Newly Commissioned Painting, "Plant Your Own Garden and Decorate Your Soul""

"Plant Your Own Garden and Decorate Your Own Soul"

16" x 20"

Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas
Tegeler Collection

I worked on this painting for a Collector, who also happens to be a dear friend, to be given as a gift to her niece on her 5th birthday. 


I thought of her the whole time and how much she is loved by her Aunt and wanted to convey that love as well as the wonderment of seeing the beauty of life through a child's eyes. 


The best compliment I could have received is hearing how much the child enjoyed running her hands over the rich texture and told her mom in a whisper, "I really like it, Mama."

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

-  Henri Matisse

Newly Commissioned Painting, "In the Garden of Truth and Light"

Mr. D and I recently returned from a weekend in Las Vegas with some dear friends. While the boys were gambling, we girls went shopping in one of the totally outrageous and over-the-top (what else would you expect in LV?) malls they had there.  Amidst the high couture and garish lighting and fountains,we were captivated with these beautiful clusters of poppies that were blooming.  My friend Erin even mentioned that they reminded her of one of my paintings.  It was so random, but we just played the tourist card and snapped a few pics.

Believe it or not, a few days after our return I was commissioned by a Client to make a poppy painting.  

(Cue "Twilight Zone" music.)

Just goes to show if you are patient, listen, and have faith, you will find that the Universe is unfolding exactly as it should.

In the Garden of Truth and Light
24" x 24"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas
SOLD

This painting was made especially for a woman who truly comes to life when she is outside working in the garden. I light-heartedly refer to Cathy as a "plant artist". I wanted to create something that stayed within the confines of her request for a bright poppy painting, but also conveyed her own personal warmth and light.


I wrote a personal message to her on the back that read: "While spending time in the garden, you can fall into a deep meditation...one where you have complete identification with the earth.  At this higher conscious state, we realize that the light of love is all around us because it is a part of our divine nature."

The Young Housewife, by William Carlos Williams

"La Bella Vita"
Fine Art Prints available here.

The Young Housewife 

At ten AM the young housewife

moves about in negligee behind

the wooden walls of her husband's house.
I pass solitary in my car.

Then again she comes to the curb
to call the ice-man, fish-man, and stands
shy, uncorseted, tucking in
stray ends of hair, and I compare her
to a fallen leaf.

The noiseless wheels of my car
rush with a crackling sound over
dried leaves as I bow and pass smiling.

by William Carlos Williams

New Painting, "Surfacing"

11" x 14"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

The original painting is available and prints are on Etsy.

Chalk it up to my deep search for Symbolism in this world, my daily yoga practice, or my love of all things ephemeral, but I am really inspired by the image of the lotus lately.

The suggestion of my newest lotus flower painting is to open us up to beauty and light. I look at this painting as a reminder of the miracle of beauty, light and life. TIt is my hope that this reminder, communicated on an emotional level, will aid both spiritual and practical understanding of the world and our place in it.

New Paintings, "Connected and Detached"

22" x 36"

(2 canvases, 18" x 22" each)

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

"In the space of letting go, she let it all be.  A small smile came over her face.  A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and moon shined forevermore."

-Safire Rose

I worked on these canvases at the same time and simply cannot decide if they are supposed to remain connected or not...they work both separate and together.  All this thinking about connection led me to the title, and got me thinking about the meaning behind the connections between all of us.

I think the easy part about manifesting/creating those things that we want in our lives is the desire and the imagining.  These are the fun parts. For me, the hard part is detachment.

Often, we get attached to how we expect certain things to come to us, when or where. Or we are attached to how certain things/people "should " or "ought to" be.  And of course, these expectations hinder us. We get in our own way.

The secret is in the allowing and the understanding and with that, the letting go.

Perhaps today, right now, is finally the time just to let it all go, and let it all be.

This painting is currently on display at Momo's on Knox in Dallas and available for purchase. Fine art giclee prints available on Etsy.

New Painting, "Awake, My Soul"

8" x 10"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

This piece is currently available for sale.

 "All nature loves an honest person. Then you need not run after things, for they will run after you. And if you are always truthful, if no lie comes from your mouth, a time will come when all you say will come true...the more we lead a life of honesty the more we will see the results, and that will encourage us to be more honest."

Satchindananda

I have been fascinated by my study of the yogic teachings and exploring the concept of Satya, or truthfulness. This painting was inspired by the idea of finding something so relatable that it awakens your soul and connects your understanding and identity to your expression.

Keeping this in mind, we strive to incorporate truth in all that we do, whether it is in thought, word or action, so that in the end we become firmly established in truth. This is no easy feat, but with practice and clear intentions, we live an honest, truthful way of living. When you are established in truth things will come to you automatically.

To take this a step further, when we practice yoga we go within in order to unite with divinity or inner light. Ultimately we discover that this divinity is Truth and by uniting with this inner light we understand that "I am That" or "I am Truth." 

To be firmly established in truth is to be firmly established in your own true nature. Every time we are dishonest, whether it is with other people or ourselves, we then get further and further away from our true Self. By practicing truthfulness and honesty in our thoughts words and actions, we then come closer to the ultimate Truth.

Follow truth and truth will follow you.

New Painting, "To Give is to Love""

8" x 10"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas

SOLD

“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.” 

Kent Nerburn

These cherry blossoms were commissioned by a Collector in Washington, D.C. She wanted me to paint something to be given as a wedding gift to dear friends.  I am filled with gratitude to create a piece that has so much sentimental value already attached to it. I worked on five cherry blossom pieces at once, and it is interesting to see how the subject matter progresses from very tight to more loose and free as my comfort level increased. This is one of the looser ones, as you may have guessed.  

A Poem For Wednesday: You Learn

Love and Happiness

Acrylic and Mixed Media

Available on Etsy

This poem is one of my favorites. I came across an old box from high school while organizing our closet and saw it on the handout for our Graduation Mass back in 1997.  It still carries so much meaning.

You Learn

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn...
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure...

That you really are strong

And you really do have worth...

And you learn and learn...

With every good-bye you learn.

Translation by Veronica A. Shoffstall

by Robert Burns.

New Painting, "The Beautiful Present"

8" x 10"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.” -Unknown


This painting is part of a new series that was inspired by a commissioned painting of cherry blossoms from a Collector in D.C.  


The title came from my recent deeper foray into my yoga practice.  Having been a competitive runner for the last 5 years (and a hard-core Katy Trail rat for all the Dallas folks reading this), I am gradually shifting my focus toward running more recreationally and focusing on my yoga practice. It has only been a few weeks and I can already feel my left knee thanking me. With my practice I hope, among other things, to better be able to maintain my presence in the the moment.  To enjoy my life, my blessings, my family, instead of scrambling to get a million things accomplished all in one day. To breathe. To be. It's not as easy as it sounds.

A Poem for Wednesday: The Child Angel

"Just Like Heaven"

The Child Angel

Let your life come amongst them like a flame of light, my child,

unflickering and pure, and delight them into silence.

They are cruel in their greed and their envy,

their words are like hidden knives thirsting for blood.

Go and stand amidst their scowling hearts, my child,

and let your gentle eyes fall upon them like the

forgiving peace of the evening over the strife of the day.

Let them see your face, my child, and thus know the

meaning of all things, let them love you and love each other.

Come and take your seat in the bosom of the limitless, my child.

At sunrise open and raise your heart like a blossoming flower,

and at sunset bend your head and in silence

complete the worship of the day.

By: Rabindranath Tagore

Love Grows

8" x 10"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas


“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein


This new little painting is now on display at The Blues Jean Bar in Snider Plaza. I always love to be reminded that my outlook on life is a choice. Here's to choosing to live today like it's a miracle.

The Heart is a Bloom

The Heart is a Bloom
8" x 10"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas


Many have remarked that my floral paintings resemble hearts, and although I never intended that initially, I guess that came from somewhere within. Having a platform to express my emotions on a subconscious level is one of the things I love most about painting.

This painting is available for purchase on my Etsy site and is on display at The Blue Jeans Bar in Snider Plaza.

I was inspired by the lyrics of U2 (who isn't?) and the lyrics from "Beautiful Day" were really speaking to me through this little painting.

The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

Today, I Wake Up and Love You

11" x 14"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

This painting was commissioned by a dear friend's husband for her as a Mother's Day gift. First of all, kudos to any hubby with three young kids (including twins under one) who has the foresight to come up with such a thoughtful gift to his wife for Mother's Day. Mr. O gave me creative carte blanche, just asking that the painting be something that incportporates their three children and the love and admiration he has for his wife.

I wanted to create something that captured how beautiful Mrs. O is, both inside and out, and how full of life so I went with the floral theme. One song I always sing to my own kiddos is "Three Little Birds", by Bob Marley, so that's sort of wehre the birds came from...each one represents one of their little ones.

I also love the quote:
Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face.
- George Eliot, English novelist

This is kind of where I derived the title, but I wanted the title to convey something meaningful that could be said to each person in their family, including from a husband to a wife.

A Fiery Peace

11" x 14" x 1.5"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

Through my art, with color and texture, I seem to be able to say things that I can't put into words. It is a language all its own. To me, this painting is reaching out to someone who I cannot seem to communicate with any other way.

"...here there is no place that does not see you. You must change your life." Rilke

Nine Months' Time: My art show at The Pearl Cup

Thanks to all who came to the opening of my art show at The Pearl Cup on Friday evening. There I am in the top picture, trying not to look like I had a baby two weeks prior. :) I am so grateful for the opportunity to show there, and my artwork will be hanging throughout the month. If you didn't make it to the opening, please go by and check it out. All pieces are available for sale.

I'm featured in Daily Candy!! (insert Happy Dance here)

"If art is indeed the truest form of expression, then I can think of no better way to say 'I love you'. - Unknown Artist

My Valentine's Paintings were featured in yesterday's Daily Candy Dallas "To Do" list. Thanks so much to Brandon Lynch at Artisan Style Gallery for working his magic to get my paintings written up. The exposure was wonderful and it made my day yesterday to wake up and read about myself in Daily Candy. :-) It also reminded me how lucky I am to be represented by such a wonderful gallery.

La Bella Vita

8" x 10" x 1.5"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

"You are such a good boy. You sleep now. Dream sweet dreams. Maybe we are both dreaming." from the film, La Vita y Bella

In the midst of working on some larger paintings, I wanted to make something smaller and sweeter as I counted my blessings out in the studio. My beautiful son arrived last week and is healthy. Plus, he loves to sleep so the transition from two to three children has not been as rough as I was anticipating. As I recover from a difficult pregnancy, I am feeling more like myself and stronger every day. My family is together and complete and we have a wonderful support system of loving friends. My husband is a wonderful father and more help than I could have ever hoped for. My art is being shown in two different shows this month. Life is beautiful!

Dance in the Sun

12" x 24"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

I thought I was done painting until after baby arrives on Thursday, but somehow this one just sort of finished itself. I think the excited energy of all the changes about to take place crept out through my fingertips and manifested itself in this vibrant image. I applied a thick layer of texture to the canvas and basically carved in the images before I painted them and then I added the paint.

This pregnancy has been so difficult, full of surprises and ups and downs. I feel so thankful I have my artwork to channel all of this tension. The past six months or so I have taken the term "art therapy" to a whole new level.

I'm making a CD to listen to when baby is arriving, and this song will definitely be on it: "Dancing Nancies" by DMB

Sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out then I

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

Happy Words from a Collector

Love is the Answer
8" x 10" x 1.5"
SOLD

"Gina, the painting is fantastic! I love the textures in it. I will have to find the perfect spot--in our apartment in the Irish Channel! I'll have to send you a picture when the painting has a little home. Thank you so much for creating it. It's amazing how a little bit of paint on a canvas can bring so much joy. Good luck with the rest of your paintings...I love the colors in your newest pieces!"
Margaret Peters, Metairie, LA

I love hearing happy words from people who buy my art! Marg purchased one from my current Valentine's series. Many paintings and velvet giclee prints are still available through Etsy as well as at Artisan Style Gallery Uptown.

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to ignore all the commercial marketing of the season and select a truly personal gift--an original painting--that expresses your genuine affection. I have started early this year creating a series of artwork which especially fits this occasion, paintings that come straight from the heart and illustrate love in its purest, most organic sense.

These paintings are created using acrylic and mixed media, and each one has a particular love story, song or sentiment which inspired it. Paintings are highly textured, containing multiple layers of handwritten love letters, parchment paper and mixed media collage. They are fully wired and painted on all sides so there is no need to frame.

Flowers in a Vase

8" x 14"
Oil Pastel on Paper
This is an original work on Canson 140lb coldpress paper.

"Seeing beauty in a flower can awaken you, however briefly, to the beauty that is an essential part of your own innermost being, your true nature. Joy and love are intrinsically connected to that recognition. Flowers can become for us an expression in form of that which is most high, most sacred, and ultimately formless within ourselves. Flowers are like messengers from another realm, like a bridge between the world of physical forms and the formless." Eckhart Tolle