Morning Walks, Blue and the Scrub Jay

Scrub Jay
encaustic on birch 6x6

The other day I saw a flash of blue while out on my morning walk along the Willamette River in Portland.  This beautiful blue bird darted in and out of my sight for several minutes.  I had to stop and watch for a while. The color was so eye catching, much brighter than the Stellar's Jays I see in Seattle.  I'm sure being a jay and all, he is just as naughty as the Stellar's Jay.  But even so, I thought he was gorgeous.
I walk every morning. It helps me clear my head and get my day sorted before I jump in and get started. I find that inspiration will present itself on these walks. I get some of my brightest ideas while walking.  I've also been adding an evening wind down walk as well.  Seems the new dog is doing me well :)encaustic
Happy Friday, All!  

Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings and Work in Progress: 155

heart
encaustic 3x4

Here's what I am finding inspiring today:

1. The art of Katherine Dunn of Apifera Farm.  I'm in love with her style and that she not only paints but also blogs about her life with the animals on her farm.
2. Blue bells. 
   
3. The upcoming on line Doodle class taught by local Seattle artist, Diane Culhane.  I'm all signed up and am really looking forward to it.  I hope you will consider joining me - here's the info to sign up and here's the inspiration:  https://vimeo.com/122874903
4. Rain in the forecast.  I actually do love the rain and that it brings with it cozy indoor studio time.
5. Setting intentions for the day - it works :)

What are you finding inspiring today?

Spring, Bird Song, and Junco

Junco
original encaustic on birch 6x8

Spring is my most favorite time of the year.  Its a time of awakening and growth and it is in crazy full force around here.  With spring comes open doors and open windows.  I've been awakened every morning lately by the neighborhood bird song.  Its the nicest way to be brought from slumber into the day.  Not better than a steaming cup of coffee mind you - but better than an alarm clock for sure.  The little Juncos are some of my favorite spring time characters.   
Also with spring comes the annual de-clutter, clean up and filling the yard waste bin to overflowing a few times over.  It feels so good to be outside and taking in the fresh smells and sounds.  To kick of spring, I've been doing a weekly inspiration series on Tuesdays - you can catch up on the latest one here. 
In keeping with the idea of new growth in spring, I have signed up to take an online art class taught by Diane Culhane - "Doings of a Do-o-dle".  No one doodles like Diane, so I am really looking forward to it.  You can get more info and sign up here.
Happy Friday - Happy Spring. 

Inspiration Today, Studio Happenings and Work in Progress: 154

Working with cold wax and oil

Here's what I am finding inspiring today:

1. The beautiful abstract cold wax and oil work by Jeane Meyrs
2. The amazing Iris Grace and her cat Thula.  Watch her video here - you really need to watch this.
3. More postcards from the postcard swap

   

   The beautiful art of Eric Bruth
   My Mail Art World

   
   
   
   

   

   By Rebecca Hill
   Industrial Grace Restoration

   
   
4. My new favorite colors - Indian Yellow and Prussian Blue - individually as well as together which makes the most wonderful green.
5. De-cluttering - Dropping a 2 ft. high stack of magazines into the recycle bin and fessing up to myself that if they are over 3 months old, I am not going to read them.

What are you finding inspiring?