new to newsletters
Hello! Welcome back and Happy Fall! I have to be honest, this was supposed to reach you guys back in September, and I am sorry about the delay. But truth be told, I am not sure what has enticed all of you to this little corner of the creative world, and that is completely on me. So this quarter’s post is going to have that discussion in the mix. But also too, we do actually have some happenings and they are:
The agony and the ecstasy of my studio renovation
It feels like nothing is happening, but wait! that’s just self-doubt calling
Looking forward
Cat news: Hello Hazel!!
Since moving to a lovely pastoral community a few years ago, I have been thinking a lot about my next steps as an artist. I took a break from art making, came back to it compulsively, took some classes, and decided to pursue some goals including gallery representation. Since September 2025, I have made 31 paintings. Two were commissions. All of which were created in my basement studio. I am very fortunate to say that I am able to improve this raw, cozy space. It has been insulated, electrical improvements including an exhaust fan for my painting, and now drywall. I am very excited. The pressure is on to build this business, but the excitement is my hope of a studio tour sometime next year. I would love to know who is interested and what your thoughts are.
I almost pushed off this newsletter again for another month. I am very glad I did not. It is a tool to help me stay focused and accountable. Now that I am in here writing, it feels good and I am so glad you guys are here with me. Since last time, I have actually done more than a binge watch of Vera on BBC. (It was awesome though) I completed my online mentorship with Visual Arts Passage (they are revamping things right now, but you can still take a look), and it really gave me some tools as I go for the big league. I participate in their #drawinghive too, when I can, and have enjoyed the experimental side of that. You can find it on uTube. Since being published in Create! Magazine, I have started a business coaching course with its’ publisher, Kat Popova and so far, so good. It is a gentle approach fitted to my personal blind spots. Another step toward my career as an artist.
And when I say blind spots, I must admit the biggest spot of them all is self-doubt! I have come very far in my life growing into a confident woman and I am very proud of that growth. But I still carry that little voice that pushes me down and makes me want to feel small. I don’t let it lead anymore and I may have my f*** it fifties to thank for that. But it is still there at times. I have been thinking of a painting series about it with my dog, Buster. I will keep you posted on that. This is a very relatable topic, right? Let me know some of your own successful strategies in the comments. As I say, I keep thinking about Buster and I think he is telling me about a new narrative for his paintings.
One last happening~ the Artemis Journal held its glorious launch party at Taubman Museum in Roanoke, VA in the beginning of September. A dear friend told me all about it and she had a really good time. I was not able to go and appreciated her chat. Copies are available on their website.
In Cat news, I’d like to introduce our baby, Hazel. She is a torti-tabby with an Abyssinian cattitude. Her fur has a pretty, albeit “buckshot” splatter pattern of orange, greys, stripes and well, splats. Ocean green eyes and she will talk your ear off! She is beautiful and curious, quick as a greyhound, playful and so smart. Hazel has been designated as the Warden, as she needs to know everything that is going on. She is also a feature kitty in the Let’s Be Friends series I am working on. And not to brag, but our vet has mentioned more than once that Hazel is a purrfect example of what it is to be a healthy cat! At seven years old, she still runs around like a kitten, but in fact, that is the feline age of becoming a senior. I am grateful to be able to take all my cats for yearly check-ups. Preventative healthcare is key, just like for us.
I am still working out sales on this site. My priority is to find gallery representation. But I am also curious about your thoughts on original art sales here as well as prints or cards.
We appreciate your comments!