Latest large piece, inspired by the settling of fog in the mountains...

Our magnolia tree is almost blooming!  Spring is officially here for me now...

Bits of painting palette inspiration...

A solution has been found for storing my small paintings on paper!  Traditional flat files are so expensive and SO HEAVY; I have been on the hunt for some time looking for a more budget-friendly fix.  I can't say how happy I am to have decided on this little shelving unit.  The "shelves" pull out for easy access and I organize my paintings in it according to size.  Derek can even fit his smallest size drawings on one shelf!  (We, or let's be honest, Derek will have to construct our own shelving for the larger works on paper.  More on that later!)  We purchased it at IKEA, which unsurprisingly is proving to be the perfect place to get affordable storage solutions.  Highly recommended at a mere 20 bucks! I don't think I have ever been more excited about a shelving unit in my life...

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!