It’s been said that the difference between art and graffiti is permission.

The work shed in our yard backs up to a public alley that is frequently used by neighborhood folk as a short cut to their parking places or a quick quiet walkway down to the nearby coffee house.

Two autumns ago when my sweetie repaired the rotting wood wall of the shed, he challenged me to paint a picture of our kitty, Mora on the smooth plywood surface.
Thus, I faced my personal insecurities about making a messy bit of “my style” of art in a very big and very public venue – and finally gave myself permission to go forth with paint brush and have a little fun.

Mora sitting in her window sill on the stack of books came first, then – of course the glass of red wine that never gets empty (my favorite kind!); next came the hills and whimsical scenic whatever you want to call it, and most recently the beaming red door was put in place.

The door presents a whole other palate that I’ve been scratching my head over and simultaneously rubbing my hands with glee about. There are things that NEED to appear on the door, near it, around it……and I’m also open for ideas (so shoot some my way).

When passersby catch me out there with my apron on and cans of open house paint assembled for me to dip into, they offer sweet feedback. The best is simply “your painting makes me happy whenever I walk by.”

I’ll let y’all know when it’s done – that’s when I’ll finally sign it. Meanwhile, the ongoing Dewey Alley not-quite-graffiti wall art will continue to unfold….

@marthaphelpsstudio Ashland, Oregon