Celebrating some GOOD CHANGES

I know I sound like a broken record, but I LOVE AUTUMN. I love the changing of one season into another, but autumn for me is a reminder that old things must fade away to make the space for something new. A reminder that letting go isn’t always a bad thing.

These past couple of weeks have been ones of CHANGE for me. Some big, some small, but all GOOD.

First of all, I’d like you to meet my new studio assistant: Annie Jane.

My family and I adopted this adorable little rescue two weeks ago, and she has been such an immense blessing to us. She’s brought so much love to a family that has felt a lot of grief this year, and so many laughs to one that hasn’t laughed much. Not only is she a wonderful addition to our family, but she’s become a most excellent studio assistant. She encourages me to take snuggle breaks, alerts me to potential threats outside the window (aka squirrels), and offers her invaluable opinions and critiques on my paintings.

Secondly, I bought new paints!!

I know, I know, I know. I have plenty, but I’ve had my eye on this set for quite a while now. Nicker is the “it” brand for gouache paints when it comes to backgrounds. The backgrounds of Studio Ghibli movies were painted with these, and they’re used by one of my artistic heroes: Kazuo Oga. I simply had to get my hands on a set and I’m SO GLAD I did. I’m currently using them for my illustration for the SWEETS theme, and I’ve had such a blast. Here’s a little sneak peek!

And going off of that last “new thing”, I’ve found a new (or maybe “rekindled” would be the better word) love for art. I shared in a previous newsletter that I’d lost a lot of that love for art last year due to burnout and overwhelm, and that I’ve been working to renew that love in 2023. That love has quietly grown bit by bit this year, especially with the development of the Meraki Meadow. (I’ve added some new Meraki Meadow paintings to my website if you’d like to take a peek here!)

But that love has come back in FULL FORCE this past week. Between the joy of a new studio companion, the excitement of using new paints, and simply exploring themes and ideas that resonate with me in my artwork, I’ve found a stronger, better passion for art again.  

I want to thank you for coming on this journey with me. For being there with me and for me through the ups and downs of the artistic practice. Having this community means more to me than you will ever know.

I’d love to hear what’s new or changing in YOUR life, so feel free to respond to this email! I love chatting with y’all.