Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving. I hope you find a way to celebrate with loved ones even if it's just a Zoom meeting or telephone call. 

I appreciate all who have shopped and bought some of my art, those who have had encouraging words to say, and all who have supported me on my art journey. I am thankful for each and every one of you. May you be blessed!

Cecilia

 I've been a little blue lately...October has been the traditional time for Gathering of Artisans in North Carolina, a time to meet up with artist friends, take workshops, and best of all, time to worship God. Sadly, it was cancelled this year and needless to say, I miss seeing all my artist friends and filling my creative well!

To that end, I've been trying to meet up with some of my friends since things have opened back up. My friend Tania came to visit me in early June. We talked a lot, found an art show to go to, and ate great food at one of the best restaurants here in Palestine, Pint and Barrel. Their burgers and fries are some of the best I've ever had. 
We had so much fun!

Tania is a fantastic artist - she does beautiful abstract representational art. You can find her at:

Next, I visited my friend, Amy, in July.. She'd recently moved to another state and I was itching to see her new studio space and home. 

It was a much needed getaway and a time of reconnection with a sweet friend. We has so much fun with her showing me around her new town, visiting Crystal Bridges Art Museum, and spending time together.

​​She's a very talented mosaic artist with a heart as big as Texas. She has some wonderful ideas for her art and how she wants to use it to help others. ​ I'm excited to see how her art grows. You can find her here at:

Then last week, I met up with Dawn, who lives in Ohio. She paints whimsical paintings with the goal to bring joy and happiness to others. We met about halfway in Eureka Springs, AR.

Find her here at:

Wow! What a pretty area. The leaves were changing and there was lots of incredible things to see. We had so much fun seeing the sights and laughing together. It was a great way to fill my creative soul.

We even zipped over to eat lunch with Amy. Although it was a quick visit, it was great to visit with her. 

I'm so glad I've been able to spend time with these friends. We need connections more than ever in this crazy Covid world.
I miss seeing my other friends - laughing, creating and worshipping together. I hope next year Gathering will happen and I can go - because spending time with other artists and connecting with friends fills my heart with so much joy! 

Today, I am taking you on a tour of my studio. It's my "Happily Ever After" spot. 

It all started when my husband told me he wanted to turn one of the barn bays into an art studio for me. What?!? Really? Can I be honest and say it never crossed my mind...I was thinking a place for horses, lol. But yes, please. I'd love a studio. We were fortunate the largest area already had a concrete floor and three walls. It just needed to be closed in but the main structure was in place!

We named it "Tin Roof Studio" because, well, it has a tin roof.  I absolutely love it! It's more than I ever thought I'd have - nice large windows, large space to spread out, and all my own!
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The first picture shows the front of the studio where the big windows are. I just painted my door chartreuse - it used to be red but it needed to be repainted and this bright color is so happy.
The second picture is my sewing and printer corner. 
Next is my work table with all my acrylic paints, watercolors, and canvas storage rack - it's along the same wall as my sewing/printer area.
The next picture is across the room and it's here that I have my easels set up for oil painting...This is where the best light is in the room. I have an old crib spring hanging on the wall with clips on it that holds all my tubes of oil paint. My inspiration shelf with all sorts of objects is there as well.
The picture with the red lockers is on the back wall. This wall is for storage, a bookshelf and picture ledges for paintings.

​As you can see, I have several studio assistants. Looks like they spend their time either eating or sleeping though. But seriously, I enjoy their company!

Another view of where I do most of my painting. I have picture ledges and a gallery wall to display more paintings.

Lastly, another view of my work table, canvas storage rack, plus my small drafting table where I draw or work on watercolors.
It's a really wonderful space! My commute is short and I can't wait to go there each day.

I hope you enjoyed seeing where I create.
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