Notes from My Studio 4 June 2025 + New PWYCW Dates
Looking back at May Work, a new date for my PWYC workshop, and more
Greetings from my studio.
“I dwell in possibility.”- Emily Dickinson
I keep thinking of this quote by Dickinson. So much possibility.
Art offers us a different way of seeing, approaching, and moving in the world. It shows us how things can and ought to be.
It gives us a road map. Now, if only we could realize its necessity and make the time. How different and marvelous our world, our lives, our present and future would be.
(I’ll have mini booklets of some of the above work in my Ko-Fi shop within the next week.)
The above work was done throughout the month of May for my online monthly art community space, The Art Life: Building Your Visual Vocabulary. We have live painting sessions every Friday, an art salon twice a month, as well as a two hour art journaling workshop. I offer an abundance of content so that folks can take what they need and dip in and out. I also share the life and work of a different artist every month. These artists walk with us as mentors as we learn about their work, life, and how they approach the creative process. The Art Life really has changed my life, my students lives, and in all of my years of teaching, it’s the thing I’m most proud of.
And, yes, if I can do this, so can you.
Creativity, just life like, means showing up for yourself. The Art Life allows me to do that. I treat the dates and times as appointments. I make the time for them.
When I started The Art Life, I added our Friday painting sessions as “bonus” sessions. These weekly painting lessons became the heart of the workshop and my favorite day each week.
(I encourage those who can’t make the live sessions to find and make the time for their own creativity in whatever way works for them. FWIW, I also have recordings of all of my workshops.)
“Man will begin to recover the moment he takes art as seriously as physics, chemistry, or money.” -Ernst Levy
In last month’s The Art Life, we looked at the work of the “Three Witches” otherwise known as Kati Horna, Leonora Carrington, and Remedios Varo. How these artists lived, worked, survived post exile and found community in Mexico. It’s been extremely helpful to look to other artists and see how they survive dark times and these artists all lived and worked during WW2. I’d encourage you to seek them out. They shine a bright light for all of us.
This month, we’re “staying” in Mexico and studying the life and work of Frida Kahlo. We’ll be exploring the idea of self portraits. I’m eager and excited about seeing what unfolds this month.
“I paint myself because I am alone. I paint myself because I am the subject I know best.” -Frida Kahlo
I’m changing the date for my Juicy Living: PWYC Art Journaling Workshop (PWYCW= pay what you can workshop.) Starting this month, it will be the second Saturday of every month.
Expression in paper, paint, pen. I’ve added the option of a monthly subscription as well. Come create with me!
(a sample for this Saturday’s art journaling workshop in The Art Life. I’ve also been revisiting older art journal pages, using old work to glean new inspiration.)
“What art offers is space – a certain breathing room for the spirit.” -John Updike
Make space for your art. Five minutes a day. Once a week. Whatever is “enough” for you.
PS I am a working artist…
Thank you for reading this and being a part of my journey.❤️🎨