july '26 favorites
Small things that made my July just a little bit better.
creating
It’s not often that I work directly on loose paper, as I tend to gravitate toward canvas when creating art that is meant to be displayed. While organizing my mounting stack of unused art supplies, I found this paper stashed away. It seemed like a good opportunity to make art in a different way than usual.
Watch the process here.
following
YouTube: Bob Burridge is an artist I have followed for years. His channel offers so very many tips for artists.
Pinterest: Misty Mawn is another artist I have followed for years. Her unique art style is always inspirational.
Instagram: Ivy Newport has an artist style that is often ethereal and delicate.
Where I create, there I am true.
—Rainier Maria Rilke
learning
Margaret Gove Camfferman was born in 1881 in Minnesota. She attended the Minneapolis Fine Arts School and was influenced by post-impressionism, breaking away from realism in her art. In 1915, her art blossomed when she moved to Whidbey Island, Washington, with her husband, artist Peter Camfferman.
Margaret and her husband established an art community on Whidbey Island spanning 42 years. She was a founding member of Women Painters of Washington and had a solo exhibition at the Seattle Art Museum in 1935. She died in 1964 at the age of 83.
I chose to study her oil on board painting View From Old Homestead Ranch (1936). I decided to challenge myself and tried to attempt her approach both in form and perspective. Despite the fact that my fence looks like railroad tracks, I enjoyed the process of trying this new style. (A video of the process will be available in YouTube Membership soon.)
featuring
My fondness for the Princeton Catalyst Wedge runs deep. I use it very consistently in my art—generally when you least expect it. For me, if I start getting too tight or precious with my art (in layman’s terms, that means that I actually like what I am painting!), then I take a good swipe at it with this beloved tool. This seems counterintuitive, but I find that by smearing some of the paint, I get an unexpected result which helps the painting in the long run.
I have had my catalyst wedge for at least 10 years.
The most regretful people are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time.
—Mary Oliver
reading
I haven’t read much this month. I thought I’d be sitting lazily on the deck Saturday afternoons, book in hand. That did not happen once in July. I did listen to the audio version of Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley on my road trip to Idaho. This biography was interesting, as I knew nothing about Agatha Christie other than she wrote mysteries. Delving into the life of an author is always interesting to me, and I appreciated learning about this popular writer, although I will admit that I have never read one of her books.
blooming
This hardy magenta-blooming Dianthus seems to flower all summer long, especially if I remember to trim off the dead buds. It is low-growing, making it perfect for a border. The variety I planted requires minimal care (or in my case, zero care), grows in a tight-knit mat, and enlarges each year.
My sweet Remy finds the Dianthus perfect for picking, holding joy in her tiny fist.
Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.
—E.B. White
drinking
The month got away from me, and I never once thought to take a photo of the 800 salads I made. So instead, I bring you this refreshing Garden Mule Cocktail that Mackenzie made for us when the family gathered for dinner. Adult kids have all the best ideas!
She made the recipe as written except for the candied ginger garnish. If you like an extra-gingery spicy ginger beer, I recommend Cock ‘n Bull or our local Rachel’s Ginger Beer
nourishing
My first ever in-person art workshop was a 2-day, 3-night event in rural Idaho that I signed up for a year ago. I had dreamed of attending a workshop taught by Jeanne Oliver for years, so the fact that it was within driving distance made it a realistic option.
The first night got off to a rough start. I shattered a vintage cocktail glass with an exuberant, ill-mannered wave of my arm to the hushed horror of the group. Later I discovered my accommodations came with only a half bath. But as in all things difficult and embarrassing, the following days provided the antidote. Immersed in long hours of art making, I was no longer running against time but filling my creative cup.
When you feel hammered thin, receiving the luxury of unending creative time is a special gift. Combine that with lavish food prepared by Hunter Moon Homestead, and you feel nourished in a way that doesn’t happen very often. Renewed and replenished, I drove home with a prism of new ideas dancing in my head.
Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
—Thomas Merton
celebrating
Our Addie celebrated her 3rd birthday this month with all the excitement you would expect when met with a piñata, bouncy house, and towering pink cake. Although she is full of life and dramatic, she comes to a complete stop to read stacks of books.
Please take note of the tattoos (temporary) along Addie’s arms, and I wish you could see the 12 band-aids on her legs. She insists these stay on, and no amount of persuasion can change her mind. I think this might serve her well later in life.
connecting
I love this group so much. We bonded many years ago while working on a school auction. Over the course of a thousand million hours spent trying to fundraise, we created all versions of merriment. Costumes, snorting laughter, and whispers of a hidden bottle of Fireball.
Now we are separated by mountains, but no matter the length of time apart, there is no hesitation before an eruption of chatter and laughter. Always, always at the same Azteca restaurant over chips and salsa. Taking turns with our joy and hardship. No stone left unturned.
And wouldn’t you know it, in the group there is a baby, a mommy, 3 sisters, and a person named One Kidney Sydney. This is truth. This is family.
PS…I dream of finding these same matching red outfits for our theme song. Kasey, Fran, and Donna, I’ll let you know when I find them.
Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgement; and when they derive sustenance and strength from each other.
—Brene Brown
enjoying
There is nothing more fun than being a tourist in your hometown. When my friend Coleen comes to visit, it is a great excuse to do all the local things that tourists come for. Pike Place Market, the Big Wheel, and the beauty of being out on Lake Union in an electric boat.
This particular day was perfect. The water fragrant, the sun warm, and the breeze gentle, reminding me once again that I know this place. This place I call home.
Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet.
—African Proverb
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
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