Bermuda Palm

Ever since I can remember I have always found a special kind of peace from the outdoors.

The coolness of the air, the warmth of the sun as it catches you between the branches… the sound of rustling leaves, the feeling of the damp grass beneath your toes… the smell of the salt air and the crashing of waves on the sandy shores…

The way that we feel when we go outside is more than a simple case of happiness in the face of beauty.

There is something about the natural world that feeds our deepest selves and nurtures us from the inside out.

So, no matter how much we may now consider ourselves distinctly separated from our environment, we and Mother Nature are one.

The more we embody this concept, the greater our synergy with life.

A Mother’s Love

Sometimes I sit quietly, so I can just remember…

As a mom of two, one of which is a teenager now 😩 it’s kinda scary to see how life passes by so quickly. I still remember the soft lullabies and the 3am whisper conversations when it felt like we were the only ppl in the world awake at that ungodly hour…

I still remember the slobbery smiles that made every problem melt away and reminded me of what mattered most in life. I still remember you hovering over me at 6am on a weekend asking why on earth I’m sleeping…

I still remember when you’d insist on sharing your soggy crackers or sitting directly on me even though the entire couch was empty. I still remember how together we navigated our respective journeys, motherhood and childhood. Oh how much we each learned (and continue to learn) along the way…

Time has flown by, and each day we make new memories… But I still remember…

Here’s to the moms who still remember… and sit quietly from time to time thinking back to those moments. 💕

10 Reasons Why I Love The Pastel Medium

The definition of love may apply to a wide range of connotations, but for many pastelists, no other word in the English language better defines how we feel about the pastel medium. So today I’m sharing with you, 10 reasons I love the pastel medium.

1. Simplicity

You don’t need a great detail of supplies and materials to get started in pastel. No need for lots of paint thinners, varnishes, brushes and the like. Just a few sheets of your favourite paper, a small but reasonable set of pastels and you’ve got everything you need to create a beautiful work of art!

2. Reduced Preparation

Pastel paintings require very little preparation. There is no need to prep a canvas or set up a palette. Once I have my substrate/paper clipped onto the easel, I’m ready to begin making marks and bring my vision to life.

3. Direct Connection

Unlike other mediums which require a tool such a brush to apply the medium, pastels can be held in one’s hand. Nothing compares to the feeling of a stick of pure, rich pigment being drawn across a surface. The direct connection of a pastel stick in hand creates an intimacy that is lacking in other media that have to rely on additional art tools for deployment.

7. Travel Companion

Pastels make a fantastic travel companion. They can be packed easily within a carry-on or suitcase alongside small sheets of paper. This works out perfectly when attending conventions or workshops overseas or when spending a day out at a beautiful location.

8. Forgiveness

Perhaps one of the reasons pastels have grown on me so much during my artistic journey is because of how forgiving the medium is. The majority of errors are easy to correct. Pastel can be removed from paper, painted over with a new layer and so much more. There are always ways to revive a painting that is not going in the desired direction.

9. Luminosity

A box of pastels really looks like something fresh out of a candy store. Not only are they beautiful in their boxes but they create some of the most luminous captivating paintings known to the artwork.

10. Archival

Just like most dry drawing materials pastels are immediate and don’t change. When protected by glass, pastel often outlast works in other mediums. It never cracks, darkens or fades.

And there you have it! 10 Reasons I Love The Pastel Medium!

4. Do You Protect Your Fine Art During Transportation?

Wrap your artwork well if you plan to transport it. Be sure to put a heavy piece of cardboard over the front and back to protect it. Then bubble wrap and place in a suitable heavy cardboard box. Rough handling can damage both the painting and the frame so pack it securely.

5. Are You Making Sure to Prevent Extreme Changes in the Atmosphere?

Try to avoid subjecting your artworks to extreme changes in atmosphere. Avoid excessive dryness, humidity, heat or cold. All of these conditions can affect the state of your artwork in a negative way (i.e. puckering, mold etc.).

6. Do You Always Use Professionals?

If your artwork does get damaged, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Please return it to the artist or a professional fine art restoration for review. Amateur repairs can reduce the value of your artwork drastically.

7. Are You Sticking to Archival Materials?

Good quality mounting and framing is one of the most effective methods of preserving and caring for works of art on paper. If you reframe your artwork, be sure to have it mounted on pH neutral backing without self-adhesive tapes. Consider UV glass or museum quality glass for protection against light. A professional framer is recommended to ensure this is adhered to.

8. Do You Know The Storage Do’s & Don’ts?

Do not cover artworks with plastic for long periods of time. If there is humidity in the air, they may start to grow mold. Cotton sheets are best for keeping dust away. Try not to lean artworks on one another when storing them. Separate them with pieces of cardboard to avoid damage. Check the condition of your artworks periodically. Many people put up artwork and forget about it, until they notice that it has been damaged. If artwork is fading or cracking, a brief peek at it can prompt you to move it to a better place and avoid damaging it further.