Caryn Lynn Duncan: Art and the Creative Spirit!

love within

2012-02-15T11:37:00.004-05:00

The deep rich layers of life that encourages our souls to blossom.

The companions we meet along our journey who hear and understand our truth.The brave vibrant spirit that reveals beauty. All are blessings that nourishes the love within.

A return to Light

2012-02-10T13:36:00.007-05:00

Happiness is a place of light, to know yourself and face the dark moments of life with love in your heart. For many months now I have been taking the time to work on reclaiming a stronger understanding of self, life, and how it intertwines creating my soulful journey. My artwork has always been my connection of soul, life, and creative process. It is the most wonderful gift and blessing. It has been my beacon on light through many dark stretches. It brings forth my truest connection to a place of love and acceptance. Last year proved to be one of my most challenging personal times. The ten year relationship that I was in came to an unexpected ending because of a lack of understanding and poor communication. On that journey of engaging in relationship I gave my full heart away and with the break up physically felt my heart split. It was only a few weeks ago that I was fully able to reclaim my heart, and along with that a clear understanding of the power that comes with holding your own heart. I am now on a new journey to connect myself with truth, creativity, sharing, love, and happiness. Each morning I wake up to Ollie, the sweet happiness, that Katie and I rescued weeks after moving into our new home.

My business has been holding strong and continues to grow. Teaching out of my studio connects my love for creativity and allows me to share a part of my soulful belief that being creative transforms life and teaches us how to take on challenges with a sense of adventure and play.

My new home is a reflection of what I love most in life. I am taking my time and carefully finding pieces to furnish and decorate it to mirror the peace and beauty that I hold so dear.

My office is the most challenging room so far, but it is getting there. I am working on becoming more organized. Filing is a skill that really challenges me. As you can see I didn't take full shot of the desk area because I am a bit overwhelmed by it. I am working on it, I bought another file cabinet and have high hopes to develop a better organized filing system.

What it all really comes down to is that I am moving forward, growing stronger and living happier day by day.

On a path of Change

2011-11-08T10:45:00.010-05:00

Everyday we embrace change. Step by step we grow and are nurtured from the magic it brings. At times the change comes BIG, hits us hard, and brings us on a path of unexpected awakenings. This is where I have been, and now I am easing into a new life, opening my heart to what lies ahead.

Just like painting it is a process of working with what emerges.

Among chaos lies gentle breezes to comfort the spirit.

Beauty is how we translate the experience in our hearts.

To be brave, to be bold, and know that we are never alone.

The Heart Of Summer

2011-08-05T14:22:00.008-04:00

In the center of my heart right I feel so blessed, lucky, special, and encouraged. This years summer camps at the studio were completely full and I received such an amazing response that I even added an additional week. Six full weeks surrounded by happy kids who light up my life with their creativity and passion for art.

Every day their enthusiasm brings me to my place of joy! It's what makes it easy to give my 110 percent to sharing my knowledge and love for art, and encouragement to help them continue on their creative path. I have to admit that as much as I am teaching me they are doing the same for me to help me on my creative journey.

Next week will be the final summer session and I am amazed of how the summer is just flying by.

To top off all of this wonderful goodness, I get to share it with my Katie. For the first four weeks of camps she returned as my camp helper. This past week she began her summer intensive with her dance company and I really missed having her by my side.

But she is always number 1 in my heart!

Listen to your soul

2011-07-29T16:01:00.006-04:00

There are times that call for deep thought and meditation. It is a journey... What will you find? Choose to be creative!

Work and Play

2011-06-03T13:41:00.010-04:00

Excitement is in the air, I am preparing for a little work and play getaway weekend here. Tomorrow morning I'll be heading to Rockywold-Deephaven Camps. Staying here is my idea of the perfect camp experience. It's a beautiful setting with cozy cabins with comfy beds and the best food. Just what I need to nurture my soul.

Saturday night I'll be one of the vendors at the Squam Art Fair. It is a fun evening that is open to all. Full of wonderful hand crafted goodness.

Today in the studio I was doing a dry run for the set up of my table.

I will have a great sampling of some of my newest originals, art prints, wish books, and pocket quotes.

It should be great company, lively music, wonderful art, and a magical evening.

Springs Beauty and Bounty

2011-05-26T14:16:00.009-04:00

My dear little flower beds are calling for my attention, after the weeks of rain the weeds have grown by leaps and bounds. The sunny skies have returned along with some much longed for warmer days. The big challenge is to try to balance time for it all. I have been spending most of my time at the studio creating new paintings in preparation for stocking the galleries with new work and prints.

I have been working on some larger floral paintings that provide bright backgrounds for some new spring birds. The song birds that have returned to our land grace me with their beautiful songs each morning. It is quite inspiring and fills my heart with joy. I have also been busy this past week preparing for the Squam Art Fair, I'll be their next Saturday with plenty of prints, wishbooks, pocket quotes, and original artwork. If you have the chance and are in the area it is an event worth checking out. Last fall was my first time their and I am thrilled to be part of this great evening again.

Lucy's Art Emporium, the local gallery her in Dover, is doing a series of interviews and asked me to be the featured artist this month. Being part of an interview is a great opporutnity for self reflection. It was really a pleasure take part in it. The interview is available here.

Wishes to everyone for blue skies of bliss and pink petals to ignite your creative passions. Enjoy your weekend!

GOOD JUJU

2011-05-20T15:59:00.007-04:00

I'm thrilled to announce that my artwork is now for sale at Good Juju in Newmarket, NH. They will have some of my newest originals.

And also a variety of my art prints.

If you are in the area make sure to stop by, it is a great shop with a variety of hand crafted items that are locally made.

It's all good juju.

Creative Spirit Art Student Show

2011-05-09T15:09:00.005-04:00

This Friday from 5-6:30 pm, I'll host the annual annual art exhibit for my students at my studio.

It has been a great year working with this fun group of kids.

They love their classes and have been working really hard to put together this show.

Our local newspaper published this article about it here

If you would like please join us for the artisit reception this Friday, May 13th!

The Gift Of Being a Mother

2011-05-02T11:44:00.014-04:00

Being a mom is my greatest creative endeavor! I cherish every minute of it. This past weekend my daughter asked me to do a photo shoot for her. She wanted to exchange photos with her boyfriend to celebrate 1 month of going steady, ahhh young love. Below are my favorite shots. We started out at my studio, as I had left my camera there. Kate had fun playing with my reading glasses.

It was a gorgeous spring day. I took her around to some of my favorite settings in downtown Dover,NH.

She had fun and posed for some silly shots.

Most of her poses showed her more composed side. She had a hard time choosing which picture to frame, this the first one she liked.

A close up in the same setting.

But this was the winner, showing her natural joy.

I am such a proud momma of my beautiful girl.

Our children grow so fast, each day is a gift for us to grow and learn with love and nurturing in our hearts. Happy mother's day everyday to all of the mommas, we are so blessed.

Happy Earth Day

2011-04-22T10:54:00.002-04:00

"There is hope if people will begin to awaken that spiritual part of themselves, that heartfealt knowledge that we are care takers of this planet."
_Brooke Medicine Eagle

Cause You're Beautiful Like a Flower

2011-04-02T08:57:00.009-04:00

You are the center of your life Allow yourself to rest your head on your friends shoulders

Trust that you will bloom into beauty

Open your heart wide

Look within and your will find a gem

Invite friends into your life

Stand tall

Believe in You!

Wishes For You Giveaway

2011-03-09T11:54:00.007-05:00

My breakfast room has become my home studio for this winter and the table has been left in the constant state of creative chaos. I have been busy crafting a series of mini mixed media wish books. Sewing the foundation of the background papers from recycled journals, books, and mail that I have collected.

Adding embellishments of colorful paper scraps, paint, and meaningful words.

Using the original finished piece to print copies and package with a surprise wish in each one.

If you are in need of a wish right now, go ahead and make one. Post your wish as a comment by this Saturday and I will randomly select five wishes to receive one of my five new mini wish books. Wishes for all your dreams to come true!( PS please make sure to leave your email so that I will be able to contact the winners)

Sneak Peek

2011-02-17T19:10:00.009-05:00

In March at Lucy's Art Emporium some of my newest pieces. Bloom Big 24"x36"

Discover Joy Every Day 20"x20"

You are not alone 16"x20"

Peep 16"x20" And a few more works in progress to add to the collection. Just a sneak peek of a few pieces that will be in my Show A Breathe of Spring.

Feel the Love PEEPS

2011-02-14T13:00:00.009-05:00

Feelin the love here in my heart and my home. I think love should be celebrated everyday. Today I'm creating a little alter on my table. My sweetheart is half way around the world, still finding a journey of adventure in New Zealand. I'm sending him love across the miles. I want to make it a special day for my sweetie, Katie. She is the biggest love of my life! Right now she is a little anti Valentine's day because she thinks it is all about boys, it's pretty hard to covince a 14 year old there is more to it than having a crush. So I am hoping these little surprises will cheer her when she gets home from school..

These marshmallow hearts by Peeps make a cup of hot cocoa full of loving goodness.

This past weekend I found this little forest greeter made by Janae Easton at Three Graces in Portsmouth. She uses a Gocco printer to make them.

For a healthy snack try cutting water melon int heart shapes. I was searching my house for a heart cookie cutter and when I had no luck finding one I just cut them with a knife, pretty easy. I'm not much for buying hallmark cards and heart shaped boxes of chocolates, for me the most special touches are one you create to make you own unique valentines.

Wishes of love to all you peeps,

Caryn XOXO

Love Your Work

2011-02-11T11:13:00.005-05:00

For me inspiration can come from all places. The other day I was at Chilpote, one of the few fast food chains that I'll eat at because they cater to vegetarians and they are conscious about the quality of what they make. I was totally diggin the design of their bag. I don't really know if the people who work there really feel that it's a dream job, but I know that's how I feel about being an artist. This morning I was out for a quick ski before work and out of the corner of my eye I thought I spotted a robin. I was amazed and excited, as I turned the corner their she was sitting on my roof getting some sips of water from the ice that was melting. I don't think that I have ever seen a robin so early in the year in New England. Maybe we will have an early spring, but right now it sure feels like we are still in the dead of winter. My first task of the day was to capture my memory of this, so I quickly got to work on a pencil sketch that I then went over with my fluid acrylics. Notice the bird book, I would love to say that I have a photographic memory. The truth is I use photo refrences to help me when I draw. I'll use this bird in one of my mixed media paintings that I am creating for a new series of petite color palettes.

Abby had to come hang out with me as I was stamping out some words and phrases. It doesn't get much better than this. I love was I do, all in all it's a dream job!

sometimes you just have to stop to start

2011-02-06T08:48:00.014-05:00

My focus this year is to engage in the process of discovery. Wanting to live life full on, spreading my wings and trusting that my journey will bring me to places that help me expand and grow. My mind and spirit are there and my wings are feeling a bit closed and tucked in for safety. Needless to say I'm having a little difficulty getting off the ground. I am working on this opening, here are some sketches that I did yesterday just on a piece of paper I pulled out of my recycling bin. I like to add words and phrases that come to me while I work. New ideas and stories spinning in my head waiting to be born on my canvas. And then there is this girl, my darling Katie, who my life revolves around. Being a mama to her is my first priority and I cherish my time with her. Now that she is in high school, that time mostly consist of driving her around to school, activities, friends, social dates, hosting sleep overs, shopping, watching silly videos, and cooking her favorite meals. She is my only child, we have a great mother daughter relationship, we really trust one another to be there with an open heart and mind.

Today I was supposed to be driving her to her ski team practice. We got another storm last night that started with snow, then turned to rain believe it or not it was thundering and lightening here in the middle of winter, really freaky weather for New Hampshire. So now everything is frozen in a hard icy crust on top of the couple feet of snow we have. That is not ideal skiing conditions, so I'm letting her skip this practice and she is happy to not have to brave the gusty wind and ice. So what to do today, I have a list of things so long, but I'm feeling overwhelmed with where to start, to the point where it is kind of paralyzing. So I went with that feeling and decided to stop, be still, and just sit in my favorite meditation spot looking out my windows to the sky.

Seeing the clouds move swiftly from the gusting winds began to release me. I went and got my camera and had to step out on our deck. Look of what I saw beautiful blue skies, white puffy clouds and this bird in flight.

Here is the view from inside our living room, the corner has two big windows that when you sit on the floor and look out it is just a fantastic place to meditate, this photo doesn't capture the beauty of the view because the glass is reflected and makes the sky look white. I still wanted to share my sacred spot, it is the place in my home I go to when I need to collect my self this is where I find peace.

Now that I am feeling free I'll be heading into the studio. Here is my easel of works in progress. I still have my "wish" word from December still up. There is an overflowing stack of paintings. They are calling to me to let my voice from within speak my truth.

Discover wings!

Another Snowy Morning

2011-01-27T12:09:00.015-05:00

With all the snow we have been getting I have been using our breakfast room for a makeshift studio on those mornings that I can't make it into town to my studio. This is our driveway, it's pretty long and ends at the road just past our little yellow barn. There is no making it out of here until it gets plowed. One of the benefits of being an artist is the flexibility of my schedule. My classes are not until the late afternoons so when school is delayed there is no rush for me to get out of here. It really is quite cozy and beautiful.

Still I have work to do, ideas that need processing, and lots of other non art making tasks that go along with the business of being an artist. Today I am going to recycle some of Katie's old school projects (nope I'm not attached and feeling that I have to save her things for her, she hates clutter and tends to throw everything that she is not in love with into the trash.) I'm going turn these watercolor illustrations of a poem she wrote into some of my own original collage art papers.

First gesso, then I'll work in some old acrylics that have just been sitting on the shelf. This year I am trying to do a little clearing of my supplies. I have so many things just sitting around that I am making a conscious effort to give up my weekly trips to the art store just to use my 40% coupons at Michaels.

Here are the first layer of background colors, they are drying around the floor grate that vents our wood stove heat from the basement. Little Tessa just sits there watching me bring more and more papers to dry.

Now to add some simple patterns and details.

Ta da... a few hours later and I have a whole color coordinating set of my own papers ready to be cut up and used in my artwork.

The sun is out now, time to get dressed, shovel and head into my real studio. Have a great day!

Waking up to inspiration

2011-01-18T10:46:00.020-05:00

For the last few months I have had that tug at my heartstrings, a knowing that I need time for introspection. I can feel in my belly that change is waiting for me to be brave, step outside my comfort zone and embrace growth. Honestly this brings about two very conflicting emotions, excitement and fear, and as I write this I understand they are not so conflicting they often go hand in hand. I tend on the side of safety and that can be very inhibiting. So as this new year begins so too does a new journey of living a life of discovery. The snow storm from last week left a beautiful blanket of snow covering our fields and woods and I have been taking full advantage to explore our land on my cross country skis. Skiing is my favorite sport and being 3 hours away from my favorite ski area, Mad River Glen, I take advantage of the lovely trails that Brian has created on our property. My cat Abby only braves the cold occasionally, and the first few times she saw me on my skis she was a super scaredy cat, today she found the courage to venture through the snow to check out what I was doing.

After a few minutes she is ready to head to her warm sunny spot on our porch and I, with my camera, am ready to seek some nature inspiration.

The first treasure I same across was this precious nest. I do miss my songbirds that have flown south and I look forward to their return in the spring.

The bright red berries quickly catch my against the silvery blue snow.

When seeking inspriation it is always to look for a variety of perspectives.

Sometimes behind you might just find one of your most loving and loyal companions.

From the shadows emerge the beauty of sparkle and light.

Returning to the warmth of my woodstove I pull out the treasures I have collected

And while the inpiration moves me I capture the moment in my sketch book. Simple line drawings that will eventually find their way into my paintings.

Sharing my process in hopes that others will find their path to a life of creative inspiration is so much about who I am and what I wish to accomplish with my artwork. I am working with discovery in hopes that it will enable me to bring to life the beauty I wish to see in the world. Thank you for joining me on this journey of living with your eyes open, heart trusting, soulful feeling, and joy growing.

Cozy at home, time for family, and believing in wings

2011-01-12T17:09:00.019-05:00

I'm spending today at home, cozy and warm with the family. Today's winter storm has been dropping plenty of powdery snow which has been blowing all day. With our wood stove burning you would never believe it is a blistery cold day outside. Buddy didn't make it too far and chose to chill out on the porch.

Usually I'm happy to go out adventuring in the snow, but the winds were blowing so hard the snow was traveling sideways. I'll wait for things to calm a bit before I go out, even Buddy, with his thick winter fur wanted to come back inside.

So we got a day to lounge together. With Brian heading to New Zealand Saturday for 2 months of back packing, I was thrilled to have the family time.

Katie was trying out the back pack while Brian was organizing his gear. I'm really excited for him to be travelling on such an adventure. With Brian's love for nature and being out in the wild undeveloped land, New Zealand should be the perfect solo trip. I love nature, but know my limits and backpacking isn't for me. Even though I'll miss him I am all for him taking this trip to ground his spirit and relax after giving up his law practice. Two months seems like a long time in the moment and I been trying to focus on our time together with out projecting how I'll handle having him on the other side of the globe. I'm sure there will be times where I feel a bit empty and alone. I believe that the bond I share with Katie will grow having these next two months with plenty of mom and daughter time. I believe that with the help of my friends I can handle any situation that may arise and that laughter and good times will be plentiful. I believe that the joy I have from creating my artwork and teaching my art classes fills my spirit with gratitude for all the blessings of life. I believe that 2 months is really just a blink in time and allowing Brian to follow his dreams will strengthen our love. I believe by spreading our wings, following our hearts, and finding the courage to fly is the only way to live life!

Here and Now

2011-01-03T13:47:00.003-05:00

Every new year, every new day, every moment Life surrounds us with wonder and beauty!

Have Patience

2010-11-02T11:25:00.019-04:00

It has been months since I have added an entry to my blog. I am trying to be gentle and forgiving with myself because I have had so many things that I have wanted to write about. Life has been full with blessings as well as some turmoil.

I have been devoting lots of time to develop and nourish the things I want most in my life.

Full days in the studio making artwork that speaks to my heart and soul.

Attending the most wonderful art retreat where I was surrounded by new friends, had time to create art for just the sake of art with no intentions other than to dive into my creative process, to be cared for, and very well fed.

My sweet Katie (right) is now a freshman in high school. She is studying hard and balancing a busy social life.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons, I have been enjoying the last of the flowers and birds visiting in my gardens, cooking and freezing food from our veggies, and splitting and stacking wood in preparation for the cold winter months that are ahead.

This book by Sheri Gaynor, has been guiding me along my along my journeys. I'm discovering new ideas for my art workshops and have added a new series that I'll be teaching starting this month.

Creating art for my home has been a goal, these are two pieces (above) that I am working on for my bedroom. I am also creating a lot of new artwork that can be purchased in the galleries that represent me or from me directly. I'll be having a big studio sale on December 10th and 11th as well as a new show at Lucy's Art Emporium that opens in December too.

As the weather is turning colder, I will find time to update my blog more. Thank you to my new followers and their heartwarming comments and much gratitude for those of you have been there with me along the way!

You fill me with love and the belief that all things are possible.

XOXO, Caryn Lynn

Creative Spirit Summer Art Camps

2010-08-06T11:53:00.012-04:00

It has been another fun filled summer at Creative Spirit Art Studio.Next week will wrap up our summer art program for kids. It has been five weeks full of creativity and art making.Exploring materials and themes and watching the kids find so many ways to express themselves through their artwork.

I love seeing them engage in their creative process and having so much fun.

This year is our third summer camp program. My heart is full of gratitude that I get to work with these great kids to nurture their creativity. Once again my daughter, Katie, is the camp helper and I love having her at the studio by working side by side.

The camp schedule keeps me busy and I have been recharging by tending to by gardens at home. I have found time to work on my art here and there, but I am looking forward to having some days to devote entirely to my creativity.

Here is a sneak peek of the begining stages of my latest series, "Cherish Life"!

Cheers to life, Caryn

Taking some time to let it be

2010-07-10T21:42:00.005-04:00

I finally take a deep breathe as I sit here and catch up with a few of my favorite blogs. One of my most favorites, is by a friend that I met at the Winter 2009 artnest retreat. Lorraine is offering a great giveaway to celebrate her 100 post. My summer art camps are in full swing. I have been blessed that all my sessions have filled and I been busy creating new artwork. The few moments that I have free, I am enjoying tending to my flower gardens and being outside in nature. I will find my way back slowly to some longer posts again, but for now I just need to be where my soul can rejuvenate with life.

Birdsongs and a Story

2010-06-15T08:03:00.008-04:00

One of my most favorite sounds is the the songs of the birds early in the morning. As the days are growing longer and the chorus of birds that live in the meadows and gardens of our land wake me up bright and early, I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by the land that our home is nestled in.It provides so much inspiration for me to incorporate in my artwork. Lately I have been working on a series of birds taking flight from their cages. The inspiration from this series is a story from my childhood. As most little girls do, I loved kittens and puppies, but I also had a fascination with birds and spiders. This is a story about how I wanted a pair of sweet finches to have as my pets. My mother would tell me that birds should be free to fly, but after a lot of pleading, my father gifted me my wish on my birthday (just around the corner June 20th) and I was so happy. Then a few weeks later I woke up and found one of my sweeties not doing so well and it died. A few months passed and so did the other. It was heartbreaking and I felt incredibly guilty.
This Spring I have been working on a series "Set Them Free" as a tribute to the caged birds. I suppose for some people they can be good pets, but for me I enjoy them in their natural habitats or as in my artwork outside their cages discovering their wings.

Start with what you Love

2010-06-08T08:56:00.013-04:00

This Spring has been just bursting with beautiful weather here on the Coast of New Hampshire. We have had so many sun filled days with bright blue skies and crisp spring greens from all the new plant growth. For those of you who know me and my studio it is easy to guess that blues and greens are definitely favorites in my color palette. However I like to incorporate lots of color in my artwork. This past weekend I just finished up a new series, Blossoming Beauty, I feel it captures the soft gentle feel of Springtime. It also incorporates some of my favorite daily visitors of Spring that visit me at my home, the gentle butterflies from my gardens and our blue birds that have returned to our land (every morning I see them and it just fills my heart with love.) So I want you to know that I have been working on these for well over a month now and thought I would share the photos that I have taken along my process.

Here is where I started. It is my foundation of what I love, colorful paper with patterns that swirl. I knew that I wanted to create a series so I gathered my canvases and laid them out together then mounted the paper with my acrylic medium.

Now for the layering of paint.

Picking and choosing what to keep and what to cover up. Adding white back in and some extra details and defining it with some black.

After adding some fine details and swirls of my own it was time to play with words. I stamped out some sayings that I liked on paper first so that I could play with composition to see what I was drawn to. In the end I decided to collage some sayings, but also stamp directly onto the canvas for a few. I ended up with a series of four painting that work wonderfully together, but at the same time look beautiful on there own. I'll have one week to enjoy them in the studio. Two are headed off to Lucy's Art Emporium in Dover, NH and two are going to Art and Soul in Ogunquit, ME. Hopefully they will find homes where they will bring the blossoming beauty to life!

Back from LA

2010-06-02T19:08:00.008-04:00

Today is the first day after arriving home from a long weekend away to LA, CA two weekends ago, that I feel like I am finally catching up here at home. I loved going on this quick vacation, but it was really hard readjusting time zones, how do people do it who have to travel all the time? Anyways, I went out there to visit my friend, Megan, she is out there for a few months of auditions for her daughter. We are longtime friends from high school and she live here on the East Coast about 25 minutes from me. So I have really been missing her since she moved to the West Coast the last couple of months. Thankfully our other best friend, Priscilla suggested that we do a girls trip to visit. Our daughters are all friends, so we took them too.

Of course, Katie promptly told me that when she is 18 she'll be living in CA. No big surprise to me, she doesn't like the cold New England winters.

Megan's daughter, Lexy (the aspiring star), and Katie have been lifetime friends. So they were so happy to be together.

I loved spending time with Megan, Priscilla and our girls.

We had fun filled days with laughter and good times.

Here is our whole group except for Priscilla who was taking this photo. We could have never arranged for a time back home for lunches like this with all our different schedules.

I was taking some photos of a cute little birdie taking a bath when along came this adorable little Avery bird, Megan's youngest.

I feel so lucky to have these ladies as my friends. Love ya both!

Spring in Full Swing

2010-05-07T08:46:00.010-04:00

This week was so glorious, a perfect blend of studio time, family time and moments enjoying the beautiful Spring weather. Yesterday I received my copy of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios magazine.

The five page featured studio article looks fabulous. It feels so good to be working hard and living my dream.

As much as I love my studio space, I had to soak in some of the beautiful weather at home. So the other morning, I grabbed a chair and table on our porch and created a little work space. I don't use my sewing machine very often for its traditional use. Right now I am working on a large order of my pockets of inspiration (sewn paper pockets with lovely inspirational messages tucked inside.)

Here's my work view from our wrap around porch. Everything is so green and full of life.

Cooking is another passion of mine. We eat a vegan diet, and grilled veggies are so delicious eaten outside on our back deck.

I love capturing our times together. Katie is getting to that age where she is spending most of her time with friends.

But she loves our tire swing, so Brian taught her how to make the knot to reconnect it to the rope

Spring is in full swing!

Studios, Summer 2010 - Interweave

2010-05-06T20:29:00.000-04:00

Studios, Summer 2010 - Interweave

Make Life Beautiful

2010-04-28T09:26:00.008-04:00

This is the ramshackle mess that I faced as I entered my studio. I made it last week, working hard, squeezing in creative time between my travels and preparing for the artisans market.

I can make a serious mess and work around the clutter, but enough was enough.

Wouldn't be great to have a fairy godmother with a magic wand?

Bibity bobity, boo... after a few hours I uncovered the beauty.

My organized work space. Ready for more creative, wild, exploration.

As the saying goes "Art washes away the dust of everyday life."-Picasso

Full of Life

2010-04-26T09:49:00.018-04:00

Usually this is my favorite time to escape to a warm tropical island to soak in the warmth of the sun, but not this year. Our spring has been so lovely that I feel quite content at home. This past week was our April vacation and it was filled with all of my favorite things in life. My flower gardens blooming with color.

The grass is so green and soft. Buddy loving his new toy that Katie gave him...so sweet!

Finishing six new paintings for my bee.... series. I had prints made for the New England Market place (a specialty foods and artisans market that I participated in Saturday.)

Visiting with my sister for a couple of days.

Walking on the beach with Brian and Buddy.

Finding some great big white shells that I'll use in a project for my summer art camp, Treasure Island. Being here was so peaceful and centering after just returning from NYC.

Seeing Mary Poppins on Broadway.

Loving the ornate detail and craftsmanship of the interior of the theater.

Enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal at my favorite NYC vegan restaurant, Zen Palette.

Getting caught up in the energetic city vibe.

Finding larger than life flowers adorning the city buildings and appreciating all the real ones planted in the parks.

Most of all heart warming moments spent with my lovely Katie.

A big thank you to Alisa Burke

2010-04-16T14:50:00.005-04:00

Today I received a package from Alisa Burke She makes such a cool variety of art and she really inspires me. I was thrilled when I won a giveaway contest on her blog, just by helping her pick a name for a boat that she drew. In the package was this bracelet (it has my favorite colors and reminds me of my walls in my studio.)

A bag that goes perfect with my new green rain jacket. I'll use it this weekend, I am heading down to NYC (my absolute favorite city) and it is supposed be rainy these next couple of days.

And a journal that she made up of papers and canvas. I can't wait to add some of my art to this little book that she started. It will be so cool to have my artwork mixed with hers. Thank you Alisa.

From my heart, XOXO

Registration is now open for 2010 Creative Spirit Art Camps

2010-04-05T13:52:00.003-04:00

Full details of our programs for the 2010 Summer Camps can be viewed here These are a few photos from last summer's program. I am looking forward to another fun summer with some of these great creative kids. Registration fills quickly, please contact me for space availability.

A Studio Day Inspired by Springtime

2010-03-23T11:04:00.014-04:00

My home and life is where I draw inspiration from. This past weekend, the beautiful temperatures and warm sunshine pulled me outside to work on my flower beds. It will take a few more months for them to get here. This is what they look like right now. With the company of my furry friends I worked hard to clean things up and let the little green shoots that are popping up see the sunshine too.

Then onto getting some of the driveway out of the edges of the grass. This is one job that is too much for one person. I tried to get Katie to help, no luck there and Brian was off to VT for spring skiing. My hamstrings were so sore from all this work, but the promise of the blooms to come and soft green grass to walk barefoot in is well worth it.

Yesterday was a full day at the studio. I had it in my mind to do a four season series of trees and started this winter one a while back. When I went to work on it yesterday I couldn't bring myself to think of any more winter. So I started to transform it.

Adding some spring greens.

And bright blue skies.

With the temperatures back to normal and the grey skies outside, it was a good day to be inside my bright cheerful studio.

I'm trying to get some new pieces to bring to Art and Soul Gallery in Ogunquit, ME. They will be reopening next month on weekends.

I was working on this painting "peace within" and added this peace symbol, but decide I like it better with just the word peace.

Today I'll be heading back to have a little more painting time, then teaching my classes, and keeping the inspiration of more sunny spring days to fuel my soul on this wet rainy day.

May sunshine fill your heart with love!

Cheers to Sunshine and Springtime

2010-03-20T09:22:00.003-04:00

My heart is happy today as I wake to the shinning sun and birds filling the air with song. I'm so grateful for the above average temps we are having these past couple days, thank you mother nature.

Tax Time

2010-03-15T12:37:00.002-04:00

The task getting my paperwork for taxes has been weighing on me, but this is the week that I have started the job of my organizing and prep work to get it done! I began this morning by sorting my statements and receipts into piles. I have really let my filing get out of hand, now I am vowing to get a grip on my creative chaos for next year.

I hope I'll be celebrating completing this task by the end of Thursday!

The Greatest Gift

2010-03-13T13:07:00.002-05:00

Happy 14th Birthday Katie! My heart is filled with such gratitude. From the day she was born I knew that my life was blessed with such a gift. Even through the tough moments that come with being a parent, I know that nothing in life compares to the love and joy that I experience from being her mom.

Ready for a Change

2010-03-02T21:28:00.007-05:00

Years ago in high school I was ready to change my mousey dark blond hair into a beach blond. What did I use? Sun In, producing an effect much different than I was going for, but all in all it hooked me into hair color. Ever since I have playing around with different shades of blonds. Recently I started wondering about going a bit darker. At my last hair appointment I asked my stylist what he thought of my color and he was all for going darker. So a month ago I made the appointment, have been thinking a lot about committing to this change, and decided why not. So today was the day. I was hoping for a dark golden blond with hints of red. The actual results....

quite a bit darker, and I would say more brunette. I think I like this change, I feel a bit sassy and bolder. So I am going to embrace this change (at least for the next six weeks before I head back for my next appointment.) I have been working on a few new pieces, trying to be looser and adding some drips and splatters to my work. Here is the piece that I finished and will be taking home to hang in my office to try to liven that space up a bit.

Now I just need some elves to come and make me curtains with the Amy Butler fabric I bought almost a year ago. I wish I was more talented with sewing, I think half of it is my machine likes to be temperamental.

Love Always

2010-02-14T11:31:00.001-05:00

May love always find a way to bring us together!

A Glimpse of my Studio Day

2010-02-08T20:20:00.014-05:00

Here is a peak into a day in my life at the studio. On Mondays I have no classes scheduled so it is a full day to devote to my own art (well after taking half of the morning take care of the business end of things.) I was so happy to enter my warm studio. It's been quite chilly here in New Hampshire and the winds whipping made my eyes tears as I walked across the city to get to my building.Right now I'm working on a piece that is just for me (no intentions of selling this one) as I need a big, bright, cheerful piece to hang over my desk at home office. It has been a while since I worked on such a large piece and I really am enjoying the freedom of movement.Before I got started I had to unpack my goodies I bought yesterday at the Michael's in Portland, they were having a clearance sale on many of their Golden products, their fluid paints are my favorite and really add great vibrant color. I almost always work on more than one painting at a time. Today I set a goal of trying to finish a painting from start to finish. Lately I have been getting a ton of inspiration from Alisa Burke. Her is my process.

Start with some patches of golden fluid paints and move the canvas around to create some drips. When dry add some flower shapes with gesso.

Next spray paint and more drying time. By mid day I have added some color to some of the large flowers in the big painting on my easel, created a sketch for the first painting of a series of trees that I have been longing to do, and I am half way done on my goal for today.

Next to collage in some words that I had collected in January and make room for new ones to go up on my flower ephemera holder.

Then add a little more splattering, some more layering of color, and ta da the finished piece! Each month this year I have the goal of setting one day aside to devote to this new practice.

As I was leaving the studio at 6:15 tonight I snapped this one last shot of my easel. It is pure satisfaction having such a productive day of creativity.

Alisa Burke Absolutely Inspiring

2010-01-30T09:47:00.003-05:00

I have been playing in the studio, working on loosening up with some drips and splatters as a new element to my style. A couple of years ago, I came across the artist, Alisa Burke, she has a great graffiti painting style. This morning she posted a video on her blog that is just wonderful! She really inspires me.

Meeting Deadlines

2010-01-28T10:41:00.008-05:00

I would like to be one of those people who are two steps ahead of the game with projects done way before deadlines, but I have come to accept that I'm not and it's o.k. I love the freedom that working for myself allows. I do not live by a schedule (except for my weekly classes), I manage to keep track of dates and appointments in my head. Names are a whole other story. This week I was working on meeting a deadline for the Cloth, Paper, Scissors Studios Magazine. It's been a goal of mine to start submitting to some publications and it feels super good to have this project completed. It took me three full days of running around, asking for help about converting photo files, moving in my new tables and painting them, and a whole lot of organizing to get the studio ready for the photo shoot. It feels great having the space clutter free, I have the hardest time with my desk and piling papers on it. I am going to really make an effort to keep like this. The paintings that I have been working on for the February show at Lucy's Art Emporium were put on hold and I'm looking forward to spending the next few days finishing them. Here is one of my new favorite embellishments to the studio, it is an Umbra photo holder that can be hung on the wall and it's also magnetic. It's perfect next to my easel to hold bits of ephemera for pieces that are in progress.
Here are my new tables that Brian made and we painted a bold turquoise. They are such a great centerpiece to my studio and are super sturdy compared to my old tables. I just loved the kids reaction when they entered the studio and saw that the new tables were there. There few extra inches we added to the dimesion which really gives alot of extra workspace. Opening my studio to children and sharing my love of art with kids is a real gift. Every day I wake up and get to create a life I love!

Sharing the Joy of the Creative Process

2010-01-19T09:26:00.008-05:00

What happens when you allow yourself to engage in your creative process? You.... This was my studio, carefully prepped for my one day workshop, Artful Painting. I designed it to share my creative process and some of the tips and techniques that I use to make my whimsical mixed media paintings. It all starts around color and making mood boards to inspire. Then onto making a couple backgrounds, one painted and one collage. I always work on more than one painting at a time. This group was engaged, they had lots of questions and took notes, and then were ready to jump right in. It's so easy to loose your sense of time when you are creating. Time flew by and we worked a little longer than expected. It is so terrific to be able to facilitate this kind of creative energy and it always inspires me to think of what is on the horizon for new creative endeavors. I would love for you to join me for a creative day too. Below is a coupon for my up coming workshops soon to be posted on my website.

Thanks for choosing to be creative!

Easing into the new year

2010-01-05T09:07:00.006-05:00

Here in New Hampshire winter has settled in with the icy cold weather and snow. I have been busy keeping the wood stove burning so that although it's cold outside it is toasty warm inside, just the way I like it. Over the holiday break I took a total vacation from the studio. I spent lovely times with friends, took a ski trip to Mad River Glen, my favorite ski area in VT, read Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth and started World Without End the sequel to it, and enjoyed just being around the house.

I am taking a cue from my pets that winter is the perfect time to just cuddle up and give my body a little rest. As I start my first week back, I can feel my brain spinning with questions around ideas for this coming new year especially around my creative business. I'm trying to choose a focus to help me expand and grow, but to also stay grounded in a place of balance so that I have time approach what comes my way with grace and peace. So far the questions are there but the answers and actions still are floating around. For now I'm just enjoying the time I have in the moment. Being thankful to be a Mom, nesting in my cozy home, and easing into the new year!

Wishes for good health to approach the new year with ease and grace!

The Best Holiday Gifts

2009-12-26T08:58:00.010-05:00

What brought me the most joy this Christmas was the times spent with friends and family. This year was one of the most peaceful and relaxing holidays. Christmas eve was spent with Priscilla's and Megan's family my two dear friends who are as close to me as family. As always Megan's home was warm and inviting and looked like it could have just jumped out of the Better Homes and Garden Magazine. My biggest surprise was that Brian made it back from Long Island. Having a death in the family is never easy. After the services Brian took his mom to his brother's home so she wouldn't be alone. His Mom's spirit is amazing, she wanted Brian to be with Kate and me so she sent him home so he would be with us.

One of the reasons our families have so much fun together is that the kids all get along so well. Megan and I have been friends since high school, our girls have grown up together, and I know that Kate feels like Lexy and Chelsea are like sisters to her.

Tom and Brian are great buds too! Tom's holding my gift from Megan, the Kelly Rae date book. It makes me laugh to think what Kelly Rae's version of a painting of these two men would look like

I also feel so blessed that through Megan, Priscilla and I have become so close. She has such a warm and open heart. I love this picture of Kate, Avery, and Priscilla all piled and cozy in this chair. The evening was perfect and my only wish is that I knew how to use my time on my camera so that I could have gotten a group shot.

On Christmas morning Kate woke up Brian and I, she was ready to open gifts. I really felt like I scaled back my shopping this year, but Kate told me that she was really happy and thought it was an over the top Christmas.

Buddy had fun getting gifts too.

Which of course delighted Brian. After Buddy tore apart his wrapped gift Brian had him working on helping him.

And Abby was blissed out on her cat nip and just took it all in.

The rest of the day was spent playing outside, reading by the fire, calling family members to wish them joy, and enjoying the comfort of home. These are the true blessings of the holiday. Merry Christmas!

Holiday Wishes to You From Creative Spirit Art Studio

2009-12-24T08:18:00.012-05:00

Warm wishes for a holiday that will make your heart smile!

Truth be known I spent more time working on decorations for my tiny tree at the studio this year than decorating my home. The gift gained was my tiny tree filled with heartfelt wishes for my awesome students, friends, and all of you who continue to give me support in bringing my dream of a creative career to life.

Over the past three years of this journey I have been blessed with students who share my creative spirit. My days have been filled with many hours of painting time and each time I sell a painting or hear stories of how others relate to my artwork my heart just soars.

Here is my little tree covered with love. I started with some wooden hearts and large circles, then used my Golden soft gel to adhere the papers and prints to cover both sides, added stamped heartfelt wishes, then a coat of UVA sealer, and for some sparkle I added some glass glitter around the edges and beads.

They were a big seller at our holiday open house this year. It really brings me happiness to think of my hand crafted hearts being used as gifts or adorn peoples trees.

The perfect tree topper was a little painting that I created with my friends and their daughters during a workshop I organized, called From the Center of Your Heart during our Labor Day Weekend at the Lake.

Wishes for everyone to fills their hearts with kindness, to be open to the gift of friendship, to believe that the gifts that bring the most cheer can not be purchased at a store, but come from within by sharing time with others.

Love, from the center of my heart Happy Holidays!

At Home in My Heart

2009-12-18T08:37:00.004-05:00

What happens when it's one of the busiest time of the year, when you are rushing to meet deadlines, working seven days a week, and trying to still have quality time with the family? Your body tells you to slow down, for me this message came in the form of a stomach flu. After days of not eating, I am now eating very small meals and reintroducing foods back into my diet, but still trying to take it easy. The bright side of this was that it made me slow way down, catch up on some much needed rest and gave me time to be cozy at home. It allowed me to let go of some of my control issues (this was the first year that I let Katie take on the job of decorating the tree by herself.) Brian even encouraged Buddy to cuddle up with me on the couch.

It's amazing the way pets can bring so much joy and love into your heart.

But nothing compares to the love of a child. Kate and I found time to collaborate on this piece of artwork for her language arts project. It was her brain child for what beauty is. I love spending time with her at the studio, we laugh, listen to music and have great heart to heart talks. When we finished she was asking about how to sign the piece. She went with Katie Ann and a small heart, this little gesture of copying the way I sign my work with my first, middle name and heart gave me a huge feeling of success.

It made me realize that she is finding the value in listening to your heart, watching me being brave by taking chances to live out my dreams and take chances. It's what life is really about. It fills you up and gives a real sense of knowing how to be home in your heart!

Creative Spirit Art Open Studio December 12th

2009-12-07T09:19:00.002-05:00

The Gift Of Winter

2009-12-06T18:47:00.012-05:00

I took the day off today to enjoy the winter wonderland that we woke up to. Everything was covered in white and looked so beautiful as I walked to the end of our drive to get the morning paper.

Brian made us his fabulous waffles with blueberries, that we picked from our bushes this summer and froze, and pecans, Yum!

Buddy and Brian love playing together in the snow.

Kate and her friend Shannon decided to try using the rope from the tire swing to try out their Tarzan moves.

Off she goes...

Flying into the snow.

The kid in Brian is still very much alive and had to try it too.

I love spending quality time playing together. We even found time to go and cut down our tree. When we got it inside, the tree started to rain all over me so I'm going to let it thaw a bit before decorating. What a perfect wintry day!

Online Shop Update

2009-11-30T22:53:00.002-05:00

I finally started my online shop update. Please visit it here , I'll be continuing to add originals, prints, and my limited edition prints mounted on gallery profile canvas with hand collage and painted edges to match. I am offering free shipping to anywhere in the U.S. during the month of December. Happy Holidays!

It's OK to Cry

2009-11-23T12:05:00.006-05:00

Well I met my deadline for the drop off of my artwork for

and got a sneak peek of Daisy's hard work transforming it to a beautiful gallery shop. The grand opening is this Saturday. If you are in the Dover, NH area be sure to stop in and check it out. On my way home I got a phone call from Brian, he is trying to tie up some loose ends with Kate's inheritance from my mom. It's helpful to have him figure this out for me, but it does seem in his attorney mode he feels so formal and it makes me wonder how my man can feel so distant. I found the paperwork that he needs, then found myself in tears still trying to deal with the loss of my mom. Her birthday would have been last Thursday, she would have been 67. So as I sit here still with tears in my eyes I remind myself it's OK to cry.

Seacoast Art Teachers Art Show

2009-11-21T10:49:00.005-05:00

This Sunday from 4-6pm is the opening reception for the Seacoast Art Teachers Art Show at the Kittery Art Association Here is a sampling of a few pieces that I have in the show. The one above is titled "beauty uniquely totally yourself." Here is another one "Happy Day". I'll be gallery sitting today from 2:30 to 6 pm and at the opening reception tomorrow. If you are in the area please stop by to say hello and check out the artwork by many of our local teachers here on the New Hampshire and Maine Seacoast. This last piece has one of my favorite quotes from Thoreau "the world is but a canvas to the imagination". The quality of this photo doesn't do this piece justice, I took it very rushed state, when I arrived home from Connecticut last Sunday with only an hour to make it to the drop off for the show. It is kind of a statement of how busy my life has been lately. I'm looking forward to this coming week with the holiday break and hope to find a little time to relax and slow down.

Here's what's new at Creative Spirit Art

2009-11-19T19:23:00.003-05:00

I have been very busy getting ready for my latest shows and the holiday season at the studio. There have been long days painting with last minute trips to the copy store for scanning and prints. Here is a new series that will be heading off for sale at Lucy's Art Emporium, a new gallery opening next Friday right here in Dover. These little babies are mixed media collage on 5"x5" gallery profile canvases. I think they are so sweet. When I was a girl I thought it was a real treat going to the pet store. I loved all the little creatures, I really wanted some birds, so after much begging I got two little birdies for my birthday. So sad to say that they didn't live long and it broke my heart. I knew right then and there that I would never want another caged pet. So these little birds, all free of their cages, are a tribute to my learning to love birds in their free state. My favorite piece is the "two in love", I would love to hear which is your favorite.

Create from the Heart

2009-11-04T08:52:00.004-05:00

This is one of my sold paintings. It got snatched up quickly after I finished it and it has become on of my best selling prints. My process ended up to be all about change and letting go.

This is where it started. I had found this color scheme on a note card and loved it. I was working so hard thinking about how I was going to use these colors that I got stuck, blocked and let it sit in this state for a couple of months. After struggling one morning for a few hours trying to get back into it, I went over the entire canvas with new colors, I tried to not think about the fact that I was giving up on the time that I had already put into it. Soon I was captivated by something new and lovely emerging before me. This whole process embodies one of my favorite quotes, "If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing."-Marc Chagall

The Gifts of Today

2009-11-01T09:50:00.013-05:00

Spotting Kate's peace necklace blending into our rug while practicing yoga this morning. Kate returning from her sleep over so we get a few precious moments together before our paths diverge again. Her wanting to add this to my post and insisting for me not to read it until it was posted. Mom: Let me just say that you're an amazing person so important to me. You don't judge me and it's always so easy to be myself. Sometimes things don't always go as we want them to when we're together, but those times make us stronger and strengthen our bond of love. I couldn't imagine a better role-model, friend, shopping partner, pal, and most importantly the person who encourages to spread my wings to reach my dreams. Thank you for everything you do for me. I Love You~Kate

Writing a Haiku poem titled Dirt-

Always under me

Sometimes Staining and messy

Essential to life

Wearing my fun baby blue All Stars and walking right past the dirt on my floors to head out for a day to paint at the studio.
The beautiful nature on our land, just 2 miles out of the city that provides us with lots of firewood to keep us warm and toasty in the winter.

My furry friend, Tessa who comes running with joy to see me and brushes up against my legs with love.
Many Thanks to the universe for sending such lovely gifts my way today!

Love and Joy!

Creative Spirit Art Studio

2009-10-26T19:44:00.003-04:00

Right now this is what I am cherishing at the studio. My easel overflowing with new works in progress. One of my favorite quotes, that I painted on the wall behind my makeshift sink area. My newest completed painting.Having the time and room to spread out and create.

Seeing Our Self

2009-10-20T08:56:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I was out with friends. I was having a conversation with one very dear friend and she said, in the most positive light, "I don't think you really see yourself." It has stuck with me and has been resonating in my mind. I feel that there is so much truth to her statement. So I am taking time to look deeply and see my self.

Collage Discovery Workshop with Claudine Hellmuth

2009-10-14T09:16:00.004-04:00

I feel so fortunate to be living a creative life and carving out a niche in this world that allows me to make a living with my artwork and creative ideas. It is not always easy balancing my time between making art, finding ways to sell it, planning and teaching art classes/ workshops, and taking care of the business end of things. There are many days that I wish I had a clone to help me. What I do feel everyday is that I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is the best to be living out my dreams. A few weeks back, I treated my self to a workshop with Claudine Hellmuth. I was a bit nervous about spending the money as I am still in the start up years of my creative business, but it was so worth it. Claudine is a living inspiration. She has her own studio line of paints, mediums, and other great art materials with Ranger. She is always creating new projects to share on her blog, online classes, and workshops throughout the country. She has (I think) three of her own books in which you can see her passion to create and share what she discovers (she has also contributed to many other books and magazines.) As a teacher she was fun, knowledgeable, and very approachable. I was thrilled to learn a few new mixed medium techniques and really appreciated her taking the time to answer a few questions about the business end of the creative life. Thank you Claudine for living your dream and letting the world know that it is no longer just a playing field for men out in the artworld. With hard work and determination the artistic women can achieve greatness and recognition too.

A perfect fall weekend in New England

2009-10-13T10:10:00.009-04:00

Umm.... I am feeling so refreshed. It was an ideal fall weekend. Time spent hiking with Brian and Buddy. Gorgeous views from the top of the mountain. Lots of laughter when Buddy found a large mud puddle to cool off in and get a drink. The next day I was off to Maine to visit with my sister. We made it to the last day of apple picking at a farm near her house, then Laurie made delicious apple crisp. Yum, such a treat! The weather today is cold and rainy, but who can complain after such a perfect fall weekend.

Action the First Step

2009-10-08T09:25:00.013-04:00

Do you ever get that stirring of change deep down inside yourself? When it feels hard to let go, be patient and wait to see what will unfold. The moments that you feel the energy building within seems as if your body is to small to contain it. You wonder what is happening, where is it coming from, and what will the future bring. It is exciting and scary, leaving you with the impression that there is a force out there that wants us to trust in endless possibilities and recognize our dreams. I believe that it is often triggered by one simple action that wakes something inside that needs to be brought to life. This summer Brian and I took a vacation to Northern Italy. We went to the lakes region, wine region and the Mediterranean coast. The scenery was spectacular and I was thrilled to be on my first European vacation. It was however one of my most difficult journies. I ended up spending many days soul searching, filled with emotions of sadness and confusion. Something on this trip triggered an awakening to the fear inside myself. The fear that I had to act, look, and be a certain way to gain acceptance and please others. Ugh... as I write this now I wonder how did I live 41 years of my life with this kind of mindset. While I also want to give myself a big hug because at the same time it also made me a very caring soul. Then onto a great big "YES, I get it now" and can begin to move forward into a place that I am seeing myself through my own eyes, letting go of the filters, being truer to my needs, and progressing to an authentic understanding of self. So now I am in a place and time of movement, taking steps each day to a deeper understanding. I don't know what is in store, I can just feel that it is going to bring me closeer to my dreams.

Life Is A Verb

2009-10-07T08:15:00.006-04:00

I bought this book well over a month ago. It was a couple of weeks before school started Kate and I took a trip to our local Barnes and Noble and I was searching for something to help me be focused so that I can carve out more time to nourish my soul. I had remembered reading someones blog post about this book, but as life happens it filtered to the back of my brain. Well the first thing that caught my eye (even before I recognized the title was the cover art, it looked like it belonged it the mixed media art section.

I couldn't help but pick it up, then I saw the title and a glimmer of recognition sparked a memory in my brain. After opening it up to browse through I was sold, the layout is full of fun artwork and pictures. Well it has been sitting on my bookcase, I eye it almost daily. I laid it out so I'll start to read it but it hasn't happened yet. But I have thought about this title. Is Life really a verb? If life is made up of our actions, how would I describe my life and how much do I think about it? Defining my life, my artwork and who I am is something that has never been easy for me to put into words. So it became an interesting exercise to pick verbs to describe my life. Here is my list (it is in no particular order just off the top of my head in 5 minutes): cook, paint, love, share, teach, grow, listen, mother, laugh (not enough), dream, think, plan, shop (too much time spent in art stores- way addicted to looking and searching for new goodies), travel, clean, sleep, eat, socialize, learn,cry, exercise, write, play. This list gives me food for thought. My life is good, I have had my share of hardships, but the blessings far out way them. I am looking forward to diving into this book, waking up, being more mindful, and living life with intention. So if life is a verb, what is your list (5 minutes no censoring) go.

Thank You!

2009-10-02T07:38:00.007-04:00

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who is supporting my sister to reach her goals in her fundraising and 100 mile bicycle ride in the Dempsey Challenge A Journey for Hope. I am so proud of her efforts to help support a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. The two winners from the giveaway are Megan Woodard (mounted print on canvas of Mother, Daughters, Friends) and Corrina Melino (8"x10" print of Believe in Yourself.) Love to all, Caryn and Lisa

A give away and the Dempsey Challenge A Journey For Hope

2009-09-28T09:51:00.013-04:00

This is a photo of my mom and daughter at Disney World in June of 2005. It was a trip that we took right after my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We were fortunate to travel together so that my mother could fulfill her wish to see the joy in her only grandchild as she experienced Disney World. Our hearts were filled with the wish that my mother's strong spirit and her determination would help her beat this horrible disease.My mom was a woman filled strength and faith, unfortunately after a two year fight she lost the battle. This weekend my sister, Lisa Blake, will be participating the a fundraising event to benefit the Patrick Dempsey Center for Hope and Healing. On October 4Th, 2009 Lisa will be riding with the group of cyclists that will be covering 100 miles in one day! Like our mother my sister is filled passion and she hopes to raise a thousand dollars to contribute to this cause. The deadline for her to collect her pledged donations is 9/30/2009. I will be offering two giveaways for those who feel they would like to support her. The first is this limited edition 8"x10"print , "Mother, daughter, friends",mounted on a 1 1/2" gallery profile canvas. The second giveaway will be a 8"x10" print, "Believe in Yourself ",of one of my newest original paintings. A donation can be made on my sister's fundraising page on the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing. All donations are greatly appreciated and even a small donation of $5.00 will add up to help with the healing! If you are able to donate to this cause, leave me a comment or email me, and I will enter you for the giveaway. The winner will be announced this Friday. Thank you from the center of my heart,
Caryn

A New Day Dawn

2009-09-25T07:51:00.008-04:00

I awoke this morning from fabulous dreams that filled me with ideas for new creative endeavors. Today is an exciting day for me. After I woke up and gave Kate a big hug goodbye, I started getting some last minute things together for my weekend workshop with Claudine Hellmuth. As I was grabbing my camera I just had to head out to the porch and snap a few shots of the sunrise and the glorious light this time of morning. It has been beautiful weather here. Still no frost so my flowers are still blooming. Look at the lovely little lady bug nestled in for a sunny nap. It is wonderful the discoveries you can happen upon when you take the time to slow down and take in the simple things we often pass by during our business of life.
So as I get ready to leave Brian, Kate, and I can't forget Buddy (who enjoyed having me outside for my little photo shoot that he was barking for me to comeback out to play with him) for my weekend, I want to take a moment to mention a giveaway. Gina Lee Kim, my partner in creative discovery this weekend, is giving away one of her fab paintings. Please check her out and you might win this little beauty.

Hope your weekend is filled with creativity!

On the Wings of Change

2009-09-20T10:06:00.007-04:00

I have come to realize that this time of year is my absolute favorite. As I feel the seasons changing around me, I just love the warmth of the sun during the midday mixed with the cool winds blowing in to give the air a crisp lively energy. It has been a quiet time for me lately and I am trying to be patient with myself as I feel that along with the seasons it is time for me to be moving in new directions. I am finding that the answer is there of what is next in store, but it has just not reached the surface.

Last week I was busy, back in the studio painting and finished this new series "On the Wings of Change". These little 5"x5" canvases really speak to me and where I am right now. Notice no words of inspiration, just the simplicity being carried along in the wind. It feels fantastic to be able to work on developing my creative path and I am patiently awaiting to see where this voice of change will take me.

Indulge Yourself

2009-09-08T08:57:00.010-04:00

Although I should be rushing out this morning to finish getting my studio organized for start of my weekly classes(which begin today), I just made myself a second cup of tea. Now I'm giving myself the gift of a few minutes longer to indulge myself with taking the time to reflect and record the highlights of the past week. I just returned home from our last summer getaway. We headed up to the Belgrade Lakes in Maine with three other families to share a great vacation home, the company of close friends, fantastic food, glorious weather, time to reflect on the ups and downs of life, and outdoor fun. I organized a heartfelt project for the Moms and daughters, ages 6 and up, these are the beautiful little paintings they made perched on the deck railing overlooking our waterfront retreat. I have much more to say about this wonderful art experience, but will save that for another post. I need to keep this short because look what awaits me at the studio. I have one new bright green wall, a new back splash for my make shift sink area, with one of my favorite quotes from Picasso "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life", artwork to hang, and materials to organize. Amidst all of this clutter I actually started a new series of 5"x5" chunky wall canvases. When I was painting the walls I was inspired by the new colors and had to pull out some canvases. I get side tracked really easy, but it usually leads to good things. I am looking forward to getting things back in there place, returning to my schedule of creating art in my mornings, teaching in my afternoons, and sharing the cool crisp fall evenings with my family. These are the indulgences that make life so meaningful. What will you do to indulge yourself, go ahead you deserve it!

The Joy of Motherhood

2009-09-02T07:34:00.008-04:00

This morning I woke bright and early to see Kate off to her first day of her last year in middle school. I still wake up with her, pack her lunch, and watch as she walks to the end of our driveway for the bus. I sit and sip my tea until I see the bus arrive. It is a bittersweet moment, I am thankful to have my mornings focus on my creative energies, but sad to know that the busy schedule of the school year also brings fleeting moments to spend enjoying motherhood. One of the highlights of this summer was having Kate by my side to work with me at my art camps. Some of my teariest moments was missing her while I was travelling in Italy and she was away at her camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. It struck me this summer, as this time is passing (often too quickly) and Katie is growing, I am forever grateful for the joy of motherhood. It is a journey that has made me understand love, self-sacrifice, patience, respect for individuality, pain, silly bliss, the power of dreaming, growth, and so much more! So with tears in my eyes and love in my heart I file through my digital photos of Kate and record the passing of time.

Finding Time for Transition

2009-08-29T09:40:00.007-04:00

As the summer is coming to a close I am cherishing the time of transition. I have a few weeks before I start teaching again and I am so in need of some rest and rejuvenation. My summer was so busy with work and travels. I am a little embarassed to admit that I only completed one new piece of artwork, which was a demo piece for my painting camp. I think that I have always had in my mind that summer is full of time to rest and relax. That during my lazy days of summer I would have time to paint to my hearts content. The truth is there were very few lazy days for me. I found myself working six days a week facilitating and preparing for my summer camp program. It is fantastic that I can see the growth in my creative business, but a little frustrating when I get down on myself for not having any creative energy left for my own artwork. I think that now that I know this I will at least be a bit more prepared mentally for next summer.

So in the next few weeks I am taking the time to reclaim my studio. Right now it is torn apart, I am adding a fresh coat of paint (changing up the colors a bit) and adding a few new touchs. I also stopped by the Art and Soul Gallery in Ogunquit and was thrilled to find out that my originals and prints are selling quite well. I have a hard time letting people help me, but I just love that Whitney, the owner of the gallery, does such a great job displaying my work and I that all I have to do is bring my work and she'll take care of the rest. I do plan to update my etsy shop soon. I am working on mounting prints of some of my originals that have sold onto gallery canvas. I paint the chunky edges so they blend in with the painting and its hard to tell that they are prints. I am longing to paint some new pieces and start with a bit of a new direction. In the meantime I am preparing, like a caterpillar that confines itself to a tiny cocoon, I am sitting, waiting, growing before I spread my wings and take flight.

Off to Italy

2009-07-25T09:04:00.004-04:00

I'm am so excited. I am getting ready to leave for a two week vacation to Italy. I have never been there and I truly need a vacation right now. This summer has been one of my busiest. I have been in full swing with my summer camp programs and selling my artwork at the Art and Soul gallery in Ogunquit, ME. I love that my art business is taking off, but I have been a bit overwhelmed trying to keep up with everything. I am very ready to slow down and enjoy the relaxed pace of long meals, wandering through the northern lakes region and Piedmont wine country, and being immersed in another culture. Kate is off to enjoy her fourth year at the Pleasant Valley Camp on Lake Winnipesaukee. I will miss her, but she loves camp and reuinting with friends from her past years there. She was a bit disappointed to be missing out on a trip to Italy, but hopefully this will be the first of many more European trips to come.

Creative Spirit Summer Art Camps

2009-07-16T03:32:00.007-04:00

My summer art camp program is now in full swing. Here are some of the budding artists from the first session last week. It is a pleasure working with these young artists.
My days have been full planning and prepping the studio so that they can explore new materials and techniques to bring their creative ideas to life. It is definitely worth the time and effort when I see the pride the kids have in their work and I hear from their parents how much they enjoy it.

Caryn Lynn Duncan's New Originals at the Art and Soul Gallery

2009-06-23T22:35:00.007-04:00

These past few days have been some marathon work days for me. I have been busy finishing some new originals. I am please with the fruits of my labor. This beauty sold within days of completion right out of my studio.

I brought quite a few new pieces to the Art and Soul Gallery in Ogunquit, ME.

This is my newest favorite. Every once and a while I really have to have a heart to heart with myself and remind myself that this is my path. As rewarding it is to be here, I often have to face my fear of failure and what that might mean for my future. It is pieces like this that really give me strength to continue my creative journey and know life is meant to follow your heart and bring to life your dreams. So with that thought here is a little piece to encourage all the dreamers in this world.
Dream! Dream! Dream!

Celebrating Life

2009-06-20T15:29:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I heard an interesting statistic on the radio. Today June 20th was predicted to be the happiest day of the year. How lucky for me that my birthday falls on this date. I have never been a big party girl. I much prefer to celebrate with my closest family and friends. So as kind of ordinary as it may seem, I am choosing to just have a dinner and movie night out. It is actually a treat. I love going to the movies, but for some reason we rarely go. Hope your having a happy day!

Summer Playtime

2009-06-15T08:00:00.006-04:00

Our summers here in New England are often much too short. This past May I was getting really excited because it seemed like summer arrived earlier than usual, but as things go here, the warm sunny days have turned into a long stretch of weather with clouds, rain and, below average temps in the 60's. Thank goodness for a little break we had this past Saturday. My daughter Kate hosted a going away party for a friend moving to Italy.

They had a great time taking over the back deck and yard. It's so refreshing to see them outside playing on the tire swing, creating an extension on the old slip and slide, and just being kids. Yesterday the rain and cold returned again, but I took advantage of it and gave myself the permission to stay home and relax a bit. We still have a week and half until school is out (make up days to ice storm and snow day cancellations.) I am looking forward to the end of school, the welcomed arrival of more hot summer days filled with outside play, swimming, walks on the beach, and picnics.

Restless

2009-06-12T09:36:00.003-04:00

This is a photo of a couple of my younger students very busy during their art class. Tonight is the opening reception for my student's final art show. My weekly classes follow the school calendar and will be ending in a couple weeks. My head is already spinning with ideas for revamping the structure for next fall. I had quite the restless night waking to the pouring rain that began shortly before 2 am and not being able to get back to sleep until around 5 am. Needless to say I am feeling a bit slow and sleepy today. But it is a busy day and as much as I would love to climb back in bed and let myself have a little rest and relaxation I'll push forward to meet the day with a sleepy hello.

The Gift of Friends

2009-06-10T07:54:00.009-04:00

Friends feed each other's spirits and dreams and hopes; they feed each other with the things a soul needs to live. - Glen Harrington-HallAlthough I love having time alone in the studio to work through my creative process and recharge my batteries, I truly value friends. I believe that with the right people in my life it broadens horizons and enriches one's self. Yesterday I travelled down to the Starbucks in Newburyport to meet Gina, one of my newest friends, who is just an incredibly talented mixed media artist. She has a beautiful body of work on exhibit that just fills the Starbucks with wonderful color. I love that she is so open to share what inspires her, that she is willing to take a chance and experience new adventures, and that she really has a passion to create. During our coffee date we talked non stop for almost two hours. I am so grateful that our paths crossed and we are developing this friendship that is nourishing my creative soul, thank you Gina.

The point is to live everything. - Steven Potter

2009-06-08T08:25:00.007-04:00

I had to stop and pause for a few moments to take a few photos this morning to breathe in the beauty that is unfolding in some of my gardens. I haven't been able to find much time to give them my attention this year. Life is very full creating my art, teaching classes, being a mom to a 13 year old girl, keeping my relationship with Brian vibrant, staying in touch with friends and family, running endless errands, trying to keep up with the house work inside and out, and planning for the future.

Lately it has just be busy, busy, and busier. Right now I should be getting ready to go drop off my student's work to the gallery for the end of the year show, but I am taking time to remember life. Poppies are one of my favorite flowers and they remind me of my sweet Dad who always grew the most glorious flowers. He has passed on but will always stay with me in my heart. I have much gratitude for life and know that it is a gift to be cherished. So I embrace another week that is full.

Enjoy all that comes your way, Caryn

Unlock the Artisit Within

2009-06-03T11:59:00.008-04:00

Today my heart is a bit aflutter. Last night I found out that Claudine Hellmuth will be teaching a three day workshop at ArtEscape in Portland, ME September 25th-27th. This is a photo of the back of her first book Collage Discovery. I love that phrase unlock the artist within. We all have the creative potential we just need to have a little faith and make the decision to embrace our creative spirits.
I am ever so grateful that I have listened to my heart and now well on my creative journey. It is not always easy and it does take time and effort to nourish dreams and bring them to life. I find that clear intention is the first step. Making the choice that you and your dreams are worth uncovering requires trust and a bit of vision. Acting on your dreams takes courage and time. I listened to my heart that was telling me you should be part of this event, I checked my calendar and I am going to ArtEscapes workshop taught by Claudine. Here comes another interesting aspect that makes me believe the more I acknowledge my dreams and take the first steps the universe will help me on my path. This morning after sending out a group email to try to generate some interest in finding someone else to go with in hopes to save a little money by sharing a room. I got a call from Gina Lee Kim, a mixed media artist that lives not too far from me down in Massachusetts. We haven't yet met in person but have been keeping in touch with each other through our blogs after we both receive this bloggers award from Lynda.

Well Gina had already signed up for the workshop and left a message asking me if I would be interested in sharing a room with her. We are taking a little leap of faith and trusting that we are going to get along great and enjoy sharing this experience together. We also made some plans to finally meet in person at the Starbucks on Market Square in Newburyport where Gina has her latest exhibit. So remember when your heart sends those whispers of dreams you need to listen and leap.

Art and Soul Gallery

2009-06-01T09:53:00.007-04:00

I took a little side trip this weekend to check out my artwork at the Ogunquit, ME Art and Soul Gallery Whitney, the owner of the gallery, did a great job making a cheerful and whimsical display of my work.

I love the little added touches of the butterfly, how she went out and bought some black iron metal easels to display my prints (very similar to how I display at them at the studio), and a great little book Be Happy Remember to live, love, laugh, and learn that she also has for sale too. Of course I had to buy a copy.

Kate and I had fun taking pictures.

I was also thrilled to discover a display at the gallery with Kelly Rae's Demdaco gallery canvas prints.

Her artwork and creative journey have been such an inspiration for me. It was thrilling to see her artwork on the opposite wall from mine. Happy Day-Dreams blooming to life!

Capturing the Sweeter Side

2009-05-30T09:05:00.014-04:00

I spent some time capturing the sweeter moments in life yesterday. Here are some of the highlights. Me wrapped in some of my favorite colors surrounding myself with some color therapy. Finished another painting in my love bird series.
And worked on a couple more in progress.

Spent some time at one of our local garden centers. Bought a couple plants for gifts for some of my favorite people.

Received a lovely invite to an upcoming event.

And of course your comments from yesterday definitely sweetened my spirits. Thank you!

Sweet and Sour

2009-05-29T09:26:00.002-04:00

I am sensitive and I feel my emotions strongly. I wish I could say that my moods were always as sweet and cheerful as my colorful artwork. But this is life and with the sweet we also get the sour. I have such a difficult time with my self when I get into those sour moods. I try talking my self out of them. I try ignoring those bitter thoughts. I look for inspiration in words and images. I count my blessings. I remind myself that moods change. It is really hard and uncomfortable. Right now I am in the midst of sourness. So I am acknowledging that with the sweet comes also the sour. Today I am searching for some balance between sweet and sour and hoping for some sweetness to come my way.

Studio Tour

2009-05-23T19:46:00.020-04:00

Welcome to my studio space. It is located in an old mill building that has been renovated and now the home to some great local small businesses, art studios, and shops. It is right in the downtown of Dover, NH and is a convenient commute from my home which is a couple miles out of the downtown.
At my studio I have my original artwork and limited edition prints for sale. I have been busy mounting some of my prints on gallery canvases so that I can update my etsy shop. Here is a sample, after the print is mounted I finish the sides with a patchwork of papers and paint to give a wrap around finish.

The new shop update will happen next week!

Here is the work space. The painting on the easel is my ongoing project of the ever evolving tree. I use the tables for my works in progress.
One of my biggest challenges that I faced when I took this space was that there is no sink in the studio. I got creative and made this cleaning station. I have my storage container of water, containers, and brush cleaner. I think I use less water and am happy that I found an environmentally friendly solution.
Here is my little office space, it is almost like an over size closet. I have to say I do most of my office work at home. I try to keep my time at the studio devoted to creativity and teaching. This little room store supplies that I use frequently so I can quickly get my hands on them. I also have a little area tucked around the corner where I have my coffee maker so I can make hot water for tea. I love my "inspire me"wall. This room leads to another room, where I store lots supplies, it needs some organization and weeding out so I couldn't bring my self to take a photo of that space. When the kids in my classes occasionally follow me in there they always have a look of awe.
Well that is my studio. It is small, cozy with inviting colors and artwork. It brings me such joy to to be able to create and teach there. I hope you have enjoyed my little tour and thanks for visiting!

Today

2009-05-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

Today I am trusting my inner voice, the whispers of my soul. I am grateful for my creative spirit which has guided me throughout my life. I am inspired by the belief that making your dreams your reality is possible all that is necessary is trust, focus and time (start now.)

Remember to......

2009-05-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

A little reminder I created this past weekend. Tomorrow this along with the rest of my newest pieces are off to the Art and Soul Gallery in Ogunquit, ME.

Breathe

2009-05-17T08:57:00.005-04:00

Spring always gives me the gift of grattitude for the abundance of life. The warmer weather gets me outside more often to just take a depth breath and enjoy the fresh spring air and the lovely sounds of the many feathered friends that come and make their home here. It is such a wonderful feeling to breathe. So often life gets to that busy place for me that I catch myself forgetting the importance of taking full breaths. It seems like such a simple thing to do, but I am guilty of being a shallow breather. So I encourage all of you to stop for a moment, kick off your shoes and enjoy this simple pleasure! Life is to short not to breathe in the joy and find some comfort in the every day abundance that surrounds us.

Mothers,Daughters and Friends

2009-05-10T07:33:00.007-04:00

Wishes for a lovely day to celebrate all the mothers, daughters, and friends today. It has been an exciting and busy week for me. I had a successful event at the 2nd annual One Washington Arts Festival yesterday.I really appreciate all of you who came and showed your support for me and the other artist that were there. Lately I have had many people tell me that my artwork is so cheerful. What a great feeling knowing that my work is bring happiness to other people. I know how hard life can be with unexpected loss and daily struggles. I can remember even when I was a little girl just wanting to bring happiness into the world, it feels like such an achievement to be able to do this with my colorful and whimsical artwork. After my busy day I had another art event in Portsmouth to attend. There was a wine tasting and art auction event to benefit Habitat for Humanity. I was very happy to donate this piece. It was part of the live auction last night and it was very thrilling to have people bid back and forth on my artwork.
I awoke early this morning, our dog Buddy was pacing back and forth ready to go wait outside for Brian to return home from his weekend visit with his mom in Long Island, NY. Brian was a bit torn going and missing my art events. His mom is such a wonderful lady that really doesn't ask for much so I think, without a doubt, that it was the right thing for him to go. It is a beautiful day here this morning with a crisp wind and the beauty of spring blooming. The early morning light was just right and I couldn't resist taking a couple photos.
Well I am off this morning go out for breakfast with Kate and spend some mother and daughter time together. I feel so blessed to be her mom. She is the best part of my world.

Love to all the mothers, daughters, and friends, Caryn

Budding Ventures with Art & Soul

2009-05-07T19:17:00.007-04:00

This has been an amazingly productive week for me. I have been working like a busy spring bee. I am so excited and happy to announce that this summer you will find my original artwork and limited edition prints at the Art & Soul Gallery on Shore Rd. in Ogunquit, ME. It is my favorite gallery in Ogunquit that is just filled with lovely, whimsical, and colorful artwork. I was so flattered when Whitney, the owner, approached me about selling my artwork there.
I want to share with you the finish pieces that I talked about reworking in my last post.

I love the new color combinations and how they evolved. These two will be many of my new originals that will be for sale this weekend at the One Washington Art Festival. If you are in the area please stop by this Saturday from 10-3 to take a peek at my new pieces.

Wishes for a joyful weekend,

Caryn XoXo

Getting Back to the Creative Groove

2009-05-03T20:08:00.009-04:00

Ahh, sunny Jamaica! It's hard to believe that it was just two weeks from today that Brian and I set off for our much needed relaxing vacation to Jamaica. We have traveled to a few of the Caribbean Islands before, but I think we have found one of our new favorites. By the second day into our vacation I was sooo relaxed to the point that I can't remember when I felt so at ease and carefree. We stayed at the Grand Palladium and were very happy with our accommodations.

There were lovely sunsets, yummy food and tropical drinks, and friendly people. The size of the pool was quite amazing it wraps around the main building forming a crescent shape, I am not much of a fan swimming in chlorinated water so never actually made it into the pool. We went to the quieter beach that had all the water sports so that we could take advantage of the sea kayaks, Catamarans, and swimming in the warm Caribbean water. We also did a few excursions off the resort. My favorite was zip lining up in the mountains. We arrived home last week feeling refreshed, much to my surprised we came back to unusually warm temperatures. Spring is now in full bloom here. I absolutely love the color of the fresh greens, mixed with soft white and pink petals and a hint of burgundy from the buds still waiting to burst forth. It has inspired me to completely rework some of the pieces that have been laying around the studio.
I started off today trying to rework this piece. I actually spent a couple hours on it and was feeling totally in an artist block of where to go with it. I was really not happy with it. After lunch I was so frustrated I just squirted some limey green, yellow and pink paint out and in completely covered over the whole piece to give it new life. It is not quite done but I already love it so much more and it felt really good giving myself the permission to scrap it and start fresh. This week is a busy one for me. I participating at an Arts Festival this weekend and also coordinating the student artwork for the festival.

Last year i attended this festival and it had a great turnout. I will be doing some Spring cleaning and selling many my original pieces from last year at more than half off the original price. Its definitely time to let go and make room for some new work. If you are in the Dover area on May 9th from 10-3 please stop by, say hi, and check this event out!

I love and adore myself

2009-04-16T11:05:00.003-04:00

Today I read another great blog post from one of my fellow art nesters, Jolee Jane, and her post absolutely inspired me.
After reading her post I was tempted to go to my mirror and write I love and adore myself to use a prompt for me to say these words while looking at my image. Well I didn't write the words because I thought Brian would wonder what in the world I was doing writing this on our mirror. I did repeat this statement aloud about three or four times and each time it made me smile more. Even though it felt great to do this I felt a bit silly. I think I have been programed to feed into our societies judgemental criticism of women, success, our bodies, and keeping up with the Jones's. I often hear that little voice in my head that I am not good enough just as I am (bringing tears to my eyes, so sad to admit this.) But I am getting to the point that I am starting to whisper back I am good enough. I love and adore myself because I am embracing my dreams to live a creative life that is uniquely mine. It is bringing me strength and hope of sharing the joy of the creative journey with others. My artwork has meaning and connection to who I am and I love that! So please, run to your mirror and say aloud "I love and adore myself" while looking at your image. It may be hard, you may have tears, but say it mean it and repeat it until you believe it. Any thing is possible when you love and adore yourself!

Easter Memories

2009-04-12T20:09:00.022-04:00

Here is a photo from Easter 1975 of my sister and me with our baskets. I found it first thing this morning. How did I tolerate the New England cold in that short sleeve dress? I guess I have gotten soft in the years. I still love wearing dresses, but mostly in the warmer months. No fancy Easter outfit for me today. Kate and I

met my dear sister, Lisa in Ogunquit, ME for brunch.

We then ventured out for a walk on the beach

It was a beautiful clear sunny day, but the wind made it very chilly. We still enjoyed our time and had some silly fun to keep our hearts warm.

Then we headed home. Brian stayed home today to take advantage of the clear skies to get some chores done. We were down to the last of our stacked wood for the wood stove which gives that extra boost of heat to our home to take the chill off. He went back into our woods and got another load that should hopefully last until the warmer temperatures arrive here. Then did a little prep work in the garden. He had a blissful day playing farmer. Lucky me that he enjoys doing the farm chores. I love having our land but it is a ton of upkeep. Here is Brian spreading some seaweed to nourish the soil of our garden

Then time for a little rest and time to play with Buddy who came across a bone that I think has been buried for the winter months under the snow.

Next came the Easter egg hunt that Kate requested. Her friend Morgan came to join in the fun. It was a lovely Easter day. Peaceful and relaxing spent with my loving family. Happy Easter Memories!

Adventures of Organizing and Tax Preparations

2009-04-06T09:13:00.006-04:00

Well I am tackling a the big project this week ! I have to organize my home office and prepare my taxes. As you can see my home office is in much need of a make over. Brian has had enough of my piles. A couple of weeks he took the old black file cabinet out of the garage and moved it in next to my desk. To be frankly honest I am quite ashamed of this corner of our home and it is mostly my mess. With bills and mail on the desk it is a chore to do any work here.

This is my current file system. Piles and baskets of papers. This year has been over the top when it comes to my lack of preparing for taxes. It is the reason for me putting it off to the last minute.

I have started some organizing ,but with the deadline for taxes approaching just around the corner I have some serious work to do this week. I have to admit that I hate taking care of the business end for my art studio, but as I am still in the start up process I need to pinch pennies and take care of this myself. Hopefully by the end of this week I'll have a new filing system with all the papers in their proper files and maybe a few photos of this space with new decorative touches to make this once dreaded corner a place where I am happy to spend my time taking care of business. If you have any great organization tips I would love to hear them.

It's Time To Play

2009-03-30T07:06:00.009-04:00

Here is an invite to play a game of round robin. This is a new game for me that I found through Karen Tessandore, one of the creative ladies from the art nest retreat. She found it from Julie Thompson, another one of the incredible creative ladies from art nest. Here is how it works. The first three people that post the comment "I want to Play" here on my blog will receive a package in the mail that contains an artsy gift handmade by me. The package will arrive sometime in the next couple of months. It will be very special in hopes to brighten your day. What you need to do in turn is pass on the giving by posting the same round robin idea on your blog and send out some creative goodies to three other people that want to play too. Please remember to make sure that I have your mailing address (if you don't want to post it here leave me a comment on my web site http://www.carynduncan.com/ on the contact page and it will be privately sent to my mailbox.) Have fun and play!

Happy First Day Of Spring

2009-03-20T15:55:00.003-04:00

A big warm welcome to the first day of Spring. What a pleasure to sit outside while eating my lunch. The birds were singing and it was warm enough in the sunshine to venture out with just a long sleeve shirt and vest. Oh how I am so ready for warmer weather and the change of seasons. I had fun with the little ones at the preschool making spring watercolor landscape paintings. They are so cute and say the sweetest things. Then I headed over to the studio and had an amazing day in sales of my paintings and prints. Selling my artwork is always like frosting on the cake. It is so heartwarming when people come in and fall in love with my work. When others show their true appreciation its such a boost to my spirits. Plus now I have the room to make some new art to fill the empty spots on my studio walls. It also planted the seed that I need to work on my marketing so that I can make purchasing my artwork a little more accessible. Time to revamp the web site and submit some articles to a few of my fav mixed media magazines. Spring is definitely the time to spread my wings, branch out and say YES to new adventures in an ever blossoming artistic life.

Avoid Botox Cut Bangs Self Portrait

2009-03-17T09:49:00.004-04:00

I did a silly thing, I cut bangs to cover up my wrinkles. It's my botox solution. I don't know what I was thinking. The impulse was brought on by sallow looking winter skin and the desire to look youthful at the age of 40. This first words out of Brian's mouth "You don't like bangs." I used to wear them as a girl and they do make me feel kind of girlish. Hair grows, that's the beauty of it, always changing. For now I'll just embrace the new look and wait until my next hair cut to see what my stylist says. Lesson learned: embrace life in all stages. It always has something new to offer. Flaunt it with style and sass and enjoy!

Working with Kelly Rae's 3 Second Rule and a Journal Page Dedicated to Kate's 13th Bday!

2009-03-13T07:46:00.013-04:00

Last week while teaching my art journal class, I was demonstrating Kelly Rae's three second rule for creating a patchwork background. I struggled with the whole 3 second rule during the art nest retreat. I am so used to carefully choosing my colors and patterns of paper that I incorporate into my work. I was amazed how Kelly could just randomly grab a piece of paper, tear it and paste it to her background in just about 3 seconds. Her results were beautiful!

I went into the art nest retreat with the intention of placing myself in the roll of the student, not the teacher, and tried my hardest to follow the instruction. So I did best to let go and just randomly pick my papers. My end result was not all I had hoped for. I seemed to cover most of my patterns and images with paint.So I knew I needed some more practice with this technique. Much to my delight, my results here brought to life a background that I decided to use to dedicate to Kate turning thirteen. When I was finished I had a beautiful background with a birthday cake image still left glowing through a transparent layer if colorful paint. Next came the words to share how wonderful and privileged I feel being Kate's mom.

So here is to life as a mom of a wonderful person who turns 13 today on Friday the 13Th. I am so lucky and blessed share a journey in life with you Kate. I love you sweetie!

Back From the Art Nest

2009-03-07T14:46:00.005-05:00

Wow what a week, I returned home this past Monday from my trip to the art nest in Utah and my head is still spinning. It is so hard to jump back into the real world after having three full days of making art and having all our needs taken care of by Julie and Candice, the two amazing women who put together our cozy nest retreat. I entered my world during the tail end of the big snowstorm we had here on the east coast. It was so wonderful to be back to my home, even though I was enjoying the early spring like weather with pansies planted and tulips budding in Salt Lake City. I have never felt such home sick feelings as I did during this trip. It really made seeing my sweet Kate, Brian and pets so emotional for me. Today was the first day that I actually felt like I could start breathing again. Brian, Buddy and I went to Kingman farm for a lovely cross country ski. Then we returned back home and sat on our front porch to enjoy some down time in the afternoon sunshine. I took some time also to download my photos from the art nest and posted them on flickr. I feel a bit more grounded and ready to process my whole experience from the art nest. I am looking forward to sitting back and creating in my art journal tomorrow to put down and release what I learned about myself from this whole experience.

A Busy Bird Getting Ready For the Art Nest Retreat

2009-02-22T19:59:00.012-05:00

I have been in a creative whirlwind lately getting ready for my trip to the Art Nest Retreat.
Organizing my art, prints, and scrap bags for the art sale.
And finishing up a bunch of new small mixed media pieces featuring lots of birds and the start of a new series "She carries...."

Here is "She carries Joy", I am hoping to create a couple of pieces in Kelly Rae's workshop to add to this series while learning some of her techniques for painting the girls. It's hard to believe that in three days I'll be in Utah. In the meantime I still have lots of packing to do, some last minute travel arrangements to make, and hoping to get my studio cleaned up so when I return it will be ready for me to share what I learned on this blissful creative trip.

Tiny Trades for the Art Nest Retreat

2009-02-15T20:30:00.002-05:00

Here is a sampling of the tiny trades that I made for the Art Nest Retreat. It was fun picking out these fun papers and sewing them into little pockets to hold the inspirational quote tags. Of course I had to add little birdies (it is the art nest.) Can't believe that it is almost here. I am so excited to be flying off to Utah next week to have 3 days of creative workshops. I am so grateful, I have never been to an art retreat before and this is such a big treat. I am hoping to learn a lot and have fun with all the other creative ladies that will be there!

To The Flock of Birds of a Feather: Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T09:44:00.027-05:00

Greetings of love to all you creative birds who are joining this fun celebration today. Much gratitude goes to Kathryn, our creative diva extraordinaire, who arranged this blog party.

I Hope you enjoy my journal entry. I just love adding bird imagery into my artwork so this was so much fun for me to play with. XOXO, Caryn

A Heartwarming Month Ahead

2009-02-04T08:13:00.004-05:00

I am so excited and looking forward to the month of February! So much is happening this month, the biggest and most exciting for me is my flight to the art nest retreat. I have been busy working late into the night and rising bright and early to make my sweet pockets of inspire me! cards for the tiny trades. Last night I was up until midnight cutting out little birdies to attach to the fronts.

Today I am off to the studio. I have been working on this bird piece (One flew away) and hope to get it finished today. I also have several others in progress and hope to get some new backgrounds painted too.

My last two weekends I have been away skiing in VT at Mad River Glen. So this weekend I am really looking forward to having time in the studio. I am meeting my new creative soul sister Kathryn who is part of my soul journal group .I am really looking forward to getting together with her and spending the afternoon being creative together.

My heart is filled with love and happiness. I am so lucky that I am living my creative dreams.

Soul hugs to all during this month of love!

XOXOX

Welcoming the Last Week of January with a Glorious Sunrise

2009-01-26T07:33:00.006-05:00

Here is a early morning photo of the sunrise from our front porch. I braved the cold January temperatures in my bathrobe to get this blazing sunrise shot. It sure has been cold here, this weekend we got up to Mad River Glen to ski. I think it was the coldest day that I have ever skied. I could only stay out for three runs and then had to warm up in the lodge before heading out for more. We were lucky and didn't have to deal with waiting in lines so we actually got a lot of skiing in.
Today I am off to get some errand done first thing this morning, then to the studio to work on a few pieces that have been in progress for a little over a month. I'm hoping to post some of my new pieces in progress within the next couple of days. I am really looking forward to receiving my Art Nest Retreat package. I know some of the other ladies got theirs this past weekend so hoping for mine today. There are two spots left for anyone who wants to attend this cozy art retreat next month. I can't wait!
Thinking of warm thoughts on this chilly Monday morning and wishes for a dreamy week.