Goodbye February, Hello March

February is coming to a close. I wish we could see tonight's 6-planet alignment from here in Oregon's Willamette Valley, but it looks like we're overcast.

Ah well, March is happening and spring is on the way. It's time to switch from armchair gardening to hands in dirt. And I have painting ideas bursting at the seams, so I'm happily tucking into the studio to nurture them.

Someone asked me not long ago if I ever run out of ideas for paintings? Not so far.

It's more a matter of creating the routine time to paint. The business of art takes so much time, energy and focus. And I'm not great with transitions. So it's important for me to stay centered and keep a balanced schedule for both the studio and the business. I'd love to tell you I have this balance down, though the truth is I have to keep reinventing it. One reason they call it a practice, I guess.

Without question, I'm happiest and most peaceful when I'm painting in the studio. Or painting outdoors.

The Mayor's Art Show 2026 is now closed, but you can still see the artworks and artist biographies online.

It was a wonderful experience this year. So many extraordinary, creative artists in our town! The opening gala was well-attended. It was a moment to poke my head outside the studio, and mingle with old and new friends and colleagues.

New Class Coming Soon

Another Painting Workshop is coming, so stay tuned. It would have been coming sooner, but I was down for almost all February by whatever random and strange virus decided to visit me. All better now. The good thing about being sick is how good it is to feel better.

Art Print Club Is Growing

Thanks to all who've signed up for my Art Print Club! The February delivery is on its way to you.

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. Tell a friend!

Last year my painter friend Peg Coe and I traveled the McKenzie River corridor, looking for painting or photo spots. We plan to get to some more of that this year.

I sketched this patch of old growth miraculously left untouched by the rampaging Holiday Farm Fire in September, 2020.

The light through the filter of fir branches and hanging moss was breathtaking. And a little heartbreaking. It was one of those sun-in-sun-out days in Oregon, and I was painting in between rain showers. I got rained out before I could paint the view, but at least I managed this sketch.

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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 February's Art Backstage image here.

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