Outdoor watercolors. In a sweater.

It’s a little bit chilly today in Miami, probably a result of all of the wind/rain last night. I tried to go for my usual Friday night run and actually had to turn around, was pretty sure I’d be blown physically off my feet in mid-sprint.

So for today, I decided to actually wear a sweater (what a strange, foreign thing) and work outside.

 

Ellen Sherman abstract watercolor

ellen sherman abstract

 

Hope everyone has a lovely, warm weekend!

<3<3

Morning Sketches

I love the morning. Those moments when everything outside still silent, (save for a few birds in the palm trees) and the light that filters in is warm and peachy. I’ll crawl out of bed, make a pot of coffee, wrap myself up in my favorite blanket and sit at my easel. Sometimes I’ll work, sometimes I’ll just stare out the window watching as Miami slowly comes to life beneath me.

No breakfast to be made, no calls to return, no email to check — just a bit of quiet time for myself that helps me solidify my intent for the day.

Today I woke up with a few images/color schemes in my mind, so I decided to sketch a bit in the silence.

Watercolor Abstract

 

It never lasts too long though. The bird will figure out it’s daytime and start squawking, which wakes up the husband which wakes up the ferrets. And then it’s onto breakfast and real life :)

 

 

New Abstract Work available for Pre-Order!

Happy Monday folks! Hope you all had excellent weekends!

abstracts

 

My weekend seemed to be devoted to the more adult side of life — revolving around taxes, laundry and picking out new floor tiles. No complaints here though, it was all necessary and some of it a good bit of fun. We’re still dealing with some flood damage from back in November, so I am all about with getting the discolored carpet ripped up and replaced with shiny new (flood resistant) tile.

In addition to these pursuits, I was also able to finally color check a run of brand new prints made from my recent abstract watercolors. They passed with flying colors (pun completely intended) so I am super happy to announce that I will be taking preorders for the first 20 prints of each painting! Each work measures 8.5 x 11 inches and is printed on gorgeous, heavy weight fine art paper using archival quality ink.

For all pre-orders I’ll also be reducing the cost from $25.00 per print, to $20 until the first run sells out.

Simply click here to send me an email. 

Make sure to note the following;

1.) The letter corresponding to print (see below) that you would like to order.

2.) The quantity of each print you would like to order.

3.) The address of where the print should be sent to.

I will confirm availability and will send a paypal invoice back to the email. Payment must be made within 24 hours of the invoice being sent. Once I’ve received payment, the print will ship within the next 2 business days.

Feel free to contact me with any questions on the offer, or for any additional images of the prints :)

 

Watercolor Abstracts available for Pre-Order!
Watercolor Abstracts available for Pre-Order!

 

Balance

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about balance.

How to make sure that my energy is distributed as healthily as possible : Between my art practice, commissions, freelance and personal projects, as well as my seriously wonderful husband, our fantastic friends and family, and my own mental well being.

If I have time left over, maybe I’ll get to the dishes.

Making sure to budget time efficiently has always been a bit of stumbling block for me, as I can quickly find myself 6 hours into a painting when I would swear only 2 went by.  Alarms, are a utterly fantastic invention.

One of the aspects of my life that has helped to keep me organized, keep me balanced, is my yoga practice. Three times a week usually out at Bayfront park in Miami (or at a nearby studio) has been a source of incredible insight and a wealth of personal growth. Beyond the blocking-off of two hours and the schedule crunch that creates, the poses, the breathing, the reflection has developed an inner voice I did not know I possessed.

After a particularly refreshing class this Saturday, I came home and immediately started to paint. I had a slip of an idea as I walked back from the park in my post-yoga haze and wanted to make sure to get it onto paper before ate breakfast and showered.

 

balance

 

Three stones, each bleeding into each other, supporting each other.

I titled it ‘Balance’ and it now sits above my keyboard. It serves as a reminder to myself to honor what is truly important and let a natural balance pervade.

What about you? Do you have any tactics or tricks to keep your schedule/life in check? Leave them below, or send me a tweet!