A Painted Garden

art journal

the art journal blog of an expressionistic artist who paints the way nature makes her feel.

  • Earliest Painting Memory

    My earliest memory is finger painting and making a mess! I’ve loved art every day of my life. I still like to make a mess! Here I am stamping with an eraser. It’s Corita Kent, James Victore, EttaVee, Shantell Martin…who… Continue reading

  • Wildflower thoughts: from the spirit of an expressive artist

    It all started with an Anthropologie window display. I’m always inspired by the color, textures, and art on merchandise bags. But this display caught my eye, and I’ve been dreaming ever since. …and for a while this idea was fresh… Continue reading

  • Last Thoughts of 2022

    I was working on this post yesterday and accidentally hit publish before I was done. Now that I’ve cleared that up let’s get into the last thoughts of 2022. Runner’s up Oh right, I’ve been sketching floral arrangements! I archived… Continue reading

  • Artist Tips of the Year

    Practice for Flow Not Perfection Practice isn’t about getting good or great. Practice is about letting go. At some point, there’s this voice and you realize it’s there, always has been. I have sat and sat for hours trying to… Continue reading

  • Favorite Paper Collage of 2022

    Paper collage has really become one of my techniques. My inspiration comes from Eric Carle. Paper Collage has taught me to trust my process and learn about color. That’s right I started my wild thoughts paper collage flowers project. I… Continue reading

  • Textures of 2022

    One of my techniques is texture. I love the surprise of trying a random tool to see what happens. These are the ideas that satisfy my curiosity. Stamping with a candle lid is one of the best texture ideas I’ve… Continue reading