My husband and I have always dreamed of travel. As a kid, I was very blessed to have parents who had boats and sailing vessels that I enjoyed every weekend until I married and moved to Pittsburgh. Tom didn’t have many opportunities to travel with his family, and when we got married, we dreamed of seeing the country together.
Each year after a hectic holiday season (especially the Holiday Market in Downtown Pittsburgh), we’d take a January trip to escape from the cold. All we could think about was getting away to a warm southern climate. As a result of all that traveling, Tom and I have been to 49 of the 50 states, some with our children, and some on our own. We achieved that milestone a couple of years ago, with only Alaska left to check off our list.
Two years ago, we were researching airfares to Southern California and were surprised to find that it would actually be less expensive in January to fly to Europe. We had always talked about traveling abroad. I even had booked a trip once and cancelled it before we got too serious. But this time, I managed to work past my nerves, and we flew to London and Paris, albeit for just a few days in each city. It was still cold there… but we were in Europe, which made it all worth it!
Now we’re totally addicted to traveling “across the pond.” So this year, I felt inspired to start an International Series of paintings from each of the countries we’ve visited so far. My hope is that these paintings may bring back memories for people who have traveled there, or to anyone for whom visiting those countries would be a dream of their own.
Having completed and published my Portugal rock and beach painting, “Along the Algarve Beach,” I’m currently working on my second international painting. It’s a unique rendering of the popular Temple Bar neighborhood in Dublin, Ireland.
I only took one photograph in Temple Bar, but it ended up being very inspirational. Here are the first few photographs of my creative process. Don’t jump to conclusions yet! In my mind, I can visualize the finished painting, so just hang in there with me.
I don’t have a title for it yet, and I’m not sure how long it will take me to paint, but I hope you enjoy the journey with me to this charming, delightful Irish neighborhood.
But wait, there’s more! In addition to introducing my new series, I have another announcement…
You can now order my new collection of Brass Pins online from my website. These beautiful pins are perfect for lapels, hats, purses, backpacks, and straps, plus any other creative ways you may come up with to showcase them. The first four designs in the collection include the Horne’s Tree, PPG in the Skating Rink, My Hometown (with the Incline), and for all of you Santa lovers, “Here comes Santa’s Jolly Trolley!” You can purchase these unique and colorful pins for $15 each on my website here. Have fun collecting!