Seattle Music

Seattle has been known as a town where we have great tech companies, but we also have music, opportunities and some great local bands. On our office blog, there is a post about great local bands and musicians to add your playlist. Check them out, do you have a favorite or is there one that you think should be added? I know that art is subjective but these names keeps popping up. Give them a try and let me know what you think. 12 Seattle Bands and Musicians.

Resolutions for 2017

Resolutions for the 2017.

This article from Houzz did make me think about new year resolutions. Some of these ideas are things that I might incorporate in my life.

As an artist as well as a realtor, art is a big part of my life. I do love art on the walls and about the house so this is an easy one for me.

New pillowcases are always nice. I'll have to evaluate that because crisp clean bedding is always good.

Now flowers and other items to put in my vases. This is  a good one too. In the pacific northwest there are always interesting things growing that can add interest to any room.

Twinkle lights can really add some cheer to gloomy winter days and this is a nice idea as well. We can all use a bit of mood lighting.

I'm inspired by buildings, people and everyday objects. How about you. What inspires you in this new year?
 

6 Easy Design Resolutions That Can Bring You Joy

Getting Organized

Getting organized always seems like a great goal for the beginning of the year. Sometimes it's a challenge however, to know where to begin. This year I'm starting with a new goal of cleaning off the desk and keeping it clear. Here are a few of the tools that I've decided to use.

Of course the standard pencil holder is good and then they are all contained.

 A paper planner. I do use my phone but like the visual reminder of a paper planner.

The third thing is file folders. With many transaction, personal documents and art related documents, there is always paper around. Files are good. And well labeled files so I don't have to search very far.

How about you, what are your organizing goals for 2017?

Thinking of Spring

Even though the first day of winter has not even arrived, I'm starting to dream of spring. I'm thinking of green grass, flowers and of course sunshine and warm weather.

One of the interesting ideas that I just came across was to paint a faux floor rug on your deck. Oh, this one has me thinking.What ideas are you dreaming about for srping?

Art in Seattle

Art in Seattle is an ongoing adventure. I am fortunate to live in a city that values all kinds of art and has many art venues. This month I'm interested in an exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum of a collection of  clothing by the designer Yves Saint Laurent. This exhibit runs from October 11th - January 8th and will highlight this iconic fashion designers 44 year career.

Art Installation and Ice Cubes

Art can take all forms and shapes and what we consider art can certainly be a personal preference.

I've just read about a new art installation of a giant ice cube! Did you know that the shape of an ice cube can impact how quickly it melts?

"ICE CUBE is a 10-ton sculpture designed by Seattle architecture firm Olson Kundig and assembled from 64 smaller blocks of ice delivered to the park.

It's time to go to Occidental Park and watch ice melt. Ice Cube Melting In Occidental Park

Mood Ring House

                                          photo credit - Suzanne De Vita

I remember having a mood ring. How I loved the fact that it changed color with the temperature of my hands. That part wasn't in the notes however, it simply said that the color reflected your mood.

Well now the mood ring feature has progressed to a mood ring house. This a pretty cool idea. The house has been fitted with LED lamps that represent the owners disposition at night.

This particular home in Fayetteville, Ark.  was conceived by SILO AR+D as an “exploration of how architecture can have different day and night presences with distinct experiential and spatial qualities.”

At night the colors are determined by the temperature of the house as well as what the owners choose. It also sounds like this is not the only color changing house on the block. 

What do you think? Would you like to live in a color changing "mood ring" house?

Community Art Installations

                                          Photo credit: Ian Terry/The Herald

As a community, we're getting more accustomed to public art displays.  I've just learned about a new installation in Edmonds called “Luminous Forest.” This involves 177 LED solar lights that have been installed on 4th Ave N from Main Street to the Edmonds Center For The Arts. Created by  Iole Alessandrini who has training in lighting and architecture. This art installation you can drive over and it can also be triggered by interaction with people. The lights start to come on at 20 minutes after sunset and it takes 7 minutes for the entire street to be activated.

I think I might be driving to Edmonds this weekend to check out the lighted art. How about you, have you been to see this community art?

Lighted Art In Edmonds 

Art to Heal

Artists for Life is the artist partner program for First Aid Arts . They bring hope and healing to trauma survivors.


I learned about this program through a buyer of a home I had listed last year. It's a great program. We know that being in the creative part of the brain is healing.

Yard Art in West Seattle

Whats new at the Pike Place Market

Read about the expansion:























http://pikeup.org/

Only shows when it rains

This sounds really cool,  especially for a native Seattleite like me.

A rainwork is an interesting design or message on concrete 
that only shows up when it gets wet. Some map marker titles 
are intentionally left vague. Go explore!


http://rain.works/

Sketches

Got a new scanner! Now I can upload some
crazy little sketches I've been saving.

Someday I'll have a sketch show.

Landscape painting in the city

A little sketch I did on Capitol Hill.   Fun in the
Seattle summer, painting outside!

This and That

How is this connected to that? What have I learned from studying art for four years at Gage? Persistence, patience and a deep appreciation for how the mind works. I now see things I never noticed before. Thanks, Gary Faigin.

Maple Valley Creative Arts

These pieces were juried in at the
http://www.maplevalleyarts.com/ 15th annual show.

The Chair painting won Best of Show! Very exciting.

Landscape Painting in Seattle

Thanks to Gage and Peter Van Dyck for a great week painting in Seattle!

Drawing People

Had a great weekend workshop with Bill Evans called the quick sketch. One minute drawings...fun!

Driving in Seattle

Sometimes, driving is just so beautiful, and then there's a bump.

Anita West's traveling Palette

Above is the palette of of Anita West who is currently painting on location in Hawaii.

Send me a photo of your palette, so I can see them. I've posted some famous palettes from history on my facebook page, if you go there, please "like" the page...