Goodbye 2020!

We’ve somehow almost made it to the end of this year!  Am I the only one who feels this year has been the strangest time warp? 

While this year has had plenty of heartache and uncertainty, I wanted to share
three highlights of my year with you:

The Sketchbook Project

I started 2020 working on a sketchbook that my friend gave me as a Christmas gift.  This sketchbook was part of a larger, global creative movement called “The Sketchbook Project.”  With input from my instagram community, I decided to create illustrations around the theme of “simple joys.” 

​Once completed, I sent my sketchbook to become part of the Brooklyn Art Library.  Due to the pandemic, it took awhile for them to include my work in their digital library but it was very recently published.  So exciting!  Would love it if you take a peek here and favorite it if you feel inclined.

---

Growing and Learning

This year, I spent considerable amount of time reflecting on my art journey, educating myself as well as exploring with color and shapes.  I worked mostly with acrylic paint and decided that play was my therapy for not only getting through this tough year, but also helpful in figuring out where I want to go with my art.  

"Free to Bee" - Click image to learn more about the story behind this painting.

I’ll share more about my goals for the new year soon but it definitely felt like my art went through a strong transition period this year. I designed a new logo and completely updated my artist website. Seems like this will always be a “work in progress” but I’m much happier with how it looks now.

This contemporary bee painting is available in my etsy shop.  You'll find some of my other paintings there too and I share my newest hummingbird art in my online shop.

So if you have any blank walls that could use some​ joyful art, I’d feel honored to help you!

Nature Nerd

If you follow me on instagram, you often see me posting pics of weird mushrooms and beautiful Pacific Northwest nature.  I love exploring the woods with my family and most often find my “simple joys” in nature.  

During the fall of 2019, I took an online course through Oregon State University as a first step towards becoming a certified Oregon Master Naturalist.  The next step was the field course which was unfortunately (along with many other things) cancelled for spring 2020.  Thankfully, OSU decided to offer this course as a hybrid this winter. I was admitted to the course (yay!) and recently started with a combination of zoom calls and homework in the field on my own. 

​Just like with anything, the more you learn about something, the less you feel you know…. so I’m not going to be a nature expert anytime soon but I feel really good about becoming a more educated advocate for our natural environment and finding a way to give back to my community through the volunteer work I’ll be doing.

---

I’d love to hear about YOUR reflections on the year. 

Did you learn something new?  Gained a new insight?  Became curious about something?  Found a new medium to express yourself creatively?  Fell in love with someone or a new pet? Celebrated a milestone or special anniversary? Became an advocate for something you’re passionate about? Learned what gave you most joy and peace during this difficult year? 

​I read all my comments so please share!

Finally, thank you so much for your support and encouragement!  It truly means the world to me!


Wishing you and your family the most joyful holiday season!
​