One Room Challenge - Week 7

It actually feels really great to get back to painting walls and sewing panels. Our country has been through so much these weeks that it’s clear we are in a marathon. So just like a runner needs to rest, we too need to take a break now and then to re-boot. This past week I worked with the SLO County Arts Council on curating 13 talented artists who all willingly said Yes immediately when asked to donate an original piece of art to raise funds for R.A.C.E Matters and all the hard work they are doing for the Black Lives Matter movement. The auction is on Instagram @SLOCountyArts and ends this Sunday! Below is the piece I am donating.

8” x 10” x 1-1/2” Acrylic on Canvas with Resin

So yes, I am far behind on my Living Room make-over but the wonderful people over at the One Room Challenge headquarters have graciously extended the final reveals to July 5th! Good grief! Thank you ORC!!

My list is looooooong! I did accomplish to get 2 walls painted and some of my fireplace wall but there are many layers to come so this is going to take a minute. Plus I still have to finish my huge painting for my forth wall. I have more light fixtures coming but I love this picture light! I had no idea that it has a dimmer and it cast the most perfect glow at night, so cozy and charming!

I am in the home stretch! I can’t wait to reveal it all. I’m starting to feel the vibe and I’m loving it. In the mean time, I hope you’ll head over to Instagram and purchase some art for your collection and support this wonderful cause! Of course also pop over to the One Room Challenge website and follow all the amazing designers and decorators for oodles of inspiration!

Episode 41 - Interview with Artist, Neal Breton

Thank you for joining me for today’s interview with Artist and President of the Board of Directors for San Luis Obispo County Arts, Neal Breton. We recorded this Episode two weeks prior to the tragic death of George Floyd. We chose not to air the episode these past few weeks so that we could listen, learn and educate ourselves, an on-going process.

We also wanted to offer a way to help the Black Lives Matter movement. If you are tuning in prior to June 21st head on over to the SLO County Arts Instagram feed this weekend where they will be holding an Art Auction in support of Black Lives Matter (100% of Funds Raised to go to R.A.C.E Matters SLO) to be held on their Instagram page, @slocountyarts, June 19th-June 21st, 2020.

In today’s Episode with Neal Breton, we talk about his creative journey as a fine artist and what brought him to the Central Coast where he now not only paints but is also the President of the Board of Directors for the San Luis Obispo Arts Council. Neal’s colorful pools and landscapes just make me happy! I was so excited to find him and learn more about why he paints and the evolution of his art. We both believe in the power of Art as a way to bring joy into the world. Something much needed right now. We also talk about the changing art scene on the Central Coast which I hope will only get better and better with Neal leading the way.

LISTEN AND WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Website: http://nealbreton.com

Instagram: @nealbretonart

San Luis Obispo County Arts Website (Previously Arts Obispo): https://www.artsobispo.org

Instagram: @slocountyarts

Art Auction Donation Page: https://www.artsobispo.org/arts-auction 

Silent Art Auction For Black Lives Matter: June 19th-21st & An Update on Patreon

Good Morning Wonderful Souls,

What a time in history. There are so many things happening in the world (and in our own backyard), that it's impossible to not pause and give thought to how each of us play a delicate part in the complicated fiber of our humanity. I and others, have spent a lot of time these past two weeks, reading, listening and educating myself to systemic racism, white privilege, and what it means to truly be inclusive of our black community.

I took a long, hard look inward and believe we can all do better, including myself. I also learned about so many incredible black artists and creators these past two weeks and have actively reached out and followed black owned businesses in my community who will receive my support and urge you to do the same.

I listened to our City Council meeting last night and the overall theme I took away was that a lot of people are hurting. Many voices of color spoke and said they never felt welcomed in my own community. It brought me to tears but I know this is something we can change for the better.

So a few things are happening. The artist I interviewed before all of this happened, Neal Breton, happens to be the President of the Board of the San Luis Obispo Arts Council. We've had many talks about this and what an important role Art plays in healing and defining our current culture. We asked ourselves the question - how can we do better? We decided to create an Art Auction where 100% of the funds raised will go to the Black Lives Matter movement. The San Luis Obispo Arts Council is still working out the details, but this is why I will not be airing Neal's Episode today. Instead his Episode will air next Thursday with the kick off to the Auction on Friday morning. It will take place on Instagram and run just like a Silent Auction - Last bidder wins and ends on Sunday morning. Friday, June 19th 9:00am - Sunday June 21st 9:00am

I personally know there are some really amazing artists contributing to this and prices will be very reasonable. This is a wonderful way to start, or to add to, your own personal collection of Art as well as support a cause that has been asking for our help for way too long.

Last of all, I've decided to close my Patreon page at the end of the month. I still plan on continuing my podcast every month and continuing with the Art Scholarships program. So many things are happening in the world that feel so much bigger than this and I encourage you to find those organizations and support them.

I'm tearing up on this because you know how much I appreciate each and every one of you! I had a vision to carry on my sister's legacy and I will do that for as long as I possibly can. For those who have supported my Patreon page and/or subscribed to my YouTube Channel in support of this Mission for the ARTS says so much about what a beautiful human being you are! THANK YOU! I have so much Love for you!

xoxo Mari

For Auction Information Follow - SLO County Arts Council on Instagram: @slo_county_arts_council

All Proceeds to benefit R.A.C.E Matters SLO

One Room Challenge - Week 4

Half way through the One Room Challenge on my Living Room make-over. I feel a bit like I’m in quicksand. I’m working on finishing a large painting which will be a focal piece in the room and it is taking for…..ever….! My plan is to finish it in the next week so I can move on to painting the other two walls in the room. Hopefully those will go a lot quicker!

Today I ordered the picture light I will hang above my Princess painting. I plan on painting the wall behind it black with the shape in my sketch. This gives more weight and interest to that corner of the room where my new chaise will go.

I also ordered a few accessories and I’m super excited about a gorgeous pillow my friend, (former VP of Product & Development at Pottery Barn - who now has her own fabulous textile company), Marie Joie Hughes is sending me! It Is Di-Vine! I can’t wait to share it with you!

My only concern is the sofa I ordered months ago…with the shop going out of business because of Covid (breaks my heart!), I’m so hoping the factories in LA will be able to open safely soon and I can receive it before the challenge is over. A small problem in the scheme of what is happening in the world for sure but it would be lovely if it could happen!

That’s it for this week. Make sure to follow all the amazing designers on the One Room Challenge website and a special Thank You to Better Homes and Gardens, the official media partner for this really fun and inspiring event.

The World Of Interiors!

Thank you Conde Naste for finding my art all the way in California! I love this magazine and I’m so honored to be a teeny-tiny part of it! Plus it’s the June issue. My Birthday month! I had to render the cover to Celebrate!

My painting “Beauty & The Beast” in The World of Interiors - June 2020 Art Edit

Week 3 - One Room Challenge - My Living Room Makeover

It’s Week 3 already and I’m making slow progress. Many of the things I’ll need to pull this Living Room together have arrived. My Chair & Ottoman are here as well as my drapery hardware and some architectural elements I’ll be adding to the room. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuut I’m getting A Lot nervous about seeing the custom sofa I ordered 5 months ago. I spoke with the owner today and as of now the production facility is still closed and even worse, he is going out of business. This news absolutely breaks my heart!! I try so hard to shop locally and support small businesses but going three months without any income has just left no room for his recovery.

A very sober reminder of how important it is that we are in this together and should try as best we can to help these small businesses. I know this first hand because I use to have a boutique and the crash of 2008 was too much for my little business to weather as well. Sigh….

In regards to the progress I’ve made this week and the plans for next week, I had some fun creating some new textiles for the room. Next week I’ll be sending them off to print as fabric and wallpaper. My painting is coming along but it is a beast. This painting is huge but I hope to finish it this coming week so I can start on painting my fireplace wall. Other than my missing sofa, things are coming together nicely! Check back next Thursday for my next update.

In the meantime, make sure to head over to the One Room Challenge website to check out all of the Ah-Mazing Featured Designers and super talented Guest Participants.

Take good care & Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

xoxo Mari

Episode 40 - interview with Tenli Van Rozeboom & Rhyan Townsend

Today’s Episode is loaded with very helpful advice on how two power women have created their own cruelty free make-up & luxury skincare lines. Meet mother & daughter, Tenli Van Rozeboom & Rhyan Townsend. Rhyan Townsend started House of the Rozetree, an all natural makeup line, while staying at home on maternity leave. She is a make-up & haircare professional and stylist for clients and weddings on the beautiful Central Coast of California. She knew she wanted to created a product that would be natural, performs well, and is long lasting. A chance encounter with a client from LA who is a chemist in the make-up industry planted the idea. House of the Rozetree started with beautiful lip products but Rhyan has big dreams for expanding her company. She’s just getting started! 

Tenli Van Rozeboom is her mother and was working on her own product ideas for her clients recovering from cancer treatment. Tenli has been devoted to health and wellness most of her adult life. She has worked as a massage therapist, physical therapist and lymphedema therapist. In looking for safer and natural products for her cancer patients she realized that everyone would benefit from what she discovered in her research. She recently launched Rozetree Botanicals an all natural and vegan skin care line.

It was a treat to get to speak with both of them about what it’s like to create and launch a product. They both are very passionate about their products and their vision and it is such a pleasure to see how they support one another.

I also learned A-Lot about what ingredients go into products that we use every day. Eye opening for sure!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Website: House of the Rozetree

Intsgram: @houseoftherozetree

Website: Rozetree Botanicals

Instagram: @rozetreebotanicals

One Room Challenge - Week Two

Where does time go? I can’t believe it’s been a week already since my last post! I have pretty ambitious Living Room make-over but I did make some headway this week.

I’m painting a large ‘Room Interior’ painting for a niche on one wall. This is the most time consuming project but as soon as I finish that I’ll begin on painting the fireplace surround.

In the meantime, I’ve ordered my drapes and hardware. I like the look of a French drapery rod and since my house is French, I went with that. I ordered them from Amazon along with the round mirror for the fireplace, the heating vent covers and the ceiling medallion. I’m still deciding on what color to paint it.

I’m also still waiting on my sofa sectional that I ordered over two months ago. Fingers crossed things get better and the LA factory can open back up but until then my new chaise and ottoman just showed up from Wayfair so that’s exciting!

In between all this painting, I’m designing some new textiles for throw pillows and fabric for my cabinets.

This project has been so much fun and I’m really enjoying all the participants and what they are creating! Make sure to head over to the One Room Challenge website and check out the Featured Designers for loads of inspiration. Until next week! xoxo Mari

It's Time! I'm participating in the One Room Challenge!

A few years ago, I participated in the One Room Challenge when they were just starting out. It was such a fun experience. I met so many talented bloggers and designers that I’m still friends with to this day. I’m thrilled to finally have the time to work on my own home and participate once again!

How It Works: Basically every Thursday for the next 8 weeks I’ll be writing a blog post here with my updates on how my room make-over is coming along. (I’ll also be posting on my Instagram @MariRDesign)

The 20 Featured designers will be posting the day before on Wednesdays. You can find them on the ORC website.

I was so grateful they extended the dates because I literally ordered a custom, blush sofa-sectional right before the world shut down. Honestly, I can’t even remember what it looks like but the nice owner at Marcela’s where I ordered it, trusted me with the fabric swatch, a critical element because I’m going to be painting A LOT and really need to have the color on hand. So fingers crossed by the end of June I will have my new sofa!

The Why: Last year all my girls went off to college and so did most of my furniture! Plus, when Bill and I designed and built our house it was back in 2003. I dare say, it’s definitely time for a make-over.

My Living Room Now - The Before

The Plan: Since we’ve been home for weeks, I’ve had lots of time to stare at this room and think about what I want to do. I know the world of Instagram and Pinterest is all white walls but just so you know, this will be the opposite of that. I’m an artist and I love color. I love bold art and soft comfortable sitting areas, and plants and kitties. Maybe not the most on trend but this is my home and I want to stay true to the things and colors that I and my family love.

Also, I sketch everything in my journal, so pardon the messiness. Another thing you can expect from me. I hope that’s OK.

This is my color palette. The blush sofa and a charcoal chaise lounge for the corner. Bill is 6’ 2’’ and needs something comfy to lounge in.

On the Left. Sketches for possible fabric designs.

The two biggest challenges are going to be painting the fireplace surround black with large scale flowers and finishing the huge painting for the wall to the left. I also plan on designing some custom fabric for pillows and cabinets. It’s ambitious!

I had a dream about covering the books in my bookshelf and painting a floral design on them. It was so beautiful in my dreams, I hope it works in real life! This is the sketch I did when I woke up.

This is the painting (work in progress) for the left side. Let’s hope I can finish this all in 8 weeks! It’s called: ‘Let’s Stay Home’. Ha Ha

If you love interior design or you are just looking for some ideas on how you can spruce up your home (since that is where we are most of the time now) I encourage you to follow the One Room Challenge Designers. There are 20 Featured Designers who are all pretty darn amazing!

This will be fun! I hope you’ll follow along! xo Mari

A Little Behind the Scenes Look at my Studio & Art

I did something fun! My beautiful daughter, Serena Robeson, is a Senior at Cal State Channel Islands majoring in Graphic Design. She had an assignment to interview a working artist and I was so, so honored that she asked ME! Since many of you have also asked me to see a studio tour, we thought we would take a small excerpt from her interview and create a short video! I hope you like it!! xoxo Mari

PS I’ve signed up to participate in the One Room Challenge! Check back here Thursday to see my Mood Board for my Living Room make-over which will include the finished version of the painting I am working on in this video! More to come!

Interview with Dancer / Choreographer / Studio Owner - Pam Rossi - Ep 39

I am so incredibly honored to share today’s Episode with you!

Guys!! I interviewed Pam Rossi! She is the daughter of legendary dance queen, Pat Jackson. I was privileged to be an American Dancer & teacher for Pat Jackson. This is the incredible story of her daughter.

Pam Rossi’s dance career started as a Solid Gold dancer and as a Sahara Girl for likes of Jerry Lewis, Johnny Carson & Don Rickels... but that was just the beginning! She has worked with Cameron Diaz, Dolly Parton, Debbie Allen, Dan Ackroyd, Tom Hanks, on and on and on! Including my favorite, Lucille Ball! We talk about all of it and more on today’s episode.

Now she runs an award winning dance studio in Moorpark, CA. I can’t even list here all of the amazing people she has worked with and things that she has done!

If you are a dancer, this is the episode for you!! Pams advice is insightful and inspiring. Her journey as a professional dancer, choreographer and studio owner is such an amazing story!! Please enjoy today’s episode over on my YouTube channel! I’d love it if you would subscribe and please share with your creative friends!!

YOU CAN LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow Pam Rossi Here:

Website: Dance-Ten.com

Facebook: Pam Rossi Dance Ten

Instagram: @PamRossiDanceTen

Meet The Creator of Ladie Katie - Katie Robert - Ep 38

In this interview with Katie Robert we learn about her creative journey as an attorney and inspirational artist. Katie Robert is the creator of Ladie Katie - Art for your Heart & Your Home. She openly shares her story of how in the last year of law school she participated in her first art show and launched the beginning of Ladie Katie. Now her whimsical fashion illustrations, pet portraits, wedding portraits, and graphic design are well known and loved by many.

Last year she launched her first illustrated planner full of words of encouragement and helpful pages for organizing plans and taking notes. We talk about why she created the planner and what’s in store for next year. We also talk about how art is impacting us during these times and how she created a brilliant way to share her art with her new neighbors in Redondo Beach, CA.

While we are all ‘sheltering at home’ Katie also created a wonderful coloring book as a FREE download. If you have the means to make a $5 donation for the printable book, then all of the proceeds will go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Scholarships for Art & Dance for the month of April, 2020.

Towards the end of the Episode we learn where the name Ladie Katie came from, (such a fun story), as well as her super helpful advice! 

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE! Please Subscribe & Share with your creative friends too!

Other Places to Follow & Support Katie Robert:

Website: Ladie Katie

Instagram: @LadieKatieArt

Facebook: Ladie Katie Art

Shop: Ladie Katie Shop

Pinterest: Ladie Katie Art

Free Printable - Wash Your Hands & Stay Safe!

Feel free to screen cap this image and print it out for your front door or to use in your business! For personal use only.

We can do this!

Meet The Fabulous Dayna Lee Langlois - Dayna Lee Collection

What a crazy time we are all experiencing. The new normal of ‘shelter in place’. Everyone is feeling a little anxious and concerned but I’m hoping that these times when we move inside we can discover the beauty of slowing down, making art, dancing in the living room, reading books and cooking from scratch - just to name a few, fun things to rediscover.

I might add…listening to podcasts! And I have so many good ones for you! Today is no exception. If there was ever a perfect time for an interview, it’s now. The lovely Dayna Lee Langlois is known for her stationery and gift line that shares words of support and encouragement.

In this episode we discuss how she started with nothing, found something she was good at, practiced, practiced, practiced and then grew it into an international stationery and gift brand, the Dayna Lee Collection!

We talk about licensing your designs and all the aspects of what it really takes to grow a successful, creative company. If you are looking to be inspired then this is the episode for you!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Dayna Lee Langlois Here:

Website: The Dayna Lee Collection

Facebook: The Dayna Lee Collection

Instagram & Twitter: @DaynaLeeCollection

Interview with International Artist - Gus Harper - Episode 36

I’m am soooo excited about today’s Video Podcast with the incredibly talented Gus Harper. Gus is probably one of the most passionate and talented artists I have ever spoken with!

He creates incredible street murals all around the world! Literally, from Malibu to Malaysia!

I am in awe of how he can create on such a large scale and his works on Canvas are equally stunning!

In this episode he shares a very powerful story of living each and every day with passion and adventure and shows us all that there are many different paths to becoming a thriving and successful artist! 

If you ever wondered what it would be like to travel around the world creating Art, then this is an Episode you won’t want to miss!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Follow & Support Gus Harper Here:

Website: Gus Harper Art

Instagram: @GusHarperArt

Facebook: Gus Harper Art

Interview with Chantal Larocque of Paper & Peony

I have such a happy and colorful Episode for you today! I came across the gorgeous paper flowers created by French-Canadian artist and author, Chantal Larocque, on Instagram. You probably know by now that I am a huge fan of bold colors and flowers, so visiting her feed makes my heart pitter-pat in all the good ways!

I was thrilled when Chantal said she would share her creative journey with us all on my podcast because it’s such a unique creative business and yet just another way you can be a thriving artist in this amazing world of ours.

Chantal shares with us how creating a beautiful scrapbook in memory of her father turned into a blossoming business. It didn’t just happen though, it was an evolution of events and quite an interesting story!

Now Chantal’s creations have been featured by companies like Chanel, Dior, Perrier-Jouet Champagne just to name a few and her work was even chosen to be the featured art for the Canadian Stamp! She is also the best selling author of DIY book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers! So you can see we had quite a bit to talk about!

I think you will really like this Episode, especially her very helpful and insightful advice at the end!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Other places you can Follow & Support Chantal Larocque:

Website: PaperandPeony

Instagram & Twitter: @PaperandPeony

Facebook: PaperandPeony

Chantal Larocque’s Book: Bold & Beautiful Paper Flowers

February's Featured Artists - Husband & Wife - Jon Davenport & Christy Kinard

It’s the month of Love and I can’t think of a better way to kick it off but with a truly charming Love Story of artists, Jon Davenport and Christy Kinard! It’s seriously the most endearing Episode. A Southern Bell meets a British Man in the most romantic city of Venice, Italy. Their journey from how they met, their life in London, to now living in Atlanta and raising three boys, made for a very interesting interview!

Christy’s mixed media paintings are an explosion of color and inspiration. So much so, it was her art and her studio floor - that’s right - I said floor, that inspired Jon to create his own incredible works of art.

Jon was in the world of advertising and web design before meeting Christy. You can see his keen eye for composition, color and design, in all of his paintings. Jon is also a mixed media artist and they both work together in their home studio. In this Episode they share what it’s like to sell your work in galleries, selling art on-line, how they create their work, and creating a line of products with their art.

Recently Jon & Christy launched Kinard Studio. A new line of product created from their art. For the month of February, they are very generously offering proceeds of the sale of their ‘Black Star - Yoga Leggings’, to go to the Louise Monforte Memorial Art & Dance Scholarships.

And Jon is also donating to the scholarship fund, part of the proceeds of the sale of this gorgeous original painting!

‘Blue is for Boys’ 36” x 36” $3500 - Contact Jon directly to purchase!

Blue is for Boys - 36” x 36” Artist - Jon Davenport

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

To Follow and Support Jon & Christy:

KinardStudio.com Instagram: @KinardStudio

JonDavenportAt.com Instagram @JonDavenportArt

ChristyKinard.com Instagram Twitter @ChristyKinard

Interview with Travel Photographer & Writer - Renata Haidle

I met Renata on Instagram and fell in love with her dreamy photos of far away, magical places that I hope to visit one day. As we got to know each other, I knew I wanted to share her story and interview her on my podcast.

Renata is Romanian-American and her creative journey is incredibly interesting and inspiring. Before she left Romania she was actually a doctor but when she came to America that all changed. On this Episode she shares her story of facing her fears and following her creative passion of photography and writing.

“You are never too old to set another goal, or to dream a new dream.”
― C.S. Lewis

Now Renata photographs and writes for several travel sites and she even has her own book out full of her gorgeous photography! I think you all will really enjoy this Episode and perhaps her story will even spark a dormant dream of your own to take on new wings!

LISTEN & WATCH THE FULL EPSODE HERE

Follow & Support Renata Here:

Website: RenataHaidle.com

Facebook: Renata Haidle Photography

Twitter: is @RenataHaidle

Instagram: @RenataHaidle

Happy New Year! My First Studio VLOG is LIVE!

Happy New Year & New Decade! I Love New Beginnings! I painted this while my girls were home this Christmas and we all were creating around the kitchen table. 2020! So much fun to even say!

Today is super exciting! I usually interview a different artist every first Wednesday of the month and a different creative entrepreneur every third Wednesday of the month but since January 1st fell on the first Wed. I’d thought I’d challenge myself and try something NEW! So today I’m launching my very first Studio VLOG over on my YouTube Channel. Goodness…hats off to all those YouTubers out there because creating a video is not only a lot of work but there are a lot of things to learn! This is my first, so be kind! ha ha

And don’t worry, I have some amazing artists lined up to interview in the New Year!

That said, on today’s VLOG I’m sharing with you how I create my Vision Journal for the New Year. I use my Journal almost every day. It goes with me everywhere and is an important tool in my work since my job is all about visualizing and then creating.

I’m sharing why I believe that adding the element of being creative in the journaling process, instead of just writing goals and intentions, is a helpful way to attract the life you want to manifest. There are also a couple of fun processes anyone can implement into making their own journal. Let me know what you think and if you’d like to see more videos from my studio.

Wishing you a very Wonderful New Year full of great health, love & happiness!

xoxo

Mari

As promised in the video here are some words you can use to print out and use in your journal. You have permission to screen shot them and use for personal use! Cheers!

December's Featured Creative Entrepreneurs - Kristin Alexander & Suzanne Smith

EPISODE 32 is LIVE

I can’t think of a better way to end the year then recording with two of my very good friends, Kristin Alexander and Suzanne Smith! I’ve known these two lovely women for quite some time and their bright and beautiful energy is simply contagious! Both of them are ACE (American Council of Exercise) certified personal trainers who have multiple group certifications such as Les Mills, Aqua, Insanity, Zumba, Spin etc. Kristin is also a Certified Weight Management Specialist and additionally Suzanne works in Cancer Well Fit but I know her as my personal Bootcamp Trainer!

Suzanne and Kristin owned a fitness studio together (the Edge) where the goal when starting it was to appeal to people that were intimidated by gyms. With over 20 years of fitness training experience they shared their passion for helping people achieve their best in all aspects mind, body, and soul. Now they are continuing that passionate work at Avila Bay Athletic Club and Spa where Kristin is the Athletic Director.

On today’s Episode we are talking about their Top 5 Tips on How To Stay Fit and Focused in 2020! They offer some really helpful advice that I hope will get you excited about your fitness goals in the New Year!

Happy Holidays! May they be full of Joy, Great Health, and Happiness! xoxo Mari

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE

Website: Avila Bay Athletic Club & Spa

Kristin Alexander Email: kristin@avilabayclub.com

Suzanne Smith Email: suztsmith8@gmail.com