Greetings from the last lingering days of summer, at least for those of us in the northern hemisphere.

Working Steadily

My time in the studio is more often about a steady rhythm of work than spectacular achievement. That's how my summer has gone, for sure. I have a dozen paintings in the works and more events on the horizon, though my focus has been on maintaining calm forward momentum.

Works in progress

I'm still excited to work with material I gathered from my painting adventure to the Grand Canyon. And paintings from the ocean, trying to understand the movement of waves and light in the water.

A Day In the Garden 2: Dandelion Ghost with Pieces of Leaf

"A Day In the Garden 2" is a second round of a series I started years ago in gouache. These 8x8 works in oil or acrylic are my tribute to the small moments of elegance that can happen in a garden, maybe not by design but by accident of our attention. They might surprise us when we're not looking. Sometimes they are the greatest teachers, and the greatest gifts.

My ambition for each Day In the Garden painting is that they call us to slow down and practice the art of small moments -- even if you don't have a garden. This one (Dandelion Ghost with Pieces of Leaf) contains for me a note of melancholy, with a shout of celebration for a life well-lived. Or at least, that's my hope for it. We'll see if I can get it there.

Small Wonder

I created an art print club so I can share moments of beauty that inspire, and my reflections about them and about my life and daily adventures as a painter. It's a letter-sized package for the sake of delight and surprise that arrives in your mailbox with a letter from me.

Small Wonder 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

Deep in an old-growth stand on the McKenzie River, for a moment the sun comes out and through. Pure magic in their density and texture, the greens are saturated with wet. Sunlight breaks through in pieces.

---

"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 Journal, McKenzie Rain​

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. I'd love to have them aboard!​​

Warmly,

Julia