I grew up doing a lot of needlework.  My Mom liked sewing and needle crafts and I learned from her.  My favorite is knitting, but I also do cross stitch and needlepoint.  I've been interpreting some of my mid century designs and paintings into cross stitch charts and am offering them as INSTANT DOWNLOADS in my second Etsy store, Eccentric Avenue, by Linda Tillman.  Here's a link: Eccentic Avenue on Etsy   The shop also has some modern graphic downloads.  I'll be adding more items as I have them read.  Here are a couple of my Tiki Sign paintings that I have made into cross stitch charts.

 Tiki is a fun and interesting aspect of Mid Century culture.  It seems to correspond with Hawaiian statehood and the post war travel boom.  The growing middle class of the 1950's was hooked on good time and fun in the sun.  Trader Vic's is probably the best know of the era's lounges and is still a big attraction in Beverly Hills.  Decorating home bars and patios in Tiki style is popular today.

Welcome to my newly refurbished Blog.  I'm calling it "Mid Century Modern Chronicles" because my paintings have evolved into a kind of story about life in the mid 20th century.  I plan not only to feature my art works, but all things MCM.

Today's post is a 24 x 18 painting that I finished last week.  The romance of Palm Springs life is a favorite subject of mine.  I create art to hang in homes, not museums, so the "feel good" factor is an important aspect of the subject and color.  This looks like Paradise to me!

 
This painting is available in my Etsy store, LTillmanArt, in the Original Paintings Category.