me, I'm ready to start fresh. A new year. New goals. I'm usually not big on traditional new year's resolutions but I do like the idea of a fresh start even if it's just a date on a calendar. I have so many goals that it's hard to narrow it down sometimes and make a plan.  I feel scattered, disorganized and then overwhelmed at the prospect of changing my life.  How's that for a daunting new year's resolution: change your life.

Anyway, I hope good things come your way in 2014. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year!

Fond Memories

Today I'm thinking about the Christmas we spent in Italy a couple years back... Such fond memories.

Seasons Change

I can't believe it's December already!

Every year I say that this year is going to be different. This year I'm not going to be completely overwhelmed.  This year I'm going to be stress-free, damn it!  But it never fails: I get this nervous twitch when I start seeing people on the news getting trampled over an ipad or a TV. So this season I am trying to simplify. (Not watching the news helps too.) My strategy this week has been to toss 90% of my holiday decorations. I feel downright liberated!  Now instead of lugging 4 bins full of crap out of the basement (broken Christmas lights, cookie tins from 1987) I now lug out Bert lugs out 1 magic bin of crap out of the basement! It's the little things, right? So what's your strategy to stress out less and enjoy the holiday season more? Do tell.

I've also been keeping busy by staring endlessly at blank watercolor paper.  My brush is poised and ready. But then.... nothing. I have all these ideas in my head for new paintings but getting them down on to paper is another story. 

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." I think the same goes for painting.

The Kitchen Sink

Hello friends!  Are you enjoying the Autumn weather where you are?  We made it down to Hood River over the weekend and it was beautiful! I forget how scenic the gorge is in the fall.

And I continue to paint. I throw stuff out almost daily and keep my husband and daughter rolling their eyes but I think my disclipline is paying off and my painting is improving.  The unanimous advice out there is the practice everyday to find your own style.  I don't think I'm there yet but it feels good to finally see some progress!

I'm not sure what I'll do with this painting.  Cards?  Prints?  Tea towels? Not sure, what do you guys think?

Falling Leaves

We've had a lovely week of sunshine around these parts lately- the leaves are changing, the air is crisp. I adore this weather! This usually means we switch gears to comfort food this time of year but I'm not ready!  This salad keeps me hanging on to summer... 

So are you up to your eyeballs in pumpkin lattes and butternut squash soup? Are you ready for the fuzzy socks and the fireplace?

p.s If you have half and inkling, make these doughnuts.  Seriously.

With A Friend

And I wonder why I always find cat hair in my paint...

I've been painting a lot of windows lately- looking out over gardens, out onto the ocean... And I have a few ideas sketched out to print on tea towels too if I ever get around to it.

And on a side note I am feeling rather excited/petrified that I just purchased this printer.  Quite an expense but worth it (I justify) if I want to start making my own prints and cards. One step closer to re-opening my etsy shop! 

Autumn Again

It seems like someone flipped a switch and the sun is gone.  So inside I go for tea, warm socks, Torchwood reruns.... I'm getting used to painting almost daily which feels good.  The birds are enjoying the sunflowers so today I am thinking about birds, especially the murmuration of starlings we saw in Rome. Spectacular!