Thoughts on the week and a watercolor pineapple

via courtney khail

Well this has been an interesting week. You ever have one of those days where you’re just like “what the, hell day? I thought we were friends!” Tuesday tried to be one of those days (not trying to be a Debbie Downer, just being truthful) so before feelings were hurt, I told the day we needed a little break. Luckily, one of good friends could also take some time away from work that day so that is exactly what we did. Three hours later, equipped with new blinds, a fast food lunch, and some much needed girl talk, I felt a thousand times better. Do you ever take those? I find them to be 100% necessary to stay sane.

Wednesday and Thursday J. and I finally set up our backyard- which included stringing cafe lights from the garage and house- so of course now all I want to do is lounge around back there and play in the garden. ("Garden" is being used very very loosely here. It's more like dirt with random plants that I need to decide if they are weeds or herbs. Or just pretty weeds.) 

And with all that said, I thought I'd share a painting I just finished (and shipped out.) Cutting this damn thing was a bit difficult (I wanted to keep the stem intact so I could paint the details in it) but I didn't lose any fingers and I absolutely loved how it turned out. What about you?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

How to Write the Perfect Thank You Note

via Rue Mag

Hey everybody! With Easter, Mother's Day, and wedding season right around the corner we're all about to have a ton of thank you notes to write. And if you're like most everyone the idea of sitting down with a stack of blank cards puts you into a panic. Hopefully this will help! Rue Magazine's Miss Manners invited me back today to help you write the perfect thank you note. Pop on over to Rue Daily to read my tips!

And speaking of thank you notes, I'd love to hear the wackiest/strangest/best gift you've written one for! I'm a firm believer in the saying "it's the thought that counts," but sometimes we all can't help but wonder just what that someone was thinking...

happy weekend (plus kind words from frolic! and melissa loves)

via frolic

Well happy weekend everyone! I'm not sure if it's just because the week's been busy (or if I'm just loosing track of the days) but I feel like this week has flown by. (How about yours?) My cousin got engaged (yay!) we went to the Denver Auto Show (if anyone wants to buy me an Aston Martin I will not turn you down) and made a quick stop at a new thrift store. (Sadly, it ended up looking more like a landfill than a store so we promptly made a U- Turn and walked right out. It looked like someone took trash, removed any food that was there, and then put it on a table. So gross.) And aside from that, I've just holed myself up in the studio painting (which is one of my favorite things so I'm not complaining.) Right now I'm actually watching the snow roll in (you heard me right. Snow. Looks like a few good days left of skiing!) and adding the ink to one of my newest pieces.

And speaking of pieces, I wanted to share how two of my friends are enjoying some of my work. Excuse the gushing, but seriously these two ladies are both so wonderful. I met Chelsea in Portland when J. and I went on our cross country road trip and instantly felt like we'd been friends for a while. (I'm still trying to coax her into coming out to Colorado for some sunshine!) As for Melis, I met her at Alt last year through Uncle Beefy. Between her sarcastic (and just my style of inappropriate) humor, her love for rap, and the amazing warm/loving vibe she gives off, I knew this was someone I wanted to call a friend. I'm so lucky to have these two in my life!

Anyhoo. Enough gushing. On to the posts. The top photo is of Chelsea's desktop. She's a stylist so it didn't surprise me at all that it was so beautifully arranged (unlike my mess of a desk right now) but seeing that my work was included made me feel all warm and happy inside.  Aren't her fresh flowers beautiful? (and the vase!) Nothing quite like flowers to brighten up a space.

And then here is Melis' post! I absolutely loved watching her document the entire process (from the unopened box to the final painting!) If you have a moment I'd love for you to pop over and read it (as well as take some time on her lovely site.) Oh and another fun tidbit, this is Melis (doing the voice over and bathing her eldest for a johnson and johnson commercial.)

And again, thank you both so much for sharing my work! It means the world to me to have such amazing friends in my corner.

From The Studio: Oranges and Grapefruit

While grapefruits were always a little too tart for me (and by the time I put on enough sugar to make that less so, it kind of defeated the purpose of eating it) oranges always held a very special place in my heart. Growing up, my aunt and uncle and grandparents lived on the St. John's River in Astor, Florida. Astor is a tee-niny little town with a post office, a food mart (that's actually what it's called) and like 4 restaurants. My aunt and uncle owned one of the only 2 places to stay if you happened to visit (mostly bikers during bike week or fisherman looking to catch "the big one" on the St. Johns) and if I remember correctly, there isn't a stop light. There may be a blinking light. Maybe. 

Going to visit was about spending time with family. It wasn't about Disney World or the beach (though those were close by if you wanted to go) but instead it was about watching the sun create glittery patterns on the river, listening to the waves splash against the docks as barges drifted by, and long talks with my grandparents. It was the kind of place you could actually breathe and hear yourself think. Aside from a speedboat or my grandfather's saws spinning in his shop, the world was quiet there.

And something you could ALWAYS count on at my grandparents was a huge breakfast every morning. You'd wake up to the smell of grits, toast, bacon, sausage, eggs, croissants and of course the juiciest, sweetest, fresh orange wedges from my grandmother's trees out front. I would eat plate after plate of her oranges. Sweet, sticky juice dripping down my hands, warm sunlight on my back- it's one of those memories that just holds on and stays with you. To this day I can't see an orange without associating them with my grandparents and those easy summer mornings. As soon as I cut into one I can almost hear the rustling of the newspaper as my granddad turned the pages and the shuffle of my grandmother's slippers as she cleaned up while we all ate. (Seriously. You could never get her to sit down. She always worried about everyone else. Was your grandmother like that too?)

Paintings and images copyrighted by courtney khail and are available for purchase right here

From The Studio: Lemons and Blood Oranges

 

Citrus fruits epitomize warm weather for me and with the temperatures rising in Denver, I knew it's what I wanted to paint next in my food series. Today I added three new paintings to the shop that remind me of spring and summertime. One is a childhood memory, and the other is just because I love the fruit.

First, the childhood memory. Growing up, my mother used to roll a whole lemon until it was soft, cut a hole into the top and then put an old fashioned peppermint stick into it. Because the peppermint sticks had small holes in them, you'd use them as a straw to drink in the fresh lemon juice. The sugar and mint from the peppermint sticks would make perfectly sweet but tart lemonade that was perfect in the summer months. Looking back, it was just one of those things my mom did to make little treats that much more special, but to this day when the weather gets just hot enough to make you want to run through a sprinkler, I can't help but crave a homemade lemon and mint drink. Through these paintings, I wanted to capture that playfulness and memory.

As for the blood orange, there is just something so exotic about them.Like a grown up orange. From the outside, it looks just like any other orange. Bright orange and smells amazing, but that's all. You wouldn't really be able to tell the difference unless you sliced into it. When you do that, you're greeted with the surprise of a deep red flesh- juicy and sweet like any other orange, but almost as though it captured even more sunlight inside. There's a sexiness to them that makes even the simplest things- like an orange juice or a mimosa- that much more special.

All paintings copyrighted by courtney khail and are available for sale right here

From the Studio: Onion Cross Sections (and what I feel is the hardest part of being an artist)

view more images here

To me, one of the hardest things about being an artist is simply that- being an artist. Consistently coming up with new content that combines your style with your passions. It's easy to get stuck in a rut, or very similar to writers, to hit a wall. "Artists block" if you will. I remember during an end of the semester critique in college, one of my (favorite) art professors told me he couldn't figure out my style (and in turn that I probably hadn't found it either.) Looking over my portfolio, I realized he was right. I was all over the place. It wasn't that I didn't like what I was producing, but semester after semester of studying scientific illustration, I'd stopped creating art and instead was just finishing projects. I followed the guidelines, learned the lessons, made the piece- but I never really allowed myself to make it my own. It was a little depressing to be completely honest. (It was around this time that I realized I was no longer going to continue doing scientific illustration after college. I loved the science behind it- watching surgery videos, studying insects under microscopes, all of my anatomy classes- but it was killing my creative side and left me yearning for something more. As luck would have it, as soon as I started focusing on painting again, my style reemerged.) And while I'm a thousand times happier (a billion times even) it never occurred to me just how much I would miss the assignments scientific illustration provided. I remember the first time I sat down just to paint for me and feeling completely lost. It was as though the moment I could create anything, I couldn't think of a damn thing to actually create.

view more images here

So I started creating my own assignments. It didn't really matter how good the paintings were, just the fact that I was doing them. I read an article (about hiking no less) that said "if you rest, you rust" and that's really stuck with me. The longer I waited to "figure out what I wanted to paint" the harder it was to paint.

Anyhow. With all of that in mind, I decided that I didn't want to rust (or remain stagnant) so I sat down this weekend and just made myself paint. It was snowing, the house was clean, and I really couldn't find any other reason to procrastinate so I figured it was as good a time as ever. I wasn't really sure what would develop, or if it would be anything I'd want to share with you all, but luckily inspiration struck and before I knew it time was flying by as I painted.

view more images here

About the paintings:

Despite technically leaving scientific illustration behind, I've never been able to fully ignore my love for science. One of my favorite things ever were studying the microscope slides and cross sections. It was so cool to see what things looked like from the inside- a view most of us never have the opportunity to experience. Combine that with my love of cooking and it seems like a no-brainer that I would eventually paint something like this. From the outside, onions aren't really that remarkable, but cut them in half and you're greeted with a perfectly arranged pattern, subtle colors, and organic shapes. A hidden world inside something so incredibly common. (I'm so excited to see where this series goes! I'm thinking citrus fruits next.)

Want to see more? Head over to my shop

time for a road trip (steamboat springs)

Happy Friday everyone! I know it's a full 8 days into March, but is it still weird to anyone else that it's March already? I feel like it was just New Year's Eve. Actually, I feel like it was just summer. Can't believe we've almost been in Denver for a year!

This past week J and I decided to run away from the real world and take a vacation to Steamboat Springs. We both really needed a break and since it's only a few hours away and our season ski passes included Steamboat, it was a no brainer. Neither of us had been there before, and despite traveling through almost white out conditions to get there (note to all, not being able to see the road or other cars is kind of terrifying) the weather cleared up and we were left with absolutely beautiful clear blue skies for the rest of the trip. Between skiing until our legs felt like they were going to fall off, (I may or may not have actually sat down on the slopes to retighten my boots because I was too tired to stand up and do it) eating really amazing food (speaking of- huge thanks to Carl's Tavern for creating an impromptu table for us and letting us bypass a 2 hour wait,) and the hot tub right outside our door- it was exactly what we were looking for. (Oh! And I got to see an old friend from college who lives out there. It's been at least 5 years since we'd seen each other so I was thrilled she could come out on her lunch break and ski with us. Scratch that, while she and J could ski and then wait on my slow butt.) So yea, pretty awesome time. If you're looking for a Colorado vacation, I'd highly suggest it.

Yesterday we spent the day slowly getting back into the real world (chores, errands, and taxes broken up with going out to lunch) and today we're right back into the grind. Anyone else plan a "nothing day" for when you get back from vacation? We always try to. Not just because we don't want to end up stranded at an airport when J really has to be back at work, but also just to give us time to unpack, unwind, and get ready for what's ahead. Plus, it always feels amazing to have one last morning to sleep in instead of rushing to check out, drive/fly home, etc.

Oh! And unrelated, but after way too many hours searching for a coffee table that we both loved and that was unique (anyone else feel like there are hundreds and hundreds of the same thing of there?) we FINALLY stumbled upon a beautiful little mid century gem yesterday. Wood, glass, cool shape- just what we were looking for. She's so pretty. (And yes, she. This table has curves. Check out my Instagram feed to see a sneak peak.)

So what about y'all? Any big weekend plans? Think I'm going to spend the weekend painting and hanging out with Ticketmaster in hopes of getting WSP tickets before they sell out. Again. Exciting times, I know!

*photos all taken by me

How to Address an Envelope on Rue Daily

via ruemag.com

Ever wonder the correct way to address an envelope? Well wonder no more. Pop on over to Rue Daily today and see exactly what to do (as well as see some of my handwritten handiwork!)

Happy Valentine's (plus 20% off!)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I know it's not for everyone, but I absolutely LOVE Valentine's Day. Not so much the commercial hooplah, but I adore the idea of slowing down and taking the day to tell people just how much you love them. Glittery hearts, boxes of chocolate (which just happened to be a large part of my breakfast this morning, no judgements), flowers- I love it all.

Okay, well I don't love the commercial that tells men they're going to getting lucky by giving your lady an oversized teddy bear. That creeps me out. Almost as much as the footed pajama's with a "back flap" for added convenience. Really people?

Valentine's Day is just a beautiful reason to really reflect on how much love is around you. The love of your spouse, your parents, your siblings, your friends- if you actually take a minute to think of everyone you love and everyone who loves you- it's pretty damn humbling and heartwarming.

And like I said before, this holiday encourages glittery hearts and flowers. ENCOURAGES IT. If that doesn't make you happy then maybe this will:

To show my love for all of you this Valentine's Day, enter VALENTINES13 and get 20% off your order.

And on that note, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! If you're so inclined, I'd love to hear what love you're celebrating today.

The perfect Valentine's Day gift- because these flowers don't die

via courtney khail

Still looking for that perfect Valentine's day gift? How about flowers? Even better, how about a one of a kind painting of flowers? That way you get the everlasting happiness of flowers without the tackiness of silk ones. (Apologies to any silk flower lovers out there- I just always associate them with a lot of dust and unnatural colors. Speaking of- there is someone who lives a little while away from our house that definitely put those fake really brightly colored bouquets in each one of their pots. The best part? The tags are still on them. It's amazing.)

And bonus points if you give a painting AND chocolate. I don't care if people think it's cheesy- if you show up with chocolate and flowers you win Valentine's day.

*Well that or a hat from the swap meet. That could win Valentine's Day too. (Oh Jay Z, I love you.)

Thoughts and Tips on Moving, Home Ownership and Growing Up

photo found via bonnie tsang

Now that our internet is finally connected, I wanted to check in and wish you all a wonderful weekend. Mine will be filled with finishing up moving of course, but I hope yours is much more fun. (I especially need to finish moving the kitchen stuff. Trying to find a fork today was like searching for the holy grail. For the record, I ended up eating with my hands.)

We still have some things back at our old condo that I need to bring over, but as of yesterday we are now officially living in our new house which has been kind of surreal and crazy. Sure it's been a little tiring and we've definitely had a few moments that jolted us into the reality of home ownership (case in point, roof leak in our bathroom. Thank goodness it was warrantied!) but I wouldn't change a thing. It's ours. We've lived in 3 different places since we've been together, but this feels like our first real home. I honestly had no clue how much emotion I would feel about this.

And now, some random tips, tricks and ramblings that may or may not help you if you move.

BEFORE MOVING

-Use up your stuff. You probably don't need 4 bottles of lotion, 3 things of shampoo, and 5 tubes of hair stuff that does relatively the same thing. We all have our favorites, so use up the rest (or give it to someone who would like it) and only move what you actually love.

- Speaking of stuff, get rid of some of it. For someone who loves to live more on the minimal side, I definitely feel like a hoarder right now. I dare you to guess how many silver candlesticks I own.If you haven't used it in the past 6 months, if it doesn't have crazy sentimental value, if it's broken, or if "you'll just put it into storage," get rid of it. (A few exceptions to this- if it has a particular purpose- i.e. a portable air conditioner, seasonal equipment like bikes, skis, etc, a fondue pot for your annual fondue party, you get the picture, then keep it. Just don't keep the "maybe one day I'll take of cross stitching so I should keep these broken wooden circle things." You're not going to take it up. And if you do, I'm sorry. Go get a 50% off coupon to Michael's and go buy some more.

-As for storage, I try to keep long term "never ever going to use this again" storage to no more than two regular sized plastic boxes. This lets me keep some of my old journals, photos, baby blankets etc, but doesn't take up too much space or overwhelm me or our limited storage space.

-open a Word Document, email, whatever you prefer and put in the numbers to the cable company, your utility companies, HOA people if you have them, and any other possible number you may need. Print out and keep in your glove box. (This seems to be the only place you don't lose it.)

-Go to usps.com and forward you mail. Collect your magazines and forward all of those as well. Call your doctors, dentist, pharmacist, and anyone else you see regularly and change your address with them too.

-Call the electric, cable, and gas companies to make sure you'll have everything working by the time you move.

-Donate stuff

-If you're leasing/renting, notify your landlord as early as possible. (At least 30 days, though your lease may specify longer.)

-If you can afford it, hire movers. We did and our backs are still killing us. Not sure what we would have done (or how badly we'd feel) without them! (If you're in Denver, Stallion Movers are AMAZING.)

RIGHT BEFORE MOVING

-Pack 4 bags. Bag 1. pack like you're going out of town for the weekend. Toiletries, clothes, etc. Bag 2. Fill with common household tools (hammer, screwdrivers, measuring tape, tape, pens/pencils, screws, nails, etc.) Bag 3. Toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, clock, chargers for your phones, soap, shower curtain liner, sheets Bag 4. a weekends worth of food/drink, cups, glasses, utensils etc. We slacked on bag 4. This why I ate with my hands and our frig only has 2 diet cokes, an apple, champagne, and turkey for sandwiches. Oh and cheese. I bet I'm really making my Mom proud right now haha

WHILE MOVING

-drink water, eat food, and make sure your doors are unlocked (or at least don't lock behind you.) If you are one to lose your keys, clip them to you, put them on a necklace- whatever you have to do to not accidentally leave them/pack them.

-break down boxes as they are emptied and keep a walkway clear.

AFTER MOVING

-Breathe. Moving sucks. There's no way around it. You'll inevitably forget something, not want to cook, break something, or hit a bump in the road (we discovered our ENTIRE HOUSE is made of poured concrete, not plaster like we thought. While we're super safe from natural disasters, this means hanging art etc. is a pain in the ass. We had to go buy a new drill and broke 2 bits. There may have been some choice words and hysterical laughter.)

-Try not to put boxes on the street.Especially boxes that held your TV, computer, other valuable looking things. Probably not a big deal, but it's better to not let everyone walking/driving past know you own.

-Donate more stuff.

-Go get a massage. Scour living social or groupon if you have to, but it's worth the money to insure your sanity and ability to get out of bed without wincing in pain.

Any tips you guys would like to add? Or any funny stories? I'd love to hear them.