Christina Bell ~ Art & Interior Design

 Sunset at Pine Lake Eve continues her adventures in my limited series canvas story “The Temptations of Eve” Part III

 It’s very stressful to paint something someone requests. I’m always so worried it’s not going to be what they envisioned. But, I put myself into these paintings and I assume it’s why they asked me to paint for them in the first place.

  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3LVV6yflqJ0

      My greenhouse cabinet is working fantastically.    Seedling are loving it and they are eager to get into Eden!   It’s always so exciting to walk around Eden and see it coming to life. I will leave the leaves for now. They not only hide the young vulnerable waking plants from animals but will act as a blanket should the unpredictable early spring weather suddenly dip. (Some snow predicted for Thursday) after the temps being in the upper 60s to 70.  So is true that many beneficial insects may be sheltered in the leaves. Like praying mantis. My favorite garden warrior. Here is what spring has gifted me thus far. I’m praying for a steady warm up so I can harden off my seedlings that are ready for Eden... hopefully, late April this year.                 Fringed tulips                  Day lilies                   Crocus                  Crocus                   Crocus                    Strawberry                   Peony                            More crocus                    Catmin

 At the request of a friend who also has a senior Chi with the typical Chi tooth issues... I shot a quick video showing how I make a healthy dog food for Lily. She was refusing to eat every food I bought for her. It took a while but, I finally found an easy to eat healthy recipe for her. Now she’s gaining the weight she lost back and her coat is healthy again:) Not to mention her energy which is back to normal again. Below is a link to my YouTube channel video.  https://youtu.be/17doemnzTzI It was fun to get back to shooting a quick video and my “director” was so much fun to work with;) ❤️❤️❤️            The usual light-hearted Christina Bell Video:)

 To keep myself sane during the winter months I made a greenhouse cabinet to not only start seeds for the garden in, but to harvest fresh lettuce, tomatoes and herbs in the dead of winter.    It truly was a welcomed project for me. I have used the traditional portable plastic greenhouses in the past and grew frustrated with how invasive and unattractive they were. I began my search for a cabinet that would resemble a small refrigerator in the corner of my open pantry area. After months of searching I found this cabinet. It’s actually an electronics cabinet with a glass door and adjustable shelving.   I then researched low heat led grow lights and found the perfect sized ones to fit in this cabinet.  I also wound up placing my small hydroponics system in it which gave me extra room on my kitchen countertop.   To keep with the “refrigerator” theme I have begun starting my seeds in containers one would find in a refrigerator. Chinese food containers, soda cans and bottles... I’m extremely

 Another cold day. Winter storm warning. I’m thankful to have discovered Eve. She’s keeping me sane during “cabin fever” time. Working on the second storyline of “The Temptations of Eve”... Far from finished but, I’m already excited to see where she goes next.

 I enjoy documenting the progress of paintings. Seeing the changes, additions and tweaks is so much fun. Far from complete and becoming a representation of what would be my dream house. Small, humble, warm and surrounded with fields and gardens. A stream for fishing right outside...  “Humble Blessings” Acrylic and oil Work in progress in my ArtPal gallery. Search Christina Bell Art on ArtPal.com

 I can’t wait to be out in the sun planting and pruning. Seeding and weeding. Playing and harvesting and watching the wildlife around my home. This is a video of Eden 2020.  My main focus last summer was establishing a flower garden filled with Peonies, roses and various perennial cutting flowers. Important in attracting pollinators to a garden. The pollinators are very happy in Eden now. It is filled with the beautiful scents of flowers now and I couldn’t be more happy.  After a rough start typical of 2020, the harvests were also great. Spaghetti squash, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, peas and beans, peppers, eggplants, melons, strawberries and tomatoes. I also placed a compact blackberry bush in Eden this year. Protected at least from the deer behind Eden’s walls... Now, I will be only battling the squirrels, chipmunks and birds.  Hoping 2021 brings everyone health and happiness. 

 Working on both has been my way of whittling away the time. 

This has been a torturous time for everyone. The pandemic and cabin fever are an awful combination. In fact, I have been climbing the walls even more than my usual winter cabin fever wall climbing. But, I’m filling in those hours by redecorating my home and painting. Painting not only on canvas but the walls of my home. (Just changing color on the walls not painting murals) Having fun responding to comments and questions on my YouTube channel as well as on my ArtPal. I am also considering having a drastic quick sale of my paintings to make room for all the new ones. It will leave me with less money to donate but more room to fill with new work.  Stay safe....  Christina Bell