Portrait of a Doula

'A Doula's Portrait'

9 x 12 inches. Mixed media on Paper. (c) 2010.

This is a painting of Sue O'Malley, our birth doula and our newborn. I've often been asked what a doula is and why we used one.

Doulas provide support during pre-natal and actual childbirth, as well as postpartum care. They do not perform clinical tasks such as heart rate tests or exams that doctors and midwives do. Rather, they use massage, positioning suggestions, emotional support, etc., to help labor to progress as well as possible.

Having a doula allowed us to have a completely natural birth. My husband and I were able to focus on the birth without having to worry about any interventions or interruptions that might have taken our attention away.

If you're expecting a child, I highly recommend considering hiring a doula to help you prepare for your 'birth day'.

Wordless Wednesday: Time for Tea

'Tea Time' Series

Original Mixed Media ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)

Available at UrArtist

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.