Muse: Georgia O'Keeffe
On a recent trip to get my car repaired, thanks to another flat tire, I found myself stuck at the dealership. Instead of pissing and moaning about it, I took it as an opportunity to look beyond what I normally see during my hustle and bustle. It's been my goal this year to really observe my surroundings versus what's immediately in front of me—not an easy thing to do in the land of eye candy and distraction. So lucky me, I was blessed in this mini break with two surprises: a calla lily and a trip down memory lane. Amongst all the shiny new cars and SUVs, I spotted a patch of green near the lobby. I instantly gravitated towards it and found a grouping of beautiful calla lilies. What an odd flower to be growing at the Chrylser Dodge dealership in Glendale? But in this brief moment I was reminded of my days in art school when life was all about practicing my art and exploring my aesthetic. Later did I learn I was also practicing patience with my artistic self. Of course, during that time I didn't think that way as my attention was placed on grades and comparing myself to others but looking back I realize what I truly learned and appreciate now more than ever. Guess I'm finally growing up. Now why would this calla lily summon this long lost flashback? Well, during my drawing 101 class, I chose to recreate Geogria O'Keeffe's Single Calla Lily in Red. The challenge for the project was to draw your favorite painting but in black and white—a practice to help us beginners learn composition and grayscale. Luckily I had been exposed to the art world when I was younger and knew immediately which artist would be my muse. Thankfully my mother has a great taste and graced our house with O'Keeffe's Cow's Skull with Calico Roses prominently in the living room so it was an ease pick. The lesson was beyond basics, it was more about understanding the creative process and appreciate of art. So in honor of this found memory, my art teacher's forethought and empowering female artist, I wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces from O'Keeffe but in coupled with my background in beauty. Think of them as mini mood boards mixed with makeup tips. Enjoy!
I'd love to hear who your favorite female artists are and how they have influenced you. Please comment below. 
Color Combo: Georgia O'Keeffe's Cottonwood Tree in Spring (left) and 2 Yellow Leaves (right) / MAKE UP FOR EVER Eyeshadow in Yellow 2
Makeup Tip: Don't be afraid of experimenting with yellow in your beauty routine. Start with more gold based tones and work up to the primary yellow like this canary yellow from Make Up For Ever. Even in my 30s, I love playing with bright colors. The trick is less is more. I tend to favor applying a wing tip brush stroke to the outer corners of the lid to add pop to my going out looks.
Color Combo: Georgia O'Keeffe's Canna Leaves Too Faced Perfect Moss Dark Olive Green Eyeliner + Perfect Purple
Makeup Tip: I'm a huge fan of wearing 2 different colors of eyeliners at the same time. You can layer them to mix your own color OR use one color on the top lid and another on the bottom.
Color Combo: Georgia O'Keeffe's Blue II, MAC's Moon's Reflection + Fluidline in Waveline
Makeup Tip: I used to be fearful of gel liners until I stumbled upon MAC's fluidline. It's easier to use than liquid liner and feels silky. I tend to lean towards this greyish blue color palette when I don't feel like going so sultry with black. Plus, the Moon's Reflection eyeshadow plays nicely with this liner when doing a smoky eye.
Color Combo: Georgia O'Keeffe Clam and Mussel, NARS eye shadow duo in Mandchourie
Makeup Tip: It's no secret I'm obsessed with NARS. This duo palette is my go-to for those days I just need to throw myself together. The light sliver keeps your eyes bright and the greyish blue is perfect as a bottom liner. Use NARS #45 smudge brush for a flawless application.