April Powers?

Spring greetings! It's already April. I missed my March newsletter to you. Sorry. I don't know what happened to March this year. It was here one day, gone the next.

I've been deep in studio, in one of those periods where I work and work, with a smattering of finished paintings to show for it. Some paintings simply take more time to make up their minds. I go with the flow, since it rarely works to force completion. It's best to back off, start a new work. Keep moving, stay in the practice.

At the moment, I have several paintings moving along, each with its own life force.

Work on one gives me ideas to try with another. For example - how I'm applying or removing paint. How am I using color, value, texture, compositional movement. Am I making the paint interesting? Does the work move me?

For me, making a painting is like a conversation with the paint. I may start with a sketch or study or reference photo or an idea, but it's not a blueprint. It's a journey of creating, responding and solving visual questions. And the answers can arrive in one fleeting brushstroke. I have to pay attention, or it's gone. You know how you can never go back to same river twice?

The magic and the blessing

There is a blessing and a magic in that one moment when a painting resolves. Actually I don't know where this magic comes from. Maybe it's a gift given for being persistent. I try and get out of the way and accept it gratefully when it comes.

This rough work-in-progress is me trying to understand the Pacific ocean, it's weight, the complex architecture of waves. Here's a brief glimpse between one studio day and another.

Art Print Club Is Growing

Many thanks to all who've signed up for my Art Print Club! The April delivery will be on its way toward the end of the month.

Art Print Club is a little piece of beauty and a moment of reflection in your mailbox every month. It's tiny portable art crafted with care and meant to be shared, gifted, displayed, or simply enjoyed.

You'll receive a beautiful signed art card featuring my select artwork, and a letter from me, even a fun art sticker. Delivered from my studio to your door each month for $7.

Help me spread the word. Share with a friend!

Warmly,

Julia

I managed this sketch on a short visit to the coast, on a sunshiny day. I discovered a new-to-me beach with lovely cliffs, rocks, sandy beaches and lots of birds and kids. The sand warmed my bare feet, and the air was brisk and kind. I love how people love the ocean.

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"Art Backstage" is my tiny gift to you. Each month I include a page from my art journals as high-resolution, printable (300dpi) image files for you to download and collect.

You can print them or color on them, give them out as gifts, or use them as notecards. Decorate your device or your screensaver. Or collect a handful of them over time.

​Download your Art Backstage image here

This is technically March's, so I'll add another art journal page later this month to keep my promise to you!

If you know someone who would enjoy receiving these little gems in their Inbox every month, send them here to sign up for my newsletter. ​​

Warmly,

Julia