Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

I wanted to share a couple more things from our Idaho trip.  We stayed at the beautiful Coeur d'Alene Resort, and these paintings lined the hallway leading to one of the wonderful restaurants.  I thought they were so charming.  I'm pretty sure they are oils.  Unfortunately, I was unable to see the artist's name.  

Aren't they sweet and delicious!
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Some more fun things we did:

Morning walks on the trail next to the resort.

(Nice pose.  haha)
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We took the Route of the Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail ride.
This trail is one of the American's Rails to Trails.
Old train routes are being turned into walking and bike trails.

(After riding through the first tunnel...1.7 miles!)

This was the most fun I've had in a long time!  The views were amazing!!
And, yes, I am quite aware of what dorks we look like in our helmets.

Thanks for sitting through my boring vacation pictures!  :)

Mel McCuddin, Artist

My husband and I just returned from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.  We were there on a business trip, but managed to slip in some amazing experiences while we were there.  First, I would like to introduce you to Artist, Mel McCuddin, from Spokane, Washington.  We happened to be there when Coeur d'Alene was having its Art Gallery Walk. Mr. McCuddin was having his opening at The Art Spirit Gallery.  I am so excited that I got to see his work!  I absolutely LOVED it!  And, what a bonus....I actually got to meet him!  Such a kind and interesting man.

 Mel McCuddin, Figurative Expressionist

 Before going to the art opening, I did some research online.  He has a youtube video explaining his artistic process.  It is so inspiring...I encourage you to watch it!  Mel McCuddin YouTube.

Below are just a few of my favorite pieces:

 Loved this sweet dog, the composition of

him being down at the bottom of the painting.

Reminds me of my dog, Gus.

Love the colors and texture of this lonely rower.

Besides just loving the raven subject, 

the intensity of the under-painting showing through is great!

If you are in love with Mr. McCuddin's paintings as much as I am, go to:

The Art Spirit Gallery to see more of his amazing work!

Attack of the Butterflies

This weekend, while cleaning and organizing my studio, I needed a place to keep my butterflies out where I could see them.  Looking around, I realized my dress form would be a perfect solution.  I love the way the butterflies are clustered on her dress.  

Not only will I be able to pluck them off when needed, they look beautiful all together.

Oklahoma Squall

A couple of months ago, when my husband and I took a road trip, we could see a huge rainstorm off in the distance.  We were so captivated by it, that I was inspired to paint another landscape.  I finished it a while ago and we hung it in our house.  I just kept walking by it thinking, "something isn't right".   Now that I added the barbed-wire fence it finally feels finished.

 Oklahoma Squall               30" x 40"

I love a good summer rain storm!

Thunder Up!!

You can't live in Oklahoma and not be fired up about the Thunder!  

My husband, daughter and I were fortunate enough to attend the KD35 Ball this past March.  The KD35 Ball was a fundraiser for the Kevin Durant Family Foundation.  Below are some photos from the event of my daughter, Emma, and some of her favorite Thunder players.

Kevin Durant

(He was so generous and genuine.)

 Thabo Sefolosha

(He and his beautiful wife sat at our table, 

they were both so kind and gracious.)

 James Harden (The Beard)

(What else can I say??)

BEAT THE HEAT!!!

PS:  I will be away for a week, going to Las Vegas for the first time and turning one year older!  

Finally Finished!

Between working, traveling and just day-to-day living, it has taken me much longer to finish my friend, Beth's, family bouquet painting!  

But....it's DONE!  

Remember, these are the flowers Beth's family painted.

BEFORE

And, this is the finished painting.

AFTER
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I also finished a family bouquet for my friend, Cindy Winters of The Paper Crown.  Her friends and family each painted a flower for her as a wedding gift.  Unfortunately, I don't have a "before" picture, but here is the "After".

I'm so happy I could create these pieces for my friends!  

Sailing

I had to finally admit that it is summer 

and change my entry vignette.

Found the paint-by-numbers sailing pictures at Goodwill just a few weeks ago!

The beautiful swan was created by my friend/artist Brenda Little.  

The succulents were inspired from my visit to Renovation Hardware in Houston.

Happy Summer Days!