Recently I took a trip of a lifetime. I went to Paris, France to visit by brother, sister-in-law, and newborn niece who live there. I have been to Paris a few times before, but for some reason this trip was different than all of the others. There is something about the city that leaves me feeling energized, excited, and inspired. There is nothing like Paris.

Here I am sitting on the steps from Midnight In Paris:

The city of Lights!

In front of the Louvre:

From my brother and sister-in-law’s flat you can walk anywhere, which is an incredible feeling. No matter what, you can get from point A to B either by walking, renting a bicycle, or taking the metro.

La Basilique Du Sacre-Ceur:

You cannot help but be inspired by the history that is right in front of your eyes. Paris is full of incredibly old, majestic cathedrals, monuments, and museums. There is also plenty of elaborate window shopping, art, fashion, decadent bakeries, cheese shops, and bustling cafes. Small business owners are everywhere.

Artists on La Place Du Tertre in Montmartre:

Inside the awesome Shakespeare & Company bookstore:

Poetry readings in front of the Shakespeare & Company bookstore:

Vintage music store in Paris:

The picture perfect Jardin des Tuileries:

Europeans really know how to relax and enjoy life. Our mornings began with espresso and an assortment of breads, croissants, and at least 5 different cheeses. My family and I would all sit on the floor of their small bright orange living room, packed like sardines around their coffee table, chatting and laughing away. There is nothing better than enjoying a fabulous home cooked meal and great conversation with the people you love.

At Le Refuge des Fondues in Paris:

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The Blue Genie Art Bazaar is an Austin tradition during the holiday shopping season and is a great place to buy exceptional art and gifts. Open 7 days a week at 10:00am, the event runs from December 1st through the 24th and admission is always free to the public.

All art and gift items for sale at our bazaar have been handmade by local Austin artists that are selected through a rigorous jury process. We have thousands of original gifts ranging from serious works of art to fun, kitschy items. Shopping at the Blue Genie Art Bazaar is a great way to shop hassle-free, find unique gifts, and support local artists.

The annual East Austin Studio Tour begins on November 12th! E.A.S.T. is a free, self-guided tour through Austin’s East side studios. Artist studios will be open to the public on the weekends of November 12th & 13th, and November 19th & 20th from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  You can find out more information about the tour, including a map here: E.A.S.T.

Be sure to visit Pump Project Art Complex where my studio is located. My painting in the above photo will be located in the official E.A.S.T. gallery at 916 Springdale Rd. for the duration of the event and is for sale.

My friends and I in front of my painting at the Cata-Launch opening show for E.A.S.T.

I recently purchased this book to get some ideas for decorating. I absolutely love the way Annette Tatum organizes the chapters by personal styles such as Romantic, Couture, Classic, Bohemian, and Modern. That way you can decorate your space in a way that reflects your sense of fashion. It is filled with so much “eye candy” to look at, you are sure to come up with some great style ideas for you home. 

If you have a little girl she’ll love this online store called Tiny Frock Shop! They sell stylish, gently used vintage doll clothing as well as new hand made designs. The owner, Pamela Thompson, worked in the fashion industry for Betsy Johnson, among others, before creating this online store. What a great way to recycle.

A few of the many great pieces from the Tiny Frock Shop:

Here are a couple of my TOMS shoe designs from the Style Your Sole Event I was asked to participate in at Tyler’s in Austin:

 The Author Peter F. Neumeyer and Author / Illustrator Edward Gorey collaborated on three “Donald…”  children’s books together. I am a big fan of Edward Gorey’s illustrations, which are almost ghoulish. Here’s a peak:

I had a so much fun painting shoes as a featured artist at the TOMS Style Your Sole event at Tylers! There was a great turn out and all of the artists were  SUPER busy, painting non-stop for about 6.5 hours. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.

Charles Ferraro and I painting:

Brandon Mike:

DJ Manny:

I recently attended the Art With Heart Benefit Party, and annual fundraiser for Empower Art.  My friend, Laramie Gorbett, is the Executive Director and Founder of Empower Art. A few of my other friends are on the board, so I have been very excited about contributing to the organization through my art. Laramie created Empower Art “To facilitate healing and empowerment for adolescent survivors of family and sexual violence through different forms of creative expression,” including art and music.

I have always found it inspiring and interesting to see other artist’s work space so I decided to add some of my own pics. Throughout my life, I have been a collector of various things, including vintage glasses, fabric, antiques, art books, hand made dolls…the list goes on. I like to display what I can around me so that I create a working environment that is full of creativity.I love Art books! I just got this “Alberto Vargas” book from Book People in Austin. Sometimes I sit for hours and look at art books there. My favorite store! I would highly recommend this book if you are into Figure drawing. It is amazing how Vargas creates such realistic looking paintings. I am also a fan of Edward Gorey, and own several of his books. His illustrations are dark and humorous at the same time.

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