I've always been inspired by Maxfield Parrish's complimentary colors. He's one of my favorite artists.  So I decided to use that same combination in my garden.  
I'd started with a planting of Orange Clockwork flowers.  I liked it, they were beautiful by themselves, but I decided to add a complimentary Blue Morning Glory to make the planting more vibrant.   Now I love it! 

Here are three examples of Maxfield Parrish's work using cool backgrounds, and warm toned figures or details in the foreground.  They are so amazing. Makes me want to paint, in the studio, or outside in the garden!

Below is the wall next to my computer desk.  It's decorative, but utilitarian.  The white framed boxes, underneath the Create sign, open to hold reference or items of inspiration.  I can easily change them out whenever I want.

Inside the boxes I've included words of inspiration, ideas for stories, and of course a picture of camels.  There is an owl's feather a friend found on a walk and gave to me.  

When I was in college my father and I had a jewelry business.  We cut stones, ground cabochons, and cast settings in silver and gold using the lost wax technique.  In the upper corner of the first box are the testing needles we used, along with a touchstone, to test the karat of gold samples.  

I also love the beach, and so I have seashells scattered all over my house, including over the top of my shadow boxes.  

I keep my drawing pencils, pens, and etc. organized in an antique sugar mold from Mexico.  I love mixing rustic with modern, not to mention goofy with practical.  I have good luck troll dolls my mother gave me, next to highlighter pens, next to a frog princess wand, and a dragon pen.  

At the very end are crow feathers I've collected.  I use them to paint marble veining and other textures.  

Everything is handy, useful, or inspiring.  I think you have to surround yourself with things you love or that give happy memories.  They all help you to be creative.

It's been awhile since I mentioned a fantasy project I've been working on.  Part of the reason is it's a personal project, and I'm working on it between assignments.  The other reason is, I'm also writing a lot and that takes up quite a bit of time!

Here is a detail of my painting in progress.  I'm working in acrylics on canvas using a mostly greyed palette, which is something new for me.  I've also started working with several Jo Sonja colors, especially the Vintage Collection.  I also use a mostly dry brush technique. Maxine's Mops are the brushes I use for my figures and portraits.

I'm having fun painting this project, as well as sketching out ideas for other pieces in the series.  I hope to finish it soon so I can reveal the entire canvas!