One of my secrets for letting go and painting more freely is to make it easy for myself to create, so I always have a few backgrounds going at once in my studio, I add layers whenever I have a few minutes – some acrylic inks. acrylic paints, paint pen and water-soluble oil pastels. Painting these first layers helps me stay loose and adds whimsy... Continue reading

The other day I was in my studio and I started to get super impatient, waiting for my painting to dry. I’d been working on a face that I really loved and didn’t want to ruin. So I forced myself to stop and take a step away. Luckily, I always have five or six paintings going on at once. I started adding layers to my... Continue reading

In this 19 minute video I share one of my favorite mixed media techniques for creating an abstract landscape that can be used as your background for any whimsical character. If you’re looking to add more whimsy and freedom to your artwork, don’t cover everything up in your painting. Instead, when you don’t like something, add a thin layer of watercolor or ink on top... Continue reading

Early registration is almost sold out for Serendipity – Develop Your Style (just use discount code SERENDIPITY for 30% off at checkout). I can’t wait to paint with everyone when class starts January 1st. The question I’m asked most often is how I developed my style. I paint a lot (usually every day). And I try to balance staying in my comfort zone with pushing... Continue reading

Lately I’ve been going back to painting more simply. For awhile I had been creating these very layered portraits of women with soft, realistic faces and incredible hair, using lots of art supplies and papers. I enjoyed that their story changed and their personalities evolved with each layer, but I found with every layer, especially on their faces, they looked older. While I still adore... Continue reading

I get impatient whenever I have to let a painting dry. So, I always have five or six paintings going on at once. This also keeps me unattached to the outcome, so the process is playful. That way, while one background dries, I can start another. Or when I mess up one face, I can start on another and try again. Then when I find... Continue reading

I started my business by opening an online shop. But I didn’t list my paintings. I’d just lost my job and had to heal my heart, so I’d been painting in my backyard all summer (my favorite thing to do as a kid). But I was nowhere near ready to start selling my artwork. I’d just started painting my whimsical characters. I also began making... Continue reading

Lately I feel like I don’t have enough time to paint. But I try to paint every day. So I have to make it easy for myself to get creative. Sometimes I’ll doodle or sketch with a pen or marker in my sketchbook. Other times, drawing just doesn’t cut it. My soul just craves to get messy and paint. Here are 4 Ways to Paint... Continue reading

I painted this owl in the summer of 2010 and I wish I still had it. I didn’t have my own designated studio then, so as often as possible I’d paint outside. It had gotten so hot, my water soluble oil pastels melted in the sun. I should’ve moved into the shade, but I’d convinced myself I could finish this painting. I just didn’t want... Continue reading