My grandfather Jack loved everything about the sky, weather, stars, space.  He loved flying kites and would often come pick me up and take me to his latest favorite windy spot.  Those of you reading this in my hometown of Salem, VA will remember when “The Hill” had only a few homes / when the first big homes were being built.  That was Jack’s favorite spot to launch incredible colorful kites with homemade kite string winders on a Maxwell House coffee can (easier to reel back in).  Sometimes we would drive there after dinner on certain clear nights to loo ..read more

How is it mid October already!? I can hardly believe it, especially since we are still having 100 degree days here in Phoenix. I have days where I miss East Coast fall with the chilly mornings, rainy days, colorful leaves and a fire in the fireplace. But we have reached the time of year here in the Sonoran Desert that borders on heaven, too. Crystal blue cloudless skies, desert flowers in bloom, patio dining and gorgeous sunsets. We choose to bloom where we’re planted. My little fam still make all our fall memories through fall soup recipes, pumpkin desserts, autumn bevies and movies! It is al ..read more

As I type this at the studio table, I am looking out my big picture window into my little green corner of heaven here in Phoenix.  To all my East Coast friends, you might be surprised to learn I have a lovely green, grass back yard with palm trees, mountains in almost every direction, two very large Saguaro cacti, orange and lemon trees, palo verde, mesquite, and lots of flowering bushes in magenta, pale pink, yellow, orange, and purple.   We live just feet away from South Mountain Park, which is the largest municipal park in the United States.  Various sized ..read more

If you know me, or have come across my work before, then you are probably aware of my deep need to create joy and connection through my art. I sit in a place of constant gratitude that my work resonates with so many of you, and continues to find a new audience as well. My need to bring color to this life is not driven with a Pollyanna attitude, but instead a deep seated urge to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the ordinary. I am also keenly aware that my own personal tragedies have driven many of my decisions as a creative.  I first started painting angels in 2012 after my little sister pas ..read more

Hello lovelies-  I have this quote at my easel. It is a reminder to me that I will not miss the enormous blessing of this day otherwise it might be swallowed up by my “to do” list…I must be careful.  It helps me set my intention for the day and how I want to feel as I am creating: "If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don't hesitate. Give into it. There are plenty of lives and whole towns destroyed or about to be. We are not wise, and not very often kind. And much can never be redeemed. Still life has some possibility left. Perhaps this is its way of fighting back, th ..read more

Is it your lucky day?  Can you imagine one of my colorful paintings fitting perfectly in your dining room? Over your bed? Above your mantle?  This month could be the perfect time to welcome one of my originals to personalize your space at 20% off! This sale only happens for two weeks, once a year!  All pieces on my website are available for viewing at Emily Mangus Interiors through the end of October. Did you know you can take paintings home to see if they work before you purchase?  Smaller pieces also available for style your bookshelf, entryway table, or to give a ..read more

I am a big dreamer.     I think it runs in my blood.  See, my grandfather was an inventor of sorts…although none of his big ideas were ever patented, they could have been, and his mind was ALWAYS finding creative solutions to everyday problems.  My childhood favorite was how he made a kite string holder out of a Maxwell House coffee can so my little hands could quickly bring in the kite flying so high above without his help.  His son, (my dad) is also a dreamer.  Dad has a fantastic imagination which makes him the consummate storyteller.  He has always had ..read more

JULIE HAMILTON ART / ON THE EASEL May 13, 2020 Julie Hamilton Art has found a new home in Charlotte, North Carolina! I have set up a new, fun studio full of paint tubes, canvas, (and mess) to continue my mission of spreading joy and color to the world through paint! I specialize in custom work that is the perfect size and color for your home or office. For those of you new to my work, let me introduce myself!  I am a Virginia native that has been making a living as a creative for over 30 years. I hold a BFA in Visual Art from James Madison University and my Masters Degree in Visual Ar ..read more