I’m sponsoring an artist! Open to ages 18+. Intended for beginning artists and/or those new to abstract painting. The idea is that you’d be creating abstract paintings after reading my book. The winning artist receives a pack of seven 11x14 canvases, two paintbrushes, my abstract painting book, and five tubes of paint (the colors recommended in my book). 

To apply:

Send your answers to the following questions to [email protected].

1) If selected, how do you plan to use the canvas, paints, and book during the next three months? Please be as specific as possible.

2) Share one photo of your current artwork or creative project.

3) Let me know if you'd be open to me featuring the artwork you create from this giveaway on social media and my website.

Accepting entries through Saturday, July 11th at 11:59 pm. Winner will be announced Sunday, July 12th.

Can't wait to hear from you. Good luck!

Note: If you live outside of the Evansville area, you pay shipping.

Six students took a class from me on April 15th, 2026 at Inman Art & Frames, only the second class I've ever taught! It was such a blast. Abstract art was the subject, which is in my opinion, the hardest kind of art to create. These students did fabulous and this was the first abstract art experience as an adult for some of them!

Learning abstract art is like learning a language that has no rules. Even though there are some rules (that can be broken) in abstract art, the possibilities are endless, which is part of what makes it so difficult. Unlike still life, where there's a definitive subject that you're painting, abstract art has no limits.

There were six students, which is what we can comfortably fit in the Inman's space. It was a perfect number for me to start out with, given I don't have a lot of teaching experience. However, I greatly enjoyed it and can't wait to teach another class. As a matter of fact, the next class is scheduled for April 29th. I'll be painting an abstract floral and they'll follow along. 

Here are some more photos from the evening...

Teaching these ladies was truly a rewarding experience and I can't wait until the next class! They were even interested in starting a painting group, which is so exciting!

I was asked to do a live abstract painting demo at the Rare Bird / Inman Art & Frames open house on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Until then I had never done an abstract demo. I did a still life demo at B3 Gallery in Brown County, Indiana several years ago, but this was my first abstract demo gig. I was a bit nervous before I got started, but once things got going, I had a blast talking about my process as I painted. 

It was a beautiful sunny and 55ish degrees day outside. I decided to do a waterless demo so I wouldn't have to mess with washing out my brushes and getting new water throughout the demo. I also used acrylic paints, which I was afraid would dry out quickly. But because it wasn't hot outside, I didn't have any problems with that. Jessica and Mike at Inman's let me borrow their tent so that cut out one less thing (a bulky one!) that I had to pack.

Several of my collectors came by to watch and new people I had never met came too. 

If you've painted abstracts before, you know that they often go through "ugly" stages or can go wrong very quickly. This was my main concern with the demo - that either one of these would happen. But, everything ended up going great! It was a perfect day.

I brought three canvases, two 24x24s and a 20x24. I brought several so I could still be painting while one or two of the canvases were drying. I bounced back and forth between them, which went great! I also packed posca pens, China markers, a spray bottle, paper towels, and a grey matters palette. Oh, and my easel! I was worried that it would be windy and knock my canvas off the easel, but I totally forgot I can lock it down on there.

I had so much fun doing this demo that I'm thinking about offering live painting demo services for events. If you have an event coming up and you'd like an abstract painter for live entertainment, just send me a message.

This was a blast and I can't wait to do it again. And, I'm offering an abstract class soon at Inman's. If you're interested, call Inman's at 812-471-8651.

In a world filled with constant notifications, endless scrolling, and digital overload, sometimes the most comforting thing we can receive is something simple: a letter in the mail. Not a bill. Not junk mail. But a thoughtfully created piece of happy mail meant just for you.

That’s the heart behind a snail mail club centered on mental health and self-care that I've started called Mailbox Magic. It's a small monthly reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself.

Join Mailbox Magic!

https://youtube.com/shorts/zzkBb9NgEiI?si=aLBDr6OYe8Ic6nXg

Each month, members receive a letter about a self-care topic, a 5x7 postcard art print, a sticker or bookmark, a coloring page, and a surprise paper good.

There's something special about opening your mailbox and discovering a colorful envelope waiting for you. It feels different from opening an email or a text message. Snail mail invites you to pause. You notice the texture of the paper. You take a moment to look at the artwork. You might color, journal, or simply enjoy the quiet moment it brings.

It turns a simple delivery into a small act of self-care.

Creative activities and intentional pauses are powerful tools for mental health. A snail mail club can help create those moments.

Each piece of mail becomes a gentle invitation to:

- Slow down and unplug

- Engage in creativity

- Practice mindfulness
- Feel connected to something positive

Even just five minutes spent coloring a postcard, reading a note, or displaying a piece of artwork can shift the tone of your day.

One of the beautiful things about a snail mail club is the ritual of it. Each month, something new arrives in your mailbox. Maybe it’s a small art print, a coloring postcard, a sticker, a bookmark, or a thoughtful note. It’s not just mail. It’s a reminder that taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting down with a cup of tea and enjoying a creative moment.

Part of the fun of snail mail is the mystery. You never quite know what will arrive. But you know it was created with intention—to encourage creativity, reflection, and kindness toward yourself. And that kind of surprise can bring a little spark of joy to an ordinary day.

Even though snail mail feels personal, it also creates a sense of connection. Everyone in the club is sharing in the same experience: slowing down, opening their mailbox, and taking a moment for themselves. In a fast-paced world, that shared pause can feel surprisingly meaningful.

Self-care doesn’t always look like a spa day or a big life change. Sometimes it looks like:

• Opening a colorful envelope

• Coloring a small illustration

• Reading a kind note

• Taking five quiet minutes just for yourself

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. Because in the middle of busy lives and noisy digital spaces, a little piece of happy mail can remind us of something important:

You deserve moments of calm, creativity, and care.

Join Mailbox Magic!

Buy Now

When I first started painting abstractly, I remember staring at a blank canvas feeling both excited and unsure. I didn’t want rules that felt rigid, but I did need guidance. I needed someone to explain the foundations in a way that felt accessible, encouraging, and grounded.

That’s exactly why I wrote Abstract Painting for the Absolute Beginner: Tools, Techniques, and Inspiration.

This book is for the person who feels drawn to abstract art but doesn’t quite know where to begin. It’s for the creative who wants freedom, but also wants to understand why certain paintings work. It’s for the beginner who is ready to stop overthinking and start painting.
 

You Don’t Need to Be “Naturally Talented”

One of the biggest myths about art is that you either have it or you don’t.

Abstract painting isn’t about copying what you see. It’s about responding. It’s about learning how color, line, texture, and space interact, and then allowing yourself to explore those relationships with curiosity.

In the opening chapters, I gently walk you into the world of abstraction. Not in a complicated, academic way—but in a way that makes sense.  

Simple, Clear Guidance on Materials

The art supply aisle can feel overwhelming. I’ve been there.

In the Materials chapter, I break down exactly what you need to begin with acrylic painting without overcomplicating it. Brushes, paints, surfaces, tools. What matters. What doesn’t. 

While this book focuses on acrylic because it’s so forgiving and versatile, the principles apply to any medium. Oil. Watercolor. Mixed media. The foundations remain the same.

Understanding the Language of Art

 If you want confidence in your painting, you need to understand the language behind it.

We explore the elements of art, including color, line, shape, form, texture, space, and value, and how they work together. Then we move into principles of design like balance, contrast, emphasis, and harmony.

These aren’t stiff rules. They’re tools. Once you understand them, you begin to see your work differently. You start making decisions instead of guessing.

Color Is Emotion

Color is one of the most powerful tools you have.

In the Color chapter, we explore limited palettes, emotional impact, and practical mixing strategies. I share approachable color “recipes." More importantly, I encourage you to experiment and trust your instincts.

Color has energy. When you begin to understand how it behaves, your paintings take on a new depth.

Mark-Making: Where Your Personality Shows Up

Abstract painting truly comes alive in mark-making.

Bold strokes. Scraped layers. Subtle lines. Unexpected texture. This is where your individuality begins to emerge. In this chapter, I guide you through different techniques so you can discover what feels natural and what pushes you creatively.

There’s something incredibly freeing about letting your hand move without over-controlling every inch.

Composition & Knowing When It’s Done

One of the hardest questions in abstract art is: How do I know when it’s finished?

In the Composition chapter, we talk about cohesion, focal points, repetition, balance, and visual breathing room. You’ll learn how to step back and evaluate your work with clarity. This is where abstract painting becomes less intimidating and more intentional.

Step-by-Step Demos to Build Confidence

I didn’t want this to be just theory.

The demonstration chapter walks you through complete abstract paintings from start to finish with illustrative photographs. You’ll see layers build, decisions unfold, and adjustments happen in real time.

Watching a painting evolve helps remove fear. It reminds you that beautiful work often grows through process and not perfection.

Presenting Your Work with Confidence

Creating art is deeply personal—but sharing it is powerful.

In the final chapters, I cover practical topics like wiring your canvas, photographing your artwork, and preparing it for display or online sharing. Your work deserves to be seen in its best light.

An Invitation to Begin

More than anything, this book is an invitation.

An invitation to experiment.

To trust yourself.

To make a mess.

To layer, scrape, adjust, and try again.

Abstract painting isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about building a relationship with the canvas. It’s about learning the foundations so you can break them with confidence.

If you’ve been waiting to start, this is your sign.

Pick up the brush.

Give yourself permission.

And let the process unfold.

Buy Now

When I first started creating adult coloring books, it wasn’t just about making something beautiful. It was about creating a quiet space to breathe, to process, to slow down.

I’m so excited to share that I’ve just published two new coloring books on Amazon designed specifically for stress relief and relaxation:

Floral Adult Coloring Book for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Abstract Adult Coloring Book for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Both feature 50 designs, and both were created with intention, but they offer two very different creative experiences.

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on Amazon 

Why Coloring?

Coloring isn’t just nostalgic. It’s grounding.

When we sit down with a page and begin filling it with color, something shifts. Our breathing slows. Our thoughts soften. The constant mental noise quiets just enough for us to feel present again.

As an artist, I’ve always believed creativity is one of the most accessible forms of self-care. You don’t need to be “good” at art. You don’t need a plan. You just need a page and a few colors.

That’s the heart behind these books.

Floral Adult Coloring Book

Soft, calming, nature-inspired pages

This book is for the days you want beauty and gentleness.

The floral designs are inspired by bouquets, garden arrangements, and expressive line work that invites you to slow down and enjoy the details. Flowers have a natural rhythm to them — curves, petals, layers — and coloring them can feel meditative.

Whether you love roses, daisies, sunflowers, or mixed arrangements, these pages are designed to:

• Calm the mind
• Reduce anxiety
• Encourage creative flow
• Offer a peaceful reset in the middle of a busy day

There’s something incredibly soothing about bringing a bouquet to life with your own color choices.

Abstract Adult Coloring Book

Bold, modern, expressive designs

If the floral book is a deep breath, the abstract book is a creative exhale.

This collection features modern abstract designs inspired by my own painting style with bold shapes, movement, layered composition, and expressive lines. These pages are perfect if you enjoy:

• Playing with unexpected color combinations
• Letting go of “rules”
• Exploring mood through color
• Coloring intuitively

Abstract coloring can be especially freeing because there’s no “right” way to do it. You can follow your instincts. You can go bright and energetic or soft and harmonious. Every page becomes uniquely yours.

Why 50 Designs?

I wanted these books to feel generous. Fifty designs means you can make coloring a regular ritual and something you return to again and again.

Color one page in the morning before work.

Color while listening to a podcast.

Color instead of scrolling.

Color when your mind feels full.

It’s a small practice that makes a real difference.

Who These Books Are For

These books are for:

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed
• Anyone craving a creative outlet
• Anyone who loves art but doesn’t always have time to make it
• Anyone who needs a reminder to slow down

You don’t need fancy supplies. Colored pencils, gel pens, etc. Use what you love. Make it imperfect. Make it expressive. Make it yours.

Creativity as Self-Care

I truly believe creativity is not a luxury. It's a tool.

Coloring reconnects us to play. It reminds us that beauty can exist in small moments. It invites us to participate instead of consume.

If you’ve been needing something gentle, something grounding, or something creatively energizing, I hope one of these books meets you exactly where you are.

Thank you for supporting my art and allowing it into your quiet moments. It means more than you know.

- Lori 

Late last year in 2024 I applied for a solo show with Fresh A.I.R. Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Fresh A.I.R. (Artists in Recovery) is a project of Southeast Healthcare whose mission is to fight the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders. They've been in operation for 20 years and are located at 131 N High Street, Columbus, OH. They are open to the public 8-5 Monday - Friday.

“Flourish: Beyond the Silence” brings to light the disparities between physical illness and mental illness and how they are recognized. Flowers — a traditional gesture of care for physical illness — are rarely given to those struggling with their mental health. The flowers in the exhibit represent all the flowers that are never sent!

The sculpture and plaque outside the gallery

Myken, the Gallery Director, contacted me in January of this year to tell me that I had been selected for a solo show and asked if I was still interested. And of course I was; I was beyond ecstatic! I applied for a show in 2019 also. Even though I didn't get selected then, I knew at some point I would apply again. I'm actually grateful they didn't select me for a show the first time I applied. I wouldn't have been able to fill the gallery with the work I was doing then. I was doing mostly smaller pieces and didn't paint as fast back then either. Not only that, I really didn't have a strong theme for a show planned out then.

Throughout the year, Myken and I corresponded back and forth through email to prepare for the exhibit. It was such a wonderful experience preparing with the support of her. We set the date for the exhibit as Oct 8th - Dec 31st, with the reception being Oct 8th from 5:30-7:00. 

"Bloom Through the Chaos" 24x24 mixed media

This show has so much meaning for me and I'm honored to show my work there. It's been a long and deeply personal journey for me in my recovery living with bipolar disorder after my diagnosis in 1997 when I was 22. I've experienced multiple hospitalizations, job loss, and strained relationships during my lifetime as a result of this disorder. While it has wreaked havoc in my life so many ways, it has also put many people in my path that I wouldn't have met otherwise, and I'm grateful for that. 

I spent nearly 10 years of my life in my 20s and early 30s unable to work due to my episodes. Then things began to change. I found medication that worked for me and I took it as I was supposed to. A few years later I met my husband, our daughter was born in 2011, and I eventually arrived to a spot in my recovery where I was well enough to go back to work, and did just that in 2012.

I worked as a peer specialist and was also hired to get a peer-run recovery center up and running and did that for four years. Working in that position marked a pivotal moment in my life. We received a grant to offer a series of art classes and I had the privilege of participating in those. Being around peers in the arts empowerment program inspired me to fulfill my young adulthood dream of being an artist, so I left my job in 2016 to pursue art and have been painting ever since. I'm forever grateful!

You can imagine how excited I was to be given the opportunity to help Fresh A.I.R. fight stigma after learning a bit about my story. 

I worked off and on throughout the year on pieces for the show. About half of the pieces are brand new pieces that have never been shown before. All the floral pieces are new that I created just for this show. We thought it would make the show more interesting to have some pieces in the show that weren't florals as well. So I included several abstracts, a surrealism piece, and a couple still life pieces.

"Until Then, I'll Sing My Song" 24x18 mixed media

I had to really be cognizant of how I spent my time this year planning for this show, as I was entering group shows throughout the year too. Sometimes it can get a little stressful juggling so many pieces and shows at the same time. When I start getting stressed out, that's when I know I need to take a step back and not take on anything else until I get a handle on everything.

I was planning to rent a van to take my art to Columbus, but then my friend and collector, Lisa, offered to take me up there and use her vehicle to transport everything. We were supposed to meet Myken at the gallery on October 4th at 2pm EST. Columbus is an hour ahead of Evansville. I thought I had everything planned out on how to pack Lisa's van until the last minute. I started having doubts that my packing plan was going to keep my paintings safe during transport. So I ran over to see my bosses, Jessica and Mike Inman, at Inman's Picture Framing. They saved me! Jessica showed me the perfect way to pack my paintings that would get them there safely and so that they all would fit, while also leaving room for Lisa to see out the back window. 

Paintings packed and ready to go

The pictures above show how Jessica instructed me to pack my paintings for transport. We took two paintings, put them back to back, sandwiched them between two pieces of acid-free foam core board, and secured them with stretch wrap. We left 1/2" extra foam core board all around. So for example, if the paintings were 24x24, we cut the foam core board to 25x25. 

Saturday morning, all packed and ready to go! Everything fit so perfectly!

At the Indian Cuisine for lunch

Lisa and I arrived in Columbus an hour early so we grabbed lunch before meeting Myken at the gallery.

All unpacked and getting ready to install

Installation complete

My friend Lisa (right) and me (left)

Myken Pullins (right) and me (left)

This picture was taken in the Fresh A.I.R. office. These are postcards from previous exhibitions. How cool!

Installation took about three hours and there were four of us installing the exhibit. I had 25 paintings to hang on the wall, mostly 24x24s. Four 30x40s, and several small pieces around 12x12.

Once the exhibit was installed, then I anticipated the reception. Myken said there were some surprises coming, so I was anxious to find out what that meant. 

The morning of reception day finally came -- October 8th! We left Evansville at 6:30 in the morning CST and arrived in Columbus around 1:00. It's about a five hour drive from Evansville. My brothers flew in from Boston, Massachusetts and were in Columbus already when we got there. My husband, daughter, mom, dad, and I met up with them at Katsingers, a local deli, and had lunch. I was starting to get a little nervous about the reception. 

I was asked to be at the gallery earlier than everyone else. I was to be there at 3:00 to meet a recovery group and share a little bit about my story and paintings, and answer any questions they had. It was such a pleasure talking with them and they had great questions.

The reception started at 5:30. Here are some photos from the reception...

Then the speakers' presentations started around 6:00. I had no idea what they had planned and I was totally taken by surprise. I was presented with flowers and was recognized by the state of Ohio.

Rachelle Martin with NAMI Franklin County presenting me with flowers.

Speaker Sue Villilo from ADAMH of Franklin County

Staci Swenson, Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, reading the governor's proclamation in recognition of my show

From left to right: Rachelle Martin (NAMI Franklin County), me, Bryce Coder (NAMI Ohio), Sue Villilo (ADAMH), Staci Swenson (Ohio Department of Behavioral Health), Myken Pullins (Fresh A.I.R. Gallery)

After all the speakers, I said a few words. And of course, it never comes out as planned. Sometimes I think I'm better off not planning out what I'm going to say! 

Live music with the band O'Neill & Martin

A University of Evansville art student asked if he could interview me for one of his classes. Here are his questions and my answers. I thought it would be interesting to share this interview with my readers.

1) What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Business, with a concentration in Marketing. Sometimes I wish I would have majored in art. On the other hand, my business degree has been invaluable to my art career and every other job I’ve had. Eventually I would love to go back to school for a Master’s in art therapy.

I’ve also taken community art workshops/classes with many local artists, including Rob Millard-Mendez, Connie Bell, Holly Storlie, Cynthia Watson, and Chris Thomas.

2) What do you do?

I’m primarily an acrylic painter focusing on still life, abstracts, and most recently surrealism. I’ve also been experimenting with mixed media recently. I sell most of my work through Inman’s Picture Framing & Fine Art, but I do sell direct to the collector as well. I hold an open studio in late fall each year, where I invite friends and collectors to come see my studio and shop. This year will be my third year holding an open studio and it is my most successful event of the year.

I take every opportunity I can get to show my work. This year I have a two-artist show at UE with Lesley Nelson in the fall and a solo show in Columbus, OH also in the fall. Next year I have a solo show schedule in Owensboro. Currently I have a mental health awareness exhibit at Lamasco Microgallery on Wabash Ave that will be on display until June 15th, 2025.

I paint from both imagination and photos. My still life paintings are both from photos and from life, and most recently I have been creating source files in Procreate where I take several photos and arrange them and add filters to make an interesting composition. Then I paint from that reference. Most of my surrealism pieces are done the same way.

My abstract work is completely intuitive and from imagination. I find that the faster I paint an abstract, the better it usually turns out. It’s when I think too much about what I’m doing during the process that things just aren’t as natural.

I also work at Inman’s Picture Framing about 8 hours a week. I handle their social media, maintain the website, track the art inventory, and do a small amount of framing on occasion. I enjoy this time away from the studio where I can be around others and be surrounded by art.

Being an artist is very rewarding but it can also be isolating since creating art is usually done alone. Due to this, I often have coffee/lunch dates with other artists I have become friends with in the community.

In addition to creating art, a lot of other things have to be done in an art business, such as keeping good accounting records, marketing your work, keeping track of inventory, and relationship building with collectors.

3) How did you get started?

I always had an interest in art and took art classes in middle school and high school. During college and early adulthood, I took a long break from art. But in my early thirties I started dabbling with watercolors, and fell in love with art all over again. I quickly found I liked acrylic better so I switched mediums. Acrylic is so much more forgiving than watercolor, although I still create ink/watercolor pieces occasionally.

In 2012 I was hired by Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare to get a peer-run recovery center up and running. Once established, we started an Arts Empowerment program where participants had access to art supplies and classes. The artists who participated in this program were amazingly talented and very much an inspiration to me. During this time, I took up painting again as a way to help manage my stress and depression. After painting again and being surrounded by the peers in the Arts Empowerment program for a couple years, I finally decided to leave my job to pursue art as a career. 

Art helps me tremendously with my mental health. I truly believe it is just as effective in managing my depression as the medication I take for it.

4) Why did you choose this?

I feel as though I didn’t choose an art career, but rather art chose me. I think if you’re destined to be an artist, art will find you one way or another. But some reasons I’ve found I was glad I pursued art as a career, include:

• I can create my own schedule.
• I don’t have to report to anyone (but this can be a drawback at the same time since no one is holding me accountable except myself).
• I can use my business degree in managing my art business.
• It provides a way to help me stay mentally healthy.
• It has connected me to a supportive art community.
• Not only is it something I enjoy, but also something that I can make money from.

 

 

 

 

5) Where and when did this happen?

I started focusing on my art career on a full-time basis in 2016, but I didn’t start selling on a consistent basis until around 2020. I credit Inman’s for really getting my career off the ground. I also think it took several years for me to hone my craft before my art was good enough to be sellable. I spent countless hours in the studio for the first few years trying to get better at painting.

My art business has always been based in Evansville, but I do have collectors as far away as California. One of my missions is to exhibit in all 50 states. As of now, I’ve shown work in 11 different states. I’m doing this through applying for juried shows from calls I find on www.callforentry.org.

6) Who was involved and how did they influence you?

An early influence was Kandinsky where I became a fan of his in my teens. I have always been a huge fan of abstract art, so every chance I have to visit museums in larger cities, I take advantage of. I’m greatly inspired by these visits to museums. My favorites include the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art, both in Boston, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

I was also greatly inspired by my middle school art teacher. This is when I truly first began to have a love of art, even though I didn’t pursue it as a career until much later in life.

As stated earlier, what really moved the needle for me to pursue art as a career was my job at Southwestern. The artists I met through the recovery center inspired me greatly.

7) Is there anyone you look up to?

I would say I look up to many local artists, whom each have inspired me in many ways, but mostly to push myself harder to be the best artist I can possibly be. From a technical standpoint, I greatly admire Chris Thomas in Henderson, KY, who is a hyper realistic oil painter. I also admire my friend and artist, Lesley Nelson, who I think is one of the most creative and diverse artists in the region. She’s always pushing the envelope and trying new things. She has inspired me to pursue 3D work, which I’m hoping to take on some 3D projects this year. I’m mostly interested in 3D sculptural works that can hang on the wall and have done a few sculptural works this year that you can view on my website.

8) What motivates you?

My first motivator is the fact that when I create art, I feel better both physically and mentally. Each time I finish a piece, I think it makes my brain produce more dopamine, which of course brings great pleasure.

The next thing that motivates me is simply being connected to the art community at large. I’m friends with many artists on social media, and every time I see a piece I love that they post, it makes me want to get to work in my studio.

And lastly, selling art is a huge motivator. I find that when I sell a piece, it makes me want to get more studio time in.

9) Is there anything you want others to know about you?

I have periods where I don’t feel as inspired, but during these times, it is most important that I still get into the studio and put some time in. I think all artists experience times of being less inspired and it’s a normal part of the artistic process. I also believe that in art, quantity is just as important as quality.

I read about a study done recently where they took a group of artists and were given an assignment. One group could only create one piece in a certain timeframe, and the other group could create as many pieces as they wanted and use what they felt was their best piece. Overall, the group that could create many pieces ended up with a better piece. I think the more you create, the better chance you are going to end up with one of your best pieces.

Sunflowers, 2022, SOLD

This is a post in response to Tara Leaver's Day 2 of "21 Days in My Art World" for 2025.

A lesson I learned in 2024 is that it’s more important to finish a painting rather than get it perfect. I think we learn things from each painting we create and each one builds on previous paintings. One thing that prevents me from finishing a painting is trying to get smooth transitions in my colors instead of letting brushstrokes show in my representational paintings. 

Sometimes trying to get it perfectly smooth stands in the way of finishing. The sunflowers painting above is one I successfully let the brushstrokes show in. This is the kind of look I'd like in all my paintings. Now if you’re going for a super realistic look, that’s a lot different. In that case you wouldn’t want your brushstrokes to show. 

One thing I’d like to do in 2025 is let my brushstrokes show more in my representational paintings. I’d like to try some paintings where you limit your number of brushstrokes. I’ve heard of artists painting pieces with a total of 50 brushstrokes, for example. 

My natural inclination is to have smooth transitions in my paintings. It’s going to be challenging to try to learn to paint differently.

In general I think most people like to see brushstrokes in paintings because they want it to look like a painting, unless you’re a hyper realistic painter. I really like impressionist paintings where you can see the brushstrokes, although I appreciate all styles of artwork. 

Something else I’ve thought of that might help my brushstrokes show more is to use a stiffer brush. 

Even in my abstracts, I have the tendency to smooth things out sometimes. I’d like for my abstracts to transform into pieces that are more expressionistic and I think leaving brushstrokes will help set the mood of each painting. And that’s what I’m after - creating a mood.