Whimsical or traditional…

I’ve got you covered! These designs are now available as boxed Thank You cards online at http://michellemasters.com. Click here for more info.

Sometimes it helps to focus on something simple…

We have a lot of lemons hanging around in the kitchen…

Why is so hard to start again? The blank sheet can be so paralyzing. Time… I know it takes time. There is just never enough of it. My expectations are always so high… some might say rather unrealistic.

Someone told me recently that scientist’s studies have shown that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become exceptional at your craft. I wanted to get in bed and pull the covers over my head.

Today the covers are off, my optimisim is intact and I’ll take the time that I can find.  I will choose to believe and trust that I can pick up somewhere near where I left off… although the results may challenge that belief I’m sure.

It is in the practice, the journey, the pursuit- that I am most happy. The process. Focusing on the present, being playful and giving myself permission to ruin more than a few paintings . There will be glory in tearing up some of the worst of them. A victory of sorts. Pieces free to become a collage or some other creative project.

My new little logo to link to the online store.

I’m so thankful that I have those watercolor topiary designs that I cannot stop! How they encourage and lift me up when I am doubtful of my ability to paint.

I need to see through a painter’s eye again…

Do you ever get Writer’s block? Painter’s block? Gardening or Designer’s block? How do you defeat the voice of fear when you need/want to start again? Painting these pictures yesterday finally got me moving in the right direction. Now I will have to manage the floodgate and backlog. : )

Apparently I only have about a 8,000+ more hours left to practice. What is that I hear?  I think its the duvet cover calling my name again…

Our marble coasters tiles are back and better than ever! The detail is amazing (although the photo above is slightly out of focus). A recent investment in a new printing process has brought beautiful results. We will have a limited selection of our most popular designs at the Flower Show.

The tiles (each signed by the artist and padded with cork bumpers) will be available at michellemasters.com in mid-March. Until then give us a ring to order what you would like! Each coaster is $12 or a set of 4 for $40.

Which design would you like to see on the coasters? Let us know!

Finished pots and saucers! Yay! I can just imagine them planted with petite topiaries. Here are a few close ups- hand thrown and deliciously imperfect. Each stoneware pot is stamped with a swirly seal and encouragement to d r e a m. A cream glaze around the rim sets off each pot.

There are only 8 available for the Flower Show… assuming that the others come out of the kiln in one piece! Let me know if you want me to hold one for you. I’m thinking they will cost between $48 and $55 depending on the plant. Matching saucer included. : )

Oh, if there were only more hours in the day…

Finally! My newest design “Hawaiian Hedge” for the upcoming  2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show–  Hawaii: Islands of Aloha. It’s a lot of fun to create new images based on the theme of the show. Last year’s Paris Hedge was a hit and as you can see, the bunnies from Hedges & Hares are at it again this year! This design will be available on Notecards, Framed/Matted Prints, Linen Guest Towels, Lavender Sachets, Limited Edition Pillows and Coasters.

If you’ve never been to the Philadelphia Flower Show you really should put it on your bucket list! It is unlike any other flower show that you will ever see. I can’t wait to see the tropical paradise this year. Here are highlights from the 2010 show!

Surf’s up! : )

I had to do it! I know… the KEEP CALM and CARRY ON thing is everywhere these days. Have you seen it? It began as a poster produced by the British government in 1939, intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. Here is more information.

I thought I was a genius to come up with the “Garden On” part – I have a Topiary Crown design for heavens sake! After a quick google search I discovered people were already using the phrase. Phooey. Nevertheless this one is fun and different and makes a great set of notecards for your favorite gardener. I love the dark magenta text- it pulls out the color of the pink geraniums in the urn. On the back the card is titled “From The Queen”. chuckle…

I would seriously love to get one of these in the mail from a fellow gardener! I may have to mail myself one just to be sure! ; ) Click here for more info or to order!

One of the next dog breeds that I will be featuring in a garden setting will be the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This is Brady. Doesn’t he have a sweet little face? Stop back in to see the finished “Cavalier Garden Portrait”.

One of my customers from the Allentown Festival in Buffalo, NY sent me some photos of her beautiful dog Sophie. Isn’t she lovely. I have had a great time studying the history of the breed as well as the form of these graceful dogs. Their light colored eyes are so moving and expressive!

I thought a sleek Mies van der Rohe sofa would be a nice nod to the breed’s German origin. The flowers in the pot are actually a purplish form of the Cornflower- considered the flower of Germany… who knew!? I love the sleek lines of the dog and the simple lines of the furniture and pots. Sophie looks like a star. The angle of her head was not easy but I loved the position of the body so I decided to stick with it.

Shown below is a quick oil sketch that I did one evening while I was cooking. I’ve moved my easel into the kitchen recently. Call me crazy… but it seems to be working. : )

The Weimaraner design is now available online at michellemasters.com. Click here for more information.

I’m trying to get  comfortable using oils again. This little guy came out of the garden over the weekend. I think I like it. The roots need to be a little darker… maybe a bit more detail… then it will be done.  Some days are more successful than others in using oils again. It’s hard to find the time outside of regular work/design/production and life.

My solution:

I’ve moved my French easel into the kitchen. My thought is that since I’m usually there for 2 hours anyway getting dinner put together and helping with homework… I may as well add painting into the mix. Why not. Quick, small oil studies. It’s actually given me a startling new idea that I will be sharing soon. : )

The Irish Setter designs will soon be available online at http://michellemasters.com. Until then please call 888.313.0239 for more information or to order.