Category: New Painting

“Juliet’s Fall”

Here they are! The new Tiny Painting Series, “Juliet’s Fall.” I wrote about these little color wonders in my previous blogs “Fall Season,” and in “Chestnuts” I gave a glimpse of one of the other paintings with Fall foliage. The colors of this series brought such joy to my studio and warmth to my home. I wrote in my Newsletter about how I envisioned knitting sweaters, hand warmers, and scarves while possibly sipping tea or coffee. Going from the “Pumpkins 2024 Series” to “Juliet’s Fall” was a wonderful transition from October to November for me. These new paintings focusing mainly on leaves and season changes reminded me of our last days at the Pumpkin Patch at Gilcrease Orchard. Watching the vines and leaves descend due to people choosing their pumpkins and also because of heat exhaustion, was an interesting change to experience from the year before. The pumpkin Patch was much cooler last year than this one and we could really see the difference in pumpkins this year from the year prior. They have been ripening sooner than expected and many meals have been made already! The Pumpkin paintings have filled my home with new colors thank the year before and inspired those deep orange hues for the new Fall pieces as well.

I released the paintings in my Newsletter as well along with the New larger painting I have been working on, still a work in progress. You can find out more about that painting by signing up for my Newsletter…just an email from me to you every month with new artwork, and a friendly hello! In this blog, I am diving a bit deeper into the inspiration for these smaller works. Juliet, the photographer, is a wonderful person who fills the world with color and light. She is also an amazing mother with fantastic children who bring light to this world as well. Juliet is honest, hard working, brilliant, and has a warm glow about her. She can talk with anyone and treats everyone with respect. I wanted to honor her personality in these Tiny Paintings. It was a challenge to create smaller bits and pieces of this beautiful lady’s persona and hopefully you can feel her light shining through to all of you. I will be adding more paintings to this series, and they will all look different than the ones posted. Wishing you all a Fabulous Friday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, watercolor painting

Chestnuts

The title, “Chestnut Grove,” makes me think about a grove of chestnut trees in the middle of a beautiful field, sparkling and colorful in the fall. The leaves are moving in the wind and changing color, yellow with hints of brown creating a glitter of natural wonders. Along with chestnut trees, another that pops into my mind is a field of maple trees, oak trees, and birch, all changing color and losing their leaves this fall. Chestnut Grove Tea reminds me of being back in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and seeing the beautiful trees along the roadside as we drive, changing colors along the Fall Color Map. These beautiful states attract visitors from miles away just to drive the picturesque trails through valleys of color. As I sit here in Nevada, sipping this marvelous black tea, I am dreaming about Wisconsin. My new Tiny Painting Series is titled, “Juliet’s Fall,” and it will be released on my website this Friday! These paintings are a series of colorful wonders representative of the photographs taken by our cousin, Juliet. She loves the season of Fall and sent me lovely foliage photos as painting references. When I think about this time of year and the chill forming in the air, I quietly sip my tea and appreciate the changing of the season.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Day Hike — Available SOON!!

“Chestnut Grove,” black tea can be found at Sheffield Spice and Tea Company here in Henderson, Nevada. It is an adorable little shop filled with smells to awaken the senses any time one sets foot inside the doors. I chose a black tea of medium caffeine levels for this week’s blog and am combining it with my Monday blog about my new paintings. This glorious tea has kept me awake and the fires of inspiration have been burning as I smell the lovely chestnut aroma sifting through my studio. This tea contains ingredients such as Ceylon Black Tea with Natural Chestnut Flavor. The Antioxidant level is High and the description says to enjoy it in front of an open fire. Their words make me think about Frank Sinatra and my Grandfather singing, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” as he would roast chestnuts for us in his kitchen. This tea brings me back to fond memories of my loving grandpa once again and I am so happy to have these pictures in my mind, ears, and heart as I paint some fall foliage. I hope this blog entices your senses and I linked the tea if you are not local and would like to purchase it from their website. My paintings will be available soon and if you would like them sooner, please contact me here! Thank you for reading and have a Marvelous Monday.

-Karen Hilliard

Fall Season

Fall is a wonderful time of year. The weather starts to cool in the mornings and hopefully stays throughout the day. If you live in an area with changing seasons, then you can see some amazing variations of colors in the trees. Here in the desert we are lucky to have some oak trees which release their leaves and give a nice yellow hue before they blanket the ground and change to brown. My husband loves the smell of decomposing leaves and it reminds him of his childhood growing up in Wisconsin. His cousin recently sent me lovely photos of the changing leaves throughout the town where she lives and it has sparked my next series of Tiny Paintings. “Juliet’s Fall,” will be released in my Newsletter on November first in a little over a week. This series is about slowing down and taking time to appreciate everything around us. Nature is such a wonderful teacher in this retrospect as well as teaching us many other lessons to learn.

All things in nature take time to grow and develop, then run their course of living their individual existence. This series is about the leaves and the changing of the seasons, also reminding us that as humans, we go through many transformations in life. These changes become chapters in our book of life and our novels expand as we evolve. Trees are fascinating and see so much life pass around, above, inside, through, and beneath them. What would they tell us if we could listen or understand? These small pieces are meant to bring light and color into this world through the cool seasons leading into winter. Fall is a remarkable season filled with warmth from fires lit in the hearth of homes, soup made on people’s stoves to sip with merriment, hot chocolates, teas, and coffees consumed by many. The food of Fall brings everyone together and reminds us to give thanks for everything we hold dear. I love the constant reminder that where I am today, right now in this moment, I wished for it to happen in the past. This colorful series I am about to release heightens all of my senses and brings awareness for everything that is important to me. A very grateful feeling. I hope this Fall is a magical time of year for you as well. You can sign up for my Newsletter on my website or click this link and you will be directed to it. Have a Wonderful Wednesday and thank you for reading!

-Karen Hilliard

Click Play to watch me Painting the New Series, “Juliet’s Fall.” Releasing Soon!!

Pumpkin Patch

Days at the pumpkin patch have been filled with happiness and wonder. Walking into Holvrease and getting greeted by the staff with such joy is a great experience and sets the mood for a fun filled day! Meandering along the path to the pumpkins and choosing a wheelbarrow to collect our treasures also brings a smile to our faces. From the moment we enter to the moment we leave the Patch is full of possibilities. I love watching our daughter run her fingers through the dirt, collect it, and watch it float in the air through her fingertips. Children truly are fascinating. These years of wonder are filled with whimsy and a sparkling personality is being formed.

Karen Hilliard Art | Blog | Pumpkin Patch

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Number 10 — AVAILABLE CLICK HERE!

The pumpkin series holds so many meanings for me. Each one wrapped in my memories of where we picked the pumpkin, the weather during the day as it has been vastly different, and the people we were with upon choosing the pumpkin. We think of what good we will create when I finish a painting and the pumpkin is ready to carve. We have made soup, gnocchi, bread, and scones so far. Last year we attempted chocolate chip pumpkin cookies which came out nice but way different than the recipe. So each pumpkin in the “Pumpkins 2024 Series” holds a special place in my mind. Every painting I create does actually since most are from nature and an experience in my life. The memories of going to the Pumpkin Patch with sisters, nieces, friends, cousins, and our loved ones will live in these paintings for all time. I hope these pumpkins bring you joy and a bit of whimsy. What a wonderful world we live in. Thank you for reading and have a marvelous Monday!

-Karen Hilliard

Tags New Blog, Pumpkin Patch, watercolor painting

The Art of Whimsy

Karen Hilliard Art Blog | Pumpkins 2024 | Pumpkin Paintings — AVAILABLE

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Series Number 1 — AVAILABLE

Whimsical is defined as playful or amusing, also as appealing. This pumpkin series is meant to bring a jovial jive so they dance through the minds of each viewer and take each person to a land of wonderment. The land of awe where anything is possible and the world is full of all the colors on the spectrum. There is a play of light and dark throughout this series including various undertones with different techniques. Water play and detailed brushwork went hand in hand with each piece and the ink came at the beginning, middle, and end. Every time I look upon these pumpkins, I am transported back in time to happy memories of holidays with my family and the warmth this time of year brings. These colorful wonders also ground me into the present moments I am having with my little family at the Pumpkin Patch and watching our daughter explore the natural world. The paintings also give me hope for our future and dreams we have coming into fruition. Consistently putting in the time, hard work, and dedication needed for these goals to become a reality. This series is definitely a fun project for me.

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Number 6 — AVAILABLE

Karen Hilliard Art | Pumpkins 2024 Number 7 — AVAILABLE

Every year the pumpkins we choose change yet we always try to find the majority for eating. We cook soup, scones, breads, etc. If you have a recipe or a link to one, please share it in the comments below. The previous blog Pumpkin Soup was supposed to be about soup, yet, as writing is a form of art, it took two directions. That blog became one of hope for others and an outstretched hand. This blog comes back to the original sentiment of the series and the loveliness I am trying to spread in the world, one painting at a time. Whimsy means fanciful, which is in one’s imagination, and behavior for which we act. These paintings are a glimpse inside my mind which is a spider web of wondrous thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Each brush stroke, dot of the paintbrush, or pen is a thought from me to you. I see many different images in the lines of my creations and usually am smiling the whole time while working on these fun little pumpkins. I occasionally have a determined or concentrated look on my face and then a chuckle comes from my mouth while the water flows its own way again. These little pieces are meant to bring magic and humor into your life and to be viewed with whimsy. I love how each painting is unique and not one is painted the same!

Wishing you all a Wonderful Weekend! Thank you for reading.

-Karen Hilliard

SOLD!

Tags New Blog, Pumpkin Spice, Pumpkins, watercolor painting

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.

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?

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