"Things that Warm the Heart"

Horrible fires in California, snow in some unusual places across the South, minus zero temperatures in the north,...14+ inches of snow here 10 days ago. It's hard to process all this and it's just the first month of the year!  At least when I am snowed in I can get a lot of things done inside! (and, yes, I did go out and build a snowman.)

Blue Heron Coffee, a small coffee shop in my village, offers gallery space to the St. Michaels Art League. The theme of the upcoming show in February is 'Things that Warm the Heart'. I wanted to participate so tried a couple of paintings. 

For many years I made valentines for my husband in sort of a 'zentangle' manner. As I thought about the February exhibit I wondered whether one of those valentines would work. I couldn't find the original one, but I did have an image in my photo file. I sort of copied it and made some upgrades...

As I understand zentangle, it's free form object with formulated 'designs' within. I think 'true' zentangle is also black and white. But, being more of a color person, I break the rules. This is what I reconstructed. I love the hearts connected.

While I love this image, I wanted to try another idea. My thought was warming hearts centered around a fire...and a chance to really get into color! I got out my pastels. I love the variety and depth of color. No 'hearts' shown here, just implied. 

If you are in town during the month of February, stop in to Blue Heron Coffee and take a look at this and all the other artists' ideas.

Coming soon...whatever it is I decide to do for the 2025 Banner program... ???