"I wake up each morning, inspired by sunlight streaming through the windows; shadows dancing along the walls, ceilings, glass. I'm quiet as I stop to take in the warmth, listen for nature's sounds - optimistic and grateful for the day that lies ahead. Light, nature and simplicity are always on my mind, always present in my art. "

Follow my art adventures on Instagram (@hmr.art)

Until this point, all of the stitching added to my paintings has been rather abstract and intended simply as a textural element. I’m about to attempt some recognizable plants.. wish me luck! Any guesses what plant I might be adding using these colors?
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Happy Thursday (and Happy Valentine’s Day💚)! I hope you’re all feeling love in some way, shape or form today, even if that means showing yourself some extra love (...I may have made myself cupcakes😉).

Just a bit more painting, then these fields will begin to develop their own personalities through stitched texture! I’m so excited just thinking of all the native plants I might incorporate. What’s your favorite wildflower or native plant? The word native makes it easy to guess, but if you’re unfamiliar with what a native plant is - it’s one that is naturally occurring in your area, rather than one that was introduced from another area by humans.
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You might be surprised at some of the plants that aren’t native to North America. Queen Anne’s Lace, the delicate white and green beauty seen along many roadsides is actually a member of the carrot family and native to Europe and Asia. While beautiful, it can be quite invasive in a tall grass prairie ecosystem and consequently, is often removed in managed areas. If you’re willing to put up with a thick dusting of pollen, they make a pretty vase display (a dried one is tucked in my vase😉).

I’ve been wanting to stitch on these pieces all week, but something just didn’t feel right. I finally realized it’s because I typically do all my stitching while I’m sitting on the floor. So, time to bring in a coffee table and rug.😆 Can you sit in one spot and work productively for hours or are you fidgety like me with a need to change position and perspective?
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📷: @alexandra_wootla from @ab_photography_us stopped by the studio during the community open house a little over a week ago and was kind enough to share this lovely photo with me. Be sure to check out her gorgeous photography!

I have about 5 pieces in progress. They started with subdued, cool shades of winter, but since the snow and cold temps (current wind chill -30f) just won’t go away — I decided it was time to bust out the greens.💚
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Fun fact: in my 20’s, I loved winter camping, even in negative temps (there’s something truly magical about waking up to the sound of howling wolves cutting through deep winter’s silence). Now, I’m not sure you could pay me to go (ok, that’s not true, but there would have to be some pretty great incentive). Give me all the sunshine, please. What’s the weather like in your neck of the woods?
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P.s. For those who are local, swing by my studio @castlecommunityroch tomorrow (Sat 2/9) from 12-2 to create/donate a handmade valentine to be delivered to Rochester residents in memory care & assisted living. My studio neighbor, @bethsievers will also be offering a fun spin art activity at the same time!

I’m so happy to announce that I’ve just begun a studio residency with @thresholdarts inside the @castlecommunityroch ! Working spaces are situated on the second floor and designed for you to watch + interact with artists. It’s also a great place to grab a coffee or juice, shop for used books and records, play some shuffleboard, or just hang out. If you’re local and would like to take a closer peek at my studio, please feel free to reach out (or swing by to see if I’m around). Viewing art in person allows access to so many details that are often lost in this sea of tiny photos! I also have many available pieces that aren’t currently offered on my website.
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Happy Monday // cheers to a productive and peaceful week. 📷: courtesy of a kind stranger named Carl and the 2nd, by my brother-in-law Nick.

Work in progress... a new series underway; more details soon // You see those wispy little black tipped wheat accents? I grew them in my garden for the first time last summer and each time I walk past them I crave the start of growing season! Who else gets mid-winter gardening fever? I just splurged on a few new flower seeds from @floretflower and though it’s practically a blizzard outside right now, these warm thoughts of what’s to come are keeping me content. There’s always something to look forward to if you put your mind to it.☀️

favorite tools + earthy color + nature nugget = happy day. 💛

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” -John Muir
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So much truth held in that quote, if only we take the time to pay attention. Wishing you a weekend filled with all the beautiful details.🌾🌲🐿

It may be late summer in this painting but today is a snow day! We haven’t had much accumulation this year, so I’m super excited. It’s the perfect time to dust off my x-country skis.⛷What’s your favorite winter activity? (And yes, hot chocolate counts as an activity as far as I’m concerned.☕️😉)
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📷 A bunch of you were on board for the blog post about photo editing apps. It’s almost done and will be posted this weekend, so check back if you’d like a few tips on how to brighten dark edges, adjust individual colors, etc.
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Happy Friday!