The Next Surge of Projects: Newsletter May 2021

After focusing so much time on the new studio, I am eager to get back to creating more artwork. The ideas have been coming in this entire time, and I haven't given myself time to get them out or organize myself enough to feel productive.

Since finally moving in and getting situated, I have had a couple of commissions that I am finishing up, and I have also started up my studio challenges again! (A couple of these new studio challenges will be up for purchase next week). It is finally starting to feel like I am getting back into the groove and finding my pace.

The Next BIG Projects

1. The first project is my first "Big" piece in the new studio. I felt like I needed a large, immersive project to break in the new wall. I have a watercolor paper prepped and ready. I want to play off of the last charcoal and ink piece I worked on “Finding Form in Chaos” (which will be going up for sale this month). A piece inspired by the intensity and power of space, capturing the chaos that takes place in our reality on and off planet, the seemingly destructive power that ultimately creates form, a result. I wanted to express space and how it reflects the basic consistency of life without being particular about its “stage” … destruction, apparent chaos, creation.

However, I am trying to decide whether or not to repaint (again) the big, main wall in the studio because the white paint I repainted the wall with has a semi-gloss finish, which is already giving me problems with my tape on much smaller pieces.

Le sigh.

I have to admit. It is my fault that I thought it would be acceptable to use the one we already had instead of going out and getting the paint the wall needed.

So, once I finish this current commission. I am going to take the morning to repaint the wall (insert rolling eyes). BUT I am sure I will be MUCH happier when it is done... even though this will be the 2nd time I have repainted it.

Once that is finished, I can start on the big piece!

2. The other big project that is coming is the new Skillshare Course I have been working on. Gathering my accumulated resources and first-hand experience in creating artwork and creative projects has sort of been an ongoing thing. But, I have started to write down things I can share with people pursuing a more creative life, whether for a hobby or career, while developing a structure that is easy to digest, helpful, and inspiring.

The more I work on it, the more excited I get. I have never been fond of speaking on camera so creating something like this has been pushed aside for a long time despite so many people reaching out about tips, feedback, questions.

I was nervous and kept having that "imposter syndrome". I didn't see how I could be of service to others in that way. It wasn't until I started seriously writing things down for tutorial ideas when I realized I could share quite a bit in skill development and conceptual development.

After majoring in Art during college, a Masters, ten years of actively selling my artwork and working on design projects, thousands of hours of drawing and painting, and the last 5+ years of really dedicating time to navigating the sharing/selling of work online... I think there is some information that other creative pursuers may find helpful. Not only that, but since finishing post grad (end of 2014), I have spent money and time learning whenever I could. Reading books, subscribing and following people/things in the creative industry, taking online courses to learn, refine or upkeep skills, going to figure drawing meet-ups, attending webinars and discussions, sketching whenever I could, spending time experimenting, etc.

So, I can't wait to share more on it, finally film the modules and get them out there for people!

3. Last but not least! I am starting virtual Paint and Sips! I had wanted to do the first one back in April, but with everything going on, it was a very optimistic goal haha

The first one will be June 5th, 2021, so stay tuned for more information on signing up because spots for the first one will be limited!

Hope this post found you in good spirits, and if not, I hope it left you in good spirits! Cheers for tuning in and have a good rest of your day/evening... whenever it is that you read this !

Detail from New Studio Challenge going up next week!

Detail from New Studio Challenge going up next week!

Amazon Mini-Series

Since May, I have been working on this series' drawings, and I have enjoyed the way they have developed. After trimming some leftover scraps from my studio, I decided to make a series of drawings as an ode to moments of life in the Amazon Rainforest. I have always felt attracted to the Amazon Rainforest; there is so much about it that is magical. The sheer size of it, the species that inhabit it, the indigenous tribes that still live traditionally within it, the medicine that develops from it, the fact that it serves places around the world in so many different ways. It is pretty incredible.

This concept has been developing for some time now. Over the years, seeing how much of the Amazon we have lost to over logging, overdevelopment, and now extreme fires, it was hard to ignore. It was first a personal project that later evolved into a conversation with others as I began to create and share the drawings.

It is hard to wrap our heads around the actual amount of damage that is going on, and it is also hard to wrap our heads around how it could affect us personally, so I just wanted to focus on little elements of beauty within the habitat.

The Amazon Mini-Series is just about admiring the Amazon rainforest's details, little moments of something so grand and incredible.

For this series, I am teaming up with artist Nick Vermeulen from The Netherlands to sell some art inspired by The Amazon and the natural world. The series will be released to the public on World Habitat Day, Saturday, 10-3-2020, and 25% of the profit will go towards The Amazon Conservation Association.

To get first access on Friday, be sure to subscribe here!