Fall Transitions

Studio reflections as the seasons turn

Fall — that season of change. Sweater weather, shorter days, and a good time to be tucked away in the studio whenever possible.

A collection of Fall colors...

Earlier in the year, my focus was on creating a new collection of oil pastels (web launch coming soon), exploring a different expression in my art as part of the TELEPHONE art game, arranging exhibits. Then the momentum shifted toward launching a series of new classes that represent a new aspect of my art practice. And now, fall has brought yet another turn, as extended family needs have required more of my time and attention.

The 3rd round of TELEPHONE was revealed 10/10/2025! Explore the game at TelephoneArt.Game and explore the creations of 1,395 International Artists. (left) My piece "After Before", oil painting on paper on panel, 20" x 16". (right) In the portal, search my name and you can find the whole TELEPHONE thread for this piece. This really pushed me to try new things!

While I’m painting less at the moment, I still feel deeply connected to creativity. Ideas are simmering quietly beneath the surface — finding their way into my journal, sketchbook, or even onto a crumpled scrap of paper in a coat pocket for later. I have so many ideas for new classes and have so enjoyed sharing the joy of art and creativity with others that I definitely want to keep teaching!

Each phase of this year has been so distinct - yet each feeds the other. The challenge is to keep it bubbling along even when I must step away, and to find the common threads and keep weaving them together even as distractions swirl. Perhaps that’s simply part of the rhythm of our modern lives.

But there are also glorious moments of hyper focus — when the only thing that exists is the task before me. Whether it’s an art project or a personal one, that sense of immersion is a kind of balm. When I emerge, the chaos of life is still there, but I can observe it with a bit more distance, a quiet nod, and less overwhelm.

Creating new class materials (left) and sharing student creations (right).

As life’s demands crowd in, my now-smaller, more infrequent studio days feel precious — time to be fiercely protected, even from myself.

I’m learning to celebrate the smaller successes, the ones that can easily go unnoticed: a newly tidy studio corner, art supplies passed along to others, the joy of new students’ work, a freshly framed drawing, or a single golden-orange leaf found on a morning walk.

I hope you, too, are finding your own way through this season’s transitions — and celebrating the quiet successes along your path.

If you’re feeling the pull to create, I invite you to join me for an upcoming class and discover where your own threads of inspiration lead.