My whole family really appreciates and loves music. When I was young, my mom always had the radio on, or she’d be playing a record while she was sewing. Music was always in the background in my formative years. My mom’s brother, my Uncle Tommy, made a mixtape for me when I was around 10…

I thought it would be fun to share some videos of the first “reveals” of pet portraits as they were given to the recipients.  Each recipient was delighted when I revealed the pet portrait, and I really enjoy rewatching these videos to see the moment of pure awe and happiness on people’s faces. I hear…

In college, my major was illustration at Cleveland Institute of Art. For my senior thesis project, I decided to create a children’s book about animals. I’ve always loved animals, and I believe that they’re full of intelligence and emotions, but I know that’s not how everyone thinks and feels about animals. I knew people who…

In the book Artpreneur, the author suggested that artists concentrate on what they enjoy painting the most if they want to take their artwork seriously as a business, rather than as a hobby. If the focus is on making artwork that YOU actually love making, then hypothetically, when people want more, you’ll be happier making tons…

Trying to figure out what to paint next is always a conundrum for me. In that moment after I’ve spread out a huge, intimidating blank piece of paper or canvas in front of me, it seems like I’m facing a vast white wilderness.   My mom had sent me a collection of beautiful new powder watercolors,…

When I painted the original purple abstract octopuses in 2020, my friend challenged me to make a larger version of them. Those paintings are 18” x 24” each, which is already pretty large. But my friend wanted to know if I could paint six of them, and then combine them as a sextet, thus creating a 4.5-foot…

It’s very tough for me to be enthused about a drawing challenge when I’m stressed by daily business responsibilities and life in general; AND when the Inktober prompts are not inspiring! So, I’ve decided to continue Inktober on my own terms: I will just pick and choose the prompts I want to draw, and I will do them at…

Well, we’re halfway through October, also known as “Inktober,” and I’ve only done a few drawings based on the Inktober prompts. Inktober was created by Jake Parker in 2009 as a challenge to improve his inking skills and develop positive drawing habits. It has since grown into a worldwide endeavor, with thousands of artists taking on the challenge…

For years and years, I kept telling myself that I needed to create more artwork. But after a hectic workday, when evening came, I was tired and didn’t want to think anymore or make any more decisions or create anything! I also felt like I didn’t have the appropriate space to make art; there was…

Allow me to share some kind words and photos from collectors… Laurene B says:  I ordered this while out of the country-couldn’t waitto get back and see these in person. THEY are great and I now have themhanging in my library. Was NOT disappointed-in love. Carolyn B says: My print arrived today and I love it! Thank you!…

I know I’m supposed to exercise, especially now that I’m older, but I have never enjoyed “working out.” I do walk my two dogs a couple of times a day, and my husband and I walk rather than drive whenever possible, but that is not really “cardio” or “muscle-building” exercise. If I’m going to do…

World Octopus Day is a celebration of this beautiful and mysterious creature. The celebration first started in 2014 and has been celebrated annually ever since. The goal is to raise awareness about the octopus, share some facts, and help protect them around the world. 7 facts about octopuses, source Threats to octopuses, source Although octopuses are not…