The Road to Acceptance The road to acceptance is rarely straight. Not for me anyway. It’s messy. Confusing. Beautiful. Stressful. Challenging. It’s all over the place! And so is this work. Some moments obscure the way forward, while others offer … Read More
She Became Light A self-portrait I was determined to paint myself free, and I did! This self-portrait was born from a season of carrying more than my spirit was ever meant to hold. As I painted, I wasn’t trying to … Read More
This November, I was scheduled to participate in the Placer Artists Tour at the beautiful Hill Top Oaks Winery. It’s a very cool event, and I was genuinely looking forward to meeting folks and sharing new paintings. But after much … Read More
“Creativity begins the moment you decide to work with what’s in front of you.” Unknown It’s easy to believe we need more—more time, more space, more supplies—before we can truly create. But again and again on the Made to Make … Read More
For the past several years, a book has been quietly growing inside me. Not loudly. Not urgently. More like a steady whisper in the background of my life — returning in moments of stillness, during long walks, while painting, recording … Read More
After several years away from showing my work—years shaped by caregiving, shifting priorities, and the quiet work of simply getting through—I’m stepping back into the light this weekend. This show feels different. Not because the creative spark ever disappeared, but … Read More
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity.”Brené Brown Every year, there’s something sweet about Rocklin’s Art Studio Trek, and I’m not just talking about the chocolate. As a working artist (and full-time caregiver), much of my creative life happens quietly in the … Read More
Friday, I carefully wrapped up one of my most personal paintings, tucked it securely into its protective sleeve, and shipped it across the ocean to the Netherlands. My piece, “Safe Harbor,” is now on its way to be included in … Read More
Yesterday started with a bad dream—the kind that clings. I woke up sad, heavy, and I was convinced that I didn’t have it in me to paint. I went into the studio anyway. I had several works in progress, but … Read More
Maybe it’s because I’m a March baby. Maybe it’s because spring has always felt like a quiet promise to me — a season where everything is stretching, waking up, becoming. What I love most about spring is how it reminds … Read More
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” John D. Rockefeller As I was wrapping up the final episodes of Season 1’s Painterly Life Podcast, I had a realization: the name of my podcast, Painterly … Read More
“It does not matter how slowly you goas long as you do not stop.”Confucius The past two months have been full in the best way. I wrapped up a meaningful commission and recorded four podcast conversations—each one leaving me inspired, … Read More
Every now and then, a project comes along that feels like pure creative magic from start to finish. My recent commission for Phil Drews of Quicksilver Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors was exactly that kind of experience — a … Read More
“It’s not that I’m so smart,it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Albert Einstein When I launched my podcast, I knew it would take effort, but what I didn’t know was just how many people quit before they even get … Read More
Not long ago, I stood in my studio feeling completely burned out—creatively drained and frustrated. In a moment of raw emotion, I threw out six of my paintings. Six! I gotta tell ya, it felt great to let them go. … Read More
Spoiler: Bissell Stomp ‘N Go Pads are not just for pets. I got oil paint out of carpet and blood out of jeans using these! Here’s how. Note: As an Amazon associate, I may earn a commission from qualified purchases. … Read More
“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.”Julia Cameron Sometimes, I pick a fight with my creativity. Other times, I allow it to flow. I was working on a very controlled commissioned piece. Suddenly, I felt a compelling … Read More