Ode to Jeans

I work at an awesome private school. The students are required to wear uniforms, and teachers? No jeans. Unless...it's a "no-uni" day. Twice a month students dress to a fun theme and we raise a little bit of money for a group in need of some financial support. I personally LOVE jeans. Maybe it's because I am not allowed to wear them to work. Absence makes the heart grow fonder? Yes. Even with comfortable pants it truly does. Here is my ODE to jeans. It was one of those nights when I needed to paint or I couldn't be still about it. My son, in his awesome, unspoiled, youthful wisdom, suggested I paint something fun. I did. It hangs in my office. It's goofy, yes. But I like it. It's, well...it's fun. Gotta have some of that now and then. And if anyone is wondering, "So, Julie, are there really benefits to uniforms?" YES, yes, and yes. I can always find my students quickly on the playground because I know their smiles, the tilt of their little heads, and the thing that really stands out is their personality...not their clothes. I think that's pretty awesome.

Chris and Angie's Roses

The photo for this painting was taken at my (baby) sister's home in Monterey, CA. She and her husband are stationed there...yeah, rough, huh?! :) I took the photo for this painting during an awesome 5 day stay last summer. I'm longing for the truly breathtaking beauty I saw there...but mostly missing my sister. This is a surprise for her. At least until she sees this blog. I am incredibly blessed to have two fantastic sisters. Love you girls!

Cherry St - Black Mtn, NC

It's gray, gloomy, and blah today in East Tennessee. The volunteer state is dyin' for some sun! I was in desperate need of some "happy thoughts" today so I pulled out a painting of one of my favorite family vacation spots. Two summers ago my family and I visited the most wonderful little community. We were looking for a quiet, beautiful place to vacation. We stayed at Inn Around the Corner in Black Mtn, NC. It's a fantastic B&B. Our hosts, Roger and Nancy Schnepp, were so gracious, genuine, entertaining, and helpful. The food, company, hospitality, and quarters were great. If you're ever looking for a beautiful little town with great restaurants, great people, and inspiring arts/crafts (no cookie-cutter stuff here) close to Asheville, you have to stop in Black Mountain! Pictured here is a painting I did of Cherry St. Incidentally, I've lost my map of Black Mtn. so if you live in Black Mtn. and care to correct me if needed, please do. :)

NFS

Windows to the Words Art Challenge - Robin

This one was a submission to James Parker's "Windows to the Words Art" painting challenge. I couldn't resist this one...yeah, cuz it's a bird. Love those little guys. I guess I don't "do" subtle very well. I like the vibrant colors. Gearing myself up to work on some more portraits...and organize my "gallery" page. Paypal coming soon!!

8 x 10

$100.00

Contact me for purchase information.

Doorways

I love doorways. Corny? Maybe. But they represent new beginnings, new opportunities, new chapters. Who doesn't need that every now and then? I'm a late bloomer and a slow learner when it comes to life lessons. Seems I repeat the same life lessons a few times before they sink in. These doors represent excitement, change, hope, courage, and faith to me. I think that's pretty cool.

11 x 14

$100.00

Contact me for purchase information.

Big Boy

This little guy caught my eye because of his round little body and the expression he seemed to have on his little bird face. I'm not sure why, but I'm just hooked on painting birds. This guy seemed to say "Hey, it's cool. Relax." So I just had to paint him.

8 x 10

Contact me if you like this one for pricing and availability.

First steps..

Well, here it is...my first blog entry. I'm excited to begin sharing with you some of the art I've been creating. My approach is pretty simple. I paint what interests me at the moment, what makes me feel blessed. Pictured here is one of my blessings.