Livin’ the Dream!

Recently I was looking through some of my old photos and found a series of sketches I did 10 years ago... I’m pretty sure I did this on a lunch break at some “real job”. 

Wait...what do I mean by “real job”?

Well, someone else was telling me what do to and when it was due and during which hours I needed to work on it...

I always dreamed of steering my own kayak, making my own schedule, and running a business like the smart and capable I knew I could be.  And now that’s just what I’m doing. High five!! 

It doesn’t mean that every day is the BEST DAY EVER or that I still don’t get nervous about the future, but girrrlllll, it is a much better way to run a life. I am building something so much more in line with my goals and my soul. I’m proud of where I am and super psyched about where I’m going.

Thank you for being part of the party!

Much love!

Filomena

LOVING my studio space!

"There are always flowers for those who see them." --Henri Matisse

And I want to see A LOT of flowers! 

One of my artist heroes is Ashley Longshore. Photos of her studio in New Orleans always show huge bouquets of exquisite flowers. I'm following her lead in my studio. How can you NOT be inspired with these lovelies lookin' at you all day?


I am having a great time working in my new studio space in Hornell. I feel really lucky to have found it!

 Here are a couple of paintings I started working on during my art trip in Lucca Italy. I want to create more works like this, on paper with lots of paint. My dear friend MG (also a fabu artist) says (something like): "People don't use enough paint!" She's right! Let's use ALL THE PAINT people!! (oh, and my scarf is one of my creations that can be found on my Redbubble shop)


What have you been up to? I've been busy with happy art stuff and teaching fun classes...please do check out my Instagram feed to see more...it's purdy over there! :)

Lots to learn

I will be traveling away from home for about 3 weeks and will have the opportunity to do a lot of  learnin' and access to some great Wifi. I have 4 online classes lined up, a list of live model drawing events, and a meetup scheduled with a podcast creation group. (hint hint: I'm working on creating a podcast!)


I'm going to need to eat my Wheaties! Are they vegan? I guess I'll have to learn about that as well ;)


Often on these trips my husband tries to fit in as many hot yoga classes as possible (he's my hero!)...on this trip I am going to maximize my info uptake. Wish me luck!

Here I am...feeling like it's a great big world at the Pitti Palace in Florence. Y'all should go...bring a snack, it's a BIG big BIG place to get your adventure on.

Artist high!

Yesterday was a great art day. I hung 75 of my photographs for a project almost a year in the making, and I delivered a customized guitar (to be used as art) that made my customers happy.

Woot woot!

I wish everyday could feel like this!

I can't help but sing "Don't Stop Believin'" in my head :)

Radio Waves!

Oh gosh! I had a blast being interviewed by Sabra/Clifton Wood of The Graphic Ear (on WAYO FM, 104.3 Rochester, NY). Check it: http://wayofm.org/shows/episodes/02042016-1

This was an EXCELLENT exercise in thinking, writing, and talking about my art and practice. I'm forever grateful for this experience! 


Have a listen and then come on back in a few days...I'll post my playlist and cookie recipe. You're gonna want a cookie! ;)

New series?

We saw Revenant last night and though I hand my hand over my eyes *a lot* I was captivated by the scenery, camera motion, and stark imagery. I wanted to sketch in the movie theater,  but didn't have my book (duh) and really wanted to stay in the movie, you know?

I sketched this drawing this morning and, as I type, am waiting for the base coat on my largest panel to date to dry.

I'm excited and a bit nervous. I guess that's the sweet spot for starting something new, right?