My Favorite Inspirations

North American Cities With a Creative Spirit 

I love these.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Do you know that New Hampshire has a coastline? A small portion touches the Atlantic and my favorite town along that stretch is Portsmouth. Very supportive of the arts of all varieties, while still retaining a down-to-earth feel, Portsmouth is a pretty little town that makes you want to stay. Sometimes when I am walking through the city neighborhoods and quaint downtown, I feel like I have traveled back in time to 100 years ago.

Montreal

This french-speaking part of Canada definitely helps you feel like you have traveled to Europe. If you are from the states, especially the Northeast, its a short trip to a nice change in culture, good food and interesting people. If you go during the Jazz Festival at the end of June/beginning of July, you will find lots of great, free music on the streets, excellent concerts at indoor venues and perfect people watching at one BIG party.

San Francisco

A walkable, artistic, oceanside city with surprises around every hill, twist and turn. You all know about San Francisco. If you haven't visited yet, consider going. If you are worried about it being too touristy, just skip the fisherman's wharf area. The city really is worth the trip, trolleycars and all. Go in the Spring or the Fall for the best weather. Summers are cool and foggy. You will leave with wonderful memories and endless inspiration.

Natural Beauty 

Arches National Park, Utah

When I rounded the first corner on the road into the park and glimpsed, for the first time, the start of the many incredible rock shapes to come within Arches National Park, I had to pull off the road. It was so beautiful that I began to cry. I know it sounds hokey and I can't really explain it, but I was moved to a point beyond words and stayed for longer than I had planned. I did not want to leave. The stars at night shining above the amazing landscape took my breath away.

The Painted Hills, Oregon

Once you see these photos of the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds in Oregon, you will understand why I find them so inspiring. In addition to the haunting beauty of the hills, the quiet in this isolated place and the long vistas calm me.

Kartchner Caverns, Arizona

Long kept a secret by those who discovered it in the 1970's, Kartchner Caverns is an active, living cave now opened to the public with careful controls designed to preserve the beautiful formations. Because of such care, these caves are magical, exquisite mysteries of nature and a mind-blowing visual feast for the eyes.

Frenchglen, Oregon

Frenchglen and the area surrounding in Eastern Oregon is the least populated area of the US. It is quiet, full of birds, flowers, butterflies and at night, without a heavy population to cast light, the stars are unbelievable.

Contemporary Artists 

Renee Rickabaugh, painter

Renee works in gouche watercolor and creates whimsical, highly-detailed pieces. I love the color and texture he uses to define his subject matter. Back in the 1980's when I viewed his work for the first time, his pieces were not even quite as detailed as they are now, but still, the level of appreciation I had for his work somehow brought tears to my eyes.

Gregory Colbert, Ashes & Snow

Visit this site for a hauntingly beautiful display of the work of photographer Gregory Colbert.

"In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is without beginning or end, here or there, past or present."
-Gregory Colbert, Creator of Ashes and Snow

Other-wordly Glass Art 

Dale Chihuly, Glass Artist

Chihuly's glass pieces are ethereal and sometimes just off-the-wall. I love the shapes, the movement, the color, and the attention to light and placement. See if you can visit one of his garden installations.

Wish List 

Artista ~ Creative Safari's for Women

Artista is based in Carmel, California. They offer "creative safaris" which are all-inclusive workshops in painting and/or clothing design for women. Though I haven't yet participated, ever since I first read about them I have wanted to attend. They are offering a new workshop in encaustic painting which should be very interesting. This is an older technique using a wax-based paint. Spending time in Carmel wouldn't be such a bad gig either.