Happy Summer y’all! Last month I was able to get up the NYC with two of my artist friends for ICFF & Surtex. It was a blast! We do a little bit of work, but mostly play. And by play I mean we do some serious eating, shopping and feasting our eyes on the inspiring city that is New York. Every time I go there, I think…how will I ever capture a painting that does NYC justice? Never. But I will keep trying.

I got a lot of photos snapped that I put in my inspiration folder and I look through them often. I store a lot of those ideas into my “working memory”. (I learned that term from the book I finished, Imagine…see last blog post). Some are from ABC carpet and home. I really liked the colors throughout the store. I have already done a few pieces using ideas from their color stories. In fact I bought a very luxe brand of turquoise india ink and am using it all the time now! It’s so pretty and reminds me of my time in St. Martin earlier this year.

ABC carpet & home. I dug this color story.

Earth Angel, painting. Original sold. I have prints of her available now in my shop.

Earrings at Barney's. Only 38K! Loved the color.

As an artist it’s easy to find inspiration, especially from random places. And this week was no exception. We had family in town and went to the Georgia Aquarium. I had heard that it was a great aquarium…I had no idea how fabulous it would be! And I didn’t go in thinking I would walk out ready to paint a butt load of stuff after leaving. But that’s how inspiration works. It comes sometimes when and where you least expect it. Thank goodness I have a good camera on my phone…because I got a few great captures of what I was most enamored with…the jellyfish!!!

Shot captured at GA aquarium. Rad right?!?

The way the jellyfish were displayed was so cool. From afar it looked like a large abstract painting with slow moving jellyfish. It was surreal. Now I kinda wish I could go to other aquariums around the world and see more of these alien like creatures. I like that they are so abstract. So when you paint them you’re work already takes on a life of it’s own. In 2 days I created 4 watercolor studies. Which is your favorite? I think the last two are mine.

Watercolor study no. 1

Watercolor study no. 2

Watercolor no. 3, We'll all float on okay!

Watercolor no.4, Electric Feel!

Moral of the stories kids….make sure you get out of your house and see the world. Because it’s full of things to inspire.