“October”
The series “October” began with a free flow of writing messages. Some written in black ink, the color I associate with the autumn season, west direction and some in white china marker, invisible until painted over. (more…)
Last Daze of Summer
Last Daze of Summer is the most recent artist book from the Alexander’s Library series. Today it’s turning cold, I still have zinnias blooming, and many figs to pick and dry. The longing for summer still lingers. Sometimes I remember to photograph the steps as the project progresses. Read on to learn about this one. (more…)
There Is No Hurry
There Is No Hurry is the title from Alexander’s Library,for all seasons. This 32 page artist book is imbued with the reminder that in autumn the energy tends to push us to hurry, but really, there is no need to hurry, every season has its purpose, and reasons to savor each moment. (more…)
About the Books from Alexander’s Library
The idea to create ”Alexander’s Library” slowly emerged after (more…)
I’m Back
I’m Back
I’m back from a most wonderful reunion with my children and grandchildren! But I’m still not back from posting on social media. The time zooms by (more…)
Opening
Opening
I am happy to announce that “Bamboo Structures”, was created for and is featured in the online exhibit “Opening”. It is curated by Sergio Gomez for the members of Art NXT Level. (more…)
Bridge Across Time
Bridge Across Time
In 1988 I wrote: “I am attracted to petroglyphs in a deep way. They came from a time when art was an integral aspect of community, when the artist was a healer. Even though scientists are reluctant to give meaning to these symbols I think ancient artisans knew that the power of manifesting an image was to cross the bridge to spiritual nourishment. “Bridge Across Time” was the first oil painting in a series of over 100 that depict petroglyphs. (more…)
Celebrating Mid-Summer Studio Update
Celebrating Mid-Summer Studio Update
Happy Lughnasa, time of the first harvest. This time last year life at Sunwise Farm and Sanctuary was all about “Art of the Garden”, growing (more…)
I’ll be back!
Happy Summer Solstice, and best wishes for a spectacular season for you to get out and about. I wanted to let you know I am taking a hiatus (more…)
Beginnings Endings
Beginnings Endings
Coming or going? Where does one leave off and the next one begin? Apart and together, crossing and passing. On Aka threads we retrace our steps, begin again. (more…)
Harmony, New Harmony
Harmony, New Harmony
Sweet thoughts occur after a recent trip to America’s prettiest art town to pick up artwork from New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art. It marked the end of an era, and got me reminiscing about that period and how much the town has meant to me as an artist. (more…)
Seeing from Both Sides
“Seeing from Both Sides” is a little black and white book that started with the Beltane bonfire. In a rare moment of clarity, I remembered (more…)
Celebrating Mid-Spring Studio Update
Celebrating Mid-Spring Studio Update
Isn’t this just the most favorite time of year for many people? The lusty month of May lies ahead at Mid-Spring, Beltane, Mother’s Day, Earth Day and here in Kentucky, Derby Day. All the green is busting out, like we humans are also emerging out of the pandemic. There is much to be grateful for. (more…)
Rock Paper Scissors
II am pleased that all three of my Rock Paperglyphs were selected for the virtual exhibition Rock Paper Scissors, curated by Kate Savage for Arts Connects Lexington. Artists were asked to respond to the idea of “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. (more…)
Nesting
You know how sad it is to finish a good book, well that’s how I feel as I finished Nesting book. But I pushed ahead to include it in the Bel Studio Special. The theme is all about the Beltane season; coupling, nesting and honoring motherhood. (more…)
The Isolation Chronicles
A few days ago Sergio Gomez, curator, teacher and artist from Art NXT Level wrote: (more…)
Coming soon to a screen near you
On this sunny morning, I’m working on the Spring Studio Special, coming soon to a screen near you. Subscribers know that the first few days (more…)
Fiery and Icy Mid-Winter
We started this year thinking the winter would be mild. Many days I had the front door to the studio open. Now we have another fiery icy mid-winter to add to the memory banks. It seems to hit around Valentines’ Day. (more…)
Imbolc, Mid-Winter, Pre-Spring!
Imbolc means literally “in the belly”, which refers to both the birthing of young animals and the presence of Brigit in the center of the world at this time. Below, I say more about the holiday, taken from Atlas of the Year. (more…)
Celebrating Mid-Winter Studio Update
The returning and increasing light is daily perceptible and cheering. This Imbolc, Candlemas time is associated with St. Bridgid. Mid-winter seems more like pre-spring when I notice robins congregating on the lawn. (more…)
20+ things I liked about 2020
Today I finished my year review that is titled “20+ things I liked about 2020”. It’s December 23, The Day Out of Time, (more…)
Halcyon Days are here
I love this day and the following days, my favorite time of the year, as it is for many of you. On December 14 the Halcyon Days begin. It’s an ancient mythological tradition, (more…)
Celebrating 10 Years of Blogging
I forgot to celebrate 10 years of blogging last March. I wonder why? Too much on our minds I imagine. One project that I am proceeding with is (more…)
A Story about “Little Love Letters”
The reason I created the “Little Love Letters” series was to offer small artworks with cheerful uplifting messages via stamp imagery, at affordable prices. Knowing that most people are thrilled when they receive a pleasant thing in the mail, it seemed like a logical choice for a theme during these stressful times. (more…)
Bonus for Little Love Letter customers!
Bonus for Little Love Letter customers! I have created two (more…)
“Little Love Letters” details, part 3
In this three part post, I’m sharing details of “Little Love Letters”, which is a series of 36 small paintings on paper in sizes 6×8” and smaller, each inspired by Realms of Wonder, (more…)
“Little Love Letters” details, part 2
In this three part post, I’m sharing details of “Little Love Letters”, which is a series of 36 small paintings on paper (more…)
“Little Love Letters” details, part 1
In this three part post, I’m sharing details of “Little Love Letters”, which is a series of 36 small paintings on paper in sizes 6×8” and smaller, each inspired by Realms of Wonder, be they plant, animal, human or elemental. (more…)
Mid-Autumn Studio Update
Welcome to Mid-Autumn Studio Update! Whether you celebrate The Night of the Ancestors (Samhuin), Dias de la Muertos, Halloween, or all of them, Happy Mid-Autumn Celebrations! (more…)
Some thoughts about sending the invitation
©Kathleen O’Brien, 12 Madonna Lilies10, 8×8″
Listening to the breeze and brittle leaves falling while inside writing to invite you to the Open Studio, brings up a myriad of responses. The windows are open now, but, tomorrow…. (more…)
Madonna Lilies revisited
As I’m getting ready for the 12th Annual Autumn Open Studio, I revisited Madonna Lilies, 1 of 3 large works that I’m showing for the first time. It’s also 12 small parts of the larger piece. I mentioned this artwork for the mid-summer Art of the Garden Tour, but never went into details about the story. (more…)
Garden and Home things you’ll enjoy
In addition to the latest artwork from the studio, there will be garden and home things you’ll enjoy, to buy at the 12th Annual Autumn Open Studio. I love preparing the herbs, and saving seeds from the garden that began with harvests in the spring. (more…)