Artist Strong

Hi Reader, One of the most remarkable examples in art history is Hilma af Klint. Years before abstract art became associated with artists like Wassily Kandinsky, Hilma af Klint was creating large-scale abstract paintings unlike anything being exhibited at the time. She believed deeply in the work she was making, even though she knew the art world wasn’t ready to understand it. In fact, she requested that much of her work not be shown publicly until decades after her death. Read that one more...

Hi Reader,In this new Style Study Session, we are exploring the work of Richard Diebenkorn, an artist whose paintings move between abstraction and landscape with a quiet sense of structure, space, and clarity. At first glance, his work can feel simple. But when you slow down and look closer, you start to see how intentional every decision is. In this video, I break his work down using the Six Qualities of Style, so you can understand:• How composition creates structure and flow in his...

Hi Reader,I mentioned a few emails ago that I've applied to a ton of things here in Calgary for my art. And next week I'll start hearing about who they've selected. I'd be a bit naive to assume I'm going to be chosen. I know that sounds a bit negative, but hear me out. Applying for grants and reputable gallery spaces is competitive. There are a lot of artists out there with good ideas. Just like mine. And I have ZERO clue what jurors are seeing across applications. Maybe last year they...

Hi Reader, For a long time, I described my work through skill, process, observation, and learning how to see. But recently I’ve been realizing something deeper has always been there too. When I look back at my Anonymous Woman series, my caregiving and motherhood work, and even some of the newer pieces I’m developing now, I can see that I’ve consistently been interested in context. How changing context changes meaning. How assumptions shape what we see as important, neutral, invisible, safe,...

Hi Reader, I want to talk about a moment that almost every artist hits at some point. You’re working from reference, trying to get it right. And you’re improving. And then this thought creeps in: “Is this actually mine?” I hear this all the time. Recently, a student told me she didn’t really see her painting as original because of the photo she used. And I get it. But that question can quietly stop you if you don’t understand what’s really happening. Think about it: when you are learning, you...

Hi Reader, For the past 5 years or so I’ve told myself I didn’t have enough time for my art. Between motherhood, a changing schedule, and trying to squeeze it in wherever I could, it felt like I wasn’t really making progress. And honestly, after years of rejection, it was easy to believe that story. But recently, I pulled out my work to start applying for opportunities here in Calgary… and I had a completely different realization. I’ve actually made a lot more art than I gave myself credit...

Hi Reader, You signed up for an art class. You showed up for the first lessons, maybe even got some feedback, and then life happened. Maybe a kid stayed home sick. Maybe a parent needed you. Maybe work got in the way. And then… you missed another session. Suddenly, showing up feels too hard. Posting your work feels impossible. Your inner critic starts whispering things like: “This is why we don’t invest in classes.” “This is why we don’t make time for art.” “You just wasted your time.” Sound...

Hi Reader, Have you ever felt like you’ve lost momentum in your art? Like you used to feel connected to it…but now everything feels harder than it should? I want to offer you a different way of looking at that. Your art practice has seasons. There are times when you’re in flow, making consistently, ideas clicking into place. And there are times when things slow… down…life gets full, energy shifts, and your art feels… distant. Most artists think something has gone wrong in those moments. But...

Hi Reader, Have you ever told yourself: "I don't have time to make art today." Too many artists believe real progress only happens during long studio sessions. (Hours of uninterrupted time. The perfect setup. The right materials.) But what if that belief is exactly what's holding you back? In my newest video, I talk about why 15 minutes of art a day can transform your skills and why small daily practice often leads to bigger creative breakthroughs than occasional long sessions. Inside the...