Bedroom mural

I began the construction of this mural while pregnant with Moses. The main inspiration for this piece came to me as I began to explore the world of interior design on a more in-depth level. I have always loved to put things together in my living space, taking inspiration from various sources.  I fell in love with the cover of the Domino design book (a birthday gift from my sissy a couple years back).  The chinoiserie themed painting on the cover is gorgeous-

 I  then started to think about what I could see on the wall of my bedroom. 

As an artist I find that I have "vision"-type moments, where I can actually see a painting in my mind before I create it. It is a strange process- and it usually happens when I am not "trying", typically while doing something unrelated. As I get older, and more trusting of myself as an artist- I find these moments really exciting.  My end product is not typically the same as the original "vision" but there are always elements of it within the finished piece. 

 This original mural (in my head) started off as ferns- or silhouettes of ferns with butterflies flying around them. The "goal" was for a flat landscape/design that replicated high-end wallpaper.  

The bug inspiration came from the AMAZING artist Irene Hardwicke Olivieri - here is a clip of her work- check out her website to see more- so totally inspiring!

(I did not get permission to post this on my blog- so please go visit her site if you have any questions/inquiries- thanks!)

The painting that really set me off on a bug-spin is called When you choose one you are letting all the rest go , 1997 oil on wood. (I could not find the image and do not have a scanner)- but it is a portrait of a woman, shoulders-up who has this wig/helmet that is made of finely detailed bugs- mostly beetles. It's crazy-cool.

 I always like to share my ideas with B- especially since this one was for our bedroom- (where he also sleeps every night)- and he was not so keen on the butterflies. So....the butterflies then turned into beetles...the inspiration for those came from one of Zella's books on bugs-

(My Book Of Bugs by Valerie Davies, 2009)

and after tyring to draw out the ferns- I quickly gave up, thinking  knowing it would take me years, rather than months to complete and went with flowers instead.

Here is the finished product.....

  I seriously debated putting it on the wall behind the bed (and sometimes still second guess that decision), but I like to wake up to this view every morning!

I am now considering repainting the rest of the walls- white perhaps?!  I never thought I would have white walls anywhere in my house- but I really want to highlight the mural, and make the room more simple, fresh and modern. 

 I am also thinking of these photos from my fabulous photographer friend Alexa at LolaRain Photography. for the wall behind the bed. 

These prints (and others) are available on her Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LolaRain

I am in love with these prints.  I think I will frame 3 or 4 of them in brushed nickle frames for above the bed- talk about inspiring! 

I will post pics of the finished room when I get it all together...someday!

What's for lunch?

The most delicious lentil soup ever....

(pictured with Annie's white cheddar bunnies as a garnish:)

It was also for dinner last night- along with a delicious farm-fresh salad, and toasted garlic naan.  Soooo tasty.  The soup recipe came from my friend Kim.   I had it at her house a few weeks back, she served it as an appetizer on our playgroup "snack plate", with toasted whole wheat naan slices- what a treat!  I have been thinking about it ever since.

Recipe:

chop and saute-

1-2 medium onions

3 stalks celery

2 medium carrots

3 cloves garlic

S&P

cumin (to your liking)

in 2 tbls. olive oil

add in lentils (I used the ones pictured below, if you use dry lentils use 1.25 cups)

(from Trader Joe's- one of my shopping staples, great for throwing into salads, soups, etc.- and they are already cooked- so simple)

1 small can tomatoes (any kind is fine- I only had a can of organic tomato puree, which worked well- crushed, diced, or fresh would be good too)

4 cups vegetable broth

bring to a boil, then simmer on low for at least 30 minutes. 

Tasty Tasty Tasty!!!...

For dessert- Creamy Lemon Crumb Squares  this fabulously easy recipe that came to me from one of my favorite bloggers Darby- and came to her from the Pioneer Woman blog.  A great recipe that you can whip up in no time at all. Check it out-

I'll be back soon with a more substantial art related post!