April Updates
Things have been busy and I got out of the rhythm of my regular updates. Since last we connected – The Easter Makers + Shakers Artisan Market! eclipse! spring flowers! taxes! new stockists!
Tackling things in order(ish) – the market was super fun. I got to meet a lot of new people, both shoppers and WNY area vendors. I got a great response to the new print – Maiden Veil, which features Niagara Falls and a tiny Maid of the Mist. I also created some new original artwork for the show that I'm slowly adding to the website. I'm hoping to get everything listed over the coming weeks. It is a joy to see people reacting to my art and wanting to live with my work ♥️
Also in the happy-making arena, the eclipse was awesome. Buffalo was in the path of totality and local kids had the day off from school. We headed to the park a few blocks away and watched in awe as darkness set in for a few minutes in the middle of the day. My pictures don't do it justice, but I made two #100daysofrainbowplay pieces to celebrate the event.
In between markets and life stuff I've been spending time in this sweet window and in the garden. It's still somewhat chilly in Buffalo, but the trees are flowering and the tulips and daffodils are popping and that is pretty great.
Yay for colorful art!
Yay for colorful art!
I read this sweet article about the impact of colorful art on our well-being. I was immediately pulled in to it because it featured artwork by Jessica Poundstone, whose colorful artwork I've long admired.
Colorful artwork can trigger the release of dopamine,
a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward,
leading to feelings of happiness and well-being
- Dr. Shivani Khetan
If you want to make some colorful art to improve your well-being… Come to my virtual art making session! Every Thursday I host a (free!) virtual art making session called Studio Time! If you're in need of accountability and creative community - this is a great place to find it. We are a friendly bunch and everyone is welcome! Drop a comment if you want to be added to the weekly reminder list, or visit this link for more info. It would be fun to see you there!
Workshop Recap
I had a ton of fun seeing familiar faces and meeting new friends at my Making Waves workshop earlier this month. I was so nervous leading up to it, but managed to power through and had a total blast. We experimented with mixed media on photographs and it was so neat to see what everyone created. I will definitely do more in person workshops in the future and hope to figure out a way to do virtual workshops as well.
New Mural in the Works
Hi friends, it has been a super busy few weeks in and out of the studio. I am about 75-80% finished on a giant interior mural in Buffalo, and painting indoors on a smooth wall has been a joy! I unlocked the next level in my mural painting world – utilizing scaffolding to reach awkward new heights. The project I'm working on has a stairwell at the center, and it is also an old building that can't support the weight of the large machinery I have used outdoors in the past. Each mural is a giant puzzle, from the logistics to the artwork. Keeps me on my toes. Good thing I like painting and puzzles.
Everyone (including me) seems super excited about how things are coming together. Here are a few photos of the work in progress…
I'm teaching a workshop!
Guess who is going to be teaching their first workshop? (It's me!)
This has been on the backburner for some time, and the forces finally aligned with Making Waves Art Studio! I'll be leading a group through making art on photographs on Wednesday, March 13 and it is going to be super fun. I have lots of tricks and tips to share to make your photos come alive. More info and link to sign up is on the Making Waves website. I would love to see you there!