Paulette Insall ~ mixed media artist & mom

900 hearts! Whoo hooo!!! :D

One of my favorite things about Etsy is the "hearts" system! I hit 900 the other day and I just had to save a screenshot of it. Thanks for all the Etsy love y'all! I ♥ you too!!!! :D

One of my favorite things about spring is...

...when these glorious trees start to bloom here in Oregon. It is just spectacular!!!! I believe they are blossoming plum trees. What ever they are, they just make my heart sing at the mere sight of them during the few short weeks they are blooming each year. Hard to believe that not even two weeks ago, these same trees looked like what you see in the last picture below....a reminder that time flies by so fast.

I've been meaning to get photos of these trees ever since we moved to Oregon almost 8 years ago and this is the first time I've managed to actually do it before the blooms fell. I'm feeling pretty happy about that. :) I've captured part of what is so special to me about Oregon in the spring. What about where you live is special to you?

 

Remember to live and to love....

There's been so much talk the past few days on many of the blogs I visit about the untimely and tragic death of actor Heath Ledger. He was one of my favorite actors and from what I've heard, a genuinely wonderful person. While his death is sad and tragic, it reminds me that we never are guaranteed more than today and every day we get is a gift from God. If there's something you've been meaning to do....whether it's to start painting, drawing, or some other artistic endevor....or even getting back in touch with a long lost family member or friend....don't put it off.....do it!!! Start today!!! You never know how much time you have on this earth.

This song below is one I've been listening to alot lately....especially while painting in the studio. It is an amazing song and relates really well to not only what we should remember when something like this happens, but each and every day.....to live and to love. ♥♥♥

Link: YouTube - Superchick-We Live

Studio Friday: The Random 7 studio facts/habits

Here's seven random studio facts/habits of mine (better late than never)...

1. I can't do anything until I've had at least two cups of coffee....so NOT a morning person. lol!

2. I work best with music playing and have been known to sing along while painting (people have caught me doing this back when I had the studio webcam running regularly).

3. Speaking of music, sometimes I will play one song over and over again....like 20-30 times in a row. I get obsessed with a certain song and I just want to hear it all the time. My hubby was home while I was working in the studio recently and I kept playing Feist's "1234" and it drove him nuts! :D

4. My favorite thing to paint on is chunky 1.5" thick fine textured canvas...and I will paint on three layers of gesso and sand between each coat to get the texture I want if need be....it's a sickness. *hee, hee*

5. I have been known to work on just the eyes of my girls for an hour or more....I keep at it until they start speaking to me and come to life.

6. I have lots and lots of brushes...of all shapes and sizes....and I can't seem to stop buying more! I think my brush collection may overtake my studio at some point! lol!

7. My favorite paints are Golden brand....both heavy body and fluid. Scrumptious stuff!!!

See more random studio facts/habits here.