Into the Canyon

"Into the Canyon" acrylic on canvas, 12x12, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

About 12 years ago when the need to paint became a steady roar inside of me. A roar that I could no longer ignore in pursuit of "more worthwhile" activities and career choices... I saw or rather felt a vision - a series of paintings that I needed to create. Something I needed to bring to life.
Persistently calling me, they were so very distant.  I told my boyfriend (who is now my husband) that I felt as if I was standing on one side of the Grand Canyon, and this soul-searching series of art that was begging to be created, was on the other side of the Canyon. 
Miles and miles away. 
With the most enormously deep and wide space between me and  my soul vision - the place I was supposed to be.
Greatly frustrated, I didn't know how to get there.  

"Yes, you do.  You need to go into the canyon. You need to paint your way through. There's no other way." (there's a reason he is now my husband)

And, so I went in a bit, came back out. Tentatively, in and out a few times.  Skirted and thoroughly explored the edges and trails on this side. The side I knew. For a while I set up camp - watching and keeping and eye on the distant place I would eventually need to travel to.

Now, it is time.
I am going in!
I would say 'Wish me luck', but I don't need it.  I've got my paints, my imagination, and faith. 

wow - reading this today, January 25, 2017, is a real eye-opener! By following my daily art practice, and the commitment to make something every day... now, I am truly in the canyon - and loving every minute of the journey!!

You can follow my daily illustrations on my Instagram page. 

Joan of Arc Illustration in progress

When I mentioned to my husband that I was going to illustrate another Pixie this week, he challenged me to "think outside the box."  He wanted to see me go beyond the expected, the mainstream, and push myself and my ideas.

This is a sneak peek of Joan of Arc in progress.  I love her!

Raw Veggies and GF Ranch Dressing

Since the year started I have been making an effort to increase the vegetable intake for me and my family. Approaching each meal with the question, "How can I add one more vegetable?"

And, as I transition toward grain free (more to come on that), and more and more raw food... the focus is adding more raw vegetables.  While keeping it interesting, exciting and tasty.

Yesterday I went searching for a dairy free ranch dressing recipe, of course it would need to be GF too, and stumbled upon Once a Month Mom, and found a winning ranch dressing recipe!

I saying winning because not only was it easy, and superb tasting, but a huge plate of raw vegetables were dipped and consumed during dinner last night!

This dressing is a new staple in our household.

Fog

Today we woke up to a deep dense fog.
Grey, hazy, smoky and smoldering, mysterious, eerie and romantic...
A perfect fog for the final scene of Casablanca.
A very film noir morning.

Happy & Healthy New Year!

Simply Gluten Free Magazine, Jan/Feb 2013

Kicking off the New Year with a nasty cold was not exactly what I had planned. I am all about the vision boards, resolutions, reviewing the past year, and setting my sights and goals for a new year.  I love that stuff!! But, this year I am easing in a little slower, taking care of myself, and taking the time to allow my body to get heal.

Today I am sitting in the sunny spot of my kitchen, soaking in the warmth of my chai tea - and the sun, enjoying my favorite magazine!  And, yes, I am quietly thinking about goals reached in 2012, goals to reach for in 2013... and beyond.

This magazine represents a life-long goal of illustrating for a printed magazine (you can find me on pg 21) and it was realized in  2012 with the premier issue.  It is especially important to me, to be part of something I believe in so strongly.  Living gluten-free gave me my life back, removed 30+ years of debilitating migraines, and gave me the ability, energy and focus to go for my goals.

Wishing everyone a Joyous, HEALTHY, Gluten-free New Year!!  

December Special, Printable Gift Tags

The Holidays are a time for sharing, so during the month of December all orders will qualify for a FREE GIFT from me to you.  

When you make a purchase you will have a choice of 1 of the 4 different FREE printable holiday gift tag designs... Pixie Elf, Holly Boot, Snowflake Stilettos OR Christmas Wreaths.
Once a purchase is made I will email you the pdf printable file of your choice... Pixie Elf, Holly Boot, Snowflake Stilettos OR Christmas Wreaths. When you buy through my etsy shop ErinGoPaint you can leave a message to seller with your choice of FREE printable tag page.  








If you make a purchase at Praline Pixies EGP or the GF Illustrator on Zazzle you can contact me on my Facebook at ErinGoPaint, let me know what you bought - and then I can email you your printable gift page.







Happy Holidays to all, 

and to all a good night!

Praline Pixies

After receiving many requests for my princesses, super heroes, and fairy tale characters on t-shirts I have created a place just for that.  

Introducing Praline Pixies... 
"Here you will find my original watercolor illustrations of young african american and multiracial girls as princesses, super heroes, and fairy tale characters. I am inspired by my daughter who at 3 thought all princesses and beautiful girls had yellow hair and peach skin. I started creating so she - and many others - can see that beauty is not confined to one look.

I believe they have a very positive influence on how young girls see themselves. I have been told by so many clients that their daughter thinks the painting is them. So they get to see themselves reflected as the beautiful princess, instead of a constant stream of images that look nothing like them. 

Life is certainly not all about beauty, but if young girls can grow up appreciating who they are and the beauty that they have, it will help them to grow into strong and confident women. "

My art prints are collected by buyers worldwide, hoping that the t-shirts and fun products available will find homes all over the globe.