These fun, mixed media paintings are on heavy watercolor paper that will fit inside a standard size mat or frame. They have been sealed, so you can be creative with other ways to display them as well. (some ideas: hang from a fancy copper binder clip, tape to the wall with colored washi tape, hang from a wooden dowel hanger) Buy a couple and group together, or add one to your gallery wall for a pop of color!
Click on the image for details.
< < Out of the Blue > >
Idioms. You know those words or phrases that we use in everyday life, but they’re not taken literally? Well, this series came right “out of the blue”, and after the first title came to me, I decided to name them all after some favorite American idioms.
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Tickled Pink
SOLD
XTickled Pink
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Tickled pink = delighted, very much pleased or entertained. -
In Seventh Heaven
SOLD
XIn Seventh Heaven
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
In seventh heaven = in a very happy state, a state of bliss. -
Winging It
SOLD
XWinging It
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Winging it = improvising, doing something without proper preparation or time to rehearse. -
Penny for your Thoughts
SOLD
XPenny for your Thoughts
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Penny for your thoughts = to ask someone what they're thinking, especially when they appear pensive. -
Takes Two to Tango
SOLD
XTakes Two to Tango
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
It takes two to tango = it can't happen without more than one person (preferably two, just like in the dance!) -
Head Over Heels
SOLD
XHead Over Heels
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Head over heels = madly in love. -
Cross Your Fingers
SOLD
XCross Your Fingers
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Cross your fingers = hope for good luck! -
Icing on the Cake
SOLD
XIcing on the Cake
10 x 8 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Icing on the cake = something good that's added to another good thing. -
Heat of the Moment
$55
XHeat of the Moment
12 x 9 $55 Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Heat of the moment = when you do or say something without thinking because you're angry or excited -
Piece of Cake
$55
XPiece of Cake
12 x 9 $55 Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Piece of cake = anything that's easy or simple…and other similar idioms: a breeze, cakewalk, cinch. -
On Cloud Nine
$55
XOn Cloud Nine
12 x 9 $55 Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
On cloud nine = extremely happy, in a state of blissful happiness. -
It's Not Rocket Science
SOLD
XIt's Not Rocket Science
12 x 9 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
It's not rocket science = it's really not that difficult. -
Just Jump In
SOLD
XJust Jump In
12 x 16 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
This piece is the sister to "The Water's Fine". We say this when we want someone to join us in the fun. Just do it! -
The Water's Fine
SOLD
XThe Water's Fine
12 x 16 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
This piece is the sister to "Just Jump In". We say this when we want someone to join us in the fun. Just do it! -
Rise & Shine
SOLD
XRise & Shine
12 x 16 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Rise and shine = wake up and get out of bed! -
One Person's Trash is Another's Treasure
SOLD
XOne Person's Trash is Another's Treasure
12 x 16 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper.
One person's trash in another's treasure = what one person views as useless, another person might highly value. -
Partners in Crime 1
SOLD
XPartners in Crime 1
11 x 14 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Partners in crime = good friends who get in "trouble" together, or get each other in trouble. -
Partners in Crime 2
SOLD
XPartners in Crime 2
11 x 14 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Partners in crime = good friends who get in "trouble" together, or get each other in trouble. -
Breath of Fresh Air
$65
XBreath of Fresh Air
11 x 14 $65 Acrylic & pen on heavy watercolor paper.
A breath of fresh air = pleasantly different or refreshing. -
Down to Earth
SOLD
XDown to Earth
11 x 14 SOLD Acrylic & oil pastel on heavy watercolor paper.
Down to earth = unpretentious, realistic, easy to talk to.
< < Story Tapestries > >
Just as tapestries are woven together with colored threads, stories are woven together through tales of people or events. Not only do these paintings look like little tapestries, they also come to life through memories and colors. These works on paper were created on one larger piece, then cut in half to make a matching pair. Whether you buy one or the pair, and hang alone or together, the stripes make the perfect statement piece and add a punch of color to any décor.
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Always Alright 1
SOLD
XAlways Alright 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I was on an Alabama Shakes music marathon when I painted this duo. And when the song "Always Alright" came on, I knew it must be the title for this one. It's just a good mentality to have. Life is tough sometimes and things aren't always the way we want them...but if we believe it's all going to be alright, it will. Life is what you make of it, and staying positive is the only way to push on through! It's always alright. (Side note: this song is from the movie, Silver Linings Playbook, a must see!) -
Always Alright 2
SOLD
XAlways Alright 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I was on an Alabama Shakes music marathon when I painted this duo. And when the song "Always Alright" came on, I knew it must be the title for this one. It's just a good mentality to have. Life is tough sometimes and things aren't always the way we want them...but if we believe it's all going to be alright, it will. Life is what you make of it, and staying positive is the only way to push on through! It's always alright. (Side note: this song is from the movie, Silver Linings Playbook, a must see!) -
Without Words 1
SOLD
XWithout Words 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
Another piece inspired by music, but this time Ray LaMontagne. This song also happens to be from a movie soundtrack, The Fault Within Our Stars, but I love the song because I have a Rumi quote in my studio that says: "Art is a poem without words." I've also seen this quote with "the ocean" instead of "art" and I believe that too. I happen to love words, and poems and stories, but we don't always need them to communicate. Words aren't always necessary to convey feeling and emotion, which is why I love how art can do this through color, texture, images or simple brushstrokes. We all see and feel something different as the artwork "speaks" to us without words. -
Without Words 2
$25
XWithout Words 2
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
Another piece inspired by music, but this time Ray LaMontagne. This song also happens to be from a movie soundtrack, The Fault Within Our Stars, but I love the song because I have a Rumi quote in my studio that says: "Art is a poem without words." I've also seen this quote with "the ocean" instead of "art" and I believe that too. I happen to love words, and poems and stories, but we don't always need them to communicate. Words aren't always necessary to convey feeling and emotion, which is why I love how art can do this through color, texture, images or simple brushstrokes. We all see and feel something different as the artwork "speaks" to us without words. -
The Spice Merchant 1
SOLD
XThe Spice Merchant 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
These colors. (Sigh…) As I sat watching them dry, images of spices in big huge bins and baskets came to mind. Memories of travels, walking around outdoor markets, and smelling the delicious scent of spices in the air. Aside from the many Mexican markets I've visited, the other places that stir memories of big open spice bins are Chinatown, San Francisco (because I grew up in the Bay Area and went to SF often), the floating markets of Bangkok, Thailand and the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. The colors, textures and aromas are a feast for the senses! -
The Spice Merchant 2
SOLD
XThe Spice Merchant 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
These colors. (Sigh…) As I sat watching them dry, images of spices in big huge bins and baskets came to mind. Memories of travels, walking around outdoor markets, and smelling the delicious scent of spices in the air. Aside from the many Mexican markets I've visited, the other places that stir memories of big open spice bins are Chinatown, San Francisco (because I grew up in the Bay Area and went to SF often), the floating markets of Bangkok, Thailand and the old city of Jerusalem, Israel. The colors, textures and aromas are a feast for the senses! -
Where's My Lippy? 1
SOLD
XWhere's My Lippy? 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I spent six months in Australia after I graduated from college. It was an amazing adventure, hopping from hostel to hostel, and learning about life through my experiences. I met people from all over the world and befriended both locals and other wanderers like myself. There were often misunderstandings because of language barriers, and even the Aussies had their own lingo that I had to embrace. There are several words that found their way into my everyday vocabulary, and I still use them today. Lippy (lipgloss) is one of them. These colors remind me of testing lippies on the back of my hand at the store, and kind of make me want to go buy a new one! Because a girl can't ever have too many lippies. -
Where's My Lippy? 2
SOLD
XWhere's My Lippy? 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I spent six months in Australia after I graduated from college. It was an amazing adventure, hopping from hostel to hostel, and learning about life through my experiences. I met people from all over the world and befriended both locals and other wanderers like myself. There were often misunderstandings because of language barriers, and even the Aussies had their own lingo that I had to embrace. There are several words that found their way into my everyday vocabulary, and I still use them today. Lippy (lipgloss) is one of them. These colors remind me of testing lippies on the back of my hand at the store, and kind of make me want to go buy a new one! Because a girl can't ever have too many lippies. -
Dolce Far Niente 1
SOLD
XDolce Far Niente 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
Ahhh...the sweetness of doing nothing - "dolce far niente" in Italian. In a world where people seem to romanticize the "busy life" and the word "hustle" is considered chic, embracing time spent "doing nothing" seems crazy! Most of us even feel guilty if we take some time to ourselves and "do nothing" because it's looked upon as lazy. Well, "doing nothing" isn't really doing nothing. I think it's brilliant way to recharge, reflect, replenish your soul and even boost creativity. The Italians have it right, that's for sure. -
Dolce Far Niente 2
SOLD
XDolce Far Niente 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
Ahhh...the sweetness of doing nothing - "dolce far niente" in Italian. In a world where people seem to romanticize the "busy life" and the word "hustle" is considered chic, embracing time spent "doing nothing" seems crazy! Most of us even feel guilty if we take some time to ourselves and "do nothing" because it's looked upon as lazy. Well, "doing nothing" isn't really doing nothing. I think it's brilliant way to recharge, reflect, replenish your soul and even boost creativity. The Italians have it right, that's for sure. -
Joie de Vivre 1
$25
XJoie de Vivre 1
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
In French, literally "the joy of living" - living life with exuberance. I have a quote in my studio from Gilda Radner that sums it up perfectly, "Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next...delicious ambiguity." Yes! Love life to its fullest...with your whole being. -
Joie de Vivre 2
$25
XJoie de Vivre 2
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
In French, literally "the joy of living" - living life with exuberance. I have a quote in my studio from Gilda Radner that sums it up perfectly, "Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next...delicious ambiguity." Yes! Love life to its fullest...with your whole being. -
Take Me Back to Mexico 1
$25
XTake Me Back to Mexico 1
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I love Mexico. It's no secret. I've traveled to many magical places all over this beautiful country, and each place steals my heart. Whether a coastal town at the ocean, a small village in the jungle or a colonial city in the mountains...I feel this certain vibe that is comforting and familiar. I love the people, culture, colors, food, music, architecture...and every time I leave, I wonder when I'll go back. -
Take Me Back to Mexico 2
$25
XTake Me Back to Mexico 2
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I love Mexico. It's no secret. I've traveled to many magical places all over this beautiful country, and each place steals my heart. Whether a coastal town at the ocean, a small village in the jungle or a colonial city in the mountains...I feel this certain vibe that is comforting and familiar. I love the people, culture, colors, food, music, architecture...and every time I leave, I wonder when I'll go back. -
St. Martin 1
SOLD
XSt. Martin 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
In the northern blue Carribbean waters lies a unique island comprised of two different countries; the northern side is French (Saint Martin) and the southern side is Dutch (Sint Maarten). One time, my best friend and I tagged along on a work trip with my dad. He worked, and we played. We adventured, wandered, met strangers, became friends with strangers, relaxed on the pristine beaches, and learned the ins and outs of French and Dutch life on the island. The homes and buildings were quaint and colorful, like little candy shops lined up on the shores. So many fun memories of that trip. -
St. Martin 2
SOLD
XSt. Martin 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
In the northern blue Carribbean waters lies a unique island comprised of two different countries; the northern side is French (Saint Martin) and the southern side is Dutch (Sint Maarten). One time, my best friend and I tagged along on a work trip with my dad. He worked, and we played. We adventured, wandered, met strangers, became friends with strangers, relaxed on the pristine beaches, and learned the ins and outs of French and Dutch life on the island. The homes and buildings were quaint and colorful, like little candy shops lined up on the shores. So many fun memories of that trip. -
Headed to Paso 1
$25
XHeaded to Paso 1
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
When I was growing up, my grandparents lived in Paso Robles. We lived in San Jose, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from them...but around 4 hours when my grandpa drove. We went to visit a couple times a year, and in the summer, my brother and sister and I would go stay with them for a week. I have very fond memories of those trips, even though at the time I thought they were boring as ever. We shelled almonds in the orchard, shoveled the big compost pile, helped in the garden, went into "town" for my grandparents' errands and doctor appointments, ate nothing but health food...carob was our "treat". And the drive to and from...long stretches of nothing but brown with scrub oaks dotting the hills. Now Paso Robles is filled with gorgeous wineries, boutiques and fancy restaurants...a world away from what it once was. But my memories are simple and sweet and I wouldn't trade them for anything! We learned so much from being "bored"...something kids rarely experience anymore. -
Headed to Paso 2
$25
XHeaded to Paso 2
5 x 7 $25 Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
When I was growing up, my grandparents lived in Paso Robles. We lived in San Jose, about a 2 1/2 hour drive from them...but around 4 hours when my grandpa drove. We went to visit a couple times a year, and in the summer, my brother and sister and I would go stay with them for a week. I have very fond memories of those trips, even though at the time I thought they were boring as ever. We shelled almonds in the orchard, shoveled the big compost pile, helped in the garden, went into "town" for my grandparents' errands and doctor appointments, ate nothing but health food...carob was our "treat". And the drive to and from...long stretches of nothing but brown with scrub oaks dotting the hills. Now Paso Robles is filled with gorgeous wineries, boutiques and fancy restaurants...a world away from what it once was. But my memories are simple and sweet and I wouldn't trade them for anything! We learned so much from being "bored"...something kids rarely experience anymore. -
All Gussied Up 1
SOLD
XAll Gussied Up 1
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the first of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I just love this phrase. It's an old word, but I still use it when I see someone (especially my kids!) or something is looking kind of fancy. There are different stories of its origin, but I don't really care...I just like the silliness of it. And when I painted this piece, the colors just seemed glamorous...metallic and iridescent gold, silver and copper, with a little black and raspberry red. I picture a black skirt, gold and silver blouse, dangling topaz earrings and a bit of raspberry lip gloss...maybe even on my toes. All gussied up, ready for a party. -
All Gussied Up 2
SOLD
XAll Gussied Up 2
5 x 7 SOLD Acrylic on heavy watercolor paper. This is the second of two that were painted as one, then cut apart.
I just love this phrase. It's an old word, but I still use it when I see someone (especially my kids!) or something is looking kind of fancy. There are different stories of its origin, but I don't really care...I just like the silliness of it. And when I painted this piece, the colors just seemed glamorous...metallic and iridescent gold, silver and copper, with a little black and raspberry red. I picture a black skirt, gold and silver blouse, dangling topaz earrings and a bit of raspberry lip gloss...maybe even on my toes. All gussied up, ready for a party.
< < Baja Love > >
Playful mixed media works that bring some of my favorite places in Baja California, Mexico to life through a colorful, whimsical, abstract landscape. This series was created during a luxurious week spent at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Baja CA.
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Tijuana
SOLD
XTijuana
12 x 9 SOLD Gouache and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
The busiest land border crossing in the world takes you from San Diego to this colorful city. It’s known by many for tequila shots and its touristy main street, Avenida Revolución, but if you’re willing to go off the beaten path, you will discover vibrant culture and arts, amazing food, great open markets, excellent shopping and the best tacos anywhere! Adventures around every corner.
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La Mision
SOLD
XLa Mision
12 x 9 SOLD Gouache and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
La Mision is much less known than its neighbors, Rosarito to the north and Ensenada to the south. But what it lacks in tourist attractions, it makes up for with a long stretch of gorgeous Pacific coastline. Sure, you can head to Puerto Nuevo for lobster, or the Valle for wine, but the best thing to do here is just enjoy the beach!
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La Paz
SOLD
XLa Paz
12 x 9 SOLD Gouache and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
You can't help but feel a tranquility when you're in a city named "peace", right? La Paz is on the Sea of Cortes and some of the most beautiful beaches are just minutes from the sleepy town. It's only about 100 miles north of Cabo, and you feel a world away from all the resort craziness. It's just...peaceful.
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Ensenada
SOLD
XEnsenada
15 x 11 SOLD Gouache and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
When you think Ensenada, you think fishing and seafood, because its seaside harbor has a plethora of fresh ceviche and fish tacos. It's also a large port for ships and boats, has a beautiful valley of wineries just a short drive inland, and the famous La Bufadora (a geyser/blowhole that shoots water up to 100 feet from sea level) is just to the south.
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Tecate
SOLD
XTecate
11 x 8.5 SOLD Mixed media on heavy watercolor paper.
It's known for its eponymous beer, Tecate, but this small border town is much more. It's mellow, charming, home to the beautiful Kuchamaa Mountain (great hikes!) and the famous and magical Rancho La Puerta Resort.
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Valle de Guadalupe
SOLD
XValle de Guadalupe
11 x 8.5 SOLD Acrylic and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
The Baja wine country. I adore this valley filled with wineries, amazing food and gorgeous haciendas and B&B's. Beauty everywhere and such a relaxing getaway from San Diego.
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Todos Santos
SOLD
XTodos Santos
15 x 11 SOLD Acrylic and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
This small Pacific coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, great surfing and lots of ART and art galleries. Need I say more? Oh, and I also got engaged there way back in 1999!
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Los Cabos
SOLD
XLos Cabos
15 x 11 SOLD Acrylic and pen on heavy watercolor paper.
Although Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo (Los Cabos together!) have grown a lot bigger than I'd like, they both hold a special place in my heart because we've been traveling there for almost 30 years. We've watched Cabo grow from a sleepy town where tacos were five for a dollar and beers were 50 cents...to a huge tourist resort town. I prefer San Jose to walk around a shop, since it has lots of art galleries, but I'm a beach lover and the stretch of beaches along the corridor between Los Cabos is just breathtaking and still a wonderful place to plop a beach chair in the warm sand.