November 26th, 11 am EST: The Flower Garden Collection

It’s almost here!

Truth be told I can’t remember when I made the first painting in the collection. Late summer maybe? It’s been a labor of love, let me tell you - love for color, the process of watercolor, the variety of flowers. I’m so excited to release the collection in its entirety soon.

Oil paint and pregnancy don’t mix well I’ve heard - the verdict is still out, but it’s iffy enough to convince me. The main concern isn’t the paint itself (I use gloves anyways) but paint thinner fumes are sneaky strong. Mix that with a low ventilation studio and I probably should have thought of this a while ago. I’ve had some killer head aches throughout the years after long days painting in the studio and toughed it out for the joy of what I do, but the more I fall in love with watercolor as well as the more common sense I pick up along the way I do think those days are behind me… not saying I’ll never paint with oil again, but not in the same conditions.

The thought of switching to a different painting medium after 6 years of the same song same verse was daunting at first. Hell I even wondered if I’d just have to hit pause on painting altogether. Who was I kidding, there is no way I could pause painting… let me tell you, switching to a new medium was the refreshing push I needed to play with paint again. I didn’t realize how much of a rut I was in with oil… something about how familiar it was made it hard to explore new ideas with it. When I started using watercolor I immediately started playing with the paint…testing things out to see what would happen. It opened up a new world of possibilities…the color, the layering process, the ways the water dried the paint in different shapes, texture… the biggest lesson learned from watercolor has been to add water and let it fall as it wants. I have less control. I love that.

Which brings me to this collection of new watercolor paintings… each an example of play and exploration. It felt very much like I was pausing to look at flowers in a garden as I bent over each paper to paint it. Like I was wandering along seeing different flowers around each corner. Finished painting one. Picked up a new one. Every color of the rainbow is in this collection… did you know there are a lot of green flowers in the world? Some are bolder, others are softer. If I may get a little existential for a second - flowers are so full of difference, and there is nothing more beautiful than a garden of different heights, colors, textures, color all overflowing together. And a real mind blower…soil is even healthier for it. A lesson for humanity if we care to see it, I believe.

A few notes about the collection:

This is a collection of a few firsts for me - the first watercolor collection I’ve shown since college, the first collection I’ve listed solely for sale on my website, and the first collection I’ve presented unframed. While it makes the most sense to frame work for gallery shows, I’ve always wished there was a way to allow buyers to choose their own frame, since everyone’s style is different. Being an online collection this time I figured I’d give this option a try! Shipping will be free within the USA, and since the release date is a month before Christmas, I’m hopeful it will reach you with time to spare for gifting! Each painting is 9 x 11” and will be attached to a mat with an outside border measuring 11 x 14”, ready to be placed in a frame. If you would prefer to take it off the mat for whatever reason, you will have no trouble… it’s attached with acid-free, easily removable double stick tape.

A few frames I can 100% vouch for regarding quality:

If you want to class it up a little I have to point you in the direction of this gold option. Gold Outer Slope Frame with Mat, Gallery by Studio Decor. Currently on sale for $26.24 (Reg $34.99). Make sure to order the 8 x 10 size (which means the mat opening is 8 x 10 but the frame opening is 11 x 14).

For bulk orders, I highly recommend the frame sets sold by Home Depot. The quality and selection is great. Here is a great option: DesignOvation Gallery 11 in x 14 in White Picture Frame (Set of 4), $57.83

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! My contact info can be found here. Hope to see you back here on Saturday, November 26, 11 am EST!

Have a wonderful November and Thanksgiving!

Alicia