Garden of Inspiration

This morning I was visiting with my BFF and fellow artist Trish and was reminded, as I am every time I visit her house, that she has the most AMAZING garden! And when I’m there I find myself remarking on all the beautiful things I see. In fact, her garden has been the source of many of my paintings.

I live vicariously through this garden, especially after I sold my house and have been dealing with rental gardens. I decided that the world needed to see just how amazing this place is. Of course I have a thing for succulents and well, this garden is full of them! I’m often lucky enough to get cuttings and I’ve donated a few of my agave pups to the garden. But what makes this garden is not just the plants…its the love. Trish imbues the magic into it. It doesn’t happen by accident.

The hummingbirds flock to the many feeders she provides, even the squirrels get fed apple cores that she places atop the walls, the bees get rescued daily from danger whether it be the pool or her herding me to the side so I don’t accidentally step on it. She puts cayenne pepper in the front garden to keep the dogs from doing their business in her garden. I admire her total love for nature. Today she educated me on cruelty-free products and was truly appalled that I was so uninformed! I learn from her every day. I enjoy all our “dates”, I’m lucky to have such a great friend!

She inspires me…the garden inspires me and I hope it makes you feel good too! Enjoy…

Disclaimer: My photos don’t do this place the justice it deserves but I’m sure you’ll still enjoy it! 🙂

Going Green

Inspiration comes from unexpected places.  I received an email from an old friend who recently found out I was painting full-time and was focusing on desert plants.  The email contained photos of some plants he came across while he was out and about.  He thought of me when he saw them and took the time to take photos and send them to me, how thoughtful is that?! Awesome guy! Thanks Steve you’re the best!

Last month I was looking thorough my many photos to find some inspiration and I came across his.  I had also been thinking of experimenting with working on paper. Paper and plants…what could be more green? The result is something I’m quite fond of…I hope you like it too.

The Art of Giving

Happy Holidays!

It’s hard to believe that it is already that time of year again! ‘Tis the season of gift giving and this year you can give those special people in your life something that they will treasure….art!

Why art? A beautiful painting hanging on the wall will be a constant reminder of how much you care, long after other gifts have been used up or forgotten. This art is beautiful, unique and can not be found at Target!

My paintings are now available as high quality fine art prints through Fine Art America. Sold in a variety of sizes as stretched canvas prints or custom framed with thousands of mat and frame combinations. Click on the link and order yours today!

As a thank you for your support I’m offering a 25% discount on my prints. Use discount code: FKTDRX at checkout. Offer is valid through December 31st.

Original paintings are available at www.athenamantle.com or at Modest Fly Art Gallery 7576 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga, CA www.modestflyartgallery.com. Desert Jewels will be on display through December 20th.

Great Stocking Stuffer!
I am offering a desk calendar with the Desert Jewels painting series for $10.  If you are interested in purchasing one of these send me a message through my website. Or you might also like succulent canvas prints available through Fine Art America!

Desert Jewels Opening Reception

Thanks to all those who came out to the opening reception of Desert Jewels.  I invited my good friend Karen Meinhart to join me at the show and display her gorgeous succulent container gardens.

Click on the link below to get a glimpse of the show.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This free greeting card generated with Smilebox

Artist creates a “safe universe”

Athena Mantle in the news…

Etc….echeveria

I’ve expanded my Agave Series to include some succulents…specifically some echeveria species.  All paintings are available for sale on my website: www.athenamantle.com

Coming Through

In my latest painting titled “Coming Through” I was challenged by the subtlety of the tonal changes.  I have enjoyed doing this series as it allowed me to play with the extreme slightness of tonal change and color. I’ve found that using dry brush techniques has achieved interesting effects in my agave series.

Check out more of my desert paintings on FineArtAmerica.com.

Rising Up

More new work in my agave series that can be found on FineArtAmerica.

Check out more of my plant paintings on FineArtAmerica.com.

Oh Sweet Agave

As I obsess over agave plants, I take a turn in a new direction playing with more vibrant colors and details.  See my newest finished piece…

Becoming a Painter

On the advice of my good friend and painter Kelly Reemtsen, I have been painting like crazy!  I just completed 7 paintings of my new series of desert plants.  Here is a look at what I’ve got in the works… much more to come.