Tag Archives: art

Rio Grande

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Hiking along the Hot Springs Trail in Big Bend National Park, you spend some time walking beside the Rio Grande. As the trail rises and falls with the cliffs, you get to appreciate the river from different perspectives and find little surprises.

For me, the biggest surprise was finding horses grazing in the grassy river banks. This area feels so desolate, it’s hard to imagine any animal that size surviving out here. But it seems that the Rio Grande provides all that is needed, and the horses seemed quite content.

As we hiked toward the hot spring, we could almost make out the outlines of the palm trees which mark the spot where an old bathhouse was built (a hint that we were getting closer!).

One of the many gorgeous views of the river from the trail.
Drawing the outlines of what would become my sixth large painting inspired by Big Bend National Park (and my second inspired by this trail!)
Rio Grande, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Close-up showing the brushstrokes and detail of the palm trees.

Big Bend is such a large park, and I can’t wait to explore more of it…but I think I might return to this spot on my next trip. The Hot Springs Trail feels special to me.

COMING UP

You can see the Rio Grande painting as well as the Inside Santa Elena Canyon painting at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, open November 15 – December 24, 2024 (10am-10pm daily!). Blue Genie is packed with arts and crafts from hundreds of local makers and it’s my favorite place to get gifts for the holidays. Visit the market at 6100 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 or shop online anytime!

Keep an eye out for the new 16oz can from (512) Brewing Company featuring my artwork! The can celebrates Austin with a colorful illustration of the skyline and iconic graffiti-covered train bridge.

(512) Brewing Company’s 16th Anniversary DDH Hazy IPA, available at HEB, Central Market, Wheatsville, and more!

I had so much fun working on this illustration, I’ve decided it’s time to make a few paintings of Austin. Barton Springs Pool and the view of downtown from the pedestrian bridge are already in the works!

Magnolia

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A couple summers ago, while visiting North Carolina, I became totally enamored with the huge white flowers that seemed to cover every magnolia tree.

I couldn’t help myself, and snapped about a hundred photos of the flowers, leaves, and whole trees. I knew that I would have to paint these beauties!

My favorite photo, which became the inspiration for the painting.
Creating the artwork in my studio. I almost always start with a magenta or red base.
You can see the bright pink undercoat showing through small gaps in the top colors.
The final 12″x12″ painting, “Magnolia.”

It was a joy to work on this sweet little painting and remember the fun I had on that trip. But immediately after I finished Magnolia, I started working on another painting of Big Bend. I can’t seem to get enough of the desert and its cacti.

COMING UP!

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS: This year, you can find my art prints, stickers, bandanas, and t-shirts at the Austin City Limits music festival. Look for the Clover + Maven booth in the ACL Market, where they have a wonderful selection of jewelry, art, and more by local makers.

ART GALLERY PARTY: I’m thrilled to have my painting “Inside Santa Elena Canyon” included in the Texas Top 20 juried group exhibition at Ao5 Gallery. Come celebrate with me at the reception on October 9th, 2024 from 7-9pm.

BEER ART: Look for my art on the 16th anniversary release by (512) Brewing Company! This is a dream-come-true for me, as I’m a long-time fan of their Pecan Porter. Join them as they celebrate their anniversary at the brewery on November 2nd.

Illustration for (512) Brewing Company’s 16th anniversary, toasting Austin at the iconic train bridge over the Colorado River. Cheers!

Inside Santa Elena Canyon

Inspired by the famous hike in Big Bend National Park, this painting is a colorful take on the epic sense of awe one gets while walking between the Rio Grande’s canyon walls.

Inside Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Cara hiking with the sun overhead.
Hiking into the canyon.
Steep canyon walls with the Rio Grande River flowing gently between them.
We sat and watched hikers cross the trickling river while listening to the warbling song of canyon wrens. It was so peaceful! This photo became my reference for the painting.
Line drawing of the canyon.
Tracing the photograph and simplifying the outlines.
Cara painting a bright orange color.
Painting in the outlines after they’ve been transferred to canvas.
The nearly completed painting.
Almost finished!
Close-up image of the painting.
Detail of the people crossing the river.

Before starting the final painting, I made a smaller 12″x12″ version as a way to test the bright colors before committing to them. This was a slightly different way of working for me and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed creating the same scene in different sizes and shapes. It was a challenging but also freeing, so I plan to continue this process with my next painting.

Small version of painting with award.
Inside Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on wood panel, 12″x12″

Because the small version was finished first, I was able to exhibit it at the Austin Studio Tour’s Group Show, then the Neill-Cochran House Museum (where it won an Honorable Mention award!). Shortly afterwards, it was purchased by a collector in South Austin. I’m thrilled by the reception this painting got as it’s personally one of my favorites – the brightness of the red canyon walls makes my eyes happy!

I’m incredibly grateful for the continued support of the community and can’t wait to see what I create next! Thank you to everyone who has purchased a painting or print, come out to art openings, followed me online, and showed up at the art markets – I couldn’t do this without you!

Starting Is The Hardest Part

After a restful January spent lounging at home, I emerged from hibernation with renewed creativity. I started cooking more and even baked some bread, then I began to play around with some art ideas that have been on the back-burner since November: a bandana to celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse and a simple desert scene made up of line art.

Black bandana with white lettering reading "Texas Eclipse 2024" and simple symbols of the sun and moon.
Texas Eclipse Bandana, hand-printed on cotton – grab one here before they’re gone.
A sun shines down on a saguaro cactus.
The simple desert scene depicting a saguaro cactus, which I used to make a fun, glittery sticker.

I was also honored by Tacoma-based band Prickly Paranoia when they asked me to design a T-shirt.

A woman wearing a black t-shirt with a colorful cactus logo.
Such a fun project!

In February I was suddenly inundated with opportunities to share my creations: I participated in an emergency art show / fundraiser to help Big Medium recover from a fire that broke out in their new gallery, popped-up at the Galentines Market hosted by Clover + Maven, and delivered one of my largest paintings to the Visions Unbound group show at ArtUs Co (on exhibition thru March 16, 2024).

A blue and black painting of three grackles hangs on a gallery wall.
My painting “Taco Raptors” at Big Medium’s Fire Recovery Exhibition.
A few people crowd around art at a gallery.
A group of art lovers appreciating the wall where my painting “Topographic Map Of Barton Creek Greenbelt” hangs at ArtUs Co.

It’s been great to be so busy and full of energy, but I’ve missed painting. I cleaned out my studio and made a larger space for my easel, but there always seems to be something more pressing to attend to. I wonder if I’m finding reasons not to work on my painting.

Every so often this kind of fear-based procrastination creeps in. Painting can feel SO BIG, so vulnerable, because I love it so much, and because I’m putting it out there.

But I know just how to solve this problem. All I need to do is start, after that, everything else will flow. Starting is the hardest part. And so, I begin…

Art studio with painting on easel.

COMING UP
You can find me and my art at these events and exhibitions:

February 9 – March 16, 2024
Visions Unbound Group Exhibition with work from 50+ Austin artists.
ArtUs Co, 10000 Research Blvd, FREE

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Art In ATX Babes Market with live music from DJ Dámino serving Nu Funk/ Tropical House & Ecstatic Dance Sets. Shop from local businesses and artists ranging from baked goods, to fine art paintings, jewelry & much more!
Batch, 3220 Manor Rd, 12-4pm, FREE

Saturday, March 9, 2024
Salon-style group art show with on-site artist studios to explore, a photo booth for guests to commemorate their experience, and a drink making cocktail machine debut by Mixim. Drinks are free for guests 21+. Nonalcoholic beverages provided by Liquid Death will also be available free to all guests.
Highland Collective Gallery, 6401 Airport Blvd, 6-11pm, $10

Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Unofficial SXSW Party with art market, DJ, rum and chocolate tastings!
Clover + Maven, 1023 Springdale Rd, 5-7pm, FREE

April 26 – May 27, 2024
May Market with 100+ regional artists and artisans under one roof! (open weekly Friday-Sunday + Memorial Day)
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, FREE


Hope to see you there! (ask me how my painting is coming)

Austin Art Month

November is the biggest time of year for the Austin art scene. It’s a great time for it, the weather is finally cooler and people want to get out and enjoy it together. And there’s plenty of chances with fun activities happening throughout the month.

The Austin Studio Tour fills three weekends with free events all over the city as Artists and Galleries open their doors to the public.
The Blue Genie Art Bazaar has long been my favorite place to find unique holiday gifts.

Here’s a list of all the places where you can find me and my art:

Nov 1, 8-10pm
Austin Studio Tour Kickoff Party & Fundraiser
George Washington Carver Museum
Tickets and details

Nov 4-5, 12-6pm, Free
Visit with me at my art studio, with special guest JFR Glass
refreshments provided by Topo Chico, Desert Door, and Treaty Oak
Austin Studio Tour Stop #140

Nov 4 – Dec 2, Free
View artwork by Austin Studio Tour participants at the Group Art Show in the George Washington Carver Museum

Nov 11-12, 12-6pm, Free
Visit with me at my art studio and watch as I make a new painting
Austin Studio Tour Stop #140

Nov 17 – Dec 24, 10am-10pm, Free
Shop at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar to see hundreds of local artists under one roof!
6100 Airport Blvd

Nov 19, 2:30-5pm, Free
Watch me paint outside at Dear Diary’s popup art market with live music
1212 Chicon St #103

My latest painting “Inside Santa Elena Canyon” will be on display Nov 4- Dec 2, at the George Washington Carver Museum, as part of the Austin Studio Tour’s Group Show. You can get a sneak peek at the art and party with the artists at the Kickoff Party and Fundraiser on Nov 1, click here for tickets and details.

MORE FUN STUFF

I’m excited to add some new grackle stickers to my shop. I’m so happy to finally have a little flock of these hellions! Apparently, a group of grackles is actually called a “plague”!
I’ve partnered with The Shabby Wick to bring art prints to their Dripping Springs candle shop!
Somehow I made time to visit Munich for Oktoberfest for a friend’s birthday. After my adventurous summer, this is probably the most I’ve traveled in one year (except for that time I lived in an RV for 5 months) and I’m having trouble keeping up with blog posts about it all, but I definitely want to share some more pictures soon!
I’m loving the creative skeletons that I keep seeing all over Austin.

Have a wonderfully spooky Halloween!

Back In The Studio

I’m back in Austin after taking the summer off to road trip around the Midwest and Eastern US. I visited friends and family and crossed two big festivals off my bucket list (Electric Forest and Lakes Of Fire). It was my longest road trip to date (that wasn’t in an RV) and it was awesome and exhausting and everything in between.

I’m still debating how I’ll write about it all (too much for one blog post!), but in the meantime, I’m shifting my focus to my home, my art, and some big art events that are coming this Fall.

I’ve settled into my art studio and started experimenting with simple compositions and bold colors.

Hot Springs Trail, inspired by my trip to Big Bend National Park.
Happy to be back in the studio!
I made a new colorful Austin sticker, available at Dear Diary Coffee.

THINGS I’M LOVING

Swimming at Barton Springs Pool – finally!

Adding sautéed leeks to my mashed potatoes for more flavor and texture.

Supporting Austin Wildlife Rescue, a local nonprofit that rescues orphaned, injured, and sick wild animals. I donated my “Twilight In The Heart Of Texas” painting for their upcoming Caring For Critters Brunch silent auction – you can still grab a ticket!

Listening to this two-part series by Hidden Brain which explains how and why we’re happier when we regularly experience pain or discomfort.

…Which is one reason why I predict that A LOT of the people who were stuck at Burning Man will emerge with tons of gratitude for the experience.

Always look for the silver lining…or the rainbow in the rain storm.

Making Time

Traveling with friends and family has always been one of my favorite things. And so, amidst the chaos of packing up my home and studio and moving across town, I somehow managed to make enough time for a couple short trips – first to New Orleans to enjoy Jazz Fest with my family and then to Enchanted Rock for some camping with friends.

Exploring Bourbon Street at sunset
Catching some music after dark
Back in Texas, Enchanted Rock was absolutely bursting with wildflowers
It was revitalizing to slow down and spend some time in nature
There’s no shortage of laughter when camping with these goofballs

On top of all that, I installed my biggest art display yet at the Blue Genie May Market (you can still catch the last weekend: May 26-29).

My 8’x12′ wall of paintings and art prints!

With so much going on, I felt that my trips were too short, my home too disorganized, my body and mind exhausted, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m proud of myself for being up for tackling so many things and making it work.

I do wish I could spend more quality time with the people I love. It seems like it’s gotten harder to slow down and enjoy a conversation and that’s something I want to cultivate at my new home, where I’ll be able to host small gatherings.

I’m still working on my studio space, but it’s getting closer every day. I’d just started planning my next Big Bend painting when I had to take my studio apart to move.

Working on the outlines for a new painting

I won’t stay put for too long though, next month is going to be full of adventure. Stay tuned!

COMING UP

I’ll have a couple paintings at Art For The People Gallery as part of their Vibrance Of Summer exhibition (June 10 – Aug 11, 2023).

Stop by their sweet S. 1st Street gallery and see these babies in person!

Caprock Canyons, acrylic on three canvases, 30″x70″
Scorpion, black light reactive acrylic paint on wood panel, 12″x12″

I hope you’re finding ways to make time for the things that bring you joy!

Ocotillos

Those weird stick-like plants that spring up out of the desert floor all around Big Bend National Park.

I timed my visit to catch the plants in bloom, when they transform themselves from dry thorns to delicately leaved stalks, each topped with a flame of brilliant red flowers.

These plants are so tall and strange, they remind me of something you’d find growing underwater, perhaps on a coral reef. (Even stranger, they’re more closely related to blueberries than cacti!)

The ocotillos that inspired me to make a painting, near the Fossil Discovery Exhibit in Big Bend National Park.
Tiny leaves and bright red flowers on the Ocotillo.
Planning the painting by first drawing outlines with India ink pens.
The final painting: Ocotillos, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″

COMING UP

This weekend I’m bringing paintings, art prints, and stickers to Blue Genie in preparation for their May Market! It’s a great place to find unique treasures and gifts and the May Market tends to be less crowded than the winter one, so if you’ve never been to the Blue Genie Art Bazaar before, this is the perfect time to check it out. Find dates and times on their website.

I’m moving to a new studio in South Austin! I’ll have more space and will be closer to some of my favorite places (like Barton Springs Pool and the Greenbelt). I can’t wait to get settled in and share photos of the new setup!

Thanks for reading – I hope you’re enjoying this fabulous spring weather!

Santa Elena Canyon

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One of the most popular places to hike in Big Bend National Park, Santa Elena Canyon does not disappoint. The hike is a fun one with a water crossing and quick change in elevation that reveals wonderful views of the sweeping landscape below. Far off mountains and steep cliff walls give the feeling of flying.

One of the fun things about hiking along the Rio Grande is the temptation to cross the river and suddenly be “in Mexico,” although signs warn you not to, and there really isn’t anything over there but more canyon and miles of brutal desert, it’s a fun idea nonetheless.

The best thing about the canyon is being inside of it, listening to the warbling canyon wren songs echo off the walls, the subtle trickle of the river, and the golden sunlight breaking over the edge of the cliff. But when I decided to paint the canyon, my first thought was to capture the entire thing.

So, I’ve worked from a photo taken far away at the overlook, which shows the distinct shape of the canyon’s entrance. I used somewhat muted (for me) colors, with the purple that I saw in the far-off mountains pretty much everywhere I went in Big Bend.

Photo taken at the overlook.
Santa Elena Canyon, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Detail showing the subtle texture and brushstrokes in the painting.

COMING UP

I’ll be back at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar for their May Market and I’m excited to have more wall space this time! This means I’ll be able to bring more original paintings as well as art prints and sticker sets.

The market will be open 10am–8pm, weekends April 28 – May 29, 2023 (Fridays – Sundays only, plus Memorial Day) at 6100 Airport Blvd.

Learn more on their website.

NEW! – Framed Canvas Art Prints

I’m excited to have found the perfect solution for those who want beautiful, ready-to-hang artwork for their home, but who don’t want to purchase a large original painting. These canvas prints look fantastic, are professionally framed with wood finished in three choices of color, and are smaller and much less expensive than the original artwork. To celebrate, I’m now offering free shipping on all products on my website!

My first framed canvas print is the Cactus Love artwork, but I’m planning to add more. Please let me know in the comments if you have a favorite painting of mine that you’d like to see offered as a canvas print!

Thanks for reading!

Purple Prickly Pear

I’m excited to share the first painting from my series inspired by Big Bend National Park!

While camping in Chisos Basin, we asked a park ranger for places to stop on the way to Santa Elena Canyon; one of his suggestions was the Homer Wilson Ranch, which can be viewed from an overlook on the side of the road.

Once there, I was quickly distracted by the plants growing along the side of the cliff, especially this vibrant purple prickly pear cactus, which seemed to shimmer in the desert sun.

The original photograph I took near Homer Wilson Ranch.
Drawing the outlines of the image, in preparation for painting on canvas.
Purple Prickly Pear, acrylic on canvas, 24″x36″
Detail, showing the looser, more painterly style I’m embracing with visible brushstrokes.

I also recently finished a painting of Santa Elena Canyon and am currently working on one of the Ocotillo (those strange, stick-like succulents that have fiery-red blooms). I’m excited to share those with you soon!

THINGS I’M LOVING

This article about Austin, which does a fantastic job at exploring the issues I wrote about in my last post. I especially relate to the idea of “double vision,” as memories of old places exist alongside their replacements in this ever-changing city.

Listening to the Human Behavioral Biology lectures by Dr Robert Sapolsky, nicely organized on this website. Before switching to Fine Art, my first declared major was Psychology, and my interest in it has stayed with me.

The birds that visit the tiny bowl of water I keep for them on my porch. I’m starting to recognize specific cardinals and goldfinches that come multiple times each day. Their presence is a nice reminder that Spring isn’t far away!