Yes, indeed, what you are seeing are photos of recycling and garbage bins I came across on my walk. I mean I do take a lot of pictures ... but this set is a whole different game. I am intrigued with the idea of "recycling" - in the broadest sense of this word. I enjoy learning about environment and protecting it and I also read a bit about recycling of artistic ideas and art history, which is indeed a prime example of "re-cycling" of themes and techniques. So, I decided to take what may not be considered that pretty and put a spin on it and go deep in my personal understanding of "recycling". 

Hence, the photos below. I snapped a bunch of them and then selected three photos I thought had interesting interplay of shapes and shadows and a fresh composition. I used the shapes and lines I saw in these to create a set of three watercolor paintings that represent a potential interpretation of "recycling" - taking something that's out there and reinventing it in a new way.  

I worked on my project at home and then I took it outside to enjoy the sunshine. I painted my pieces in watercolor on canvas. Watercolor is my favorite medium. Canvas is a fun tool to hold watercolor and show the texture of the canvas through the layers of paint. 

I often write about the need to relax and pause so that we can recharge and be fully able to involve in our activities and in pursuing what matters to us. Today, I am writing about being flexible ... since I completely to forgot to post Monday Dose of RADOST on a Monday! I am at the beach for a few days and as one goes to the beach, one expects to be doing beachy things. Well, first day and here we go with tons of rain. And you know what? It was a lovely experience. Letting go of expectations and just reading a look, looking out the window, and enjoying nature's forces at play. So, for this week's Monday (rather Tuesday) Dose of RADOST, I keep in mind the importance of flexibility about everything that comes our way in life. 

Rust is a never-ending source of creative inspiration to me. I went to a motorcycle show a week ago and there were all of these old bikes with the loveliest of rusty parts! So, of course, I took a bunch of photos to bring the beauty of rust home with me. The textile patterns I created out of my photos are warm full of golds and oranges and beiges. The lines in my photo are a great way to add geometric shapes to the patterns and the repeats. Which pattern appeals to you? 

I have been teaching mandala art for some time now. I am a constant learner always searching for something new and exciting in the world of creativity. Well, it seems to me that mandala art is just that. Mandalas, popular for centuries across continents, are a delightful way to focus, go pause, and to discover the colorful inner world we all carry within us. In today's blog, I will give you details about three cool techniques you can test out on your own or during one of my classes in the DMV area. Read on and enjoy!

Intrigued? Interested in learning how to create your unique mandala art? Then, you are indeed invited to any and all of the workshops listed below. More dates coming up so check back!

May 24, 2018: Mandalas with Markers/Pencils
7:00 – 9:00pm at VisArts (Rockville, MD)
Call 301.315.8200 to sign up 

May 31, 2018: “Mindful Art: Discover Your Inner Beauty in a Photo Mandala” 
​6:00 - 9:00pm at Femme Fatale DC (Washington, DC)
Click here to sign up

June 8, 2018: 3D Paint Mandala
10am – 12pm at GALA Artisan Jewelry & Gifts (Kensington, MD)
Call 301.933.2912 to sign up 

July 10, 2018: Burst of Color in a 3D Paint Mandala
7:00 – 9:00pm at VisArts (Rockville, MD)
Call 301.315.8200 to sign up 

Before all of these rainy days, we had a few warm beautiful Spring days. At the end of one of them, I was relaxing on the porch and was taking in the beauty of the sunset. Seriously, a gorgeous moment. And as we all know me, I captured the moment with my camera. And then ... again, as we all know me, I went ahead and created several textile designs! I am enjoying the light that comes out of these patterns. Which one is your favorite? 

Femme Fatale DC pop-up was featured as one of the best pop-ups in DC in 2017. I had the fortune to participate in this cool women-only business endeavor and now that it is back in its new location, I am back too! We open on May 17 and then have an official launch party on May 18. I hope you can join us and stop by. 

The pop-up consists of over 50 businesses - all owned by female entrepreneurs - who collaborate in a fun creative space to bring to you a unique shopping experience. I designed three new designs just for this pop-up and am excited to introduce them to you. Let's take a look!

This design may be my new favorites. It's called "Sisterhood Is Powerful" and here is the story that goes with this scarf: When empowered women empower women … When women view other women as sisters … Then, kindness blossoms and women thrive. And a thriving world is a healthy place to be. So … find yourself a sister and let her know you care." ​The colors will go with anything and everything in your closet. Plus, I am a big believer in the message in this scarf and it surely will resonate with many. 

And here is another scarf with another important message. It's called: "Our Bodies Are Our Bodies" and here is its story: ​"Just a subtle – or not so subtle – reminder that our bodies are our bodies and they are to be respected and cherished and worshiped. This scarf is a constant reminder of our incredible power. Always know that your body is yours … And enjoy the message: My Bits. My Pits. My Tits." I have this design available in two colors: white and purple. 

I draw inspiration for my textile designs from life and it's just such a pleasure to share my scarves with all of you to bring joy to you, to bring empowerment to all, and to really establish a strong sense of self-care we all benefit from. I wear my scarves as reminders to not hold back and to bring out the beauty that rests within me. At Femme Fatale DC, we all create items of meaning and I invite you to join us on this cool adventure! Stop by. 

On a recent camping trip, I put my feet up. On a tree stump. And it was so so lovely. I suddenly felt revitalized. It seems that in these moments of pause and calm, creativity just wishes to flood us and fill up our hearts and minds with ideas. As you can imagine, I came home with new paintings and textile designs in mind ... So, in this week's Monday Dose of RADOST, I hope we will all put our feet up and be open to what happens next. 

Ok, I am in love with color and that's pretty much public knowledge. In all of my abstract watercolors, I explore color, texture, and shape and I am mesmerized by the never-ending opportunities ahead. Here is an example. I took a closeup of a painting I completed a few days ago and then used it as a basic for a textile pattern. Here are three options. What's great about textile pattern is how much one can play with color and its intensity. The first example, the clue one, is darker revealing just a few bits of pink. And as we go, we end up at a light pattern that overflows with neon pinks. Which one is your favorite? 

I woke up to a sunny warm morning setting goals for the week in my mind. And by goals I mean not what I want to achieve but how I wish to feel as I go about my days. One thing I have been practicing lately is to let things be, not to push them, not to control them too much. It seems this photo of rusty nails - that I snapped on a walk a few weeks ago - expresses what I am talking about. The nails, like all of us, are embedded in the world and they are surrounded by beauty that's ever-changing and that needs space to blossom. For for this week, I wish upon all of us a bit of a mental space - space that allows for loveliness to take form. 

#radostbyms #monday #joy #insight #macrophotography #rust #rustynail #art

I am honored to be featured on the blog of Ingleside at King Farm in Rockville, MD. I teach watercolor classes at this continuing care retirement community. My students are delightful and we always have a lovely time exploring the power of color and creativity together. 

Working with individuals of all ages has been crucial to my understanding of artistic expression and the importance of taking time to create for our mental and physical health. To read the full feature, click here. Thank you, Ingleside at King Farm, for having me!