When I first started painting it was a healing process for me (and still is). I’d just lost my job in 2009 and had no idea what my next step should be. So I went back to what I loved as a child – making art. But I kept getting stuck at the ugly stage… basically any time I tried painting something out of my... Continue reading

Whenever I need to loosen up, I grab my sketchbook and paint outside. This helps me let go and feel free. Lately I’ve been getting stuck with eyes and faces. They either look too perfect or have no life. Getting outside turns off my inner-critic. The weather has been so beautiful here these last few days in Wisconsin, so I’ve been able to paint in... Continue reading

When I first started painting, I felt like I didn’t have my own recognizable style. I didn’t know how to loosen up… I didn’t know what inspirations to follow… I didn’t know how to find my artistic voice… And I was convinced that all I could do was copy someone else’s art or get stuck. It seemed like everyone else was special and I didn’t... Continue reading

I’m always working on many paintings at once, adding to a background or character for a few days (sometimes a few weeks). The time it takes to finish a painting completely depends on my mood and inspirations. Oftentimes I’m surrounded by unfinished pieces in my studio, especially when I’m pushing myself to do something new or painting something large. As one painting dries, I start... Continue reading

Whenever I start a painting, I grab my favorite art supplies and play until I cover up the white space. Then I add my character. Lately I always seem to cut out my character from the background using oil paintsticks or acrylic inks. But first, I add lots and lots of layers. I’ve found I return again and again to using oil paintsticks, heavy body... Continue reading

Do you find it difficult to be loose with your art? I do (a lot). Whenever I need to loosen up, I start playing with color and experimenting with art supplies. I’ve always loved experimenting with spray paint in my paintings. I used to hand cut stencils on paper and add spray paint to create a gradient effect (layering many colors over one stencil). Lately... Continue reading

When I’m at a creative block, there’s no way I can be loose in my art. That’s why every painting I create begins with a playful background. It’s my time to experiment and let go so I can be more free when I paint my whimsical characters. I try and remember to always have fun with whatever I’m creating. If I think too much about... Continue reading

Lately I’ve been soaking up lots of new inspirations and colors to put into my paintings. One of the things I’ve realized along the way is that I’m so thankful I started painting again. I’ve always loved art and have been creative, but I stopped painting and creating for years after college. I hid that part of myself away. I didn’t want to do anything... Continue reading

I went to college to study biology, but I couldn’t stay away from the art room. When I graduated, I went to work as an arts journalist, writing about the arts for newspapers and magazines. It took many different jobs as a journalist, photographer, graphic designer, floral designer, website developer and more before I finally realized the only thing I could put my heart into... Continue reading

Lately I’ve realized that I’d fallen into a comfort zone with my artwork. I was getting so comfortable adding fingerprints, dots and swirls to my backgrounds, that when I started to create areas with lots of solid color (inspired by the ocean and sunsets I’ve been seeing), a whole new world opened up. I found new forms and postures for my characters and uncovered completely... Continue reading