The New Life Collection

The New Life Collection, Available September 6th-10th

About the Collection

I am so excited for the release of The New Life Collection, an artistic exploration of joy and grief. This collection is full of “firsts” for me. Each piece stretched me creatively in terms of color and shape. I have never utilized such a bright color palette, nor explored floral shapes in this way.

Each painting is a floral study inspired by the florals from my grandfather’s visitation and those given to us on the day of our son’s birth, which happened to be the very same day. Such a beautiful depiction of the relationship of joy and grief. A tension I am no stranger to and I assume you may be acquainted with it as well. I am so grateful to be in a season where I can make room for both and also celebrate the beauty of both. Our grief honors what we have lost while our joy looks for what we have and hopes for what is possible. These florals are a beautiful representation of that experience and I am so grateful to share that with you.

My grandad was incredibly supportive of my artistic endeavors and an art collector himself. His own collection is made up of bold artistic pieces. I know he would just love this bold color palette!

Fun Fact: He made sure to be the first one to purchase my work from a gallery, such a sweet and meaningful moment for me (see image below).

Each piece from the New Life Collection framed in a white or gold frame and a white mat, which highlights and balances the composition and color pallet for each painting to adorn your space without overpowering it.

So what is a Drip Release?

A drip release is a different way to release a collection than I ever have before. The collection is a small batch series of five framed abstract floral paper pieces. Starting Monday September 6th, I will be releasing one piece a day. These paintings are so near and dear to my heart that I want you to get to know each one on it’s own a part from the greater collection. This style of release gives each work nuanced attention and focus. I am so excited for you to meet each painting and see how you connect with these pieces.

Stay tuned for my first ever Drip Release, every day the week of September 6th!

Partnership with Louisville Visual Arts Network

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I’m am so excited to share this commission project with you! I was so honored to be selected by Louisville Visual Arts Network and Lift Up Lou to add a little more beauty to the world during this pandemic. Way back in March (Feels like a lifetime ago) LVAN created an open call for Local artists to submit a commission idea. If selected, the artist has 3 days to create something based on their proposal.

I was so honored to be selected to create a piece of art based on my love for Cherokee Park. Thus, this diptych set came to life! "Rainy Day in Cherokee Park" is a set of two abstract acrylic original paintings on stretched canvas (12x24"). Inspired by exactly how they're titled, a lovely walk I had on a rainy day in the Park.

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I just love the lush greens in this piece, so much so I am sharing a picture of the I palette used to create it! I rarely get an opportunity to use these greens and blues in the same composition.

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“Rainy Day in Cherokee Park”

Set of 2 canvas 12x24”

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This painting has already sold and is now living above a client's couch, but don't forget commissions reopen Monday August 3rd. There are also still abstract originals left in the shop from the Summer Collection!

Interested in learning more about my process and about me in general? Check out Lift Up Lou’s Facebook page where I went Live and shared a little about myself! 

To learn more about Louisville Visual Arts Micro Commission Project visit www.louisvillevisualartsnetwork.com

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My Largest Commissioned Project Ever

I am beyond thrilled that I have completed my largest commissioned series to date! Seventeen (yes, seventeen!) unique original paintings are now living in their new home in a beautifully newly renovated dental office.

THE SPACE

When Kristen reached out and asked if I would be interested in being commissioned for her office, I immediately jumped at the chance. Dr. Foley was an old soccer teammate of mine from high school and as I was so honored that she thought of me while updating her practice.

While walking through the space, Kristen described her hope to help her patients feel at ease while visiting her dental office. She wanted art that could help put them at ease. How thoughtful is that!? She then explained that she needed a piece for each patient area in the office. I was so excited (and a tad fearful) to get such an opportunity!

THE PROCESS

I then took photos of each of the areas and accent pieces in the space. From there I sketched my ideas and sent them her way. Once approved, I tracked down a few of her existing paint colors and got her approval on some additional soothing accent colors. Then I acquired the canvas and other materials accordingly. It was important to create art that was unique to each space, yet remain somewhat uniform. The goal was to create a collection of pieces that complement, not compete with one another. The color scheme kept the paintings all within the same “family” yet I was able to mix up some of the compositions to create a unique feel to each space.

A glimpse of a few of the different types of compositions created for the space.

WHAT I LEARNED

This project started in February right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was oddly perfect timing! Over the next 4 months I slowly worked on each of these one of a kind works of art. They were such a wonderful grounding experience to continue to revisit during such a chaotic time. I found that creating art that communicates rest can truly only be done while resting. Who would of thought? In order to create these paintings in the way I envisioned, I truly had to access the soothing parts of myself. When I approached these pieces in the wrong headspace, it just didn’t work.

Creating these pieces was a wonderful getaway that allowed me to leave my work day behind and give myself permission to rest.

What a gift this project has been to me!

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN

Are you interested in commissioning a piece (or series) of art from me? Mark your calendar for Monday August 3rd when I re-open commissions! Sign up for my newsletter at the bottom of the page to be the first in line!