Bits of painting palette inspiration...

I know I haven't been around here much over the last several weeks.  I wish I could say that I have begun 2013 with a feeling of renewal and energy, but it has not been the case.  Although some painting has been done and our studio is progressing, little else has been accomplished.  Right before the holiday, I caught this horrible flu that has been going around.  Directly after the new year, I lost someone very dear to me.  Now I am taking a rest, so I can move forward and recover much-needed energy.  I will be listing new little paintings in my Etsy shop, if you are interested to see what I have been creating.

Can you believe it's 2013?!  It's upon us, and I have to admit, I'm not ready yet.  Every year by this time, I have completed my Year in Review and have already set my New Year goals. That has simply not happened, but I do intend to get that worked out soon.  Better late than never? So much attention has been given to getting our studio up and running.  Furniture has been picked out!  Things are being organized!  But we still have lots of work to be done.
Here is a sneak peek at a Christmas present given to me by my sister.  She created these fantastic hanging pots - they look excellent in our studio.  Just what it needs!

I'm feeling pretty great today - We have been given a concrete date to begin demolition/construction on our studio renovation. It's actually happening!  December 6th!  I've been working on potential layouts for the new space, and I think I am settling on the one I've included above.  Am I missing anything?  I have tried to think of as many details as possible.  I even have a little plant in the corner on the bookshelf.  Lighting is the biggest question mark in my mind. It seems every artist has an opinion about the best studio lighting, and it's hard to pick out what is best for your space/budget.  Any suggestions are welcome!

Also, I created this floorplan for free with The Make Room - it's highly recommended!

Thought I'd share a few recent photos that I have taken as inspiration for use in the studio.  The silting of Prickett's Creek particularly fascinates me.

Sometimes it's nice to dream about a cabin in the woods. 

That comes with its own fruit trees...

And also happens to have views like this...

And this...

and you meet little guys like this...

Maybe one day!

Lately we have been preparing our home for the upcoming studio renovation – and I am excited!  We have to eliminate our current guest bedroom, making it our new office, in order to open up extra room for the studio.  So, the office is freshly painted and ready for furniture.  Today I have been packing up the collection of art books/resources that Derek and I have amassed over time.  These are stored currently in our office, but will most likely be relocated into the studio once it’s complete.  So, lots of heavy book-moving.

I’m going to squeeze in some painting and try to get back to a normal schedule.  Expect to see new works on paper soon!

Today, in lieu of 10 Seconds for Sunday, I have for you a two minute extended tour of my current solo exhibit at Annex Gallery!

Many thanks to everyone who came out to the reception last night!