New abstract nautical paintings on the way!

We just spent a week at Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay off the coast of Portland, Maine. It was a truly magical time to watch the kids explore and discover in nature! I will share about our trip over the next few posts but had to share these few images with you! I went with the intention to gather inspiration for my next abstract coastal paintings...they are going to feature colors and line from the crisp Maine coastline.

I found inspiration imagery in droves! Just smelling the fresh sea air was enough to send me to glory; but the sights and sounds (oh, those lapping ocean waves!) were just as wonderful. I'm so excited to get started on this collection and bring it to life for my fellow sea-lovers to enjoy. These are going to be sleek, classy, serene and unique. Unlike anything else out there.

Above are a few pictures from the day we collected glass from Sea Glass Beach in Diamond Cove. The kids couldn't get enough and we went back several times... I fell in love with the views from the beach and the beautiful deep shades of green in the sea water. The seaweed was a bright yellow ochre and there was sea grass in bright greens...all mixed with shells, rocks, and glass. It was hard to leave this spot but we have a lot of colorful souvenirs to remind us of our visit!

Capturing the mood and feeling through paintings will be a fun challenge. Let it begin!

A Meaningful Parenting Quote

"God doesn't call people to be parents because they are able."--Paul David Tripp

Embroidery Hoop Art by Megan Carty

Ok, here are my first 3 finished original embroidery hoop paintings! I styled them for a mid-century nursery style but they can go anywhere, anyhow. I love that you can take an original floral painting and frame it using an embroidery hoop to finish it off...so unique and special! I have them for sale in the FLORAL PAINTINGS section of my site; thanks for looking!

Embroidery Hoop Art: Floral Paintings by Megan Carty

Because I love all things with a whimsical vintage flair, I thought I'd create some paintings on loose canvas and secure them into embroidery hoops as frames for display. Aren't they fun? The hoops add to the vintage charm and give it a unique finished touch. I'm thrilled with how it is coming out! I've got several more in the works... This particular piece isn't finished yet...there's still some last details to include before I glue the canvas to the inside of the hoop. What do you think? These will be available for purchase soon in the FLORAL PAINTINGS section of my shop. Ok, I'm off to go do some more!

Vintage-Inspired Nursery Art Prints/Floral Art Prints

I love unique nursery art, so I decided to show what my new floral paintings look like as nursery art prints/kids room art prints. These work great in vintage-inspired decor schemes and add a lot of color and zing!

I made them so they come in many sizes from small to large to suit your space needs. They come printed on flat canvas (so they look like the real thing!) and they come to you rolled in a cardboard tube (they don't come framed so you can pick your own AND it saves money in shipping.) The cost of shipping is built into the price. You can check out all the prints I offer here.

Free downloadable art wallpapers

I've updated the desktop and iphone wallpaper freebies you get when you sign up for my free Collector's Circle newsletter. These are so fun! The one on my phone gives me such a lift every time I use it! Enjoy them! And if you aren't a member yet, there is a sign up form up on the homepage (toward the bottom). 

Or, you can CLICK HERE to sign up.

Vintage-Inspired Abstract Floral Paintings

I'm so revived by these new paintings I've been working on! I call them my "Zing and Swing" pieces because they are vintage-inspired, super-colorful, and so fun! If ever there is a painting that really exudes who I am on the inside, it's these.

I know that suffering from depression might make some people want to express those dark feelings in all kinds of ways; but for some reason THESE paintings are what wants to come out of me. I'm convinced it is because my true soul wants to show itself...to bring much needed joy in my outward life and remind me that I'm ok. That I'm still there and happy inside. Those seeds of my bubbly and colorful self are still sprouting and taking root.

For a long time I was worried that creating floral paintings might be considered cliche or cheesy in some way. Like it's not serious art. But, that notion has gone due to the fact that it is needed in this world. It is happy. It is uplifting. And if it can help others the way it has helped me, then it is important and real. These come through me almost like magic and I have to believe God has a hand in that. He has a hand in ALL humanity as he gives us gifts with which to bless the world. So, I'm sharing this here with you and will continue to do so!!!! I refuse to apologize for being bubbly and for bringing hope out in the form of art.

I hope you love them and they bring you light and joy!

How suffering from depression affects my art practice

Suffering from clinical depression/bipolar disorder means long stretches of normalcy interrupted by stretches of flare ups where I'm overwhelmed, hopeless, empty, exhausted, physically sore, manically angry, confused and frustrated. I'm running through days in quicksand. I talk a lot about this in my Instagram Stories but wanted to share here and help chip away at the stigma of this illness. If you battle this disease, I feel you. I've been through 23 years of this and I know this will blow by. I don't know when, but it will.

I'm maintaining my medication regime and doing all the things I can to heal this episode. This informs my life, my relationships and my artwork...the bubbly person that is my soul wants to stay in joy and show it to the world. My art allows me to do this...it still comes out even on my darkest days. It is always there reminding me that I'm ok and I just have to share my light. Some days it is all I have to give.

Side note: because of this flare up I've had to stop #the100dayproject because I need to focus on healing and stability. But I'm still cheering on those who are participating! I gave it my best!!!

If you suffer from depression or other long-term illness: You are not alone and you can feel free to comment below. I'm listening!

How I Became an Artist-My Story

Artist Megan Carty describes how she started her art career and the path that unfolded as she made choices based in fear. Make your choices in FAITH...you CAN do what you WANT! www.megancartyart.com facebook.com/megancartyart instagram: @megan_carty_art

Don't make choices based in fear, if there is something you really want to do, learn all you can about it and do your very best! Make it happen!

Maine Home & Design Magazine

I was featured in the March 2017 issue of Maine Home & Design Magazine as "One to Watch" in the art section! Thanks so much!!!!

A post shared by Megan Cassidy Carty (@megan_carty_art) on Feb 21, 2017 at 7:44am PST

How to Stop Procrastinating and reach your goals!

In this video I discuss how some of our goals can seem overwhelming so we put them off and put them off more!

Chic Floral Paintings

We've had two large snow storms back to back here...we are now absolutely buried! My painting cravings have moved back to florals for a bit and here is one I've just completed and made available in my shop. Truthfully, I kind of want to keep this one for myself! I'm already itching to make the next one...

Reflecting on the past year

Happy Holidays my friends!!! Whew, did this year go fast or what? Whenever December rolls around, I like to reflect back on what happened that was good or what needs improvement as I figure out what my priorities and wishes are for 2017. This past year my biggest goal was to zero in on what I most love to paint and I’ve happily accomplished that! I’ve also built and tweaked my website and shop and have really put focused attention on how I can help my collectors and potential collectors. I’ve seen a lot of growth this year; so THANK YOU for that! For 2017 I plan to focus on translating my new abstract landscapes on paper into larger works on canvas and panel... lots of variety in sizes and price points. I also plan to increase my commission slots as I work to get more healing art into the hands that need it! With the turmoil going on in our social climate these days it is more important than ever to surround ourselves with beauty and positivity.

Have you determined what your plans are for the coming year? Feel free to share them with me in the comments!

Here are some of my priorities for 2017: 

1. Become a more engaged mother for my children when I am not working
2. Focus a bit more on making our home a cozy sanctuary for my family
3. Lose 20lbs and get fit while gaining lots of energy
4. Get more of my soothing abstract landscape paintings out into the world!

What was successful about 2016? Feel free so share your wins with me in the comments!

For me it was:

1. Being chosen by Improper Bostonian Magazine as “Best of Boston: Wedding Keepsake” for my custom wedding bouquet paintings
2. Getting featured on the Glitter Guide giving advice to work-at-home parents (as well as a studio tour!)
3. Having a write-up about me and my work in our local newspaper The Nashoba Valley Times
4. Having a feature in the December issue of artMAINE Magazine
5. Getting to create several paintings-turned-prints exclusively for Maine Cottage Catalog.
6. Selling my work at various boutiques; especially the online shop Loom & Kiln
7. Figuring out my favorite painting style and subject-matter…knowing what makes me most happy to make.
8. Getting to create custom commissions for so many special people…making work that is meaningful and special for someone else is a real honor!

I encourage you to reflect back on your wins of the year and celebrate them. It’s all about the journey and we need to enjoy all the little things along the way! That’s what life is all about! Thank you so much for sharing in my journey this year...I have felt so much support and encouragement from this community and I wish you the happiest holiday and New Year! Enjoy, be well, and stay positive!

5 Tips for Balancing Motherhood and Your Business

I'm so proud and excited to tell you I've written an article on balancing work and motherhood for Glitter Guide! It's a topic close to my heart and it's something I juggle every single day. Wanting to be the best mother I can be can sometimes clash with my desires to be a highly productive artist. Each day the balance and focus changes with my goals and it's simply not easy! But I've learned a lot in the past almost eight years of parenting and I'm sharing my discoveries with you!

The article also features an exclusive look at my new studio space! Woot Woot!

Check it out my tips for balancing work and motherhood here!

Painting through Intuition

I'm digging the direction my work has been going lately...abstract but looks like a landscape...I try to convey a sense of time and mood through my use of color. They are like vignettes or memories of a space in time. When I sit down to paint I am usually in a peaceful state where I just finished meditating and I continue that peaceful energy into my painting practice. I look at my colors and then start with whatever I'm most drawn to. I don't plan ahead usually; although sometimes I will see a color palette I love in an inspirational image and I will aim to use those colors. I like to just let intuition take control and see how the piece unfolds on its own. Sometimes working this way makes me nervous, but it's my way of practicing faith...faith in my intuition and in my vision.

Bookkeeping stress

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the tiniest tasks. Like the stack of bills waiting to be paid and dealt with. UGH. I also owe sales tax to the state and have to tackle all my business tax stuff. But I've got so many questions, which leads to stress and worry. "Just call an accountant and get some help!" I tell myself. sigh. I guess it's just the point of it. I have to pay MORE money to sort something I wish I could just figure out for myself for FREE. These  types of things send me into a tailspin into moodiness and panic. I real trigger for my depression. What can I do? Well, I suppose I can try to research my questions on my own and see if that makes me feel better. And I can have my husband help my daughter with her big school project because I can't help her AND do my research. Every day as a business owner and a parent means making choices between one thing or another and it never ends. Bottom line: I refuse to let my bookkeeping concerns keep me from creating my work and following my dreams. I'm going to break down that wall and get good at this stuff, darnit! Positive mindset, positive mindset, positive mindset.

Experimenting with Acrylic Inks

The other day I bought some acrylic inks to experiment with and I'd say I'm in love with them. It's the joy, permanence and vibrancy of acrylic paint, but the flow of a watercolor. They take some getting used to so far, but I think they are satisfying my artist spirit perfectly. Monday (today) is the day I get a lot done since the kids are in school or with a babysitter until 3:00. So, I have a few hours where I can focus on creating and doing business stuff. I got to sit and paint...just BE so I could work out some ideas that have been collecting moss in my brain. This painting is one of those. I even found time to list several new pieces in the shop and boy, does it feel good to add fresh work! I feel like I can breathe again now that I've cleared out the cobwebs inside myself.

The Strength to be an Artist

I heard a phrase today for the first time: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." It's just so true isn't it? At least we like to hope so if we're the small but scrappy sort. Building a business as an artist requires fight. I lot of fight. You need to know who you are and what matters to you. You need to be unapologetic about what you bring forth into creation. And then you need to bravely put it all out there...share your vulnerabilities and let others in. And you do this over and over and over again all to hope that someone will "get" you. Then you know that you have a voice and maybe someone relates to that voice. We are all just reaching out to each other to prove we are here and that we matter.

Painting Mount Desert Island MY way

Since I've decided to make work intuitively, I've found that color from my mood influences my work. Kind of like when we wake up feeling like crap and put on our easiest "go-to" outfit...comfy...tried-and-true. I have my "go-to" blues and greens which never fail to soothe me and put me in a sort of relaxed trance. Like being at the lake on a summer evening. On days when I'm buzzing with energy and high vibes I like to mix in some brighter hues like pinks or oranges or rusts. Today I made this piece (pictured) and found if I pulled the paint up a little it looked like trees on a hillside near a pond or coastline. It's so interesting that one little flick of paint can turn a blob of paint into representation of a memory. My first vacation with my now husband was to Bar Harbor, Maine where we enjoyed the fall foliage and went on hikes along the various trails. It was pure magic. Enough so that we ended up getting married there two years later. Maybe you have a memory of being amongst nature that was healing and special experience for you? I know that I need to incorporate more hikes into our lives...my kids need to be making these same fond memories out in the fresh clean air.

Creating art that sells vs. creating art from your soul

Lately I've been living in my head so much that I feel like I'm going to explode. So, I've decided to try and do a small daily journal to get out my thoughts and inspirations. Will it make me feel better? Who the hell knows? I'm just gonna do it!I've been struggling with my style and making art that makes me "blissful." Is that the goal of creating? Do I create so that I can be in a state of bliss? How selfish. But, it's also so necessary. I suffer from severe depression and making art is a wonderful meditative process that calms me and soothes me. I get so sick when I'm not creating. I started trying to sell my work a few years back and I've been bouncing around experimenting with different subject matter as I explore what makes me feel most whole and relaxed. You know what got in the way? Worrying about "what would sell." Always wondering what other people wanted to purchase and bring into their homes. It's a lot of pressure! I got away from the point...to create something that makes ME happy. To make something that comes from my SOUL. I've started painting whatever comes to me at the time...bright fusions of color and light. I'm not out to make anything representational...I'm simply playing with paint and color and composition to make something that is pleasing to look at. Sometimes I get insecure and think I have to prove myself by painting things that look realistic. But I've been there and done that. It leaves me feeling stressed out, tired, and empty. But painting abstracts in an intuitive way GIVES me energy. It fills me with joy and purpose. I can't explain why, but I'm just going with it.