june '26 favorites
Small things that made my June just a little bit better.
creating
I got overly excited when I discovered I could make a lay-flat sketchbook. Seriously, I couldn’t believe it. Through the years, I have made all manner of handmade art journals, but I was never as happy as when I discovered this technique. So easy. If you are interested in checking it out or making your own, watch this video.
following
YouTube: Star Girl (Annie Fugere Foster) is a new-to-me artist, but someone I have recently enjoyed watching her art process.
Pinterest: Gillian Lee Smith’s boards are diverse and interesting, not just art-related, so there is something for everyone.
Instagram: Jylian Gustlin's style of abstracted figures gives me so much inspiration.
You are not too old and it is not too late.
—R.M. Rilke
studying
Shirley Jaffe was born in New Jersey in 1923 and studied fine art in school. She moved to Paris in 1949 with her husband and remained in France until she died in 2016. Initially, Jaffe’s style was abstract expressionism as she was influenced by her friends Joan Mitchell and Ellsworth Kelly. In the 1960s, her art evolved into a more geometric style. Jaffe’s art is in museum collections in the U.S. and France.
I did a quick study of Jaffe’s 1968 oil on canvas F’s Picture. I used acrylic paint on a collaged background in my art journal and painted it twice. Initially, I used a straight edge for the lines, but the tedium got to me, so I reverted to freehand. I had to fight back the urge to mess it up as my style leans more toward organic shapes. I have found these studies helpful not only in exploring other art styles but also in recognizing and identifying my own.
introducing
I recently received a YouTube comment something along the lines of, “I was waiting for the Stabilo pencil to appear”. I took it to mean that, in general, when I am making art, I bring in this trusty pencil to draw, write, or simply make marks. The Stabilo All Pencils are water-soluble, inexpensive, and vaguely similar to charcoal. I generally keep about 5 on hand and use them down to the smallest nub.
In a recent YouTube livestream, I created these quick contour sketches (see photo) using the Stabilo All Pencil and a charcoal pencil.
I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
—Pablo Picasso
reading
I enjoyed reading Hidden Portraits by Sue Roe while simultaneously feeling annoyed. Although Pablo Picasso’s history of moving from one young woman to the next is well known, his audacity is disquieting. On the flip side, it was fascinating to read about the lives of these six extraordinary women, their creative spirit, and determination to survive with or without Picasso.
The only one of the six women that I was familiar with was Françoise Gilot, who was a talented artist in her own right. I read The Woman Who Says No by Malte Herwig, which details her life.
eating
Ina Garten’s Chinese Chicken Salad is another family favorite that I have made on repeat for close to 25 years. The asparagus, chicken, and bell pepper combination topped with the peanut sauce dressing is nothing short of magical. Everyone loves this salad.
My substitutions or changes: use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, double the amount of asparagus and bell peppers, pour dressing only onto the portion you plan to eat right away.
Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.
—Abraham Lincoln
blooming
In my YouTube Livestream earlier this month, I showed 5 different hydrangea blooms from my yard. Currently, I have white, blue, purple, and these pink ones. They are long-lasting, abundant, and generous shrubs. I think they grow well here in Seattle because of our cooler climate, but if you have a shady place in your yard, I would recommend giving them a try.
Learn more here.
capturing (the common)
While picking up toys after a family dinner, I entered the grandkid’s room to find complete chaos. A motley crew of stuffies were haphazardly strewn about, including the beloved Big Rhino. Lo and behold, who do I find crushed under the weight of a rocking chair but Peter, the boy from the book The Snowy Day (circa 1962). In this horror scene, I can’t tell if the animals surrounding him are friend or foe. Kinda adorable. Kinda disturbing.
Time together as a family is a gift.
—Joanna Gaines
celebrating
Our sweet Charlotte celebrated her 1st birthday full throttle in the inflatable bouncy house. Electric, fearless, and full of joy. It makes one wonder about her future adventures, but for now she’s ready to take on the world one jump, slide, and roll at a time.
crafting
For Father’s Day, I helped my two older grandkids create a special gift. They painted, collected twigs, and, with coaxing, took a photo pretending to climb a ladder. I give Pinterest the credit for this fun project.
In ye olden days when I was raising my kids, it would’ve been handy to have a resource like that.
I am under no obligation to make sense to you.
—Mad Hatter
rocking
While in Napa visiting my good friend, Coleen, she bought us tickets to see Rick Springfield, who you might remember sang the 1981 hit, “Jessie’s Girl”. (Or maybe you remember him from his stint as a doctor on Days of Our Lives?) We were expecting to hear some sappy, watered-down hits from a washed-out pop star, but were pleasantly surprised. His energetic performance and rock music were impressive and fun. It was hard to believe he was 76—gives me hope for what’s possible in the next decade!
Growth takes time, effort, patience and lots of practice.
—David Limrite
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
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