Some days, life sweeps us up in a whirlwind, pulling us in a dozen directions at once. We try to keep up, to hold it all together, but in the rush, we can lose ourselves, but creativity has a way of bringing us back to ourselves. It’s a soft landing, a place to rest and rediscover. And more than that, it teaches us the art... Continue reading

I’m sitting in my studio, watching the sun rise and turn golden over the tallest pine trees as I sip my morning coffee. I just wanted to pop in with a quick note and say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined me live for my Zoom class last weekend—Color Inspired! It was such a joy to share that time with you, answer your... Continue reading

  Something magical happened the other day—I was dared. Ever since high school, when a friend dared me to kiss my crush on a school camping trip, I’ve found it almost impossible to turn down a dare. Thankfully, as an adult, I no longer need external prompts to take action, but this particular challenge arrived as a beautiful confirmation that I am on the right... Continue reading

  I’ve been planning my big trip to France, where I’ll be traveling for three whole weeks! One of the experiences I’m most excited about is offering this retreat in the beautiful Loire Valley, just outside Paris, from May 12th-19th. There’s a special kind of magic that happens on retreats, and I can’t wait to share it with my students. Having fun with my artwork helps... Continue reading

I’m writing to you from my studio in Wisconsin, where I have the French doors wide open and have just finished a new abstract painting! When I lost my job in 2009, I returned to what I loved most as a child—painting. I started by dripping and splashing color, then defining the figures I imagined within the layers and bringing them to life. Before that, I rarely took... Continue reading

I’m writing to you today from my snowy studio in Wisconsin, where I’ve just finished a new big painting. As I mentioned, I’ve been painting abstracts, which has made me feel like a beginner all over again. I’m experimenting with new ways to create colorful layers and constantly reminding myself to have fun with whatever I’m painting. I’ve had some big realizations about my work... Continue reading

Happy New Year! I hope you’re off to a beautiful start in 2025. When I sat down to write this letter, I was feeling a bit low—like I hadn’t accomplished much in 2024. But then I looked back at photos of my paintings and read through your kind emails, and they uplifted my spirit. They reminded me why I paint and share my creative journey... Continue reading

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE I’m sitting in my studio, listening to the cranes and geese calling out from the farm fields to the west as I sip my morning coffee. Paintings are drying around me, their wet surfaces reflecting the passing clouds like mirrors. Creating is one of the things I know I can always return to for grounding when everything else feels... Continue reading

When I first started painting again in 2009, I’d no clue what to paint. But then I stood back to look at my first layers, and I distinctly saw the outline of an owl. Recently, I’ve been painting abstracts, which makes me feel like a beginner all over again. I’ve been experimenting with new color palettes, techniques, and supplies, constantly reminding myself to follow whatever feels... Continue reading