Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Possibilities ~ Today's 10x10 Motherhood Painting Release

~Possibilities~

Today's 10x10 Release into The Forty Minis Collection.You can find this and/or the remaining available paintings in the collection in the Online Etsy shop.


motherhood painting, Possibilities by Katie m. Berggren

This painting flowed as the music played and as I let the music rush through me, keeping my ears open for the inspiration for a title to this painting, the word Possibility came up over and over – and I realized this painting points to possibility. The possibilities within a clean young soul, fresh skin and a new open mind, also, those that lie within the pair of a young mother and her new bundle of love...


motherhood painting, Possibilities by Katie m. Berggren

motherhood painting, Possibilities by Katie m. Berggren

Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! I will pick the winner on Monday.


The Mother's Day Gift Pack is NOW AVAILABLE in the Online Etsy shop - 2 Prints and 2 Art Cards for $22 - that is a $12 savings :) It's 2 & 2 for 22!


Have a great Thursday!
Love & Sincerely, Katie

The State of the Studio - March 31, 2010

A divine night in the studio - music and paint flowing freely. I am working on 2 commissions and a 3rd painting which will be the 2nd in the Working Mothers series. Phew - what a busy place - add to that the boys and the beads and the sculpey and paper and tape and glue and bits of craft stuff... my lovely studio (once only my own) is now the busiest (and funnest) place in the house!

I couldn't ask for anything more. Painting happily with my boys contentedly creating next to me.


Here is the state of the studio tonite ~ several hours ago ~ the large painting has progressed even further and I love it.



Tomorrow's 10x10 for the The Forty Minis Collection is titled Possibilities - and I'm looking forward to showing it to you. Well, yes, that is it on the studio counter in the photo above :)


The finished piece will be released (between 7 -730 am PST) here at the blog, on my Facebook fan page, as well as in the Online Etsy Shop.

Have a wonderful night (those mamas I know who are still up working on their dreams).



Love & Sincerely, Katie

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Visual Inspiration ~ Beauty in Everyday Life ~ Sweden Market Video

My boys and I had a blast today reorganizing the kitchen, finding just the right place to store our nuts and snacks where they would be easy to access, and less likely to spill, disappear and be forgotten about in some faraway cupboard. We do not have a large kitchen, but we have some poorly-used, near empty spaces (I’m a hopeless non-clutter type).




When I found myself staring proudly into the cupboard once we had finished, and then later showing my husband, I realized that this is all art to me! Two little boys helping in the kitchen, eager to clean dishes and sort nuts and stack boxes is beauty in itself, but the rhythmic, colorful arrangement of items has always grabbed my eye. Even back to the early days when I wanted to be a designer and artist so I could create food labels.

Some would think I’m crazy to photograph my cupboard, but my boys and I were proud of our healthy snack display. And seeing this image made me realize I wanted to share it with you... the beauty in everyday life.

And, going right along with that, I want to show you one of the videos I took while in Sweden (I took 300 short snippet videos from March 1-5 alone!). This video was extremely enjoyable to film as I found the bottles and cans, stacked foods and packages as enticing visual ignition for my creative eye. Rhythm, shape, order, color, pattern, line and form….

Now, I’m a vegetarian, and much of this video was hard for me to take (both "take" on the spot and “take” after watching it at home!).



I did NOT find the meat clips beautiful, they turned my stomach and gave me the willies.

But I like honest reality, as well. So I am warning you… never before have I seen so many non-enticing (in my opinion) bits of meat. Yes, that is kangaroo, crocodile and cow tongue that you see in there. As well as lamb, bear sausage, rabbit, elk and a variety of innards and sea creatures. Yikes!


Have a nice trip to the indoor market in Stockholm! And I hope you can find the beauty in your everyday life!




Love & Sincerely, Katie

Monday, March 29, 2010

Free Cards Winner ~ Closeout Original Paintings in the Etsy Shop

Thank you to all who played for Free Cards Friday last week, the winner is Jaynee!



Tonite, I have added new (older) paintings to the Online Etsy shop I have been re-organizing the studio and realized these paintings would do best out in the world, than wrapped and held onto here.

Time Standing Still, 5x7, $30




Contemplation, 5x7, $30



Circles, 5x7, $30



Come To Light, 8x10, $45



Every Pure Cell, 7x5, $30


Pride & Ego, 8x10, $45


Here are some of them, jaunt on over to the Online Etsy shop to see the others!

Have a wonderful week!

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie


Friday, March 26, 2010

Free Cards Friday ~ having Faith & Patience...

Today left me thinking about having Faith & Patience...

Patience for what is coming ~ does wondering and twiddling the thumbs make what is bound to be happen any sooner? They say a watched pot never boils, and it's true.

And it starts with having Faith that if something is meant to happen it will. At the end of the day, does the undue anxiety change things? I think not.

Except maybe to make my forehead wrinkle deeper and my mood even lower :)


“My friend, let's not think of tomorrow, but let's enjoy this fleeting moment of life”
“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.”
Omar Khayyam



It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on this post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.
Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Companions ~ Today's 10x10 Release

~ Companions ~
Today's 10x10 Release into The Forty Minis Collection.
You can find this and/or the remaining available paintings in the collection in the Online Etsy shop.



About the Image:
Clinging like shadows ~ children beyond babies ~ fully able, allowed and welcomed into mama’s cherished arms.




An exclusive 10x10 original painting from The Forty Minis Collection ~ an opportunity for myself as an artist to tap into & truly test the creative source that swirls about me on an hourly basis…

The opportunity for you ~ 40 pieces infused with my attention & passion ~ many may blossom into larger pieces, while many will be too intimate to recreate. Many will beg to be coupled, or hung in 3s & 4s. Each painting will be 10x10” on gallery-wrapped canvas with painted edges & wired for hanging. Each painting will sell for $120 plus $10 for Priority Postage (U.S. buyers) with Delivery Confirmation (U.S. buyers) from the Online Etsy shop.

Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! I will pick the winner on Monday.



The Mother's Day Gift Pack is NOW AVAILABLE in the Online Etsy shop - 2 Prints and 2 Art Cards for $22 - that is a $12 savings :) It's 2 & 2 for 22!


Have a great Thursday! Love & Sincerely, Katie

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Love What You Do ~ New 24x20 Motherhood Painting

I am pleased to present this new painting - and I would love to hear your feedback.

Love What You Do, 24x20, $425
Learn about this painting


This is the first painting in a series I’d like to try my hand at: Working Mothers.

Celebrating the noble minute-to-minute efforts of mothers who raise their babies and strive to keep their dreams alive as well. I have found that having a passion that feeds my soul in the moments when my kids don’t need me breathes a fulfilling spark into me. It is also a daily but worthwhile struggle of balance.



I also would love to hear your ideas and representations of Working Mothers, in regard to the types of work you do to keep your dreams alive...




I have 8x10 prints of Love What You Do available in the Online Etsy Shop.


Have a wonderful day!


Love & Sincerely, Katie

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Mother's Day Gift Pack now available!



The Mother's Day Gift Pack includes 2 prints plus 2 cards (keep one, give one!) for just $22! A value of $34! Learn more in the Etsy shop!

For a limited time, grab 2 high quality 8x10 motherhood prints created from original mother & child themed paintings (your choice) and 2 5x7 Art Cards for just $22! That is a $12 savings.

Prints and cards are printed on heavy weight smooth stock and each fit into a standard frame.


Choose your two prints from the Etsy shop and list them in the comments section of your Etsy order - if you forget, no sweat, I'll email you to ask! I'll place in the cards, but if you have a special request, don't hesitate to ask!







This Special Mother's Day Gift Pack will not be available for long, shop now to avoid the rush!
Have a wonderful evening!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Monday, March 22, 2010

Free Cards Winner! 10x10 Progress Peek!

Phew! What a day!

Forgive me that I have just a moment to say the Free Cards Friday winner is Dana B.! Thank you all for playing!

I have just finished my brand new painting (of the mother reading) and have titled it Love What You Do - I hope to have a picture for you tomorrow afternoon.

Also, here is progress image of the new 10x10 - it is a mother of three and I am really liking it!



This is Thursday's UNFINISHED 10x10 for The Forty Minis Collection. The title will be exposed on Thursday morning when the finished piece will be released (between 7 -730 am PST) here at the blog, on my Facebook fan page, as well as in the Online Etsy Shop.



If you would like a special email when this piece is (and upcoming releases into this collection are) released, let me know your email address! katie@kmberggren.com

Have a great night!


Love & Sincerely, Katie

Friday, March 19, 2010

Free Cards Friday ~ Star Crossed Prints Now Available

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on this post (here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

Let's whip last Friday's number of 13 commenters - if at least 12 people comment, I will give 2 sets of Free Cards away again!

Get ready, get set, GOOO!!


Today, I am putting my house back together after having flooring installers here for 3 days - tonite, I can paint in my actual studio! Versus the hallway :)


motherhood painting: Star Crossed
Hey! 8x10 Prints are now available of Star Crossed - I will be hanging one in my home for sure - as this painting sprang from my love for my soft little boys. The original is heading to Oklahoma to be a gift for a friend's friend.


motherhood painting: Star Crossed


Snag one here in the Online Etsy Shop.



motherhood painting: Star Crossed
Have a WONDERFUL sunny weekend!! It is breath-taking here in Vancouver, Washington - and my generous step-father comes tomorrow to help me fill my raised garden beds with luxurious organic soil.

motherhood painting: Star Crossed
Don't ignore the small things - the kite flies because of its tail.
~Hawaiian Proverb

Imagination is the highest kite that one can fly.
~Lauren Bacall

LOVE & Sincerely, Katie

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Sunrise Sunset ~ today's 10x10 release ~ Mother's Day Gift Pack coming soon!

Good morning - it's Thursday, which means it is time for another 10x10 painting.

Today, it's Sunrise Sunset ~ the newest painting in The Forty Minis Collection. You can find this and the remaining available paintings in the collection in the Online Etsy shop.





The title for this painting had me flitting from notions of "day and night", to notions of "sun and moon". For me, this little pair is dancing through their day - finding time when they can, to make sweet little moments. Pulling from within the title that represented this concept turned out to be a struggle, so I googled! And my eyes quickly and happily fell on the words "sunrise to sunset".

Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! I will pick the winner on Monday.
I'm going to offer the Mother's Day Gift Pack again this year in the Online Etsy shop - 2 Prints and 2 Art Cards for $22 - that is a $12 savings :) It's 2 & 2 for 22! STAY TUNED!
Have a Great Day!
Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Heart Of Hearts ~ Painting Process

As I created this video and watched it today, I realized how lovingly this painting was created - frequently there is a sort of energetic and emotional fervor of excitement as a painting is created, this one was different.




I hope you enjoy it - many many hours of painting squashed down into one edible little 4 minute morsel :)

Have a great day! I'm looking forward to releasing tomorrow's 10x10 painting.

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Sneaky Peek at Thursday's 10x10 Release!

I have a little peek for you - at Thursday's UNFINISHED 10x10 for The Forty Minis Collection release. The title will be exposed on Thursday morning when the finished piece will be released (between 7 -730 am PST) here at the blog, on my Facebook fan page, as well as in the Online Etsy Shop.

If you would like a special email when this piece is (and upcoming releases into this collection are) released, let me know your email address! katie@kmberggren.com

motherhood painting in progress This one has that dancy movement that I love :)

Have a GREAT day!


Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Monday, March 15, 2010

Free Cards Winners, Further Progress, Glorious Spring

Good Afternoon ~
Wow, 13 commenters on the Free Cards Friday Blog Post - you guys impress me. Thank you, that was fun. Because there were 13, I decided to give cards to 2 winners, vs 1 :)



motherhood painting in progress
I wrote all of the names down on a piece of paper and called out to my 4 year old to give me two numbers, those were the winners. Clever, eh? :)


The winners were Robin and Penny ~ Penny's cards are going into today's mail, and I am waiting to get Robin's mailing address. She's my step-sister, and I adore her.


Above Image: I'm working further on this painting of the mother reading with her sleeping child - taking a moment to herself and enjoying the quite time.

Below Image: As I turned off my studio light and headed to bed the other night, I was inspired to grab the camera and snap this picture out my front window. Before I could take another one, I heard my baby calling me from upstairs. This is the only photo I was able to take, but when I downloaded it today I realized how lovingly it represents a (blurry) spring evening. Almost like a painting.

spring evening from the entry window
So, I thought I'd share it :)



I hope we all have a great week ~ tomorrow, I will have a progress shot for you of Thursday's 10x10 painting - there is dancy movement in this one :) I know how much you (and I) like that dancy movement:)

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Friday, March 12, 2010

Free Cards Friday ~ don't be shy ~ New Painting in Process

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on this post (here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.


Don't be shy, go on and post ~ it's fun to win free stuff :)

motherhood painting in process

I'm working on a new painting to go along with my Working Mothers idea (I am contemplating a new series on Working Mothers, showing mamas in a variety of situation within the home, see the other painting in progress) It is untitled at this moment, but refers to a moment of rest within a day. There is a lot of work to be done on this piece, but the process last night was joyful.

Have a stupendous Friday!

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Drawn To You - this morning's 10x10 release

Welcome back to me :) I took 12 days off of painting during my sabbatical, which was painful at first, and is the longest run ever since early 2007. In 2007 I vowed to paint everyday and have been doing so ever since.

I realized shortly into my break that getting a breather from that which I love was healthy for me - it gave me time to practice awareness, meditation, sitting and breathing - time to focus on what I really want out of this time I have. With the moments in Sweden, I crafted my vision of what I want my life to be like, and since I have been home I have been living it.



Putting brush to canvas after that 12 days off was invigorating, and as I worked on this piece I felt the inspiration rushing through me - I wanted to grab 6 more canvases and get to work!

I have two commissions in progress right now, and I'm delighted to place this reinvigorated inspiration and mindfulness into play on those pieces.




Drawn To You
is today's release into The Forty Minis Collection - and I very much enjoyed the process.

Here is what is to be said about this painting:
Taking in those first few months of motherhood - celebrating every smile, every gurgle and marveling at each new accomplishment. Drawn To You reminds me of when my babies were tiny: when I felt as though I had invented motherhood, when all I wanted to do was hold my babies, and if we were apart, the tiniest sound had me heading toward them. To check, or to gather them up.


See this new painting and the available 10x10s in The Online Etsy Shop.


Let me know if you have any thoughts, questions or ideas.


While I was away, I kept light tabs on Facebook and email and I was warmed by your comments, well wishes and friendly conversation. THANK YOU.
Have a great day!


Love & Sincerely, Katie

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Thursday's 10x10 Painting - a little peek

Good morning, I'm so happy to be back!

I have a little peek here for you - at Thursday's UNFINISHED newest 10x10 for The Forty Minis Collection. I have yet to title it - and it is inspired by my sister-in-law and my new little nephew in Sweden :)


When Finished, the completed painting will be released Thursday morning, joining twelve previous 10x10" painting in The Forty Minis Collection. I will post the finished painting here at the blog and on my Facebook page, as well as in the Online Etsy Shop.
Have a great day!

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Friday, March 5, 2010

A Drive Into Portland Through A Four Year Old's Lens

(note: I've pre-published this post to help keep the blog warm while I am gone! I come back on March 5, so while you are reading this, I am no doubt PAINFULLY missing my husband and boys and silently urging the damn plane to get me home sooner.)




A couple of weeks ago my boys and I headed into Portland to visit my printer.

My four-year-old had hold of my camera on the drive there, and I loved seeing his photos at the end of the trip.

I thought I'd give you a little tour of a drive into Portland, Oregon through the camera lens of a four-year-old!

Don't get dizzy.













Have a great day! I look so forward to being home.
Love & Sincerely, Katie