April Snow in the Finger Lakes

I love Spring in the Finger Lakes of New York State! We have an old fashioned lilac bush behind our home which is beginning to bloom. I am so excited to paint some watercolors of the gorgeous flowers. This morning, we awoke to big flakes of snow coming down and I grabbed my camera to take some photos... Aren't they so pretty with the pure snow lying upon the leaves and blooms?  

This was one of those times when nature gives us only a few moments to respond... following our intuition can be learned... listening to that little voice inside that says "this is important - do this now!" 


I am so glad I listened and took these photos. By this afternoon, the sun was shining and the snow was gone. (really glad about that!) but I loved the photos! 


Enjoy the moments in your day and listen to your intuition!

Grandma Hattie's Tea Party Inspired

A few weeks ago I was excited to attend a Tea Party at the Historic Ichabod Town Homestead only a few miles from my studio on the grounds of the Valentown Museum in Victor, NY. Kathleen Houser was our hostess and we were treated like royalty!!! It was so much fun to dress up in antique hats and jewelry and be served a luncheon of homemade soup, scones, finger sandwiches and deliciously decadent desserts. The tea was the best I had ever experienced.  If you are looking for a unique experience in the Finger Lakes area, I would recommend it. Take a few of your friends and have some fun! I did!

Here's a detail... its really a step back in time with the embroidered tablecloths, antique teapots and cups and a chance to slow down for a few moments and enjoy. It was an inspiration for a new oil painting I just finished. I love living each day not really knowing what I will see that may be an inspiration for a painting.... There were many nooks and crannies for my creative mind to explore in this historic homestead. Stopping for an instant to see them was a gift!

Here's the website for information on times, reservations and details... 

GrandmaHattiesTeaParty.com

The Quiet Place Paintings ~ Finger Lakes, New York

For those of you craving some peace and serenity, time to reflect, rejuvenate and experience nature, there is a special place in the Finger Lakes to do so. The Quiet Place is a labor of love for two creative and inspiring people - Jan McKie and Eric Moon. Each cabin and setting has their own unique feeling, views and details but all carry have something in common - Quiet! Through the years I have enjoyed capturing in watercolor each of the individual properties. I hope you can experience one of The Quiet Places sometime soon. Here are some of the paintings. All of the details to book your stay are on the website www.thequietplace.com.