sept '26 favorites
Small things that made my September just a little bit better.
creating
After finishing the last page in an art journal, I like to go back and reflect on the creative journey. Generally, this means reviewing art I’ve made over the course of a year or two. In this video, I’m sharing a flip-through of an art journal I recently finished.
Although I use a variety of colors, techniques, and materials, I can see my own style on most of the pages. I think it is true that the more art you create, the more of yourself shines through.
Do you ever go back and revisit finished art journals or sketchbooks?
following
YouTube: Natasha Newton creates such beauty with her watercolors—it almost makes me want to give them a try.
Pinterest: Ivy Newport has beautifully curated boards that reflect her soft and ethereal aesthetic.
Instagram: Amy Livezey creates very interesting, layered figurative art.
I paint my own reality.
—Frida Kahlo
learning
Myra Albert Wiggins was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1869. She showed natural artistic talent from a young age and was encouraged by her family. She attended art school in New York studying under masters of that era. Throughout her life, she won many awards and had exhibitions for both her paintings and her photography.
In 1894, she married, and several years later they had their only child, a daughter. In 1907, the family moved to Seattle, where Wiggins would later co-found Women Painters of Washington. She actively painted until her death in 1956.
I gave myself a one-hour time limit to paint her 1930 painting Miss New York (oil on canvas board). I painted in my art journal on top of a collage background using acrylic paint. The right side of the page is my interpretation of her painting; the left side is my idea for its continuation.
featuring
Raw Umber in all its many paint forms is one of my favorite colors. Maybe favorite neutral color is more accurate, as although I use it alone, I love to add it to almost any color. Raw umber knocks down the intensity of bright colors, creating a more muted tone. I also like to use it as a glaze to unify a painting.
Try any brand, but these are a few of my favorites: Golden Fluid, Golden Heavy Body, and Liquitex Heavy Body.
I think the job of an artist is to remind people what they have chosen to forget.
—Arthur Miller
reading
Since I was 5 years old, reading has been one of my favorite pastimes, but lately I feel stretched thin and can’t seem to find or make the time for it. So this month I’m not sharing an art-related book or novel.
In July, I started reading Tim Keller’s Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering each morning in small chunks. It’s not necessarily the lightest of summer reads, but as God only knew, August would hit, and that book turned out to be so relevant. I’m almost finished and have found encouragement reading through his exploration of the philosophical, theological, and practical issues related to enduring with hope.
growing
After a bountiful harvest, we are wrapping up the apple-picking season at our house. Our grandkids showed up week after week, heading straight for the espaliered apple tree that sprawls across the front yard fence. Three apple varieties hung within reach, branches just low enough for them to pick their own.
In some cases, an apple in each hand wasn’t enough—just ask Charlotte.
Suffering is unbearable if you aren’t certain that God is for you and with you.
—Timothy Keller
eating
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but they are absolutely delicious when roasted until crispy around the edges. I’ve tried various recipes, but one of the best is Half Baked Harvest’s Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.
My version: I always skip the pomegranate and often the parmesan as well. Although I love parmesan, sometimes I don’t feel the need for the additional flavoring. And the pomegranate makes for a beautiful photo but seems unnecessary.
enjoying
Such a bright spot this month—thanks, Coleen!
Flowers feed our soul in a different way. They remind us of a God who creates beautiful things and takes notice of the tiniest detail.
—Tricia Goyer
inspiring
This is not my house or my original idea, but laying down kraft paper across the counter for a giant charcuterie is brilliant. You could easily use a Sharpie to write labels directly on the paper next to each cheese, meat, nut, or dip. It looks effortless but artsy, not to mention zero platters to wash afterward!
I actually saw this in action at a friend’s 40th birthday party (yes, I have a few YOUNG friends!) and had to sneak a photo because I couldn’t get over the simplicity and genius of it.
celebrating
Surprising our Asia on her 30th birthday with a pink party was pure joy. Fifty of her favorite people were there—family, neighbors, friends from church, and most importantly, a herd of kids running in circles playing chase.
Celebrating our girl and all she has achieved and overcome made for such a special evening. It was a time of fun, love, and sweet memories that we’ll cherish for a long time.
P.S. There may have been a memorable incident involving a piñata, a child-sized whacking instrument, and a mom resolved to—shall we say— “break open the damn piñata”. But hey, after all the crying, the candy was enjoyed by all. It seems sugar truly is a panacea for most things.
Age is never so old as youth would measure it.
—Jack London
I’m curious, what’s on your list of favorites?
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