Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Dogwoods, miniature oil painting, framed

#Dogwoods,#miniature,#oilpainting,#5x5,#Barbara Haviland-Original
#Dogwoods,#miniature,#oilpainting,#5x5,#Barbara Haviland-Original

Dogwood Miniature

Size 6"x6"

Stretched canvas 

50.00

Dogwood mini is done in oils on a signed  canvas. We have  festivals here in Woodville for the dogwoods.  The background is a very dark green.     The painting is on a stretched canvas  and is just waiting to come home to you. Measures 6"x6"     

©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Old Shrimper, boat



The Old Shrimper is a boat done in oils on a 9x12 canvas panel.  It was a study and now it is offered to you.  

This 9x12-inch painting captures a serene moment along a picturesque waterside setting. At the heart of the composition lies a small boat, nestled peacefully next to a charming building topped with a distinctively warm reddish-brown roof. The boat, with its solid build and visible cabin and rigging, appears ready for adventure, yet it rests in tranquil repose, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the scene’s inherent calmness.
The painting conveys a quiet elegance through a skillful blend of colors—soft blues and greens intermingle with earthy tones to create a harmonious backdrop that highlights the natural beauty surrounding the boat. The lush greenery and the gently muted sky work together to enhance the artwork's soothing ambiance, inviting one to pause and contemplate the balance between human craftsmanship and the serene allure of nature.

This piece offers a peaceful retreat into a world of simplicity and reflection, where the everyday meets the extraordinary in a gentle embrace. By engaging with this artwork, one can almost hear the gentle rustle of leaves and feel a gentle breeze, reminding us of the simple pleasures and tranquility found in quiet moments by the water.    

©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 201425
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Friday, March 21, 2025

Guest Blogger today is Clara Beaufort, Short Read and good

     Absorb, Don’t Just Consume

Scrolling mindlessly through social media or binge-watching TV doesn’t nourish your creative mind—it just fills space. If you want to reinvigorate your imagination, engage with content more actively. Read a book that challenges your thinking, watch a documentary that dives deep into a subject you know nothing about, or visit an art exhibit even if you don’t consider yourself an “art person.” Creativity thrives when you connect ideas in unexpected ways, and the more diverse your inputs, the richer your output will be.

Engage in Play to Unlock Your Inner Innovator

Play isn’t just for kids. In fact, some of the most innovative minds swear by it. When you play—whether it’s doodling, solving puzzles, or even experimenting with a musical instrument—you enter a state of exploration without pressure. Play allows for mistakes, and mistakes often lead to the best ideas. So instead of forcing creativity through sheer willpower, approach it with a sense of fun and curiosity. The less you worry about “getting it right,” the more room you create for inspiration to flow.

Consider a Bold Career Change
Sometimes, the best way to reignite your creativity is to change careers entirely, stepping into a field that challenges and excites you in new ways. Whether you’re looking to break free from a stagnant role or explore a passion for technology, earning a bachelor of science in information technology can open doors to fresh opportunities. An IT degree equips you with career-relevant skills in information technology, cybersecurity, and more, allowing you to solve complex problems and innovate in a fast-paced industry. Plus, earning a degree through an online program makes it easy to work full-time while keeping up with your studies, ensuring a smooth transition into your next professional chapter.

Step Into Someone Else’s Shoes for a Fresh Perspective
Empathy is an underrated creativity booster. When you take time to see the world from someone else’s point of view, you stretch your own thinking. Have conversations with people outside your industry, listen to their challenges, and consider how you might approach their problems differently. Better yet, try a temporary role reversal—if you’re a manager, spend a day shadowing an entry-level employee. If you’re a designer, take a stab at writing. These shifts in perspective can shake loose stale ideas and spark innovative thinking.

Create Before You Consume
If your first instinct every morning is to check emails, scroll social media, or read the news, you’re filling your mind with external voices before giving your own thoughts a chance to emerge. Instead, set aside the first 30 minutes of your day for creativity—whether it’s jotting down ideas in a notebook, brainstorming solutions to a work problem, or free-writing whatever comes to mind. By prioritizing creation over consumption, you give yourself the space to develop original ideas rather than just reacting to others.

Seek Out Constraints Instead of Avoiding Them
People often think limitless freedom fosters creativity, but in reality, constraints force ingenuity. If you’ve ever had to make a meal out of whatever random ingredients were left in your fridge, you know the power of limitations. Set artificial boundaries for yourself—try writing a story in just six words, designing something using only three colors, or solving a work problem without relying on your usual resources. These kinds of restrictions push you to think differently, often leading to surprisingly inventive results.

Take a Step Back—Then a Step Away
Sometimes, creativity stalls because you’re too close to the problem. If you’ve been hammering away at something without progress, step back. Then, step away entirely. Go for a walk, take a nap, or do something completely unrelated. Breakthrough ideas often arrive when your mind is at rest, not when you’re actively trying to force them. Let your subconscious take the wheel for a bit—you might be surprised by what it delivers.


Creativity isn’t a single spark; it’s an ongoing process. It ebbs and flows, but with the right habits, you can keep it alive and thriving. By shifting routines, playing more, stepping into new perspectives, and embracing constraints, you can break through mental blocks and cultivate a fresh, innovative mindset. Whether you’re trying to level up professionally or simply bring more joy and originality into your daily life, creativity is the key—and the good news is, you already have everything you need to unlock it.

Discover the vibrant world of art with Barbara Haviland and enjoy masterpieces inspired by the beauty of flowers and landscapes.


©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025 
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

No Butts About It, Nederland Life, Barara Haviland

     #No Butts About It, #Nederland Life, #BarbaraHaviland.net

#No Butts About It, #Nederland Life, #BarbaraHaviland.net

I was asked by a student several years ago to paint her brother and his son and grandson.  We discussed it and the photo shown is what I did for her.   Well, her brother loved the painting and there were several articles written about the painting.   I just found this in my studio and decided to post it.  My Friend and student came up with the title to the painting.  I was so thrilled when the articles came out.  She called me and let me know that the grandson now has a son!!                     


©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Red Lighthouse , oils on canvas

     #lighthouse,#palmtrees,#oilpainting,#original,#BarbaraHaviland.net

#lighthouse,#palmtrees,#oilpainting,#original,#BarbaraHaviland.net

Red Lighthouse was done from photos taken in Florida.  I forgot the name of this one. It is on a 20"x10" linen canvas and is signed.

I added the palm trees and hope you like it.

Available


©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025 
 by Artist Barbara Haviland 
Click to purchase Painting.

BarbaraHaviland.net

Monday, March 17, 2025

Purple Glow Hydrangeas, floral, flowers,

    #hydrangeas,#purple,#flowers,#oilPainting,original,#16x12,#BarbaraHaviland.net

#hydrangeas,#purple,#flowers,#oilPainting,original,#14x11,#BarbaraHaviland.net

"Purple Glow Hydrangeas" is a captivating painting that brings to life a bouquet of hydrangeas arranged beautifully in a vase. The flowers boast a palette of lilac and white, with each petal exhibiting delicate variations in hue. This detailed depiction of the hydrangeas captures the essence of their natural elegance and fragility. 
The lush green leaves offer a striking contrast to the soft floral arrangement, enhancing the vibrancy and depth of the painting. The background is a harmonious blend of purple and pink tones, creating a serene and calming atmosphere that complements the floral centerpiece. This subtle interplay of colors imbues the piece with an elegant and soothing aura, making it a perfect representation of natural beauty meeting artistic expression.
Inspired by the tranquil beauty of hydrangeas, this artwork uniquely explores the artist's dedication to capturing the serene qualities of nature. The process of creating this piece involved meticulous attention to the interplay of light and shadow to highlight the delicate textures and hues, ensuring each flower and leaf stands out vividly. "Purple Glow Hydrangeas" is not just a visual delight but an invitation to appreciate the calm elegance that flowers bring to our lives.

Purple Hydrangeas is done in oils on a canvas. The  piece measures 14x11.  I put a white vase and a multi-colored background.


©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Bluebonnet Bliss and Texas Longhorn, oil painting

    

3/15/2025 8:05:21 AM

Bluebonnet Bliss and Texas Longhorn, oil painting

 Barbara Haviland--Texas Artist /  Comment on this

Bluebonnet Bliss with Texas  Longhorn is one of the very first paintings I did when we moved to Woodville, Texas

I found this herd of longhorns and    took many photos. This one measures 10x20  and is on a canvas panel.

 He is sitting in a field of Blue Bonnets.


©Barbara Haviland  Barb's Garden 2025  
 by Artist Barbara Haviland
Click to purchase Painting.
BarbaraHaviland.net

Dogwoods, miniature oil painting, framed

#Dogwoods,#miniature,#oilpainting,#5x5,#Barbara Haviland-Original Dogwood Miniature Size 6"x6" Stretched canvas  50.00 Dogwood mi...