Amazing female performer, Meklit Hadero

" Simple Things" u tube music video

"Leaving Soon" u tube music video

I just saw this female singer perform last night!

If you get a chance check her out. She emanates sensuality, beauty and grace. Her voice is dreamy and her band is outstanding. Her music mixes jazz, soul and influences from her place of birth, Ethiopia.

She is off to Portland next, so if you live there keep your eyes and ears open. She's playing at "The Woods" Thursday, September 1st.

A Walk Through My Garden

After painting for many hours, it's time to get up and stretch. 

Time for a walk in my garden...

I feel much better now...Back to painting...

Arts Arcata opening night at North Soles

My most recent art opening at our local downtown arts night was a success!

I met some new folks and received great feedback from people as well as sold a few things. Yeh! What a blessing to be paid to do what you love. I'm not making millions, but every bit helps. 

I forgot to bring my camera during the art opening, but here are a few photos taken a couple of days later.

My art will be showing at North Soles through September 5th.

Thanks Everyone!

Magnolia & Sphinx Moth

Flora & Fauna with Danscos

Summer Poppies

I love poppies! 

I saw these the other day in a friends yard and had to take some photos. Their seed pods and blossoms are both so beautiful. The flowers are so delicate and the pods are so sturdy and last forever. They make great dried bouquets.

Coastliners by Joanne Harris

August, 14 2011, I just finished this book this morning. 

First, I have to say I love Joanne Harris. If you're not already familiar with her works, she has written other books such as "Chocolat", "Blackberry Wine" and "Five Quarters of the Orange". This book in particular relates to a family on a small island off the coast of France. It has many references to seaside life, which I relate to. In my mind, it explores loyalty, faith in oneself and and a deep sense of obligation to what is right.

I've read most of her books and will continue to scour the used book store until I find all of them. Her books are beautifully written, usually with a woman as the main character and full of small town characters living in French villages, family struggles, delicious food and love. Perfect for me! I highly recommend any of her books.

Learning To FLy

I've been thinking of this painting for awhile and finally got it started this weekend. It's called 'Learning to Fly' and represents the struggle to reach beyond the roots of daily life in order to find a deeper more spiritual experience. Let me know what you all think!

Here is the final product and the process below! Hope you enjoy.

An Etsy treasury dedicated to Poppies

Woman with Child and Poppies is featured in this great treasury.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

July 6, 1907 to July 15, 1954

Frida is an amazing artist and beautiful woman. She is an inspiration to many people but I think holds a special place to women artists. Vibrant, unique and bold in her self expression, she is a constant source of inspiration for me. Here are a few of my favorite photos of her and links to the sites they came from.