Exploring and Painting in Santa Cruz County

Living in Santa Cruz County has been one of the best adventures of my life, and has acted a great resuscitation of my creative process. The Husband and I have made a habit of driving up and down the coast seeking out great spots to set up and paint, draw, and photograph. He's the film-maker so he's the one who's always behind a camera, I stick to my paints and pencils.

As much as plein air Painting is an amazing (and essential) practice for working artists, it is also a very meditative experience, and a truly humanizing one. Lately the higher cliff I can get to, the better.  :)

Moments on the Coast

Autumn Adventures

 With Autumn in full swing and Halloween just around the corner, we've been celebrating to the fullest! We went apple picking at Gizdich Ranch, and to the Giordano Pumpkin Patch with our family (and our newly-walking niece!) This pumpkin patch is my favorite because they have BUNNIES to pet! 

Blue Mandala

Rose Sugar Scrub

Over Christmas my close friend Emma made a bunch of us girls a salt foot scrub, and I loved it so much I knew I wanted to try and make a variation of my own. So when Mother's Day came around I saw my opportunity! I opted for a sugar alternative and followed this recipe, but used rose body oil instead of baby oil. The results were fantastic! I am going to experiment with coconut oil and lime next time. Fun fact, sugar scrubs are great for sensitive skin!