Autumn Woods Oil Paint on 18×24 Canvas

Everyone can agree that 2020 has been stressful and quarantine has made us deprived of the outside world. I have found that something as simple as going on an easy hike through a park rejuvenates my spirits and  fresh air cleanses me. Going outside and being with nature has been my comfort during this insane year. Fall is a great time to unwind and observe nature due to its changing leaves and crisp air. Even with the uncertainties of this year, fall will always be consistent and come on time. It is something we can rely on which is comforting to me.

Tiger in the Closet, Chalk Pastel on 18×24 Paper

The inspiration for this piece comes from the pleasure of remaining in your comfort zone. Remaining in your comfort zone is not necessarily a good thing, but sometimes the fear of leaving is petrifying. The tiger in my drawing is guarding the comfort zone in the closet. He is not necessarily fierce, but is protecting that area. Comfort zones are dangerous because they prevent us from fully being ourselves, even if they are comfortable.

Early Monday Evening,  Oil Paint on 36×48 Canvas

This piece depicts the view from outside my bedroom door in my home specifically when the sun is first starting to set. This piece is meant to be reminiscent of when I would come out of my bedroom on Monday evenings as a kid to the sounds and smells of my grandma preparing that night’s spaghetti and meatballs in the kitchen downstairs. This smell is still very comforting to me because it signifies the soon coming hot meal and time with family. Even after my grandma’s passing we still continue the tradition of monday night spaghetti dinners. Food is a great way to bring people together especially when it is prepared by the ones you love.

Cat Nap,  Pen on 5×7 Paper

This is a piece I completed for Inktober last month. Cats are somehow able to fall asleep almost anywhere at any time. As Long as they feel somewhat comfortable they can drift away into their snooze and stay that way for hours. In my home, we have one indoor cat and two outdoor ones that we have claimed as our own. Seeing a cat sleep has the effect to relax passers bye because it usually means that whenever you are, it is somewhat safe and fit enough for our suborn pets. Sometimes we all need to get comfortable and take a little cat nap.