In the 1600's tulips were said to cost 10 times a working man's salary in the Netherlands, making them more costly than some houses.  

Very interesting. 

I went digging a bit further to find that tulips did not originate in the Netherlands even though they are the largest producer of tulips.  

The tulip originated in Persia and Turkey and were likely transported to the Netherlands during early trade relations.  The tulip played an important role in the culture and art of Turkey and Persia, including being worn tucked into the turbans. And the name tulip derives from the Persia word for turban. 

Once back in the Netherlands, tulip frenzy hit, crashing markets in the 17th Century.  

There are over 150 species of tulips with over 3,000 different varieties. Here are a few. 

I'm finishing up my current series which focuses entirely on tulips.  If you would like to be notified when the collection is released, then leave me your contact details by clicking on the link below.  You will be added to my V.I.P. email list and your will receive sneak peaks and early bird access to new works. Click here to join the V.I.P. List. 

Here's a sneak peak and teaser. 

This is my first..... ever painting course using the images that I love to paint.  I was surprised to find that others want to learn to paint like this.  Well, I guess, I'm not surprised about that as much as I'm surprised that I can share my process and effectively teach others to do this work. 

I find it really easy, the process of it.  The interpretation of the images and creating the likeness on the canvas is a little more difficult.  

The interpretation really comes down to seeing accurately.  Can we see the details that comprise the various shapes of the specific flower.  Mother Nature is amazing because each variety of flower has a different shape and characteristic.  I love that.  The ruffles of the peony versus the cup shaped petals of the tulip.  So different.  The light falls differently on these various shapes which makes it a challenge to render. 

The other part of painting this way is the mindset work that is necessary.  Already my student commented that she stopped herself from putting a mark on the canvas because she didn't know what to do.  She was afraid to make a mistake.  Where else in our lives do we stop ourselves from making a move for fear of making a mistake? 

The good news is that we really can't make a mistake, in painting, or in life.  We can always repaint the section that is not working, and we can always make a new decision in life.  

I'm so inspired by the work that is being accomplished in my first painting class that I'm preparing to put together my next class.  It is called Sunlit Gold.  This is the image that we will be painting. 

If you would like more information about this upcoming class then leave me your details below and I'll be sure to message you once I have the dates ironed out. 

2020 has been a year full of surprises.  Many things have occurred that we never imagined.  One response can be to coil up and protect ourselves.  There is nothing wrong with that, and it is a reflex to circumstances. Whenever I have been in reflex mode, I am no longer in creation mode. 

Creating my experience by being very intentional, is beneficial, and feels so much better.

Creating for me is about delight.  When I'm in delight I am more generous, I have more compassion, I'm less reactive and more conscious in my choices.   

Delight, by definition is great pleasure.  What happens when we put our focus on delight?  Can we allow ourselves to have great pleasure?  

These are great questions and delight is often more difficult to allow than the discontent that is right at the end of our fingertips.  Delight opens up the door for more possibilities simply because we are open to new ideas.  

Here's one idea that I've been working on recently. 

What is one idea that delights you that you tend to disregard and set aside? 

Could I invite you to pull that idea out and explore allowing yourself to have it? 

I have often heard things like: " that's over the top... too decadent... selfish...excessive."  Really?  Really? Just imagine for a minute you allowed yourself to have what you really want.  No compromise.  Now this could be something small or something large.  It could even be a decadent day off, or a solo trip somewhere.  

What would be different for you, if you allowed yourself to have what you want?  

In creating this latest painting I'm inviting you into an image that feels really decadent to me, and I'm also inviting you to considering buying something that feels decadent for you.  Liberating that desire, liberates your energy, opens the door to more possibilities, and meets your own personal needs.  Guess what happens when you meet your own needs?  You are more available to be a support to those around us.  

Self care first - always. 

Our communities need us at our best and being at our best is about allowing ourselves to have the things that we desire.  

I'd love to hear your reflections.  Leave me a comment below.