butterflies gathered around..

butterflies gathered around to protect them from the night

when i first saw this painting

i have to admit to you

that it brought tears to my eyes

with it's beauty

and it's hope..

nigel and lily embrace at sunrise

my emotions are often stirred though, with amanda blake's work.

she creates a seemingly endless stream of vignettes and stories

nigel and lily embrace at sunset

often visiting the characters over and again

so over time we get to know them

and wonder about them

caroline carefully arranges everything she holds dear

and love them.

butterflies gathered around to protect them from the night

rich in color and depth

they have the power to simultaneously

make you feel calm and still spark the imagination

lead you into a dream

or take you on a journey for a moment

(a journey that is sometimes surprising but somehow always seems familar..)

this one though...with the angel butterflies..

i just want to climb in to

and stay for a while.

i think we could all use butterflies surrounding us

sometimes.

don't you?

enjoy more of her incredible paintings here, here and here.

happy wednesday.

xo

*ps. tomorrow (thursday) my photo store is being featured on one of my favorite blogs

where they're giving away two of my prints!

more info and a link tomorrow..

tea with amber alexander

***

i don't remember how i first discovered her work..

through my many blissful hours of roaming 

through the pages and pages

of talent on etsy..i'm sure.

***

but i do remember being happy that i had a hot pot of tea next to me

as i found myself journeying along with amber alexander

and her beautiful little creatures

***

on their travels and adventures. 

***

..some mischievous 

***

some innocent..

and all very playful.

***

they remind me of a more painterly and rich version

(just look at those colors and brushstrokes..gorgeous)

of the work of beatrix potter,

whose imaginative work i loved as a child (and still do).

amber leads me back to that imaginary place

that i never want to forget 

no matter how old i get.

***

now go put on a pot of tea, grab lots of honey and please join byron and me

for a little journey this afternoon.

xo

*oh and thank you to isabelle who just reminded me of amber's great blog..

check it out too.