GALLERY
It has been amazing to see how people are coming together to form community, stay in touch, and inspire creativity during these strange days. A friend is starting a blog, where she's posting occasional prompts and asking people to respond to it in any artistic form they feel led - and I'm stoked to take part!
The first prompt is simply "Green". This piece was my response - along with the following reflection: "Green" led me to think of plants, life, and growth. Also, the idea of "being green" or a newcomer or learner in a situation. I paired this with a concept from my church's service this past Sunday. They encouraged us to focus on the "meanwhile" - that God is always working, something is always happening behind the scenes.
This does not negate the very real suffering of this moment. But it helps me to remember that nothing and no one in life ever truly stops pressing toward the next thing. Even in seasons when it may look or feel otherwise. And in this way, we are all, always newcomers.
What is an unanticipated "meanwhile" playing out through your current situation? Or one you hope might come to pass?
#quarantineart #makeart #artistsofinstagram #illustratorsofinstagram #stayhome #stayhomemakeart #watercolor #haiku
Not just another painting: I don't talk much about my day job on this channel, but I thought I'd break with that tradition to share about this building I recently painted, and what it represents.
For those who don't know, I work for @tacomamission as Executive Assistant. There is never a dull moment supporting our leadership team in their service to neighbors overcoming homelessness and addiction - but lately, we've been EXTRA busy, because we are nearing the completion of a new Women's Shelter!
The building pictured was once our donation center - a simple pole barn, really. But with the imagination of a great design team, and the partnership of the City of Tacoma and many generous donors, it will soon be a place of safety and restoration for up to 100 women each night! 👏
Currently, women without a shelter bed to stay in simply wander the streets. I know several who have turned to drugs just to stay awake overnight, so they don't have to stop moving and become prey to any number of horrors. The alternative is often seeking "partnership" with a man, for his protection - but this comes at the cost of being sexually available whenever he wants. It's a horrible situation - one that I dont want any woman to have to face.
The fundraising for this expansion is ongoing - and you can be part of helping reach the needed amount in time for an April opening! Your gift will offer safety and a second chance to some of the most vulnerable women in our community.
Visit www.trm.org/pathway to learn more ❤
#tacomarescuemission #tacomawa #tacomawashington #gritcity #tacomaarts #tacomaartist #therescuemission #citygatenetwork #shelterexpansion #emergencyshelter #hope253 #bethechange
A week ago I was hiking Joshua Tree National Park ☀️ I took this trip on 3 days' notice - so last minute that I'm still having a hard time believing it happened.
I'm sure more people would call me a "planner" than "spontaneous" - that said, my friend @iamhenn message me 3 days before her wedding to offer me a room to stay in if I could get to Palm Springs, and I was thrilled to say YES!
She told me, "I thought to myself, who would be crazy enough to do this so last minute? AMELIA!" And shoot, guys, that almost made me tear up.
I've been trying to make more space in my life for spontaneity and adventure. To play it a bit less safe. Saying yes to Alex's invite was one more step in that direction, and the results were magic.
Soaking in the desert sun while hiking Lost Boy Trail, I was overcome with emotions - gratitude for the opportunity, awe and wonder at the beauty, and thankfulness to myself that I set aside any concerns and said yes to this adventure 🌵
When was the last time you did something truly spontaneous? How did it work out? I'd love to hear about it!
#optoutside #joshuatreenationalpark #sheexplores #shejumps #artistsofinstagram #outdoorart #pleinairpainting #joshuatree #joshuatreenp #jtnp
WIP Wednesday - this piece is already finished, but I thought it would be fun to share some work-in-progress photos from this pre-holiday commission, to give you a look at my process. This was one of the most elaborate house portraits I've taken on. Such a fun challenge in all the little details. Swipe to see it come together!
#WIP #wipwednesday #thisoldhouse #artistsofinstagram #illustratorsofinstagram #watercolorart #watercolor #penandink #workinprogress #tacomaart #tacomaarts #tacomaartists
A sweet commission I painted at the start of the month. This painting was requested by a husband, for his wife, as a remembrance for her grandfather who recently passed. Commissions have been one of my favorite things over the years, because I get to play a role in commemorating special moments or difficult transitions in life.
That said, I averaged 2 commissions a month in 2019, and my plan is to cut back in 2020, to allow for more time spent on my own designs and projects. So, if you're interested in a commission from me this year, reach out soon, before all my slots are filled!
#penandink #watercolor #watercolorpainting #memorialart #cardinal #pnwartist #artistsoginstagram #illustratorsofinatagram #tacomawa #tacomaartist #tacomaart
This is what I want more of my art-making to look like in 2020 - relaxed, un-rushed, and inspired by the outdoors 🌲
Photo: @lolitakromita
#lakemcdonald #glaciernp #glaciernationalpark #montana #optoutside #sheexplores #shejumps #pleineair #pleinairpainting #penandink #watercolor #paintoutside #pnwonderland #pnwow
