Category: Karen Hilliard Art Blog

Pumpkin Soup

Italian Seasoning with Thyme and Rosemary filled the air around my house while I walked our dog. I drifted back to childhood memories of my Grandfather and all of his stories blanketed me under the stars. As we walked the third lap and it was nearing 9pm, I smiled with the mere thought that the smell was coming from my home. My husband carved one of the Gilcrease Pumpkins tonight and I boiled the flesh of the squash. The red pumpkin ended up being really soft and when blended into a purée, it turned more into a soup, so I decided to make soup. While it simmered I was thinking about the sales of the recent “Pumpkins 2024 Series Number 2” and “Number 8,” and feeling overjoyed at this time of year. A time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and share hearth and home. I also thought of those who feel alone at this time of year, and hoped if they saw these colorful paintings that the artwork may bring a smile to their faces. A warm hug, an outstretched hand possibly, to know they are not alone. I hope this series brings whimsy and color into people’s homes and hearts.

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Number 6 — Click Each Painting To See It On The Website!

Here are a few more of these pumpkins to view. October is becoming one of my favorite months and the Fall season is as well. Thanksgiving truly was not really a great time of year for me until I met my husband and his joy of cooking inspired my own. Even around many people, I still felt alone and misunderstood at times. Growing up as an artist can create a lot of different emotions at once, and I felt all over the place with many thoughts. Usually what I wanted to create next, yet did not know how to express these ideas. My recent series on the Redwoods touch on Togetherness especially for this time of year. I was fortunate to keep my wonderment from childhood alive and well as I grew and evolved. This “Pumpkins 2024 Series” reaches out with color and liveliness. These pumpkins are meant to spread jovial energy and happiness this time of year. I hope this post finds you well and if you feel lost, please reach out to someone, you are not alone. If you know someone who feels lonely this time of year, please reach out to them as well. Every time my Grandpa called me on the phone I would say, thanks for calling. He always replied, “Thank you for picking up. If you didn’t there would be no conversation.” Thank you for reading and have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Karen Hilliard

“A true selfless act always sparks another.”

~Klaus

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

Pumpkins 2024

A walk in the pumpkin patch for our child to embrace nature and for us to collect pumpkins for cooking, also created something marvelous. These days with our daughter, family, and friends inspired my new series of paintings, “Pumpkins 2024.” I wanted to incorporate the absolute joy of wonder experienced when we watched our daughter explore the fields, run her fingers through the dirt, watch bees work doing their magic, and choose her first pumpkin of the season. We were fortunate to have her Godmother, also her auntie, visit and help her choose this pumpkin two years in a row! The Pumpkin Patch is more than just holiday joy for us, we choose the best pumpkins we can find for baking and cooking. Art is about trying new things and reaching outside the lines of being boxed in. Each year the soup, scones, and whatever else we make with the pumpkins, all taste entirely different. Making mistakes always creates happiness in this home. While watching children explore and wonder, I went into a whimsical world myself. We ended up finding some really great pumpkins this year and the paintings represent the actual pumpkin with a twist to leave every viewer pondering. What do you see in these pumpkins? What do they make you think about?

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Series Number 1 — **CLICK EACH PAINTING TO VIEW IT ON MY WEBSITE!!**

The colors are vastly different and make me think of the leaves changing and Fall arriving in the forest. Watching the leaves fall to the ground to become compost for new life is fascinating. The orange hues and accents of browns throughout this season bring warm thoughts and make me think about the sun. I added yellow to each pumpkin in order to represent sunlight. My husband pointed out how the leaves were wilting in the sun and would perk back up at night when the weather cooled. The one thing about living in the desert is the heat. It almost feels year round these days. The Pumpkin Patch at Gilcrease Orchard was very warm by nine and ten o’clock in the morning. We love going to Gilcrease because it is very family friendly and they have wonderful food, along with a live band on the weekends. Going as early as possible is the best time to beat the heat and crowds of people if you would like to get those awesome family photos every year. I will be writing more about the Orchard and our experiences while spreading joy with this new series in the next few blog posts. Thank you all for reading and I hope you have a Marvelous Monday! Spread that sunshine!!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, pumpkin paintings, watercolor painting

An Irish Morning

Walking along the coastline of Ireland on the road through Dingle, was one of my fondest memories. The bus ride from Dublin to Dingle was a lovely experience filled with many stops and Cadbury Chocolates. Each bus stop had a vending machine inside and multiple selections of this delicious treat. The chocolate in Ireland is different than here in America due to varying pasteurization laws and their chocolate seems way more decadent as well as creamy. After many hours on the bus, I arrived in Dingle. This is a quaint little town in the southern region of Ireland. The Dingle Peninsula was home to a bottlenose dolphin that resided in the sea. Personally, I did not get the chance to see this wonderful being, yet, I love the idea that it was there. What a peaceful place Dingle is and this dolphin knew it. I traveled to Ireland in the year 2001 and the dolphin stayed for decades since the 1980s. Thinking back to walking on the road down to the peninsula brings many happy memories into my mind. For example, the cool air and then of course, a rainstorm. I ended up in a tiny pub listening to amazing conversations between the regulars there. How nice it would have been to have tried a hot cup of tea on that rainy day in Ireland.

**The Scottish “coo” is explained below.**

Today I will be reviewing Sheffield Spice and Tea Company’s “Irish Morning” Black Tea. The ingredients of this tea are: Black Tea, Coconut Chips, Strawberry Leaves, Flavoring, and Safflower. When I bought the tea I was told there was a hint of Rum in it. Reading the label, it also says “With Cream.” After the tea steeped for seven minutes, I put some whole milk in it to cool it a bit so I could drink it. From the first sip, I was back in Ireland. The aroma of the tea is strong and pleasant. I can really taste the Strawberry Leaves and they linger for a nice aftertaste. The Rum flavoring stays on the taste buds as well and I can smell a hint of it before each sip. Irish Coffee has that nice flavor of Irish Whiskey so this was a delicious difference for me. Another delectable treat to add to my palette if you will. This tea just may be traveling with me back to Ireland if I get the chance to go again. The caffeine level is Medium so it will be excellent to keep me awake on a journey or late at night when I need to complete a project. There is an allergy warning on the label for Coconut Chips so be warned if you need this information. I do not want anyone suffering just to try this wonderful tea. If you would like to purchase their tea, click the link. I hope this review was helpful and thank you for reading! Have a Wonderful Weekend.

-Karen Hilliard

I have always loved Highland Cows or Scottish Coos. This particular animal was photographed by my friend on her trip to Scotland. While writing this blog, my mind drifted to conversations I had with her during her trip to Ireland and Scotland. I remembered this lovely picture of the coo named Torin. My friend stayed at a lovely Air Bnb called Quila Cridhe and they actually have a tea service daily so this all fits together. We are all connected! If you would like to know more about Torin, she says he likes being in the spotlight. You can find more information about Quila Cridhe and their coos here. Just click on their name and the link will take you to their Instagram page. After talking with my friend, I want to travel back to Scotland just to stay there!

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

“Redwoods – Lighting the Way”

Lighthouses guided sailors through storms and became a beacon of hope through the darkness. As fear or uncertainty set in, light illuminated their path home to reach the shore and embrace their loved ones. The sun has the same aspect of hope for me as the light from a lighthouse. The sun warms us through cold winters, helps plants grow with photosynthesis, and lights the way for every living thing while walking in a dark forest. This painting, “Redwoods-Lighting the Way,” speaks to me on so many levels. I see beauty all around me in every situation but am also aware of others hurting or feeling lost. This Redwood Series is about spreading hope and giving the gift of strength to everyone who views these paintings. The world has always been going through uncertainty or chaos. Even a forest can be cut down and take years to regrow if given the chance. I am forever grateful to the stewards of the Grove of Old Trees in Occidental, California. Protecting these peaceful giants. They are a true wonder and marvel. Beacons of hope.

SOLD “Redwoods – Lighting the Way”

“Redwoods-Lighting the Way,” was titled by my mother and holds a special connection between the two of us. I am thankful this painting was purchased by a dear friend who loves Redwood Forests as much as I do. This painting is now hanging in a home where it is spreading light to a person who “Lights the Way” for so many around them. Through all my years of painting, I feel blessed with the memories of knowing where all my paintings reside. The person who owns this painting spends her days guiding others to help people around them. She protects people who need it and lifts up others who are uncertain or overwhelmed, all the while putting herself last and “lighting the way” for them. I am honored she chose this painting to bring her joy forever because she is the true essence of the word joy. Even on our darkest days, I hope everyone remembers we are all connected in some beautiful way. This series is meant to reach out and have people feel the warmth of looking toward the light. Thank you all for reading this and I hope your Thursday was terrific and your Friday is fantastic!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

“Redwoods – Spreading Light”

Painting a series on Redwood trees has humbled me in so many ways. I posed the question “How many have walked these paths beneath the trees?” in my previous blog “Redwoods-Stand United.” While thinking about how the trees in the forest have lived for hundreds to thousands of years and how humans, well, do not, I have an overwhelming feeling of reverence anytime I walk among them. Hopefully these Tiny Paintings will bring hope, light, and wonder when you look upon them. Sparking conversation is my goal as an artist. People often see things in my tiny details that I did not notice until they share their perspective with me. I would love to know what you see in my paintings in the comments below! Or, how my work makes you feel when you view it. Do you feel amazement when you walk through a forest and beneath the trees? Do you feel connected or at peace? What are your thoughts? I am curious. This series is meant to connect us and my hope for this painting is that it spreads light.

“Redwoods-Spreading Light,” incorporates my love of the Redwood forests and the beauty all around us. This forest scene was created by building up many layers. The light through the trees shines bright and makes me feel as if it is lighting the way for those who walk in the woods. Also, those who feel any darkness. This painting is meant to shed light on any gloomy or lonely situation in anyone’s life. The sun is a beacon of hope, guiding the way. Fun fact, I wanted to title it guiding light yet when researching I found that it was the title of a soap opera that aired for 57 years here in America. It ran from 1952 to 2009. Isn’t this interesting? Then, after a lovely conversation with my mother, she titled this piece. My wish for this painting is that it brings you peace and a little bit of love into your home. Thank you for reading and may your Tuesday be terrific!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

Pumpkin Chai

In the previous weekend blog I wrote about Sheffield Spice and Tea Company here in Henderson, Nevada. Realizing later that I mentioned the tea I chose to keep me motivated during the long nights and early mornings, yet, I did not elaborate on it. Here is my review on their “Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Chai” and yes, I did link it. Their tea can also be purchased online as well as their spices. This tea has many ingredients. Here are some…Black tea, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg…and the list goes on. The owner of the shop adds cute little sweeteners with Halloween shapes also. Lately I have been drinking this tea to stay up at night so the Tiny Painting series would be displayed in my Newsletter. This tea has a Medium Caffeine content so if you need to sleep, you should probably drink it in the morning or before 1pm. It does keep me awake so I can finish my projects and meet my goals. I love that it only needs to steep for five to ten minutes so I can start working quickly after it is done. Adding a dash of milk to it helps it cool off and adds to the flavors.

Sipping this tea while I paint really heightens all of my senses. The aroma of spices fill my nasal cavity and bring me to a new place of inspiration. The Ginger, Nutmeg, and Clove make me want to eat pumpkin scones, pumpkin pie, and cozy up in Fall attire. As I drink this magical tea I drift in and out with thoughts of pumpkins, the pumpkin patch, and happy memories with my family around this time of year. The tea is nice and smooth and each spice brings its own flavor of magic. This tea definitely puts me in the mood and mindset for Fall and gave me the drive I needed to start my Pumpkins 2024 Tiny Painting Series. Personally, I love black tea because it reminds me of my trips abroad. This tea makes me want to travel in the Fall Season to a place where leaves change color on the trees. Until then, I am fortunate to have Gilcrease Orchard and their lovely Pumpkin Patch with hayrides, fields of pumpkins, and many photo opportunities to spark my artistic mind. Now, making this tea beforehand and bringing it to the Pumpkin Patch, well, that is just the perfect combination for happiness. I hope this review helped or inspired you. Wishing you all a lovely week ahead and wondering how your weekends went? Thank you for reading, connecting, and being here. You are appreciated!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

“Redwoods – Stand United”

Shapes appear in the shadows as I walk the cool paths through the forest. Small tree stumps are blanketed by moss and decomposing needles. Large tall trees tower over the stumps protecting them from wind and rain. Branches twist and turn sculpted by the elements throughout time. How many have walked these paths beneath the trees? What stories would these trees tell if given the chance? I was talking with a fellow artist friend from Roma, Italy about this very idea after she read one of my previous blogs on the Redwoods. Her name is Celia Blanco and here is the link to her website if you would like to view some amazing watercolors! She is also a lovely lady. This one friendly chat of inspirational thoughts solidifies we are all connected. Worlds away and the internet brought us together like two trees in a forest. This is what my painting series is all about. Togetherness. Here is the third painting in the series, “Redwoods-Stand United.”

This painting incorporates my love of the Redwood forests and the beauty all around us. The forest scene adds colors from real life as well as my imagination while beneath the canopy. It is titled to show how even though we are all shaped differently, we can stand united and grow into something beautiful. I was recently speaking with a friend about how as teachers, we protect children from everything, especially bullying. I write this because it is a good reminder as adults. How are our actions or words representing what we want to teach or show children growing up in this world? How can we “Stand United,” to show strength and love? As adults we have a huge responsibility like those tall trees in the forest to protect the life beneath them. Also keeping in mind the forest floor protects the tall trees as well. All of us together. We are all made different and this is such a beautiful thing. Even though trees look similar, they are all unique, yet they help one another survive. I hope these thoughts leave you with hope. Have a Terrific Tuesday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

Sheffield Spice and Tea Company

The aroma hits the nostrils and entices the senses. Wondering what we want to make for dinner or for when future guests arrive runs through our mind. The best conversations start at Sheffield Spice and Tea Company, one of our favorite places to go. We go in for tea to help us stay awake while raising our little one yet all the smells inspire us in so many ways. We dream about our farm one day and the lovely garden we will have to plant all the vegetables we desire most. As we wandered around the store, I of course became mesmerized by the artistic teapots and little mugs. Last time we were there I spied this lovely tea mug that a ceramic artist painted owls around. I bought it for inspiration on late nights while I work endlessly to get these blogs out and paintings finished. I write endlessly because I hope to continue my craft for all my days, therefore have art be a never ending journey for my soul.

The tea I chose to keep me motivated during the long nights and early mornings was “Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Chai” and yes, I did link it. Their tea can also be purchased online as well as their spices. This tea has many ingredients. Here are some…Black tea, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black and White pepper, Clove, Nutmeg…and the list goes on. The owner of the shop adds cute little sweeteners with Halloween shapes also. One of the highlights of this shop is speaking with the owners. They are very knowledgeable about their products and also give great cooking advice. This little shop in Henderson, Nevada is a magical place! If you can go, I hope you will find happiness. Thank you for reading and have a Wonderful Weekend! Also, stay tuned for my blog tomorrow on “Redwoods – Stand United,” and my blog on Tuesday including the release of New Tiny Paintings!!

-Karen Hilliard

Tea is also delicious out on the trails.

Tags New Blog, Review

“Redwoods-Stand Together”

The midst slowly creeps through the treetops and along the fern coated paths on the forest floor in the early morning on the California Coastline. Sitting near a town called Occidental is a Grove of Old Trees. This wonderland is maintained by people who are stewards of this land. These people “Stand Together” and work side by side protecting these majestic natural towers. The humans are protected by the canopy of trees as they work tirelessly to maintain the paths through the forest. I thought about these wonderful people as I walked and enjoyed myself in the forest. Upon returning home I created this Tiny Painting with the perspective of the trees standing strong together. The trees were protecting not only themselves, but everyone who stepped foot in their forest.

This painting incorporates my love of the Redwood forests and the beauty all around us. The forest scene adds colors from real life as well as my imagination while beneath the canopy. It is titled to represent how beautiful growth can be when everyone stands together. Through all of our troubling times humans have found someone or something to lean on for support. Every person I know has a connection with a friend, family member, or a group of people they can count on. Even the friends I have lost had people who truly loved them. In times of despair and very importantly in times of joy, we have each other. I hope this painting helps you feel connected and brings a little bit of love into your home. Someone, somewhere loves you! Hold on and believe.

Have a wonderful weekend, you are loved!

-Karen Hilliard

Thank you for reading. If you need a hug, there is a giant one below!

Thank you Danu for your comment on “Redwoods – Stand Strong” and inspiring this blog!

“Redwoods-Stand Strong”

The trees of Old Grove stand strong in the misty morning on the coast of California. They breathe in the fresh morning air and emit lovely oxygen for almost all living things to survive. Fascinating! Trees also work together to survive and help each other out in times of need. They are known to communicate through their root systems. Intriguing! Keeping all of this in mind as I walked through the forest, any forest really, I am continuously amazed. I wanted to create a series of work showing the strength of these trees and the symbiotic positive relationships they create. There is also parasitic relationship and decomposition, however, this series focuses on the strong bonds within the forest.

“Redwoods-Stand Strong” shows the strength of the bark on a redwood tree. This specific tree is also surrounded by friends whose roots are connected or intertwined with its own root system. They feed each other nutrients to help one another to survive and this painting represents the communication between trees. Reminding each other to “Stand Strong” and that they are supported. To hold on and never give up hope. This series is about resilience and so much more! I will be writing about one of the other two pieces I released in the series in the next blog. Over the weekend I hope to write a review on our favorite tea place focusing on specific blends they carry. A warm cup of tea is a lovely treat while walking in a forest! Just make sure what is packed in is also packed out. Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Karen Hilliard