Home is Where the Heart Is-Birthday Gift Edition

Earlier this month I was commissioned to do a House Portrait to give as a Birthday gift! Contacted via Facebook, I finished this 16 by 20 inch canvas and shipped it off to the great state of Ohio, just in time for her Mom's special day!


Here are some pictures of the reveal!

 

                            Thanks again Meghan and Happy Belated to your Mom!

SMC Class of 2011-Senior House Portrait

The Senior Year College House. One of those places (at least for me) that I could never, ever forget.

A place where you lived with your very best friends. A safe haven where you weren't completely on your own yet, but had the freedom to do whatever. you. wanted.

Spontaneous Dance Party.. at 3 am.. on a school night.. dressed up in mix-matched clothing...singing screaming ridiculous lyrics...to a ridiculous song (you know the one)...

Yes. PLEASE.

Below is a commissioned, Senior House Portrait for a Saint Mary's College, Class of 2011 Graduate.

A perfect way to remember all of those Nights, with the People you will never forget.

Congrats Sara! (as well as any other 2011 Graduate!)

Sweet Home Chicago

A couple of weeks ago, dear friends of mine had a fabulous Celebration of Love!

I met these two crazy kids almost 2 years ago when they showed up one hot/humid August night, Uhaul packed to the gills, fresh out of the state of Georgia.  Ready to embark on a new adventure in a new city!

They moved to Chicago. Fell in love with this city, and even more with each-other. (if possible!) ((For a couple months later they would be engaged.))

To be considered friends of these two fabulous people is the Best (to say the least). Their Love, Respect, sense of Adventure and Fun is pure and real, and so so great.

For their Wedding, I painted our Boystown/Wrigleyville Chicago Apartment..good ole' 911 W. Newport Ave. (My old, their current).

To remember where it all Began... 
Our great Friendship and their new Adventures.

Congrats Jean and Will! Here's to many years of great Friendship, new Adventures and (of course) to...

                   Sweet Home Chicago.

Nursery Wall Painting-Baby Z

Last night I had the pleasure of painting this simple (and powerful) quote, on the walls of this already fabulous Baby girl's Nursery!

When you walk into this little room, you can't help but smile with all of the amazing bright and fun colors!

With this added quote and simple flower designs (inspired from the bedding) the wall painting serves as the perfect little welcome sign, (as well as a life-long inspiration!) for the already, oh-so-loved, Baby Z.

Thanks Kat and Aaron! And to Baby Z... I can't wait to see how you

Live the life you've Imagined. :)

Baby's Room-Monogram Initials Painting

A friend recently contacted me with a super cute idea for a new Baby's room!

My friend's sister recently had a new Baby Girl and wanted to give a painted canvas with the baby's Monogrammed initials as a gift for her Niece's new room. She told me the colors of the room and even gave me swatches of the fabric that make up Baby Clare's bedding.

With the initials, I decided to pull out some of the cute little flower and leaf designs from the fabric. Here's how it turned out!

"cLv" Acrylic on Canvas; 20 by 24 inches; 2011

A really cute and unique gift that brings a personal touch to welcome the newest addition to the family! 

Thanks Andrea and Congrats Natalie!:)

"To Do" Lists

I am a big huge fan of the "To Do" List.

Lists (for me) provide a true feeling of accomplishment, as well as keep me focused, on task and efficient.
Nothing is greater than crossing off something on the "List".

Since being in the "real world" I have come to love and depend on my "To Do" list even more and make it apart of my daily routine...

-Get coffee
-Make "To Do" list

When we had to move offices this past week, I stumbled upon a couple of old notebooks I had kept from my first days, months and years in the "real world".  Lots of scribbles and notes and ideas.
But mostly, lots and lots of "To Do" lists.
In these notebooks, almost all of my "To Dos" pertain to work related tasks...
-approve M&M turtle sculpt photos
-email licensing
-think new ideas, etc.

But in one particular notebook, I found a different kind of "To Do List".

The top of the page displays the date; 10/23/07

The title; Things To Do:

 

At first, I laughed and couldn't believe that among all of my work tasks was this "To Do"list for Life. 

Then, I smiled and thought how funny and ambitious I was for a 22 year old kid, fresh out of college.

And now... I'm inspired.

It's been 3 years, 4 months and 16 days (approximately) since this "To Do" list for Life had been written and I have proudly accomplished 6 out of the 26 mentioned goals.

Game on 22 year-old self, (with the world at her finger tips)... 

We've got Things To Do.
 

I Feel Home; A House Portrait

"Ali's House"; Acrylic on Canvas; Feb. 2011

"There are Few Things Pure in this World Anymore and Home is one of the Few..."

I Feel Home-OAR

A housewarming gift for a darling friend.

Thanks for the great weekend Ali ;)