Gouache Fails, Songbird Wins, and the "Unwritten" Studio Soundtrack

If you asked me how the studio has been this week, I’d probably tell you: “It’s not exactly how I want it to be, but I’m getting there.”

That feels like the theme of this season. Between the technical "grind" of setting up our new business structure and the actual act of creating, I’ve been living mostly behind a computer screen lately. But this week I finally got back to the art.

The Songbird Series & Finding the "Nine"

The highlight of my week was finally touching a paintbrush again. I’ve been working on a new Songbird art collection that’s a bit of a departure from my traditional floral style. Originally, I had 12 birds in mind, but as the series evolved, a set of nine felt much more intentional and cohesive.

I have just one more bird to go before the collection is complete! They'll be released as originals, as well as prints in 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" sizes. I’m especially excited to show this new artwork to my friends at Wild Birds Unlimited—they carry my plantable greeting cards, and I think these new feathered friends will feel right at home there.

The Gouache Struggle (and a Lesson for Italy)

It wasn’t all breakthrough moments, though. In preparation for my upcoming art residency in Italy, I’ve been practicing with gouache.

To put it bluntly: my latest attempt was a disaster. I tried to force a technique that just wasn't "me," and it ended with me stopping in the middle of the piece. Tomorrow, I’m trying again, but I’m going to stop trying to paint like someone else and just paint like myself. Sometimes the "fail" is just the universe telling you to go home to your own style.

Studio Vibes: Natasha Bedingfield & Moving Forward

The studio right now is a bit of a "middle ground" mess. It’s been a tough season for a variety of reasons, and the space reflects that. But every morning, without fail, I blast "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. It sounds cliché, but there’s something about starting the day with "the rest is still unwritten" that makes the heavy lifting feel possible.

I’m constantly reminding myself that beautiful lessons and relationships grow from tough seasons. I’m tired of the computer work, but I’m determined to lay a solid foundation for this new business path as it's so incredibly important.

What’s Next?

• Finishing the Songbirds: Just one more to go.

• The Coastal Series: Moving along steadily.

• Nursery Sketches: I’m starting on a new series for nurseries tomorrow (!!!)

I’m still a little nervous, and I’m definitely still grinding, but I’m hopeful. I’m choosing to believe that everything is going to be okay and that putting my art first in my career—while a slow process—is the right path forward.

Thanks for being part of this journey with me.

xo