I normally don't paint on canvas but I couldn't help myself when I found these mini canvases while shopping (so cute! obsessed with miniatures). I love painting little studies of organs, insects, gems, etc and plan on painting more. Each piece is $50 and are available on etsy here.
This piece kind of came as an accident and was originally planned to take a completely different route. That's one the best and scariest things about painting though, and luckily this came out much more beautiful than I imagined. The veins were painted green last minute and I had planned on more flowers, but when something just feels done, I try to listen.
The past few floral anatomy pieces have been primarily grey and pink, and honestly I don't think I necessarily planned it that way, but lately I've been loving using more pinks for organ related work. Something softer about it maybe? Not sure, but I may paint a few more pieces this way before switching things up. I'm hoping to get a square format grey anatomy piece done and then post another floral bundle like this one, but with the grey backgrounds.
The original painting can be seen currently at Integris Cancer Institute till September 8th, and prints can be found in my etsy shop as well as some retailers. I'm hoping to paint more anatomical hearts as they're so beautifully versatile. The next heart I'm attempting will be a nebula! I'm excited to see how it evolves. <3
One of my favorite paintings I've made recently is this floral uterus piece from early March. I wanted to use flowers that enhanced the natural look of a real uterus with an iris as the womb and vagina, and Queen Anne's lace as the ovaries. I love this piece so much and during my research for floral inspiration I ended up with so many amazing reference photos that I hope to paint a few more variations of this. Hope you all love! I have the original painting on display at Current Studio for their Nasty Women exhibit and you can find prints in my etsy shop here.
Since it's been so long since a life lately post, I wanted to make a general update from the past year or so. I may make future posts that go back with more details, but for now, something simple.
In 2015 Micah and I decided to move back to Oklahoma. OKC was calling and we definitely felt it was where we were supposed to be. Luckily we still feel that way ;)
For a year we lived in a really awesome condo that I could never ever afford without having a roommate, which happened to be my sweet brother-in-law. If you follow me on Instagram you might remember all the insane sunrises from that place. I really miss that.
This past autumn we took the plunge and bought our first home. It's in a woodsy neighborhood in OKC thats close to some of our favorite places. We love it here so much, and I know Rina does too. We have an enclosed patio that I call the "catio" that she essentially lives in now (she wishes).
Right now I'm still in the process of converting the formal dining room to my studio space. This is the most space I've had dedicated to art stuff only, and I feel overwhelmed sometimes that I even get to do this for a living. I'll post more once I get more paintings hung and organized.
I've also recently given my website a little facelift and added a list of all the retailers who carry my artwork in their shops. That's all for now, much love!
Posting this almost two years after the fact, but I wanted to make a post about a show I did back in December of 2015 at one of my favorite galleries in Oklahoma City. I've been selling prints at DNA Galleries for years now and when they asked me to show work in their gallery space I was super excited to participate.
Some Q's and A's from DNA:
What is your medium/process?
I paint multiple thin layers of oil paint on wood. There’s a mix of reference photos and freestyle painting. I never really know how something is going to turn out, and I think that’s essential for me when I paint.
Rosette Nebula, oil on board, 2015
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Oklahoma State University. After college, I moved to Texas and lived in Galveston and Austin. I recently moved back to OKC this past summer.
Anaitisa, oil on board, 2015
How would you describe your latest body of work?
“Celestial” is a series that focuses on fictional deities that rule other worlds and galaxies. Their names are reminiscent of Greek, Celtic, Persian, and Egyptian goddesses. I wanted to create divine beings that could either be ancient or futuristic.
Nephthysus, oil on board, 2015
What inspires you?
I’m very much inspired by nature, anatomy, and astronomy. I feel they are very much full of life and full of death. It’s intriguing and beautiful.
Lumina, oil on board, 2015
How did you get started?
Like most people, I started painting as a kid. In pre-school, my teacher called my mom to tell her she was worried because I refused to draw stick figures. My mom later told me that I came home that day complaining because “people don’t look like sticks!” I hadn’t yet figured out how to draw a human body. I’ve been infatuated with painting and drawing ever since.
Orion Nebula, oil on board, 2015
What are your goals for the future?
I’d love to create life-size round panels of galaxies that invoke an immersive view of space. I’d also love to create a conceptual interpretation of my “Floral Anatomy” series by creating a garden inside of a gallery made completely of flowers and bones.
What advice do you have to artists?
If you put in the time, love, and energy, you will see results. That doesn’t mean every piece will be amazing, but you always have to keep at it to grow as an artist. Try not to put so much stress on yourself and just play around and have fun with your work. Experiment!