Putting the fun back into Functional...

A new concept for customizing your art work ~ paintings that feature a unique chalkboard space on the back for personalized messages and love notes.  The following two paintings are the first in my new theme of functional art...

Chalkboard Art

Original Painting

Little Swimmer in Pink

This original painting of a young girl swimming is backed with 3 coats of chalkboard paint for adding your personalized messages:

As a parent who, for many years sat on a hard bench, in a chlorine induced atmosphere, for hours on end waiting for my children to swim 2 laps in 1 heat because I was incredibly proud of their dedication to the sport and inordinate amount of time spent practicing, it wasn't hard to think of what to write as an example for the back of this painting.  Of course, these are my feelings thus easily erased.  You are free to add your own personal love note or message.

Custom Portrait Painting:

Custom Painted Portrait of cousins at play

Add your own handwritten message to the back of a hand painted portrait as a playful way to personalize your keepsakes.

The images are hand painted with acrylics on primed canvas, signed, sealed with a protective gloss varnish then carefully mounted onto sanded wood blocks. The back of which is painted with 3 coats of chalkboard paint for your personalized messages and love notes.  Just click on the images shown above for more information or to order your own customized portrait.

I love creating custom pieces, so please don't hesitate to send me your ideas! 

Family Bike Trip

Before our son leaves this Sunday - for his second year of college - we had to squeeze in a quick family trip. A day to be together and enjoy one another's company. So, we loaded up the bikes and headed north.


First a quick stop for lunch on the campus of William and Mary. Students haven't arrived yet, so the campus was relatively quiet without the hustle and bustle of student activity. But this weekend will be a different story!


My husband and daughter on Crim Dell Bridge ~ where many William and Mary Students - including my sister-in-law, get engaged.


Algae encrusted turtles ~ swimming under the bridge ~ and enjoying the quiet and sunshine.

Next stop - The University of Richmond:

For a quick bike tour of the campus. Students were busy moving in ~ saying tearful goodbyes ~ and getting to know one another. A beautiful campus - and on move-in day ~ very busy.

Then onto Monument Avenue for a bike tour past lovely historic homes and gardens ~


past the very busy - first day of school ~ V.C.U. campus

across the Bells Island Bridge


and down to the rocks on the James River


to enjoy the view ~


watch the kayakers paddling down the river ~


climb down the rocky hill to ~


dip our toes in the warm river water.

Then ~ after a quick superman change into nice clothes -
dinner at the Mezzanie 3433 Restaurant in Carytown. (Style Weekly's Restaurant of the Year - 2009) For an unbelievable dinner of organic, locally grown, free-range, and silver tip deliciousness. Seriously, if you live or are ever in the Richmond area - this chalkboard menu restaurant is a true find!


Packing up the bikes at the end of a lovely day
spent with my husband and children ~
as we each mentally prepare ourselves for the beginning of another school year.

Illustration Friday....Thanksgiving Day Parade Painting....

Thanksgiving Day Parade ~ Featuring Snoopy.
Acrylic Painting on canvas
Every year my husband, two children, and I plan a trip to somewhere special for our Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a tradition which we started when our daughter was in kindergarten and our son in third grade. Two years ago when our son was a senior in high school, he got to choose our vacation destination. His choice ~ New York City. This trip ranks as one of our all time favorite Thanksgiving Holiday Vacations.
I created this painting after our memorable visit.
Who could resist Snoopy?