Oceania Marina

Traveling is not only fun, but an inspiration for my art and photography. Our last trip was a Baltic Sea cruise. I was very much looking forward to visiting those countries. Little did I know that the ship, Oceania Marina, was just what I would love. It was like a floating gallery. As soon as you walk in, you can't help, but be in awe of the grand staircase and tables.  It was Lalique!!

It was also impressive to look around and see art on the walls from some very well known artists. As I read the labels, I noticed that there seemed to be an art tour available. The information desk supplied us with the head pieces and we enjoyed an afternoon of looking and learning about the art and the artists. It was  surprising to even see pieces from a local Miami artist.

The ship also has an artist loft with an artist in residence. She held classes on board, which I was happy to attend. It was relaxing, a way to meet other  artists or just people interested in art.

All in all, a fabulous inspiring trip!

Engage Your Senses

It should be apparent by now that we love to travel. I say "we" because it is usually my husband that plans these trips to new places.  I always get my camera ready and my senses in high gear. I tend to believe that creative people experience everything they come across to a higher level. It is what gives them that inspiration and new ideas.

Beautiful architecture

My eyes are immediately engaged by  just taking it in and capturing it via my camera's view finder. I find myself touching the flowers because some are so absolutely beautiful that I cannot help myself. The music of the place and, of course, the food excite my other senses.

Intricate patterns

Interesting mosaics

We just returned from Madrid and Portugal. The fabulous architecture, landscapes, the patterns, the wine, the food and the music.......what could be better! I returned planning to include some of these inspirations in my new creations. It is also a habit of mine to pick up a small piece of art from a street artist. The requirement is that I watch them paint it. The piece will always remind me of that experience, as I help a struggling artist. To make it even more meaningful, I print a photo of the artist and myself and attach it to the back of the frame. Years from now, I can see who painted it, the moment I got it and how young I used to be. LOL

Delicious food and wine

 Landscapes Photos

My purchase

I have shared just a few photos from the hundreds I took. I hope I can please at least one of your senses........the visual.

Return to Grovehouse Artists

Many years ago, I was a member of a great little artist co-op in Coconut Grove, Grovehouse Artists. It was a nice place to exhibit and socialize, but the most important thing I took from that experience was life-long friendships. The group inspired me and exposed me to many other groups. It was through the people I met there that I was able to participate in art in public places: painting a peacock, which is still standing on Grand Avenue and the manatee that was displayed in downtown South Miami and now lives in a private home in the area. I was able to take the course with Debra Cortese "I'd Rather be in the Studio" that pushed me into social media; a life. and business, changing experience.It was also a workshop with Debra about licensing my art that sent me in that direction and I now have many products through DENY Designs, Kess Inhouse and Geckorouge.

I think you can see that a lot of what is happening in my life today had its roots with the Grovehouse Artists. I recently re-joined their group, which is now "without walls'. The work is on line and social media with exhibits that take place wherever possible in the area. 

We will have our yearly Deering Estates exhibit with an opening reception on June 15th from 7 - 9 pm. On this night, the Deering is free to the public and you are all invited. The piece below, and hopefully a couple more, will be on exhibit. Join us!!

• Date:Wednesday, June 15 Time:  7 PM - 9 PM Place: Deering Estate 16701 SW72 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33157

Art as Souvenir

As an artist, I am inspired by my environment, as well as the works of other artists. It is great to see someone else's style and technique, and even learn from them.  When I travel, I try to visit the museums in the cities and find local artists at work. I believe it helps me AND the artist to buy directly from him or her.  It is also a great souvenir. I like to buy a piece I actually see them painting. If it is not a painting, then some other piece of craft that is unique to the area. 

I often ask the artist to take a photo with me. I want to remember the moment. I attach the photo to the back of the painting; a way to look back........not to mention giving my family a chance to make fun of my hair style and color on the photos over the years!

Budapest

Montmartre - paris

Visiting artist at Galerie Lafayette - Paris

The Jewish Quarter - Prague

MWS - 41st Annual Fall Exhibition

You are invited to attend the Miami Watercolor Society 41st Annual Fall Exhibition. My watercolor "Let's Sail" (below) will be part of this exhibit.

Miami Watercolor Society - 41st Annual Fall Exhibition

Opening Reception 
Friday - November 7, 2014
5-8 pm
Open to the public November 3rd through December 6th, 2014
Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm
Sat - 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Nov. 27-30th

If you are on Facebook, you can respond to the invitation HERE. You can also view our video from the Spring exhibition and see what you will be seeing HERE.