Stolen Kiss

I thought it would be a fun challenge to make the woman's hair expressive abstract art. I used the salt technique to add texture to the man's shirt. I'm really pleased with the final outcome. 

Ellie

I'm still enjoying dabbling in watercolor. I'm really digging this color scheme. The flowers were a lot of fun to paint. 

Beach Hammock

Another painting inspired by my love of the beach. Today was yucky and gray. I could really use a beach vacation!

BeUTAHful

Utah is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world! It's tempting to take what's close by for granted and overlook the beauty in your own backyard. So we've decided to spend some weekends exploring the nearby wonders. 

A few weeks ago we visited Fremont Indian State Park and got to sleep in a teepee! It was so much fun. And how cool is the backdrop?! It felt like we were on an old Western movie set. 

And the weekend before last we finally went to Goblin Valley, a place I've wanted to see for years. It rained nearly the whole time, but it was still a fun and relaxing adventure. What's next? I'm so addicted to travel. I'm game for whatever, whether it's on the other side of the globe or a three hour road trip.

Turquoise Butterfly

After a short break from acrylics it felt fresh and new coming back to them again. You know what they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. 

Butterflies have always had a special meaning to me. They represent change and transformation. When I run into one I feel like it's God's or the universe's way of telling me there's exciting change on the horizon. 

Daisy in Her Hair

My latest watercolor. It's been so much fun trying a new medium. It's made all the difference.

Honora

More experimentation with watercolor. 

Delphia

I ran into my all-time favorite high school art teacher and when he found out I was experiencing a major creative slump he recommended I try a different medium to mix things up. Acrylics are my first love but I decided to give watercolor portraiture a shot and turns out I really enjoy it! 

Flora

I was in a big time creative slump and decided to try something new and playful. Hence the magazine collage. I had a blast making it and kind of felt like a kid again. I'll definitely have to do another one sometime.

Yet Another Caribbean Cruise

Truth be told, I'm addicted to cruises. In March I went on my seventh. I know--I sound totally spoiled but it's more doable than you'd think. Did you know you can find cruises for up to 80% off? The whole package, which includes accommodations, all the food you can eat, transportation from one island to the next and entertainment, can often be cheaper than a night at a hotel. And it's so much more relaxing than your typical vacation. Okay, I didn't intend on sounding like an infomercial, I just love cruising!

We tried a Holland America cruise for the first time. Each company has their pluses and minuses. We loved the food but found the entertainment lacking compared to other cruises. 

Our first stop was The Bahamas. We tried to go snorkeling but the weather did not cooperate and the waters weren't clear enough, so we enjoyed a good swim instead. 

We went kayaking in Turks and Caicos, which was one of the highlights of the trip. 

Dominican Republic was beautiful. 

I love exploring new countries! It's on my bucket list to visit 40-plus before I die. 

Puerto Rico turned out to be another highlight.

I loved how colorful it was! 

Would you judge me if I told you I'm already having cruising withdrawals? Like I said, cruises are addicting! 

Jackson Trip

My husband had to deliver a giant sculpture to a gallery in Jackson, Wyoming for work in March, so I got to see Wyoming for the first time. 

The best part about road trips? The scenic views from your car and of course, the tunes. 

We shopped, checked out a few galleries and ate some amazing Thai food. 

I loved all the Native American art. Rumor has it I have a Cherokee ancestor. One of these days I'd like to have my DNA tested and find out if it's true.

Denver Trip

I'm behind on posting here. Three trips/vacations behind! In March my sister and I road tripped to Denver, Colorado to see Lorde in concert. 

It was a MAGICAL show. We got really close to the stage and even held Lorde's hand at the end while she sang Team.

This was our first time in Denver and we thought it was lovely. We shopped, we swam, we ate at lots of delicious vegan restaurants.

Of course, being the giant music nerds that we are, we had to check out a huge local music store. I highly recommend it.

Elephant

They're loyal, they're smart, they're gentle. They come from exotic lands and represent good luck. Elephants have been a long-time favorite animal of mine so I thought it was time I did another elephant painting. (I haven't done one in years.) 

Dakota

I painted my furry niece, Dakota. What do ya think? Does she seem to like it?