Welcome!

 

Once a scribbler, always a scribbler...

I’ve been jumping coasts all my life (La Jolla, Denver, San Francisco, Pensacola, Coronado, and Norfolk). Alexandria, Virginia, is my home, and the Mid-Atlantic Region is the center of my design world.

I have a BFA in fine painting and graphic design from the University of Denver. My success has varied from extensive experience in retail, the custom wedding & stationery industry, to professional brand design & development for The North Face. 

My home and personal style lean classic but not fussy, timeless yet simple. I am often inspired while boating, walking & hiking in nature. I rarely turn down a garden or museum visit, searching for antiques, or visiting flower shops. I love fine papers, printing/engraving/watermark techniques, antique monograms, typography, beautiful fabrics, furnishings, and especially “Mother Earth."

In 2007, I launched a vintage-style art and personalized stationery business named Seahorse Designs. Seahorses are symbolic of good fortune, friendliness, generosity, and patience. They evoke childhood memories on the beach and gazing into the aquarium at the Marine Room, where I had dinners with my grandparents. Trips to the seashore with my husband and our children keep these memories alive. The beauty, confidence, and grace of these little creatures are charming. They speak to my spirit and remind me to go with the flow. Don't be surprised if these little guys continue to pop up in my work!

Life provides new journeys and challenges...    Let's not forget "Life is Art!"

The creative process ebbs and flows... Once my kids started driving and managing their schedules (now young adults), I found longer stretches to read, write, and play with my paint brushes.

Golden Lines and Silver Linings came to fruition in 2020 when I was inspired to rebrand my business. The inspiration for "Golden Lines" is based on words and themes to live by. Creating titles is as special as the scribbles and markings made on paper. "Silver Linings" is inspired by looking at the bright side of a situation or set of circumstances. Think positive and keep it simple!

My art is inspired by the land + sea (these are strong influences in my work), decorative design, and whimsical subjects. Each original painting is with watercolor, gouache, or shimmery metallic. Each mixed-media creation is layered and assembled with subtle imperfections, stitching, texture, and pattern, creating visual complexity. You might say I am "painting with fabric." 

Faith, Hope, and Love spark all of my design creations. I wish you peace, joy, and moments of grace each day.

Godspeed. 
JJH

Professional Organizations:
NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY
Virginia Watercolor Society
The Art League (Alexandria, VA)