Pastels and Patience

'Robin's Peach Tree'Chalk pastel on paper. 9 x 12 inches.
I learned that although my boy enjoys painting with me, you can't expect two year olds to sit down on a 'real' art workshop. Not yet.

During the recent arts fest in our town, I signed him up for a two hour pastel workshop for a mere $8. The first fifteen minutes, he was doing fine. Until he realized that it was more fun to run outside. The 'fifteen minute attention span' won over.

So, there I was. Left with a box of pastels and a black paper scribbled with abstract lines and curves. I felt sad for the teacher, she must have thought my boy didn't found her workshop interesting enough.

I apologized and was relieved to hear she knows exactly how toddlers are. I decided to 'salvage' what was in front of me and this is what I came up with in less than an hour. The only time I could spare before I lose sight of my toddler and my four month old baby (in my sling) wakes up.

I could have left it as is and brought another abstract work to add in our growing collection (and I mean 'growing'). Moms and dads, you know what I mean.

Instead, I took that opportunity to show my boy what patience can bring forth. When he exclaimed, 'Mom! My bird, nice!', I knew it was worth the effort.

- Posted from my iPhone

Monday Musings

Somebody was up early today to paint with me. I was preparing to start the first painting for my 'Hundred Gardens' Project.


Watching him work on his own space reminded me to enjoy the process with childlike wonder. To occasionally break the rules of art for the sake of pure creativity.


Watching his brushstrokes made me realize once more that we can be who we want to be. In this case, the artists we desire to be. Not defined by the style of art we do, but defining the art we make by who we are.


Just like his painting, others may see it as just another child's doodle. But for him, it's his own 'work of art'. A product of his thought and creative spirit.

- Posted from my iPhone

Noah Paints

Painting and exploring.

Our two year old's paintings are steadily increasing. So we thought of sharing some of it to inspire others to look at art with child like wonder. Noah Paints, his online gallery officially opened yesterday in Etsy.com.

As with play time, Noah only paints whenever he likes to or feels like it. Most of the times, he does it when he sees me painting in my studio or doing something creative. We encourage, but do not force him to paint.

All of his artworks are hand painted by him without assistance from me or anyone else. He chooses the colors and his brush. And decides when he wants to paint.

We invite you to stop by to see some of his recent works.

Again, thank you for appreciating our family's love for art.