Author: Karen Hilliard Art

Before “Sting, Sting…”

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Sting, Sting...

Thinking back on the experience from the blog “Sting, Sting…” I realized that I left out some of the fun. As a mom, my mind now thinks about what she will remember and how she is experiencing everything. I think that the bug stinging her face was weighing on my mind more than hers. Before all of that happened she was having the best time, and she continued to have an amazing time afterwards. Our little explorer does not let anything get her down. She loves to learn! The hike was actually lovely and I did mention going back to visit in the Spring. Even knowing many bugs will be out pollinating the flora and flying through all the vegetation, I am excited to see all the blooms up on the mountain. Watching our daughter walk and play with our dog was magical. Previously, in the blogs “Snow Days,” and “Snow Days Part Two,” I also failed to mention snow angels. We taught her how to lay down and move her arms and legs to make the shape of an angel. One of the highlights of last weekend was watching her lay down in the snow as we were all walking and start making an angel. It amazes me what children remember and what experiences they treasure.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Before "Sting, Sting..."

She was smiling, giggling, and laughing a lot while making her little angels. After this, we tried to get pictures of our three-toed dog in the snow and he was not as impressed with our joy as we were. All he wanted to do was run, run, run and run some more after snowballs. My husband always has a workout with his throwing arm any time we go hiking. I have a gym membership with our daughter any time as well. We are so blessed to have both of these little loves in our lives. Another highlight was bird watching. I saw so many different types of birds flying around and it made me wish to buy a book on birding someday. Our daughter also loved the amphitheater where you could stand in the middle and hear yourself talking loudly or clapping louder than anywhere else. She also loved the stairs. We kept her attention on snow and dirt to curb her away from the carcass that an animal left behind right by the visitors center. The little bambi did not make it. Needless to say, the stinging bugs are not the only thing to keep an eye out for when one goes out in nature! Thank you all for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

-Karen Hilliard

Also, if you would like another way to show support, I have a few options. “Buy me a coffee” which is a way for anyone to contribute to the creative process behind the paintings. Fuel the artist so to speak. Here is the link if you are interested. The funds go to supplies and gas to get out to the trails. I truly appreciate the support and the fact that you are liking these blogs, as well as my art posts. I am working hard to bring you all fresh content! Here is the link to my Instagram where I try to post daily. You can also find me on Facebook at my art page Karen Hilliard Art.

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Sting, Sting…

We enjoyed a beautiful sunny cool day in the desert this weekend. Trekking back up to Mt. Charleston to see a glimpse of snow was a must on Sunday. We decided to stop at the visitors center to use the bathroom and our daughter decided she wanted to stay there and drive/ride no further. Anyone with a toddler, I am sure you understand the importance of this decision. Luckily, there are some lovely trails around the visitors center and they led us to snow. The dog enjoyed getting out of the car as well and he got to feel the earth between his pads. He was so excited and romped around next to our daughter the entire time. The trails were lined with vegetation and we talked about how lovely it would be to come back and see the same spot when spring comes. After playing in the snow for about half an hour, we ventured back to the car to get some snacks. Our daughter decided to stop and feel the dirt run through her fingers, hug bushes, and play with the dog instead of walking.

During this time, we got some amazing pictures and an opportunity for a family photo which is always a treat. This being said, we had no idea what was really about to happen. I was impressed that my phone camera caught the little critter so we could make sure everything was okay when it all took place. Insects are attracted to the color white and our daughter was wearing her pink jacket with white lining. So…needless to say…sting, sting, went the flying ant! Our poor baby looked at the dog in one of the photos and instantly grabbed her face and started crying. She managed to say “face” so we knew where to look and her cheek was swelling up. I thought it was a sting instantly and immediately checked for breathing and the list of safety precautions. So many thoughts race in the mind when little ones are hurt. I walked her over to the snow, and iced the swelling area as her tears stopped falling. Then, we went to the ranger station as it was closer than our car, and the swelling was gone. The sweet ranger helped us identify the insect from our photos and all was well.

Just a thought…what if, in a real emergency, there are no more Park Rangers? What are people going to do? After speaking with the rangers and staff there, many jobs are gone and funds for the jobs people currently have are low.

Advice: Stay safe out there and check your emergency kits!

I hope you all have a Marvelous Monday and thank you for reading.

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog

Unexpected Encounters

Today my daughter and I ventured to the Wetlands here in Las Vegas, Nevada. This place has always been a personal favorite of mine and where dear friends of mine have worked in the past. The lovely ladies took children on tours and there was always some animal scat or owl pellets to discuss! To share the wonderful world of the Wetlands with my own daughter is just an amazing experience. In my previous blog, “Signature Show 2025,” I wrote about the night of the art show. All of the educational discoveries inside the event center held our daughter’s attention again. She was fascinated with learning about ecosystems and life cycles of animals. We got to listen to coyote calls and be entertained with a pop up burrowing rabbit. The giant frog was her favorite today and she actually used the bullfrog call. Last time she was a bit fearful and today she was enthralled. Walking around and teaching her about the Wetlands was mesmerizing for me. I almost did not see the unexpected encounters of people looking at the paintings from the corner of my eye.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Signature Show 2025

While in the little gift shop checking out dragonfly stuffed animals, a person approached me. I recognized him right away and realized I had spoken to his wife as I was running around with my daughter. It was my dentist who I had told about the show during my appointment. This was such a nice feeling to see someone that I know standing in front of all the paintings and enjoying them. We spoke for a spell and it was a great interaction. I love how art can bring people together. On my third circle through the gift shop, I ran into someone I did not know who told me the poet society was in viewing the paintings and they were taken with “Resolute Protector.” He told me they were discussing what they saw in the painting and all had a different perspective. I beamed with light right there on the spot! In past shows, I always ask, “what do you see?” It amazed me that they asked each other that when I was not even there. A pure dream come true! The other people I met worked with one of my friends a long time ago and we had an amazing conversation. Art really spreads love and happiness! They also loved our little girl. She is such a positive little person.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Signature Show 2025 | Nevada Watercolor Society | Wetlands

Filled with so much joy from these people inside the building, my daughter and I left with huge smiles on our faces. We walked around the Wetlands and saw birds, rocks, trees, and yes…dirt!! Watching her walk the trails and holding her tiny hand as she spotted birds was the best part of the day! Thank you for reading and I hope you all get a chance to get outside. Snow is coming here in Vegas and we are excited! Have a fantastic Friday night!

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog

Ethel M Chocolates and Cactus Garden

The smell of sweet chocolate rising up to our nostrils from the tips of our lips as we took bite after bite of an amazing milk chocolate peanut butter bar from Ethel M Chocolates was captivating. We shared it as we walked around and ran up and down trails where there were no people. We saw a barrel cactus, Joshua trees, prickling pears, Beavertail, and many more beautiful plants. Baja Fairy Duster wisped in the wind and had bees working around the clock on the flowers. My daughter was fascinated with the lava rock out of everything. The colors of the lava rock were so beautiful on this cloudy day. I saw an amazing Dioxide Purple mixed with Permanent Alizarin Red, which I love to paint with my watercolor from Winsor Newton. For those of you who are not artists and follow my blog, it was a beautiful mix of violet, dark red, and a bit of pink. The desert really comes alive in the cactus garden especially on rainy days. Ethel M is well taken care of. The plants are nicely spaced so they are all very appealing to the eyes.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Ethel M Chocolates | Cactus Garden

The people inside the chocolate factory at the gift shop are very, very nice. They offered us a sample of one of their truffles which we also enjoyed. Bittersweet chocolate with a creamy vanilla center touched our lips and tickled our taste buds with such an amazing flavor. My daughter is so good at sharing so she had a teeny little bite and then gave the rest to “mama.“ She had a tiny little taste of two little treats. Then, she danced to the music that they played at the cactus garden while lifting her pink boots up into the air. We brought her cute little rainbow umbrella, just in case it rained, but we were lucky. Drops came when we arrived and caressed the windshield of our car, then ceased to continue before we even walked around. It was a very lovely day outside and I look forward to sketching about it in our book. What did you all do today? Thank you for reading and I hope you had a wonderful Wednesday!

– Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog

Snow Days Part Two

So, hiking up the mountain pass to get to the trail was no easy feat. I realized about 100 feet in that I was on an incline. Prior to backpacking another human, I had no recollection that it was that intense. We parked pretty far away from the entrance to Fletcher Trail. I am laughing right now because I thought we parked a lot closer and was super happy with our spot. While walking I got in my head and counted my breaths to keep my mind steady. Luckily, there were children sledding to the left of us right off the road so it was a joyous walk. I imagined our daughter doing the same and it brought a smile to my face. Her and I pointed out people and animals we saw all the while my husband and dog were behind us. Eventually, I asked him to go ahead and I took my time. He definitely walked at a slow pace and stayed with us the whole time. Our dog tends to pull on the leash as if he is a sled dog in Alaska so I figured if he was the “lead dog” he may not pull as hard to get in the front. He ended up relaxing and it was a nice, slow, meandering hike to the trailhead.

Sled Dog — **ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR…AVAILABLE…CLICK HERE!**

Once we arrived there was some slippery packed down snow almost in the form of ice. We navigated around it nicely and then it got a lot more slushy in the sun spots. It was not until we trekked a little higher up the trail that the snow started to be crunchy and deep. We were so thankful and excited it turned into an awesome hike that the dog, and toddler, got to experience a wonderful winter wonderland. I mentioned in the previous blog about her building a “snow..ma” and walking around carefully through the snow. Watching her hunt for sticks for the arms, hair, and nose was also a precious moment. Our dog needed to be entertained with flying snowballs so he would leave her alone and not try to eat her sticks. My husband threw the snow one way and the dog went the other. He eventually paid attention and ran in the right direction but it was hilarious to watch. I think he was just overstimulated by all the amazing smells and sights. Were any of you able to go to the snow this year? Leave a comment below if you want to share! Thank you for reading and have a marvelous Monday…night!

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags Fairbanks, New Blog, watercolor painting

Snow Days

While writing this blog in my mind for the last week and not knowing where to begin, I found a lovely song on Instagram available for reels. As I looked over my videos to inspire this post and decided on tapping into certain moments of the hike…the song choice flowed with our daughter walking around in the snow. The band is Inland Sky and the song is linked here, “Little Hands.” Have a listen if you will. This song is heartfelt and sums up not only the hiking expeditions or her joy, but motherhood along with hopes and dreams for all children. I immediately thought of her tiny hands finally touching snow and building her snowman, person, woman, yet she calls it “snow..ma.” I can close my eyes and remember the smells from the trail and how different the butterscotch of the ponderosa pines drifts up my nostrils compared to the heat of summer. Not as strong of a scent. All three of us pressed our noses up to the trees to see if one was stronger than the last. They all pretty much smelled mild.

Hearing the snow crunch beneath our feet was another sensation and it was interesting to feel myself sink further into the snow due to the tiny human on my back. She could not wait to get out of the backpack this time. Adventuring is about to change and a transition is coming for sure. As she grows, so do we as parents, and our trekking takes interesting turns. The dog was running around in certain sections where there were no travelers around and he had the time of his life. My husband and I both looked at each other and said, “well, he will sleep for about three days after this!” Um…nope, it was about a day and a half. This is the deal anyone signs up for if they get a herding dog. He is high energy and keeps us on our toes at all times…perfect for a toddler running around. I posted two videos on social media. One video of our dog running up the mountain chasing snowballs and the other of our daughter carefully navigating her movements around rocks through the snow. This week’s blogs will be all about this family excursion. Thank you for reading and I hope you had a Marvelous Monday!

-Karen Hilliard

We hiked Fletcher Canyon again. Although a completely different time of year, it reminded me of hiking with our daughter when I created the tiny paintings below.

Karen Hilliard Art Blog | Fletcher Trail | Mt. Charleston — AVAILABLE CLICK HERE

Also, if you would like another way to show support, I have a few options. “Buy me a

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

Family Photos

All of our outdoor destinations are always filled with so many adventures and memories shared. Needless to say, I take hundreds of photos for one outing. Catching everyone looking at the camera with the proper joy in their eyes for the moment is a very special feat. I especially love when I catch the dog with his ears up, tongue out, or the whimsical light of mischief he has in his eyes. Then, let’s discuss having a toddler being captured with the enjoyment they have been expressing the entire trip, now there is a sweet treat for any photographer. So combine three humans, not including anyone we travel with, and our dog. I would say it is a chaotic symphony of pure magic to get wonderful photos. Hence, I love to sketch the feeling behind the photo in our little family book. I share glimpses of it here in the blog and I hope you enjoy it. For the picture below, my husband went through several transformations as I did not sketch this one out with a pencil first. He looked like Jesus for quite a while. Usually, his face is the least challenging for me to paint or draw because I stare at it so often.

The dog is the next one that I can get spot on, as long as I get his emotion from the outing…I am usually on a roll. The baby, well…I stare at her the most as I am lucky enough to be a stay at home parent now. Her portraits are becoming like second nature for any medium I choose, and yet, they look a bit different every time, which I find enjoyable. Now…there is me…and I am laughing as I write this. Why are self portraits so difficult? In college, whenever I had to draw myself for class…I looked so stern and scary due to staring in a mirror to accomplish the assignment. Lately, I am drawing myself from pictures and it is becoming more adaptable for my hand to create my face. As long as I get the feeling we all had, I feel like I accomplished something. I really need to redo my husband for another memory of the redwoods though…that is what my notes say anyway. Have any of you struggled with self portraits, or even taking selfies? Or, letting another person take pictures of you? I know a lot of people from my generation and previous ones who have had a difficult time with this. It is nice to see the next generation be so open to sharing their face and story with others. I am slowly getting more comfortable with this. Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for your support!

Tags New Blog

Finding Treasures

Out in the desert among the quiet landscape, we find many treasures. Sticks are one of our favorite things to find. They are sculpted by time and the elements. Wood withstands the various temperatures and climate changes…well, as long as one of them is not fire. Even this being said, we have found many bushes, and tree remnants from lightning strikes that are still standing. The joy of a child and the wonderment of this age is endless. We have a book at home called, “Not a Stick,” by Antoinette Portis that illustrates the imagination of a child with a pig as the main character. Our daughter found this book recently and the imagery is very descriptive of what I see when she walks around the desert with her treasures. I look forward to the day when she can tell me what she sees when she walks around with her treasures. Rocks often find a place in her pocket for the majority of our walks. Sticks, they get carried to their next destination until another interesting one is found. Below is a sketch from our experiences on the trails.

The pure joy in her face when she holds one up to show me is priceless. Yelling, “Mama, stick,” with giggles and then laughter. I look for lines and grooves in her finds and she examines the “holes.” We both smile and share moments in time. Each one of us is seeing the world differently and everything gets quiet. Tiny treasures in tiny hands. A few steps are taken and the stick gets placed down gently, then sediments get picked up and run through her fingers. The giggles continue. Then the wobbly toddler run starts as she finds a new treasure. What do you think it was? Yes, you guessed it…a “stick!” Oh the adventures we go on in my mind. I hope you all get a chance to adventure soon. Until then, have a Marvelous Monday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog, red rock canyon

“Connected by Love”

The Second Painting I created to show the heart shape of the canopy was also painted to express connection. I show this with the special feature of puzzle pieces located in the bottom left corner. My brother and his wife had their first date while putting a puzzle together. They laughed and talked over building something new for both of them. In those tiny moments…the subtle glances of looking up at one another…the sweet smiles of something young and fresh…they began. While working on this painting, I thought about their deep love for one another and their family. My mind drifted to memories of walking through the Redwood Forests with them and their children. They have taken us to the Redwoods everytime we visit. We have frequently seen Armstrong Woods and Grove of the Old Tress. This painting is a celebration of love and I wanted it to be personalized for anyone who would like their names written in the pieces. A forever reminder that we are all one piece of someone’s puzzle of life and love! I used their names as an example and to honor them both on my website. They are lovely people who inspire me. Here is the poem I wrote about the painting:

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL PAINTING!

Our hearts beat as one and it whispers to the wind. What tales it could tell yet seems to hide in the shadows of day. Light sneaks through the cracks and holes surrounding it. Our heart pumps blood softly and beats slowly as if not to stir. The wholeness of this heart, in this place, in this time, with all these emotions swimming with memories…seeping through the dark places to find light. The heart of the forest shall not be bound, yet be free to blow in the wind spreading love and light. So everyone in their darkest of places may be able to see, feel, dream, and be exactly who they are in the moment. Sitting beneath this heart of ours on the forest floor, looking up at the canopy we created, feeling connected, and forever protected.

I hope you feel loved and cherished. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

CLICK HERE FOR A PERSONALIZED PRINT

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Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

“Heart of the Forest”

Residing in Occidental, California there is a grove of old trees. They stand proud and tall, protecting one another from the elements. All the while, they are being protected by stewards of this Earth, humans. Thank you to the people who care for this special place and allow the public access to it. My family and I travel there annually in the month of December when the cool breeze blows. The coastal air is usually cool in this grove, however, the winter months make it extra special. We were fortunate enough to have a bit of sprinkles and splash in puddles. Constantly we kept watch on the tree limbs as rain did loosen some, so be careful. We also watched out for poison oak because there are some growing along the trail edges. This is mentioned at the start of the loop in case you need more information. All of the safety measures aside, we walk around with pure wonder every time we are fortunate enough to venture there. Below is my new painting, “Heart of the Forest,” and yes, you can stand under the actual tree canopy where the heart is formed. This is a truly remarkable experience.

The original painting is in Watercolor on Cold Pressed Paper. It is painted edge to edge on a sheet measuring 15” x 20” and is one of my brightest yet. I absolutely love this piece and decided to make prints as well. Here is the description for the moment in time when this painting was created in my mind…

My sister in law took us to a place. This place stood in a moment in time. Tall, full, and welcoming. The winds were cool and the skies opened up with rain. The midst rolled in around us like a blanket of dewdrops caressing our fingertips. We splashed in puddles and ran around through undergrowth. Then, in a magical moment, we looked up and saw the heart of the forest.

If any of you are interested in the Original, here is the LINK. If you would like a print, here is the LINK. Thank you all for reading and if you have the chance, I hope you can go see this remarkable heart shape while looking up to the sky above. Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

-Karen Hilliard

If you would like to, please leave your Social Media handle on the “Buy me a Coffee” page so I can thank you in my Instagram/Facebook Stories! 🙂

Thank you again for all of your support!

Tags New Blog, redwood trees, tree canopy, watercolor painting