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Friday, July 13, 2012

Where Bloggers Create Blog Party


Welcome to Where Bloggers Create blog party http://www.mydesertcottage.com/.  My garden gate is always open for you to come in and sit and relax while I share with you my creative spaces.  I am an artist living in Southern California where the weather is beautiful almost all year. I spend most of  the time creating and painting outside  in my little garden and consider my garden as my primary studio space.  I feel I can get closer to my subject mater if I can actually smell the flowers, see the blue sky and experience the garden.  I would love to share with  you a few of my favorite places that inspire my art  and where I create and paint in the garden before we visit my indoor studio space.

Let's meet Bentley, My Studio Assistant, in the garden to show you my "garden studio" where I spend most of my time creating and painting and the simple and everyday objects  that end up in my paintings.




          Have a seat and relax for our little tour of the spaces in my garden where I create!!!



                                                    Or  . . . have a seat  here!








I paint lots of white wicker and use the wicker chairs in my garden as inspiration - I add a table or change the colors of the cushions and pillows -here is where the paintings starts - in my garden .  I usually add the ocean  or Newport Bay as background as I live near the water and love to add  it to my art.




                                      




I like to paint the simple everyday beauty of God's creation - simple flowers and objects and  love collecting bird nests to add to my still life paintings  ( none of mine are real ).




                                       I  am working on this painting and added a bird nest. 




I love painting Pansies and grow most of mine in containers.  They do well in my part of the country and usually last until July  when it gets hot in Southern California.  Mine are just starting to fade and I am busy painting  them before they are all gone.









                                             




                                          Another nest ended up in the Pansy Painting.





                                            Even my red scissors end up in paintings!




I put together a variety of of flowers from the market to paint the Flower Market painting .If I don't have enough flowers I buy them from the market that  have reached past their prime  - just ask to buy them - they are perfect for paintings and very inexpensive. I bought the sign at World Market and waited until it was marked down 50% - I am inspired by it and love it in my garden  as it makes me feel like I am painting at  a real flower market.


                                                                          



Sunflowers are so happy and almost always end up in my paintings .

Bentley loves to stop and smell the flowers!!!!

My just finished  painting inspired by  new Flower Market sign and the flowers I put together in my garden studio.




Today I am painting the old watering cans and garden hat hanging on a shelf in my backyard - simple every day subjects.  I am still working on  the little bird and then it will be finished! 


                We are going to take a little  detour so I can share another favorite creative space -some of the Roses in my front  yard as they are always a favorite to paint this time of the year.  My front yard is planted in pinks, whites and lavender and my back yard is planted in primary colors of reds, yellows, blues and whites - that way I have a big variety to choose from.













                                 Would you like to have some cool lemonade before we go inside?



Now let's go inside to see the other space where I create and store my art supplies. I have a very large double garage with lots of built in storage cabinets.  About ten years ago I  painted the concrete floor to look like flagstone with brick trim and turned half of it into an art studio.  This is where I store my paint, books, canvases, etc. and paint on the few days a year when the weather is too bad to be outside in my garden studio.




I painted this painting to hang in my indoor art studio as it represents so many things I love to paint - Sunflowers,  Lilacs, a painterly bouquet of flowers, a garden hat  and blue and white tea set.


The photo quality of my indoor studio is not good due to the fluorescent lighting - it does not work well with my camera flash!  The old green work table is used for creating and the red curtain hides  storage boxes.  I use the market umbrella at outdoor shows and store it in the studio - it is fun to sit under it and create! I collect vintage watering cans that all end up in my paintings.  The white cupboard on the left of the table is used to store old mismatched china and flea market finds that find their way into my art.  I use a lot of old shutters as dividers - they were  found in the trash as well as the old cupboard - all free!  One day I am going to try my hand at mosaics with some of my flea market china finds!

                            



OK- here is a peek into the old  cupboard  that stores  flea market finds that I use in my paintings- I know it is a little messy but there are lots of great finds!!!



The stacking storage boxes came from Joanne's and they are great for storage.



                                         The old white cabinet holds my paints and art supplies.
              

More curtains hiding stuff - the shutters on the right make a nice divider. The red chair, watering can, garden gloves and  hat can also be found in some of my paintings. I love having everything  out on display  as it inspires me and gives me new ideas for future paintings and at the same time I  can use it when I need it.

Thank you for stopping by.  I loved sharing my creative garden and indoor creative spaces with you and hope you will come back to visit.  Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to see me paint something special.  We will be painting a Fall Welcome sign together in September and I will have a simple tutorial for you as well as creating a Christmas door greeter in November with a simple tutorial.

    A BIG THANK YOU TO KAREN VALENTINE FOR HOSTING THE FUN BLOG PARTY
Have a lovely day.   Blessings, Erin


                    LIFE IS A BEAUTIFUL RIDE - CREATE , LOVE,  AND  LIVE  JOYFULLY

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."  Philippians  4:8

52 comments:

★Carol★ said...

I can see why you call your garden your actual studio, because it seems like it would be VERY easy to get inspired and creative out there! I love your garden and your paintings. I wish I had that talent, because then I could paint scenes from my garden and be able to enjoy it through the long cold winters!

Irene said...

I enjoy reading your blog and wishing I had a garden like yours. You are very talented with a green thumb and an inspiration.

GardenOfDaisies said...

Your home and garden studio are so beautiful and inspirational. I love your paintings!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the beautiful tour. All is so lovely and very inspiring. I particularly love your "My painted garden" painting. It is really a success.

Betty said...

You have a beautiful garden and I love what you have done with you blog.

Happy@Home said...

It's easy to see why you enjoy painting outside in your garden. It is so beautiful and charming. The flowers all look so vibrant and healthy and I love the touches of whimsy.
Your paintings are all so beautiful and your assistant is adorable!
Thanks for the tour.

My Cozy Casita said...

Your garden and your studio is so beautiful, I always enjoyed the weather in Southern California and the beautiful flowers. So many different flowers, your paintings are beautiful. Are they for sale? I'm interested in purchasing one.

Vicki Boster said...

Erin -- I am in awe of your beautiful home. I think you are so blessed to have a talent that allows you to create so beautifully sitting in your cottage gardens amongst your flowers and treasures. Seeing the way you use your inspirations in your paintings is such a wonderful insight into the person that you are and the way that you create.

I love the birdnests!! And the wicker -- and the beautiful flowers -- and those sunflowers!!! And your garage room - totally exquisite -- love the floor and that cabinet full of vintage "prop" treasures for your paintings.

Erin -- you are blessed to have such a way with colors and the ability to paint so beautifully. Please give Bentley a hug from me - I think he is adorable.

And your beautiful new blog header---!!!!! It is amazing - and just screams beauty and color and WELCOME to all your visiting friends!!

A beautiful post Erin -- and a wonderful chance to get to know you better--

Vicki

Jenny said...

I think you have some Dutch in you with all the beautiful flowers. I truly enjoy your blog. Found you through Vicki at Two Bags Full. xo Jenny

Sandy said...

Ok, now I've got Garden Envy!
Your garden is just colorful and
cheery and makes me smile a lot!
We here in SoFla are in the hot,
muggy and rainy season and I have
not one bloom going on!
Love your happy post also.
Sandy

Ruth Welter said...

Hi Erin, I loved seeing where you create your lovely paintings...such pretty spaces, no wonder you have such wonderful inspirations. Great work too of course.

Ruth

Shari Replogle said...

Wow! your garden is truly inspiring! What a wonderful little world you have created there. An artwork in itself.

deb said...

Awesome creative Space ♥
*hugs*deb

Victoria said...

Erin,I love your garden, your home and your paintings, what a lovely tour this was.

I live not too far from you, only I'm up in the mountains near Lake Arrowhead. It used to take me about an hour to get to Newport Beach, now it takes up to three! It's amazing how much traffic has increased over the years.

Blessings, Victoria from Brushstrokes

Victoria said...

I forgot to say I ADORE Bentley! Give him a hug for me...

Victoria

Anonymous said...

What a colourful paradise you have created for yourself! I can see that you are a fun loving person through all of your bright cheery colour tones. I love your paintings too...full of whimsy and happiness! thanks for sharing.


stop by to visit if you like...i'd love to have your company.


ciao bella
creative carmelina

Anonymous said...

I sooooo enjoyed this tour of your creative space!! I love gardening and flowers and just marvel at your creative way with your gardens and then to be able to paint them on canvas! Just lovely and so cheery and fun!

Hope you might come by and see my new space!

bee blessed
mary

Chrislyn said...

I am drooling over your lovely garden area. We used to live in San Diego and I so miss being able to be outside all the time. Your paintings are lovely and so is Bently!!

Chrislyn

ANNE said...

Absolutely gorgeous - and I love your assistant, too!!

Thanks for sharing your beautiful space.

xox

Denise @English Purple Ribbon said...

Hi Erin! What a fun happy blog you have! Your garden is so darling and I love all your beautiful paintings! Denise

Pansy Cottage Girl said...

Good morning Erin~your garden and creative space is beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us.
XO

Blessed Serendipity said...

Your garden is absolutely breathtaking as are your beautiful paintings. Visiting from WBC.

blessings,
Danielle

A Fanciful Life said...

Beautiful photography! Your garden is just lovely and the puppy is so cute. Enjoyed seeing all of your spaces today. Very inspirational!

Maureen said...

Erin,

Your work is fab, your garden incredible and Bentley... well, I just want to HUG him forever! How sweet is it all. I love it! Thank you for sharing your beautiful space with us.

Sandra Kaye said...

Such lovely colors!! I think your paintings are beautiful!! and your studio assitant is super cute!! I have 3 in my room. thanks for sharing!! Sandra Kaye

Anonymous said...

Hello,

Your space is magical - just magical.

craftyles said...

I love your garden studio and I love your paintings. SO beautiful and colorful. All of the vintage things just add to the charm. I wish I could paint!!

Diane said...

I just love how bright and cheerful your place is. These pictures should be in a magazine!

xoxox Diane

Kathy said...

What a vibrant and colorful place. I loved my visit here! Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

So much colour so much beauty in one spot

cathy @ma vie trouvee said...

Oh my – I love love love your space. How colorful...how unique, how different, how inspiring! I really enjoyed my visit

Anonymous said...

Oh, Erin, this is heavenly. I love how you've presented your creative space, your precious garden. I remember the first time I visited your page from my previous blog. Cindy Adkins, my very dear blogging friend, knew I would love your page and she mentioned it to me. Since my blog move, I completely lost touch with your blog but one click on your page and I knew exactly where I was. I'm giddy and delighted to reconnect and you better believe I will be visiting.

Glad you enjoyed Love's dressing room tour. Last year I presented my beach room, mainly a couch where I love to write. There are so many beautiful places that spark creativity in our heart.
Thank you for sharing one of yours.
MUAH!
Marcia

Marlynne said...

I absolutely love your blog! You are so Me! The tour of your gardens was outstanding! A great idea to have the more pastel colors in front and bright in the back for a full range of painting. I too am an Artist, more a Folk Artist, and am very inspired by your work! Your camera takes beautiful bright pictures too! Hope you will come visit my blog, I would be honored to have you!

Rita Barakat said...

WOW and...WOW! What a lucky girl you are to have such a beautiful workspace! All I can grow are weeds!
I would love to have those beautiful flowers outside my doors! I love your paintings too!

Kathy said...

How lucky is that all of mother nature is your studio. Your art is wonderful and you can see how much you love painting esp. gardens. Your garden is wonderful and I agree with you about sunflowers. So happy you joined the party, thanks for stopping by. Kathy

Unknown said...

I love, love your garden.
Beautiful inspiration for your work.
Thanks for sharing.
Michele

Sandy said...

Potting she chic! Love the riot of color explosion in your art and in your garden, stunning! Thank you for sharing.

J.Rylie.C said...

i love it.

Come and join my party Color Connection, it is also my PINK entry. I hope you join the fun.

Leah H. said...

Great post and awesome paintings!
Visiting for PS- hope you can stop by..

http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/07/pink-plastic-leaves.html

StasaLynn said...

You are a girl after my own heart.... sunflowers and lots and lots of color. Your garden is gorgeous and your inside studio is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your spaces and your beautiful garden.... Give Bentley a little scratch under his chin for me.... adorable. I will become a follower! I cannot wait to see more of your paintings and your garden. I love your bible verses!

Many blessings,
Stacey

Something Special said...

so amazing and full of color. I love your post and your palatte. Love your blog too. Probably the most colorful and fun blog I have ever seen. It radiates happiness!
You are so talented.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Beautiful, Erin! Inside and out. I love how you've brought your garden inside, too. So great to have a "studio" outside, too, to paint all those beautiful flowers. Your gardens are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your tour!

Karen Valentine said...

Hi Erin! I finally made it over here!! Boy was it worth the wait! Your garden is so lovely and I find myself imagining what it would be like to live where you do and live that kind of life. I must say, I think I'm a little envious!!! Thank you so much for joining the party and letting us all into your world.:)

The Greeley Girls said...

Your garden space is absolutely adorable! ...and I love your paintings. I will check out your Etsy shop. Thanks for some styling inspiration.
Kelly ~The Greeley Girls~

The Greeley Girls said...

Your garden space is absolutely adorable! ...and I love your paintings. I will check out your Etsy shop. Thanks for some styling inspiration.
Kelly ~The Greeley Girls~

Iapplefun said...

nice garden,i like it.the flower beautify the house with art

Iapplefun said...

i like it .beautiful garden.

bee'nme said...

Dearest Erin, I have been a huge fan of yours since the first time I ever laid eyes on one of your paintings!! Oh how joyous that you are able to create right in your gorgeous garden (and in your lovely indoor studio space as well - it's absolutely wonderful too!!) Your paintings reflect the joy of your surroundings and allow us a precious glimpse into God's bounty of color and light grace - and that my friend is a gift, and one that I am so grateful that you share with us all!!

I wish you continued success with your Etsy shop and all your creative endeavors!! Many thanks for your sweet, sweet words of encouragement you left at my blog - they are treasured!

Hugs & Blessings,
Becky

Anonymous said...

I've strolled from 7/28's Pink Post to here. I just love the blue bicycle and the verse (a favorite). It really echos the sentiments of peaceful wonderful things.

I have so thoroughly enjoyed scrolling! I love your art! Recently, I tried my hand at drawing. You can see my drawing on the sidebar of my blog under "The Greatest Love" . . . blew me away to do that out of the blue.

Anyway, thoroughly enjoyed my visit! Thanks!!

bobbie said...

OMGosh!! Your place is FABULOUS!! So colorful, so alive, so inspirational!! Thank you for the lovely tour ~

Becky said...

I just adore your style! Makes me happy and smiling all day!

Becky said...

I adore your style! Visiting makes me happy and smiling all day!