June 2024

June was full of inspiration. I created 12 new Petit Paintings, released a new print series, took a whirlwind trip down to the beautiful stretch of the Gulf Coast known as “30A,” invented a new salad recipe (see below), cut heaps of bouquets from my new cutting patch, and rescued a fledgling bird. You could say I’ve been pretty active despite the scorching temperatures.

Scroll below to read in more details about what I’ve been up to and to see some additional images.

This month I released prints of my Pine Tree series from 2021. The original pieces were inspired by all of the coastal pines that fell during Hurricane Sally.

There are four prints in total, and these three can be purchased as a trio. I also released three 5x7” botanical drawings as prints.

While taking my normal morning stroll with my coffee through the garden to check on the state of things, I couldn’t resist snapping this shot of my mug from my ceramicist friend Jackie Henissee of Henissee Pottery. I’ve been slowly building my collection of her gorgeous pieces. The original mugs I’d dubbed our “weekend mugs” but as I signed up for Jackie’s mug subscription this year, I’m quickly expanding into the rest of the week.

This month I decided to participate in an art market at Gary’s our local brewery and biergarten. While I normally offer prints and larger originals, I wanted to make something a little more precious. Enter, the Petit Paintings. A series of pint-sized acrylic paintings on wood, hung by a naturally-dyed silk ribbon. They were a resounding success! Later this summer I’ll be releasing a collection of these online. Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter so yo don’t miss their release.

A salad I whipped up one evening to bring over to my in-laws. I haven’t stopped eating it since.

I’m not a professional recipe writer so the ingredient quantities are approximations.

The Salad

4 cupsMixed greens and/or arugula

1/3 Red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 Hot House Cucumber

1/3 cup Hearts of Palm

1/2 cup Chick Peas

1/8 cup Pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup Feta cheese

3 tbs. Freshly chopped Dill

Pepper to taste

Nasturtiums for garnish

Dress with oil and vinegar.

I found this little fellow down by our beach attempting to fly without success. With no trees or shrubs hiding nest nearby I decided I couldn’t just leave him to become cat food (yes, my cats) let alone that for an eagle or hawk.

I nursed him on a diet of rehydrated mealworms and kept him quiet hoping soon the little fledgling would get the strength to fly. Sure enough, on the third morning, after preparing his breakfast he gave me one quick look and flew off. Good thing I’d had the sense to always feed him on the patio.

At the beginning of the month, I took a quick trip down to Grayton Beach to stay at Monet Monet and visit with my cousin-in-law and fellow creative soul Jeni Bailey. Jeni owns En Lie Design Co., a bespoke leather goods business. She makes all of her pieces in the apartment above Monet Monet where I was lucky enough to stay. She also hosts private leathermaking workshops. Give her a follow on Instagram @enlieudesinco.

When I wasn’t brainstorming and dreaming with Jeni, I was exploring the gardens of Monet and the rest of 30A.

Jeni’s gorgeous workspace. The light is to die for.

A few of her creations among part of her collection of vintage sewing machines.

Flowers I cut from my garden and hauled down to Grayton displayed among Jeni’s collections.

My last stop before departing the 30A area was in Seagrove at Clay 30A. I’m so glad I stopped in to discover this haven for garden lovers. Between the plants, the pots, and the beautifully curated gift shops (yes, multiple cottages) I was in utter heaven. I so wish it was closer!