Since the move commenced I have found it difficult to cultivate the creative energy to create. So much of my energy has gone into snipping the small threads that make up our lives in England and rethreading them in America, all while ensuring the whole piece didn't unravel. My mind felt a bit numb and I took my time with extra self-care, extra family time, and careful planning.

​All of that changed last week. While my supplies has been gently waiting to be used, I rode the creative wave found last week and out came a colorful piece depicting oranges on their tree. The process was fluid and organic, pure emotion pouring onto canvas through guache.

While the piece is not completed (is any piece ever really done?) I wanted to share. Still need to add some darker blue hues and some very light highlights. Maybe it's just what you needed to get your creative energy flowing again, too.

It's 2016. My finger hovers over the ‘return’ button, ready to send the email where I explain to my awesome boss at my awesome job that I am leaving. Simultaneously, my first child was 10 months old and trying desperately to walk but falling instead, grasping the air while fighting for independence. You might know the stage. I hesitated because I had already given so much of myself to creating, birthing, and caring for this little human. How could I possibly let this part of me go? How will I explain my absence of a “steady work history" after leaving my career to care for my children?

I've been thinking of updating my resume now. Soon it will be time to reinvigorate my career, but the question still stands: how will I explain the shift in my timeline. I read articles but most I found were largely unhelpful for my experience and situation. They were directed towards those laid-off, or changing careers, or quitting and traveling, or similar. None about motherhood. This position is not often referred to as a "job" but why did it feel so much like one at times? What exactly did I do doing those years? Turns out, I did a lot. Too much at times while always thinking it was too little. It turns out I never had a lack of steady work, but was tasked with increased responsibilities and I adapted in kind.

I'm planning to use a cover letter to explain my personal goal and how it has been achieved. While I've been out of the "game" for a while, I feel more prepared than ever to take on greater tasks with dynamic teams. Let's see how this goes.

I'm pleased to reveal the final 2020 commission piece. It was the sole project for the last two months and I'm so incredibly pleased and proud of how it has come to life.

​I have to be honest – it was incredibly difficult to keep this commission a secret for so long. The piece was a Christmas gift and it had to be kept a secret as its for one of my amazing friends. During our last catch-up he mentioned wanting something for his house and I had to steer him into not buying something until "after Christmas". I'm not one to be devious so this was terribly difficult!

Time to spread some merry cheer! Join The Collector to get access to the 2021 new year sale. All artwork will be up to 40% off for Collectors only until January 15, 2021. The shop is otherwise closed until after the sale. Happy browsing!

A sunrise and sunset landscape duo will be entered into the Peterborough City Gallery exhibition. I love watching the watercolor washes interact. New colors emerge and shapes are defined by saturation and transparency. One more painting to make for the exhibition and then will be submitting the last week of October. Exciting!!

In addition to my paintings and collections, my watercolors can be found on fabrics, where you can make what you'd like, or homewares, decor, and wallpaper. I'll be updating this shop frequently and will release new patterns within The Collector community.

Collectors will have the chance to browse the Just Beyond collection in a beautiful and modern virtual exhibition space. By using a computer mouse or keyboard arrows, one can "walk" through the space and view the artwork on the walls. 

I'll be reshooting my artwork this weekend (morning light has beens superb lately) and get my art into the virtual gallery in time for the Collectors-only pre-launch on September 4th. I'm considering one wing for the framed originals and one wing for giclée prints.

​If you build an exhibition, send me the link as I never turn down a gallery visit.