Adjusting Expectations: Autism, Art, and a 2023 Recap

Oh... hi there. This is my first (and last) post of 2023, and it's a big one, so I hope you're curled up with a nice warm beverage and a comfy chair! This year got away from me, but there was a whole lot happening... In many ways, 2023 was one of the most challenging years of my life. But it was also a year of incredible personal and professional growth, especially as I look back with some perspective on the year and realize that all the hard work and tears will eventually reap long term rewards. Let me start by sharing something personal. In December of 2022, my son Everett (who was 4 at the time) was medically diagnosed with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly called Asberger's). We had suspected this for a long time, especially after he was asked to leave the ve… Read more »

Adjusting Expectations: Autism, Art, and a 2023 Recap

Between Seasons - Turning Inward

"The Dance Between Seasons," 24x18", oil on linen panel, 2022 "The Dance Between Seasons" is the first truly quiet painting I’ve made this year. It conveys a sense of rest and introspection, even with the bright reds and "dancing" leaves. It's a slow dance. In my previous post , I talked about being drawn away from the desert, and towards the water. Water gives life, and it is full of movement and music. The ocean is not quiet. After a year of making paintings that are overtly exuberant, outward-focused, colorful, and energetic, this new piece is a welcome change of pace. My personality is such that I am naturally inclined to turn inward. But even with this natural tendency for introspection, I'm realizing that I too often deny that part of mysel… Read more »

Between Seasons - Turning Inward

Painting the Oregon Coast, September 2022

Once in a while, we artists need to get out of our studios and re-ignite our creativity with a bit of carefree adventure. I've written about many the solo trips I've done in the past (like Moab , Joshua Tree , and Death Valley ), and why they were so beneficial for me, especially at this chapter of my life (aka mom of small children). But, I don't want these posts to come across as complaints about my life. Nor do I wish to brag about how often I travel. I am surely grateful for my life as a mother, and  for the opportunity to do these painting trips whenever I can. I hope more than anything that they inspire my artist friends and followers to do the same. Art is taxing. Art making is the very act of pouring out oneself, and as a result, it is crucial that we refill our tank on a … Read more »

Painting the Oregon Coast, September 2022

75 Hard Days of Summer

I’m sharing a personal post today, and not necessarily art-centered (although really it’s ALL related). So bear with me! Yesterday I successfully completed a 75-day challenge called “75 Hard.” The rules are: 1) Stick to a diet of your choosing (I chose to do no dairy or gluten, and mostly meat, fish, fruits and veggies, plus no eggs because of current food sensitivities). Absolutely no alcohol or cheat meals are allowed 2) Complete two 45-minute workouts per day (one of them has to be outside, no matter the weather) 3) Drink a gallon of water each day. 4) Read 10 pages of a nonfiction book (audio books don’t count). 5) Take a daily progress photo. Fail and you have to start over at the beginning… You are probably asking, Anna, why would you do something so extreme … Read more »

75 Hard Days of Summer