Summer is upon us in Colorado, although with the stretches of cooler, rainy days some travelers might doubt the sun will ever shine!  I moved to Colorado because of the climate, so many sunny days and drier weather than my native (humid!) Midwest. 

For me, the best thing about Colorado is the terrain:  the texture, the color, the feeling of depth created by mountains and rock carved out of red canyons.   Rainbow trout shimmering on rocky creekbeds, aspen leaves twinkling like tiny slices of sunlight against the blue skyline while deer silently navigate the hillside creates the perfect artist's dwelling. 

My goal in painting, is to tell a story of the unique movement, color, texture and feeling of each city, space, or being I place on canvas.  I hope you enjoy the site.

A. Rome

The only thing one can be sure of in life, is change.  This has been a year of change and growth, and while I work diligently to create new artwork, I also remind myself that I must be flexible and agile in my thinking.  I must be willing to take opportunities when they avail themselves and to at least peek through open doors.  I may decide to stay in the room I am in, or sneak out a window if the need arises.  Either way, the newness will not be scary, just a different view.

The ability to invent and reinvent oneself through thought and deed on a daily basis is what gets us out of bed in the morning.  Otherwise, what is the bother?  The choices we make and the ability to float downstream when necessary, and hold on tight when required keeps us all moving in some direction.  The challenge makes us strong, it's the fighting that drains us.

I am considering a new body of work that deals with individual perception, and am excited to start on the journey.  For now, I am in a period of observation, waiting, and breathing while I float down stream, reminding myself not to kick.

Namaste,
A. Rome

Sometimes living in the moment is tough with all the demands, white noise and to do lists swarming around like a bunch of annoying bees.  Responsibilities trump peace, and setbacks seem to keep popping up.  In the midst of the chaos, it is important to remember what is truly important. 

Our family, relationships and love are what  holds us together when things get tough.   A hug, a friendly voice at the other end of the phone, a note or a knowing smile reminds us that we are more than our jobs, more than our paychecks, stack of bills or lists of undones.  All we can do is the best we can do on a daily basis, and let the rest fall away at the end of the day.  Play with the dog, take the kids out for ice cream.  Creating memories is half the work, remembering them is the rest.

 Remember to take the time to really enjoy the company of someone you love and not swirl around in the busy-ness of it all.  At the end of the day, love is all that matters so create the moment and then stay in it.

As fall weather starts to roll in, I am reminded of how much I enjoy the fall season.  I have always loved the crisp evenings and the bright fall leaves ushering in a feeling of calmness.  I love to cook, and having the freedom to use appliances without overheating makes me thankful!  Opening a window in the evening instead of using the air conditioner is also a welcome change.

I think for me fall signifies positive change.  I feel like I can slow down, and take time to be grateful for all the memories created over the summer.  Like my trip to the Bay area, taking in the ocean blues from cobalt to peacock to pale sky and noticing how the light plays off of the cliffs, rounding corners and splashing highlights on jagged edges.  I am grateful for the emotions nature provides me.  I am at peace in nature, walking on the sparkling sand, breathing in mountain air or feeling freshly mown soft grass beneath my feet.  I am thankful for the beauty surrounding us.

I am also very grateful to my family and many friends who are so supportive of me and my work as an artist.  Hardly a recluse, I find it challenging sometimes to work on the computer, doing the things that I don't always want to do.  Painting and creating is only a part of being an artist!  I am grateful to have the abiity to create balance for myself, and every day is a new challenge to do so!

With fall approaching, I am nesting a bit in preparation for shorter days and longer nights and more time at home.  Time to think ahead and make plans for the next phase, sure to be an exciting one!  Fall is always a great time of year for me and 2012 will be no different.  I am blessed in many ways.

Namaste
A. Rome

Clearly there are easier ways to make a living, as I have been reminded on a daily basis.  But as I explained today to a new friend, sometimes the creativity chooses us, we do not choose it.  Would I rather be the wealthy creator of some widget or concept easily exchanged for piles of cash?  Some days quite frankly, yes I would.  But those days are usually followed up with a reminder that I am blessed in so many other ways.  For example, no one is pushing a personal agenda on me while I am painting.  No one tells me how to hold the brush, what colors to choose or that my emotions splashed on the canvas are not valid.  There is no competition based on my last name, birthright, or color of my skin.  There is only me and the canvas having a two way conversation, and both are open to the exercise, bending equally to the other's intention.

I am lucky that I have a diverse background and talents, and I am grateful for that every day.  The fact that I have choices in life that are virtually unlimited makes me excited to get out of bed every day. 
I am thankful for flexibility and fluidity and hope that gratitude comes across in my work.

Namaste

The past 5 years have been very interesting to say the least.  Having left a solid corporate position, I forged ahead into the art and design world.  The work was amazing and I was inspired, but another bump in the road caused the need for stability in my life, and so another corporate job followed.  During the nose to the grindstone years that followed, I always felt like vacations were for the wealthy, and that I had to save, save, save in case of emergency. 

The problem with that philosophy is that not taking time off and getting a change of scenery every so often can suck your soul dry!  And a dry soul is certainly an emergency!  I missed the ocean, the mountains, the fall leaves back east, the smell off rain rolling in, lilacs, freshly mowed lawns and crunchytumbleweeds all have a special place in my heart, and it is my job to visit them all across the country every once in awhile.  Now I translate the emotions into my art.

You can't live, really LIVE your life with your head down all the time.  So take a deep breath, gas up the car, book the ticket or jump on the boat and go explore.  We have so much to offer in this country so don't miss an opportunity to be inspired.  Remember, it's okay to exhale!

Namaste!