My New Aubrey Levinthal Painting {A 30th Birthday Gift}

Hello again, friends! You know how this next sentence goes: I apologize for my absence then make some silly promises to post more regularly...blah, blah, blah. Honestly, I guess I've felt a little tapped out while I wait for more home projects to commence.

In the last few days, I've finally had a few developments to share. Before anything else, I wanted to share my new original painting from Aubrey Levinthal, a talented artist and lovely person to boot.

I wrote about Aubrey's work almost a year ago and, since then, I've been fortunate enough to own two of her beautiful pieces (the other is in our den). My latest--shown above--was Adam's gift to me for my recent 30th birthday.

On my birthday Adam surprised me with a trip to see Aubrey at her workspace and to pick out a painting to mark the occasion. She graciously showed us her recent work, much of which reflected her new studio location and her exploration of new moods and new mediums (collages! oh my!).

(all via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

The painting, "Violets in November," captures the view of Center City Philadelphia from Aubrey's studio. It resonated with us in particular because Adam works in one of the two buildings shown in the background.

I consider myself the guardian of this original artwork. It might not always be mine (eventually it will be passed on to future children) but, for now, it feels a like a special little treasure that I thank my lucky stars I get to look at every day.

It reminds me of the beauty, creativity and love out there in the world and, as far as art goes, that's not a bad takeaway.