Dreams of Spring

As inspiring as it is, no, this is not a photo of me dancing on this past Saturday when my left hip displaced for the fourth time after a total replacement/ and three major surgeries. This image of 16-year-old Darci Kistler, new to New York City Ballet in 1980, performing the great George Balanchine’s romantic ballet “Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3, reminds me of the fresh breeze of Springtime, of optimism.

The quote with variations of "Man makes plans......and God laughs" is not dark or negative to me, rather a reason to understand that all does not go according to our plans in life. 

While I am facing some challenges ahead, just as in the past I have no doubt that all who come to read this blog will understand and look forward to the artful features ahead for 2016!

Now for exciting news which will definitely have you thinking of warmer, balmy days to come!

Announcing the new India Hicks Spring 2016 collection! (including a few stunning transitional pieces) Please let me know what you would love to have for yourself or to gift someone special. Valentines Day is coming soon! 

Consider the opportunity of joining an exciting business with an incredible group of women (headed by India herself), of hosting a get-together where you earn rewards or just shop the most stylish Lifestyle Line available! Be sure to email me with any questions at artbykarenablog@gmail.com.

Which are your favorites?

Let’s look forward to a Spring getaway and great times ahead!

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support the Arts!

Please do leave a comment as they make my day!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

The New Spring Collection from India Hicks!

Benvenuto in Italia

Please join a special group of bloggers as they show you their favorite places in Europe! Starting with Anita of Castles Crowns and Cottages!

Today I am reminiscing about a very special trip taken to Rome and Florence a few years back and will let these beautiful images speak for themselves!!

The Trevi Fountain Detail

The Cathedral at Orvieto

The ceiling of The Sistine Chapel by Michaelangelo

In the Borghese Gardens

Lanvin Couture 

Victor Emmanuel II Detail

Il Pagliaccio Restaurant 

A Swiss Guard at St. Peters Cathedral

Galligani Pasticceria The Best!

The Colosseum at Night

From the lovely Anita, lets spread the Magic always!

I truly believe that one could spend months in every fine city of Europe and never see enough. However here is just a snippet of some of my favorite things about Rome, its history and romance, and the surrounding region!

Thank you to my friends and followers who support The Arts!

Please do  leave a comment, they make my day!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena


Please subscribe by email to get linked with my weekly postings!

Valentine Wishes and Versatile Blogger Award

Valentines Day...for thinking of our loved ones, family and friends. Pondering what we love about our passions and our lives. Debra of 5th and State has Given me the Versatile Blogger Award.So, I need to tell you some things about myself you may not know!

Ode to Helen Frankenthaler. I love the woman and the art that inspired this piece. The past year and a half I had lost the passion to paint. Granted I was dealing with some serious health issues. Most of my time on this blog is spent supporting other artists of all kinds, designers, entrepreneurs,etc.  I am so happy to say that I have picked up the brush again.

Mark Rothko White on Red. Another painter who has inspired me. Look how art inspires fashion and design Color Blocking is very current. There are many living artists I admire as well and will continue my artists series for 2012.

Cy Twombly This work of art is mesmerizing to me!

 This little girl looks so much like me at that age. I have always loved pets.

I have a loving, very furry Himalayan cat, Miss Belle!

Audrey Hepburn, a woman who lived a superb life, set a great example, always gave back, my style icon! Two of my older cousins, my Mother (who should be sainted) plus Audrey were my mentors!

Oh yes my dream was to be a Prima Ballerina and I love to dance.

My Dream to Visit France in the Autumn this Year! Art by Fifi Flowers

In the winter I wear every shade of gray possible and then a bright top or scarf. However in the spring and summer the brighter colors come out! This from Fresh Produce!

I have a huge family and have a son and daughter plus four grandchildren. Isabella is the one who spends the most time with me. She is growing up too fast. How does that happen? We have many fun family get togethers.

My Favorite all time Scent Chanel # 5. Given to me by my first boyfriend along with the dusting powder. A gift I will never forget! I think a woman is more alluring and mysterious wearing a subtle scent of perfume. Another benefit is that it truly boosts your confidence.

I love, love to read! As a little girl one of my older cousins, Sharon gave me her books when she finished with them. As the eldest of eight children, this was such a special gift. Reading took me away to another world and I have been an avid reader ever since. My daughter and her boyfriend gave me a Kindle for Christmas and I love it. I do still like to have my "Real" Art and Interior Design books. 

Work on my latest painting!

I would like to pass this award on to:

Andrea at The French Basketeer
Jane of Empress of the Eye 
Linda of Surroundings
Heather of Habitually Chic
Tish of A femme d'Un Certain Age
Artie of Color Outside the Lines 
Michele of MY Notting Hill
Rebecca of Acanthus and acorn


Tell us several interesting facts about yourself your blog friends may not be aware of!


Thank you to all of my friends, followers, and family who show me love all year long!


xoxo
Karena


Art by Karena

Life of Adventure, Exploration, and the Arts

This is the year for you! The year to make your passions come alive, your dreams come true, and to make a difference.

If that sounds selfish, think about what will happen. The person who is fulfilled and taking time for themselves will be a much better person for this world!

Of course this does not mean that right now you will make your living doing what you love. Wouldn't it be great though if more people could support themselves and their family doing what they are most passionate about.

Take a Leap of Faith and Make a decision to sign up for a class. Try Yoga to Relax AND Strengthen your body. Get out the bicycle and actually ride it! Start the first chapter of the book you have wanted to write ...oh for how long now?

Do something extraordinary and forget about what anyone else may think about it!

Jackson Pollock Art

Make a trip to the art supply store. Splurge on new walking shoes.

Take a Gourmet Cooking Class. Read for an hour before bed. Join a Book Club. Turn off the television.

Annapurna

The year is 2012 and it seems the Millennium just occurred, so lets not wait another year to take that opportunity for a bold new adventure. "Just do It!"

Voice Classes, make your own video, take up photography...

Dreams do come true; however you must do your part!

Now for the winner of the Giveaway from Serena & Lily Glenda of Notes on the Journey has won the lovely trio of Jala Frames. Congratulations Glenda.! I hope you will visit Glenda's site. She has a special story to tell. Her passion is very apparent and she is also a lighthearted fun lady!

Thanks to all of you who have been so supportive through my recent surgeries, recoveries and months of rehab to come! 

Can you tell I have had some time to think about this precious life we have been given?

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena