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Neutrals or color? I just can't decide. It tugs at me. No, it's more of an epic battle.  It permeates my body, mind and spirit. Ultimately the battle is fought with my eye which judges what is before me, and my hand which controls the brush. But there is no real winner, as the tension never really goes away. An artist must make many small decisions along the way of creating whatever he or she deems worthy to create. And some big decisions too. For me, the pull of palettes in opposite directions is so strong that it can be paralyzing. Many women know this from the perennial question  should I wear black today or something with color? In the end, I let the feeling win. There are gloriously neutral moments.  The blacks, whites, creams, taupes, greys, and graphites just have to pour forth. Love the sophistication, the nod to urban life, minimalism, and modernism. But soon thereafter the itch for color returns. Not so much pure sweet color, but rather earthy, complex, arresting hues with a buttery finish.  Alas, even the poetic language of the vintners may not suffice! In the end, I often wave a white flag, combining both into a single exciting encounter with the possibilities. Let's see...what to paint....or wear.....    

Ever heard the term "trunk show"? It's used all the time amongst entrepreneurial fashion types. While no one actually owns a trunk anymore (except for the car kind), it's one of those terms that has staying power - perhaps for its charmed reference to an easier way of life when a trunk of items was all one had or even aspired to. Today's trunk shows can be charming indeed.  I've been welcomed, along with my trunk full o handmade clothing and multiple pieces of heavy display equipment -- into another's home.  I have had the chance to meet friends of friends, get a peek at someone else's art collection, and taste a darn good hors d'oeuvre or two. That is, until normal life stops and the show begins. Alas, trunk shows can also be a little less than charming. That's certainly the case when not a soul shows up the entire weekend. Or the charming locale is actually a high school gym, a rather worn dance club, or outside with, let's just say, "weather". But in the end, I am up for it.   After all, I'm lucky enough to get to paint, create, and 'go for it' almost every day. With or without the trunk. Not a bad show.

Fashion is overrated. I've never been one to follow fashion, except to get a glimpse of the glorious fabrics, the creative pulse and a reason to get new boots. To me, when style and creative expression are the spirit of fashion THAT's where the excitement comes in. Speaking of excitement, I sold a dress recently. Rather, I said goodbye to it with mixed feelings. Sounds crazy but it wasn't just a dress for me. The painting flowed without hesitation onto the fabric. The experience was one of presence, beauty and joy. That doesn't happen everyday. I realized after I said goodbye that I hadn't taken a photo of the back. Because I paint each piece individually the back often has a personality of its own. Oh well. Time to let go and move on to the next big thing! 

Get off the cruise ship and REALLY look around. For those who can take more time than the average cruise ship allows for, Puerto Rico offers a veritable feast for the eyes. During my trip in January I was taken by the incredible history, the knockout colors and architectural details of old town, the dynamic art and music scene and the outrageously good food. But back to the colors and the art for a moment: can you say fabulous? Graphic arts are hot there. The totem to commemorate 500 years after its discovery struck a chord. No wonder I left some items to hang out there since I can't. Ellen Brook clothing now in Puerto Rico at Pure Soul Boutique! 

Ever wonder what the home of some of your favorite artists looks like? Or whether they hang their finished artwork in their own home, even temporarily while it awaits its final owner? I do. So I started a board on Pinterest to track what I could find. And share a few of my own pieces of art hang in' around my own home. Here's my fireplace with Healing Waters (dye on silk), several mini canvas paintings and even eggs I died with an Italian friend. Yes my Christmas lights are still intact. OK, it's March but I like the spirit year round!

Which way is up? I ask myself that a lot in life. And sometimes art imitates life. Like this painting, which can be turned in either direction and be happy either way. It's just a preference. And that's the point. "The Day Ahead" mixed media 8 x10

If you could own any painting in the world, would it be abstract, or representational? Why? What do you respond to when viewing art? When I look around my house at the art I own, it seems I have a split personality. Funny since I so love to create abstract works. For me, I am jazzed about the process and excitement of uncovering new terrain or finding magic with the next brush stroke. But I own more pieces that have a specific reference or object even if they are loosely representational. It's cool to see what other artists have in their homes too. Food for thought about artistic input and output!   'Finding the Edge' 5" x 5" Acrylic on Canvas

While many of us dream of lying on our chaise lounges, surrounded by sand and surf, sometimes we must create our own sense of beach right where we are. For some, reverie is relaxation. For others, taking even a a 15 minute break during an 8-hour day provides perspective.  Maybe something new will wash up and inspire us. Maybe something old will offer up a fresh insight.