My Biggest Fans

My parents have been my biggest fans well forever.  Let's face it, without them we all wouldn't be here.  Mine have always supported me...ALWAYS. 

When I was little my mom almost convinced me to take art classes in the city.  I was shy then and afraid of my own shadow to go into the city by myself but she kept asking and supporting me.  When I was in high school and took every art class available, they bought my first portfolio, paint and brushes.  And when I went off to college to be a art major, they really supported me.  Not with tuition, but by always allowing me to find my way through my art.  They never really questioned my choices.  At least not while I was in the room!

Wow, now that I am a parent I hope I can be as patient and loving and supportive as they have been for me.  Thanks Mom and Dad, I love you more than the moon! 

Let's wine a little...

Okay I admit it, I like wine.  Red wind is good for you, right?  But I like white wine too.  Recently I was introduced to Sangria (thanks Kim).  Yummy!  White wine sangria is my new spring + summer drink. 

I am not a lush, I just have a deep appreciation for wine.  Someday I will get back to the wine country of California with my husband, Joe.  Or go to Italy,  I want to go there anyway...until then I have my sangria and my wine!

So I paint about wine.  I have for a few years and am finding I am not the only one who appreciates adult grape juice.  My oldest friend loves wine too.  Probably more than me, well I know she does.  She has a shirt that says "Group Therapy"  I borrowed part of the quote for my work.  It was too cute and works too.  I found other quotes that work well too.  Customers have offered some great quotes.  If you have a great new quote, send it to me.

I just finished my newest mixed medium pieces for the wine collection.  What do you think?

Just me...

Okay, I went to school for art...and not for journalism.  I am an avid reader, perhaps I should stick to illustrations for books, but this is for me.  My hope is if you are reading you take something away that will help you.  I so appreciate ALL the teachers of the world, perhaps one of my callings.  I love what I do and am having fun sharing a little bit of myself and my art.  I love words, quotes, texture, patterns and lots of color!  Little snippets of happiness, hope, and inspirations. 

So I am going back to school, the school of Simple Artful Abundance.  It is a one of a kind, self learning school.  I am the teacher and student learning to find...me.  The true me, authentic, pure good me.  Peel back the onion layer so to speak and seek happiness, abundance and calling as an artist, mother, wife, friend...Not always easy and I am making lots of mistakes.  But I get up, dust off and move forward.

 

Everyday is new, a fresh opportunity to "train your heart to listen" as Sarah Ban Breathnash of one of my class books states.  Funny I learned that today!  If you pick up "Simple Abundance"  follow along with me.  My goal is to read, learn and share from her, and the other great books I mentioned in earlier post.  

Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend!

Be open ~ Darla


Send me your thoughts... I really would love to hear them.  Pass my blog to your friends if you think they would enjoy it.  I would love the company and positive commentary :)

My Periwinkle Crayon

Hi,  I'm Darla.  If you know me, you know I am an artist, a wife and a mom.  But once apon a time I was a little girl, who loved to draw...anytime and anywhere.  My favoite place was in my parents backyard under a large tree.  I would look up between the bright lime leaves and see a periwinkle sky.  It has been my favorite color ever since.  

After I married, my husband Joe and I started our family, our oldest son Ian received a book of children's classics.  In it was a special story " Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson.  It is one of my favorites.   A gentle story that shows you how far your imagination can take you.  This is the beginning of my blog jouney.  I hope you join me along the way.  I promise to keep it colorful and creative...and use my periwinkle crayon to share my artistic passion and a little about me too!     

Studio Open Day

Thank you to all my friends and clients who came along to my Studio to see my new product ranges and concepts.  It was so helpful to have your input!  So another BIG thanks for everyone who filled out the survey.  Here is a sneak peek at our new directions.  I will keep you posted!