I have a new website take a look----www.dorothyatkinsartist.com

It's those little moments that make me pause and smile. Well, my new website showing off some of my paintings is just one of them. While this is new, I won't forget where I began in this creative journey of mine. If you are so inclined you can see where I started..... www.fromwhereisit.net. Not fancy but it gave me the courage to put myself out there and I have not looked back. My original black and white cards with my family photos are still sold in specialty stores and museum stores and I am so proud.

Excerpts From My Journal (Train Rides into San Francisco)

A few day ago I came account my notes made while commuting into San Francisco to work. Not sure if I had read these thoughts someplace but they became important to me and I reread them often. I have found them so apropos for this moment and for this day. Begin to act boldly, the moment one definitely commits oneself, heaven moves on their behalf! Sometimes we fall asleep get lost or forget that we are such splendid forgivable adorable souls. Choose safe gentle souls who are willing to not criticize, but support you in this state of your artist journey. Share with them-- let them be thrilled with you. Listen and hear what they are saying to you. Do not dismiss their compliments or encouragement. I'm living my life in full color...out to the edges in celebration of my radiant eccentric self. Process of aliveness and discovery. "I wonder if I listen hard enough, could I hear the flowers laughing?" (unknown)

During the pauses in my work, I bake.

During the month of December I baked 500 plus cookies to deliver to friends. Each year I say it is my last but I'm drawn into it by my creative spirit. Not to mention how excited I feel when my family and friends enjoy them so much. I also discovered that it is much like my painting.("I paint because I have to"). I don't make just the average cookie but some are subtle, some bold, others wild with flavor, most have origins from different cultures. Wow! am I talking about baking or my Art Work? I suppose both. Several of my images were purchased by an art collector and will be hung in the Monterey Peninsula Hospital. The thought that others will see my images in a quiet peaceful setting of the hospital gives me great peace and the inspiration to continue putting paint to canvas.

Paper Doll

Gallery Saratoga , 14425A Big Basin Way, Saratoga, Ca. presents  my exhibit of "COLOR" - June 4th through July 1, 2012.  Stop by.  More information to be posted about the reception which will be a fun day with wine food and music.  Here is my email if you want to reach me fromwhereisit@sbcglobal.net.

Creative Friends

Most of you know my mantra  "Do as much as you can for as long as you can".  I surround myself with creative women who always inspire me to do my best work.  One of my dearest friends B.J., created this wonderful jewelry that I am wearing (I also wear it when I paint).  She  sometimes makes pieces especially for me and always captures the colors that I am drawn to.  Soon she and I will have an open studio where more of her creations can be seen.  In the meantime, my art work will hang in the Saratoga Library along with several other talented women friends during the month of May.  Stop by and see what we're all about. 

Chairs That Call My Name

My fascination with chairs goes back as far as I can remember.  Chairs can be traced back through classical times to the time of Pharaohs and were reserved for Kings, Lords and Bishops.  Ordinary folk sat on backless benches or stools.  I enjoy taking a sad well worn chair and decorating it with reckless abandonment.  Painting them with my sense of whimsy holding it only temporarily then off on another journey to continue the cycle of love. 

Time to Reflect

It seems I rushed around for weeks getting ready for my Gallery Show at Gallery Saratoga.  My third show and it still stirred the same kind of excitement in me as though my first.  Reminded me of my childhood when I brought my first drawing home with a star on it. Seeing my mom's eyes light up with joy was a feeling to cherish... and whenever a moment happens that comes close to that feeling, I cherish it completely.  Although exhausted, I have taken  "Time to Reflect"  and recharge my creative energy. But most of all, strangers bought my work which compels me to capture life's moments in everything that I do.