What?!

The winter holidays are here again! This year I’m so aware of the circle of a year. It has been a strange year. Not altogether bad. Not altogether good. I feel my world paused in a moment of grace. Maybe because by necessity, I’ve taken time for reflection and rest.

Eugene Mayor's Art Show 2026

It's been a busy year, even with time out. As a recent highlight, I was selected for the Eugene Mayor's Art Show. It's a curated juried show that has been part of Eugene's arts scene since at least the 1980's. I'm honored to be included again this year.

January 6-February 22, 2026

​Hult Center, Maurie Jacobs Community Room​

Opening reception: Monday, January 12, 4-5:30 p.m.

If you're in town, stop by and say hello!

Regular viewing times:

• Tuesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m.
• Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
• Hult ticketholders may view the exhibition before performances

A new year is coming toward us, and I'm looking forward to it! Lots of ideas for new paintings.

I just ordered more paint, and I can hardly wait for it to get here!

New Class - Color in Painting: Master Your Color

If you missed November's class, I have a new class starting January 31, 2026.

January 31 - February 21, 2026, Saturday, 2:00 PM, PT

Limited to 7 seats, so register early!​

You don’t need more and more paint colors—just better use of what you already have.

Color theory here isn’t charts or measurements or rules. It’s a hands-on, playful practice.

Come with me to explore this rich world. Define your own wave length!

Art Print Club Is Growing

Thanks to all who've signed up for my Art Print Club! The December delivery is in production, and will be on its way to you soon. I'm making a few extras, so it's not too late to sign up now to get in on this month's mailing!

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.

I'd be thrilled if you tell a friend.

Sometimes I head out in the car for a little painting time. Not much effort in planning, simply grab gear, pick somewhere on the map, go. Let things unfold.

This month’s page from my art journal is from one such winter day in 2022. A friend and I decided to head to the coast and get some of those lovely negative ions that the beach offers. The energy boost is useful for those cabin-fever days in our Willamette Valley winters, when I so miss the sun.

Off we go, and we stop in at a place my friend wants to explore. I elect to take a little nap in the car, as I’m feeling very sleepy from the drive and the weather. Then I look up the hill in front of me and there’s this interesting view! I got in a sketch of the view (but not the nap). It was a strange and lovely light, pure Northwest in its quality. Maybe I'll use it for a larger painting.

"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 and use them for screensavers.

​Download December's Art Backstage image, or click on the image below.​​

Here's to a peaceful and joyful holiday season! Celebrate the return of the light, however you do it.

Warmest regards,

Julia