Me and Raven, my darling Cavapoo!

About Me

My name is Mikell (pronounced Michael) and we live in an historic cabin in a charming town in Central Pa. 

Nature inspires all I create and my hope is to help others value, and work to protect and preserve, the miracles that surround us. 

Currently, the  water sources in our area, as in many places around the country, are being threatened so much of my current work is focused on the Big Spring Creek and Yellow Breeches Creek in my area. I have lived by both, and am committed to working to protect them.
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I’ve returned to painting wild life along our creeks and streams on stone. I’m beginning with geology, natural history and a gentle reflection about wonder, resilience and our connection to the earth. 

Returning to the Stream

The purity of our community’s drinking water and the pristine waters of our beloved Big Spring is being threatened. I realize this is happening nationwide because of big businesses bringing in enormous warehouses and data centers. The  one they are proposing here is 100 acres or 75 football fields in size.

I lived next to the Yellow Breeches in Pennsylvania for over ten years. I loved painting the fish, herons, luna moths and other wildlife on stones. I lost my little fishing cabin in a flood and relocated. Being close to nature again has renewed my interest in these subjects, so you’ll see more of them in my portfolio. 

​PLEASE NOTE: These stones have been donated to the Coalition to Save the Big Spring to use in any way
​they feel would be beneficial to raise money and bring awareness to protecting our water.

On The Rocks - The Story Behind the Paint

Years ago when I painted on stone, I wasn’t educated about the different stones and their history. Since then I have researched each of stones and I am humbled and enthralled to be able to add an insect, plant or animal to a canvas that can be up to one half a billion years old.

My intention is to invite each person who views or holds a painting of a creature on these ancient canvases to pause, wonder and remember that we are a part of a story much older than ourselves.

Brook Trout on Limestone 12” x 4” x 3/4” Donated

Luna Moth on Travertine 8” Square x 1” Donated

Great Blue Heron on Limestone 11 1/2” x 8” x 2” Donated

COLLECTIONS

Sunflower Wishes

Sunflower Duet. Original N/A

Hanaleese, Original N/A

Majestic Sunflower. Original N/A

Autumn Bronzes

Golden Pears, Original N/A

Walnut Wonders

Prosperous Almond, Original N/A

Autumn Leaves

Aspen

Ginkgo

Sassafras

Herbs for Haunting

Bittersweet

Mullen

Bittersweet Nightshade

Mandrake

Grapes ’n Berries

Elderberry Wishes 16” x 20”, Original $2000.00

Autumn Grapes, Original N/A

Elderberries on Rose, Original N/A

Culinary Herbs

Rosemary for Remembrance, Original N/A

Basil Bouquet

Parsley Bouquet

Ravishing Roots

Hecate’s Garlic

Easter Egg Radishes

Ginger Spice

Harbingers of Spring!

Crocus Trio, Original N/A

Midnight Narcissus Duet

Lavender Violets

Bearded Iris, Original N/A

Fun with Fashion!

Shopping with Carrie’s Iris Tote

​The Message of the Iris

The iris is named in honor of the greek goddess Iris,  a messenger between heaven and earth and the guardian of the rainbow. 

The three petals of the iris symbolize faith, wisdom and valor and are perfect for celebrating friendships, providing comfort and instilling a sense of peace.

Wearable Art - Rod and Reel Rags

I love painting on clothes! So far, I've either created wearable art for gifts or for myself, but I’m planning to create more. Wearing my pumpkin seed bib overalls has made me smile for decades! 

MY PROCESS OF CREATING

A lot of time, effort and love is poured into creating each piece. Many of the herbs are grown in my gardens! Once I decide on my subject matter, I paint it, cut it out, create the collage backgrounds and pair the illustrations and backgrounds!

Painting and Cutting out the Artwork

Botanical Illustrations are painted, then cut out. 

Creating the Collage Background

White tissue paper is painted in vibrant colors.

 Collage Backgrounds

Pieces of the paper are ripped, torn and pasted on a background of heavy watercolor paper or canvas

Combining the Cut Out Painting with Collage Background

WHERE I CREATE!

Painting Area - Indoor

Painting Area - Outdoor

Office

Sewing Room

Painting by My Carriage House

My Little Log Cabin

Gardens 

Herbs Drying in Carriage House