2025 A Year of Color and Attention

Looking back at this year of painting

I painted a lot this past year. Twenty Seven paintings. Holy Moly! Some paintings were so easily created that they almost painted themselves.  Then there were others where the whole process was a struggle and a bit frustrating. Some work may hover in the almost done stage for weeks and is looking for more patience than I thought I had. I have previously mentioned that I do have a lot of “impatience” especially with myself! 

Color (really value) continues to lead the way as it almost always does with me. Without realizing, I leaned into it more boldly, trusting instinct over planning. Detail still really matters, but no longer in a precious way. It’s about attention. Focusing enough to really see what was there. Some days it feels meditative. Other days it feels restless. Detail has become more of a conversation rather than a goal – sometimes it’s obsessive, sometimes loose – all depending on what I believe the painting needs.

Quite often stepping away from a piece is an important part of the process. Coming back with fresh eyes matters more than pushing through and risk mucking it up. Sometimes, I’d think on it for days on end – then I’d wake up one morning and know exactly how to resolve it. That’s when you realize that confidence and excellence comes from showing up over and over and that you really need to just keep at it!

Shell Shocked for Shore

A good part of the year was shaped by shells, shorelines, and the quiet obsession of looking closely because…well I had to. Every shell needed the same level of consideration as the last one for their shape, ridges, fractures, scars, softness. The more I painted them they became less decorative and more about individuals. The shells and shore didn’t just give me imagery—they give me a way to think about time, resilience and attention.

Florals and Feathers

My floral paintings became the place where I felt the most freedom—trusting my instinct and leaning into bold palettes. Just letting the paint do what oil paint does best and enjoy the unexpected harmonies.

Painting florals requires that I work both fast and slow at the same time. Big decisions are made early in the process as I plan my palette, composition and rhythm – followed by long stretches of layering, and responding. I want to capture the presence of the flowers: the subtle colour variations, how they lean, overlap, push against one another and fill space. Painting flowers brings me much joy.

Alongside the florals, the shell and shore paintings continued quietly in the background. They slowed me down and sharpened my attention. Their restraint and detail influenced how I approached the florals—helping me see when a painting needed more structure, or when it needed to breathe. 

Onward!

Not every painting has found a new home, and that’s okay. They become part of the long conversation I have with myself almost daily. For now, I’m very grateful for the time spent painting, the lessons learned, often the hard way, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing a year’s worth of effort lined up  – and it was a very productive year indeed. I’m also so very grateful for the people who purchased my work. It would be almost impossible to continue with my artistic journey with your continued support. Thank you so much!

Looking towards 2026, I want more curiosity, fewer rules, hopefully more opportunities to paint en Plein Air and to simply enjoy the art of painting itself. That’s what I’m carrying forward. Onward my friends!!!

May much love, grace and abundance flow toward you in the New Year and always!